FORMULA 1 2011

[MIKA27]

Definitely sounds scary...but I can't wait for the 11 season to start!

Welcome to the forum bud and more importantly, THIS thread!

Feel free to post, read, contribute any time Kgoings.

[MIKA27]

Buemi: I have to beat Alguersuari

Sebastien Buemi is determined to stay ahead of his Toro Rosso team-mate Jaime Alguersuari this season.

Although he picked up a disappointing eight points for STR last season, Buemi managed to finish ahead of Alguersuari as the Spaniard could only manage five points.

The 22-year-old Swiss driver, who proved he is ready to step it up with a some of good times during the pre-season test in Jerez last week, says his major goal for this year is seeing off the challenge of his team-mate.

"In Bahrain, I have to be ahead of Alguersuari - in qualifying and the race," he is quoted by Swiss paper Blick. "But I'm not afraid that I am not faster than him. I have too much self-confidence, and have proved it in the past several times."

Buemi admits he has been putting in a lot of hard work during the off-season with Finnish physio Antti Kontsas. He has put on some extra muscle and proudly proclaimed "I am now 66 kilos".

.

[kgoings]

Welcome to the forum bud and more importantly, THIS thread!

Feel free to post, read, contribute any time Kgoings.

Thanks! I just got introduced to F1 last year and was instantly hooked! I love seeing the cars scream through the chicanes, amazing! I havent really 'picked' a team to follow, or a driver for that matter. But I've picked a team to hate! lol RBR, I've never been a frontrunner...I like the underdogs. lol

I usually Tivo the races and then stream them to my laptop out on the patio where I can smoke a cigar and watch the race...I need to get a flatscreen on the patio!

[MIKA27]

'Kubica prefers Liuzzi as his replacement'

Robert Kubica believes Renault should replace him with Tonio Liuzzi, according to a report.

The Pole is likely to miss the bulk of the 2011 season after sustaining serious injuries during a rally in Italy.

Renault team boss Eric Boullier last week revealed that test driver Bruno Senna along with Nick Heidfeld and Liuzzi were on the shortlist of candidates they are considering and many believed Heidfeld was the front-runner to get the race seat.

The team were due to name his replacement on Monday, but the expected announcement never came and that has increased speculation that they may not opt for Heidfeld.

Crash.net reports that 'although former BMW-Sauber team-mate Nick Heidfeld is seen as the hot favourite to occupy the cockpit - particularly in the light of the experienced German's outstanding testing debut for the team at Jerez on Saturday - our source claims that Kubica has said he would prefer to be replaced by Force India F1 refugee Vitantonio Liuzzi, whom he considers to be a better racer out of the pair. The 26-year-old is friends with both.'

The report adds that Renault may 'try out Liuzzi and possibly also Pedro de la Rosa during testing in Barcelona later this week before coming to a final decision about who will partner Vitaly Petrov in F1 2011'.

MIKA: Kubica may want Liuzzi but this is where he has no say and Boullier may just go with what is obvious and have Heidfeld drive.

If Renault pick Liuzzi or even worse Pedro De La Rosa, they have rocks in their head! (IMO )

[MIKA27]

Heidfeld confirmed as Kubica's replacement

Nick Heidfeld is to replace the injured Robert Kubica at Renault for the foreseeable future.

Kubica is potentially out for the entire forthcoming Formula One season after undergoing a series of operations at the Santa Corona hospital in Pietra Ligure, following the serious injuries he suffered in an accident in the Ronde di Andora rally 10 days ago.

Renault have moved quickly to secure his replacement in the highly-experienced Heidfeld, who partnered Kubica at BMW Sauber for three and half years from 2006-09.

Heidfeld impressed in testing for Renault last week in Jerez, with the German topping the timesheets on the third of the four days.

Although it is understood Kubica would have preferred close friend Vitantonio Liuzzi to replace him, Renault have opted for Heidfeld, who has 172 race starts over an 11-year career in F1.

Heidfeld, 33, said: "I would have liked to come back to Formula One in different circumstances, but I'm proud to have been given this chance.

"Everything has happened so quickly, but I've been very impressed by what I have seen so far in terms of the facilities and the dedication of the people at Enstone.

"I really enjoyed the test last week in Jerez and I've already settled in well with the guys at the track.

"I have a good feeling for the car, which is quite innovative. I'm extremely motivated and can't wait for the season to begin."

Heidfeld will test again at the four-day session which starts on Friday at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya, driving the car on Saturday and Monday.

Explaining the reasoning behind selecting Heidfeld, who began in F1 at Prost before moving onto Sauber, Jordan, Williams and then back to Sauber in 2006 when they were backed by BMW power, team principal Eric Boullier felt it was a straightforward decision.

"The team has been through a very difficult couple of weeks and we had to react quickly," Boullier said.

"We gave Nick a chance in Jerez last week and he really impressed us.

"He's quick, experienced and is very strong technically with his feedback and understanding of the car.

"We always said the priority was to have an experienced driver in the car and we feel he is the ideal man for the job.

"We are pleased to welcome Nick to the team and look forward to a strong start to the season with him and Vitaly (Petrov) in Bahrain (next month)."

MIKA: Excellent news!.

[OZCUBAN]

Good to see common sense has prevailed ,best possible outcome IMO

OZ

[MIKA27]

Rosberg still aiming for maiden win

Mercedes driver, Nico Rosberg, still has his eyes on the prize as he heads into the 2011 season and insists that getting his first win in the sport remains his top priority.

The German, who has not won a race since his debut in the sport five years ago, told the Official Formula One website, that he finds it strange that he still hasn't secured the P1 spot, yet feels that last year's podiums stand him in good stead.

"I definitely want to win a race [this year],” the 25 year old said. “First one and then building on that win. Isn't it crazy? I've won all my life and then five years in F1 and no win. That is spooky. But I don't see this as a flaw.

“Take my two P3 finishes last season - they were like victories for me and for my team. But for sure P1 is still the goal."

The former-Williams driver admitted that he is happy with his current standing in the Mercedes team and believes, that together, his first win could be "just around the next corner."

Rosberg is two-years older than last year's world champion, Sebastian Vettel, but Nico is adamant that his time in the limelight will come.

"Hats off to what [Vettel has] achieved. There isn't any envy over it. I don't have any problem with it whatsoever, but I am also looking forward to my time arriving."

Rosberg's team mate, Michael Schumacher, set the second-quickest time in pre-season testing in Jerez in the Mercedes' 2011 contender, whilst Rosberg himself was way down the table in 18th - a lot is expected by both drivers this season.

[MIKA27]

Shanghai secures seven-year contract extension

Formula One will remain in China until at least 2018 after a new seven-year extension was agreed this week.

The future of the grand prix looked uncertain with officials disappointed by the turnout and rising costs of hosting the event. However, it seems more favourable terms have been agreed in the new deal.

The Shanghai Daily reports that the city's Sport Bureau confirmed the deal on Wednesday morning between Formula One Management (FOM) and Juss events, the organisers of the race.

The track still faces FIA homologation in March following issues with drainage and the track surface - though this is likely to be passed with issue.

[ryans]

This sounds a little dangerous.

Even if Ecclestone decides the show will continue, I wonder if all the teams will head over to Bahrain for the opening race or will some opt to cancel?

Well there is a test scheduled in Bahrain for next month, so we'll see.

Of course, the political situation can change any minute, so I hope that by the time the test comes along the dust has already settled.

[ryans]

Thanks! I just got introduced to F1 last year and was instantly hooked! I love seeing the cars scream through the chicanes, amazing! I havent really 'picked' a team to follow, or a driver for that matter. But I've picked a team to hate! lol RBR, I've never been a frontrunner...I like the underdogs. lol

I usually Tivo the races and then stream them to my laptop out on the patio where I can smoke a cigar and watch the race...I need to get a flatscreen on the patio!

Actually, RBR is still a relatively new team, and over the passed 5 years it's really been interesting to see the progress and development of the Red Bull Racing team after they bought into F1, making the stepping stones towards success in order to dominate and be a frontrunner in the last two seasons. The time period of just 5 years from scraping together a handful of points and a single podium during a season, to being THE car to beat and keep off the top step of the podium nearly every race.

Of course, the RBR team has ALL the right ingredients to be very successful in F1. Immense almost unlimited financial backing, engineering genius Adrian Newey, great key race control figures under Christian Horner, a steady development line through vast experience with DC and Webber, and talented youngsters with Sebastian Vettel.

So in actually, RBR epitomized going from the underdogs to the top dog

Nevertheless, great to have you on here!! I don't come across many American F1 supporters, especially after the American Grand Prix of 2005

But the ones I do know are hugely passionate about F1 and I'm glad you're hooked now!!

Before the days of TiVo I used to always watch the grand prix live, no matter how early in the morning or late at night it was. I was excited about the Australian GP, because it used to always be the first race of the season and was in the early morning here in Europe because of the time difference. So there was a lot of coffee and yawns at 4 am to watch Qualies, but excitement as soon as the engines are fired up to break the long and dreading winter break of F1.

I still try to watch all races live though.

Formula 1 is actually returning to the States in 2012 with a new track in Austin, Texas. For the car manufacturers competing in F1 the US is obviously a big market so they would like to be present there, but attendance records at GP in America have been disappointing (according to Bernie) ever since the 80's.

[ryans]

Pirelli announces compounds for first four races

Pirelli has allocated the tyre compounds for its first quartet of races this year, with the Milan-based manufacturer returning to Formula 1. Once again, drivers will be required to use two different forms of Slick over a race distance, with Pirelli using the same four tyre type names as Bridgestone – Super Soft, Soft, Medium and Hard.

For the Bahrain, Australian, Malaysian and Chinese Grand Prix of 2011, the Hard and Soft compounds will be deployed. However, once again, the two compound regulation will not apply in the event of a wet race.

“The valuable data that we’ve collected from both official and private testing has shown us that our nomination of Hard and Soft tyres is the best way forward for both the drivers and the spectators, so we look forward now to a successful Grand Prix debut and a great show in the Middle and Far East over the next four races,” explains Pirelli Motorsport Director Paul Hembery.

“We’ve enjoyed great collaboration with the teams so far and, with the nominated compounds for the next four races now known, I am sure that this will help to focus their development for the start of the season.”

The first 2011 allocation differs from Bridgestone's 2010 selections only for Bahrain, where the Super Soft and Medium types were used. Pirelli is yet to announce how it will mark its softer (Option) tyre from the harder (Prime) compound on race weekends.

Pirelli Slick tyre allocations for 2011:

1 - Bahrain Hard and Soft

2 – Australia Hard and Soft

3 – Malaysia Hard and Soft

4 – China Hard and Soft

[kgoings]

Actually, RBR is still a relatively new team, and over the passed 5 years it's really been interesting to see the progress and development of the Red Bull Racing team after they bought into F1, making the stepping stones towards success in order to dominate and be a frontrunner in the last two seasons. The time period of just 5 years from scraping together a handful of points and a single podium during a season, to being THE car to beat and keep off the top step of the podium nearly every race.

Of course, the RBR team has ALL the right ingredients to be very successful in F1. Immense almost unlimited financial backing, engineering genius Adrian Newey, great key race control figures under Christian Horner, a steady development line through vast experience with DC and Webber, and talented youngsters with Sebastian Vettel.

So in actually, RBR epitomized going from the underdogs to the top dog

Nevertheless, great to have you on here!! I don't come across many American F1 supporters, especially after the American Grand Prix of 2005

But the ones I do know are hugely passionate about F1 and I'm glad you're hooked now!!

Before the days of TiVo I used to always watch the grand prix live, no matter how early in the morning or late at night it was. I was excited about the Australian GP, because it used to always be the first race of the season and was in the early morning here in Europe because of the time difference. So there was a lot of coffee and yawns at 4 am to watch Qualies, but excitement as soon as the engines are fired up to break the long and dreading winter break of F1.

I still try to watch all races live though.

Formula 1 is actually returning to the States in 2012 with a new track in Austin, Texas. For the car manufacturers competing in F1 the US is obviously a big market so they would like to be present there, but attendance records at GP in America have been disappointing (according to Bernie) ever since the 80's.

That is some good info! I know about the track being built in Austin and I plan on going to the first race there! I almost went to Montreal this past season to watch, I imagien it is an amazing event to be at live. I watch all the Qualies too, and some of the GP2 races. I have gotten up to watch the races live too...but I work swing shifts so that makes for a VERY early morning. My favorite races of the year were Monaco and Singapore. Monaco was an awesome setting and the way Alonso moved up through the field was pretty cool. Singapore was cool cause it was at night and the different views you got of the cars...the exhaust fumes/flares.

At the beginning of the year I didnt know who anyone was, so I picked cars that I thought 'looked cool' I know I sound like a kid lol. But I like Renault and McLaren, whom I found out later that Hamilton is one of the 'not'underdogs. I dont know who I am gonna root for this year, but I still plan rooting 'Against' RBR.

I love how there is a constructors championship AND a drivers championship. I found myself getting mad at McLaren when Ferrari and RBR implemented flexible front wings and were just pulling away and McLaren didnt seem to even try?.? or atleast that was my perspective.

[MIKA27]

I found myself getting mad at McLaren when Ferrari and RBR implemented flexible front wings and were just pulling away and McLaren didnt seem to even try?.? or atleast that was my perspective.

Yes. but McLaren invented the 'F-Duct' and that IMO was far better than the flexible front wings as flexible front wings especially on RBR team was questionable under load/weight/flex testing. The F-Duct was thereafter copied by several teams due to it's performance levels.

Great stuff about the 2012 US GP guys, I'd love to head over and attend if I can.

[MIKA27]

Season opener in Bahrain under real threat

The un-rest in Bahrain has grown once again leading to the postponement of Thursday's GP2 practice session after medical staff were diverted from the Sakhir circuit to local medical facilities.

It is reported that up to 5 people have died and more than 300 people have been injured after clashing with Police in the local political protests.

Protests started in the capital city of Manama this week after thousands of Shi'ite protesters took to the streets demanding that their political views are listened to more by the Sunni Muslim family who rules over a majority Shi'ite population.

The final F1 pre-season test is due to take place in Bahrain from 3rd - 6th March with the season's opening race taking place in the Gulf Arab kingdom on Sunday 13th March - both sessions have been described as being "under threat."

Organisers of the F1 feeder serier, GP2, said in a statement, "Due to the current local events, the medical staff normally stationed at the circuit has been temporary called to the city's hospitals in case of an emergency.

"For obvious safety reasons, the GP2 Series organisers have decided to postpone today's track activity until Friday."

Formula 1 boss, Bernie Ecclestone, admitted on Wednesday that the risk to F1's planned activities in Bahrain was "obvious" and that he was "watching events closely".

It has been reported that organisers and bosses at the Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi, host to F1's penultimate race of the season, have said they are ready and willing to host the final session of pre-season testing if things in Bahrain don't ease up.

[MIKA27]

Ecclestone: We'll 'probably' have to cancel

Bernie Ecclestone says he'll make a decision on whether or not the Bahrain Grand Prix goes ahead next week and made it clear that it won't if the situation remains the same.

This comes as a futher three people were killed in protests on Wednesday when protesters clashed with police.

As a result of the uproar, the GP2 Asia race to be held on Friday has been called off due to concerns over safety.

The F1 mogul says he, the FIA and race organisers will come to a decision next week after admitting the situation wasn't good.

"It's not good, is it?" he told The Press Association. "We'll have to keep our eye on things and make a decision quickly.

"I spoke to the Crown Prince this morning. He doesn't know any more than you or I, but they're monitoring exactly what is going on.

