INTERVIEW // SAUBER TECHNICAL DIRECTOR: WILLY RAMPF

BMW Sauber F1 Team drivers Pedro de la Rosa and Kamui Kobayashi racked up exactly 1,001 kilometres in the first test of the 2010 season in Valencia. Technical Director Willy Rampf gives his initial verdict ahead of tommorows 2nd F1 winter test at Jerez... [read more]

Question: How happy are you with the reliability of the BMW Sauber C29 after the first test at Valencia

Willy Rampf: “All in all we can be satisfied with the reliability of the car. We completed 1,000 kilometres over the three days without encountering any major problems. Of course, we have to make some adjustments and modifications, but that's what tests are there for.”

Question: Are these all things that can be rectified ahead of the first race of the season in Bahrain or even before the next test?

Rampf: “We will have worked through most of the points before the next test in Jerez. There's nothing that we need to be seriously concerned about. For example, the rear of the engine cover was singed by the exhaust gases, so we'll be using a different material for that.”

Question: How are things looking in terms of the car's performance and competitiveness?

Rampf: “That is even more difficult to assess this year than in previous years. All we can say is that our car is delivering the performance expected based on our simulations and measurements in the wind tunnel. Vastly differing fuel loads make it impossible to draw an absolute comparison with other teams' cars.”

Question: What are the drivers telling you about the handling of the C29?

Rampf: “The drivers' comments have been generally positive regarding factors such as braking stability, traction and the car's responses under widely varying fuel loads.”

Question: The fuel load of the car – and therefore its weight – will vary hugely in 2010. Has car set-up been a problem?

Rampf: “I wouldn't call it a problem, but it's certainly a challenge. The cars will run a minimal fuel load in qualifying and then line up for the race with a full tank, but changes to set-up will not be allowed. Finding the right compromise here will be absolutely critical.”

Question: What has changed as a result of the slimmer front tyres?

Rampf: “Generally speaking, their effect is less pronounced than expected. It's clear that the cars have a greater tendency to understeer, which we can balance out to a certain degree by shifting the weight further back and making the necessary changes to the chassis set-up.”

Question: How is the working relationship between the drivers and the team?

Rampf: “Both drivers are new to the team and so we're all still getting to know each other. However, the working relationship between the drivers and team has got off to a very good start. With Pedro you can see that his vast well of experience has given him a broad base of technical knowledge, which is extremely valuable for all involved. Kamui gets his impressions across very quickly, which means he can give the engineers the information they need to work out the changes required. All in all, the drivers and engineers are already working together very productively.”

Images and Info: BMW Sauber F1
Editorial: Neil Tozer

NEWS // WATCH F1 @ WILLIAMS TEAM HEADQUARTERS

In a unique hospitality initiative, the AT&T Williams F1 Team have launched a new TV viewing concept for F1 fans. What theu are calling their "Race Day Experience," offers fans or corporate clients the chance to watch a Grand Prix live from the teams headquarters in Wantage, UK... [read more]

Fans who sign up for an individual place costing £99 will be treated to the following:

• Refreshments on arrival
• Qualifying review and sweepstake entry
• F1 Simulator experience
• Live telephone link to a senior member of AT&T Williams team direct from the circuit
• Walk through tour of the private Williams F1 Grand Prix Collection
• Live BBC coverage of the Grand Prix via large screens and continual live updates on tactics and strategy from AT&T Williams team Pit Lane
• Race Debrief and sweepstake prize giving
• Hot Fork Buffet Lunch served during the race
• Williams F1 Gift Shop
• Cash Bar available

At present the following dates in 2010 are available:

Bahrain: 14 March
Germany: 25 July
Brazil: 7 November

Call +44 01235 777900 for more details.

Editorial: Neil Tozer
Photo: Williams F1

F1 TESTING @ JEREZ // FOUR DAY DRIVER LINEUP

Starting tomorrow, all but three of the 2010 Formula One teams will meet at the Jerez Circuit in Spain for the second official test of the pre-season. Red Bull, Force India and Virgin Racing, who were absent from last weeks test session, will be on hand, and all of the teams will rotate between their two primary driver throughout the four day test.

