F1 links: Raikkonen on 2009 changes
15th January 2009, 22:03 by Keith Collantine 12 Comments »
Technical analysis of the Toyota TF109
“Toyota have gone for a slim nose but, unlike Ferrari, they have kept the nose shorter and raised the tip up as far as possible. This shape does provide more space under the nose cone for turning vanes, which is an area outside of the exclusion zones for bodywork. Thus Toyota have fitted a pair of vanes to the rear of the nose cone that lead back under the chassis. The front wing is split abruptly between the FIA-mandated middle section and the downforce-producing outer spans, which feature single element moving flaps. Most noticeable are the shapely endplates without curved leading edges to tease airflow around the front wheels; these are most noticeable when viewed from above. Curiously, the front wheel fairings have their openings pointing forwards rather than backwards as with their 2008 car, while the rear wheels are fitted with Toyota’s novel vaned fairings.”
“I have not thought much of Toyota’s chances in previous years but this time round I have a funny feeling. If you fancy having a bet on an outsider to do well in 2009, I would say that Toyota could be the one to go for…” Clive puts the jinx on Toyota.
Kimi Raikkonen: “Well, we worked all last year but I wanted something slightly different. It is hard to make big changes in the season. For sure there are ideas that came from last year. Next week we will see how it has worked. The tyres are going to make a big difference. These are the biggest changes in F1 for many years so we will get a better idea next week. Hopefully it will improve the racing. It is difficult this year for teams to get it all together before the season begins because we don’t have much time.”
Changes to the 2009 Sporting Regulations In Full
Alianora pulls apart the changes for 2009
Bernie Ecclestone on Jackie Stewart: “Most times when people get older, they become a bit senile. He has just caught it a bit earlier, this is all.”
Justin Wilson is looking for work
Ex-Jaguar driver has no seat.
“Dennis also said that he believed that there ought to be an element of government support for Britain’s round of the F1 championship and I think we all agree that is the case, given that just about every other F1 race on earth is government funded. Even allowing for the fact that we are in the middle of a painful economic downturn.”
Alianora La Canta said on 15th January 2009, 22:31
Did Bernie Ecclestone think before making the comment quoted here? Or did he simply think putting his foot in it was a good idea?
By the way, thank you for linking to my rule-change entry. I hope to go through the Technical Regulations changes at the weekend, but I have the feeling it won’t be as quick as the Sporting Regulations changes were.
Keith Collantine said on 16th January 2009, 0:44
You’re welcome – I wish I’d seen it sooner, but your RSS feed doesn’t seem to be working for me? Belting article by the way.
Alianora La Canta said on 16th January 2009, 12:20
Keith, which RSS feed are you using? There are two RSS feeds that provide the full output for my blog – one using the blog template’s built-in software and the other (added later) that is a FeedBurner one. The former is known to have issues with Google Reader, but the latter is more fiddly to set up. It may be that whichever feed you are currently using, your RSS reader needs the other one.
beneboy said on 15th January 2009, 22:42
Am I reading this right ?
Does this mean that the pit lane won’t be closed if the safety car comes out but the drivers still can’t refuel ?
If so would they have to come in and sit in the pits till the safety car period ended before refuelling or refuel & get a 10 second penalty ?
Good post by the way.
Keith Collantine said on 15th January 2009, 23:51
Yep – I’m writing a new post about it now.
Alianora La Canta said on 16th January 2009, 12:23
A race suspension applies only if there is a red flag situation. A Safety Car is not considered a race suspension by the FIA.
For a Safety Car, the pitlane would be open (for only Article 40.6 ever allowed it to be closed) and refuelling, as far as I can see, would be permitted.
Sorry for any confusion caused.
beneboy said on 16th January 2009, 18:27
Thanks for clearing that up,
I was sat scratching my head about that for ages last night wondering how they were going to work it out :~)
Clive said on 16th January 2009, 5:06
Hah, you know me too well, Keith!
Agreed that Alianora’s article is brilliant. What would we do without her?
Alianora La Canta said on 16th January 2009, 12:24
*blushes*
Chaz said on 16th January 2009, 12:07
Yippee… I’ve been waiting for Bernie’s barbed response to Jackie. Bernie should remember that there is not much of an age difference between him and Jackie, so what’s good for the goose is good for the gander as they say…
Alianora La Canta said on 16th January 2009, 12:24
True. What makes it worse is that Bernie is older than Jackie, so Bernie has shot himself in the foot. Again.
Wesley said on 17th January 2009, 21:05
Bernie Ecclestone is such an arrogant, greedy *#*##**#……if someone disagrees with him they just “don’t have enough sense” or they “don’t understand” or they have “reached senility” before he has.
BERNIE AND MAX NEED TO GO!!!…and I NEED MY HOME GP BACK!!!
Sorry for stating the obvious but,I do feel better.