Shocking! See F1 mechanic getting zapped by KERS system

Anybody who wants to know why Formula 1 teams are reconsidering using the Kinetic Energy Recovery System, or KERS need only watch the video embedded after the jump. So far, there have been two incidents of KERS failures, the first requiring the U.K. Red Bull team to make a call to the local Fire Department and the second, as seen in the video, sending a BMW mechanic to the ground. The KERS system recovers energy that would be lost to braking so that it can be reused on the next straightaway. We aren't in the business of finding enjoyment from the suffering of others, but since the mechanic was basically unharmed, let this be a reminder that high voltage hurts.

F1 teams meet, form new association in Maranello

In the highly competitive world of Formula One racing, the only thing teams can agree on is money -- they want more of it. To that end, they've set up the new Formula One Teams Association.

Unlike the previous Formula One Constructors Association – which represented only the independent teams and came, somewhat ironically, to be dominated by Bernie Ecclestone and Max Mosley when they were team owners – the new group has the backing of all the teams (both independent and manufacturer-owned). The association was founded this week in a meeting of team representatives at Ferrari headquarters in Maranello, also including the participation of Formula One rights holders Bernie Ecclestone and Donald McKenzie. The Formula One Teams Association will represent the interests of the constructors (grand prix-speak for teams) in negotiating the final terms of the new Concorde Agreement, which determines profit sharing among the parties involved in the sport. Speaking with one voice, the teams surely hope to be able to secure a bigger share of the revenues from the grands prix. Little wonder then that Ferrari, in the short statement after the jump, called the meeting "extremely constructive".

[Source: Autosport and Ferrari, Photo: Lluis Gene/Getty]


PRESS RELEASE

F1 teams meeting at Maranello

Maranello, 29th July 2008 - All the Formula 1 teams met today in Maranello and held an extremely constructive meeting, in the presence of Bernie Ecclestone and Donald McKenzie.

The teams have subsequently agreed unanimously that they will establish the new Formula 1 Teams Association to work with the FIA and FOM to agree upon regulations and commercial conditions which will provide a framework for a strong and dynamic sport.

UNVEILED 2011 MERCEDES F1 PETRONAS

Unveiled 2011 Mercedes F1 Petronas

Unveiled 2011 Mercedes F1 Photo

It's great to see Lotus to live and live! They have a lot of impressive works spotscars, and not against one, but two teams in F1, and in some way. This is a major car company Lotus Norfolk called T128 and his rival for the 2011 Formula 1 season in a unique livery. Not many details are in hand, but only to be powered by a Renault engine and a rear part of Red Bull.

Although he did not win anything, we are still happy that they are on board. And their fabulous car!

Michael Schumacher comeback - The first test drive with Mercedes Video

The operation "comeback" has been launched!
Today, record-breaking World Champion Michael Schumacher (started 41) his sensational comeback at Jerez in Spain! With cloudy skies and 13 degree at 9:07 Clock Schumi drove onto the track for the first time in Andalusia and completed in a Formula 1-like GP2 car, first an initial installation lap. Then Schumacher drove back to the pits, where the bolide was again checked through. Clock set at 9:39 Schumi's test drive away in the blue and white GP-2-Boliden with a second round. Curious here: Schumi did in his first Grand Prix for Mercedes drives on his Ferrari-red helmet!
Michael Schumacher (born January 3, 1969 in Hurth-Hermülheim) is a German race car driver. Schumacher started from 1991 to 2006 in 249 Grand Prix races in the top class Formula 1 racing and won there seven world championships. After retiring from professional racing driver Schumacher continued to participate in motor sport events, among other things, he tried in 2008 as an amateur in the motorcycle sport (IDM). Michael Schumacher is the most successful driver in Formula 1 history and holds almost every record in that race series. In addition to its seven World Cup titles, Schumacher won 91 races, had 68 plays on the best starting position and drove in 76 races, the fastest lap. In addition, Michael Schumacher gained by far the most World Cup points, was most frequently on the podium and led more laps and miles than any other driver. Its biggest competitors were in Formula 1, Ayrton Senna, Damon Hill, Jacques Villeneuve, Mika Häkkinen, David Coulthard, Juan Pablo Montoya and Kimi Räikkönen and Fernando Alonso last. Michael Schumacher's younger brother Ralf was also active from 1997 to 2007 in the Formula 1.