Follow the link for a look at the provisional driver lineup... [read more]

F1 Testing @ Jerez // Provisional Driver Lineup:

Mercedes GP
Feb 10: Rosberg
Feb 11: Schumacher
Feb:12 Rosberg
Feb 13: Schumacher

Red Bull
Feb 10: Webber
Feb 11: Webber
Feb 12: Vettel
Feb 13: Vettel

Mclaren
Feb 10: Button
Feb 11: Button
Feb 12: Hamilton
Feb 13: Hamilton

Ferrari
Feb 10:Alonso
Feb 11: Alonso
Feb 12: Massa
Feb 13: Massa

BMW Sauber
Feb 10: Kobayashi
Feb 11: Kobayashi
Feb 12: de la Rosa
Feb 13: de la Rosa

Williams
Feb 10: Hulkenberg
Feb 11: Hulkenberg
Feb 12: Barrichello
Feb 13: Barrichello

Renault
Feb 10: Petrov
Feb 11: Petrov
Feb 12: Kubica
Feb 13: Kubica

Force India
Feb 10: Liuzzi
Feb 11: Liuzzi
Feb 12: Sutil
Feb 13: Sutil

Toro Rosso
Feb 10: Buemi
Feb 11: Buemi
Feb 12: Alguersuari
Feb 13: Alguersuari

Virgin Racing
Feb 10: Glock
Feb 11: Glock
Feb 12: di Grassi
Feb 13: di Grassi

Photo: F1Fanatic
Info: Autosport
Editorial: Justin W. Coffey

NEWS // FORCE INDIA UNVEILS THEIR 2010 F1 ENTRY

Force India have just unveiled their 2010 Formula One entry, the VJM03. The team says their new entry is little more than an improved version of the VJM02, a car that was rather impressive last season, helping Adrian Sutil give the team their first podium finish in only their second year of competition... [read more]

Force India will again use Mercedes power and will keep the same drive lineup they had at the end of the 2009 season, with Adrian Sutil and Vitantonio Liuzzi piloting their new VJM03s.

The team also announced that Paul di Resta would joined the team as a reserve driver and will participate in some Grand Prix weekends.

Liuzzi, who filled the void left by Giancarlo Fisichella, will give the VJM03 its first shakedown tomorrow afternoon at Jerez.

Mark Smith, Force India's chief designer, commented: "The VJM03 is definitely an evolution of the VJM02 in terms of the design philosophies we have developed at Force India over the last year. We are very happy with the direction, therefore we have opted to evolve the car rather than significantly revise.

Obviously one of the major aspects we have had to contend with are regulation changes which have had a considerable impact on some aspects of the design of the car. The removal of refuelling from races increases the amount of fuel needed to be stored in the cars – almost twice the amount we ran in 2009. There is a compromise now: either make the car much longer or wider, or, as we have done, a combination of both. This of course has influenced the mechanical design solutions and also the aerodynamics, specifically with respects to the diffuser and bodywork.

Even with the ban of double diffusers for 2011, we recognise that we still have to push as much as we possibly can in this area in 2010 as we have targets to meet and the double diffuser is a key development aspect of the car.

The VJM02 was a relatively low drag car that showed well on the low downforce tracks. As was demonstrated throughout 2009, that was a useful attribute but as we go into 2010 we have tried to maintain a high level of aerodynamic efficiency, but we recognise that our championship position will be enhanced by a general level of performance that is suited to all types of circuits. We have, we believe, quite an efficient car overall."



Images and Info: F1Fanatic
Editorial: Justin W. Coffey

NEWS // JAGUAR TO RACE IN 2010 AMERICAN LE MANS SERIES

The stage is set. All of the pieces are in order. And assuming everything goes as planned, Jaguar is set to make its return to endurance racing in just a few short months.

Having teamed up with Rocketsport Racing Inc. (RSR), Jaguar has developed a new entry for the 2010 American Le Mans Series and is hoping to reunite with their racing heritage, taking on the likes of Porsche, Ferrari, Chevrolet and Aston Martin in the GT2 class.... [read more]

Dubbed the RSR XKR GT2, Jaguar’s new ALMS entry is powered by a AJ-133 naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8. The entire body is made of carbon fiber and having worked to develop the car over the past two years, both RSR and Jaguar hope to collect a few race wins during the 2010 season.



Jaguars return to endurance racing will certainly add a bit of excitement to a season that is already shaping up to be rather interesting. Stay tuned!

Images and Info: TopSpeed
Editorial: Justin W. Coffey

NEWS // SWIFT ENGINEERING'S 2012 INDY CAR CONCEPT

Last week we showed you a conceptual drawing of what the 2012 Indy Car might look like. The drawing was done by Italian chassis builder, Dallara. This week, American race car manufacturer, Swift Engineering, has released their own concept of what the 2012 car might look like... [read more]


Hoping to breath new life into the racing series, Swift’s concept comes in two variations; the first, a low drag setup intended for oval racing, and the second, built for road courses, features an abundance of aerodynamic appendages intended to generate more downforce.



