Articles Tagged ‘BMW Sauber’
Thursday, December 3rd, 2009 - Posted by Jack Sargeant
The FIA has said in a press release on its website that Sauber’s application to get a team on the grid in 2010 has been successful, with them taking the place of the departing Toyota team.
The press release read:
The FIA has written to inform BMW Sauber AG that their application for an entry in the 2010 FIA Formula One World Championship has been successful. Subject to their signing the Concorde Agreement, BMW Sauber will be awarded the 13th entry in the Championship, taking the place of the departing Toyota team.
The FIA has worked closely with the Commercial Rights Holder and the teams involved over recent weeks and is grateful for their support in achieving the best outcome for the sport.
An updated Formula One entry list will be published in due course.
Sauber will be back on the grid after buying the BMW team for the first time since 2005.
Tags: BMW, BMW Sauber, FIA, Sauber, Toyota
Posted in News, Sauber | No Comments »
Tuesday, December 1st, 2009 - Posted by Jack Sargeant
The young drivers test or ‘Kindergarten week’ as it was dubbed by Toro Rosso has today begun at the Jerez Circuit, Spain with 12 hot prospects all setting lap times at the circuit.
British F2 champ Spaniard Andy Soucek was the fastest driver in the 2009 Williams under the sunny skies at the circuit, where there was a track temperature of just 22′C. He clocked a 1:19.158 in his 87 laps.
However, it wasn’t all good for Soucek as twice he forced the red flags to come out, and brought the session to a temporary halt.
Scot Paul di Resta went second fastest in the Force India 0.211s off the pace, ahead of third place and former DTM champion Gary Paffett.
Toro Rosso’s Brendon Hartley finished last of the 12 after colliding with the barriers in the morning session.
Finishing 7th in the BMW Sauber was Alexander Rossi who’s quickest time was a 1:20.227. When speaking about his day he said;
“I very much enjoyed this day. It is impressive what the car does, how predictable and precise its reactions are, and how high the overall grip level is. But I have to admit I am also a little bit disappointed because being a racing driver you always want to be the fastest!
“I think in the afternoon we didn’t manage to find the perfect balance. Physically I have to say it was as demanding as I expected it would be. The power steering is a great help compared to GP2, but the g-forces obviously are higher.”
The Young Drivers testing runs until December 3rd.
Times
01 A. Soucek (Williams) 1:19.158 87 laps
02 P. Di Resta (Force India) 1:19.369 46 laps
03 G. Paffet (McLaren) 1:19.426 54 laps
04 D. Ricciardo (Red Bull) 1:19.534 113 laps
05 J. Bianchi (Ferrari) 1:19.626 91 laps
06 M. Conway (Brawn GP) 1:19.920 58 laps
07 A. Rossi (BMW-Sauber) 1:20.227 82 laps
08 M. Ericsson (Brawn GP) 1:20.333 50 laps
09 B. Baguette (Renault) 1:20.511 105 laps
10 J.R. Hildebrand (Force India) 1:20.537 49 laps
11 O. Turvey (McLaren) 1:20.856 27 laps
12 B. Hartley (Toro Rosso) 1:21.325 69 laps
Tags: Alexander Rossi, Andy Soucek, BMW Sauber, Brendon Hartley, DTM, F2, Force India, Gary Paffett, Jerez, Paul di Resta, Toro Rosso, Williams
Posted in BMW Sauber, Brawn GP, Ferrari, Force India, McLaren, News, Red Bull, Renault, Toro Rosso, Williams | No Comments »
Thursday, November 26th, 2009 - Posted by Jack Sargeant
The new Mercedes team have today announced their two drivers for the Young Drivers Test at Jerez, Spain which will take place later this month – Mike Conway and Marcus Ericsson.
Mike Conway, the 26 year old from Kent, England has previously won the Formula Renault and British F3 titles. This year he has competed in the IndyCar series, with his only podium being a third place. He finished 17th in the drivers standings.
The 19 year old Swede Marcus Ericsonn won the Formula BMW title in 2007 and just this year he has triumphed and won the Japanese F3 title.
