CarZi » Formula 1

Formula 1 Driver Salaries

Vinay Menon — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:06:37 +0000

Just before the inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Arabian Business magazine published the salaries of several current drivers. MSN has an article listing the salaries, along with an interesting Points Per Million Dollars Spent Ratio. So which team got the best bang for their buck in terms of dollars spent on driver versus points earned in 2009? See the table below:

Felipe Massa was out halfway through the season due to a severe head injury, which resulted in Giancarlo Fisichella switching from Force India to Ferrari. So those two drivers probably don’t count.

The article also mentions the widely known stat, that in 2009, after Tiger Woods, Kimi Räikkönen was the second highest paid athlete in the world. Incidentally, Räikkönen is now out of a job (Kimi Quits Formula 1) as Ferrari has given his seat to Double World Champion Fernando Alonso. I doubt he’s too concerned though.

[Source: Autos.ca.msn.com]

Kimi Raikkonen QUITS F1 for 2010

Anthony Carbone — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:25:32 +0000

F1 Breaking News! Kimi Raikkonen’s manager Steve Robertson announced late on Tuesday November 18, 2009 to Finnish newspaper Turun Sanomat that Kimi will not be racing Formula 1 in 2010.

“The only option for F1 next season was McLaren or nothing,” Robertson said. “Kimi and McLaren were unable to reach an agreement, so he will not drive at F1 level, at least not next year.”

Raikkonen and McLaren failed to come to terms based on salary, sponsor duties and Kimi’s freedom to rally race. Turun Sanomat speculated that 2011 Raikkonen could most likely return to Formula 1 Grand Prix with Red Bull Racing.

Keep in mind that Kimi’s severance deal with Ferrari will net him more money by taking a year off in 2010, than if he would have raced the year!

Next year, he is likely to be active in rally cars and possibly the Le Mans 24 Hours, the newspaper added.

[Source: USAToday.com]

Jenson Button & Brawn GP 2009 World Champions

Joshua McRae — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 22:38:10 +0000

Although there still remains one last race on the 2009 Formula 1 Schedule the Constructors Championship and most importantly the DRIVER champion have already been crowned. Jenson Button and his team Brawn GP are the ultimate winners this year. It was quite an interesting year which saw Button win the first 6 of 7 races to only fizzle out for the remaining several races and barely hold on to his title.

Yet with the last two races in which Jenson truly had to prove himself he did just so with the Brazilian GP Sunday afternoon (October 18th) rising from the 14th pole position and finishing 5th to ensure him his first ever GRAND PRIX DRIVERS TITLE at the young age of 29. This also mark only the second time in nearly 50 years that 2 British drivers (Lewis Hamilton 2008, Jenson Button 2009) win back to back World titles. The last time it happened was in 1968 when Graham Hill won and in 1969 Jackie Stewart taking it.

[Source: TSN.ca]

PUMA Ferrari Clothing F1 Car

Anthony Carbone — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 20:19:22 +0000

Checkout Puma’s latest clever use of their employees time; building an F1 car completely out of Puma Ferrari clothing from one of their stores. Checkout the short video of them assembling the F1 car below.

[Source: YouTube.com]

2010 Montreal F1 – Canadian Grand Prix is BACK!

Anthony Carbone — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 15:27:00 +0000

Bernie Ecclestone just announced that the Canadian Grand Prix will return to Montreal F1 in 2010!!

If you don’t remember the details Montreal Dropped From F1 2009 Calendar this year after a contractual dispute. Ecclestone, (head of the F1 circuit) said in today’s edition of Motorsport Aktuell magazine that “we’ll be driving in Montreal again in 2010.” Ecclestone also ruled out a return to Indianapolis, which last hosted an F1 race in 2007. Dont forget to checkout Tamara Ecclestone Almost Nude PETA Photos.

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[Source: AssociatedPress]

Ferrari World Theme Park Picture Update

Anthony Carbone — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 12:44:06 +0000

Ferrari World Theme Park - January 2009 Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates

The highly anticipated world premier of the Ferrari World Theme Park, located on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, will be “a unique oasis of discovery, hospitality and beauty that captures culture, flavour and the true spirit of Italian country, as well as the legendary automotive history, feeling and heritage of Ferrari cars and racing.”