We don’t know much else about Swift’s design, but considering they have a long history of race car manufacturing, (they essentially reinvented the Formula Ford series in the 1980’s) and being that they are the sole chassis builder for the Toyota Atlantic series, we wouldn’t be surprised if Swift finds itself producing the next iteration of IndyCar...

Images and Info: 0-60 Magazine
Editorial: Justin W. Coffey

VIDEO // THE 1971 24 HOURS OF SPA

Thanks to Richard Scroggs, we now have some vintage race footage from the 1971 24 Hours of Spa, the very race in which AMG debuted their 300 SEL 6.8 racing car. Enjoy! // [comment]

PHOTO GALERY // MOTO GP TESTING @ SEPANG

ColdTrackDays correspondent, Anas Zakaria, spent last weekend at the Sepang Internatioanl Ciruit for the first official test session of the 2010 MotoGP season. What follows is the result of that visit... [read more]


















For a look at more photos from Anas Zakaria's visit to the MotoGP test at the Sepang International Circuit, click here

Photo: Anas Zakaria
Editorial: Justin W. Coffey

MIATA MONDAY // THE NC

It's not often you see a dressed up NC Miata. So when I came across this photo taken by Justin Leveritt of what appears to be an otherwise stock roadster sporting a decent set of wheels and an aggressive stance, I thought it would be a perfect fit for our ongoing Miata Monday feature // [comment]

DOMESTIC INDULGENCE // THE MERCURY MARAUDER

In 1963, Mercury released a fastback version of their V8 powered sedan, a car they called the Marauder. The following year, Marauder was used to describe both two and four door models of the Monterey, Montclair, and Park Lane using a fastback roofline. Developed for NASCAR competition, the fastback roofline would be used on both the Marauder and Galaxy through 1965... [read more]

Hired by Ford and tasked with bringing Mercury back to stock car racing, Bill Stroppe, who would later become famous for his off-road racing achievements, was given a rather sizable budget and told to "go for it"

Stroppe hired Arkansas native Parnelli Jones, and at the wheel of Mercury's Marauder, the pair went on to see tremendous success during the 1963 and 1964 seasons, capturing eight major stock car wins in '64, as well as stock-car division victories both years at the prestigious Pikes Peak Hillclimb.

The following year, Mercury phased out the Marauder in favor of a smaller, lighter chassis.

Skip ahead to 2003. Looking to rekindle an old flame, FoMoCo released a new iteration of the Marauder. Based on their Panther platform (see Mercury's Grand Marquis and Ford's Crown Victoria) the new Marauder featured a naturally aspirated 4.6-liter DOHC Modular V8 which produced 302hp and 318 lb/ft of torque. Transmission choices were limited to a 4-speed 4R70W automatic which shared parts with the 2003-2004 Mach 1 Mustang and the 2003–2005 Lincoln Aviator SUV.

Considered by many to be nothing more than a dressed up Marquis, the Marauder saw a production run of only 11,052 vehicles. And while we'd agree it is missing something aesthetically, the Marauder stayed true to its roots as an overweight, underpowered, full-size sedan.



For more info on the original Mercury Marauder and its racing pedigree, click here

Images and Info: Great Classic Cars
Editorial: Justin W. Coffey

VIDEO // NISSAN'S GT1 GT-R @ NISMO FESTIVAL

A testament to all of the hard work we're sure Nissan has put into their new race car, it's nice to see the new Nissan GT1 GT-R running full speed down the front straight of the Fuji Speedway during last month's NISMO Festival. With the start of the 2010 FIA GT Championship just around the corner, we can't wait to see how Godzilla fares against the likes of Aston Martin, Ford and Chevrolet. Stay tuned!

Video courtesy of CarniftyTV // [comment]

HISTORY // THE 1971 MERCEDES-BENZ 300 SEL 6.8 AMG

36 years ago, Hans Heyer and Clemens Schickentanz drove the Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.8 AMG to victory at the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps. It’s victory established AMG as one of the world’s premiere tuning houses and thrust them into the mainstream, a place they have been ever since... [read more]


Powered by a 428hp 6.8-liter V8, the new 300 SEL 6.8 AMG was the most powerful racing saloon of the time.

