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Formula 1 ......News
Last updated 9 May 2004
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- F1 living beyond its means....
- 2004 Season - Another Ferrari benefit? ....
- BAR the most improved team?....
- Montoya works out his contract with Williams....
- 2004 Race Calandar
- 2004 Driver line uo
F1Living beyond its means .... Stand by for a shake up
![[Bernie Ecclestone & Max Mosley]](bemm.jpg)
Two of the movers and shakers of F1 - Bernie Ecclestone (Mr Fix-it of F1) and Max Moseley FIA President
There are serious concerns that F1 is living beyond its means and that it is becoming more and more difficult for smaller teams not backed by the major motor manufactures to survive, and almost impossible for new teams to enter the sport.
To overcome these difficulties, the sports governing body the FIA through its president Max Mosley are proposing significant rules changes which should help to reduce costs and encourage new entrants. The main changes are new smaller engines - 2.4 litre V8s which must last for two grand prix, the scrapping of all electronic aids, reduction in testing time, and the availablity of 'off the shelf' chassis, rather than each team manufacturing their own. The aim will be to increase the number of teams from 10 to 12.
As might be expected there are differing views - there is the group who feel that F1 is the pinnacle of motor sport and should use all the technology that is available. The other view is that F1 is a spectator sport and must provide spectacle and this can only be done by increasing the number of cars and providing overtaking opportunities on the track - the driver should be the determining factor not the latest technology gizzmos.
The large motor manufacturers are threatening to set up their own series following the 'high tech' route - the Grand Prix World Championship which includes Ferrari, BMW, Mercedes, Renault and Ford, but this may be nothing more than a negotiating ploy. THe FIA are threatening to force the rule changes through for the 2007 season but no doubt there is still alot of negotiation between all the parties.
There are alot of vested interests but the changes are backed by Ecclestone and Moseley ..... so watch this space for further news.
2004 season...a Ferrari Benefit .....The story so far
Michael Schumacher - Record 6 Driver's World Championships
The opening rounds of the 2004 season have all the signs of being another Ferrari and Michael Schumacher year. The BMW Williams Team was regarded as the potential main challengers but so far they have failed to provide serious challenge.
Although with the return of the F1 circus to Europe and possible aerodynamic and tyre improvements fortunes may change and for the sake of maintaining public interest in F1 lets hope they do.
The Mercedes McLaren team have so far been off the pace and reliability has also been problem. There are rumours to be major changes at Illmor, Mercedes racing engine division at Brixworth, Northamptonshire in an attempt to improve both power and reliability. Ron Dennis despite speculation of retirement has been given a new contract as McLaren's Team Principal
BAR Team are the most improved team so far this season
Jason Button finally gets on the podium
The most improved team so far this season has got to be BAR, Honda seem to have provided them with extra horsepower and Jenson Button has rewarded the team with two 3rd places. There is heady talk of Jenson taking his first GP win. The British press and public are certainly hungery for a new British front runner.
Montoya works out his contract with the Williams Team
Juan Montoya
Juan Montoya has already signed contracts with McLaren for the 2005 season, but the mercurial Columbian shows that he is determined to get maximum results with Williams Team this season. There are also rumours that his team mate Ralf Schumacher may also be leaving Williams at the end of the season. If true there could be some major changes in the various driver line ups for 2005.
Ralf Schumacher also on the move at the end of the season?
The 2004 FIA Formula One World Championship Race Schedule ......
The 2001 season consists of 18 races with the Bahrain and Shanghai GPs joining the calandar.
F1 Race Calandar Month Day & Grand Prix Round March 7th Australian GP (Melbourne) 21st Malaysian GP (Sepang) April 4th Bahrain GP 25th San Marino GP (Imola) May 5th Spanish GP (Barcelona) 23rd Monaco GP 30th European (Nurburgring)June 13th Canadian GP (Montreal) 20th US GP (Indianapolis) July 4th French GP (Magny-Cours) 11th British GP (Silverstone) 25th German GP (Hockenheim) August 15th Hungarian GP (Hungaroring) 29th Belgium GP (Spa) September 12th Italian GP (Monza) 26th China GP (Shanghai) October 10th Japanese GP(Suzuka) Brazil GP (Interlargos) Driver Line Up for 2004.........
Who goes where Team Engine Drivers Ferrari Ferrari 1. Michael Schumacher(Ger) 2. Rubens Barrichello (Brazil) Williams BMW 3. Juan Pablo Montoya (Columbia) 4. Ralf Scumacher (Ger) McLaren Mercedes 5. David Coulthard (GB) 6. Kimi Raikkonen (Fin) Renault 7. Jarno Trulli (Italy) 8. Fernando Alonso (Spain) BAR Honda 9. Jenson Button (GB) 10. Takuma Sato (Japan) Sauber 11.Giancarlo Fisichella (Italy) 12. Felipe Massa (Brazil) Jaguar Ford 14. Mark Webber (Australian) 15. Christian Klien (Austria) Toyota Toyota 16. Cristiano Damatta (Brazil) 17. Olivier Panis (France) Jordan Honda 18. Nick Heidfeld (Ger) 19. Giorio Pantano (Italy) Minardi Cosworth 20. Zsolt Baumgartner (Hungary) 21. Giannmaria Bruni (Italy)
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