F1 2011

[Apex 693]

Mercedes-Benz WW2. It’s actually W02 but they will still lose to the English.

Renault R31

The world's media got their first glimpse of Lotus Renault GP's 2011 challenger this afternoon as the R31 was presented in the pit lane of the Circuit de la Comunitat Valenciana Ricardo Tormo.

Robert and Vitaly joined Gerard Lopez (Chairman of LRGP) and Eric Boullier (Team Principal and Managing Director) to pull back the covers and present the car the team hopes will continue the squad's push towards the front of the grid.

"For Genii Capital and Lotus Renault GP, the 2011 season will be the one in which we achieve our aims," said Gerard Lopez. "We now have 100% ownership of the team, and we're tackling the coming championship with the intention of continuing to do things our way - but always with humility. I would like to welcome Lotus Cars, a new ambitious title sponsor with us for the long term. Renault and Total have also chosen to accompany us again in this adventure and we thank them for their valuable contribution. Our aim for 2011 is to continue our march towards the front of the grid, seize the slightest opportunity and do better than last season in both the drivers' and constructors' championships. We feel we are well prepared for the challenge ahead."

Eric Boullier echoed those sentiments and paid tribute to the enormous effort back at the team's base in Enstone: "All the hard work over the winter has been focused on delivering a big improvement for 2011. The result is a car with more than 92% new parts compared to the R30. But technical innovation isn't the only key to performance. Since last year, we have reviewed all our internal processes and our overall efficiency has now improved by 15%. That means we should be more competitive than last year, on the track and at the factory."

Technical Director, James Allison, explained how the team approached the design of the R31: "Words like ‘aggressive' and ‘innovative' are very much in vogue in Formula 1 at the moment, but where the R31 is concerned we feel those adjectives are appropriate. It's true to say that the car has been designed in an ambitious manner and a quick glance at the layout will confirm that its entire concept differs considerably, not just from last year's car, but from any car this team has ever produced."

Both Robert and Vitaly were enthusiastic as they got acquainted with their new car and eager for the season to get underway.

"After a long winter break you always feel ready to jump back in the car," explained Robert. "At the moment it's difficult to know just how competitive our package will be, but the engineers have decided to go for an innovative design, which is good."

Vitaly added: "It feels exciting to be starting my second year of Formula 1 and I can't wait to try this beautiful car for the first time tomorrow. Now that I have a year of F1 experience behind me, I feel more confident and ready to deliver. I'm determined to do well and fight hard for this team."

The team's new third drivers were presented as well, with Bruno Senna and Romain Grosjean adding further strength to the team's driver line-up. The team's reserve drivers (and members of the LRGP Academy) were confirmed as Jan Charouz, Ho-Pin Tung and Fairuz Fauzy (who was unable to attend the launch due to his GP2 Series commitments).

The team also welcomes two important new partners in SunCore and Sibur, while Genii Capital promotes its Business Exchange platform through more significant branding on the car.

Company press release, last updated on January 31, 2011

General specifications

Country of origin: France

Numbers built N/A

Produced in 2011

Predecessor Renault R30

Engine:

Configuration Renault RS27-2011 90º V 8

Location Mid, longitudinally mounted

Construction light alloy block and head

Displacement 2.4 liter / 146.5 cu in

Valvetrain 4 valves / cylinder, DOHC

Fuel feed Fuel Injection

Aspiration Naturally Aspirated

Dimensions

Weight 640 kilo / 1411 lbs

Length / Width / Height 5100 mm (200.8 in) / 1800 mm (70.9 in) / 950 mm (37.4 in)

Wheelbase / Track (fr/r) N/A / 1450 mm (57.1 in) / 1400 mm (55.1 in)

[Apex 693]

Ferrari F150

[Apex 693]

F150

The F150 is the fifty-seventh single-seater built by Ferrari specifically to compete in the Formula 1 World Championship. The Maranello marque chose the name as a tribute and celebration of the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the Unification of Italy.

The project, which goes by the internal code name of 662, represents the Scuderia's interpretation of the technical and sporting regulations that apply this year. Various factors influenced the design of the car, especially on the aerodynamic front, to the extent that the F150 can be seen as severing ties with the recent past. The innovative aspects are in part dictated by changes to the regulations and partly down to original thinking from our designers. As far as the rule changes from 2010 are concerned, the double diffuser and the blown rear wing are banned, as is the use of apertures in the front part of the floor, while the use of an hydraulically controlled adjustable rear wing has been introduced. After an unofficial agreement saw its use banned for 2010, KERS is back this year, thanks partly to the increase in the car's minimum weight and stricter controls on weight distribution figures. The Scuderia has decided to incorporate this technology on the F150 and this has had a significant impact on the design, also taking into account that the dimensions of the fuel cell are very different to what they were in 2009. Also significant are changes dictated by the introduction of stricter safety requirements in terms of crash-tests, cockpit area protection and wheel-retaining cables for use in accidents.

