Here’s a round-up of F1 news and other interesting linsk I’ve found today.
If you’ve spotted a hot news story, interesting new website or just something funny from the world of F1, please share your links in the comments below.
Theissen: BMW must improve quickly
Mario theissen: "At no point was our car competitive. No points are the result."
BMW considering its future in WTCC
"The decisions taken were not communicated cleanly – that means competitors did not know what the situation was, and under which circumstances and conditions the other competitors were racing. This only became clear when there was a protest."
Toyota on way out of F1, BMW reflecting?
"It seems to be becoming widely believed that Toyota will use this situation to make its exit from Formula 1. They were thinking about it towards the end of 2008, but there seems to be general belief among the other teams that they will go at the end of this year. BMW, which is having its worst season by far in F1, is also said to be reviewing it’s participation."
Teams demand FIA ditch 2010 rules
"A FOTA source said that in exchange for the FIA agreeing to such action, the teams have promised a "willingness to commit their future to the sport." It is understood that the teams are prepared to commit not just to next year, but until 2012."
Mosley: Cost cap solution in sight
Max Mosley: "I can imagine we can take it through one year if possible [with the] higher figure and then go to the full cap in 2011, but that's something under discussion. This is a possibility."
Brawn: Button emulating Schumacher
Ross Brawn on Jenson Button and Michael Schumacher: "I worked with Michael for 15 years and this is only my second year with Jenson, so it is very difficult to make comparisons. They are different types of character, but both are obviously highly talented. And I think this opportunity that Jenson has got has made him focus very hard on what is happening, what it is and why it is happening – so he is similar in that respect."
Fisichella says start cost him point
Giancarlo Fisichella; "I just lost a position at the start and perhaps it was this that cost me the point in the end, but we have to be happy about today."
James Allen’s Monaco GP verdict
"I’m alarmed by the decline of Toyota, who had the fastest car only two races ago in Bahrain. They were nowhere and they have no idea where the performance has gone."
These are links I’ve bookmarked using Delicious. You can see my Delicious profile here.
Kovy
25th May 2009, 10:17
I wouldn’t say button is close to Schumacher.
Button is fast and consistent, but there’s half a dozen drivers on the grid who are better.
sasbus
25th May 2009, 16:46
You are right. But consider that Button has been quite consistent in the early years. Furthermore, if you consider that Barrichello has the same material, he is consistently outperforming him.
Clearly the stellar performance by Brawn has a lot to do with Button’s success but he is also showing considerable maturity and fitness to get the job done. I do believe that even if he wins the championship (very likely) he is truely an F1 hero.
Owen G
25th May 2009, 21:38
Just out of curiosity, which 6 drivers on the grid do you think are better?
Not having a go, just interested to see who rates which drivers.
mf
26th May 2009, 13:00
Alonson
Hamilton
Raikonnen
Vettel
Kubica
Button
would be my top six current drivers in that order.
Jay Menon
27th May 2009, 2:01
Alonso
Raikonnen
Vettel
Button
Kubica
Hamilton
persempre
25th May 2009, 11:09
Reuters are saying that Williams have signed for 2010
ajokay
25th May 2009, 13:39
Seems like the FIA can’t get their rules right in any of their series.
It seems increasingly to me that every race team in every formula and series everywhere wants a level playing field.
But since when has any sport anywhere had a level playing field? The Premiership doesn’t have 20 identical teams in it. The Olympic 100m final doesn’t have 8 Usain Bolts competing in it, and racing series shouldn’t have identical teams in them unless they are specifically a spec series. Someone always has to come second, even Ferrari sometimes, and I think a lot of these teams seem to be forgetting this.
Oliver
25th May 2009, 14:30
WTCC are currently running two different rules. The fact they could also change the rules several times mid season to “achieve equality” without even notifying the participants of these changes only suggests a manipulation of the results of the races.
persempre
25th May 2009, 14:57
& is exactly what the FIA 2010 F1 rules would allow the FIA to do, too.
In the words of Fraser (Dad`s Army) “We`re doomed”
Chaz
25th May 2009, 15:54
Could the teams be conceeding to the budget cap in the light of Toyota seeming likely to leave, and the numbers of cars on the starting grid becoming to few. Should USGP, or any other F1 hopefulls, be looking at assets to buy off Toyota if they are thinking of leaving…
Gman
25th May 2009, 18:49
I believe the USF1 bunch already has much of their logistics and plans in place, but obviously many of the other current and prospective teams could be bidding for various components of Toyota’s operation if they do decide to cease operations in F1.
Bigbadderboom
25th May 2009, 17:20
It has been felt by many when discussing the potential budget caps that Toyota are looking for an excuse, the main problem with Manufacturers is that F1 is not core to their business acivities and is seen by many boards as a luxury. I would be suprised if BMW felt the need to pull as it fits them a lot better. But I think your right Chaz the vultures will be circling the Toyotas looking to pick at the bones!!!!
Gman
25th May 2009, 18:52
I can easily see Toyota pulling out of F1 in the near future- the current instability over the rules plus the difficult current in the car market have created the perfect series of excuses if they want out. I was also thinking that the same reasons could be used if Red Bull wanted to sell Toro Rosso.
It’s tough to see BMW completely pulling out of F1, especially since the team was competitive just a year ago. But as we learned with Honda, always expect the unexpected in F1…
DGR-F1
25th May 2009, 20:49
Max Mosley: “I can imagine we can take it through one year if possible [with the] higher figure and then go to the full cap in 2011, but that’s something under discussion. This is a possibility.”
So, I take it is still under discussion? This hasn’t been agreed by any of the teams? If both BMW and Toyota are making leaving noises, then I suppose nothing sensible was actually proposed? Is this just Max blowing hot air? Have FOTA commented ata all on this?
As Martin Brundle said, common sense needs to return to F1, and soon…..
manatcna
25th May 2009, 23:58
Well, I hope that if some new entrant wants to pick up some Toyota pieces, they start with people
Explosiva
26th May 2009, 12:09
First of all, MAX NEEDS TO BE KICKED OUT OF THE FIA PERMANENTLY.
(sorry for yelling)
Second, I think BMW are being very puerile. It was just last year they were doing quite well, having improved every year. With the new rules for ’09, there all teams were facing possible demotion on the grid. So what you’re not great this year? It happens to the best teams. Ferrari went 21 years w/o winning a championship until Schumi came along. Suck it up, mature, learn to be gritty, and move on. (I hereby finish my pontification.)
Explosiva
26th May 2009, 12:10
BTW, how do I get an avatar for my comments? :)