Moparnuts http://www.moparnuts.com/forums/ The most laid back MOPAR site on the Internet. en Sat, 19 May 2012 03:39:50 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.moparnuts.com/forums/images/misc/rss.png Moparnuts http://www.moparnuts.com/forums/ Indy 500: Scott Dixon takes over in Indianapolis http://www.moparnuts.com/forums/showthread.php?39294-Indy-500-Scott-Dixon-takes-over-in-Indianapolis&goto=newpost Sat, 19 May 2012 00:41:35 GMT Ganassi's Scott Dixon was busy on the sixth day of testing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, reaching a best average speed of 223.088 mph.

Scott Dixon. (Photo: IMS)

Josef Newgarden (Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing) and Graham Rahal (Ganassi) finished respectively second and third in what was another show of force for the two young drivers.

Josef Newgarden. (Photo: IMS)

Teams will be able to have their boost levels turned up for from 130 to 140 kPA for Fast Friday, Pole Day on Saturday and Bump Day on Sunday; allowing engines to develop an extra 40 to 50 horsepower.

Helio Castroneves et Graham Rahal. (Photo: IMS)

Dragon Racing's Sebastien Bourdais and Katherine Legge were in action, driving their Chevrolet-powered cars for the first time.

The two Lotus drivers, Jean Alesi and Simona de Silvestro, were again the slowest of all.

Katherine Legge. (Photo: IMS)

Indianapolis 500 Practice Day-6

Pos Driver Team/Car Time Gap
1. Scott Dixon Ganassi DW12-Honda 40.3428s
2. Josef Newgarden Fisher DW12-Honda 40.4115s + 0.0687s
3. Graham Rahal Ganassi DW12-Honda 40.5259s + 0.1831s
4. Will Power Penske DW12-Chevy 40.5529s + 0.2101s
5. Justin Wilson Dale Coyne DW12-Honda 40.5927s + 0.2499s
6. Ryan Briscoe Penske DW12-Chevy 40.6302s + 0.2874s
7. Wade Cunningham Foyt DW12-Honda 40.6413s + 0.2985s
8. Dario Franchitti Ganassi DW12-Honda 40.6606s + 0.3178s
9. Charlie Kimball Ganassi DW12-Honda 40.6649s + 0.3221s
10. JR Hildebrand Panther DW12-Chevy 40.7200s + 0.3772s
11. Mike Conway Foyt DW12-Honda 40.7425s + 0.3997s
12. Alex Tagliani Herta DW12-Honda 40.7803s + 0.4375s
13. Oriol Servia Panther/DRR DW12-Chevy 40.7899s + 0.4471s
14. Helio Castroneves Penske DW12-Chevy 40.7982s + 0.4554s
15. Bryan Clauson Fisher DW12-Honda 40.8184s + 0.4756s
16. Tony Kanaan KV DW12-Chevy 40.8781s + 0.5353s
17. Takuma Sato Rahal DW12-Honda 40.9277s + 0.5849s
18. James Jakes Dale Coyne DW12-Honda 40.9414s + 0.5986s
19. Ana Beatriz Andretti/Conquest DW12-Chevy 40.9828s + 0.6400s
20. Rubens Barrichello KV DW12-Chevy 41.0149s + 0.6721s
21. Michel Jourdain Jr Rahal DW12-Honda 41.0673s + 0.7245s
22. Ed Carpenter Carpenter DW12-Chevy 41.0781s + 0.7353s
23. EJ Viso KV DW12-Chevy 41.1806s + 0.8378s
24. Townsend Bell Schmidt DW12-Honda 41.1846s + 0.8418s
25. Sebastien Bourdais Dragon DW12-Chevy 41.9161s + 1.5733s
26. Jean Alesi Fan Force DW12-Lotus 43.3758s + 3.0330s
27. Simona de Silvestro HVM DW12-Lotus 43.7552s + 3.4124s





More... ]]> Auto123 Racing News moparnut http://www.moparnuts.com/forums/showthread.php?39294-Indy-500-Scott-Dixon-takes-over-in-Indianapolis Gilles Villeneuve: Video of his first Formula 1 victory in Montreal http://www.moparnuts.com/forums/showthread.php?39293-Gilles-Villeneuve-Video-of-his-first-Formula-1-victory-in-Montreal&goto=newpost Sat, 19 May 2012 00:41:35 GMT This year we commemorate the 30th anniversary of Gilles Villeneuve's death. Here is a short video of his maiden win in Formula 1 that took place in front of his home fans in Montreal in 1978.

