Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

Having seen the various videos it was almost impossible for Massa to see the spring coming. The fact is was a dull grey probably didn't help, maybe if he had been able to see it earlier he could have possibly avoided it.

Does anyone think there is merit in simply painting certain parts that weigh over a designated amount a dayglo colour? In reality you would probably limit this to rear suspension and steering parts. Front suspension is normally within the chassis.

I know in the case of Henry Surtees it was the wheel that him which is probably the largest piece that could credibly fall off. It is impossible to cater for every scenario but to colour parts would seem a credible option that might avoid another Massa incident?

Am I mad or do you think there is any merit in this?

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

Personally I don't think that painting the spring/tyre a different color would have saved either driver from the accident.

What they need to do is to figure out ways of keeping loose items within or attached to the vehicle. Wheel tethers needs to be compulsary on any racing event, Surtees might still be alive if that was the case, Wheels need to be secured using a system where the nuts can;t spin off. Also suprised that something like the suspension spring isn't wire wrapped (or an equivelant) to the car..

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

I suspect that by any other standards the engineering of an F1 car is probably as good as anything else, including aviaition. Painting would just be a last ditch attempt when all else has failed. Would wire wrapping components be practical? I understood that wire wrapping was usually done to stop nuts coming off not to retain components, but I suppose it could be done.

On the NHRA top fuel dragsters they simply expect supercharger and engine explosions so they wrap the supercharger in a kevlar blanket to contain the inevitable shrapnel.

I think that's the difference, NHRA consider supercharger failures inevitable, by any other standards the current generation of F1 cars have been the most reliable I can remember in almost 30 years of watching the sport. F1 is the pinnacle of engineering but it is a sport and regrettably accidents and failures will happen.

Remember when the Ferrari exhaust was loose for ages then fell off. I suspect if that happens at Valencia there will be an instant black flag.

Lets all hope that this does not happen again and that Philippe makes a swift recovery.

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

there was a wheel tether in the Surtees accident it was just the part the tether ties to also came off.

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

I thought that after the 2000 Italian GP that tyre tethers would have been fully investigated and now a practical deterent to wheels coming off :( When will they learn..

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

Being positive for once there is a very good article on the Autosport website regarding helmet technology. Five or ten years ago the same incident would probably have been fatal.

It might be in the subscription only area so I wont copy the text, here is a link though.

http://www.autosport.com/features/article.php/id/2300

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

It's in the subscription only area yes.

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

Sorry my PC logs me in by default.

Will try not to do that again.

The crux of the article is that the FIA pushed for a much more onerous spec for helmets. One of their concerns was reducing weight to minimise neck injury, although the HANS device has helped in this area. The current helmets are lighter yet stronger.

"Mosley claimed that the new helmet could absorb 70% more energy in an impact, as well as being more than 30% more resistant to penetration by sharp objects and up to 30% more effective at preventing rotational injuries. He also said it was 15% lighter than the lightest helmet in use at the time – Mika Hakkinen's 1.43kg Bell".

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

I read the article (the joys of being on the media mailing lst) and it's nothing new as to what was reported when Carbon fibre lids came into play.

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

No one can ever make motor sport 100% safe, if you get in a car to go to the shops you are more likely to have an accident or be killed on normal roads, this was a freak accident that cannot be legislated against.

They could put drivers in a pod with a periscope or cameras that give forward and rear views, life has dangers !

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

Obviously as a biker you will be more informed on this topic than me who takes a helmet at face value having never used one.;) I must admit I did find the article a good read, thats all. The FIA seemed to be making a big deal of the inner composition and inclusion of material used in bullet proof vests......................

It does refer work done to finalise their spec. released in 2004 so its not new news, it is just in a new context.

Must get to work now :angel:
signing off !

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

If Massa can;t return then Schumacher has said that he'd consider replacing him for the rest of the season.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/moto...ne/8172310.stm

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

Yes, very true. Quite why apparantly the F2 cars didn't appear to have them is a complete mystery, since they're built to 2005 F1 safety regulations.

The only problem with tethers is they're no good if the wheel is not properly attached to the car. It would have been no good in Alonso's case for a tether there, as it's a part of the suspension. Same with Alboreto in Imola 1994.

EDIT: Blimey, when did I hit 1000 posts?! :D

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

Which is why I said that they also need to do wheel nuts that can't spin off, mind you the wheel/brake cover was probably the main culprit in why it span off so fast with Alonso.

PS..congrats on your 1000th post :)

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

The F2 cars do have wheel tethers. The problem is the tether has to attach to something and in some cases, including F1, the part of the car where the tether attaches can come off in an accident. There is so much energy in a crash if it doesn't go somewhere then it will be even worse for the driver.

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

Woaa if Schumie returns that is certainly going to throw a stone in the works, who will he `help` if given the chance!
Will he be rooting for his fellow countryman(vettel) or just concentrate on Ferrari, my guess is being the ruthless driver he is, all he`ll wan`t is to win.
Schumacher, Hamilton and Alonso, throw in a couple of Red-Bulls and you have a mighty toxious cocktail at that first corner :)

Bring it on....

On the could the incident have been avoided, my opinion is things like this are going to happen in high level motor sport, i was amazed when they said that because Alonso`s wheel disc cover thingy wasn`t put on right it was able to spin the nut loose, that shouldn`t be able to happen, that is a serious issue which needs addressing.

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

As he's still employed by Ferrari I doubt if Vettel will be his option..

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

Looks like Piquet will be out before too long. Source Autosprint.

"Flavio is a business man, but he doesn't understand s*** about F1," Piquet was quoted as saying by the Italian magazine. "He's my manager, but in his role of team boss he doesn't respect me."

Glad I have a better relationship at work with the "management"

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

I wonder if he's ever heard of the term "Respect is earned" It's a shame really as there's to many of these racers who expect the teams to bend over backwards to support them purely on thier fathers' racing ability..

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

Although I'm not a Piquet fan he did slug it out in GP2 with Lewis in pretty much equal machinery and he's proved OK in F1. Piquet never seemed to step up to the mark in the quite the same way, I dont recall him ever challenging Alonso on pace in qually.

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

The wheel nuts have a lock on them so they can't come off, the problem was it wasn't locked due to the wheel/brake cover not going on properly. It's a similar situation to the wheel tethers, the tethers can only hold the wheel to a part of the car, if that part breaks off, the tether can't keep the wheel with the car.

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

The lock though only engages at full tightness, the alonso incident has shown that another method is needed especially as pit crews will always make a mistake every now and then

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

If the wheel nut doesn't go on properly, the nut retainer should still be pulled out. Evidently the guy on the gun failed to do both. Seems a case of the lollipop man's fault on this one, the wheel gun man hadn't done his job properly.

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

The guy doing the front right was at zero fault.

his hand was still in the nut area when the car was released by the lolly pop man who didn't get the ready signal from all the guys.

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

Yes you could see that on the BBC replay, however I can't find that clip anywhere now.

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

BMW have called an "emergency" press conference tomorrow (wed). Possibly to announce their withdrawal from f1 before they are required to sign up to the new Concorde agreement. Watch the relevant spaces !!

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

Yes looks that way.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/77398

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

just heard this too. not good news and wonder if this will lead to Toyota doing the same.