"Next week we will make a decision on what we are going to do."

He then told the BBC: "If things stay as they are today, the answer is no. If it's not quietened down by Wednesday, I think we will have to cancel, probably."

The Formula One Teams' Association [FOTA] is set to meet in Barcelona tomorrow to discuss the final pre-season test which is also set to take place at the Bahrain circuit and is likely to be moved elsewhere, with Singapore and Abu Dhabi coming forward.

[MIKA27]

Franchitti backs di Resta to succeed

Dario Franchitti has no doubts cousin Paul di Resta will shine in Formula One this season.

Di Resta joins fellow Britons Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button on the grid for the forthcoming F1 campaign after landing a drive at Force India.

The team informed the 24-year-old Scot just prior to Christmas he would be stepping up from his previous role as reserve driver.

Three-time IndyCar Series champion and double Indianapolis 500 winner Franchitti believes Di Resta has what it takes to not only come through his debut year, but to push on for the future.

"I was thrilled for him when I heard he had got the nod," said Franchitti.

"I'm just really proud of him. He's worked hard for it, but in some ways the hard work now begins.

"I'm confident he will do the job. Now he is there he can build on foundations, improve the car, beat his team-mate, move up the grid, all of those things.

"It's going to be hard work, but he has all the attributes to do it."

Last season Di Resta combined his reserve role with his duties in DTM (German touring cars), and provided himself with a successful platform as he took the title.

Asked as to what can be expected of Di Resta in F1, Franchitti replied: "He'll let his driving do the talking.

"He has a tremendous amount of talent, and he's a very smart guy which is key to Formula One.

"Everybody in F1 has a gift to a certain degree, but he has an intelligence too, and determination.

"I hope we're going to see him really get a chance to show what he has got."

MIKA: I hope Force India do well this season with Di Resta.

.

[ryans]

Yes. but McLaren invented the 'F-Duct' and that IMO was far better than the flexible front wings as flexible front wings especially on RBR team was questionable under load/weight/flex testing. The F-Duct was thereafter copied by several teams due to it's performance levels.

Great stuff about the 2012 US GP guys, I'd love to head over and attend if I can.

Another reason why I love F1 so much - the constant competition and technological advancements, or in other words, who can interprete the rules best and design something that works that no one has thought of before.

Teams always complain when they get caught out, ie double diffusor, F-duct, ect.

I actually am a strong opponent of homologated rules and parts. Especially with the newly proposed and adopted 1.6 lt turbo engines.

It's becoming more like GP2 and less like F1 - which was renowned for the pinnicale of motorsports and technological ingenuity for decades.

[ryans]

With construction on new F1 tracks going on in India and the US, it comes as no surprise that the circuit designer Hermann Tilke is designing both tracks.

Tilke has been the go to man when it comes to designing tracks over the last decade.

Among the tracks on the current calender that he designed are Malaysia, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, Turkey, Korea, Valencia, Shanghai, and Bahrain.

While I absolutely love the tracks at Sepang and Istanbul (both races I had the pleasure of attending myself), I find that the latest circuits have become stale and predictable (lots of straights followed by either a slow chicane or hair-pin, along with a technical section in the second sector)

The latest Tilke designed tracks actually lack the opportunity to overtake, and it requires either pure brilliance or absolute stupidity to overtake on one of those tracks. (on the top of my mind, Nick Heidfeld in his BMW on Fernando Alonso in his McLaren in Bahrain I think in '07)

The latest and prime example is of course Alonso's failure to overtake Petrov in Abu Dhabi. Yes, you can blame bad strategy, lack of downforce due to technical rules ect. ect. ect. I think that a contributing factor to it is that on the track there aren't a lot of genuine opportunities to overtake.

In my view this has become a trend over the passed few Tilke tracks.

I never see a race at Spa, Catalunya, Monza or Suzuka without some people putting in some decent overtake maneuvres or attempts.