The full list of young drivers heading for Jerez so far is:
BMW Sauber:
Alexander Rossi
Esteban Gutierrez
Mercedes:
Mike Conway
Marcus Ericsson
(more…)
Tags: Alexander Rossi, Andy Soucek, Bertrand Baguette, BMW Sauber, Brendon Hartley, British F3, Daniel Ricciardo, Daniel Zampieri, Esteban Gutierrez, Ferrari, Force India, Formula BMW, Formula Renault, Japanese F3, Jerez, JR Hildebrand, Jules Bianchi, Lucas di Grassi, Marco Zipoli, Marcus Ericsson, McLaren, Mercedes, Mike Conway, Mirko Bortolotti, Nico Hulkenberg, Pablo Sanchez Lopez, Paul di Resta, Red Bull, Renault, Toro Rosso, Williams
Posted in Mercedes GP, News | No Comments »
Tuesday, November 24th, 2009 - Posted by Jack Sargeant
They may not be competing in the F1 season next year after announcing their withdrawal earlier this year, but the BMW Sauber team are staying true to their word and will give two Formula BMW drivers – Alexander Rossi and Esteban Gutierrez their first taste of an F1 car at next week’s test for young drivers in Jerez, Spain.
BMW motorsport director Mario Theissen said:
“Depriving these junior drivers of the test we had promised them was not an option for us, even after the withdrawal of BMW from Formula One.
“BMW remains committed to motor sport and is keen to continue making a contribution to well-structured talent development.”
The 18 year old American Alexander Rossi has previously won the Formula BMW World Final, and will compete in the GP2 Asia series next season. Rossi said:
“I take the opportunity to present myself as a driver at Formula One level very seriously and I’m very aware of the far-reaching potential it has. I feel very fortunate and my goals for the test are to put in a fantastic performance while fully absorbing the whole experience. There is a growing list of people that have helped me get where I am today. This is a team effort and I am very grateful for this support. A special thanks to BMW Motorsport Director Dr. Mario Theissen for making this test possible and having the confidence in me.”
The other driver that BMW will give a test to is again an 18 year old, Mexican Esteban Gutierrez. Gutierrez won the Formula BMW Europe in 2008. He said:
“We have put all our efforts into the preparations for this great opportunity that will provide me with an insight into what the future may bring. The opportunity to drive a Formula One car is the fulfilment of part of my dreams. I feel very pleased and will use this experience to learn about and experience the professionalism of a Formula One team. This will help me to find the aspects where I need to work on myself more. This test is the achievement of many people who have given me support. It is also an honour for me to represent my home country Mexico. I will deliver my best.”
Tags: Alexander Rossi, BMW Sauber, Esteban Gutierrez, Formula BMW, Jerez
Posted in BMW Sauber, News | No Comments »
Thursday, November 5th, 2009 - Posted by Formula1Blogger
In a recent blog post on their official website, Ferrari appear to blame the exit of top car manufacturing teams such as Honda, BMW and recently Toyota on the sport’s leaders, rather than the often blamed global economic downturn. Ferrari said,
“The reality is that this gradual defection from the F1 fold has more to do with a war waged against the major car manufacturers by those who managed Formula 1 over the past few years, than the result of any economic crisis.”
Perhaps pointing to the recently departed Max Mosely, and the FIA as the crux of the problem, Ferrari are clearly a little upset at the teams seemingly dropping like flies from the sport. They go on to say that the new teams for 2010 are no replacement for the likes of Honda or BMW, saying they wonder how many will be left at the beginning of the 2010 season, and at the end.
Ferrari are clearly keen to uncover the culprits in this apparent (in their eyes) systematic approach to removing car manufacturing teams from the F1 grid.
“In Christie’s work of fiction, the guilty party was only uncovered when all the other characters died, one after the other. Do we want to wait for this to happen or do we want to pen a different ending to the book on Formula 1?”
An interesting viewpoint without a doubt, we can only wonder why it’s taken them nearly 12 months since the Honda walkout to voice their strong opinions on the matter. Perhaps some action around these words could and should have been done before BMW, Toyota, Bridgestone and even maybe Renault leave the sport. Maybe with Jean Todt at the helm of the FIA, Ferrari now feel a little more comfortable in voicing their opinions?