3 new teams in and now one out. Wonder if Prodrive can get in now

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

Yep, it's official, BMW have removed themselves from F1 after this season (link to follow)

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

BMW will withdraw from Formula 1 at the end of this season.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/moto...ne/8173865.stm

Talk of Schumacher standing in for Massa

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/moto...ne/8172310.stm

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

BBC's slow as their headlines point to that link, but that link still says that there's speculation that BMW might pull out

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

it's here

http://www.bmw-sauber-f1.com

wonder if Toyota will follow

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

They've caught up now :)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/moto...ne/8173865.stm

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

On the Schumacher topic he said last night that he couldn't be race fit for a bit, so not much chance of him standing in. The replacement report was apparently released by his publicist :rolleyes:

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

Massas making a good recovery, but although he doesn't remember the crash is able to hold a conversation in 3 languages. He also opened his left eye on Tuesday and said he could see out of it, so that's good news too.

http://en.f1-live.com/f1/en/headline...29094847.shtml

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

I'm sure the question on everyones mind was could he speak 3 languages before the crash?? :D:D:D:D

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

:D

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

It would certainly give them an excuse. I think it's better it the big manufacturers pull out, as long as they are replaced by independants.

The grid was a much more colourful place with the likes of Jordan, Arrows, Minardi and their team bosses.

As long as costs are reduced to enable privateer teams to compete all will be well.

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

Well that was a surprise considering i read reports yesterday that he said he definitely wouldn't do it. Will make for an interesting next race. :)

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

Yep I posted the same as to his NOT FIT comments, at least it's happened in the mid season 4 week break

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

Will be interesting to see how well he does. During his interview on the BBC red button, he look like he's kept himself in shape, whether that's good enough for a full race though..

He's got a few weeks to go :)

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

The only major differences to his old car will be the adjustable wings and of course the dreaded KERS

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

So much for Willi Weber saying I am 200% he wont race. The report on Autosport refers to a final checkup to make sure there no complications from a motorbike accident he had earlier this year.

I bet Raikkonen (probably spelt wrong) is not a happy camper right now. Can't wait for Valencia.

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

This could be interesting. Anybody up for a Hamilton-Button-Schumacher-Barrichello 4-way battle for the victory? :D

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

As long as schumy doesn't play dirty like he has in the past. :)

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

So it won't be any sort of danger that the second driver in successive races won't have bean able to drive these cars because of this stupid testing ban ?

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

Oh Gawd!!! Here we go again..

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/moto...ne/8175443.stm

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

could be fun to see how the new boys do against the master ;)

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

If they apply rulings consistently he must change or else he will set a new record for drive through penalties !

I hope it pans out well, Schumi proves he's still got it, retires with dignity intact at the end of the season and Massa recovers well enough to get back in the car next year. I would have thought after a fractured skull there would be delay before he is passed fit to race.

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

Renault's finally lodged thier appeal against the one race ban imposed on them after Alonso's tyre came off after the mistake by the pit crew.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/moto...ne/8169649.stm

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

Reported on Autosport. Ferrari have asked for special dispensation to allow Schumi to test before Valencia. A case for force majeure or just tough luck ? I know Torro Rosso sacked Bourdais and borught it on themselves but Algushuari only ever got straight line runs.

Apparently Schumi has already been in the Ferrari simulator to familiarise himself with the steering wheel controls and start procedures.

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

Schumacher is testing the 2007 Ferrari on Ferraris test track Mugello.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/moto...ne/8178345.stm

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

I think the request is to permit running in an 09 car with slicks.

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

A new deal has now been signed, ending the breakaway fears.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/8179661.stm

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

Yep, just read that the concorde agreement has gone through with 12 teams signing it, so that means Toyota as well..

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

glad that is out of the way, hopefully now we can get back to the action on track

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

Apparently Felipe is on his way back to Brazil today, what a fantastic turnaround from the doom and gloom this time last week.

Lets hope that the comforts of home help with a speedy recovery........

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

yes this is great news. It's early days but I think he could be back racing very soon.

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

Ok left field suggestion alert........how about the childrens mitten approach. Have one tether linking both uprights at each end running through the wishbones and chassis. That way you only have four fixing points on the entire car. One at each upright with two tethers running the width of the car.