It almost becomes expected to see some overtake maneuvres at the aforementioned tracks, whereas it becomes almost commonly accepted that if the cars stay whole during the race on Tilke tracks the finishing order isn't that much difference than the qualy positions due to the lack of overtaking opportunities.

Your thoughts on Hermann Tilke and his tracks?

[MIKA27]

Your thoughts on Hermann Tilke and his tracks?

Ryan, IMO: F1 is constantly evolving, tyre suppliers, rule, engine and design changes. Why doesn't the FIA, Ecclestone etc change designers and try out someone new? I personally dislike Tilke. A fair amount of his designs are quite boring.

[MIKA27]

'Ferrari can have Seb - in 10 years'

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner has no qualms with Sebastian Vettel's talk of one day driving for Ferrari, playfully suggesting he can only do so when he is approaching retirement.

With a new Formula One season on the horizon, World Champion Vettel has twice already this month spoken with affection about racing for Ferrari, and that he would also like a road-going model in his garage.

Vettel this week even jokingly remarked if he were not at Red Bull then he would pay Fernando Alonso to take a year-long holiday so he could replace the Spaniard and fulfil a dream.

With Vettel's contract with the team due to expire at the end of this year - although Red Bull have an option for 2012 dependent on performances - it has naturally led to suggestions he could seek a move to Maranello for next season.

Ahead of the defence of his title with Red Bull, they are hardly the kind of comments one would expect of Vettel, although Horner maintains it is part of his team's philosophy that a driver be allowed to express himself.

"The Italians get very excited when World Champions talk about Ferrari, so maybe he's been dreaming about Ferrari, but I think that's about all," Horner said.

"One of the things we encourage is a freedom of expression and so on, and Sebastian is his own person and he's got his own opinions.

"I think any driver at some stage in his career would like to drive for the red team, and we certainly don't hold that against him.

"He's hopefully got a long future ahead of him but for the foreseeable future, and most importantly the immediate future, he is very much committed to Red Bull and likewise Red Bull committed to him.

"He's grown up within the Red Bull family, and hopefully (will do so) for many years to come.

"Just before he retires he can go to Ferrari, and that could be another 10 years away."

Horner has reiterated that if Red Bull continue to provide Vettel with a winning car, then he has no reason to want to move.

"It's down to us to ensure we are giving him a quick car, and it's down to him to ensure he's performing," added Horner.

"And what driver in the pitlane wouldn't want to drive a Red Bull at the moment?

"He's an important part of what we do and an important part of how the team moves forward.

"But that is more than a piece of paper or a contract, that comes down to relationships, down to trust, down to feeling comfortable in an environment.

"As I say, he's grown up within the Red Bull family and all the success he has achieved within his motor sport career has come within that environment, and particularly in Formula One.

"How many races has he won now? Ten? And every one has been in a Red Bull-designed car."

Horner, meanwhile, sees no reason why Vettel's team-mate Mark Webber will not be with Red Bull beyond this season.

Despite the crushing blow of missing out on the title to Vettel last year, Webber is ready to start the new campaign hungrier and more committed than Horner can recall.

Quashing speculation this season will be 34-year-old Webber's last hurrah in F1, Horner said: "Mark isn't approaching this year that this is his final year.

"We both agreed to keep his contract on a yearly basis at this stage in his career because it's important for us to see he's got the speed, motivation, hunger and commitment.

"All of those things look undiminished at the moment; if anything, burning brighter than ever.

"So we'll see how this season develops and obviously as we head towards the latter part of the summer then we'll start to talk about the following season."

Asked if he felt Webber would be with Red Bull in 2012, Horner replied: "If he's delivering at the same level as he did in 2010, why not?"

[Baldy]

Great stuff guys and some good discussions. Keep it coming. Some of my thoughts...

RyanS - I'm with you regarding homologated rules. That's why I don't care much for Nascar...and the fact that their cars only turn left.