Villeneuve, driving the No. 12 Ferrari 312 T3, qualified third for the race. He passed Alan Jones (Williams) and Jody Scheckter (Wolf) to run in second place. The Canadian inherited first place and the win when race leader Jean-Pierre Jarier (Lotus) retired.







More... ]]> Auto123 Racing News moparnut http://www.moparnuts.com/forums/showthread.php?39293-Gilles-Villeneuve-Video-of-his-first-Formula-1-victory-in-Montreal <![CDATA[F1: Flavio Briatore writing rules for ''GP1'' series]]> http://www.moparnuts.com/forums/showthread.php?39292-F1-Flavio-Briatore-writing-rules-for-GP1-series&goto=newpost Sat, 19 May 2012 00:41:35 GMT From GMM

Flavio Briatore could be readying to burst back into formula one.

Germany's Auto Motor und Sport said the ousted and formerly banned Italian is busily writing regulations for a 'GP1' championship.

They could be adopted should the FIA not sign up to the 2013 Concorde Agreement, according to the report.

Apparently, the political rumblings in F1 at present are not limited to the sport's planned floatation, or Bernie Ecclestone's spat with Mercedes.

Cost-control is also a buzzword. As reported recently, the vast majority of F1's teams want the FIA to enshrine cost-cutting in the actual sporting regulations, even to the point of pushing for a once highly-controversial budget cap.

F1 chief executive Ecclestone, however, is not famously close with the FIA's new president Jean Todt, and according to Auto Motor und Sport he is not convinced that the Paris federation needs to write and control the rules.

Enter Briatore. The German report said Ferrari will be a fan of the former Renault chief's rumoured regulations, as they steer away from the premium on aerodynamics.




More... ]]> Auto123 Racing News moparnut http://www.moparnuts.com/forums/showthread.php?39292-F1-Flavio-Briatore-writing-rules-for-GP1-series F1: Felipe Massa could lose seat during August break says Vitaly Petrov http://www.moparnuts.com/forums/showthread.php?39291-F1-Felipe-Massa-could-lose-seat-during-August-break-says-Vitaly-Petrov&goto=newpost Sat, 19 May 2012 00:41:35 GMT From GMM

Vitaly Petrov thinks it is possible Felipe Massa will lose his Ferrari seat long before the 2012 season is over.

But Caterham's Russian driver, who moved from Renault (now Lotus) at the end of last season, does not believe reports that Ferrari could sack the struggling Brazilian imminently, such as after next weekend's Monaco grand prix.

"I don't think they'll fire Massa just now. At least not until August," Petrov is quoted by the state owned Moscow news agency Ria Novosti.

Will Felipe Massa complete the entire 2012 season with Ferrari? (Photo: Ferrari)

There are six races until August's month-long calendar 'summer' break.

So while Petrov thinks Massa's career is genuinely in danger, he does not agree that Ferrari is ramping up the pressure on the 30-year-old.

"I wouldn't say that Ferrari are criticizing him that strongly. They're not saying he has one more chance or anything like that," he said.




More... ]]> Auto123 Racing News moparnut http://www.moparnuts.com/forums/showthread.php?39291-F1-Felipe-Massa-could-lose-seat-during-August-break-says-Vitaly-Petrov F1: HRT moves into new headquarters in Madrid http://www.moparnuts.com/forums/showthread.php?39290-F1-HRT-moves-into-new-headquarters-in-Madrid&goto=newpost Sat, 19 May 2012 00:41:35 GMT From HRT

The small HRT Formula 1 Team has officially open its doors to the new headquarters at the Caja M&aacute;gica in Madrid, Spain.

Team Principal, Luis Pérez-Sala, and drivers Pedro de la Rosa, Dani Clos and Ma Qing Hua acted as the hosts of this meeting with the press, sponsors, suppliers and friends of the team.

