2014 cars break cover as testing gets underway

The first test of 2014 began in Jerez, Spain this morning. The first of three four day tests before the racing begins, these are crucial for the teams to iron out the problems and understand their new cars in what are fundamental regulation changes for this year.

So far on a bright sunny day in Spain, no one has set a lap time and only a few teams have done installation laps to check everything is working before trying to set a lap time. I expect a lot of this in the first few days of the test. Ferrari and Force India have already brought out red flags after stopping without even completing a lap. 

Most teams are here with the exception of Lotus who will join the field at the second test in Bahrain. Marussia have been delayed while Caterham are at the test but have yet to unveil their new car due to problems.

So while we're waiting here's a collection of photographs from the 2014 grid so far grouped in noses:

We'll start with Ferrari and Mercedes. These to my mind, especially the Mercedes are the best looking of the cars, the lack of an anteater nose is especially nice, although it does kind of look like a hoover in the Ferrari's case. There were rumours that Ferrari may have been very conservative, but when reliability will be crucial perhaps that's no bad thing. 

Mercedes mean while have long been rumoured to be creating something that will most certainly be a title contender. As just purely on a superficial level Ferrari have gone the same route with the nose of the car, perhaps Ferrari are going to have a strong season too. If only Red Bull had gone the same way too...

So now we have a look at a computer generated image of the new Lotus, which as I've said will not be joining in on the first test. There are interesting times at Lotus, with team boss Eric Boullier leaving, possibly to join McLaren and a new Russian backer which will hopefully secure their future.

It does appear a bit strange that they are not at this test, but hopefully they'll be fine because their new car at least aesthetically, is awesome. 

And so we come to the anteater nose cars one of which is the new Red Bull. Here they all are in their dubious glory. Red Bull actually look to have a compromise between the Ferrari/Mercedes concept and the anteater which is interesting but the vast majority of the grid have a little sticking out bit at the end. So is it a case of majority rules or have the minority nose teams thought of something a bit special. 

Of course a car can't be judged by just the nose, there are the power units to consider and all the other aerodynamic changes that have been implemented. For my money I think the McLaren is the looker amongst this bunch, but it's silver livery is bound to change once they announce the title sponsor they were supposed 

to show off in December.

Red Bull

.

McLaren

Force India

Toro Rosso

Sauber



So that's all the teams that have revealed their cars so far from the weekend and this morning with Marussia expected to be unveiled by Thursday. But seriously if you're going to choose a nose to love I think I'd go with Mercedes' concept over the anteater any day. What they were thinking with this regulation I don't know. Obviously the lower nose concept was for safety to prevent launches, but they could have worded it in a way that they wouldn't produce such monstrosities.

So that's F1 2014 so far, a lot to look forward to once they can mange a lap or more. Interesting times ahead but for now lets leave you with how the new V6 turbo engines will sound thanks to Mercedes.

all photo's taken from autosport.com

Is Kevin Magnussen the next Lewis Hamilton?

Lazy headline I know, but stay with me. Kevin Magnussen has risen through McLaren’s young driver program at a time when a lot has been written in the F1 press about pay drivers. Those drivers who have managed to fund their stay in Formula 1 perhaps at the expense of better drivers who are not backed as heavily. The likes of Pastor Maldonado securing a top line drive at Lotus is the obvious one.

This was particularly notable for the fact that Lotus openly said that if they could secure the finance they wanted to hire Nico Hulkenberg. They couldn’t so they didn’t and in stepped Maldonado with a tonne of Venezuelan cash behind him. Let’s not forget though that Maldonado is a race winner, even the drivers with money have a huge amount of talent to reach Formula 1. Even Max Chilton was a race winner in GP2.

It is sad though that money can be a deciding factor in who gets to drive where and who will rise up the grid. It’s a distinct aberration in the way Formula 1 is run that some of the better midfield teams and even now some of the top teams have to make this consideration when deciding who will drive for them. There’s enough money coming in that all teams could be run comfortably, but large amounts of money are siphoned off into Bernie and CVC’s coffers while the spread amongst the teams is incredibly unfair and tilted to those who already have an advantage.

However, amongst all the concerning talk of pay drivers not allowing new talent to shine through in the top echelon of motor sport, the curious thing about 2014 is that the two rookies who have been promoted to rarefied air of Formula 1 have been picked on talent.

Admittedly Toro Rosso’s new driver is Russian Daniil Kvyat who has been hired just as the first Russian Grand Prix comes on the calendar. But let’s not be cynical, he is the current GP3 champion, like Williams’ Valtteri Bottas, so I look forward to seeing how he gets on alongside Jean-Eric Vergne. These are the kind of drivers who should be in the sport.

So it’s with even more glee I anticipate Magnussen’s arrival into the sport, not least because he is slotting into the McLaren seat vacated by Sergio Perez. He’s been under the McLaren young driver scheme since 2009 when he was just 17 years old.

So is he the next Lewis Hamilton? Well no, I wouldn’t seek to categorise him as such at all, he is Kevin Magnussen who has his own talents. If anything he is on a steadily rising upward curve. Whereas Hamilton won pretty much every championship he entered, Magnussen hasn’t reigned supreme. However as the Formula’s have got bigger he has got more successful. He was Danish Formula Ford champion, but after this success he didn’t win a title again until last year in World Series by Renault 3.5 which featured a great many talents I’d hope and expect to reach Formula 1 in the next few years including fellow McLaren young driver Stoffel Vandoorne.

That’s not to say he didn’t have success, his talent was obvious and in the Formula 1 young driver test at Silverstone last year he created a strong impression, so much so that Perez was moved on after just one year at McLaren to make room.

But what makes him so exciting is that he is probably the best prepared rookie we’ve had for years. He’s not had the testing miles he would have had in the past, but he’ll have had a lot of simulator experience and has been groomed by McLaren for five years now; for them to promote him without farming him out to a midfield team first means they have a lot of faith that Magnussen’s is a special talent just like Lewis was…is.

I’m really looking forward to how he comes up against Jenson Button. Gary Paffet, McLaren development driver, has said that he expects Magnussen will push Button, which is something Button needs to get the best out of himself anyway. I expect the 2014 regulations to suit Jenson too, so if Magnussen can compete with and even beat the former world champion, then we’ll have a superstar almost immediately.

At the very least I expect a longer and better McLaren career than his dad Jan Magnussen had in 1995, who had a two race stint before fading out of Formula 1 with Stewart Grand Prix a few years later after he’d shown such promise in junior Formulae.

There’s lots of other drivers to get excited about in 2014, the aforementioned Kvyat, the progress of Bottas at Williams, especially as he’s not up against Felipe Massa who I think will be rejuvenated now he’s left Ferrari.

Nico Hulkenberg and Sergio Perez make a tasty combination at Force India. While at the front of the grid, I’m looking forward to seeing if Daniel Ricciardo can get one over on the four time champion Sebastian Vettel. It’s Ricciardo’s chance to shine and he might just get one chance with so much talent on the Red Bull young driver program coming through.

Ferrari obviously have quite the pairing with Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen, although I don’t think it’ll be acrimonious between them it might get heated between the Spaniard and the team. I think it could get quite tense between Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton, especially if as is predicted Mercedes could be holding a title winning car.

Romain Grosjean and Pastor Maldonado could surprise everyone. Grosjean particularly I think will shine this year if Lotus can get it together.

A lot has been talked about with the regulation changes but the drivers are the heart of the sport, they are the focus and there’s a lot to be excited about as 2014 gets going.

Formula 1 2014 is when it all changes

With the first test of 2014 less than two weeks away, it’s time to get excited about the prospects of the forthcoming season. So much change in the regulations has meant that this year is like a reset, Red Bull will not instantly be thought of as the winners, although no doubt they will be one of the favourites while Adrian Newey continues to design their cars.

For the first time since 1988, Turbo engines are back with us. Many are complaining that the noise isn’t quite the same but like much in F1, it’s something we will get used to. Perhaps what will take some time to acquaint ourselves with is the effect some of the new rules have had on the look of the cars. The noses are meant to look a bit like anteaters. For the fastest cars on earth, perhaps they could have thought more about the aesthetic appeal, tigers rather than lolloping ant addicted beasts.

The new power units are 15,000 rpm limited 1.6 litre V6 Turbo units. The Power will be supplemented by two ERS (Energy Recovery Systems) units, one from kinetic energy and the other from heat which will add 161bhp for 33 seconds per lap to bring the total power to around 750bhp which is a similar level to what the old units generated. They believe the increase in torque will mean that drivers will have to be especially careful how they apply the power.

Their will only be five power units available down from eight, with reliability anticipated to be a crucial factor in determining the winner in the opening rounds as the manufacturers hone their product. Also a maximum of 100kg of fuel, down from 150kg, will be allowed to start the race with, meaning fuel efficiency will also be a major element of races and how well the drivers can attack while also looking after their fuel load.