Upon completion in November 2009 Ferrari World will feature a driving course for visitors. This driving course is the same circuit that will host the 1st 2009 Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix in November called YAS MARINA CIRCUIT designed by Hermann Tilke.

Checkout all the pictures below of the build over the last 2 years, they have 3 months left to complete the track for the 1st Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix on November 15th, 2009. 2009 F1 Race Schedule Here

During the 2007 foundation building ceremony a time capsule was buried, which contains a connecting rod and a piston from the 2007 World Champion F1 Ferrari Car along with an artist first impression of the theme park. The capsule will be opened in 2047, when Ferrari celebrates its 100th anniversary!

Ferrari World Theme Park - March 2009 Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates

Ferrari World Theme Park - January 2009 Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates

Ferrari World Theme Park - November 2008 Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates

Ferrari World Theme Park - September 2008 Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates

Ferrari World Theme Park - May 2008 Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates

Ferrari World Theme Park - February 2008 Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates

Ferrari World Theme Park - October 2007 Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates

Ferrari World Theme Park Abu Dhabi Rendered Picture

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PRESS RELEASE – NOVEMBER 2007

Yas Island – Abu Dhabi, November 3rd, 2007 – A Foundation Stone Ceremony was held today in Abu Dhabi to officially signify the start of construction of one of the most multi-dimensional and highly anticipated themed entertainment attractions in the world, the Ferrari Theme Park.

Officials and special guests in attendance for today’s event included Ferrari’s President Luca di Montezemolo and Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Chairman, ALDAR Properties, as well as invited guests representing media, government and business organizations from around the world.

During the Foundation Stone Ceremony a special time capsule was buried, containing a Conrod and Piston of the F2007, the F1 World Champion Ferrari car, together with the first artist’s impression of the Ferrari Theme Park on Yas Island. The capsule will be then opened again at Ferrari’s 100th anniversary, in 2047.

“This is a very special year for Ferrari” – Mr. Montezemolo said. “Together with the extraordinary commercial success of our GT cars, it brought to Maranello the F1 Constructors World Championship and the F1 Drivers World Championship with Kimi Raikkonen, and I am particularly proud to be present to mark the symbolic start of this great project. Moreover, 2007 is the year of Ferrari’s 60th anniversary, and this Ceremony has therefore a further, important meaning”.

Part of a joint project between Italian automotive manufacturer Ferrari and ALDAR properties PJSC, the 250,000 sqm park (80,000 of them covered) will be a unique oasis of discovery, hospitality and beauty that captures culture, flavour and the true spirit of Italian country, as well as the legendary automotive history, feeling and heritage of Ferrari cars and racing. “Today is a celebration of the first step along the way to making the world’s first Ferrari theme park a reality, with the laying of the foundation stone” – commented Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Chairman, ALDAR Properties. “An incredible amount of real estate growth is taking place in Abu Dhabi, and it is our responsibility to deliver projects of the highest quality, while protecting the natural, social and cultural assets of the Emirate. I am confident that the blend between the power and beauty of one of the world’s leading brands, Ferrari, with ALDAR’s expertise in development and regional knowledge, will combine to create a destination that resonates with sports lovers around the world.”

When completed in 2009, the attraction will provide amusement for the whole family, featuring multi-format high tech theatres, a variety of sophisticated driving schools (for both children and adults), Ferrari automotive displays and participatory learning centres as well as food and entertainment. Among the 24 attractions, the Park will offer a mix of high-octane and family rides with roller coasters jetting into the sky and dipping through the covered areas. At the heart of the park will be an advanced and sophisticated circuit offering driving courses, which will be the home of the first Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix in 2009.

After the Foundation Stone event at Yas Island, a brand new Ferrari Store will have its official grand opening in Abu Dhabi’s Marina Mall. Ferrari’s President Luca di Montezemolo, Commercial and Brand Director Dany Bahar, Abdullah Abdel Rahim Al Fahim, Chairman of Al Fahim Enterprises and Ahmed Al Sayegh, Chairman of ALDAR Properties will take part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

[Source: Ferrari.com]

$2 Million McLaren F1 Catches Fire

Anthony Carbone — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 14:09:04 +0000

A $2 million dollar (1 of 100 made) silver McLaren F1 was ruined after it caught fire from the engine. The owner ‘Irv Kessler, 53 of Minnesota declined to discuss the incident.

