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Testing February 1st: Barcelona Day 12 01 Feb 2002


Antonio Pizzonia had his first taste at the top of the time sheets today, when he managed a 1.19.452 in his Williams FW23. He was the only driver for the BMW powered team on track, due to a shortage of engines.
Both Jaguar drivers were at the wheel of this year's R3, and Pedro de la Rosa proved the quicker of the two as they worked on aerodynamics and pit stop practice.

Takuma Sato had a heavy accident in his Jordan EJ11, but was able to get back out on track in the afternoon. However, he had another spin after the car's brake temperature rose rapidly and his rear wheels locked.

Jarno Trulli reinforced his team mate Jenson Button's glowing report on the R202, when he also praised the new car for its consistency and driveability. His time was especially good, considering that he was on a heavy fuel load.


"The whole package is very positive," he said. "At the moment I have a problem with my seat, as my head is hitting the headrest. That has to be corrected. I wasn't so happy in last year's car but even with the headrest problem this car is much improved.

"It is very consistent, it can consistently do the same things over and over again. It can generate more temperature than last year's car (in the tyres). There is a lot more to come on the aero side and the rear end of the car is so stable, so I am very positive and happy about it.

"Realistically it would be nice to be able to fight Sauber for fourth this season, the baseline of the car is there. We have to work on reliability, and I hope we get there!


"I am still finding it hard to get used to the tyres because Michelin have totally different characteristics to Bridgestone, and I just have to change my driving style. It is a matter of time. I really look forward to this season! "

Only Jaguar continue testing tomorrow.



Pos Driver Team Time Laps
1. Pizzonia Williams 1'19"452 74
2. Alonso Renault 1'20"029 49
3. Trulli Renault 1'20"071 30
4. Sato Jordan 1'20"527 44
5. de la Rosa Jaguar 1'20"533 51
6. Fisichella Jordan 1'21"014 25
7. Irvine Jaguar 1'22"078 73
Unofficial Times




Source: www.formula1.com

Sato crashes 01 Feb 2002


Jordan's new signing Takuma Sato crashed heavily in testing at Barcelona this morning (Friday), after a suspension failure on his EJ11.
He hit the tyre wall side-on at Turn 12, one corner after the area where Michael Schumacher crashed on Wednesday, following his left axle failure.

The part failed as he went to accelerate out of the turn into the pit straight, and instead he was sent spiralling into the barrier at the side of the track.

He was able to scrub off speed before the impact, it was estimated that he was travelling at 230km/h when the axle failed, and was unhurt.


His Jordan mechanics were also able to repair his car and get him back out on track two hours after the accident.

"It was my first crash, and it was an experience!" he exclaimed. "Shame, as it was one of my best laps. I was going to do a race simulation in the afternoon, but because Brembo wanted me to try this new brake disc, I put it on and I went out for the first time in qualifying trim.

"Into the first corner, as it was a new brake disc, I did not know where to brake. The more I drove the more I got used to it and that is why I was really trying into the last corner, when suddenly something went and the car went straight towards the barrier. That was really scary!"


He eventually set the fourth fastest time, despite another spin in the afternoon.

Schumacher denies "legend" status
02 Feb 2002


Michael Schumacher has stated that he should not be regarded as anything other than a normal person, despite his great success in formula1.
The four times world champion told Spanish sport newspaper AS that he thinks he is simply lucky to be good at something he greatly enjoys

"I am not a legend, just someone who is lucky enough to do well at something that I really enjoy," he said. "I earn more than enough money to live well with my family, but other than that I am just a perfectly normal person."

Schumacher will equal Juan Manuel Fangio's record of five championships if he takes a third consecutive title in 2002, but admitted he would not have wanted to race alongside the Argentinean back in the 1950s. "What Fangio did was impressive, because racing was a lot more dangerous in those days," he said.


However, the German expects a tough time trying to equal Fangio's record this year. "There is now very little difference between the drivers on the grid and all of them are more professional than before," he commented.

"The sport is more exciting than ever and I am looking forward to facing up to the new generation of younger drivers."

Charity soccer match played out today
03 Feb 2002


Ferrari's charity soccer tournamanet, the "Partita della Passione", take place today (Sunday) with teams in action from the from Nazionale Cantanti, the Nazionale Piloti and a squad from Scuderia Ferrari.
The event takes place at 14.30 at the Braglia di Modena stadium, when the three teams will meet for the first time on a football pitch.

