Formula One 2012

[N1GTR]

lol, I bet RBR are loving the fact that he's got their product right there on the table next to him...

[N1GTR]

Austin F1 track set for August completion

Austin’s new Formula 1 track is on course to be completed in the middle of August, AUTOSPORT can reveal, with construction efforts now fully back on course at the United States venue.

Although there was uncertainty about the future of the race last year amid a dispute over the contract – with work at the circuit being halted for several weeks – a big push by Austin’s organisers ensured it remained on the final 2012 calendar issued by the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council in early December.

With its deal secure, construction resumed at the track shortly afterwards and track chiefs have confirmed that the recent delays will not have any negative effect on its November 18 event taking place.

Senior representatives from the Circuit of the Americas, including president Steve Sexton, executive vice president Bruce Knox and chief marketing and sales officer Geoff Moore are in London this week for meetings with Bernie Ecclestone to update him on progress.

Moore told AUTOSPORT: “The race is on. Construction is happening six days a week. The paddock buildings are being topped off, work on the main grandstand has started and we are looking at mid-August for completion.”

Pressure on the construction efforts has been eased by the fact that the race’s date has been shifted from an original June date to its November slot – where it will form a back-to-back with season finale Brazil.

Although a reported $25 million payment from local government, as part of a Major Event Trust Fund, will not be given to Austin officials in advance – track chiefs say the venue already has advanced funding in place to ensure completion of the track.

The money will be applied for after the race, once it is clear just how much tax revenue the Austin Grand Prix has generated for the local economy.

The total cost for the Circuit of the Americas is estimated at $350 million, with track chiefs hoping to attract 120,000 spectators for the inaugural event.

http://www.formula1fanpage.com/austin-f1-track-set-for-august-completion/

[N1GTR]

Lauda: Raikkonen needs a strong car

Kimi Raikkonen will only return to his very best in Formula 1 this year if Lotus is able to provide him with an exceptional car.

That is the view of former world champion Niki Lauda, who welcomes the return of the 2007 title winner to F1 but thinks his potential will be very dependent on what machinery he is driving.

“It’s excellent news that he will be back,” Lauda told AUTOSPORT. “He is an exceptional personality and will create huge interest and excitement with media and fans.

“It is a good move for Renault or Lotus as the team is called now. It depends on how good the car will be, because Kimi will only shine in an excellent car.”

Lauda believes that Sebastian Vettel’s rivals are also going to face a mammoth task if they want to overhaul the double champion – and he has not ruled out the German dominating the forthcoming season again.

“Sebastian has gained a lot of confidence last year, and doesn’t make mistakes,” he said. “He will be the benchmark again. Who ever wants to beat him, must rely on a perfect car.”

Speaking about his predictions for the 2012 season, Lauda added: “Right now nobody knows how the new cars will perform. However, from a logical point of view, Red Bull should be out in front again because they only have to modify the exhaust and the diffuser.

“The loss in downforce will be regained by aerodynamic improvements. The question is: who will find the smartest solutions? Who had a very good car in 2011 has the advantage now too.

“Red Bull had an excellent car last year and they only need to do further developments whereas, say, Mercedes have to build a proper new car. That includes the risk of going in the wrong direction, though they added some well-known technicians. The same for Ferrari.

“It is easier to improve from a solid basis than to start from scratch. Having said that, we all have to wait for the first tests.”

http://www.formula1fanpage.com/lauda-raikkonen-needs-a-strong-car/

[N1GTR]

Button to sample new McLaren first

Jenson Button will be the first driver to sample the new McLaren MP4-27 at next month’s Jerez test.

McLaren has confirmed that Button will take the wheel on February 7 for the first run of the car at the Spanish track.

Button will also drive on the second day of the test, with team-mate Lewis Hamilton taking over for the final two days.

Hamilton will then have the first two days of the Barcelona test, which kicks off on February 21, with Button taking over for the final two. The pair will then alternate running in the final four-day test at the same venue, with Button driving on the first day on March 1.

McLaren managing director Jonathan Neale confirmed last week that the new car had passed all of the FIA crash tests before the end of last year, meaning that it will definitely be ready for the start of pre-season testing.

http://www.formula1fanpage.com/button-to-sample-new-mclaren-first/

[chef_stagea]

Sooo... Any u guys got legit apps for 2012?

[ctjet]

no

[chef_stagea]

I use f1.com 2011 last yr. was very happy. Free too but no 2012

[ctjet]

The FIA causing mad controversy before testing even begins!!

Its good to be back

[sh@un]

explain how

[N1GTR]

Reactive aero being banned is the way this time.

Technical innovation? FIA says no

[ctjet]

fcuked lotus nicely 2 weeks before testing begins

[sh@un]

inconvenient

[N1GTR]

If only...

[sh@un]

at least it won't be a competitive advantage

[tweety bird]

Edited January 23, 2012 by tweety bird

[tweety bird]

there should be more tomorrow.

[wolverine]

I need to take a shit

[sh@un]

a black Lotus on your tail may be cause for concern now

[NISMATT]

Awesome to see him back finally. I have only been a die hard F1 fan since the very end of 09 so I haven't really been around while Kimi has been at the wheel.

Hopefully we have an exciting year with so many champs on the grid.

[ctjet]

How good does this kid look in black