The renault looks pants

Points and tyre tweaks agreed for '10 -

1st: 25 points (previously 25)
2nd: 18 points (previously 20)
3rd: 15 points (previously 15)
4th: 12 points (previously 10)
5th: 10 points (previously 8)
6th: 8 points (previously 6)
7th: 6 points (previously 5)
8th: 4 points (previously 3)
9th: 2 points (previously 2)
10th: 1 point (previously 1)

The revised tyre rule sees drivers who reached Q3 having to start the race on the same tyres that they used for the final part of qualifying.
This could lead to strategic gambles if drivers use softer rubber to try and earn a higher grid spot but are then forced to pit earlier in the race.

The change is likely to have been prompted by concerns that with mid-race refuelling now banned that would be fewer strategic variations and therefore less action in the races.

Drivers have also had their tyre allowance for each racing weekend reduced from 14 sets of dries to 11, and must return one set of these to Bridgestone before second practice and two sets before this practice.

The aim of this change is to ensure that drivers carry out plenty of running in Friday practice and give opening day spectators track action to watch.

One thing I've noticed on the new cars in testing is these long "aerials" (if that's what they are) above the air intake. See these shots...











Doesn't appear on all cars though, just wondered if they're just for testing purposes (data telemetry?) or if they'll be on the cars when they race. Anyone know what they are?

Looking forward to this season though, be interesting to see how the new cars compare in race trim. I see everyone's being very twitchy about other teams looking at their rear diffusers, after last season!

Unofficial Tuesday test times from Valencia:

1. Felipe Massa, Ferrari, 1:11.722, 124 Laps
2. Kamui Kobayashi, BMW Sauber, 1:12.056, 96 Laps
3. Lewis Hamilton, McLaren, 1:12.256, 108 Laps
4. Robert Kubica, Renault, 1:12.426, 119 Laps
5. Nico Rosberg, Mercedes GP, 1:12.899, 119 Laps
6. Rubens Barrichello, Williams, 1:13.377, 102 Laps
7. Sebastien Buemi, Toro Rosso, 1:13.823, 107 Laps

Unofficial Wednesday test times from Valencia:

1. Fernando Alonso, Ferrari, 1:11.470, 127 Laps
2. Pedro de la Rosa, BMW Sauber, 1:12.094, 80 Laps
3. Michael Schumacher, Mercedes GP, 1:12.438, 82 Laps
4. Jaime Alguersuari, Toro Rosso, 1:12.576, 97 Laps
5. Jenson Button, McLaren, 1:12.951, 82 Laps
6. Vitaly Petrov, Renault, 1:13.097, 75 Laps
7. Nico Hulkenberg, Williams, 1:13.669, 126 Laps

Forgive me for being dense, but does the GP season actually start this weekend, or is Valencia just a practice thing everyone's doing?

Just a a practice.

Okies, ta.

Technically its testing

Heard on the news yesterday that it's only 5 weeks away to the first race, though!!

Manor Racing aka Virgin Racing is just a 5 min drive from here

Of course, with them being a local team I will be supporting them.

I do however want to see Lewis regain his title and can't wait for the start of the season.

2010 F1 testing dates-

February 1st – 3rd – Valencia (Ricardo Tormo), Spain
February 10th – 13th – Jerez, Spain
February 17th – 20th – Jerez, Spain
February 25th – 28th – Circuit de Catalunya, Spain

Is there a particular reason they are all in Spain

Probably a better possibility of dry weather whilst experience different technical circuits that can handle formula 1 car’s with the added benefits of being in one country so travel time and costs are reduced.

Makes sense.