Formula 1 2006 - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Rippley · 02-28-2006, 10:50 AM

Hey All,

So, let's get this sucker started. Bahrain is going to be kicking off the F1 season in about 2 weeks - what do you think is going to happen this year?

The grid is more open than it has been in a long time, thanks to the new V8's. No one has a lot of experience with them, and with pitstop tire changes back, I think we're in for a humdinger of a season. I predict the Japanese teams, Honda and Toyota, will be the ones to perform really well this year.

What say you?

laconic1 · 02-28-2006, 07:01 PM

I'm really glad that tire changes are back. I'd rather eliminate refueling than tire changes, but at least they figured out tire changes are not a bad thing. There are a couple more cars on the grid this year than there have been in recent years. For me the interesting thing will be if Toyota can contend for the world championship. It will also be interesting to see if Scott Speed can score any points this year.

AquaFox · 02-28-2006, 07:42 PM

its that close allready!?!?!

thats soo sweet

i'm hoping schmacher does good this year, and down with the japanese makers!!

Craven Morehead · 02-28-2006, 09:07 PM

Actually Cosworth who is supplying engines to Williams this year has immense racing experience with V-8s, as well as Toyota and Honda.

This should be an interesting season, at least at the beginning until each team gets the changes sorted out. By mid-season I expect some stability. Will be interesting to see how well Alonso does this year, since the team already knows he won't be back the next year. Which sets up a battle at McLaren, which driver will be kept? JPM or Kimi?

Scott Speed won't score any points no matter how good he is. The most he can hope for is to consistantly beat his team mate.

Craven Morehead · 02-28-2006, 09:39 PM

taken from SpeedTV.com

Quote:

Variables Aplenty in F1's 2006 Equation
Written by: Adam Cooper
Balen, Belgium – 2/28/2006

Less than two weeks remain before the 2006 World Championship kicks off in Bahrain, and that time will no doubt race by, much to the frustration of engineers who could do with just another week of testing.

For the rest of us the first race cannot come soon enough, for the start of the season promises to be fascinating. There’s much to catch the attention, and not just the arrival of the new 2.4-liter V8 engines. The grid will certainly look very different compared to last year, as four long established teams now have new identities, and there’s also a brand new 11th team in Super Aguri, which is likely to be woefully uncompetitive at the start of the season.

Then of course we have the new knockout qualifying system, which promises to be a thrilling event in its own right, as well as throwing in a degree of unpredictability. The other big change this year is a return to tire changes at pit stops, which will make strategy choices far more interesting than they were last year.

"The qualifying system is maybe complicated to explain to the people, but they will understand it after two or three races," says world champion Fernando Alonso. "The pit stops will maybe more fun for the people to watch. We will see, but I’m happy with the rule changes."

As pre-season testing in Europe winds down, it’s still impossible to predict with any certainty how the opening races will turn out. Some cars have speed and reliability, others have one or the other but not both, but even as ever testing doesn’t tell the full story. It’s been a very cold winter in Spain, so the miles run at Barcelona, Jerez and Valencia won’t tell the full story. Only three teams chose to test in the heat of Bahrain in February, and it will be interesting to see if they ultimately benefit from that decision.

The cars which make the podium in these early races won’t necessarily still set the pace once we get back to cooler climes in Europe. The rate of development at the major teams is now so extraordinary – Toyota has a revamped TF106B scheduled for Monaco – that as the season gets going, the picture could change dramatically.

A major set of changes always serves to shake things up. The switch to 2.4-liter V8 power for 2006 has of course proved to be a serious undertaking. Most engine men admit that they were able to carry over a lot of knowledge and even parts from the V10 era, but it is still a major challenge to meet performance and reliability targets.

The second race in Malaysia could be the single toughest test of the year for all the new engines. As last year, they have to last for two Grand Prix meetings. Thus anyone who finished the Bahrain GP will be using the same engine, and to have two of the hottest races right when the engines are still so new is the ultimate challenge, and it will be fascinating to see who has got it right.

Concerns over reliability won’t necessarily manifest themselves only in spectacular failures. The other signs will be drivers doing very few practice laps over the course of the weekend in order to save mileage (much easier for the teams with third drivers on Friday), while poor straight line speed figures leave nowhere to hide. Every team has the option to ‘de-tune’ its engines in order to increase longevity, although that does of course mean a loss of power – in Bahrain last year BMW and Williams had a cooling problem and the cars were hopelessly slow on the straights.

The downsizing to V8 power has had a much wider impact, and especially on aerodynamics. The emphasis has switched from finding every last scrap of downforce, to improving overall efficiency. The goal is to win back some of the straight line speed sapped by the power reduction. Handily, the smaller engines have also allowed designers to create tidier and less draggy rear ends, while the reduced cooling requirement has also favored drag reduction. All this means that the guys in the wind tunnels have been as busy as ever over the winter, and not all of them will have got it right.

Tires are of course the real key to what happens this year. The balance of power in the tire war has changed as Bridgestone now has five teams to the six of Michelin, having taken big players Toyota and Williams on board. Thus no longer is it basically Ferrari and Bridgestone versus the rest.

With the teams now shared out on a more equitable basis, Bridgestone is in a much stronger position, but it would be wrong to assume that the return of race tire changes will automatically see the Japanese company bounce back to where it was in 2004, or that Michelin will do a worse job than it did last season. The contest will no doubt ebb and flow as the year goes on.

Despite all the changes, winter testing has indicated that the reigning world champions are still in a pretty strong position. The new Renault R26 has looked good from the start, and it could well be the car to beat, although Honda and McLaren are in the picture, the latter having seemingly dug itself out of serious engine problems. As ever, Ferrari’s potential is closely linked to that of Bridgestone, and reliability problems in testing have not helped.

Bahrain should be a fascinating weekend, but so too will Malaysia the following week, as the new V8 engines come to the end of their first two-race cycle. Some people are going to be very nervous until the flag falls…

RACER Senior Writer Adam Cooper has not missed a Grand Prix since Suzuka in October 1994. His interest in motorsports was sparked at an early age, and as a dedicated James Hunt fan, he persuaded his folks to take him to his first F1 race at age 10. In his early teens he served as gofer for a local racer who fielded a March Formula 2 car on a shoestring budget.

Adam has written books about Michael Schumacher, Eddie Irvine and 1960s racer Piers Courage, and currently writes for Road & Track and RACER magazines.

bobby · 03-01-2006, 07:43 AM

I ,for one,am pumped about the comming season.....Ferrari will have to work hard,but I see them as the dark horse that will emerge at the end of the season ahead of the rest.....Shuey is the best,smartest driver around and will make the most of that!....

............let's keep in touch over the comming months! love ya all, bobby xoxoxoo

Craven Morehead · 03-01-2006, 08:12 AM

Cool on you bobby, didn't know you followed F1. We had a somewhat growing thread here last year on F1, got updated after each race but kind of fell apart towards the end of the season for lack of interest. We need to revive that this year!

powerclown · 03-03-2006, 07:47 PM

Thanks for the pre-season update. Looking forward to the new teams, new colors, new V8 engine sounds, new drivers.
Hopefully we'll have some good, close racing this year. Go Raikkonen!

superiorrain · 03-04-2006, 02:54 PM

Well... this year i was beaten on opening the thread. Lets hope that this year is has a few more posters.

After all the politics of the winter, the formation of new teams, drivers desperately hoping for a drive (sato - can't believe he is back) and new cars and quali rules, it is all setting up to be an excellent season. As for predictions, it is impossible to give any afterall testing never produces reliable data for the fans. I'm of course hoping it is Jensons season, he needs to do something season or he'll just fade into darkness.

I'm thinking that Ferrari will come out strong, especially as many are saying it's michael last year. I'm so excited, one week and counting.....bring it on finally the dark and cold winter is behind us...let us see the light and let us know that it will be good.

Serpent · 03-04-2006, 09:03 PM

suposidly the lump in the back of the williams car (the cosworth one) is the one with the most hp on the grid. However, it might not be the lightest so i am not sure about the hp/weight ratio of just the engine.

Craven Morehead · 03-04-2006, 10:34 PM

And speaking of Williams/Cosworth. Take a look at what happens when you lop off two cylinders. Look at the fin as it extends back from the airbox.

pictures removed

Craven Morehead · 03-04-2006, 10:35 PM

Honda

pictures removed

Craven Morehead · 03-04-2006, 10:37 PM

Ferrari

pictures removed

Craven Morehead · 03-04-2006, 10:40 PM

McLaren - orange for testing only - have to find the pictures of the totally blinged out race livery

pictures removed

Craven Morehead · 03-04-2006, 10:41 PM

BMW Sauber

pictures removed

Craven Morehead · 03-04-2006, 10:44 PM

Renault

pictures removed

Craven Morehead · 03-04-2006, 10:45 PM

Midland (RIP Jordan)

picture removed

Craven Morehead · 03-04-2006, 10:47 PM

McLaren - in total bling mode

pictures removed

Craven Morehead · 03-04-2006, 10:49 PM

New Ferrari front wing was found to be worth .3 sec in testing. Huge!!

picture removed

Craven Morehead · 03-04-2006, 10:51 PM

Super Aguri (an updated Arrows maybe)

needs more everything

pictures removed

blade02 · 03-04-2006, 11:10 PM

I just wish F1 coverage was easier to get in the US. Speed Vision used to be real good about it. But since the change to Speed Channel, they've dropped WRC, and have less and less F1 coverage. Its hard for me to keep track of it, when all I can find on tv are TV shows about chopper motorcyles and NASCAR. (Dont get me wrong I like NASCAR, but I only need about an hour of info after qualifying on Friday night and the race, not 24 hour 7 day a week coverage.) I also need my weekly update on F1 and race coverage, but thats harder to come by.

edit: because I got Speed Vision and Channel out of order.

powerclown · 03-06-2006, 12:52 PM

Man I don't know about the McLaren...it looks ridiculous in pictures, but it might look fantastic out on track. The Renault: like the color scheme, too many wings everywhere. BMW/Sauber and SuperAguri both look equally boring. The Ferrari looks like it hasn't changed in 6-7 years. The Williams looks great - not too excited about the Cosworth engines though. Could be a long year for Williams. Thanks for the pics.

bobby · 03-07-2006, 07:45 PM

MARK YOUR CALENDARS...............XOXOXOO

2006 FORMULA ONE SCHEDULE

March 12 Bahrain, Speed, 6 a.m.
March 18 Malaysia, Speed, 1:30 a.m.
April 1 Australia, Speed, 10:30 p.m.
April 23 San Marino, CBS, 1 p.m. (SD)
May 7 Europe (Nürburgring), Speed, 7:30 a.m.
May 14 Spain, CBS, 1 p.m. (SD)
May 28 Monaco, CBS, 1 p.m. (SD)
June 11 Great Britain, CBS, 1 p.m. (SD)
June 25 Canada, Speed, 12:30 p.m.
July 2 United States, Speed, 1:30 p.m.
July 16 France, Speed, 7:30 a.m.
July 30 Germany, Speed, 7:30 a.m.
Aug. 6 Hungary, Speed, 7:30 a.m.
Aug. 27 Turkey, Speed, 7:30 a.m.
Sept. 10 Italy, Speed, 7:30 a.m.
Oct. 1 China, Speed, 12:30 a.m.
Oct. 8 Japan, Speed, 1:30 a.m.
Oct. 22 Brazil, Speed, 12:30 p.m.

All times are Eastern

bobby · 03-07-2006, 07:57 PM

Qualifying
One of the biggest and most anticipated changes affects qualifying. A shootout format replaces the almost universally criticized one-car, single-lap system. This is intended to shake up the grid as single-lap qualifying often did, yet bring back the excitement and gunslinger nature of the one-hour, 12-lap, fastest-man-standing system used until the end of 2002. Here’s how the new knockout format works:

Part I

All 22 cars may run unlimited laps during the first 15 minutes of a one-hour session. Afterward the six slowest cars can no longer participate; they will make up the last six grid places according to their times.

Part II

Times are reset after a five-minute break, and the 16 remaining cars compete in another 15-minute session with no lap limitation. The six slowest cars are eliminated again and fill in places 11 through 16.

Part III

Following another break, the times are reset for a final 20-minute, unlimited-lap shootout between the 10 remaining cars. This group decides pole position and the top 10 grid positions.

The catch

Cars may run with any amount of fuel in the first two 15-minute sessions. Cars eliminated after these two sessions may refuel to any level ahead of the race.

Also, with the two-race-per-engine rule still in effect, the bottom 12 cars will put fewer miles on their engines.

The top 10 drivers must start the final 20-minute session with the fuel load they intend to start the race with. (Could starting 11th for a top team be an advantage?) Each car will be weighed before it leaves the pits, and the fuel used during the session may be replaced at its conclusion.

But because teams must start the session with their race fuel loads, and cars go faster as fuel is burned, you can expect teams to run more laps to lighten the fuel load. This also may see some teams compromising their race strategy for the sake of a good start position, and piling up excess mileage on their engines.

Craven Morehead · 03-07-2006, 10:09 PM

drop the flag, I'm ready

powerclown · 03-08-2006, 09:09 AM

I like the new (old) qualifying rules.
Having all the cars on track at the same time during qualifying was always exciting to see.

superiorrain · 03-08-2006, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by powerclown

I like the new (old) qualifying rules.
Having all the cars on track at the same time during qualifying was always exciting to see.

Amen, to that brother. Also nice to see the tyre change coming back.

I'm like the bling of the McLaren, i like shiney things. Only 4 days till some action, it's like losing my varginity all over again.

Craven Morehead · 03-09-2006, 02:48 PM

Suderia Torro Rosso - RIP Minardi

pictures removed

Craven Morehead · 03-09-2006, 02:54 PM

In the pictures notice how much stronger the suspension arms are as opposed to the previous years. I can't recall who it happened to last year, but there was at least one suspension failure resulting in some scary accidents. These are all carbon fiber pieces and if compromised they will lose all load bearing capabilities in an instant, unlike a metallic piece. Not only does each piece bear the weight of the car but also is designed to flex acting almost like a damper/shock absorber. Other open wheel formulas do not have these pieces hard mounted as in F1, they are mounted on a pivot point with the suspension designed completely different. Probably costs a small fortune for each one!

Craven Morehead · 03-10-2006, 12:51 PM

very cool paint job

picture removed

superiorrain · 03-10-2006, 01:29 PM

Looks like Ferrari are feeling confident after signing a new test treaty which will limit their testing. We all now know that they didn't want to do that last year because they were rubbish. Anyway about 13 hours and qualifying will finally start. Lets hope that it will live up to the hype on the TFP.

AquaFox · 03-11-2006, 12:34 PM

very cool pictures, but ahhhh darn am i not used to seeing that ferrari sporting that number 5.....!!!!

superiorrain · 03-12-2006, 08:30 AM

What a cool race. Nice to see the old master against the new. Even better was all the battles in the middle of the field. I think that Alonso was a deserved winner, it truelly was an excellent proformance by the team. Michael looks like he's finding his groove again, which will make this season even better than last year.

I though Kimi done a fab job in coming through the field. He has shown yet again that he never gives up the ghost. It was a shame that Jenson has such a bad start, but then again if you want to be champion then you have to learn the get off the line first.

Rosberg at aged 20 (i think), what a race he had. He kept it real thoughout the whole race and took his chances. My driver of the day... looks like there will be more to come from him. Webber had a soild proformance but i still think that he'll never make it to the top of F1.

Final words: I'm so happy that F1 is about racing again. However, i still can't believe Sato got a drive.

Roll on next week.

powerclown · 03-12-2006, 10:11 AM

Yes, a pretty exciting race...good to see F1 back again in 2006.

Raikkonen with an excellent drive...what would he have done from pole, then?!? Lap the field a few times? The new McLaren looks good out there...the bright red flashes on the front/rear wings really make it stand out nicely.

Quite surprised to see Schumacher running so hard at age 37. Great stuff. He gave 24 year-old Alonso a good fight - one mistake from Alonso and Schumacher would have won. No slowing down yet for MS.

Nico Rosberg: 1st F1 race, fastest race lap. IMPRESSIVE. I like this guys driving style, seems very very talented. So young too, yes. The LeBron James of F1??? Webber with a good finish as well - the Cosworth V8 looking surprisingly good so far. Great looking car.

I don't think Super Aguri has any business in F1..what a disaster of a team. I think I heard them say the chassis is from the 2001 Arrows...what??? This Ide dunce nearly takes out half his pit team on a stop. Not good! Too bad for Sato - I would have liked to see him at BAR for one more year, but he's finished in F1.

Poor Toyota...maybe they need to spend their hundreds of millions in NASCAR instead...oh wait...

Craven Morehead · 03-12-2006, 11:15 AM

Great race. Rosberg impressed the hell out of me. They guy won't back down. Kimi, Fernando, Michael were all at their best -- as usual.

Did I say great race? So glad the season's started!!!!

