Time:
Log out
PowerPlay Magazine2010 Formula One World Championship
Added: 
Little has changed compared to 2009, although there is the return of the Canadian Grand Prix and the arrival of the Korean Grand Prix (if it is finished on time and approved).
Regarding regulation, the system for points changed: they will be distributed from the 1st to the 10th position as follows: 25, 18, 15, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, 1. Moreover, there are no more KERS, and fuel supplies are prohibited (but not tire changes) which should give us a very interesting race between the drivers who managed to save their fuel for quick last runs and those who must go on the economy to finish the race.
Meanwhile, teams prepared over several weeks of trials that ended February 28. It gives us the opportunity to take a look at teams one by one.
McLaren - Mercedes
After honorably starting in 2000 (8th), he finished 3rd in the championship in 2004 and won his first victory in 2006, the Englishman endured 2 bad seasons with Honda that plunged his career in the shadows. Then Honda became Brawn and Jenson, while his career seemed over, became the world champion. Many people attribute the title only to the performance of Brawn, Jenson gave himself a new challenge: beat the gifted Hamilton with an equal machine.
• 2. Lewis Hamilton
Cocooned by McLaren since his kart debut, GP2 champion in his first season, runner-up and one point short of the title for his debut in Formula One, then champion in 2008, is having an exceptional career. Far from being discouraged by the lack of performance of his car in early 2009, he took advantage of successive changes to pocket 2 late wins, 4 poles and 5 podiums. He is undeniably one of the candidates for the title in 2010.
Mercedes GP
The tests didn't teach much, indeed, the MGP W01 uses many parts from the 2009 Brawn and significant change is expected. Schumacher said he was skeptical about the chances of victory early in the season, but he changed his mind the next day because the quantities of fuel opponents had were too vague.
Is it useful to present the Red gray Baron ? 7 titles, all-time records for poles, wins, fastest laps ... adored or hated, often maligned for his unsportsmanlike behavior, certainly a legendary pilot and now he returns to F1 in a 100% German "dream team". After seeing his career launched and sponsored by Mercedes, he is back home. By his own admission, he came back to win and if those 3 seasons without running have not taken their toll, he will be able to pick up an 8th title, but competition is fierce.
• 4. Nico Rosberg
Already 56 major Grand Prix and only 2 fastest laps and 2 podiums. Many believe that this record is mostly due to the 4 years past in a Williams team on the skids and the German-Finnish-Monegasque has still not been able to let his talent talk. This season next to Schumacher in the world champion team will be a good evaluation.
Red Bull - Renault
The 2009 Red Bull was ingenious, innovative and even without a double deck diffuser, was almost level with Brawn. The RB6 is a logical evolution of the 2009 RB5, in all probability it should also be very competitive, however, small reliability issues have clouded their outlook for good results.
At the 2007 Japanese Grand Prix, he became at the ripe young age of 20 years, 2 months and 27 days the youngest driver in the history of Formula 1 to lead a race. The following season, he confirms his precocity at the highest level by becoming, at 21 years, 2 months and 11 days, the youngest pole winner in the history of Formula 1, and the next day the youngest winner in the history of Formula 1. He is also 2009 vice-world champion Formula 1. Another likely candidate if his car is up to it!
• 6. Mark Webber
After having seen his Mercedes prototype fly in loops in the line of haunedières at Le Mans, Mark went into open wheel racing. A good decision given that after the Hungarian Grand Prix 2009, he was 2nd in the running for the championship. Alas, despite a 2nd victory at the Brazilian GP, a series of incidents and poor performance made him drop to 4th place. The fact remains that even this season, his teammate Vettel will be his main opponent.
Ferrari
This has given the Italian engineers a lot of time and obviously they have worked well: the brand new F10 engine is ingeniously positioned to allow the car to produce an excellent ground effect in association with the double deck. During tests, the 2009 world champion, Jenson Button, said he was very impressed by the speed of the Ferrari drivers whilst he followed them when they were loaded with fuel. Also Fernando Alonso can't stop praising the car and finds it among other things particularly easy to drive. 2009 defaults are forgotten and the Scuderia looks set to meet regularly the paths to victory.