Photo: HRT F1 Team

The Mayoress of Madrid, Honourable Madam Ana Botella and the President of the Spanish Motorsport Federation and Vice-President of the FIA, Mr.Carlos Gracia, wanted to accompany the team on this special day.

They toured the new facilities alongside the maximum representatives of the team, through the management, administration, operations and engineering areas up until the workshop where the mechanics were working on the F112 for the Monaco Grand Prix.

Photo: HRT F1 Team

"We're extremely proud to have finally opened our doors to everyone and have shown what, since a few months ago, is HRT's home. It's been a lot of hard work but it's a dream that has finally come true and an exciting project. This is the present but we continue to work looking ahead to the future to make this a top level sporting and technological centre and surely, with the help of everyone, we will achieve this,&rdquo; said Luis Pérez-Sala, Team Principal HRT Formula 1 Team.




More... ]]> Auto123 Racing News moparnut http://www.moparnuts.com/forums/showthread.php?39290-F1-HRT-moves-into-new-headquarters-in-Madrid DTM: Martin Tomczyk goes fastest in first practice session http://www.moparnuts.com/forums/showthread.php?39289-DTM-Martin-Tomczyk-goes-fastest-in-first-practice-session&goto=newpost Sat, 19 May 2012 00:41:35 GMT A BMW driver set the best lap time in the free practice session of the third round of the DTM at Brands Hatch. Martin Tomczyk set the fastest time in his M3 DTM. On the shortest circuit of the season (just 1.9 km long), the gaps are very small, and less than eight tenths of a second separated... A BMW driver set the best lap time in the free practice session of the third round of the DTM at Brands Hatch. Martin Tomczyk set the fastest time in his M3 DTM.

On the shortest circuit of the season (just 1.9 km long), the gaps are very small, and less than eight tenths of a second separated the 22 drivers.

Driving his M3 DTM, Tomczyk set the best lap in 42.415 seconds. The reigning DTM champion led four C-Class Mercedes Coupés, with championship leader and local hero Gary Paffett, German driver Christian Vietoris, and two rookie drivers : Canadian Robert Wickens and Spaniard Roberto Mehri.

Canadian Bruno Spengler set the sixth best time, 95 thousands of a second behind Tomczyk. Two weeks ago, Spengler gave BMW its first victory this season at Lausitzring, in only its second race after its DTM return.

Meanwhile, that was another disappointment for the Audi team, as the best A5 Coupé, driven by Mattias Ekström, was only eighth, 182 thousands of a second behind Tomczyk.



More... ]]> Auto123 Racing News moparnut http://www.moparnuts.com/forums/showthread.php?39289-DTM-Martin-Tomczyk-goes-fastest-in-first-practice-session Local Motors: The Company http://www.moparnuts.com/forums/showthread.php?39288-Local-Motors-The-Company&goto=newpost Fri, 18 May 2012 22:28:02 GMT Sometimes, ideas are so brilliant, so good, that they affect the world in countless ways. For example, Ralph B. Rogers had many ideas in his day, including working with Cummins Diesel Engine early on, making Indian motorcycles lighter to go faster and to co-found the Children's Television Workshop which created one of the best-known children television show in history. You may have heard of it: Sesame Street.

Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre

John &ldquo;Jay&rdquo; Rogers is Ralph B.'s grandson and he, too, is quite the entrepreneur. His love of cars began in his childhood but it wasn't until he returned from a stint in the Marine Corp that he dove head-first into the car business.

As a businessman with large footsteps to follow in, Jay Rogers did not go at it in a &ldquo;normal&rdquo; way. He is the founder of the world's coolest car company, Local Motors. In fact, the company's motto is &ldquo;Make c.o.o.l. cars,&rdquo; cool being an acronym for &ldquo;Community, Open, Ownership, Local.&rdquo;

Instead of hiring a team to design a product and hope the buying public at large likes it, he decided to use principles such as co-creation, also known as crowdsourcing, and open source, where the masses bring forth ideas that the company can work with and eventually apply to the product which, even when completed, can continue to evolve. In other words, there are no technical secrets and nearly everything can be changed within the confines of the co-created car.

Some have called Rogers a 21st Century Henry Ford. He believes that niche cars are a profitable way to build and sell cars. Low-volume manufacturing is possible through local micro factories such as the one they have in Chandler, AZ, and that this will be the way of the future. He also is convinced that concept cars can be real cars, unlike the way it used to be when Harley Earl used to make them for GM.

Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre

The concept behind Local Motors is to create and build local factories in a number of areas and have each factory build its own cars with locally available resources. It's a very enlightened concept and has sustainability written all over it. Rogers figures that a production run of 2,000 cars can and does make sense. This is a far cry from huge assembly lines and millions of cars...

Time is money and that will never change. What Local Motors does is spend less time finagling with the concepts as they move to production in only 18 months, as opposed to 4 or more years like the big carmakers. The plan is to further reduce these delays. All of these steps enable Rogers to build cars in 1/5 of the time and with a hundredth of the cash. That's crazy.

Local Motors uses competitions to determine winning designs. They currently have tens upon tens of thousands of design ideas, all of them accessible on The Forge, the website where pro and budding designers can submit their ideas. The community that participates in the competition varies widely in age and background. The contests themselves are regional. For example, once such competition was created for an Alaskan car. It's all very cool, pun intended...

Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre

Once the car &ldquo;comes to life&rdquo; and is purchased, the buyer becomes part of the build process. Over a period of six days and nights, the new owner is required to take part in certain portions of the actual assembly process. As Jay puts it, the &ldquo;do-it yourself nation is upon us.&rdquo; I fully agree.

John &ldquo;Jay&rdquo; Rogers is in the process of changing the North American automotive business. The cycle of greed and BS is one of the many issues that have crippled the car business on our side of the planet and he wants to change that. Unlike the current system, he's looking to instill trust and open practices. I wish him all the luck in the world.

LM's first creation is the Rally Fighter. I was lucky enough to take this incredible vehicle for a spin while in Arizona.

If you want to learn more about Mr. Rogers and his vision, I invite you to view the following video.



More... ]]> Auto123 Car News moparnut http://www.moparnuts.com/forums/showthread.php?39288-Local-Motors-The-Company Cheap Cars http://www.moparnuts.com/forums/showthread.php?39287-Cheap-Cars&goto=newpost Fri, 18 May 2012 22:28:02 GMT So, I've been spending some time on used car sites and daydreaming when the boss isn't around. Mainly, I'm looking for my dream car: a 1997 Dodge Viper GTS Coupe. But in the process, I'm also finding many alternatives to that dream car are getting more and more affordable, too.

It's delightful when machinery that made your teenage self drool wind up in used car territory and become considerably more attainable. Here's a look at some models many a gearhead will have found attractive as a kid, and will find attractively priced now.

1997 Dodge Viper GTS: This machine's got an 8L V10, 450-hp and no B.S.. Plus, it's mean as all heck and could hand many a Ferrari from its era their own derriere on a plate. Many Vipers in the used market have upgraded intakes, exhausts and wheels, too. Pricing seems to range from $40,000 to $50,000&mdash;though I'm sure you could get a motivated seller down by a few grand with cold hard cash.

2001 Jaguar XKR: Not only does this British pussycat pack a supercharged engine with the better part of 400 hp driving the rear wheels, its comfortable, usable, and classier than Pierce Brosnan. You can even get a convertible. Many Jaguar XKR owners say their machines are like rolling pieces of art&mdash;when they're not sipping cognac and enjoying the finer things in life. You could probably pick one of these babies up for about $20,000, and it still looks like five times that much.

1986 Porsche 911: Ah, dirty old Porsches. They're unique. They're charming. They have air-cooled flat-sixes that get hot enough to melt rocks on the intake manifold. The Turbo model lagged worse than a Commodore 64 playing Doom 3D. And you can pick one up for about $23,000 - depending on the trim level and mileage. If you're interested in owning one of the most envied, instantly-recognizable sports cars in history, this is a great way to do it.

1993 Acura NSX (Photo: Acura)

1993 Acura NSX: The NSX wasn't a car anyone bought to be the fastest supercar on their block. It was a car bought because it was cool looking as all hell. And had a gorgeous V6 bolted to the middle. And looked like a Ferrari. And handled like a fighter jet. Ferraris from this era are still priced like real estate. But you can get an Acura NSX for about $30,000. The local Civic Hatch tuner crowd will be envious of your VTEC, too.

