The trouble is that only half the new teams are likely to make it to the first race, and it's doubtful whether the no-showers even make it to the track at all... All of which casts an unprofessional image over F1, which isn't what sponsors (and it's all about sponsors) like.

The sad thing is, it's self inflicted. Prodrive would have been a better bet, and even Stefan GP looks more likely to run an F1 car this year than USF1 (albeit by buying Toyota's rather than doing anything clever or impressive).

I'm all for new teams in F1. But the new teams have to GET to F1, rather than mess about on the sidelines looking no more professional than my level of racing, all the while printing press releases telling everyone (read: their sponsors or potential sponsors) that it's all great.

Jordan and Simtek were examples of how to do it right (although Simtek suffered various major accidents in 1994 that probably resulted in their early demise). Andrea Moda seems to the model used for USF1... And F1 doesn't need more Andrea Modas...

Quote from tristancliffe :

...and even Stefan GP looks more likely to run an F1 car this year than USF1 (albeit by buying Toyota's rather than doing anything clever or impressive).

Stefan GP have been clever by keeping it simple and buying Toyota's gear. I think both Campos and USF1 have made huge mistakes trying to go it alone. Virgin were smart also by just getting a car designed quickly and cheaply.

Doesn't matter if it's slow... as long as it's on the grid in a working condition. 'UK based' Virgin and Lotus F1 also demonstrate how good the Brits are at motorsport. Getting shit done!

Sums up how it will look.

http://www.formula1.com/news/technical/2010/0/720.html

Quote :

Like the Red Bull, the exhaust exits have been moved towards the rear of the car (large red arrow), whilst air from the gearbox radiator, which has been cooled with the help of air carefully channelled through the airbox (blue arrow), is also utilised for aerodynamic benefit. Directed towards the top of the rear wing's lower section and the diffuser (small red arrows), it intentionally interferes with airflow over these parts at certain speeds, causing them to stall.

Yup, intentional stalling, to reduce downforce and drag at high speeds, is quite common in F1.

Quote from tristancliffe :

Yup, intentional stalling, to reduce downforce and drag at high speeds, is quite common in F1.

I didn't know that, but it makes sense i guess in terms of drag.

US F1 insider: Hurley can save team

Quite a lot of 'inside' information. Sounds like there's conflict within the team already... not good at all.

Quote from MR_B :

Ferrari have decided to make enemies rather than friends this season, disrespecting new teams who are trying to bring new life into the sport....

http://www.ferrari.com/English ... chi_suona_la_campana.aspx

Ferrari don't have any respect for any other teams, they think F1 is all about them, and sadly so do the FIA and FOM.

I don't know about you but I'd still watch the new season if Ferrari wound up their race team tomorrow.

Oh yes definitely. It's just a shame that they're in such a powerful position yet they don't use it for the good of the sport.

Quote from diablo21 :

I can imagine that some teams will adress this ''wheel nut'' to the FIA. Since it's almost a wheel fairing.

whilst i hope it's not allowed i must admit it looks a lot better than the old style fairings, almost like an early 80's alloy wheel

according to BBC text, USF1 are looking pretty dead for this season, their youtube backer is apparently moving to campos

Quote from shaun463 :

Sums up how it will look.

You're pretty damn close there! A certain company which I may or may not work for...has decided to sponsor McLaren and Ferrari, as well as the usual entire Uk grand Prix etc etc...?!

Whatever, I'm breaking company ranks and going (Proton)Lotus

Quote from shaun463 :

Sums up how it will look.

That was the Canadian GP, right? Where like everyone crashed in the first turn. It was almost as bad the the GP start in SPA in ... 1998, I think.

That photo looks like its from malaysia 2003 actually. Nowhere near wet enough for spa 1998 and doesnt look like canada.

Isn't that photo from Indianapolis 2003?

And the big crash at Montreal that was like the Spa '98 crash was in the Star Mazda series not F1!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFTgdAsrvG0

F1 2010 has all the necessary ingredients to deliver one of those classic seasons that fans world-wide will talk about for many decades to come. It takes great drivers, great cars, and ridiculously idiotic rules to produce some of the very best racing you will ever see on this or indeed any other planet.





Ahem.

Yes, that's clearly Indy T2 and T3.

Quote :

Hurley pushing for Stefan-U.S. F1 merger
By ADAM COOPER

U.S. F1 shareholder Chad Hurley and Stefan GP boss Zoran Stefanovich are trying to put together a deal that would see their Formula One teams join forces and make it to the first race in Bahrain, sources have confirmed.