Vice World Champion in 2008, but severely injured in 2009, the Brazilian almost lost his life and it's a miracle that his eyesight has not been impaired. Concerns were high on his competitiveness after that, but Massa has proved with trials in 2010 that he has fully recovered his ways after his accident. After having bravely stood up to the very talented Kimi Räikkönen, the Fernando Alonso threat wont destabilize him and unless there is a big surprise, the Brazilian should be back in contention for the title this season.
• 8. Fernando Alonso
As Button said: "There is no World Champion without a good car." In fact, the Spanish was tired of mixed results with Renault and goes for the title conquest in one of the teams most likely to provide a good car. Note however, that he could not bear that Hamilton was the "favourite" at McLaren, he could relive the same situation by going in the same team then Massa. The tifosi could also be problematic, and some have particularly considered him the "enemy" that ended the dominance Ferrari / Schumacher and almost deprived Raikkonen of the 2008 title. And finally, the Spanish was involved in the 2 last biggest scandals in F1, which again fueled the antipathy of the tifosi.
Williams - Cosworth
Fitted with a double deck diffuser at the beginning of the 2009 season, Williams took little benefit from that. The performance was nevertheless there, often with the best laps on Friday, 1 fastest lap, and starts in 3rd, 5th position among others, alas, no podium for the drivers, or even points for Nakajima, unlike in 2008 when the car was even more behind the competition ... 2010 is a year particularly rich in changes for the team: Toyota Motor replaced by Cosworth, 2 new pilots with the GP2 champion Nico Hulkenberg and the most experienced driver of the competition: Rubens Barrichello. If the Cosworth is still subject to many questions about its reliability and its consumption, the duo driver however seems very interesting.
The winter tests have not given much: the times were neither bad nor very good. Only point to note: several reliability problems.
Although he has sometimes been a bit transparent, the Brazilian showed he still had a good hand in 2009. This season he will be very useful to Williams by his experience, but beware of Hülkenberg: getting beaten by a beginner could spell the end of his career.
• 10. Nico Hulkenberg
Another German, another prodigy (champion of GP2 from the 1st season) and protege of Schumacher's manager. He seems to be a welcome addition to Williams, more likely he will learn much from the experienced Barrichello at his side. This is a German pilot whose career should be interesting to follow!
Renault
Tainted by the Singapore scandal, left by a number of sponsors and his double world champion Fernando Alonso, the team experienced one of the hardest moments in its history. To avoid wasting too much money in F1, the chassis structure at Enstone was partly transferred to Genii Capital (investment fund), Renault retaining a minority share of the team. Paradoxically, with the absence of a main sponsor, 2010 marks the return of Renault's legendary black and yellow colors from the turbo engine years. If this news pleased fans, recruiting Petrov, more for his bag of 15 million euros than for his talent, made observers anxious, Renault falling among the smaller teams forced to hire a driver for the money he brings. However, the car has at times interesting performances and, in addition to significant aerodynamic changes that are expected to arrive shortly, the R30 is currently using many parts of 2009.
Sometimes regarded as a pilot at the level of Alonso, Hamilton or Massa, sometimes considered a mere "good driver", Kubica should have no difficulty overcoming Petrov. The team's goal is to be back on podiums at the end of the season, and that's all we can wish for him, even if the arrival of Genii Capital, mainly there to raise money, doesn't inspire confidence.
• 12. Vitaly Petrov
15 million euros, that's what decided his job ... Certainly not a bad driver, but where Hülkenberg or Hamilton won the GP2 their first season, the Russian took 4 seasons before winning the 2nd place (and if Grosjean had not left the championship in mid-season, Petrov would have finished 3rd). There are talks that if he wants to keep his place, he should do at least as much as 25% of Kubica's points.