2000 BMW M5: Sometimes, accidental creation of offspring gets in the way of owning that sexy two-door dream car. That's why there's the BMW M5. It's got four doors, room for the kiddies, and packs a 5.0L, 400-hp V8. Best of all, it's got three pedals and drives the rear wheels. Fans say it's the best sports sedan on the planet. Most owners agree. Pick one up for less than $20,000.

1993 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1: If you haven't cut the back of your hair since hanging the poster on your wall back in the nineties, you might be interested in the 1993 Corvette ZR-1. Look for an all-aluminum 405-hp V8, rear-wheel drive and all that American-styled Corvette goodness. Pricing ranges from about $20,000 to $30,000&mdash;chrome Canadian Tire add-ons not included.


More... ]]> Auto123 Car News moparnut http://www.moparnuts.com/forums/showthread.php?39287-Cheap-Cars 2012 Worthersee: VW showcases two GTI concepts http://www.moparnuts.com/forums/showthread.php?39286-2012-Worthersee-VW-showcases-two-GTI-concepts&goto=newpost Fri, 18 May 2012 22:28:02 GMT The city of Worthersee, Austria has been hosting the world's largest Volkswagen gathering for more than three decades. And this year, fans coming from all over Europe get to see some pretty exciting models.

Photo: Volkswagen

The German automaker's Motorsport division introduced the new Polo R WRC that will take part in the World Rally Championship in 2013. Sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds thanks to a 300-hp 1.6L TSI engine, this machine is a real head-turner. A street version with a 220-hp 2.0L TSI is also on display.

Of course, two of the main attractions are by far the new Volkswagen GTI Concept White, distinguished by its special Oryx White matte paintwork and black/red interior, and the GTI Black Dynamic Concept, which features a Deep Black metallic exterior with matte anthracite accents as well as a mega-powerful 1,800W sound system that occupies most of the trunk.

More... ]]> Auto123 Car News moparnut http://www.moparnuts.com/forums/showthread.php?39286-2012-Worthersee-VW-showcases-two-GTI-concepts They ARE out there http://www.moparnuts.com/forums/showthread.php?39285-They-ARE-out-there&goto=newpost Fri, 18 May 2012 21:28:17 GMT After the discussion about C-barges with a 4spd I had to post this;

http://www.ebay.com/itm/221025473775...84.m1423.l2649

$(KGrHqFHJCME-h--7GLzBPppFNH1r!~~60_3.JPG
Attached Images
]]> Mopar or no car? 68R/T http://www.moparnuts.com/forums/showthread.php?39285-They-ARE-out-there Rebadged Dodge, Chrysler model sales a mixed bag in Europe http://www.moparnuts.com/forums/showthread.php?39284-Rebadged-Dodge-Chrysler-model-sales-a-mixed-bag-in-Europe&goto=newpost Fri, 18 May 2012 20:50:24 GMT Filed under: Minivan/Van (http://www.autoblog.com/category/minivans/), Sedan (http://www.autoblog.com/category/sedans/), Europe (http://www.autoblog.com/category/euro/), Crossover (http://www.autoblog.com/category/crossovers-cuvs/), Chrysler (http://www.autoblog.com/category/chrysler/), Dodge... Filed under: Minivan/Van, Sedan, Europe, Crossover, Chrysler, Dodge, Lancia, Fiat



Fiat, in an attempt to make its purchase of Chrysler more profitable, has been marketing rebadged Dodge and Chrysler models in Europe with mixed results.

Europeans apparently love the Fiat Freemont, known as a Dodge Journey here in the States. Fiat sold almost 6,500 of the crossovers over there in the first quarter and hopes to move 30,000 by year's end. Sales were helped by Fiat's large European dealer network as well as an MSRP lower than the model it replaced. Since the Journey is built in Mexico, it can be imported into Europe tariff-free, which helps keep the sticker price lower.

On the other hand, sales of the Lancia Thema (Chrysler 300) and Lancia Voyager (Dodge Grand Caravan) are not doing so well due to several factors. One is the limited reach of the Lancia brand outside Italy. Then there's the 10 percent import tariff since they're both built in Canada, a yearly 500 euro luxury tax (about $630 USD) on the Thema, and a limited advertising budget for the two cars.