“It hadn’t been driven in six months,” said John Lantz, Rincon Valley assistant fire chief. “They took it out yesterday and today and started having some kind of problem with it,” Lantz said he was told by Kessler.

As Kessler drove on Airport Boulevard, someone noticed smoke coming from the back and alerted him. The engine then caught fire and flames burned the back of the car, Lantz said.

Rincon Valley firefighters found the car still burning and quickly doused it before it spread to the passenger compartment.

At least it looks like it’s only the rear end of the car that needs replacing, which probably accounts for $1.5 of the $2 million price tag

[Source: Vinay via Pressdemocrat.com]

Schumacher Ferrari 430 Scuderia VIDEO

Anthony Carbone — Mon, 25 May 2009 14:34:25 +0000

Michael Schumacher first unveiled the Ferrari 430 Scuderia 2 years ago at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. Schumacher had a lot of input and track testing with the 430 Scuderia which was used to further develop and tweak the supercar.

Here is a great video of Michael Schumacher taking the 430 Scuderia around the Mugello race track in Italy.

[Source: YouTube.com]

2009 Formula 1 Rule Changes Video

Anthony Carbone — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 14:05:55 +0000

In the first video, Sebastian Vettel explains the 2009 Formula 1 rule changes with the assistance of some pretty wicked awesome animations. The coolest new rule allows for regenerative braking system (called KERS – kinetic energy recovery systems) utilizing a battery to store the energy created when braking. This system will give each driver a 6.5 seconds boost of 82hp per lap! The second video is similar to the first but incorporates some of the F1 drivers (Lewis Hamilton) and their thoughts on the upcoming changes.

[Source: YouTube.com]

2008 Honda F1 Racing Comes To An End

Anthony Carbone — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 15:43:28 +0000

WoW!! This is clearly a sign of the tough economic times ahead when a leading global auto maker like Honda pulls out of Formula 1. They are not just looking to take a year OFF, they are DONE, they want out and are even going as far as looking for a buyer?

Honda’s president and CEO Takeo Fukui said, “We, Honda Motor Co. Ltd., have come to the conclusion that we will withdraw from all Formula One activities, making 2008 the last season of participation.

Honda, which spent more than £300m a year on F1, said it would also no longer supply the sport with engines.

We can all thank the glorious US of A and their sketchy Banking Institutions for their wonderful hand outs of exuberant mortgages which ultimately led to this disaster. Here is an awesome article outlining the global economic crisis how it all started: The End of Wall Streets Boom

“Honda must protect its core business activities and secure the long term as widespread uncertainties in the economics around the globe continue to mount.”

The statement above is a statement that ALL major global corporations seem to be following suit with and following up with massive layoffs, especially in the auto industry. All auto makers are estimating a 25-35% reduction in 1st quarter auto builds and it doesn’t take an senior economist to conclude the rest of 2009 isn’t going to be any better.

“This difficult decision has been made in light of the quickly deteriorating operating environment facing the global auto industry, brought on by the sub-prime problem in the United States, the deepening credit crisis and the sudden contraction of the world economies.

“Under these circumstances, Honda has taken swift and flexible measures to counter this sudden and expansive weakening of the marketplace in all business areas. However, in recognition of the need to optimise the allocation of management resources, including investment regarding the future, we have decided to withdraw from Formula One participation.

Honda Motor Co., Ltd PRESS RELEASE

We, Honda Motor Co., Ltd., have come to the conclusion that we will withdraw from all Formula One activities, making 2008 the last season of participation.

This difficult decision has been made in light of the quickly deteriorating operating environment facing the global auto industry, brought on by the sub-prime problem in the United States, the deepening credit crisis and the sudden contraction of the world economies.

Honda must protect its core business activities and secure the long term as widespread uncertainties in the economies around the globe continue to mount. A recovery is expected to take some time.

Under these circumstances, Honda has taken swift and flexible measures to counter this sudden and expansive weakening of the marketplace in all business areas. However, in recognition of the need to optimize the allocation of management resources, including investment regarding the future, we have decided to withdraw from Formula One participation. We will enter into consultation with the associates of Honda Racing F1 Team and its engine supplier Honda Racing Development regarding the future of the two companies. This will include offering the team for sale.