Force India - Mercedes
Endowed in 2009 with a car with low downforce, but particularly effective on quick Grand Prix, the Indian team had its first points, its first pole, its first podium and first fastest lap. The 2010 target is for the VJM03 to be capable of similar performance, but on all types of circuits to gain the 5th place in the constructors' championship. In tests, it seemed that the car is at a good level, but doubts loom over the behavior of the tires.
Whenever there is rain, Sutil wakes up and shows the extent of his talent. He won his first point since his debut in 2007 in a very modest Spyker with a Japanese Grand Prix in downpour mode. The following year at the Monaco Grand Prix under the rain, he climbed to fourth position between the Ferrari of Felipe Massa and Kimi Räikkönen. Unfortunately, Sutil was hit by Kimi from behind on the last sixth lap, forcing him to surrender. In 2009 Adrian has also begun to shine on a dry track in Germany, he started 7th, climbed to 2nd place, but unfortunately his race was compromised by an incident again with ... Kimi Raikkonen! Fortunately, after some races, taking advantage of a car very well adapted to the Italian circuit, Sutil finished 4th and realized the fastest lap at Monza.
• 15. Vitantonio Liuzzi
Announced upon his arrival in F1 as one of the future stars to come, he was yet the author of uneven performances that earned him to be replaced by Bourdais. Competing against Fisichella to get a driver seat for Force India in 2008, he lost to his compatriot and became simply the test driver. Nevertheless, he continues to train and participate in competitions (Speedcar Series, A1 Grand Prix) to maintain his keen sense of drive and allow him to glean a few trophies. The departure during the 2009 season of Fisichella for Ferrari allowed him to regain a starting place and his results are quite satisfactory as his contract is extended for 2010.
Toro Rosso - Ferrari
For the first time in its history, the Toro Rosso is not a clone of Red Bull. (Until 2009, the 2 teams received the same chassis structure "Red Bull Technology" with single differences made depending on engine).
However, as the team mother, the car in 2010 will be an evolution from that of 2009. During testing, STR5 appeared fast and reliable. Be careful though to a possible lack of money and personnel to ensure continuous development throughout the season.
When the Swiss joined Toro Rosso, Bourdais said Buemi was as fast as Vettel. Indeed, despite a car development far behind the one of big sister at Red Bull, Buemi has progressed over the season, to make good races, at least when he didn't go in the gravel.
• 17. Jaime Alguersuari
While he was 8th in the championship WSR 3.5 (cars twice less powerful than F1), this driver has replaced Bourdais to take advantage of a publicity stunt: at 19 years and 125 days, Alguersuari became the youngest driver to start a Grand Prix. Not surprisingly, the Spanish with his arrival in F1 without any preparation, did not shine. This time he took all winter and many tests to be ready to play the 2010 season and must prove himself if he does not want to suffer the same fate as the one he replaced.
Lotus - Cosworth
Of all the new teams this one seems better equipped for long term: Malaysian funding, 2 honorable drivers (one win each) and Mike Gascoyne as technical director. If the latter is recognized as a ''bulldog'' and quite outspoken, he is also considered as one of the best engineers in F1 with creations sometimes disappointing, but other competitive (Jordan in 1999, Renault in 2003, Toyota in 2005). Otherwise, a return of a legendary name, moreover under the colors of the glorious era of the original team with Jim Clark. In tests, the T127 has been rather slow but generally reliable. Lack of speed may be due to a car constantly loaded with fuel, it is too early to assess its competitiveness. Many changes and improvements are planned for the season, the team has learned very late their acceptance to enter the championship, creating a F1 car in such a short time was a tour de force and all sorts of steps that other teams had time to take are still coming at Lotus.
Often brilliant in qualifying (4 poles, 13 starts at first line), the Italian rarely follows up during the race (one win, 11 podiums). However, his performance remains very honorable, and he is a welcome addition to the Lotus team, especially since he knows well the technical director Mike Gascoyne.
• 19. Heikki Kovalainen
Like his teammate, often quick in qualifying, but struggling to achieve, he has also a single victory. The Finn will have to succeed against Trulli if he wants to reassure himself after 2 seasons being dominated by Hamilton.
