Caterham Launch Caterham is the only team so far to unveil their 2012 challenger. They appear to be taking some design cues from Red Bull with their engine cowling, which isn’t too unexpected since RBR were indomitable last year and since Caterham is using RBR’s KERS system and gearbox. What immediately stands out is Caterham’s solution to the FIA’s new regulations on the nose. First, the nose had to be higher this year, also there are regulations calling for different heights for the top surface of the nose and the…
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Formula 1 – Miracle on Congress Avenue
Merry Christmas, US Formula 1 fans! After learning that the Circuit of The Americas (COTA) actually had the money, or so was the claim, and that the breakdown between their group and Formula One Management (FOM) was a result of a disagreement on the details of the contract offered to COTA, we wrote optimistically about the potential of the USGP returning to the 2012 Formula 1 calendar. We knew that it was a long shot renegotiating a contract at the 11th hour with a master of manipulation in Bernie Ecclestone,…
Read More2011 Formula 1 Review – OpenPaddock.net Podcast
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Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadJoin Shaun and Andy (@TheSpeedGeek) as they go back over the 2011 Formula 1 season. We talk about KERS and DRS as well as the Pirelli tires. We then go team by team and talk about the season that was Sebastian Vettel’s masterpiece. We talk up the winners and call out the losers and even have a little friendly debate! Thank you for the download and we hope you enjoy our look back at 2011.
Read MoreF1 – COTA’s Last Struggle to Make the 2012 Schedule
Christmas come yet for the Circuit of the Americas and all American Formula 1 fans! We reported earlier that it seemed that the inaugural Formula 1 United States Grand Prix in Austin at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) was all but off the schedule. Even in a press release made by COTA, the organizers were convinced that they weren’t going to be making the 2012 season and were instead already setting their sights on the 2013 season. In a release today, it seems that may have changed! COTA has…
Read MoreF1 – The Austin GP Might Be A Bit Late
When the plan was announced last year that Tavo Helmut wanted to create a world-class road racing circuit in Austin Texas and host a Formula 1 Grand Prix, we were rather skeptical. Mike was raising questions about the project as early as June of last year when he asked How Can Austin Succeed Where Indy Failed. Mike again expressed the skepticism that we all were feeling as he looked at 2012 Venues Under Threat. While he took a bashing from many, I couldn’t see any inherent errors in his reasoning…
Read MoreF1 – The Lotus Feud Is Over
We all knew that the battle between Group Lotus, PLC, and Tony Fernandez had been resolved, but here is the official press release for your enjoyment. JOINT PRESS RELEASE Group Lotus Plc and PROTON Holdings Berhad 1Malaysia Racing Team, Caterham Cars and Tony Fernandes Proton, Group Lotus, 1Malaysia Racing Team and its owner Tony Fernandes are delighted to announce that the legal dispute in the English Courts relating to the “LOTUS” and “TEAM LOTUS” brands has now ended amicably with the parties agreeing settlement terms earlier this month. The terms…
Read MoreF1 – Vettel Silences Critics?
Spa was telling for a few drivers this past weekend. Michael Schumacher proved that he still has some magic left in that Mercedes and Jenson Button emerged as McLaren’s number one ace. Many believe that championship leader Sebastian Vettel had much to prove as well. Despite taking nearly every pole position and winning on a regular basis and opening a near insurmountable lead, the German has been criticized and discounted given Adrian Newey and the RB7. Many believe that Vettel would not achieve half the success he has if it…
Read MoreF1 – Mercedes GP Losing in Development
The signs at the end of winter testing all seemed positive. Both Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg were topping the time sheets as it looked like Mercedes GP had finally found its rhythm. Once the season began in Australia however, it all came apart at the axle. While many could imagine that Red Bull would be the car to beat, you would have to think that Mercedes would at least be able to challenge Ferrari or McLaren at some point. We are now half way through the season and that…
Read MoreF1 Soap Box – Everybody Loves the 2013 Engines…. Right?
Jean Todt’s FIA has been getting pushback from some of the teams and the current commercial rights holder regarding the plan to introduce 1.6L 4-cylinder power plants in F1 for 2013. Bernie Ecclestone has made claims that the unique noise generated by the current V8 is one of the prime things that keep people coming back for more, while Ferrari has taken every opportunity to indicate that 4-cylinder engines do not fit F1 or Ferrari’s DNA. So, why the disgruntlement with the new engines? And what are the implications of…
Read MoreF1 Soap Box – Changing the Goalposts
The world of F1 has an interesting argument brewing. The FIA is reinterpreting their rulebook and is now in the process of banning some of the exotic engine mapping techniques that the teams are using to gain downforce in the corners. Last year, Red Bull stunned the paddock by venting their engine exhausts directly onto their rear diffuser. In qualifying, they would use a different engine map that would keep engine revs high, even when the driver was not applying throttle at all. This allowed the car to gain additional…
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