In its third era of Formula One activities, Honda has been participating in Formula One races from the 2000 season, initially with BAR, by adopting a new format of jointly developing racing machines. Subsequently, in a move to meet the changing environment surrounding Formula One, we switched to running a 100% Honda-owned team commencing with the 2006 season.

Surmounting many challenges, the Honda Team achieved a Grand Prix victory in 2006, enabling Honda to receive overwhelming support from Honda fans around the world that were looking forward to greater success. It, therefore, has been an extremely difficult decision for us to come to this conclusion without having been able to fully meet the expectations of our fans.

By making the best of what we have learned during these times of economic turmoil, coupled with the spirit of challenge gained through active participation in racing, we intend to continue with our commitment in meeting new challenges.

Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank our fans and all those who have supported Honda’s Formula One efforts, including everyone in the world of Formula One.

Thank you very much.

Takeo Fukui
President and CEO

[Source: News.BBC.co.uk, AutoCar.co.uk]

430 Scuderia Spider 16M Photos

Anthony Carbone — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 16:59:13 +0000

Ferrari 430 Scuderia Photo Galleries HERE: Ferrari 430 Scuderia Photos

Ferrari has gone and done what many thought would never happen. They have decided to create 499 limited editions of their new 430 Scuderia Spider 16M exotic to celebrate their 16th Formula 1 Constructors Championship! The Scuderia Spider 16M will host all the same performance slamming numbers as the original 430 Scuderia such as the 510 hp 4.3L V8 meshed with the slickest 6-speed F1 inspired paddle shift gearbox in the world allowing it to perform 0-60 in 3.7 seconds.

Yet another amateur blogger was allowed to post on Autoblog.com and improperly called the 430 Scuderia an F430 Scuderia. Not sure when these kids are going to learn the finer details of properly reporting auto news, but either way it’s fun when you can call them on it.

Scuderia Spider 16M unveiled at World Finals in Mugello

Scarperia, November 9th 2008 – Ferrari has chosen to unveil the new Scuderia Spider 16M at the World Finals in Mugello in celebration of its recent victory in the Formula 1 Constructor’s World Championship 2008. This new high performance sports car features the very best of Ferrari’s latest mid-rear-engined 8-cylinder technology. In fact, the Scuderia Spider 16M is faster round the Fiorano circuit than any other Prancing Horse open-top road car yet built. This truly evocative special series model, of which just 499 unique examples will be produced, is aimed at the most passionate clients, drivers who demand both exclusivity and superb driving pleasure.

The Scuderia Spider 16M is available in a choice of two new signature colour schemes: the standard version is black with grey trim, while a tricolour livery is also available as part of the Carrozzeria Scaglietti Personalisation Programme. The new car also sports a special plaque on its rear grille commemorating Ferrari’s 16th Constructor’s World title. The exclusivity of the interior is underscored by the silver “limited series” plaque just above the air vents at the centre of the dashboard. Other exclusive features include a roll-bar with carbon-fibre outer shell and a specific new generation audio system that can be combined with the removable customised Ferrari iPod Touch 16 GB with central dock just in front of the dashboard.

From a technical point of view, this car has a dry weight of 1340 Kg (80 kg lighter than the F430 Spider). This, combined with the 510 hp provided by its V8 engine and a power-to-weight ratio of 2.6 kg/hp, means that it delivers blistering 0-100 kph acceleration in just 3.7 seconds and a superb top speed of 315 kph.

So whats next for Ferrari? A Ferrari 4 Door ?

[Source: Thanks to Josh for the heads up! Autoblog via FerrariWorld.com]

2009 Abu Dhabi F1 Track

Anthony Carbone — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 06:01:32 +0000

With Montreal dropped From F1 2009 Calendar, for next years 2009 Formula 1 Race Schedule the FIA will introduce Abu Dhabi as the the season’s final race!

This new state of the art Formula 1 track will be designed by Hermann Tilke and will be located on YAS ISLAND and will be called “YAS MARINA CIRCUIT”.

Some of the highlights will be a pit lane that runs below ground as well as a piece of track that runs below a hotel.

The current plans have been criticized by commentators for lacking any elevation changes and failing to create ample opportunity for overtaking, although the impressively long back straight may be the location for some interesting skirmishes.

