Source: http://www.newsobserver.com/2011/11/29/1678901/ecclestone-expects-europe-to-keep.html
Jaime Alguersuari Philippe Alliot Cliff Allison Fernando Alonso
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Stefano Domenicali: ?I?m very confident that we will do a good job?
Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali is confident that the Italian outfit will make a big step forward in 2012 after a difficult season that brought just one win. The team made it clear some time ago that it has to … Continue reading 
Source: http://adamcooperf1.com/2011/11/28/stefano-domenicali-im-very-confident-that-we-will-do-a-good-job/
Fred Agabashian Kurt Ahrens Jr Christijan Albers Michele Alboreto
Lewis Hamilton centre stage in F1's Indian adventure
The Indian Grand Prix was not the thrilling spectacle Formula 1 wanted it to be but if that amazing country is to succumb to the sport's advances after this inaugural race at least it won't be under false pretences.
The packed grandstands - unusual for a first race in a new territory for F1 - witnessed a grand prix that encapsulated in many ways what F1 2011 has all been about.
Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel strolled to a comfortable victory, taking only as much out of his car and tyres as he needed to. Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso - the other two stand-out drivers of the year - followed him home. And Lewis Hamilton found himself embroiled in yet another contretemps with his nemesis, Felipe Massa.
Hamilton, as has been well documented, has not had a great year. There have been some fantastic highs but by and large he has performed well below his superlative best.
On the way, he has been involved in some high-profile incidents, many of which have been his fault. But his collision with Massa in India on Sunday was not one of them.
As Hamilton's McLaren edged alongside the Brazilian's Ferrari into Turn Five on lap 24, it looked as if the Englishman was poised to pull off one of the great overtaking moves for which he is rightly famous. Instead, Massa turned in as if Hamilton was not there, and their races were ruined on the spot.
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Hamilton has had so many penalties from race officials this year that it was perhaps no surprise that up in the commentary box Martin Brundle said he thought this might lead to another one.
But it became clear from replays that this time it was not Hamilton's fault.
He was virtually completely alongside Massa as they neared the brief braking zone and he was still halfway alongside when they collided despite - as he said afterwards - trying to pull out of the move when he realised Massa was not going to give way.
Massa could be seen looking in his mirrors a number of times, and made it clear after the race that he knew the McLaren was there. But he felt he was in the right because - as he put it - he "could not see" Hamilton as he turned in. As the stewards decided, though, Hamilton was far enough alongside to have a go - and Massa should have given him more room.
The only question you can ask about Hamilton's manoeuvre was why he chose to go for the move there.
The spot he chose is not, as Brundle and fellow commentator David Coulthard pointed out, exactly an easy passing place. With his speed advantage, and knowing that - because of their history this year - Massa was unlikely to be accommodating, it would have been less risky to try the move at the end of the long straight.
For Hamilton, the collision was especially bad news. While he had struggled in the first stint of the race, he was at this stage looking like he might have a shot at a podium finish.
On his second set of tyres, he was demonstrating good speed and, had he managed to pass Massa, he may well have been able to catch Alonso, too. That would have given him third place, assuming he, like the Spaniard, had been able to leapfrog Mark Webber's Red Bull at the second stops.
As it was, it was another weekend to forget for Hamilton, who was downcast after the race.
His father, Anthony, confirmed on Sunday what many in F1 have long suspected - that Hamilton simply wants 2011 to end and to move on to next season.
Hamilton seems to think he has identified the personal issues that have clearly affected him this year. He talked on Saturday about removing all unnecessary distractions and focusing completely on his job. For his own sake - as well as the global audience of millions for whom his aggressive, attacking style is so attractive - one has to hope it works.
The Hamilton-Massa incident provided a controversial distraction in an otherwise largely uneventful race, one of the least interesting of a year that, despite Vettel's domination, has so far generally delivered a fine spectacle.
