F1 season 2014

[Ghost]

Iv not used this icon before... but......

 

[desertstorm]

Based on the performance of the cars over the last two days the back marker teams are looking like they may be able to score some points this year. They just need to make the car reliable. Loss of KERS was not helpful in previous seasons but if you lose the energy recovery system in these new cars you are going to be going backwards at a rate of knots.
I am sure they will get a handle on it but races are going to be very controlled. Wet races are going to be very interesting with all that extra torque making the cars hard to drive and water does no mix too well with electricity.
From what I saw on Sky last night these new cars are pretty quiet compared to the old ones. Bernie will be having a fit.

Karl.

 

[45bvtc]

Day #3 at Jerez and I've reservations...

Been following F1 from the late 80's and while I appreciate the 2014 F1 technology I'd rather it was directed at 6/12/24 hour-race closed-wheel cars rather than open wheel F1 cars.

Even Bernie isn't happy this morning (day #4) calling the 3-days of Jerez so far as "a total farce".

The best for me so far was Ted's Notebook (SKY F1) on day #2: Ted was trying to explain (but had yet to grasp/understand) the workings of the new power trains to camera, not only did he confuse himself and the viewing audience (as he was told on day #3) he worried his assisting Renault engineer with talk of 'boiling kettles, etc.

And the end of day #3 Ted stood at the side of the Ferrari as the MGU-H 'wound-down' saying, "what's that all about".

I think we'd best not take 2014 F1 seriously.

 

[desertstorm]

Watched a recording of Teds Notebook this morning and he has lost it with some of his demos, What was he trying to do with those bananas and a bag of raisins. Isn't the Sky TV budget big enough to be able to print out a few close up pictures of the cars noses.
The noise the made Ferrari reminded me of UFO , I am sure Commander Strakers car used to make pretty much the same noise when he pulled up.
It seems Renault have dropped the ball a bit though as all there cars have issues. I can see a lot of the cars sprouting vents and ducts for cooling.There is so much energy storage density in those batteries I really think they are quite dangerous. If one of those goes up in a car it will be like an incendiary bomb going off.
And 6 hours to change an engine ?? . Wow.

Karl.

 

[45bvtc]

Ted Kravitz (born Theodore Slotover in March 1974) with his bag of raisins and bananas attempting to explain the reasoning of the 'new' F1 protuberances presented in Jerez: bless you Ted, at least my wife saw the funny side of it, wouldn't stop laughing.... Already looking forward to tonight's (Ted's Notebook: day #4, from Jerez) efforts...

You need to go see this Sandra (Ted's Notebook: day #3, from Jerez), and report back...

BUT we like Ted's Notebook a lot: always have enjoyed seeing the F1 circus de-camp following a Grand Prix (whilst the BBC crew have already de-camped to wherever they go...), bravo Ted

 

[Artimus]

After the actual races themselves, Ted's Notebook were my favourite parts of the F1 calender last season, but it's fast becoming a Scrapbook! He seems all over the place so far this season... never making his point and he keeps putting things off until later in the show or tomorrow, It's too Schizophrenic and his props are a joke.

He clearly doesn't understand how the new energy recovery systems work, so how is he going to convey the inner workings to the viewers? I don't think he's done his homework in the closed season! He needs a Sky Pad, Expert Tuition and some decent CGI to fully explain the intricacies of this season's changes! A Laptop, some exotic fruit & brightly coloured plastic cooling fans are not working.

 

[Ghost]

I been disappointed with sky’s coverage tbh, I was expecting to see an hour or two (live) a day this week?

Is it to much to ask, when they have men on the ground in Jerez?

 

[lee_fr200]

I been disappointed with sky’s coverage tbh, I was expecting to see an hour or two (live) a day this week?

Is it to much to ask, when they have men on the ground in Jerez?

Must admit I'd have thought they would have covered the test days on the f1 channel

 

[45bvtc]

Not a lot of enthusiasm here guys...