[Source: MotorAuthority.com]

Brand New F1 World Champion Coming Soon

Vinay Menon — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 01:51:55 +0000

The last race of the 2008 Formula 1 season is tomorrow Nov. 2, 2008

There are only 2 drivers still in the running for the the title of Formula 1 World Champion. In Sao Paulo, tomorrow afternoon, either McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton, or Ferrari’s Felipe Massa is getting out of his racecar at the end of the Brazilian Grand Prix as a Brand New F1 World Champion.

Lewis Hamilton stormed into the scene in 2007. Hamilton put on one of the best performances ever as a rookie, winning races, out-driving his 2 time World Champion teammate Fernando Alonso, and scoring 109 points in his first season. He eventually ended up missing the Championship by just 1 point.

This year, he’s going into the final race, well in the lead. His season points total is 94, versus Felipe’s 87.

Felipe Massa is the more senior F1 driver. He’s been having his best year in F1. He’s ahead of teammate Kimi Raikkonnen, who’s scored 69 points so far. Felipe scored 4 points in his first F1 season in 2002. Since then he’s moved to Ferrari, raced alongside Michael Schumacher, and scored 80 points in 2006, and 94 in 2007.

Here’s how the points work in F1. Each race earns you points based on placing:
1st – 10 points
2nd – 8 points
3rd – 6 pts
4th – 5 pts
5th – 4 pts
6th – 3 pts
7th – 2 pts
8th – 1 pts

So Here are some potential outcomes

Lewis Wins IF
Lewis 1st: 94 + 10 = 104
Felipe 2nd 87 + 8 = 95

Massa Wins IF
Felipe 1st: 87 + 10 = 97
Lewis 6th: 94 + 3 = 97

(They are both tied for number of race wins over the season before Brazil, so winner of Brazil would have won one more race.)

Lewis Wins IF
Felipe 2nd: 87 + 8 = 95
Lewis 7th: 94 + 2 = 96

Remember: Lewis Hamilton Promised McLaren LM supercar for 2008 F1 Title Win

With F1, you can never predict how things end up. Extraordinary things are known to happen all the time. But based on how far ahead Felipe has to finish, the odds favour 23 year old Lewis Hamilton to become the youngest F1 World Champion ever by wining his first (of many?) title tomorrow. Then November 2008 would be off to a great start. In the same week, the world could see the first black US president elected, as well as the first Black F1 World Champion crowned. My fingers are crossed.

[Source: Vinay @ MadWhips.com, Formula1.com]

Michael Schumacher Abu Dhabi Tower Unveiled

Anthony Carbone — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 22:39:53 +0000

The Michael Schumacher World Champion Tower was recently unveiled at Cityscape Dubai by a fresh new Architecture firm called LAVA (Laboratory for Visionary Architecture). They integrated Formula 1 Technology in their design and drew further inspiration via collaboration with Michael Schumacher himself! It is set to break ground early 2009.

Developed for clients Vedera Capital|Marasi, completion is expected around June 2011.

The combined resume’s of LAVA’s 3 co-partners (Chris Bosse, Tobias Wallisser and Alexander Rieck) include Beijing’s Watercuboid and the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Germany.

“The unique collaboration with Michael Schumacher gave us new insights. Technology, precision, speed, elegance, paired with human intuition and extraordinary performance were a great source of inspiration for the design. Similar to the formula one operation, construction is a team sport with a lot of highly skilled experts. In this sense the architects take the driver seat in the process, taking the project to the physical limits of possibility”, says Alexander Rieck

Inspired by the geometric order of a snowflake and F1 racing aerodynamics, this futuristic tower encapsulates speed, and technology drawing from fluid dynamics with a tough of Feng Shui.

[Source: Architectenweb.nl]

2009 Formula 1 Race Schedule

Anthony Carbone — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 14:51:12 +0000

With the unfortunate and recent cancellation of the 2009 Montreal F1 Race, I am left sitting pondering which race I am going to have to attend in place of going to Montreal for our annual boys only F1 weekend extravaganza.

2009 Formula 1 Schedule
29 March Australia
5 April Malaysia
19 April Bahrain
10 May Spain
24 May Monaco
7 June Turkey
21 June Great Britain
28 June France
12 July Germany
26 July Hungary
23 August Europe (Valencia)
30 August Belgium
13 September Italy
27 September Singapore
11 October Japan
18 October China
1 November Brazil
15 November Abu Dhabi

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[Source: Formula1.com]