What is clear is that they definitely do not rate the incoming teams, and appear to question why the Formula One bosses are working hard to get new teams on board, yet let existing long term teams flounder and die.
Tags: BMW Sauber, Ferrari, Honda, Jean Todt, Max Mosley, Toyota
Posted in FIA, Ferrari, News | No Comments »
Wednesday, November 4th, 2009 - Posted by Formula1Blogger
In news that probably isn’t all that surprising this morning, Japanese car firm Toyota have confirmed that they will no longer take part in Formula One racing due to posting its worst ever financial loss. The world’s largest car manufacturer is leaving the sport to concentrate on its core business and to cut costs.
Rumours had been gently spreading over the past few weeks that the team were to possibly leave F1. Earlier last week Williams announced that they were no longer to use Toyota engines which some point out as one of the causing factors.
Last night @f1scoop found an article reported by Japanese newspaper Mainichi Daily News that the Toyota board have decided to pull out of Formula 1. A translation of the news article can be found here. To quote the article:
“Toyota Motor Corp., the world’s greatest motor racing, Formula One (F1) has decided to withdraw as far as this year.”
The announcement was made at 0800 hrs GMT today, 1700 local time.
This now leaves an empty slot on the grid for a team next year, which will likely mean the ex BMW Sauber team will be able to join in the the 2010 season after all. This also leaves Toyota drivers Jarno Trulli, Timo Glock and the impressive Kamui Kobayashi out of a job.
Tags: 2010, BMW Sauber, Drivers 2010, Engines, Jarno Trulli, Kamui Kobayashi, Timo Glock, Toyota, Williams
Posted in BMW Sauber, News, Toyota | 1 Comment »
Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009 - Posted by Jack Sargeant
Pole Robert Kubica is set for his competitive debut for new employer Renault for whom he will drive in the F1 championship next season as he is set to have a go at rallying in the French rally ‘Rallye du Var’ behind the wheel of a Renault Clio.
Kubica, a one time Formula 1 race winner is moving from BMW Sauber where he spent all of his previous F1 career to Renault for next season. He is set to follow fellow F1 driver Kimi Raikkonen who entered his home rally in Finland earlier this year and despite crashing out in the final stage on day two, he described it as ‘good fun.’
On the prospect of participating in the rally, Robert Kubica said:
“It’s [the entry on du Var] not 100 percent certain yet, but there are very big chances”
“It will be only for fun – I’m not interested in times. I already asked for a video of the stages. I know some roads in this region and I realize how difficult task it will be for me.”
Tags: BMW Sauber, Kimi Raikkonen, rally, Renault, Robert Kubica
Posted in News | No Comments »
Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009 - Posted by Formula1Blogger
Note: This article has been updated – please see last section.
It is being reported that Toyota have set November 8th as the day they will announce the future of the team. Previously it had been believed that the team would wait until their board meeting in mid November before any announcements would be made, however for whatever reason this has now been brought forward.
The future of the team has been in question for many weeks, with the team under performing throughout the tail end of the season. Toyota wouldn’t be the first casualty either of the big car manufacturer pull outs from Formula 1, with Honda and BMW already out of the game due to the world financial crisis.
Current drivers are also unconfirmed for 2010 seats, with Timo Glock and Jarno Trulli seemingly about to fly the nest, with the Toyota team looking for fresh blood such as the promising Kamui Kobayashi. Team boss John Howett has been positive however, keen to sign new drivers – even looking at the expensive Kimi Raikkonen.
If Toyota were to leave the sport this would free up a space on the grid for another team, which would work out quite nicely for the ex BMW Sauber team, who currently have new owners, but no grid places in 2010.
Update 03/11/09 19:15
It is being reported by Japanese newspaper Mainichi Daily News that the Toyota board have decided to pull out of Formula 1. A translation of the news article can be found here reported by @f1scoop. To quote the article:
“Toyota Motor Corp., the world’s greatest motor racing, Formula One (F1) has decided to withdraw as far as this year.”