 

[simers]

I think F1 is gone backwards completely... The days of Jordan f1 and all was the good old days and now it's all electronic crap.. Drivers don't even drive the cars now... This season and the coming seasons are just going to be crap IMO... Bring back the old f1 cars of the senna Prost mansell era and see how today's wimps can handle themselves... I do love f1 and have been following it since 91... I'm disappointed with the modern era.. The fun and action and drama is really gone out of it... Now with 1.6 engines it's a joke...

 

[warren_S5]

For those poor sods who are as old as I am this turbo malarky isn't new.

Back in the mid 1980's Renault were using 1.5 Turbo engines such as this one once driven by our very own slug wearing Nigel Mansell (JPS Lotus 95T)

In qualifying trim some of these engines could push well over 900bhp. OK they had some serious reliability issues and they didn't thunder or screech like a Ferrari V12 prepped for Monza, but I'm pretty sure the TAG McLaren's that took Prost & Senna to some of their victories / championships were also Honda Turbo's. Back in this era (and preceding 10 years or so) Lotus had been testing with Pratt & Whitney turbines stapped to a 4wd chassis, Brabham (owned by our good friend Bernie) used a turbo fan mechanism, the Tyrrell had 6 wheels.... Words don't do it justice, but needless to say they were slightly more interesting times. Only problem was too many people were dying week after week. Some examples when you don't have some FIA guidance in place:

Tyrrell 6 wheeler

Brabham turbofan car

There was even a time where suction skirts pulling cars onto track meant no need for front wings - Renault F1 1981:

More design madness - Ligier driven by Jacques Laffite:

Twin aerofoil TyrrellBF26

A bit of a shake up was needed in F1 after last year; I gave up watching it mid-season after being an avid fan since 1979. My Dad even worked in the industry in my youth so it's very much in our blood. Even if this isn't the best season, it can't be much worse than last, and if it transitions us to something better than we all win. If not watch Moto GP!

 

[jojo]

I have been watching the highlights of the testing, the high pitch scream of a V8/10 is definitely going to be missed this season.

Really a huge fan of the Tyrell 6 wheeler Warren, always have been, thanks for the pic/reminder.

 

[simers]

They are mental designs haha... I only started following F1 in the late 80's early 90's as I'm just gone past 30 so don't really remember much of earlier years but I've seen it evolve an awful lot since then.. I'm delighted with the safety aspect of it changing dramatically since senna's death but as I said it's gone all electronic and stuff... It's too technical now IMO.. I hope the changes now are for the better too because it was starting to turn into the Schumacher/Ferrari era again with Vettel and redbull... It was getting boring again...
Think we may reserve judgement until at least mid season

 

[desertstorm]

Well it's looking like Mercedes cars have a clear advantage over Ferrari and Renault are going to make it interesting seeing how they can go before the car combusts or breaks down. Don't know what they are going to do if the turn up in Australia and it's 30+ degrees.
Even if it's reasonable there it's always a cooker in Malysia.

Karl.

 

[Ghost]

Just over a week to go, so what are your thoughts, and what you like to see on the up coming season?

It be nice to see Massa on the same piece of track as Alonso, and will Massa stop at Ferrari for a pit stop?

My money is on Magnussen doing better than Button, but he will be more a team player than Perez

I don’t know who will have the best engine or if they will cover race distance, I just hope we don’t see too many DNF on the timesheet.

 

[jojo]

Lewis Hamilton winning the first race will make me happy indeed! Really looking forward to this, but will be bitterly disappointed, if the Redbulls somehow wins the first race. Will still be strange to hear the turbo spool up an no more screaming V10s!

 

[Ghost]

Williams have new sponsorship deal with Martini :icon_thumright:

imo overalls looking a little naff..

 

[andicole0]

Love that Williams colour scheme! Hated the high revving screamer engines of recent years. Just adore the run down hiss on the 2014 Ferarri.