At first glance, the front part of the F150 monocoque appears to be higher than that of the F10. The openings for the side air intakes are reduced in size, while the layout of the dynamic one above the driver's head has been modified. The rear suspension features a new design, while that at the front has been modified, following changes to the front part of the chassis. The exhaust system layout is similar to that adopted for the second half of last season and the cooling system has had to take into account the return of KERS and the new air exit ducts. The braking system has been completely redesigned in collaboration with Brembo.

However, the aerodynamic package sported by the car at the presentation is very different to the one which will be seen for the first race in Bahrain: for the early stages of testing, the decision was taken to concentrate on development aspects linked to the mechanical components and on developing an understanding of the Pirelli tyres, while continuing to push on the development of aerodynamic performance in the wind tunnel. Indeed, the tyres will be another significant new element this season: after a thirteen year relationship with Bridgestone, this year it is Pirelli who take up the baton as sole supplier to Formula 1 for the next three years and thus provide the tyres for the cars from Maranello. Given that the teams have so far only managed two days of testing with the new tyres back in November, clearly the fifteen days of testing prior to the start of the season will be very important when it comes to adapting the handling of the car to the tyres.

As the freeze on engine performance development is still ongoing, there have been no actual modifications to the 056 engine, but that does not mean Ferrari's engine specialists have been idle. Work has gone into improving reliability, working especially on the pneumatic front, as well as on reducing costs. Furthermore, the reintroduction of KERS has led to a substantial change in the architecture of the front end of the engine, with modifications to the drive shaft system of the KERS itself and the crankshaft and this has led to changes to the cooling and lubrication systems. The kinetic energy recovery system, designed by Ferrari, has been produced in conjunction with MTS and Magneti Marelli and was fine tuned based on experience acquired in 2009, with the aim of reducing its size and weight, while maintaining, in accordance with the regulations, the maximum useable power and its usage cycle over one lap. This is another area where great attention has been paid to cost reduction, both in terms of its development and the way it is run, so as to make the system equally viable for our customer teams, Sauber and Toro Rosso. The positioning of the KERS within the fuel cell was a further impetus to look at solutions aimed at reducing fuel consumption: in this area, the contribution from a key partner in the form of Shell was vital and will continue to be so throughout the season.

The number of testing days available to the teams remains the same, with 15 prior to the start of the season, therefore preparatory work on the test beds, prior to taking to the track has been ever more important, both on the chassis side and for areas such as the gearbox, engine and KERS.

As is always the case at Ferrari, great attention has been paid to the performance and optimisation of all materials used, in the design stages and when going through quality control, striving to maximise performance levels and reliability, while delivering the highest possible safety standards.

[M3_Power 636]

Ferrari F150 = boring and predictable Ferrari. It's just like last year's car. What a let down for a team that desperately wants and needs to win.

Lotus Renault = Engineering master piece with a lot of new innovative engineering and aerodynamic improvements. Can't wait to see where they've routed the exhaust (because rumours are apparently it doesn't blow towards the rear of the car)

Mercedes W02 .... Computer generated image doesn't count, but looks like it's making good use of front splitter for clean air aero design and a high angle front nose from the shot. Aggressive front end suspension geometry too it seems. Be interesting to see what rear suspension package they come up with.

Cannot wait for the season to start!!!

Edited February 1, 2011 by M3_Power

[Apex 693]

I can’t wait to see the RBR.

I hope Kubica gets his chance to shine this season, he is a bloody good driver.

Viewership was up 75% last season, the highest in over ten years apparently.

My money on Vettle this year.

[Grant 4]

I can’t wait to see the RBR.

I hope Kubica gets his chance to shine this season, he is a bloody good driver.

Viewership was up 75% last season, the highest in over ten years apparently.

My money on Vettle this year.

I agree, Kubica is the best driver in a second tier car.

I also think Vettel will win the championship, he is the driver with the most potential, who will only mature with time. Webber blew his only chance last year, he will be a definite number 2 this year.