Felipe Massa comes home to Maranello, meets the new 458 Italia, laps Fiorano, smiles for fans

It doesn't seem like it's been that long, but for Felipe Massa, it must feel like it's been an eternity since he's been up to speed. The Brazilian Formula One driver hasn't been at work since July when he suffered a major blow to the head from some flying debris at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

A lot has happened since then: his mentor and former team-mate Michael Schumacher prepared for a comeback and then had to cancel it due to health concerns of his own, the Scuderia promoted test driver Luca Badoer for a couple of races before sending him home, and then Maranello hired Giancarlo Fisichella to fill in and stay on as a reserve driver for the future. Then they picked up Fernando Alonso to be Massa's wingman next year, and somewhere in the middle of it all, Ferrari launched its first all-new mid-engine production car in a decade. (Not to mention the new engine chief they hired, the senior executive they lost or the new designer who is said to be taking over).

Now, after his prolonged absence, Massa has returned home to Maranello for the first time since the crash. He got some practice time in the simulator before hitting the track in a privately-owned, retired F2007 with GP2 tires to reacquaint himself with his craft. And while he was at it, he stopped by the production line to check out the new 458 Italia.

[Source: Ferrari]

Officially Official: Schumacher not coming back after all - driving is a pain in the neck

Ferrari was in with a bang, now it looks like the scarlet racers will be out with soggy whimpers: Michael Schumacher has canceled his F1 return due to lingering pain in his neck from a motorcycle accident earlier this year.

Schumacher has been testing in Ferrari's 2007 car at the company's private track in Mugello. After the first test, though, he found that the mere strain of driving aggravated the injuries from a crash he suffered in February while motorcycle testing at a track in Spain. At the time, although he went to the hospital, it was thought that everything was fine. Eventually fractures in his neck were discovered, and that is what is causing the problem now.

After laying its hopes on the 7-time world champion, Ferrari now chooses among its reserve drivers to pilot one of their cars in Valencia in 48 hours: Marc Gene or Luca Badoer – Gene's last F1 race drive was the 2004 British Grand Prix, while Badoer hasn't turned an F1 wheel on race day since 1999, at the European Grand Prix. This morning Ferrari head Luca di Montezemolo chose 38-year-old Badoer for the role.

[Source: F1 Live | racing-f1 ]

Schumacher to return to Ferrari F1 for remainder of season

Yesterday's rumors have been confirmed: Michael Schumacher will take Felipe Massa's place for the remainder of the 2009 Formula One season.

A Ferrari spokesperson said Schumi's return hinges on the seven-time F1 champion's ability to pass the FIA's physical (we doubt that'll be a problem) and he'll be back in full-force on August 23 at the European Grand Prix in Valencia.

Schumacher has been under the employ of Ferrari as an advisor to the team since his retirement in 2006, and although Massa is reportedly well on his way to recovering after sustaining a serious head injury at last weekend's race, Schumacher will take his place for the remaining seven races of the 2009 season.

[Source: BBC Sport]

Felipe Massa's skull fractured by track debris during Hungarian GP qualifying

Yesderday during Formula 1 qualifying in Hungary, Ferrari's Felipe Massa suffered a life-threatening head injury when a spring from Reubens Barrichello's car struck him in the helmet. As you'll see in the ESPN video posted after the jump, the impact appears to knock the Brazilian unconscious; immediately after the incident, his car simply drives straight into the runoff area and tire wall.

Massa was reportedly conscious when he arrived at the hospital, where he received a CT scan and underwent successful surgery to treat two skull fractures suffered as a result of the accident. He was placed into an induced coma immediately following the procedure and remains in intensive care. Doctors talking to the BBC described his condition as stable and said there were no complications following the operation. Another brain scan will be performed on Massa later today, after which the medical team will update his condition. Massa's injury comes on the heels of Henry Surtees' death last weekend, the result of the young driver being struck in the head by a flying tire. Massa's on-track incident left some F1 personnel openly wondering whether it's time to make changes that improve cockpit safety for drivers. Fortunately, things appear to be progressing well for Massa, and we wish him a speedy and full recovery. Follow the jump for ESPN's video report on the incident, which includes the on-car-camera view of what happened.