With the advent of these new power units gear boxes have increased to eight gears with the ratios fixed, while the chassis has had some notable modifications. The front wing width has decreased by 150mm to 1650mm while the nose height has been restricted to 185mm meaning the high nose we have been used to for over two decade will be a thing of the past, this is mainly in the name of safety to prevent accidents which might push the car into the air. Other modifications include the rear wing and the chassis being lowered.

The final main element of change is a central exhaust exit rather than at the sides of the car. This eliminates any more exhaust blown diffuser effects, taking away one of Red Bull’s main advantages over the previous years. Downforce will be massively reduced but I'm sure the teams will claim most of it back as the season goes on.

So those are the main technical changes along with some of the sporting changes like permanent numbers and the stupid final race double points rule which I’m still hoping will be dropped before racing gets underway

What will these changes mean for the races?

Well I think reliability will certainly be a major talking point in the opening events. I’ll especially be interested to see how Red Bull handle the new power units. They have always had problems with their KERS units, now with these systems integrated into the engine will they still have recurring problems? 

Will Adrian Newey allow his cars to breathe? I’m sure it goes without saying he’ll already have thought about this but then again he had four years to think about it previously and there were still problems by the end of 2013.

The new efficiency Formula with the fuel means that races will play out slightly differently. All teams had a general handle on how to deal with it, but this is so much less, so to be quick while still saving fuel and looking after the tyres will require a certain technique with the driving style as well as how efficient their partners power units are. As mentioned the increase in torque will also mean the tyres are under more pressure especially on the more technical circuits, so anyone who was hoping the tyres may play a less significant role this year will be disappointed.

Strategy will obviously have an increased role and the relationship between engineer and driver will be ever more crucial as they plan when to attack and when to manage which could see moments when drivers are not able to attack at all which isn’t great but could mix up the races. I’m sure music to the ears of the likes of Lewis Hamilton this will not be.

Which drivers will this give an advantage to?

Well Sebastian Vettel has proven he can adapt brilliant to an entirely counter-intuitive driving style with the blown diffuser, and I see no reason why he won’t maintain a starring role. Although, it will be interesting to see how it plays out, because when the blown diffuser wasn’t maximised at Red Bull he did drop into the pack occasionally.

If McLaren can produce a good car, I expect Jenson Button to be big gainer, while Fernando Alonso will always be up there, as I expect Kimi Raikkonen to be also. I think this could be the year Nico Rosberg really comes to the fore. He’s a driver who really gets involved with the technical side and I believe he could well edge Lewis Hamilton this year.

On pure pace I don’t see it happening, Hamilton is still probably the quickest out there, but his application continues to be questioned and everyone knows he just wants to go flat out, something these regulations just won’t allow anyone to do anymore, those days are long gone.

In a way it’s a shame that you can’t but it does add variable elements and to protect Formula 1’s long term future going down the efficiency route is definitely the way to go. Lewis is capable of anything anyone else can do, but sometimes it feels like his attitude holds him back.

Other drivers I expect to benefit from this are Sergio Perez, while Nico Hulkenberg I think will continue to shine, while if Lotus have the money and an engine (only team not to confirm their supplier and so far only team to say they won’t be at the first test) then I think Romain Grosjean will stay on his upward curve and could grab a win this year.

Any early front runners?

It seems like about halfway through 2013 people were tipping Mercedes to be a 2014 title challenger. Those rumours are still consistently there, but nothing has hit the track as yet so nobody will know really until we get to Melbourne. With all the brilliant people they have at Mercedes, surely 2014 is their chance to shine. The power unit is meant to be leading the way so far, but will the loss of Ross Brawn hold them back? Losing Brawn, the figure head of the team and a master organiser could well throw their 2014 potential away, but I hope this team do come to the fore. Just as much as I hope Brawn isn’t finished with F1 just yet.

Williams are stocking up on technical talent at the moment, but has that come too late to affect their 2014 plans? McLaren could be in for a transitional year, I’m sure Mercedes will give them a quality supply of engines but with Honda joining force with the Woking team from 2015, they’re not going to be the closest of partners this year. I do think McLaren will be a lot better than last year though, but that’s not hard. I fear Lotus could struggle this year, the loss of James Allison to Ferrari will be felt, despite a strong technical team there, but their money struggles and failure to announce an engine partner is a cause for concern.