That was a shame for the one grand prix with which F1 really wanted to make an impact. Nevertheless, while it remains to be seen whether India takes to the sport, the initial signs were good.
There were teething problems in terms of the organisation and track but these were nothing compared with the terrible problems around the Commonwealth Games last year. So despite the tight deadlines, India has now proved that it is more than capable of preparing for and hosting a major international sporting event.
The track was cleverly situated close enough to Delhi to make it accessible. And although the ticket prices were always going to be out of reach of the average Indian, they were clearly affordable to enough people to make attending the race an attractive proposition.
The result was virtually full grandstands - according to official figures, 95,000 people packed into the Buddh International Circuit on Sunday.
That is already a massive step forward from other 'new' races such as those in China, Turkey and, more recently, South Korea. In all those places - and others - F1 appears to have made virtually no impression at all, to the point that many within the sport privately question why the races exist.
Senior figures in F1 were unanimous in their praise for the work done by the Indian organisers. But that is to be expected - they are all desperate for this race to succeed in the world's second most populous country with one of the fastest growing economies.
Perhaps more telling was that the drivers were also effusive - not only about the flowing, challenging layout of the track, which Hamilton said was already one of his favourites, but also for the experience they had had there on what, for most of them, was their first visit.
"There was a big crowd and it was a big success for India," said HRT driver Narain Karthikeyan, the country's first F1 driver. "Having a high-profile event like this gives the country a boost. We are passionate people, we are happy with what we have and it is fantastic to have F1 here."
India has its share of problems - that is well known. Equally, though, if you spend any time there, it is difficult not to fall under its complicated, captivating spell.
After a debut that was unanimously hailed as a success, F1 is hoping that India will come to feel the same way about its new arrival.
Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/andrewbenson/2011/10/hamilton_takes_centre_stage_in.html
Vodafone rewards its customers as Jenson performs in Manchester (+Photos)
Vodafone rewards its customers as Jenson Button drives through the streets of Manchester in
his Vodafone McLaren Mercedes F1? car
Vodafone VIP brought a taste of Formula 1? to the heart of Manchester city centre this weekend, with F1? driver Jenson Button and the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team staging a celebration of the sport.
Crowds lined Deansgate on Monday (29th Aug) afternoon for the highlight of the Bank Holiday, as Jenson Button revved up his Vodafone McLaren Mercedes F1? car and drove it through one of Manchester?s busiest streets. Button also treated two lucky Vodafone customers to a thrilling drive through Manchester city centre in a McLaren MP4-12C sports car, before ending the day with an on-stage, public Q&A appearance.
Jenson enjoyed the day enormously, commenting:
?I think Vodafone VIP has done a brilliant job to make this happen ? it can?t have been easy ? but to see the looks on people?s faces when I opened up the throttle, was a fantastic moment. It is all about giving something back to the fans and just unleashing the awesome power of a Formula 1 car. It was a lot of fun.?
Jenson?s appearance was just one part of a three day event. From Saturday 27 to Monday 29 of August, Vodafone customers and friends enjoyed the Vodafone VIP Fanzone in Albert Square. The Fanzone contained a bespoke Go Kart Track, and a number of interactive F1? experiences, including a pit stop challenge, a sit in Vodafone McLaren Mercedes car, an F1? simulator and an exhibition of race suits and helmets. Throughout the weekend there was also a pit garage on the forecourt of the Hilton Deansgate in which Vodafone customers had the opportunity to go behind the scenes in the team?s garage.
The celebration was part of Vodafone?s drive to reward as many of its customers as possible. Previous Vodafone VIP events have been based in London and the South East so by bringing F1 to the North West, Vodafone VIP are aiming to reach a wider audience and thank even more of their customers.
Councillor Pat Karney, of Manchester City Council, said:
?Vodafone VIP Live is a great example of the sort of unmissable events which Manchester stages and a great way show what our city has to offer. We are extremely grateful to Vodafone who provided the opportunity to have the I Love MCR logo printed on the side of the car. Word of the campaign has spread fast, so it's entirely fitting that an F1 car bearing the campaign logo should be seen racing down Deansgate?