[Sources: Sky News, Formula1.com,Racing-f1.com]

Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M to celebrate F1 title

After winning its 16th Formula one constructors championship last week, Ferrari has chosen this week to release a open top version of the F430 Scuderia. The Scuderia Spider 16M gets all the goodies from the lightweight Scuderia coupe like the 510 hp 4.3L V8 and the 6-speed F1 paddle shift gearbox. Ferrari is claiming the Scuderia Spider is the fastest open top model they've ever tested around the Fiorano test track, presumably beating out even the might F50 of decade ago. The Scuderia is 176 lbs lighter than a standard F430 spider at 2954 lbs dry. That's claimed to be good enough for a 0-62 mph sprint in 3.7 seconds and a terminal velocity of 195.7 mph. As a limited series model Ferrari has of course added lots of distinguishing features like a carbon fiber shell around the roll bar, number plaque on the dash and special interior trim packages. Only 499 Scuderia Spiders will be built and they will undoubtedly be priced higher than the $277,000 US base price of the coupe. For those with access to that much disposable cash, it will surely be worth the price of admission.

[Source: Ferrari]

Special series Scuderia Spider 16M unveiled at World Finals in Mugello to celebrate Prancing Horse's 16th F1 Constructor's title

Scarperia, November 9th 2008 - Ferrari has chosen to unveil the new Scuderia Spider 16M at the World Finals in Mugello in celebration of its recent victory in the Formula 1 Constructor's World Championship 2008. This new high performance sports car features the very best of Ferrari's latest mid-rear-engined 8-cylinder technology. In fact, the Scuderia Spider 16M is faster round the Fiorano circuit than any other Prancing Horse open-top road car yet built. This truly evocative special series model, of which just 499 unique examples will be produced, is aimed at the most passionate clients, drivers who demand both exclusivity and superb driving pleasure.

The Scuderia Spider 16M is available in a choice of two new signature colour schemes: the standard version is black with grey trim, while a tricolour livery is also available as part of the Carrozzeria Scaglietti Personalisation Programme. The new car also sports a special plaque on its rear grille commemorating Ferrari's 16th Constructor's World title. The exclusivity of the interior is underscored by the silver "limited series" plaque just above the air vents at the centre of the dashboard. Other exclusive features include a roll-bar with carbon-fibre outer shell and a specific new generation audio system that can be combined with the removable customised Ferrari iPod Touch 16 GB with central dock just in front of the dashboard.

From a technical point of view, this car has a dry weight of 1340 Kg (80 kg lighter than the F430 Spider). This, combined with the 510 hp provided by its V8 engine and a power-to-weight ratio of 2.6 kg/hp, means that it delivers blistering 0-100 kph acceleration in just 3.7 seconds and a superb top speed of 315 kph.

A new section dedicated to the Scuderia Spider 16M, complete of technical specifications and images is available online at www.ferrariworld.com.

SCUDERIA SPIDER 16M - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Engine
Naturally aspirated mid-rear 90° V8, 4308 cc
Maximum power output 375.4 kW (510 hp) at 8500 rpm
Maximum torque 470 Nm (47.7 Kgm) at 5250 rpm
Max engine speed 8640 rpm (at limiter)
Compression ratio 11.9:1
Bore and Stroke 92 mm X 81 mm
Specific power output 118.4 hp/litre

Transmission
Six-speed plus Reverse F1 gearbox
Dry dual clutch
Electronic differential E-diff + F1-Trac
Oil gearbox lubrication with oil/water heat exchanger

Performance, fuel consumption, emissions
Acceleration 0-100 km/h 3.7 s
Maximum speed 315 kph
Drive weight/power 2.6 kg/hp
Fuel consumption 15.7 l/100 km (combined ECE)
CO2 emissions 360 g/km (combined ECE)