Again, the full loss of blown diffusers will have affected Red Bull the most, they had perfected their system more than anyone, so will this send them back in the pack? I can’t believe they’ll be anything other than challengers but dominant? I don’t think so.

Interestingly so the rumours go, Ferrari are not looking strong with their power units. For their sake I hope they improve quickly otherwise I think a certain Spaniard will be looking to jump ship especially as he’s comfortably into his 30s now. All will not be revealed in a few weeks, but some answers may start to form, not long now.

all photo's taken from autosport.com

14 things to ponder in F1 2014

Formula 1 2014 is just two weeks away from hitting the track and commencing one of the most anticipated seasons in years. Huge regulation changes mean this season is something of a reset with turbo engines back with us amongst other chassis changes. 

Many teams will see this as an opportunity to progress up the field, but it'll certainly be easy to fall too with reliability going to be crucial. Added to a huge shake up with the driver line ups this year, 2014 already shows signs of being a vintage year. With so much going on here's a few things that might be focused upon as the season unfolds.

1. Will the new technical regulations throw Red Bull back in the pack?

2. Will the loss of Ross Brawn hurt Mercedes?

3. Is Kevin Magnussen going to shine bright as all are predicting?

4. Lewis Hamilton to become increasingly frustrated with F1?

5. Does Daniel Ricciardo stand a chance against Sebastian Vettel?

6. Will Bernie survive several trials this year or throw F1 into turmoil?

7. Should double points in Abu Dhabi be dropped?

8. So, Kimi and Fernando at Ferrari; Harmonious or fireworks? And will Ferrari           be in for a year in the doldrums?

9. Lotus to survive the year

10. Reliability to be the determining factor in the 2014 title fight

11. McLaren and Williams to thrive again?

12. Nico Hulkenberg to bag a top drive before the year is out

13. Marussia and Caterham to use new regulations to finally climb into midfield?

14. It’ll be a lot closer than 2013.

And here are the answers…possibly

1. Yes

2. Yes, but perhaps it won’t tell until later in the year

3. I feel sure if McLaren get their act together Magnussen is going to be a

    bright star this year.

4. I hope not. Lewis is brilliant and if he gets comfortable in the car this year, 

    he can do anything that anyone else can do. I just don't think he likes this         style of F1, it's not flat out.

5. He stands a chance, but I don’t think it’ll last.

6. Probably. And isn’t F1 always in some sort of turmoil?

7. Yes, ideally before the year starts.

8. Harmonious. Kimi will just get on with it but I’ve a feeling Kimi might have             been better off staying with Lotus.

9. Well, if they survive the year. I hope they and all the teams do, more 

    money needs to come down from the top of the sport. The teams create 

    the show and deserve more and not just the top teams. Of course hiring             Pastor Maldonado may create a higher parts bill.

10. I think the teams will get on top of it quite quickly actually.

11. McLaren to do better, Williams to be more respectable. I think 2015 will

     bring McLaren back to the top table, while Williams can be a major team

     once more. Would love to see Ross Brawn at Williams.

12. Sadly, no.

13. Doubtful.

14. Yes, yes it will.

There are many more things to ponder, such as if Romain Grosjean can win a race, will the Formula 1 ever treat its competitors and circuits fairly, or will they drop the stupid double points rule. I hate it. I think my safest bet is that it's going to be a lot closer than 2013, how much closer comes down to whether one team has found a magic loophole, last time there was a major change in the regulations, Brawn found the double diffuser and won the championship. Brawn are now Mercedes, no wonder they've been tipped to be a title challenger this year. 

photo taken from autosport.com

A sad start to the Formula 1 year

Before I go into a few little previews for the 2014 season it’s such a shame that the start of this anticipated new beginning has been tainted by the sad loss of Jenson Button’s father John who was a loved member of the F1 paddock and the appalling skiing accident of Michael Schumacher at the end of last year that still leaves him in an induced coma.

I remember watching as a ten year old when Schumacher claimed his first win in the 1992 Belgium Grand Prix, beating the dominant Williams-Renault of Nigel Mansell. I remember being mesmerised as what seemed like a small green and yellow Benetton was chased down by the mighty Williams, he remained my F1 hero for the next 20 years. The Williams developed a fault towards the end but it was a fantastic race as he held on to win as he went on to do so many more times through sheer determination and fight and a little bit of luck.

As doctors announce there has been no change to his condition since last week, I can only hope that he continues to fight as hard as he ever did on track. It goes without saying that thoughts are with both of their families and friends. 

photo taken from autosport.com