It did look pretty bumpy though.

 

What a FOOL

 

too funny ...

 

I am sure this was done in front of Loco Hugo Chavez as this was a day of national sporting celebration that included Olympics medalists. Even Frank Williams was there. I wonder how "Crash" feels now?

 

Earlier statements from Bernie claimed that everyone was onboard with the new Concord Agreement and signing was just around the corner. However, of late Merc has still not signed and the supposed cause is not getting similar status/read: $ as Ferrari and Red Bull. In addition, Bernie wants a long term deal/commitment from Merc. The latter is more of a deal breaker because there are rumblings from the shareholders and they are not good:“The Mercedes directorate [shareholders] will vote on whether to stop the F1 programme at the end of 2012, and consequently (Mercedes) will not sign the agreements offered by Bernie Ecclestone.” Merc may still be around but in a different form...AMG F1 or the like but a definite pull back from total factory backing...Brawn may have to step up again with $$ assuming he stays in.

Later, Ken

 

There R overstatements and understatements...for the latter: Vettel midway threw the season last year said," I think I have a good chance of winning the Championship"...for the former:Maldenado has topped it off, "I would, without doubt, stay there [Williams] a while, a year at least...Before leaving Williams I would like to win the championship with them." ...of course, he is fishing for another contract with Williams but, come on, winning the Championship in a year...this is coupled with the statement: Perhaps the sun will not rise tomorrow

Later, Ken

 

While this is a ways off, 2015, such a coupling ( http://www.f1reports.com/f1/article/16584/) will move Sauber up to competing with the big boys. However, my concern is Sauber does not roll over with VW, read Porshe, like they did with BMW...they need to B equal partners here so if VW pulls out and goes elsewhere, Sauber will not have to start over again.

Later, Ken

 

If this were true: http://www.f1reports.com/f1/article/16606/ then I don't C why many of the other teams would not switch over to Renault engines as well.

Later, Ken

 

I'm not sure how simply hooking up with VW is going to move Sauber up to competing with anyone. VW is a completely unknown quantity in terms of F1. Heck even Porsche doesn't have a great F1 record.

l8r)

 

Umm, but Williams was coming from a Cosworth engine. It's not like they switched from a Mercedes or Ferrari powerplant and got major gains.

l8r)

 

I think the Cosworth was junk, I'm sure switching to Renault did have some role in the car being more competitive. I remember hearing the R powerplant uses the least amount of fuel compared to the others, thats the first I've heard of being able to run smaller radiators.

The switch hasn't helped Caterham all that much though.

 

Exactly. When VW comes in, the other engine manufacturers will already be in their second season with the V6 turbo. Upstart companies, even as big as VW, are not going to set the world on fire for several years at least. Not with Ferrari, Mercedes and Renault. I have read that there is discussion as to whether the engine will be branded a Porsche or VW. Porsche did dominate back from 1984 to 1987 when they won 3 World Championships and 25 victories with Niki Lauda and Alain Prost. However, we have seen how a once mighty and proud company like Cosworth is really uncompetitive with the big manufacturers. So, regardless how the engine is branded, I seriously doubt it will propel Sauber up in the field.

 

Agreed from the perspective of the engine alone...however, they, Porsche have been in it for some time...while not F1, they have the staff and technical know how to gear up and provide not only a great engine but a total package as well...they would start as an engine supplier with appropriate packaging in conjuction with the F1 team...sort of like BMW and perhaps buy one team down the road if successful...Bottom Line: If VW/Porsche comes in, it will B a significant element to F1.

Later, Ken

 

This is guaranteed to put a smile on Ken's face. Helmut Marko, Ken's favorite competition director, said that the Sauber is the "Best Car on the Grid". http://formula-one.speedtv.com/artic...t-car-on-grid/

 

LOL maybe the 5th best car on the grid....