---------- Post added at 14:40 ---------- Previous post was at 13:00 ----------

Source autosport----

Williams have vetoed the test in an F60 car on current tyres. Apparently the 2007 car is run by the Ferrari Clienti Division and is outside the F1 regs. The main simulator also falls inside the summer factory shut down although there are rumours of Ferrari F1 simulators begin run outside the core f1 team.

Press days and demonstration events are not covered by the test ban;)....

---------- Post added at 16:31 ---------- Previous post was at 14:40 ----------

Now Piquet has gone.....Acrimoniously as well...shame that :td:
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/77539

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

It's a shame that Renault has dropped him mid season, he's not a bad driver but he's nothing special. I think that's the problem especially with family derived drivers (those who had a famous driver father) is that they get the places based on who their father is as much as thier own driving skill.

Now who is gonna replace him?? Any guesses??

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

5 minute TV interview with Massa here for anyone who hasn't seen it. I must say he's looking great after what happened. :)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/moto...ne/8180742.stm

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

He's looking remarkably well considering what happened, let's hope he's back racing soon.

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

Hard to believe it was only 9 days ago all this happened.

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

Piquet being dropped was unfortunately only a matter of time, but for Flavio as a manager, I must say why didn't he (Piquet) do his research on previous givings like Trulli at Renault in 2004.

Bourdais and Piquet should have been given more opportunities to prove themselves with new gear. Bourdais should have been given far more time as that Torro Rosso was obviously not suited to him and he didn't help his cause with *that* Silverstone collision.

Piquet has been given unequal gear all year to Alonso and the only time he's *supposedly* given equal equipment as his teammate, Alonso sticks it on pole and shafts him all weekend til his bad pitstop and retirement. So despite the fact Piquet actually finished a race, and wasn't half-bad compared to the rest of the pack, Renault still dropped him.

I think Flavio basically wanted somebody who would suck up to Alonso as a 2nd-fiddle teammate. He didn't want 2 competitive drivers in the team like McLaren had in 2007.

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

Well Both red bull teams and Williams have declined thier permission for MS to test out the 2009 car after Ferrari wrote to all teams and the FIA asking if they could use the 2009 car

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

If being a test and reserve driver means anything it will be..........

Romain Grosjean

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

someone isn't happy

http://www.ferrari.com/English/News/...iscretion.aspx

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

There is a ban on testing in season for a reason. If one team can have a test day, even on the basis that it's so a new driver can learn the car, the team will still also gain from real test data. If one car can run as a test, then all teams should have the right to test. But if they weren't expecting and ready for that, a test too would be disadvantageous.

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

And only now it comes to light about his fitness :rolleyes:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/moto...ne/8186319.stm

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

If his neck problem is signifcant I wonder what plan B will be?

If there is a plan B ;) ?

To me this highlights a flaw in the current regs. All the teams have the resources at the track so why not allow a third car for each team on Friday, with the proviso that each team is limited to two cars on the track at any one time.

That way the lesser teams could get revenue from giving pay drivers some track time whilst designated test and reserve drivers could get track time. Teams would basically nominate a 3rd on a race by race basis and the final twist would be to nominate their two race drivers on Friday night. That would keep them all on their toes!

Any thoughts?

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

Well it's now official the neck problem will NOT allow him to return to the track. So what's Ferrari's next move??

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/moto...ne/8186319.stm

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

was just going to post that. I think they are going to turn to Luca Badoer which I don't think is a great move as he hasn't raced in 10 years :shocked:

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

But at least he knows the car and has done many practice laps (be it all in the close season)

What about Marc Gene? At least he last raced in 2004??

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

don't think Gene is that great either. They could take a chance on Piquet, ok not great at Renault but we all know they are a one car team anyway.

Not that any of this matters as I think Badoer as been confirmed anyway

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

Grosjean to replace Piquet

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/77622

i think Badoer can mathematical win the title too

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

I`m gutted :mis: was looking forward to a bit of schumy in the mix, you know liven things up, a bit like Kimi in an interview...