I still think that the best driver at the moment without a doubt is Hamilton, and assuming his Mclaren is a step up from a lot of last year, he will be a Vettel's main rival.

[Apex 693]

Renault weren’t a second tier team but I know what you mean, they did have some bad luck and given Renault had a better number 2 driver they would have easily beaten Mercedes.

Kubica coming 8th out of 27 last season in the slower Renault was no mean feat, he easily bet driver in much better cars and qualified on par with all bar RBR.

I would like to see Kubica have a better year too.

[Grant 4]

The other driver I will follow with interest will be Kobyashi (spelling??), I think he is very talented and his aggressive style is great to watch.

To me last year, any team that wasn't RBR, Ferrari or McLaren were a second tier. No driver or team outside of these three were ever going to win a race under normal circumstances.

In saying that, Renault may be a force to be reckoned with this year. I guess that time will tell.

As much as I like Massa, I think Ferrari need another first rate driver along with Alonso to challenge McLaren and RBR. Massa just doesn't have the mental fortitude to be a real challenge.

Edited February 1, 2011 by Grant

[Gotheschu 1]

Viewership was up 75% last season, the highest in over ten years apparently.

Cause of Schumacher's return. Which lets be honest didn't go well til last few races.

I don't think anyone can disregard Vettel this year but I think we can forget Massa, Button, and Webber from the Champ.

I'm of cause super keen to see what happens with Schumi and Rosberg but also Kobyashi really enjoy watching him on a good day. Was awesome in Valencia with Alonso and 2010 in Brazil...

GO THE SCHU!!!

[Apex 693]

Was more to do with what was happening up front and little to do with Shumacher according to the article.

Lets hope for another exciting season. I hope to see some coverage of testing.

[Gotheschu 1]

Was more to do with what was happening up front and little to do with Shumacher according to the article.

Lets hope for another exciting season. I hope to see some coverage of testing.

Yea true. But the week he announced the comeback. Ticket sales raised up to 25% at every race....

and looks good =)

[my_e36 43]

I don't know about you guys but all these new aero stuff make these new F1 cars look funny. I like the look and overall shape of late 90s F1 cars. Big spoilers and wings, proper kids stuff.

[M3_Power 636]

I don't know about you guys but all these new aero stuff make these new F1 cars look funny. I like the look and overall shape of late 90s F1 cars. Big spoilers and wings, proper kids stuff.

One of the trade offs as a result of faster cornering speeds = more downforce = more wings to control air flow.

And as rumoured .... Lotus Renault have come up with the first F1 car to have an exhaust system that points towards the front of the car not the rear to create more downforce and better utilise the blown rear diffuser concept. I think they are onto a winner here. By the end of the season teams are going to be scrambling to build front flowing exhaust systems, this will be the F-Duct of 2011.

Early days yet ... but results from first day of Valencia testing. Remember some teams are still using last year's car on new Pirellis.

01. Sebastian Vettel Red Bull-Renault 1:13.769 93 laps

02. Nico Hulkenberg Force India-Mercedes 1:13.938 + 0.169s 71 laps

03. Gary Paffett McLaren-Mercedes 1:14.292 + 0.523s 91 laps

04. Paul di Resta Force India-Mercedes 1:14.461 + 0.692s 28 laps

05. Fernando Alonso Ferrari 1:14.553 + 0.784s 97 laps

06. Kamui Kobayashi Sauber-Ferrari 1:15.621 + 1.852s 68 laps

07. Jerome D'Ambrosio Virgin-Cosworth 1:16.003 + 2.234s 71 laps

08. Vitaly Petrov Renault 1:16.351 + 2.582s 28 laps

09. Michael Schumacher Mercedes 1:16.450 + 2.681s 15 laps

10. Jaime Alguersuari Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1:17.214 + 3.445s 19 laps

11. Rubens Barrichello Williams-Cosworth 1:17.335 + 3.566s 77 laps

12. Narain Karthikeyan HRT-Cosworth 1:18.020 + 4.251s 45 laps

13. Nico Rosberg Mercedes 1:19.930 + 6.161s 9 laps

Edited February 1, 2011 by M3_Power

[Apex 693]

RB7 Renault. 2011 championship winning car?