Playing for the Prancing Horse team will be the official drivers Michael Schumacher, Rubens Barrichello, Luca Badoer and Luciano Burti, while Jean Todt will manage the "men in red" from the touchline.

This one-off event, with all the gate money going to charity, is also tied in to the 28th staging of the "Corrida di S. Geminiano," an initiative linked to the festival for the patron saint of Modena.


Also taking part will be Riccardo Fogli, turning out for the Nazionale Cantanti squad.

Ticket sales already number 9,000 but there are still more on sale.

Jordan keep major sponsors
02 Feb 2002


Jordan is set to keep major sponsors Benson & Hedges and Deutsche Post Worldnet, despite recent rumours to the contrary sparked off when they entered into the 2002 provisional calendar without the title sponsor's name included.
This was explained by the team as due to the fact that they were still discussing the level of funding for this coming season, however speculation was rife that the Irish outfit could lose both partners.

Happily the team has since revealed that when they launch their EJ12, during the week commencing 18th February, it would be in the familiar yellow colouration of Benson & Hedges and Deutsche Post Worldnet.

At the unveiling, the drivers will be joined by Eddie Jordan, who will take the opportunity to announce the team's commercial package and racing objectives for 2002.


A team statement said that the date and venue of the presentation will be announced as soon as arrangements with sponsors are finalised.

Exclusive: Interview with Mike Gascoyne
03 Feb 2002


Early praise for the new Renault R202 has left technical director Mike Gascoyne hopeful once again for 2002, after a difficult season last year which often saw its predecessor fighting the Arrows and Minardis in qualifying.
He gave the following interview about his new car.

Q: Enlighten us on your new car please?
Mike Gascoyne: It is an evolution of the B201. The basic engine layout is similar and the dimensions are the same. We also retained the 6-speed gearbox. We just felt the car last year was mechanically good so we improved on certain areas, especially the aerodynamics. That is where the majority of the effort went in.

Q: So you kept the basics, what was wrong with your car last year?
MG: IT was due to lack of development. We found that the right way to move forward was to change the method of testing. Instead of going testing, we decided to get the engine right before we did anything on the chassis, that was when we stopped testing and concentrated on dyno work. As a result, we suffered a lot on the chassis but we had to make that compromise. We were definitely falling behind in aerodynamics.


Q: Were you not upset by that? The chassis and engine have to work in tandem.
MG: It is not an overnight process and I knew that when I joined the team. It is not a simple thing to change. We had to increase the resources and to do that we had to find a budget. Last year we created a package we could further develop. The car was mechanically sound, and it was designed in such way that it did not prevent any area from evolving. You can see lots of thought has gone into bodywork this year.

Q: Were you saved by the fact that it eventually started performing towards the end of the season?
MG: We knew at the start of the season, and knew it would be a very time consuming process. We said we would perform and we did, finally. So it was viewed that we had kept the promise.

Q: Were you not disheartened at all during the season when results were slow? Did you not have any doubt at all?
MG: I always knew that. It was very important not to lose focus. I knew what I was doing, what my intentions and Jean Jacques (His - engine director) were. However it was not easy to comprehend for the workforce. I was not liked at all. Luckily the management understood it and they stood by me. There is no short-term solution. We were then qualifying 18th or 19th so obviously no-one was happy about it. Despite that I was allowed to carry on. It is very good Flavio (Briatore) and I have a clear understanding on where we stand. I told him that I was not here for any popularity contest. We just needed to get the job done. In a way my track record proved its worth.


Q: You said the car suffered a lot on aerodynamics last year, but this year will not be so...
MG: The majority of improvement came from aero work. It has been 4 years since we had one of the best wind tunnels, and on top of that we also do work with Fondmetal windtunnel facilities (booked for 6 months of the year). Nowadays a lot depends on aero efficiency, and if you do not have a windtunnel on site you are done. You also have to keep updating the systems. They do move forward quite fast and it is natural we want the latest kit, which cost quite a lot.

Q: Are the days of mechanically efficient cars gone?
MG: It is such a fast moving area, if you don't keep the pace, you simply fall behind. It is too late to see something another car and copy it. You should have already had such idea in your head by then. There is no Holy Grail in motor racing, there is no one thing which makes car go quick. You just have to keep on trying, and make sure it is the right one!

Q: It was a rather daring act on Renault's part to start 2001 season with such an adventurous concept. Did you not think it was too radical?
MG: From a scientific point of view, if you lower the centre of gravity, you can make car go quicker. In order to achieve that, you widen the V angle, there are certain issues to be addressed in widening the angle but if you can get performance out of it, it is the way to go. Those issues are solvable issues. They are not the problems. I honestly believe in Jean Jacques and that is the baseline we have followed.