Chassis and bodywork
Car dimensions:
- Length 4512 mm
- Width 1923 mm
- Height 1216 mm
- Wheelbase 2600 mm
- Front track 1669 mm
- Rear track 1616 mm
Dry weight * 1340 kg (-80 kg vs F430 Spider)
Kerb weight * 1440 kg
Weight distribution 43% front, 57% rear
Fuel tank capacity 95 litres
Independent front and rear forged aluminium double wishbone suspensions, titanium helical springs, hollow anti-roll bars and lighter electronic shocks
398mm X 36mm carbon-ceramic material front brake discs with aluminium 6-pot callipers
350mm X 34mm carbon-ceramic material rear disc brakes with aluminium 6-pot callipers
19" five-spoke split rims front and rear
Tyres: 235/35 front and 285/35 rear; Fabbrica Pirelli PZero Corsa only

Electronic control systems
CST Stability and Traction Control System. Steering wheel-mounted manettino with five settings to integrate the F1 gearbox, CST and F1-Trac (Stability and Traction Control System), suspension control. *Figures refer to the European market versions

Lewis Hamilton will get a McLaren F1 LM; if he’ll win 2 more titles

It seems that you can put a price on winning three world champion titles. If Lewis Hamilton wins two more world championships , he’ll get his hands on a $8 million supercar. Hamilton’s boss and McLaren CEO Ron Dennis made a deal with F1’s youngest champ that will give Hamilton a ultra-rare McLaren F1 LM supercar. Hamilton told reporters in Sao Paulo on Monday morning that he will be handed the keys with his third drivers’ championship. "We made a deal, three world championships. I will definitely work as hard as I can to get to number three," he said.

The F1 LM is one of the rarest cars in the world. There were only 5 copies made, and the one in question is currently parked in the McLaren racing team’s garage.

[Source:Fi Live]

Schumacher gets caught speeding off the track

More speeding in products from the Volkswagen corporate empire; only this time, the driver was smart and didn't try to run. The driver in this Italian incident, none other than Michael Schumacher, is probably capable of evading the Caribinieri -- though maybe he's not as adept at handling a real car as he is behind the wheel of a four-wheeled fighter jet. Schumi exercised fine judgement and politely accepted his 75 Euro fine, which carries a three-point penalty on his license.

The racing champ told German newspaper Bild that he was "very sorry" and that "it's out of character" because "speeding is for racetracks only." Maybe something's lost in translation, but we have this urge to say "now we know, and knowing is half the battle" after that sparely worded statement.

[Source: F1-Live]

BMW Sauber discovers cause of KERS shock

According to Team BMW Sauber, it has "concluded their investigations into the KERS incident at Jerez." Incident? You mean that time when one of your mechanics was literally thrown to the ground after doing nothing more than touching your car? Right, that one. If you are truly interested in reading all of the techno-babble regarding why the experimental KERS hybrid system reached out and touched someone, click past the break for the details. Here are the highlights: It was an accident. The KERS control unit malfunctioned. Nobody was seriously hurt and nobody was ever in any real danger (Dr Evil: Riiight...). Christian Klein, the driver, was insulated from any shocks due to his race suit and gloves.

BMW Sauber has apparently fixed the problem and feels confident that it will be ready to continue testing in the Autumn. Recently, the BMW team voted in favor of running the KERS hybrid system for next year's race season, so it'll have to be ready to go sooner rather than later.

[Source: BMW]

KERS gets Formula 1 green light for 2009

Despite some serious reservations regarding the safety and high cost of the Kinetic Energy Recovery System
(KERS), the hybrid system has received the green light for introduction into the 2009 Formula 1 season. After BMW and Renault had some, uh, issues with KERS, Renault called a meeting to discuss whether the new flywheel-based system should be postponed until 2010. BMW Sauber, Honda Racing and Williams are apparently feeling confident enough in their own systems to resist the delay. Because F1 rules dictate that a consensus must be reached to change the previous ruling, F1 cars in 2009 will run with the new drivetrain. The only thing which could still hold back the new technology would be if the teams were unable to guarantee the safety of their systems, and this seems unlikely given that Honda has already completed a successful track test last week.

Renault engineer commits suicide at factory

Employees and management at Renault were shocked and saddened to discover the body of William Millar dead last week at the company's racing headquarters in Enstone with a mortal bullet wound to the head. The 53-year-old R&D engineer had been with the team for 27 years, remaining at his post as the team changed ownership and name from Toleman to Bennetton and then Renault. Sources suggest that Millar had shot himself in the head with a firearm, and police are not treating the incident with suspicion. Our condolences to the colleagues, friends and family of the departed.

[Source: F1-Live]