As for Tilke design track. Personally I don't care for it. Sure it's "nice" but for pure racing excitement I find it lacking. Mike Gascoyne of Team Lotus said it best when he said that tracks needed to be better design to facilitate passing. Instead of trying to implement artificial/homologated rules, tracks should be designed with passing in mind. Again Mike said it best when he referred to all the space available at tracks such as Abu Dabi and others where it's nothing but desert and is easy to build it anyway you want. Personally I'd rather see the skill of a driver in overtaking and strategy than his ability to be the better video game player as is the state of the current F1 car.

As for Bahrain, it'd be unfortunate if it's canceled. I'm so F1 deprived these days that waiting for Bahrain is long enough already.

Renault suffered a huge loss this year with the loss of Kubica. Happy that Heidfeld got a seat though. I'm not sold on Petrov, way to inconsistent and cocky for me. He knows he's got a lot of $$$ behind him and is reckless but not a Vettel or Hamilton aggressiveness.

Unless Mercedes get their reliability in check, it'll be a long season for them and will be Shumi's last.

Excited to see what the new teams can do now that they have a full year behind them and one development cycle to produce the goods. All but HRT should be seeing less blue flags this year. Of the new teams I'm partial to Team Lotus myself. They're my underdog team.

Go McLaren! Failing that go anyone but Ferrari.

[ryans]

Vettel tops opening day testing at Barcelona

Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull, Barcelona testingSebastian Vettel snatched the fastest time from Fernando Alonso in the closing stages of day one of the latest winter test at Barcelona's Catalunya circuit.

On what may have been the hardest-to-read session of the winter so far, it took until lunchtime for the track to fully dry following Thursday's heavy rain.

That meant the majority of drivers' fastest times were set during short exploratory runs late in the morning just as the circuit was at the tipping point of being ready for slick tyres, before teams switched to longer runs in the afternoon.

Alonso's 1m25.485s in the Ferrari during this period looked set to stand as the day's best, as the Spaniard switched to mid-range stints in the afternoon, covering between eight and 17 laps at a time, with a pace generally starting in 1m27s then fading to 1m29s by the end of his run.

Vettel completed relatively little running until the closing stages of the day, when he started a pair of short runs, lapping mostly in the 1m26s during the first outing before re-emerging from the pits to blast in a 1m24.374s with nine minutes to go.

That pace deposed Alonso by a full second, although it seemed Red Bull might have been using super soft tyres, as Vettel's times dropped off by 1-2s for the remainder of his seven-lap run.

Toro Rosso's Jaime Alguersuari and Sauber's Kamui Kobayashi again set good times during relatively short runs to put themselves third and fourth. Both also caused red flags during the day - the Sauber running dry during a fuel consumption evaluation, and Alguersuari going into the Turn 4 gravel.

McLaren had another fairly quiet day, with Jenson Button sitting out much of the afternoon and taking fifth.

Paul di Resta was not able to get the Force India on track until the final few hours while the team waited for new parts for the VJM04. When he did though the Scot was able to swiftly move up to sixth despite only managing 24 laps all day.

There were more glitches at Williams, where Rubens Barrichello - the first to get good pace out of slicks in the morning - caused a red flag just before the lunch break and then was sidelined for nearly the whole afternoon while the team made a precautionary engine change. That left him seventh.

Eighth-placed Michael Schumacher spent his afternoon doing a race simulation in the Mercedes, covering a full grand prix distance broken up by quick pitstops. His pace tended to start in the 1m29s/1m30s region before going up by 2-3s over the course of his 13-15 lap stints.

His final total for the day was 89 laps, beaten only by Narain Karthikeyan in the 2010 Hispania (114 laps) and Jerome D'Ambrosio's Virgin (115). The latter pair were ninth and 11th, split by Lotus driver Heikki Kovalainen, who lost some track time with a water leak.

It was a difficult day for Renault. Its intention had been to let Vitaly Petrov have most of the session after Nick Heidfeld had completed some pitstop practice, but after the German's early appearance, Petrov had to wait until late afternoon before he could join in, as a KERS software glitch kept the car in the garage.