The logical scenario of a team with no car linking up with a team with no entry finally appears likely to unfold. Hurley has given up on pursuing a deal with Colin Kolles and Campos to pursue the Stefan talks.

The FIA will, in theory, have no problem in allowing Stefan onto the Bahrain grid if such a deal takes place before the start of the season. It would also support a name change, although other F1 stakeholders would also have to agree.

Life would be much easier for the FIA and its new president, Jean Todt, if a merger does go ahead. The alternative scenario--the cancelling of the U.S. F1 entry and a new bid process--would be far more complicated legally.

Meanwhile, Jacques Villeneuve is on standby and would be willing to sign up as teammate to Kazuki Nakajima, should the team get an entry.

However, AutoWeek understands that U.S. F1 founders Ken Anderson and Peter Windsor are not amenable to such a deal and still wish to pursue their dream of fielding an American car. However, since Hurley owns a significant stake in the team--and has more funds to put in--he presumably is in the driver's seat, and that may ultimately enable him to push the merger through.

In addition, the visit of Charlie Whiting to Charlotte, N.C., on Wednesday has given the FIA a clearer picture of what is going on there, and the governing body may now be in a position to force the issue and perhaps give Anderson and Windsor no alternative but to do a deal.

There could be more for Stefan GP to gain than just an entry. Stefan has a base in Belgrade, Serbia, and also has a foothold at the Toyota factory in Cologne. However, the U.S. F1 facility in Charlotte could still be of use as a manufacturing base. It may prove more economical to have parts made in the United States than by Toyota.

Ultimately there's also a question of the 2011 car, which won't necessarily be a Toyota product. U.S. F1 also has access to the Windshear wind-tunnel facility. If the Charlotte facilities are of use to Stefan, then jobs could be secure there.

Sources say that one Toyota/Stefan chassis is ready in Cologne but the second is not yet complete, and a total lack of back-up spares will make the early races difficult.

The engine will not be badged as a Toyota, although the company will send a handful of full-time staff members to races to support it. They are likely to be the only current Toyota employees to travel to the races with Stefan.

http://www.autoweek.com/article/20100226/F1/100229925

Anderson and Windsor needs to wise up already. In all honesty the merger would be fantastic and it would atleast enable some american effort in F1 and have the effort somewhat decent and not a complete laughing stock.

If this merger doesnt happen the likelihood of USF1 just being there this season is very low and if they do manage to get there they would be so underdeveloped there would be no real point anymore.

If Stefan is willing to merge that's a godsend already. If Anderson and Windsor wants a full US effort with a US car? Well...too bad, maybe you should have organized your team better...i mean, it's not like you were handed you FIA acceptance just now

It's already hard enough to get American folks interested in an entirely American F1 team, I don't see them retaining much interest in an American-Serbian team. Especially considering the lack of American drivers.

I don't see how USF1 expected in any way to make the first race. I mean, a few months ago what they had allegedly completed on the car was nothing more than the nose, and it looked like something you'd find on a 1995 F1.

I'd rather have less teams that know what they're doing than a grid full of under-financed teams that have no real idea what's going on at this level of racing.

Quote from boosterfire :

It's already hard enough to get American folks interested in an entirely American F1 team, I don't see them retaining much interest in an American-Serbian team. Especially considering the lack of American drivers.

I don't see how USF1 expected in any way to make the first race. I mean, a few months ago what they had allegedly completed on the car was nothing more than the nose, and it looked like something you'd find on a 1995 F1.

I'd rather have less teams that know what they're doing than a grid full of under-financed teams that have no real idea what's going on at this level of racing.

Do you think Lotus and Virgin both dont know what they are doing??

it seems that the only real true fail would probably be USF1 if they enter, and maybe campos if they dont hustle right now. As for an American-Serbian team...I think by now, just making the grid would be a reward enough...and combining resources would have USF1 a better chance at making a decent effort

Although...I can totally see Branson shooting some very sketchy porn with Lucas, Timo and that VR-01...and the team's name is Virgin F1...

Ferrari with shark fin.

http://www.f1sports.cz/assets/galleries/15243/_s7c2058.jpg

Quote from Zdenek CZE :

Ferrari with shark fin.

http://www.f1sports.cz/assets/galleries/15243/_s7c2058.jpg

Kind of like re-painted Renault. :hide: