You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
yeah we've seen things like it before, but the ones this year seem to be another step into unusual shapes
The ripples could be a bit of misdirection - if they were a big performance influence then they'd not have shown the real floor until the first test, but they're front and centre in all the pictures so will get everyone going 'ooh fancy floor what's that do' and wasting time trying to understand how/why Merc have done that.
Re. the ripples, according to scarbs:
https://twitter.com/ScarbsTech/status/1494606303456550915
https://twitter.com/ScarbsTech/status/1494611836628619265
So, McLaren went with pullrod front suspension and pushrod rear, everyone else did the opposite.
Didn't Ferrari use to use pullrod at the front?
if they were a big performance influence then they’d not have shown the real floor until the first test,
Not so sure. The first test is next Wednesday and given how integral the floor is to the aero the other teams won't have time to react before then. The cars are a homogenous aerodynamic package and it takes time to change even a small detail and have that detail integrate with the rest of the package.
Coupled with the cost cap and restrictions to how much of the package can be changed I don't think a 3 or 4 day lead time will amount to much one way or the other even if the other teams did think it was worth copying.
Watched an interesting tale on the McLaren pull-rod front. It’s suggested that the depth of previous nose designs is an influence; as previously shallow nose designs loaded the suspension in a way unfavourable to pull rod designs. Now that section of the nose is deeper, the loading is not so much of an issue, and the advantages of the design (mostly aero) start to be more positively influential.
although it has to be said, the McLaren engineering team have said ( about the fact they’re the only team doing this) “either it’s really great and we’ve stolen a lead, or really bad and we’ve done our sums wrong”
I think that with Masi being sacked we need to accept what Hamilton said and move on. Either Max or Lewis would have been a worthy champion. It didn't work out for Lewis, but Max didn't do anything wrong and it's time to drop it.
https://twitter.com/adamcooperF1/status/1494654698846146564
Sounds like no boxes of tissues were needed at the car launch! 🙂
Sponsored by Apple I believe. The i-wipe.
thols2
Free MemberI think that with Masi being sacked we need to accept what Hamilton said and move on. Either Max or Lewis would have been a worthy champion. It didn’t work out for Lewis, but Max didn’t do anything wrong and it’s time to drop it.
I never held Max responsible whatsoever. If the FIA come out and admit it was an error and make decent revisions to ensure it doesn't happen again then maybe I'll forget about it. Otherwise nope, the sport continues to be diminished in my eyes. I'm optimistic about the changes announced so far though.
The only beef I have with Max is the tedious running-off-the-track manoeuvre he does every single time which is ruining the racing.
The only beef I have with Max...
...is Max.
If the FIA come out and admit it was an error and make decent revisions to ensure it doesn’t happen again then maybe I’ll forget about it.
They sacked Masi. That's what you're going to get.
thols2
They sacked Masi. That’s what you’re going to get.
Better than nothing. I wish they'd publish the report. I hate this behind closed doors bullshit. Same with the Ferrari engine thing.
Anyway the W13 is out on track 😎
After the tailwind?
I think that with Masi being sacked we need to accept what Hamilton said and move on. Either Max or Lewis would have been a worthy champion. It didn’t work out for Lewis, but Max didn’t do anything wrong and it’s time to drop it
Worthy sentiment and if the FIA have done enough to knock this on the head, people will forget about it. If they haven't and people still feel aggrieved about last year's shit show, then unfortunately it's going to keep raising it's ugly head, even if we don't want it to. That's just how these things work unfortunately
Surely taking over Haas would've been a much better idea than starting from scratch. That would have come with a Ferrari engine deal, whereas he's going to be stuck with a Renault now. That probably means that Gene Haas asked for too much, which hopefully he's decided it's worth staying in F1 for the long term. The alternative is probably that Haas has already done a deal with Mazepin's dad.
https://twitter.com/MarioAndretti/status/1494772955712135170
Interesting. Must admit I thought the 200m thing would prevent any new teams joining.
Apparently the $200m is negotiable. If an entry can persuade the F1 management people that it is viable and will increase the value of the sport, it can be reduced or waived entirely. I assume that Andretti thinks that he can persuade the engine suppliers and marketing people that having a credible American team would be worth more than $200m.
Also, I think Andretti are part owners in an Australian Supercars team along with the Walkinshaw family and Zac Brown. Having a friendly relationship with McLaren might make things easier, the obvious thing to do would be to buy as many components in to start with and lease windtunnel time instead of building a new one.
Got to be the best looking crop of cars in……….. I don’t even know years
Got to be the best looking crop of cars in……….. I don’t even know years
Yes, the AM was stunning, none of them look terrible.