The F1? event in Manchester is just one element of Vodafone VIP, which gives customers access to the best of British festival, fashion and Formula 1? events. Vodafone VIP provides customers with the hottest tickets and money can?t buy experiences. All Vodafone customers can register for Vodafone VIP by going online.
Visit www.vodafone.co.uk/VIPManchester to find out more.
I Love MCR Campaign
In partnership with Marketing Manchester and Manchester Arndale, Manchester City Council have launched the 'I Love MCR' campaign to show the world that the people of Manchester are proud of their city. Become a fan on the ?I Love MCR? Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/WeLoveMCR.
Follow the conversation on Twitter using #IloveMCR
Keith Andrews Elio de Angelis Marco Apicella Mário de Araújo Cabral
Li'l Yeller
Hello, I'm new here and would like to participate in this forum showing a model that just ride thatis the Li'l Yeller. I confess that this kit has a lot of work. I had to make a jig to mount the body, as the four sides come apart. I deleted the chrome of the two differential and front axle and the engine painted with orange. The chassis, front bumpers and rear leaf springs painted black.Inside, the seats, steering wheel and gear lever ball painted in a mixture of Tamiya paint color that mimics wood. Also placed in the driver's seat a pair of seat belts in red. Sorry for my English.
I hope you enjoy
I hope you enjoy
[View:http://cs.scaleautomag.com/SCACS/themes/sca/utility/
:550:0]
Source: http://cs.scaleautomag.com/SCACS/forums/thread/985372.aspx
Hamilton: Red Bulls will still be quicker
Lewis Hamilton was in a cautious, yet satisfied mood after pipping Sebastian Vettel in Brazilian Grand Prix practice. Hamilton beat Vettel by 0.167 seconds, while Red Bull’s Mark Webber was third ahead of Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso. It was all very tight though with Red Bull and McLaren set for a fascinating battle this weekend. Speaking [...]
Zsolt Baumgartner Elie Bayol Don Beauman Karl Gunther Bechem
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Team order rule needs a re-think
 Jean Todt arives for Wednesday's hearing |
?Whether you are for or against team orders, if the FIA could not back up its own rules and nail a competitor in a blatant case such as this the rule really does need reviewing. Perhaps Ferrari?s thinly-veiled threat to take the matter to the civil courts if they were punished too harshly scared the governing body, who as much as admitted the flimsiness of its rule."Paul Weaver, reporting for the Guardian in Monza, was in favour of the ruling which keeps alive Ferrari?s slim chances in an enthralling championship.
?The World Motor Sport Council was right not to ruin a compelling Formula One season by taking away the 25 points Alonso collected in Germany. That would have put him out of the five-man title race. But the council was widely expected to increase the fine and possibly deduct points from the team, as opposed to the individual. In the end, it could be argued that common sense prevailed. But the decision will dismay those who were upset by the way Ferrari handled the situation as much as anything else.?The Daily Mail's Jonathan McEvoy expressed outrage at the FIA tearing up its own rule book by allowing Ferrari to escape unpunished.
"Although the race stewards fined them �65,000 for giving team orders in July, the FIA World Motor Sport Council, to whom the matter was referred, decided not to impose any further punishment. It leaves the sport's rulers open to derision. It was, after all, their rule they undermined. In a statement, the WMSC said the regulation banning team orders 'should be reviewed'."
Source: http://blogs.espnf1.com/paperroundf1/archives/2010/09/team_order_rule_needs_a_rethin_1.php
Massa threatened with jail over team orders
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?A public raised on a diet of Emerson Fittipaldi, Nelson Piquet and Ayrton Senna were simply appalled and saddened in equal measure by Massa?s apparent lack of ambition.?
Source: http://blogs.espnf1.com/paperroundf1/archives/2010/11/massa_threatened_with_jail_ove.php
Lotus Evora S Roger Daltrey Edition
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Lotus has always had the pulse for doing charitable things as they have built numerous special edition models to help raise funds for charities. A few months ago, they built a special Evora called the Freddie Mercury Edition - Mercury was the lead vocalist of Queen - to benefit the Mercury Phoenix Trust Foundation.
Recently, the British automaker went back to that same route by unveiling another special edition Evora S, this time personalized by no less than The Who front man, Roger Daltrey.
With the help of Lotus, Daltrey was given the reins in personalizing this car. In addition to signing the car himself, Daltrey also added in red striping details, as well as a number of "The Who" badges and a Union Jack logo on the tailgate. For their part, Lotus gave the special edition Evora Tech and Premium packages that include a Metallic Black paint finish, a reversing camera, and best of all, a 3.5-liter supercharged V6 engine that produces 345 horsepower.
The Evora Roger Daltrey Edition is set to be auctioned off on December 1, 2011 with proceeds going to the Teenage Cancer Trust.
"Without teenagers and their energy and passion for music, we wouldn’t have Rock ’n Roll as we know it," Daltrey said. "There is no doubt in my mind that we’re really making a difference."
Interested bidders will need to bring their check books with them because the car is expected to go under the hammer for around �70,000, which is around $93,400 based on current exchange rates.
Lotus Evora S Roger Daltrey Edition originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 29 November 2011 12:00 EST.
Source: http://www.topspeed.com/cars/lotus/2011-lotus-evora-s-roger-daltrey-edition-ar120735.html
VW Bug Altered
Just finished this rebuild for a friend.
The chassis is from a 1320 die cast that was modified to fit a junk Bugaboo that was shortened. It took a few tries to paint the stripes on the body. The paint is Tamiya with the Chroma clear finish. Painting a body this big was a challage & a polishing kit came in quite handy.
Source: http://cs.scaleautomag.com/SCACS/forums/thread/987326.aspx
Bernie Ecclestone on Austin Q&A: ?They never had the money??
The future of the US GP in Austin should become clearer this week, as Bernie Ecclestone has set a deadline of Wednesday for COTA to conclude its deal to run the race. Such an eventuality seems unlikely given that COTA … Continue reading 
Source: http://adamcooperf1.com/2011/11/28/bernie-ecclestone-on-austin-qa-they-never-had-the-money/
Robert Kubica Could Be Ruled Out For At Least A Year Following Accident
Polish racing driver Robert Kubica will spend at least one whole year recovering from a rally crash he suffered this morning, according to his surgeon. Kubica, who races for Renault Lotus crashed the Skoda Fabia rally car this morning and was airlifted to hospital suffering serious injuries. He has spent many hours in surgery, with [...]
Monday, November 28, 2011
Mercedes: Two-stop strategy leaves Rosberg vulnerable | 2011 Brazilian GP team review
Nico Rosberg lost sixth to Adrian Sutil running a two-stop strategy.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/fU4FZsC6-mY/
Campaign launched to save Team Lotus
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Source: http://blogs.espnf1.com/paperroundf1/archives/2010/11/campaign_launched_to_save_team_1.php
Christijan Albers Michele Alboreto Jean Alesi Jaime Alguersuari
WSBK: Haslam Quickest At Portimao
Leon Haslam posted the fastest time while Marco Melandri, Chaz Davies, Michel Fabrizio, Leon Camier, and Eugene Laverty got acclimated to their new rides.
Source: http://moto-racing.speedtv.com/article/wsbk-haslam-quickest-at-portimao/
HRT F111 unveiled in Barcelona (photos)
After confirming Vitantonio Liuzzi as their second starter for the 2011 campaign, and therefore completing their lineup for the new season, the Spanish team unveiled their F111 challenger in front of reporters on Friday (11th of March), in the penultimate day of testing this off-season.
(Ctrl+Click on the images for enlarged view)
Images(C) MotionCompany, toilef1.com
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