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

di Montezemolo has been taking motivational lessons from Flavio. Quoted on autosport "I prefer the champion, even if matured, to the mediocre driver"

a little later in the interview we have a concession to Badoer..

"[We have] faith in Luca Badoer, who's one of us," he said. "Destiny has given him a unique possibility now he has to make the best out of it. We will support him with all we've got."

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/77626

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

Ex F1 Johnny Herbert is joining BTCC for the final three rounds for team dynamics.

http://www.btcc.net/html/generalnews_detail.php?id=1603

Does anyone else watch this? It's fast becoming one of my favourites when F1 isn't on :)

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

Yeah, when I have spare time which isn't often. But I do also go to Thruxton for the BTCC which is a good day out as I get free tickets.

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

i used to love the BTCC in the early 90s then I think it went a bit downhill.

I prefer the WTCC now the bigger tracks means you get more actual racing rather than crashes although there has been a few too many team orders of late in the WTCC

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

Renault will here tomorrow [ThanX TM] if their appeal against thier one race ban is succesful

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/moto...ne/8169649.stm

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

They'll hear on Tuesday Kymmy. ;)

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

Cowwected ;) :p:

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

looks like the ban has been lifted

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/77736

finally the FIA see sense

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

It makes a change the court of appeal over turning something! :)

Same news on the BBC site too.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/moto...ne/8169649.stm

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

Eek, that was quick. Correct decision, that ban was ludicrous although you could see why under the circumstances they awarded it.

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

Grosjean has been officially confirmed by Renault to the end of the season.

Lets see how close he gets to Alsonso. I hope he does well.:)

Also reported on Autosport; Badoer has been doing some "promotional" runs in this years F60, apparently Bridgestone have a control tyre(so hard it may as well be wood !) to ensure it really is promotional work and not surreptitious testing.

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

yes it seemed Ferrari wanted to film an advert and needed the new car :D

Good luck to Grosjean he is a good driver but it seems the second seat is tainted. I think the last time the team fielded two decent cars was 93 :shocked:

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

96, give Williams some credit. :)

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

I was referring to Benetton that morphed into Renault. Williams have always fielded two strong cars it's just a few of late have been a bit duff

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

Ah OK, still 1996 for Benetton though. Alesi should have won a couple of races, as could Berger.

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/08...e_chad_hurley/

Wonder if the cars will suddenly stop mid lap while it buffers the rest ;)

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

Rule changes for 2010: refuelling's banned, KERS allowed, qualifying will chuck out 8 cars from Q1 and Q2, and Q3 will be run on low fuel. Minimum combined weight of cars plus driver is 620kg to encourage use of KERS. No budget cap, no two-tier rule system, no medals that Bernie wanted either! :D

http://en.f1-live.com/f1/en/headline...20143836.shtml

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

Some good, some not so good changes there IMO, i used to like refueling as it played a part in the teams strategy both for the race and during qualifying. There was allways the chance of an incident as well, like the hose getting jammed or similar.
I hope it doesn`t become even more sterile....

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

banning refueling is great as now it means we get more action on track although we still get the two tyre compounds so will still have pit stops.

KERS is allowed by the FIA but FOTA have said they won't use it, so only really the non FOTA teams who might run it but as that will be the new teams plus Williams i'm not sure it will be back

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

Badoer not doing to well in first practice today, but he's probably not taken the car round a circuit since testing in closed season..

---------- Post added at 11:41 ---------- Previous post was at 11:40 ----------

Really feal sorry though for the refuelers who have thier job taken from them... BBC did a segment on them at the last GP..

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

they are usually the truck drivers as well so they will still have a job, most of the pit crew have other roles throughout the weekend

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

Yep, but normally the amount of mechs/techs are dependant on the minimum number needed for the pit-stop especially on the smaller teams..

Re: Formula 1 2009 Season [may contain real time spoilers]
 

A few transfer rumours floating about...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/moto...ne/8214450.stm