I'm actually enjoying the zaniness of the Ferrari. Literally none of it makes sense! Amazing 👍
Surely taking over Haas would’ve been a much better idea than starting from scratch. That would have come with a Ferrari engine deal, whereas he’s going to be stuck with a Renault now. That probably means that Gene Haas asked for too much, which hopefully he’s decided it’s worth staying in F1 for the long term. The alternative is probably that Haas has already done a deal with Mazepin’s dad.
A new team to liven up the field! Another thing to look forward too. Between that and the exciting new designs coming out this year it's nice to have something positive to talk about for a change!!
What do we think to the new "show and tell" media sessions? I'm intrigued as to how obscure they can be about changes while still adhering to the requirement to disclose upgrades. Also I feel sorry for the likes of Scarbs who apparently used to be able to spot that Redbull had added an extra 5mm slot in the floor or whatever - now everyone will be told.
Eddie Jordan’s comments in that bbc article on the previous page are absolutely wild! Hamilton is too nice which allowed Verstappen to “steal” the title.. WTF?! Ahhhh well aye mate, so if Hamilton had been a dickhead then he’d have his 8th WDC.. righto..
I mean I’m not sure why I’m surprised.. He then goes on to say he’s too nice and nice guys don’t win titles 🤣 talking about the most successful F1 driver of all time. Mentalist
So McLaren and Red Bull running pull-rod front suspension, AT running pushrod like everyone else. I guess the benefits of either system are fairly small and not going to be decisive.
https://twitter.com/ScarbsTech/status/1495362445820538886
The folks at Alpine have been watching too much Disney.
Looking at the Haas today it’s loaded with little detail touches - this Alpine looks very conventional. Alonso could find himself propping up the back of the grid! 🤣🤣
The alternate scheme for Alpine for the first two races makes my eyes hurt, but at least Mazepin can't claim "I didn't see it in my mirrors".
We've a test this week, which will be an anti-climax given the Bahrain gig, so I expect that teams will be using Barcelona to verify that their real world data is in line with their sim predictions. Those teams who quickly establish confidence in their pre-season number crunching can get an early march on the finer details. Some teams will have an early advantage, some won't.
Now Planet F1's slide into irrelevance has gone into free fall with mandated sign up, which F1 news sites are we all using?
the-race.com
Racefans.net
Motorsport.com
Scarbstech on twitter
PlanetF1 is just tabloid F1! 😀
Still looks free to me though? 🤔
or for insider information, William Storey's twitter account.
William Storey’s twitter account.
That ghastly bell is retweeting Toby Young, another ghastly bell. Any chance of a summary?
Anyone else sad interested enough to be really excited about testing?
Sky F1 warming up ready for tomorrow 🙂
I'm always excited by testing! 🙂
Definitely. Feels like the beginning of the hybrid era, but we can be comfortable knowing that the cars will actually drive!
Disappointed that they're effectively running the first test behind closed doors - it'll be interesting to see what gets released each day. I just hope nobody's 'Done a Brawn' - especially RedBull! (or 'Done a Honda' either)
(or ‘Done a Honda’ either)
Remind me- what did Honda do?
Done a Brawn - Found an interpretation in the rules that allows for a massive advantage
Done a Honda - Come back into F1 after much razzamatazz to found out to be all fur coat and no knickers
I just hope nobody’s ‘Done a Brawn’
Oh I don't know, it would be nice if Williams have.
Renault will have done a Honda - new car, new engine, new aero, new bosses - it has forward facing exhausts written all over it! 🙂
it’ll be interesting to see what gets released each day.
Sky F1 have a 30 mini daily summary at 8pm Weds-Friday.
Renault will have done a Honda – new car, new engine, new aero, new bosses – it has forward facing exhausts written all over it! 🙂
Haha!
Alpha Tauri on track - is that a split in the floor?
[img] 
[/img]
https://www.racefans.net/2022/02/22/first-pictures-new-alphatauri-at03-makes-track-debut-at-misano/
Anyone else taking a while to get used to the stance of these cars? I think they look good but at first glance the front wing looks miles up in the air and the rear wing is lower than I expect it.
Stance is fine to my eyes - I hated the high take cars.
Rear wings still look odd though, fine from the side but from some front views they look massive and ugly to me - like this…
[img] 
[/img]
Disappointed that they’re effectively running the first test behind closed doors
Seems it's not quite as closed as expected - autosport has pretty much the usuaw live reporting.
https://www.autosport.com/f1/live-text/f1-barcelona-pre-season-test-day-1/1112940/
Tight!... 😳
[img] 
[/img]
Size Zero tight!