Already booked the TV for the OZ GP and my wife is away !!

Andi.

 

[andicole0]

For those poor sods who are as old as I am this turbo malarky isn't new.

SNIP

Great memories! Yes I'm that old.

Are you aware that from '54 to '60 F1 engines were limited to 750cc if they used forced induction.

Andi.

 

[desertstorm]

I am liking that Martini colour scheme and it's really nice to see Williams looking competitive again. It would be good to see them mixing it with Mercedes and Mclaren for some podiums. Susie looks good too.

 

[simers]

It's great to see martini back.. Hopefully be a good season

 

[jojo]

So the 2014 is back! Redbulls look like they are back in business, I'm hoping the Mercs with Lewis will build up a nice lead in the first few races to make me happy!

 

[desertstorm]

Well if Lewis starts the first race as well as he started FP1 he won't be getting many points. Never even managed half a lap. As good as the Mercedes is they are going to have to run faultlessly for the full distance.Be interesting to see if they have to invoke team orders to stop them racing each other if they both hit the front.The team will be looking for maximum team points.
Caterham are having a bad day 1 installation lap each in the first session and no running in the second.
Theres talk of a lot of teams not running in FP3 just in case they have an issue they only have 2 hours to fix the car so will then miss qualifying.
If Caterham elect to do that and then blow up on the first lap of quali how can they let them race they will only have done an installation lap.
The teams wanted to save costs and it seems some are saving a fortune on fuel costs as the cars aren't even running.

Karl.

 

[lee_fr200]

I think the qualifying will be good but if the race is just fuel saving I don't see it been spectacular!

I do see a lot of breakdowns though

 

[andicole0]

I think the qualifying will be good but if the race is just fuel saving I don't see it been spectacular!

I do see a lot of breakdowns though

Qualifying was very exciting but a bit messed up by the weather.

Andi.

 

[Artimus]

Anyone else think the downshifts sound like an RS3 pre-brake squeal fix?

 

[jojo]

Anyone else think the downshifts sound like an RS3 pre-brake squeal fix?

I don't know anything about the RS3 pre-brake squeal fix, but the lack of screaming V8 is definitely a missing element of this seasons cars, they just don't sound very quick!

Lets hope the racing makes up for it! Anyone getting up early to watch this live in the morning?

 

[warren_S5]

5am is my usual rise time so I'll watch the race. I can't stand the smug t**t that commentates on Sky so not interested in watching the torturous build up where they ask the same old questions to the drivers and get the usual corporate responses.

Favourite bit of today's coverage was the Aussie's exacting revenge on Vettel with a symphony of booing (probably for Multi21!)

 

[warren_S5]

Oh and the Williams Martini. Best livery they've had since the Canon era. Fond memories of Martini livery from Bernie's Brabham team

 

[voorhees]

5am is my usual rise time so I'll watch the race. I can't stand the smug t**t that commentates on Sky so not interested in watching the torturous build up where they ask the same old questions to the drivers and get the usual corporate responses.

Favourite bit of today's coverage was the Aussie's exacting revenge on Vettel with a symphony of booing (probably for Multi21!)

I watched it non live but was well happy,not because SV but because Daniel is Aussie

 

[Ghost]

I will set my alarm for about 10mins before lights out, I agree with Warren, and apart for Martin Brundle the Sky team do my head in, I will watch on the BBC when they show the live races on there.

I really enjoyed qualifying, lets hope the race will bring the same excitement, and mix of new drivers to the front.


I always love to hear this before the season starts…. enjoy..

 

[warren_S5]

I'm glad you've said that, I know I'm an intolerant ******* when it comes to TV presenters. I like Damon and Johnny from a perspective of fondness for their achievements, Martin is the best of the bunch, but the other guy (interests me so little I don't even want to know his name) is awful. The 4 together seem a touch stilted and wooden, and it often feels like your watching a slightly awkward meeting of people who don't really get on that well.