Red Bull Racing launched its 2011 challenger - the RB7 - at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit near Valencia, Spain. The car, which the team hopes will successfully defend its two Formula One titles, was unveiled in the pit lane at 0830hrs by 2010 World Champion Sebastian Vettel and his team- mate Mark Webber. This was followed by a press conference in the Team's Energy Station with the two drivers, team principal Christian Horner and chief technical officer Adrian Newey. The RB7 completed its first lap of the circuit when testing began at 1000hrs.

It's just 11 weeks since Sebastian Vettel drove to victory in Abu Dhabi and less than six weeks before the car will contest the Bahrain Grand Prix. This morning was the culmination of months of hard work in Milton Keynes, where every department has been focused on increasing the silverware in the Red Bull Racing trophy cabinets.

Christian Horner commented: " It's a great feeling to arrive here and roll out the car with the number one on it as the reigning World Champions, but now the challenge is to keep it. The team's been very focused on RB7 over the last few months; Adrian didn't release his drawings any earlier than normal, so the whole design group and production team have done a remarkable job to produce this car in the shortest possible time. It's a long season, the longest in F1 history, and we have some great opponents, but we are very motivated and will be working hard to hold on to the two world titles. I'm sure it's going to be a fascinating battle."

Adrian Newey said: "It's always a special moment when a car runs for the first time. The big challenge for us this year was the reintroduction of the KERS system. It's always a challenge to find solutions, which don't compromise the aerodynamics of the car. This season, with McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes all having KERS, we need to get it to work, simply for performance off the line."

On the day it launched its all-new RB7, Red Bull Racing is pleased to welcome several new partners for 2011, as well as reconfirming continuing and enhanced agreements with many of its existing partners. Red Bull Racing's Partner portfolio now includes: Total, Rauch, Pepe Jeans, Casio, Singha Beer, FXDD, Geox, Pirelli, Alpinestars, Platform Computing and Siemens.

Company press release, last updated on February 03, 2011

[No name user 379]

F1 2012 = turbocharging again

Now ill watch it

[Grant 4]

There may be one less decent driver this year:

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/motorsport/46...njured-in-Italy

A better article:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport...one/9388940.stm

Edited February 6, 2011 by Grant

[zenetti 0]

There may be one less decent driver this year:

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/motorsport/46...njured-in-Italy

A better article:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport...one/9388940.stm

saw that on the news this morning - seems like he may lose his right hand!

[M3_Power 636]

I wish him a speedy recovery ... although realistically I think that's the end of Kubica's F1 career.

Never understood why he would par take in Rallying when he's earning 7 figures driving the fastest thing around ... and he's thrown it all away for a Skoda ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfmFJeJ31uU

[Gotheschu 1]

Such a shame. Awesome driver, top end driver on a good day for him.

I don't think he will be able to get back into it and be near the front again especially with all the functions and buttons he'll need his right hand to do.... KERS and rear wing adj too this year.

Sad to see such a good career go down really.

[Apex 693]

Mention of of Nick Heindfeld look like a safe option to fill in. Bruno Senna is sh*t and that just cant happen, even as a temporary replacement that just won’t work.

Edited February 7, 2011 by Apex

[M3_Power 636]

Robert’s general condition is much better today.

After spending the night under constant observation, he was briefly woken up by the doctors of the Santa Corona Hospital (Pietra Ligure) this morning. The Lotus Renault GP driver was then able to talk to his relatives. He was also able to move his fingers, which is encouraging for the rest of his recovery process.

Sounding optimistic so far at least.

[Gotheschu 1]

Mention of of Nick Heindfeld look like a safe option to fill in. Bruno Senna is sh*t and that just cant happen, even as a temporary replacement that just won’t work.

I would take Heifeild or Huckenberg...

[Apex 693]

Hiendfeld has skill. I don’t think Renault could afford him though, how pissed off would they be after investing 20 odd million into Kubica.

Im sorry. If was his employer I would be seriously f**ked off, especially seeing he crashed on a Touring stage of the rally where you are supposed to be driving at local speed limits.

[cliffdunedin 8]

The F150 does look very safe, but Ferrari have always been that and probably always will. Despite that they will be up there as per usual, i wouldn't count on RBR being front runners again this year. You only have to look at BrawnGP in 09 - MercedesGP last year and how fast things can change, Ferrari and Mclaren are the only real year in year out, consistent front runners.

Can't wait though and will be excited to hear and see 2 German national anthems being played often this season.

[Apex 693]

Because Germans are awesome or something?

Good point with new seasons stars being anyones guess. I would like to see RBR with success, they are a cool team.

Heinfeld got the job at Renault. Bugger. Had just prepared my CV too.