PS - let's retire this thread since I put so many pictures in it, its slow to load. How about a new thread each race?

powerclown · 03-12-2006, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craven Morehead

PS - let's retire this thread since I put so many pictures in it, its slow to load. How about a new thread each race?

Sounds good here...maybe we can rename this thread F1 Photos or something more...colorful, as a place to put various images of F1 that come during the season? (F1 Babes...winkwinknudgenudge...)

Rippley · 03-12-2006, 12:27 PM

Just wanted to second the comments on Rosberg. He's my new favorite talent. Everyone else on good form. Disappointed by Barichello and Ralf, though. They could have done better. And what a shame for Fisichella. He's finally in a decent car, and the damn thing loses hydraulic pressure... That has to suck.

I'm all for starting a new thread for each race. Bring it on!

superiorrain · 03-12-2006, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craven Morehead

PS - let's retire this thread since I put so many pictures in it, its slow to load. How about a new thread each race?

You certainly did slow the whole thread down with your pictures

May i suggest that we could just axe the pictures out of this thread. I think if we open a thread for every race we will be in danger of either losing people due to thread fatigue or simply the thread won't be filled as it should be. Just my thoughts.

Of course if a new thread is open for every race, i'd follow. I just like the central thread that's all.

Can't believe we are racing again next week. I'm truely living for the weekend.

Arachnid · 03-12-2006, 02:25 PM

April 1 Australia, Speed, 10:30 p.m.

this is the one im attending

its allways a great day
'

Cheers

Craven Morehead · 03-12-2006, 07:59 PM

pictures removed

02-28-2006, 10:50 AM	#1 (permalink)
Rippley Insane	Formula 1 2006 Hey All, So, let's get this sucker started. Bahrain is going to be kicking off the F1 season in about 2 weeks - what do you think is going to happen this year? The grid is more open than it has been in a long time, thanks to the new V8's. No one has a lot of experience with them, and with pitstop tire changes back, I think we're in for a humdinger of a season. I predict the Japanese teams, Honda and Toyota, will be the ones to perform really well this year. What say you? __________________ roadrazer - 300kgs, 300hp = pure fun.

02-28-2006, 07:42 PM	#3 (permalink)
AquaFox WaterDog	its that close allready!?!?! thats soo sweet i'm hoping schmacher does good this year, and down with the japanese makers!! __________________ ...AquaFox...

03-01-2006, 07:43 AM	#6 (permalink)
bobby Super Moderator Location: 18,000+ posts on TFP #1,2,3,4 and 5,but I'm not counting!	I ,for one,am pumped about the comming season.....Ferrari will have to work hard,but I see them as the dark horse that will emerge at the end of the season ahead of the rest.....Shuey is the best,smartest driver around and will make the most of that!.... ............let's keep in touch over the comming months! love ya all, bobby xoxoxoo __________________ "Life goes on,within you,and...with out you !" xoxoxoo

03-04-2006, 02:54 PM	#9 (permalink)
superiorrain Psycho Location: London	Well... this year i was beaten on opening the thread. Lets hope that this year is has a few more posters. After all the politics of the winter, the formation of new teams, drivers desperately hoping for a drive (sato - can't believe he is back) and new cars and quali rules, it is all setting up to be an excellent season. As for predictions, it is impossible to give any afterall testing never produces reliable data for the fans. I'm of course hoping it is Jensons season, he needs to do something season or he'll just fade into darkness. I'm thinking that Ferrari will come out strong, especially as many are saying it's michael last year. I'm so excited, one week and counting.....bring it on finally the dark and cold winter is behind us...let us see the light and let us know that it will be good. __________________ "The only way to discover the limits of the possible is to go beyond them into the impossible." - Arthur C. Clarke

03-04-2006, 10:34 PM	#11 (permalink)
Craven Morehead Custom User Title	And speaking of Williams/Cosworth. Take a look at what happens when you lop off two cylinders. Look at the fin as it extends back from the airbox. pictures removed Last edited by Craven Morehead; 03-12-2006 at 07:54 PM..

02-28-2006, 07:01 PM	#2 (permalink)
laconic1 Junkie	I'm really glad that tire changes are back. I'd rather eliminate refueling than tire changes, but at least they figured out tire changes are not a bad thing. There are a couple more cars on the grid this year than there have been in recent years. For me the interesting thing will be if Toyota can contend for the world championship. It will also be interesting to see if Scott Speed can score any points this year.

02-28-2006, 09:07 PM	#4 (permalink)
Craven Morehead Custom User Title	Actually Cosworth who is supplying engines to Williams this year has immense racing experience with V-8s, as well as Toyota and Honda. This should be an interesting season, at least at the beginning until each team gets the changes sorted out. By mid-season I expect some stability. Will be interesting to see how well Alonso does this year, since the team already knows he won't be back the next year. Which sets up a battle at McLaren, which driver will be kept? JPM or Kimi? Scott Speed won't score any points no matter how good he is. The most he can hope for is to consistantly beat his team mate.

03-01-2006, 08:12 AM	#7 (permalink)
Craven Morehead Custom User Title	Cool on you bobby, didn't know you followed F1. We had a somewhat growing thread here last year on F1, got updated after each race but kind of fell apart towards the end of the season for lack of interest. We need to revive that this year!

03-03-2006, 07:47 PM	#8 (permalink)
powerclown Junkie Location: Detroit, MI	Thanks for the pre-season update. Looking forward to the new teams, new colors, new V8 engine sounds, new drivers. Hopefully we'll have some good, close racing this year. Go Raikkonen!

03-04-2006, 09:03 PM	#10 (permalink)
Serpent Insane Location: florida	suposidly the lump in the back of the williams car (the cosworth one) is the one with the most hp on the grid. However, it might not be the lightest so i am not sure about the hp/weight ratio of just the engine.

03-04-2006, 10:35 PM	#12 (permalink)
Craven Morehead Custom User Title	Honda pictures removed Last edited by Craven Morehead; 03-12-2006 at 07:54 PM..

03-04-2006, 10:37 PM	#13 (permalink)
Craven Morehead Custom User Title	Ferrari pictures removed Last edited by Craven Morehead; 03-12-2006 at 07:55 PM..

03-04-2006, 10:40 PM	#14 (permalink)
Craven Morehead Custom User Title	McLaren - orange for testing only - have to find the pictures of the totally blinged out race livery pictures removed Last edited by Craven Morehead; 03-12-2006 at 07:55 PM..

03-04-2006, 10:41 PM	#15 (permalink)
Craven Morehead Custom User Title	BMW Sauber pictures removed Last edited by Craven Morehead; 03-12-2006 at 07:55 PM..

03-04-2006, 10:44 PM	#16 (permalink)
Craven Morehead Custom User Title	Renault pictures removed Last edited by Craven Morehead; 03-12-2006 at 07:56 PM..

03-04-2006, 10:45 PM	#17 (permalink)
Craven Morehead Custom User Title	Midland (RIP Jordan) picture removed Last edited by Craven Morehead; 03-12-2006 at 07:56 PM..

03-04-2006, 10:47 PM	#18 (permalink)
Craven Morehead Custom User Title	McLaren - in total bling mode pictures removed Last edited by Craven Morehead; 03-12-2006 at 07:57 PM..

03-04-2006, 10:49 PM	#19 (permalink)
Craven Morehead Custom User Title	New Ferrari front wing was found to be worth .3 sec in testing. Huge!! picture removed Last edited by Craven Morehead; 03-12-2006 at 07:57 PM..

03-04-2006, 10:51 PM	#20 (permalink)
Craven Morehead Custom User Title	Super Aguri (an updated Arrows maybe) needs more everything pictures removed Last edited by Craven Morehead; 03-12-2006 at 07:57 PM..

03-04-2006, 11:10 PM	#21 (permalink)
blade02 Insane	I just wish F1 coverage was easier to get in the US. Speed Vision used to be real good about it. But since the change to Speed Channel, they've dropped WRC, and have less and less F1 coverage. Its hard for me to keep track of it, when all I can find on tv are TV shows about chopper motorcyles and NASCAR. (Dont get me wrong I like NASCAR, but I only need about an hour of info after qualifying on Friday night and the race, not 24 hour 7 day a week coverage.) I also need my weekly update on F1 and race coverage, but thats harder to come by. edit: because I got Speed Vision and Channel out of order.

03-06-2006, 12:52 PM	#22 (permalink)
powerclown Junkie Location: Detroit, MI	Man I don't know about the McLaren...it looks ridiculous in pictures, but it might look fantastic out on track. The Renault: like the color scheme, too many wings everywhere. BMW/Sauber and SuperAguri both look equally boring. The Ferrari looks like it hasn't changed in 6-7 years. The Williams looks great - not too excited about the Cosworth engines though. Could be a long year for Williams. Thanks for the pics.

03-07-2006, 07:45 PM	#23 (permalink)
bobby Super Moderator Location: 18,000+ posts on TFP #1,2,3,4 and 5,but I'm not counting!	MARK YOUR CALENDARS...............XOXOXOO 2006 FORMULA ONE SCHEDULE March 12 Bahrain, Speed, 6 a.m. March 18 Malaysia, Speed, 1:30 a.m. April 1 Australia, Speed, 10:30 p.m. April 23 San Marino, CBS, 1 p.m. (SD) May 7 Europe (Nürburgring), Speed, 7:30 a.m. May 14 Spain, CBS, 1 p.m. (SD) May 28 Monaco, CBS, 1 p.m. (SD) June 11 Great Britain, CBS, 1 p.m. (SD) June 25 Canada, Speed, 12:30 p.m. July 2 United States, Speed, 1:30 p.m. July 16 France, Speed, 7:30 a.m. July 30 Germany, Speed, 7:30 a.m. Aug. 6 Hungary, Speed, 7:30 a.m. Aug. 27 Turkey, Speed, 7:30 a.m. Sept. 10 Italy, Speed, 7:30 a.m. Oct. 1 China, Speed, 12:30 a.m. Oct. 8 Japan, Speed, 1:30 a.m. Oct. 22 Brazil, Speed, 12:30 p.m. All times are Eastern __________________ "Life goes on,within you,and...with out you !" xoxoxoo

03-07-2006, 07:57 PM	#24 (permalink)
bobby Super Moderator Location: 18,000+ posts on TFP #1,2,3,4 and 5,but I'm not counting!	Qualifying One of the biggest and most anticipated changes affects qualifying. A shootout format replaces the almost universally criticized one-car, single-lap system. This is intended to shake up the grid as single-lap qualifying often did, yet bring back the excitement and gunslinger nature of the one-hour, 12-lap, fastest-man-standing system used until the end of 2002. Here’s how the new knockout format works: Part I All 22 cars may run unlimited laps during the first 15 minutes of a one-hour session. Afterward the six slowest cars can no longer participate; they will make up the last six grid places according to their times. Part II Times are reset after a five-minute break, and the 16 remaining cars compete in another 15-minute session with no lap limitation. The six slowest cars are eliminated again and fill in places 11 through 16. Part III Following another break, the times are reset for a final 20-minute, unlimited-lap shootout between the 10 remaining cars. This group decides pole position and the top 10 grid positions. The catch Cars may run with any amount of fuel in the first two 15-minute sessions. Cars eliminated after these two sessions may refuel to any level ahead of the race. Also, with the two-race-per-engine rule still in effect, the bottom 12 cars will put fewer miles on their engines. The top 10 drivers must start the final 20-minute session with the fuel load they intend to start the race with. (Could starting 11th for a top team be an advantage?) Each car will be weighed before it leaves the pits, and the fuel used during the session may be replaced at its conclusion. But because teams must start the session with their race fuel loads, and cars go faster as fuel is burned, you can expect teams to run more laps to lighten the fuel load. This also may see some teams compromising their race strategy for the sake of a good start position, and piling up excess mileage on their engines. __________________ "Life goes on,within you,and...with out you !" xoxoxoo

03-07-2006, 10:09 PM	#25 (permalink)
Craven Morehead Custom User Title	drop the flag, I'm ready

03-08-2006, 09:09 AM	#26 (permalink)
powerclown Junkie Location: Detroit, MI	I like the new (old) qualifying rules. Having all the cars on track at the same time during qualifying was always exciting to see.

03-09-2006, 02:48 PM	#28 (permalink)
Craven Morehead Custom User Title	Suderia Torro Rosso - RIP Minardi pictures removed Last edited by Craven Morehead; 03-12-2006 at 07:58 PM..

03-09-2006, 02:54 PM	#29 (permalink)
Craven Morehead Custom User Title	In the pictures notice how much stronger the suspension arms are as opposed to the previous years. I can't recall who it happened to last year, but there was at least one suspension failure resulting in some scary accidents. These are all carbon fiber pieces and if compromised they will lose all load bearing capabilities in an instant, unlike a metallic piece. Not only does each piece bear the weight of the car but also is designed to flex acting almost like a damper/shock absorber. Other open wheel formulas do not have these pieces hard mounted as in F1, they are mounted on a pivot point with the suspension designed completely different. Probably costs a small fortune for each one!