Q: People within were the team not happy either, now do you feel you proved them wrong?
MG: Like I said, I am not here to be liked. I am here to get the job done and I can say now people will listen to me. There will always be some criticism but I am in communication with those who know what is going on. One superb designer cannot create a fast car any more. It is a modern era of big teams. My job is mainly directing right people to follow the right direction, making sure whole organisation moves forward in the same direction. Some 10 years ago, it was possible for one big guy to lead a team, and it is probably ok and plausible in small teams. However to be on top of everyone, that is not the way to go. Obviously it helps that a technical director has a reasonable engineering background but he does not need to be a specialist in any particular field.

Q: Is that your strength then?
MG: You know my strength? I don't make mistakes, while others do.




Source: www.formula1.com

02 Feb 2002


McLaren chose to test alone this week in Valencia, while the majority of teams worked at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona.
David Coulthard started his test programme with the MP4-17 on Tuesday, and Kimi Raikkonen worked in the MP4-16B test car.

Raikkonen concentrated on a Michelin tyre development while Coulthard carried out engine and chassis work on McLaren's 2002 contender.

By close of play on Wednesday Coulthard had set a time of 1.11.58 in the new car, while Raikkonen managed a 1.11.7 despite concentrating on shorter runs with lighter fuel loads.


However, the Scot had to hand over the reins of the MP4-17 to test driver Alexander Wurz, after he was struck down by a heavy cold.

The Austrian had not been scheduled to test again until 4th February, but flew to the Spanish track to complete a wet test on Thursday, after the track had been artificially flooded for this purpose.

"All the team's drivers and engineers are pleased with the performance of the new car so far," commented McLaren MD Martin Whitmarsh at the end of the test.


McLaren now switch to Barcelona next week, while the rest of the pack flies to Valencia for their test session from February 4th.


Source: www.formula1.com

I'm nuts for F1 ... although after last year it's not as appealing as it was before - Last Gentleman of F1... Jean Alesi left the circus...and he was my absolute favourite...IMO sport is not the same without him anymore - racing for racing is over now... monet, calculations, mindgames have taken over :S

Anyways...here is what I think of 2002:

Ferrari:
Favourite again...team Schumacher with all its glory...think they're going to wrap it up this time again. Boring... I know...
Rubens...nothing to say about the guy...he knew what he was facing when joining he Scuderia outfit...so no point in constant whining

McLaren:
DC has probably stated again that this year is his year... I've never believed him before...no exeption this time.
Räikkonen - although the lad was as fast as Heidfeld last year...expectations at McLaren are different then at Saubers tally...noone is going to be happy with u being 6th....so it's quite a pressure for Rons new Finnish Son
In general - if reliability problems can be overcome and Mr. Dennis keeps his mind on F1...title contenders ...again... getting it...another matter

Williams:
JPM and Little Schumacher...
I honestly believe they are both overrrated...Ralf Schumacher has been outperformed by his teammates constantly...last year it wasn't THAT evident...but anyone remember days at Jordan with Fisichella?
JPM... ok he is good...BUT...the guy had a great car (speed-wise, power-wise...reliabuility was sh*tty I know) last year as well....it's easy to sparkle when ur car is fast.... No title for him this year...but he'll battle for podiums constantly.

Sauber:
Sauber has much higher expectations this year then ever before.... I like the policy Mr.Sauber is developing...think he's a great manager...always recgnising hot prospects (almost like EJ)
Heidfeld hasn't been as impressive as expected...but I am eager to see what Massa has to offer...the boy has fire...that's a fact

Jordan:
The new car design...if anyone's seen is radical..esp. the front cone... + Honda ALWAYS looks promising preseason...
Duo Sato and Fischella is I think the most talented one in current lineup...

BAR:
Struggling...problemes with Pollock leaving...JV's emotional fluctuations....Panis is consistent....but somewhere around 10th place....IMO...he'll always be good at testing...average on track
+ I expect them to be less-favoured Honda team

Jaguar:
Another struggler...problems with testing...big problems...If they work them out by start of the season....well competition with the likes of BAR and Renault...on better days with Jordan and Sauber even...
Drivers both decent...and equal...though Mr. Irvine surely disagrees.

Renault:
Just kick out Briatore and then the results come... Think better then last year... Sad for Trulli who had to land there...Button?...well he showed that he ain't that sensatioal as he first seemed

Arrows:
Since the line-up isn't clear yet...then who knows?
But I think ain't better then give some competition for the likes of Renault and Jaguar.

Minardi:
Team based on enthousiasm maily...I was sad to hear that Alonso was set for Renault testing job...cause I think the kid has a great potential.
Webber?...was good at F3000 and has a relatively long testing experience...so even though Yoon has been into few F1 races I expect Webber to be better.

Toyota:
Big questionmark...I think driver line-up is quite lousy...there were much better options on the market....McNish's age isn't exactly the debuting age for F1.
Salo?.....naaah....
Car....well...last years testing results were less then impressive...
but they have money....


*phew*
took a lot of writing
hope u won't die of boredom

Of course we are not bored.

First Arrows test for Frentzen 08 Feb 2002


Heinz-Harald Frentzen had his first test in the Arrows A23 at Valencia yesterday (Thursday), after only announcing his decision to race for the team that morning.
"It's certainly good to be back in the cockpit again after such a long break," he commented. "I'm getting used to my new team and they are getting used to me. The car feels good so far and the engine feels strong.

"Of course, we have had the usual problems facedwith running a new car, but nothing major, and I can feel there is a strong foundation there to work with. I'm really looking forward to the new season now as I am optimistic about this car."

The A23 was designed at Leafield by a team of 20 design engineers, led by technical director Mike Coughlan. He commented, "There were not many regulation changes this year but we decided to produce a brand new car in order to eliminate the problems we had last year and of course make performance improvements


"The design process has been very much concentrated on downforce levels, ride height sensitivity and the overall aero map. The biggest change visible to the untrained eye is the height of the nose.

"The A22 performed well at the high-speed circuits, the chassis reliability was remarkable and it was an easy car to set-up so we have worked hard to carry those strengths through to the A23.

"We have had another engine change to deal with but we are used to that! I would estimate that it adds another month to the design process but we were forewarned of the change and have struck up a great working relationship with Cosworth so the transition has run smoothly."


"The entire factory has put in a lot of hours in the last few months", added team principal Tom Walkinshaw. "With the test ban in December we had to concentrate our efforts on off-track testing, the bulk of which was done in our wind tunnel in Bedford.

"We decided against running an interim car in January as we wanted to concentrate fully on the new chassis and I think this will pay off in the long run.

"I've seen the A23 running and talked to the drivers, the designers and the engineers and so far the signs are good but we won't now or sure until we get to Melbourne.


"Our hope is that we can continue here e left off in 2000 and put the 2001 season behind us. We're very pleased with our new relationship with Cosworth and delighted to be carrying on with Bridgestone as we have always had a very good relationship."

Arrows will continue running in Valencia until Saturday evening, before moving on to Barcelona.


Source: www.formula1.com

Successful shakedown for A23 05 Feb 2002


Arrows completed a successful shakedown of their A23 at a "secret location" in the UK on Sunday. The team then moved on to Kemble in Gloucestershire to continue work before departing for Valencia.
The team used the shakedown to check over the car's systems before it joins other outfits for the first time this season, and Enrique Bernoldi took charge of the car.

Arrows is the last team to hit the track in 2002, however Ferrari is yet to take their 2002 contender onto a race track. The Italian Scuderia launch their new car tomorrow (Wednesday).

Arrows has said that they expect to launch their new car, and driver line-up, by mid-February. However, they have been known to roll out their car in the pit lane at the Australian GP before.




Source: www.formula1.com

Renault conclude incident-packed test 08 Feb 2002


Jarno Trulli and Fernando Alonso were in action at Renault's final day of testing in Valencia yesterday (Thursday).
Trulli covered 47 laps, 188km, on the R202 to set the fourteenth fastest time of 1.15.700.

Alonso managed 53 laps in the B201 to end up twelfth quickest in 1.15.350.

"Today, I mainly concentrated on long runs to better understand the car," Trulli explained. "In spite of a difficult start to the week, I can feel the car has great potential, and now need to get to know it better and find a set-up I am comfortable with."


Technical director Mike Gascoyne added: "Jarno finished the week at the wheel of the R202, concentrating on set-up and reliability work and achieving some useful running in spite of the interruptions.

"Fernando again continued working in the old car, carrying out development on tyre compounds and constructions on behalf of Michelin as well as some electronics development for this season. Overall, we have had a successful week, and are looking forward to beginning again in Barcelona on Monday."

Sauber quickest again in Valencia 08 Feb 2002


Sauber once again topped the time sheets in Valencia yesterday (Thursday), with Nick Heidfeld setting the fastest time of 1.12.404 over 71 laps.
Felipe Massa was third quickest in 1.14.219, but ended his testing with an accident after 23 laps. Thankfully, he was unharmed.

Willy Rampf, technical director, commented: "Today, Nick concentrated on a tyre program and the preparation of the first Grand Prix of the season in Melbourne. Felipe Massa focused on tyre testing but unfortunately, his work was interrupted when he had an accident at the end on the morning, on the main straight.

"The team decided to send the car back to Hinwil for investigation and repair, so that it is ready for the next test in Mugello - Italy (February 16 - 18). Overall, this session has been a successful test where the Sauber Petronas C21 has shown itself to be reliable and very competitive."


"I have been quite happy with this test," Heidfeld added. "The C21 has been running well every day. The car has a lot of grip. I am Very much looking forward to the first Grand Prix of the season in Australia.

"Unfortunately, I had an unexpected problem with the front wing attachment to the nose. It caused a big accident," Massa lamented. "The car stood up to the impact and I am completely unharmed. In the circumstances, I'm happy with the third fastest time".

Sauber are next in action at Mugello.



Source: www.formula1.com

Misfortune for Jordan 08 Feb 2002


Jordan completed its three-day test in Valencia yesterday (Thursday), but it was a day of incidents following offs for both Giancarlo Fisichella and Takuma Sato.
The Italian's day of testing ended prematurely in the morning when he had a shunt into the barrier at turn 3, which was not caused by brake failure as initially thought. It is possible the strong wind made the car unstable, resulting in Fisichella losing control.

He was uninjured apart from some slight bruising to his knee, and following his ten-minute check-up at the medical centre, the team decided to rest him for the rest of the day, in preparation for the scheduled Barcelona test next week.

The EJ12 was damaged at the rear end and the team is investigating the cause of the incident.


Sato completed 63 laps in the new EJ12 chassis, his minor off had initially thought to have brought his day to a halt but he was soon back out on track to record the eleventh fastest time.

Jordan test in Barcelona from February 11th.



Source: www.formula1.com

AGPC response to coroner's findings 08 Feb 2002


The organisers of the Australian GP (AGPC) have issued the following response to the findings of the corner investigating the death of marshal Graham Beveridge at last year's race:
"The Australian Grand Prix Corporation has studied the coroner's findings on the death of Graham Beveridge issued in Melbourne today.

"The 2002 Australian Grand Prix will go ahead as scheduled from February 28 to March 3. AGPC chairman Ron Walker said that, since the tragedy last March, a great deal of thought and effort has been expended on coming up with solutions to avoid such an occurrence again.

"Mr Walker said his board had every confidence in AGPC chief executive, Mr John Harnden, and his technical staff and that safety initiatives, independent of the coronial inquiry, had already been implemented for this year's race.


"Coroner Graeme Johnstone's findings include comments as to the knowledge of the AGPC, Mr Harnden, and CAMS (Confederation of Australian Motor Sport) in respect of the risk of debris passing through marshal openings in the safety fences at the Albert Park circuit.

"However, Mr Johnstone points out that, although the AGPC is ultimately responsible for safety at the Grand Prix, it can delegate the management of this issue to another agency, such as CAMS, and that it is also entitled to seek expert advice on safety-related issues from CAMS (and its National Track Safety Committee), the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile(FIA) and its engineering contractor.

"This is what has occurred at each event over the past 17 years (in Melbourne and Adelaide). Mr Walker said that, in addition, since its inception AGPC had engaged each year an independent risk management consultant to advise it on the assessment of potential risks.


"In respect of track safety issues, AGPC had always acted in accordance with the advice of that consultant, the FIA, CAMS and other expert bodies.

"Indeed, Mr Johnstone acknowledged the FIA, CAMS, AGPC and its engineering contractor had undertaken, and continue to do, a considerable amount of work on safety.

"Mr Johnstone said: 'Whilst some of the comments in this inquest have been critical of the management of this particular risk by agencies such as AGPC and CAMS, it also needs to be said, in very positive light, that these agencies also have taken many pro-active and innovative steps in relation to safety in the past and appear to be engaged in a process aimed at continual safety improvement.


"Processes aimed at continual safety improvement are essential if the risks are to be appropriately managed. It is noted that the FIA also appears to have taken a significant number of steps on safety in the area of international Grand Prix motor racing'."


Source: www.formula1.com