Pos Driver Car/team Time Gap Laps

1. Sebastian Vettel Red Bull-Renault 1m24.374s 37

2. Fernando Alonso Ferrari 1m25.485s + 1.111s 101

3. Jaime Alguersuari Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1m25.638s + 1.264s 57

4. Kamui Kobayashi Sauber-Ferrari 1m25.641s + 1.267s 78

5. Jenson Button McLaren-Mercedes 1m26.365s + 1.991s 77

6. Paul di Resta Force India-Mercedes 1m26.575s + 2.201s 26

7. Rubens Barrichello Williams-Cosworth 1m26.912s + 2.538s 52

8. Michael Schumacher Mercedes 1m27.512s + 3.138s 90

9. Narain Karthikeyan HRT-Cosworth 1m28.393s + 4.019s 116

10. Heikki Kovalainen Lotus-Renault 1m30.065s + 5.691s 54

11. Jerome D'Ambrosio Virgin-Cosworth 1m30.950s + 6.576s 116

12. Vitaly Petrov Renault 1m35.174s + 10.800s 20

13. Nick Heidfeld Renault 1m44.324s + 19.950s 27

[ryans]

Liuzzi: Hispania has good potential

Tonio Liuzzi in the Hispania garageTonio Liuzzi says he is confident that Hispania can deliver a good car for the 2011 season, as he prepares to make a bid for the team's vacant second seat in testing at Catalunya tomorrow.

The second Hispania drive alongside Narain Karthikeyan is the only seat still available in the 2011 Formula 1 field, and team boss Colin Kolles has confirmed that Liuzzi's test in the squad's 2010 car tomorrow is being carried out with a view to signing the Italian.

"As I always said our target is to get the best possible package," said Kolles.

"Tonio is a strong contender for the second seat given that he has a lot of experience in Formula 1. We hope his comments and feedback will help the team to progress in the right direction."

Liuzzi is looking for a 2011 drive after losing his Force India seat to Paul di Resta following a difficult 2010 campaign.

Although Hispania was the slowest car in the field last season, Liuzzi is confident that its new F111 - which will make its debut at the final winter test - will be a big step forward over last year's machine.

"Hispania Racing is a team with potential that can grow in the future and could have a good package for the season with the new car," said Liuzzi.

"There is still a lot to do because we are starting tomorrow with the first test, but there will be a lot to come. I am sure it will be a good day and I am looking forward to the next step."

R: Narain Karthikeyan's seat came as an absolute shock to me, though undoubtedly because of the huge sponsor he has in Tata. I'd like to see Liuzzi being given a final chance to prove his worth. It's not like we're going to loose sleep over the HRT, but if he can't outdrive Karthikeyan then I'm afraid that I'll have to say that he is only as good as his car is.

[MIKA27]

Phenomenal posting guys, both news as well as thoughts and opinions. This I feel will be FOH F1's greatest thread season as already, there are many more posts from others, other than myself and this is what it's all about for me!

Watching the Australian news this morning as well as NBC's TODAY show, I really do not feel Bahrain will come to fruition and rightfully so seeing the amount of anarchy going about throughout the region. It is sad as it seems Bahrain itself may split in two sects/regions and due to this, the Royal family (Please correct me if I'm wrong) are powerless really.

I understand the majority of all that's going on but parts of it all are sort of sketchy.

What I do understand is that the F1 opener will be cancelled (From what I have seen on the news) so this means Melbourne will/may be the official start to the season.

I'm hangin' for some F1 action!!

[MIKA27]

Williams to reveal FW33 livery online

Williams will reveal their 2011 FW33 livery via an online launch planned for February 24th at 11am (GMT).

The team are currently running an interim test livery which is predominantly navy blue and features minimal sponsorship due to the departure of several key sponsors.

The event will be filmed at the Williams F1 Conference Centre in front of a live studio audience. Technical Director, Sam Michael, will then present a technical overview of the new car, detailing the team's winter development strategy in response to the sport’s regulation changes using the 2010 Williams Cosworth FW32 as a comparison.