03-10-2006, 12:51 PM	#30 (permalink)
Craven Morehead Custom User Title	very cool paint job picture removed Last edited by Craven Morehead; 03-12-2006 at 07:58 PM..

03-10-2006, 01:29 PM	#31 (permalink)
superiorrain Psycho Location: London	Looks like Ferrari are feeling confident after signing a new test treaty which will limit their testing. We all now know that they didn't want to do that last year because they were rubbish. Anyway about 13 hours and qualifying will finally start. Lets hope that it will live up to the hype on the TFP. __________________ "The only way to discover the limits of the possible is to go beyond them into the impossible." - Arthur C. Clarke

03-11-2006, 12:34 PM	#32 (permalink)
AquaFox WaterDog	very cool pictures, but ahhhh darn am i not used to seeing that ferrari sporting that number 5.....!!!! __________________ ...AquaFox...

03-12-2006, 08:30 AM	#33 (permalink)
superiorrain Psycho Location: London	What a cool race. Nice to see the old master against the new. Even better was all the battles in the middle of the field. I think that Alonso was a deserved winner, it truelly was an excellent proformance by the team. Michael looks like he's finding his groove again, which will make this season even better than last year. I though Kimi done a fab job in coming through the field. He has shown yet again that he never gives up the ghost. It was a shame that Jenson has such a bad start, but then again if you want to be champion then you have to learn the get off the line first. Rosberg at aged 20 (i think), what a race he had. He kept it real thoughout the whole race and took his chances. My driver of the day... looks like there will be more to come from him. Webber had a soild proformance but i still think that he'll never make it to the top of F1. Final words: I'm so happy that F1 is about racing again. However, i still can't believe Sato got a drive. Roll on next week. __________________ "The only way to discover the limits of the possible is to go beyond them into the impossible." - Arthur C. Clarke

03-12-2006, 10:11 AM	#34 (permalink)
powerclown Junkie Location: Detroit, MI	Yes, a pretty exciting race...good to see F1 back again in 2006. Raikkonen with an excellent drive...what would he have done from pole, then?!? Lap the field a few times? The new McLaren looks good out there...the bright red flashes on the front/rear wings really make it stand out nicely. Quite surprised to see Schumacher running so hard at age 37. Great stuff. He gave 24 year-old Alonso a good fight - one mistake from Alonso and Schumacher would have won. No slowing down yet for MS. Nico Rosberg: 1st F1 race, fastest race lap. IMPRESSIVE. I like this guys driving style, seems very very talented. So young too, yes. The LeBron James of F1??? Webber with a good finish as well - the Cosworth V8 looking surprisingly good so far. Great looking car. I don't think Super Aguri has any business in F1..what a disaster of a team. I think I heard them say the chassis is from the 2001 Arrows...what??? This Ide dunce nearly takes out half his pit team on a stop. Not good! Too bad for Sato - I would have liked to see him at BAR for one more year, but he's finished in F1. Poor Toyota...maybe they need to spend their hundreds of millions in NASCAR instead...oh wait... Last edited by powerclown; 03-12-2006 at 12:01 PM..

03-12-2006, 11:15 AM	#35 (permalink)
Craven Morehead Custom User Title	Great race. Rosberg impressed the hell out of me. They guy won't back down. Kimi, Fernando, Michael were all at their best -- as usual. Did I say great race? So glad the season's started!!!! PS - let's retire this thread since I put so many pictures in it, its slow to load. How about a new thread each race?

03-12-2006, 12:27 PM	#37 (permalink)
Rippley Insane	Just wanted to second the comments on Rosberg. He's my new favorite talent. Everyone else on good form. Disappointed by Barichello and Ralf, though. They could have done better. And what a shame for Fisichella. He's finally in a decent car, and the damn thing loses hydraulic pressure... That has to suck. I'm all for starting a new thread for each race. Bring it on! __________________ roadrazer - 300kgs, 300hp = pure fun.

03-12-2006, 02:25 PM	#39 (permalink)
Arachnid Crazy Location: Melb - Australia	April 1 Australia, Speed, 10:30 p.m. this is the one im attending its allways a great day ' Cheers __________________ -------------------- Cheers