As for the Chain, stands test of time. First album my parents bought me as a child was Rumours as I loved the GP soundtrack so much.

 

[desertstorm]

Seconds to go, race hasn't started yet and somebody has a drive through penalty already. LOL

 

[jojo]

Ricciardo disqualified! First Ozzy to ever make the podium in Australia, he's going to be gutted!

 

[warren_S5]

Ricciardo disqualified! First Ozzy to ever make the podium in Australia, he's going to be gutted!

****** hell, shame for him as he seems a decent bloke who raced well all weekend. Good effort from many effective under dogs today.

After 9 races of Vettel wins it was great to see a bit of a mix up, but was surprised that overtaking for most cars looked harder than I'd expected with new wing / power configurations.

 

[45bvtc]

Ricciardo disqualified! First Ozzy to ever make the podium in Australia, he's going to be gutted!

That's NOT good jojo.

F1 has enough issues in the 2014 formula to resolve without the organisers resorting to being a bunch of twa*s!

Did the car pass scrutineering? Yes or no.

If no, then it should not have set rubber onto tarmac.

If yes, then get over it guys; if Riccardo is disqualified then the official scrutineer should be sacked, as he passed off the car.

It's enough to make one resort to watching men in shorts kicking a ball.

OK, so it ain't that bad...

 

[Tom5190]

Disqualified for breaching fuel flow limits, it passed scrut but fuel flow isn't measured at that point.

I'm quite happy about all of the rule changes, I know the cars are a little slower but I think that the new formant makes it a little more exciting to watch. Driver ability seems to be more of a factor rather than less too, yes there's more electronic aids but the process of using them well and driving looks to be a lot more complicated.

It's also a great step for motorsport as a whole in my opinion, Formula 1 is the main event in the public eye & so many people appose it using the 'environment' as the reason which has a knock on effect on all other forms. This has meant that they see cars doing the same thing just 30%+ more efficiently which can only help.

As for the noise, they are still loud! It's quieter and doesn't sound as good on TV but in the scheme of things its still awesome. I also like the fact you can heard more of the straight cut gearing on the car mounted cameras now along with the boost noises. Things like the hybrid diesel cars in the endurance championships are almost silent (the likes of Audi's R18 e-tron) and only really give you the tyre noise but its still awesome to watch both on TV and in person.

I was really impressed with Magnussen, I'd not really seen anything of him before this. Shame about the break downs but I think that they will be reduced quite quickly, certainly from the Mercedes engines anyway.

The only thing I really hate about F1 at the minute is that I'm still at my parents house and they don't have sky I wih the BBC still had full coverage.

 

[desertstorm]

I thought this might catch a few people out as the fuel flow limit largely dictates the maximum power available from the engine and teams are always going to be pushing the boudaries with this. He probably won't be the last to get penalised.
It's not as if Red Bull can say they weren't told because reading this article on F1.com they were told that the car was using too much fuel and they should do something about it.

Formula 1® - The Official F1® Website

Heres the homologated sensor they all have to use.

2014 F1 fuel flow meter finally homologated | Racecar Engineering

So Magnussen gets a second and Button picks up third.
Looks like there are 5 teams with potentially winning cars this year, Mercedes, Williams, Red Bull and Mclaren and possibly Ferrari as both there cars were handicapped with battery issues. wonder how much faster they would have been with a fully working car.

Looking really good for the year.

 

[lee_fr200]

I think it's lost something!

I don't like the noise and I don't think it's racing as such now, just an Eco drive,

I mean apart from bottas who seemed to be flying the likes of jenson button who I support didn't make any overtakes it was done on strategy and driving steady, couldn't even catch magnussen but tbh didn't look like he wanted to!

I really hate the fuelling limits, should just let them go all out and race

 

[slepy]

Good to see other teams scoring well today.
Is it me or it was still boring as hell?
And BTCC cars sound better!