HRT - Cosworth (eg Campos)
It was believed that team Campos was still born, but a takeover by a businessman gave a little air. They had to change name along the way to become Hispania Racing Team. Moreover, for the moment, it is impossible to be certain that the budget will be sufficient to compete for the entire season. However, a pledge of some seriousness, the chassis will be supplied by the manufacturer Dallara already experienced in F1, GP2, IRL, WSR and many other motor sports. However, payments are often honored late, so continued development throughout the season is unlikely. Having done no testing so far, it is impossible to evaluate the car on its performance or reliability.
The free bucket of HRT / Campos was the subject of many rumors, but it was certain more money was needed than talent to afford it. The Indian driver Karun Chandhok (seen 3 seasons in GP2 where his ranking has fluctuated between the 10th and 18th place) inherited the place after several seasons with Force India refusing to recruit him despite several tests. Indeed, the Indian billionaire owner of Force India in late 2009 said "If I can give him a chance, I'll be delighted. But he must prove what he is capable of". Widely beaten by Senna in 2007 when they both were in the same GP2 team, Chandhok on his untested HRT seems the ideal driver if you bet on who will finish last.
• 21. Bruno Senna
"You think I'm fast? Well just wait till you see my nephew Bruno!" said the legendary Ayrton. Unfortunately, the death of the uncle also put an end to the career of the nephew. It is only after a 10 year lapse that Bruno gained the right to come back to competition. His excellent results in promotion racing should have given him a driver's seat in 2009 with Honda, but Brawn GP preferred the experienced Barichello. 2010 should mark the return of Senna's name in Formula One, however, it was made clear to Bruno that he had better bring sponsors if he wanted to keep his place.
USF1 - Cosworth (participation canceled)
Since October, the news were made progressively more and more alarming ... Already in serious lack of money, Americans have suffered a fatal blow: the car did not pass the FIA crash tests and the Americans have asked the FIA to be able to ignore 2010 to be ready for 2011. Meanwhile, the plant is closed, there is no driver and the team will certainly not participate in 2010.
After a champion title in the Eurocup Formula Renault in 2003, the Argentinian went into the antechamber of F1 (F3000 and GP2). Alas, after 3 seasons less than satisfactory, he had to return to Argentina where he competed in local races. Helped by a bag of $ 5 million, he has attracted the interest of USF1 in search of money. Beware, however: it is out of question for him to get the super license to drive a F1 GP. To get it, he will need to achieve lots of mileage during tests, which may be impossible, no car being ready before the start of the season. When USF1 recently admitted wanting to seek a postponement of its participation in 2011, Jose Maria Lopez has canceled his contract, making USF1 without a driver.
• XX. ???????????
Now it is certain that USF1 will not run in 2010, the tongues loosened, and the rumor that James Rossiter (former F1 test driver for Honda in 2007) had been in talks with USF1 have been confirmed. More than that, he had even signed, getting his seat for $ 8 million, but seeing that the Americans were not going to participate, Rossiter chose IndyCar. The Lopez family also speaks of a certain Milos Pavlovic (9th of F2 in 2009) who would have signed with USF1.
Virgin - Cosworth
Manor Born, the team was bought to become Virgin. The funding is very modest (even the 3rd pilot lost his place for failing to get the sponsors promised) and technical director Nick Wirth has never seen the F1 cars (Andrea Moda and Simtek) designed by his late business Simtek Research mark at least a point. However, since then, water has flowed under the bridge and his new company, Wirth Research, among others is the maker of the Acura ARX-02a, ALMS champion of 2009.
Without money to pay for wind tunnel testing, Virgin has built its car entirely with computer simulations. A gamble, but that seems to pay for since with a load of gasoline and recurring hydraulic problems, the time trials were acceptable. We also note a sudden breaking of bindings on the front wing.
GP2 champion in 2007 and once in F1, often able to beat his teammate, the experienced Trulli, Glock is an important recruit for Virgin. However, after a career where steadily fighting for the podium, or wins, he will have to be tough in a team where each point earned will be a miracle.
• 25. Lucas di Grassi
After 3 seasons fighting for the GP2 title (2nd and 2 times 3rd), the Brazilian finally arrives in Formula 1. Virgin having already replaced its 3rd pilot by a more fortunate one, Lucas will probably have to keep close to Glock in performance to keep his seat.
Sauber - Ferrari
Abandoned by Mercedes at the end of 1994 and by BMW at the end of 2009 , Peter Sauber is lucky to see his team still alive. Despite these recent problems and an almost total lack of sponsors for the moment, the 2010 car seems well born as it is regularly at the top of the time sheets during testing. Be careful though, because in tests it is quite possible to try and attract sponsors while driving a car under the regulatory weight to sign good laps, whatever its actual performance is.
Undeniably positive: the car is quite reliable. (Note that as "a replacement team" with the departure of USF1, Sauber gets the No. 22 and 23 instead of 26 and 27).
Without a pilot's seat since 2002, the Spanish merely did some interims and held his position as 3rd driver with McLaren. With this experience, the desire to return to competition and his good qualities to develop a car, Peter Sauber gave him his confidence. In contrast, the team's finances are weak and lack of sponsors or results could threaten his place for a paying driver.
• 23. Kamui Kobayashi
Without success in GP2, abandoned by its sponsors, the Japanese thought his racing career would end in 2009. Preparing sushi in his father's restaurant seemed to be his future until the accident of Timo Glock, which propelled him in the Toyota for the last 2 Grands Prix of the season. And there it was a revelation: fast, resistant to pressure, he won his starting seat for Toyota in 2010. But now ... the Japanese manufacturer decided to withdraw. Again without a car, Kobayashi has won Sauber over, finally giving him a chance to confirm all the beautiful things he showed us in 2009.
Stefan GP - Toyota
It is impossible not speak of the Serbian team, they have money, a functioning car and an adequate structure. (What would have been the 2010 Toyota and the infrastructure of the Japanese team are now used by Stefan GP). And especially the recruitment of world champion Jacques Villeneuve. They were ready and waiting for the FIA's clearance, being ready at the point of even having begun to send material on site of the first GP. But against all odds, the FIA declared it was too late to replace USF1, considering a replacement for ... 2011 ... we should end up with a grid of 24 cars instead of the 26 promised.
Nakajima came with the Toyota engine at Williams and now that Stefan GP takes over to bring the Japanese engine, things do not change. Impressive when he debuted at short notice as a replacement (5th time), he is under contract in 2008 where he produced a honorable season (9 pts). However, 2009 has been a dark season: in spite of starting twice in the top 10, he does not score a single point of the season while his teammate finished 7th with 34.5 pts.
• X. Jacques Villeneuve
Jacques Villeneuve was to get behind the wheel, most media agreed that he had cast his bucket the first of March and signed a pre-contract giving him the place if the FIA validated the participation of the Serbian team. Unfortunately, participation was declined and the Canadian champion will have to wait to make the return he wishes for so much.
All teams may well change significantly their performance.
One can also wonder about the behavior of tires tested on fresh tracks in Europe, but will they hold in the burning Arabian desert. Which car will save enough gum in these conditions?
And drivers also need to be very smart to drive slowly with their cars loaded with fuel at the start, then sprint to the finish if they have saved enough. Alain Prost was nicknamed "Professor" because he intelligently managed his races. Will the current drivers be able to do the same?
Wait and see. The hierarchy will only appear at the first Grand Prix and it only remains to wait and hope for a good season!
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on MySpace
Editors
Contact - Terms of Service - Privacy Policy - Cookies settings - Site map
Advertising on PowerPlay Manager - Become our partner!
Partners: www.tennismania.com - www.biathlonmania.com - www.skijumpmania3.com - www.athleticsmania.com - www.wintersportsmania.com - www.summersportsmania.com
[all: 46ms / php: 28ms / db: 17ms ]
Web server: WB2