Based on the 300 SEL 6.3, the AMG edition featured "sharper" camshafts, larger intake valves, as well as modified rocker arms and pistons. The modifications beneath the bonnet allowed the 6.8 to reach a top speed of 265km/h compared to the produciton cars 221km/h.


As powerful as it may have been, it’s success on the race track was shortlived, as a change to the regulations for the 1972 season imposed a maximum capacity of 5.0-liters on cars racing in the European Touring Car Cup.


Establishing AMG as one of the premiere Mercedes tuners, the 1971 300 SEL 6.8 AMG will live on as one of, if not the, most impressive racing saloons of all time.

For a look at more photos of the 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.8 AMG, click here.

Images and Info: Mercedes-Benz Blog
Editorial: Justin W. Coffey

NEWS // FERRARI DRIVING ACADEMY'S FIRST PUPIL

Similar to ladder programs run by Renault and Red Bull, the Ferrari Driving Academy looks to help young drivers make their way to Formula One. Apparently, the new program, which is run by Ferrari’s track manager, Luca Baldisserri, has already selected its first driver; Jules Bianchi... [read more]

A young French racing driver managed by former Ferrari CEO Jean Todt's son Nicholas, Jules Bianchi is the first to come out of the Ferrari Driving Academy. Bianchi, whos father Mauro won the FIA GT Championship not one, but three times, claimed the French Formula Renault 2.0 title in 2007 and the F3 Euroseries in 2009. Following his test in the new Ferrari F10 as a part of the young driver test program, Bianchi went on to collect a podium finish in his GP2 Asia series debut this past weekend.

Unable to find a suitable replacement to the injured Massa, Ferrari suffered an embarrassing 2009 season, collecting only one win (Raikkonen at Spa) and finishing fourth amongst manufacturers.

For 2010, the Italian automaker is expected to do quite well, with a pair of veteran drivers, both of whom seem eager to collect a championship.

As for Bianchi, we'll keep our eyes peeled for the Frenchman, as we expect to see him move from GP2 into F1 within a few short years.

Images and Info: Ferrari
Editorial: Justin W. Coffey

GEAR // 'DATA LOGGER VISUALIZATION' IN GT:5

Polyphony Digital has just released this video showcasing a new feature expected in their forthcoming release, Gran Turismo 5. Called ‘Data Logger Visualization,’ the new feature allows players to download real in-car footage and then run it side by side as they lap the same circuit in the same car // [comment]

NEWS // OLIVER JARVIS EAGER FOR START OF DTM SEASON

With just under eleven weeks until the start of the 2010 DTM season, one driver who is particularly looking forward to the coming year is Audi's Oliver Jarvis.

Jarvis has filled the seat left by Danish master Tom Kristensen and will finally get his chance to compete with the latest spec Audi A4 DTM after spending the last two years with prior-spec models. The young British driver who has shown well with some stirring drives in older machinery is eager to be able to compete on a level playing field with the likes of Timo Scheider and Mattias Ekstrom... [read more]

"I know that competing with my team-mates and the Mercedes guys will be a tough job – but I look forward to the challenge, says Jarvis. "I’ll give everything to do a good job and will do my part to see the title goes to Audi again at the end of the season.” he added.

Jarvis has set himself a punishing fitness schedule for the coming season. "I’m working intensely on my fitness,” said the Briton. "Actually, I’m not doing anything different from what I did in previous years. But I’m taking advantage of the fact that I’m now living in Switzerland by skiing and snowboarding regularly. This is excellent fitness training plus also good fun, and the fresh air is invigorating.”

Jarvis visits his new team, Abt Sportsline on a weekly basis and has started to feel at home. "I’ve known the guys at Abt from the past two years and during the ‘DTM on Snow’ event in December I got to know them even better. I think that we’ll be working together superbly.” The same goes for his new race engineer, Franco Chiocchietti, who worked on Tom Kristensen’s A4 over the last six years. "Each time I visit we jointly study the data that was logged last year. This will help me when the season finally starts.”

The amiable youngster primarily owes the fact that he became a racer to his father, Carl, who competed in Formula Ford. As a six-year-old, Jarvis contested motocross races, at the age of eight he started his karting career, and at 18 his career as a professional racer.

Testing for the new season will include the Official DTM test days at Valencia Spain from March 24th-27th, before the series makes its way to Hockenheim for Round One on April 25th

Editorial: Neil Tozer
Photos: DTM