Whereas RB have gone in the opposite direction, and look at lot more like the Aston Martin. Hopefully there are some good photos of it as the day goes on
Edit:
already coming in
So many variations - someones got to have ballsed up big time! 🙂
or... with my optimistic head on ... the different designs have different strengths and weaknesses at different circuits, making for a far more mixed up season. Its nice to dream
the different designs have different strengths and weaknesses at different circuits, making for a far more mixed up season
Yep, that would be the perfect scenario.
Lots of cars sporting what look like cameras on the wing turn ups/end plates:
[url= https://i.postimg.cc/9Ms3n15Z/FB-IMG-1645608708832-2.jp g" target="_blank">https://i.postimg.cc/9Ms3n15Z/FB-IMG-1645608708832-2.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
Also that McLaren is sooo Dynorod orange! 🤣
Lots of cars sporting what look like cameras on the wing turn ups/end plates:
I think they are tyre temperature sensors.
Info on the-race is already amazing - shame it's so good that it appears to be causing their servers to implode!
times up on teh BBC website:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/formula1/60482873
Day 1 of testing, 10am, and the fastests testign time is only 3 seconds off the 2018 lap record (1:18ish). They won't even be trying to go fast yet.....
These cars are going to be rather quick, I think,....
EDIT: oh and it looks liek The-Race's online feed had been blown up..... Not working for me unfortunately.
All doing slow laps so far, 1:22 ish.
God I hope red bull are shit this year 😁
Day 1 of testing, 10am, and the fastests testign time is only 3 seconds off the 2018 lap record (1:18ish). They won’t even be trying to go fast yet…..
remember the track has been resurfaced and layout changed since then
Pole last year was 1:16.7 for ref
All doing slow laps so far, 1:22 ish
Ha! Funny how you think thats slow, btu I see that as quick given they won't be trying yet! Only time (and the stopwatch) will tell!
See my edit, the track was changed last year so 2018 is not representative 🙂
eta: the change...
That Alpeeeeeeen livery looks a right dogs-dinner. 🤮
Aah... The problem of relying on a quick google search and Wikipedia!
So yes, slow laps then...
keithb
Full MemberAah… The problem of relying on a quick google search and Wikipedia!
So yes, slow laps then…
LeClerc has just put in a 1:20.1, Russell a 1:20.8.
Although I don't want to get my hopes up, I'd love so see Ferrari, Merc and McLaren upstage Red Bull and Horner throwing spanners about tech regs all season.
This is probably already the most interesting test in a long, long time
“The way Verstappen is driving this car is highly distinctive. It’s like he is maximising the venturis by keeping their angle to the ground as constant as possible - so really smooth, early on the brakes then early on the gas.
I wonder if he’s just worked it out sooner and before too long this will be how everyone drives them.
But it’s a big contrast to how he drove the high rake car and to how say, Leclerc is driving this car.“
Thought i would come back after a few hours.
Has mazepin crashed yet?
^ That is interesting, hard to know if they're just sandbagging though.
1:21.5 from Vettel, looking good for most teams except Alfa Romeo so far.
Mr Newey has been busy!...
[img] 
[/img]
[img] 
[/img]
^ That is interesting, hard to know if they’re just sandbagging though.
Smooth, not slow. Apparently mid-corner and exit look absolutely rapid
mashr
Smooth, not slow. Apparently mid-corner and exit look absolutely rapid
Sure, I was just referring to the fact they're 2 seconds off the pace (in the C2, though, most are on the C3 which is softer)
I would think that if what he was doing was faster in general for these regs, the other drivers will be doing so already, or if not, very shortly! 😃
Personally I think it's more likely that either he's sandbagging, testing something specific as part of their programme, or the car has an issue with aero stability in yaw/pitch which they're working around.
Love these little nuggets of information though.
It’s sand bagging. Norris has already spoken about changing driving style too. Good chance that some good drivers will be caught out by these new cars if they need a change of approach to get the most out of them
Do we think they knew it was him?
I'm loving the liveries this year
That Red Bull has me worried. Maybe it's because it looks so radically different to the others, but aside from the front wing looking a little basic compared to the Merc, that thing looks like one highly developed and very rapid bit of kit.
Seems to be two very different schools of thought aero-wise with the ground effect, from my very untrained eye at least. The RB/Ferrari/Aston school seem to be using the sidepods and bargeboards to seal the side of the floor/venturis as well as possible, while sacrificing the amount of air flow over the diffuser/coke bottle area and then Merc/Williams/Mclaren have gone more along the lines of opposite and closer to the older rules, maximising the air being extracted from the diffuser and not working as much about sealing the sides. Be interested to see which works, way more complex than the high/low rake of years gone by though.
But I would not be surprised at all if Red Bull have a huge advantage from a pure first look at the car, I just pray I'm wrong!
what are those grids behind the merc front wing? is that just for testing?