VAG (say it like you mean it!) Stands for Volkswagen Audi Group I believe but really now it's more like Porsche is made up of Porsche, VW, Audi, Seat, Skoda (YAY), Lambo and Bugatti.
Here's the cost cutting measures that all the teams have agreed to during the FOTA / FIA summit this week: http://www.planetf1.com/story/0,18954,3213_4631697,00.html Interesting stuff - not sure about cutting race distances, and I'm guessing the 'market research' looking into Ecclestroll's medal-ing will kill it outright (which is nice). I'm unsure as to 'double the life span of the engines' does this mean as of now, are as of 2010? because there's already an agreement that the engines have to last 3 races instead of 2... this statement could mean 4 races or 6 races. The no-refuelling will be good - that will drive the teams to become more fuel efficient, as well as extracting more power for less revs (down to 18,000) - real world applications could come of it. Plus it'll save embarrassing, clown like pit lane incidents, eh Mr Montezemolo? And of course, if the teams get the fuel load and mix wrong, we'll have people conking out a couple of corners from the finish like the good old days.
Don't like the sound of refueling ban. Have always found pit stops and the various strategies to be one of the more interesting aspects of GP.
Agreed, A lot of races are won and lost thanks to pit row strategies. But on the other end of the spectrum there is now more chance for the drivers to really show their skills.
Cutting race distances is a bad idea imo, the other problem is limiting the development side of things. Sure, it's a cost-cutting measure, but why should teams prepared to spend the money have to suffer? Another thing that annoys me at the minute is trying to make the sport green. To me F1 is the ultimate expression of no compromises motorsport, and shouldn't worry about being green whilst on the track. Offset the carbon emissions of the team by planting a forest every year.
iirc F1 has been carbon-neutral since the late 90's. I have no problem with green technologies in F1 at all, but find it amusing that the FIA previously banned kers-style devices and heat recovery systems yet both are being "proposed" as ways of making F1 green (and in the case of kers in a very restricted form). Moseley spouting rubbish about the teams being afraid of innovation from their response to kers is absurd, if the regulations were such that they could be sure of gaining performance from developing such systems then there wouldn't be an issue!
This is 100%, unadulterated 24 carat fried gold: http://www.planetf1.com/story/0,18954,3213_4671006,00.html Bernie confirms what everyone has thought for years. At least we're now safe in the knowledge that Luca can afford a new TV.
O. M. G. That basically confirms outright corruption. While other teams are struggling to get anywhere and budgets were being cut, Ferrari were gift horsed the top seed. **** em. **** this "sport".
We all knew it was true but we never bloody expected bernie to admit it , jesus just more proof just how much he has lost the plot! thats just ****ed right up
Ferrari's Response - No Comment: http://www.planetf1.com/story/0,18954,3213_4675638,00.html However, it looks increasingly like Uncle Dave is going to ride to Honda's rescue: http://www.planetf1.com/story/0,18954,3213_4676231,00.html Go on Dave, you know you want to. And you have the time to do it, now Subaru have pulled the plug on WRC...
Toyota out the door next? http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7794888.stm If it's loosing money for the first time ever, I can't see the top brass in Japan (who are probably in shell shock) wanting to pump large amounts of cash into an F1 team. Ford pretty well ditched the Jaguar team when it realised it was flushing money down the drain, and we all know about Honda.
Toyota aren't getting their coats yet, according to PF1: http://www.planetf1.com/story/0,18954,3213_4686264,00.html That should be a relief to the team. I imagine budgets will be slashed though, as they where always touted as the most funded team in the paddock not so long ago. ($200m+ per season, IIRC)
Toyota have had some success and show signs of improvement, becoming more successful and competitive. Things Hondo utterly lacked.