According to the article, Toyota will now make announcement tomorrow (4th November) to confirm this news.
Update 04/11/09 08:15
Toyota have confirmed they will not take part any further in Formula One… Read More.
For more information on the Formula 1 driver lineup for 2010, check out our Ultimate Guide.
Tags: BMW Sauber, Drivers 2010, Jarno Trulli, Kamui Kobayashi, Timo Glock, Toyota
Posted in BMW Sauber, News, Toyota | No Comments »
Saturday, October 31st, 2009 - Posted by Jack Sargeant
Lewis Hamilton will line up alongside Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel for tomorrow’s inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the Yas Marina circuit after setting an electrifying lap in Q3, more than 0.5secs faster than the rest of the field.
Hamilton set a 1:40.948 after the chequered flag had dropped in Q3 compared to Vettel’s 1:41.615. The fellow Red Bull driver Mark Webber will line up 3rd alongside Rubens Barrichello and World Champion Jenson Button will start 5th.
Hamilton’s teammate Heikki Kovalainen will start 13th, despite topping Friday Practice 2, although this is because he suffered a brake problem in Q2.
Elsewhere it was a reasonably impressive qualifying session in BMW Sauber’s last ever Grand Prix with Kubica and Heidfeld making it an all BMW 4th row. They qualified 7th and 8th respectively.
Ferrari had another nightmare with Giancarlo Fisichella in particular, who will start last on the grid and Kimi Raikkonen who will start an average 11th on the grid.
It was a disappointing session for Renault as both of their drivers failed to get through Q1. In twice former world champion Fernando Alonso’s final qualifying for Renault he qualified 16th. His teammate Romain Grosjean will start 19th.
The full classification is below.
(more…)
Tags: Abu Dhabi, BMW Sauber, Fernando Alonso, Ferrari, Giancarlo Fisichella, Heikki Kovalainen, Jenson Button, Kimi Raikkonen, Lewis Hamilton, Nick Heidfeld, Red Bull, Renault, Robert Kubica, Romain Grosjean, Rubens Barrichello, Sebastian Vettel, Yas Marina
Posted in BMW Sauber, Brawn GP, Ferrari, Force India, McLaren, News, Red Bull, Renault, Toro Rosso, Toyota, Williams | No Comments »
Tuesday, October 27th, 2009 - Posted by Formula1Blogger
With the 2009 Formula 1 season drawing to a close, there is the inevitable departures of drivers, team members, and in some cases – whole teams that needs to take place. Some will get reshuffled into new teams, some will go altogether, and some new blood will enter the paddock. Here’s a brief rundown of the F1 goodbyes in 2009.
Kimi Raikkonen & Fernando Alonso
After 3 years with Ferrari, Kimi Raikkonen is being replaced by Fernando Alonso. Raikkonen is yet to sign a deal with a new team for 2010, however he has been linked with a drive at McLaren and Toyota, the former being the most likely slot.
Raikkonen won the drivers world championship with the team in his debut year, as well as the constructers in 2007 and 2008.
There is also an outside chance the Raikkonen will leave the sport altogether. He has frequently mentioned when interviewed that if the right race seat doesn’t become available he will leave Formula 1 for good. We don’t think he’s bluffing…
Fernando Alonso also leaves his Renault team for the second time in his F1 career. With the team in disarray, Pat Symonds and Flavio Briatore also gone, it makes complete sense that Alonso would want to move away. That said, there are some whispers that the Ferrari deal has been in place since last year, however it couldn’t be made then for whatever reasons.
Tags: BMW Sauber, Fernando Alonso, Flavio Briatore, Giancarlo Fisichella, Heikki Kovalainen, Jarno Trulli, Kazuki Nakajima, Kimi Raikkonen, Nelson Piquet Jr, Nick Heidfeld, Pat Symonds, Robert Kubica, Ron Dennis, Rubens Barrichello, Sebastien Bourdais
Posted in BMW Sauber, Brawn GP, Ferrari, Force India, McLaren, Renault, Toro Rosso, Toyota, Williams | 1 Comment »