Only 1,342 Voyagers were sold in Europe in the first quarter of this year, which means the 11,000 unit goal for the year will probably be missed. Lancia sold only 480 Themas during the same period, well short of the 2,500 Fiat had hoped to sell.Rebadged Dodge, Chrysler model sales a mixed bag in Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 May 2012 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments

More... ]]> AutoBlog News - MOPAR moparnut http://www.moparnuts.com/forums/showthread.php?39284-Rebadged-Dodge-Chrysler-model-sales-a-mixed-bag-in-Europe Killing the nag box. http://www.moparnuts.com/forums/showthread.php?39283-Killing-the-nag-box&goto=newpost Fri, 18 May 2012 19:04:04 GMT OK, so the little window that used to pop up if you didn't wait for Auto-Fail--er, Auto-Save--is gone. That's a beautiful thing.

However, apparently it killed the pop-up window that notifies you of new private messages as well. Not cool. I had a PM that was 11 days old from 69.5CUDA that I had no idea was there until Dippy told me I had PMs waiting. I never look up in that corner, I just wait for the pop-up. I guess I'll have to keep my eye out for that now. ]]> General Admission - Free! Dr.Jass http://www.moparnuts.com/forums/showthread.php?39283-Killing-the-nag-box <![CDATA[2013 SRT Viper to require dealer certification; hardcore model planned? [w/video]]]> http://www.moparnuts.com/forums/showthread.php?39282-2013-SRT-Viper-to-require-dealer-certification-hardcore-model-planned-w-video&goto=newpost Fri, 18 May 2012 18:48:55 GMT Filed under: Car Buying (http://www.autoblog.com/category/carbuying/), Coupe (http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/), Performance (http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/), Chrysler (http://www.autoblog.com/category/chrysler/), Dodge (http://www.autoblog.com/category/dodge/) Image:... Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Chrysler, Dodge


On Thursday night's Autoline After Hours, SRT boss Ralph Gilles sat down with show hosts John McElroy and Peter DeLorenzo, along with Autoblog and AOL Autos staffers to talk all things Viper. Among the interesting tidbits disclosed about the 640-horsepower supercar are plans for a new dealer certification process designed to encourage the sort of purchasing, service and ownership experience that buyers of six-digit cars have come to expect.

According to Gilles:

"It's going to be a qualified dealer situation... The ones who do the dealer training in terms of the tech. I want a tech. I want a display car. I want all these things. There's going to be a list. It's not going to be impossible, it's just that someone has to put in the extra effort and say 'I'm an SRT dealer.
Off the air, Gilles told Autoblog that Chrysler officials have already approached a number of dealers with a strong record of Viper and SRT sales to discuss how the certification process will work, gaining valuable feedback in the process. A document outlining the new certification program will go out to Dodge dealers next month.

Chrysler has yet to announce official pricing and the Viper won't go on sale until sometime in the fourth quarter of the year, but that hasn't stopped a queue of customer deposits from piling up. According to Gilles, one particularly strong Viper dealer already has around 90 such deposits in-hand. Considering that Viper sales averaged about 1,600 units in past years, that's a substantial figure.

In other news, Chrysler officials have been making a big point of talking about the 2013 Viper's newfound refinements, from reduced NVH to nicer interior materials and improved drivability thanks to the institution of technologies like stability control and traction control. Gilles says that great care has been taken to ensure the model's core personality still shines through, but given that much of the Viper's mystique is centered on its raw, leg-burning, hairy-knuckled persona, we couldn't help but wonder aloud if the new model's refinements have left room for a stripped-out hardcore version for Viper purists and racers. With raised eyebrows, arms gesturing wildly and stifling a smile, Gilles wryly said: "I love how you think. Next subject!"

To watch the Autoline After Hours episode in its entirety, scroll down.Continue reading 2013 SRT Viper to require dealer certification; hardcore model planned? [w/video]
2013 SRT Viper to require dealer certification; hardcore model planned? [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 May 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments

More... ]]> AutoBlog News - MOPAR moparnut http://www.moparnuts.com/forums/showthread.php?39282-2013-SRT-Viper-to-require-dealer-certification-hardcore-model-planned-w-video <![CDATA[F1: Adrian Newey no longer key to success in 'new' F1]]> http://www.moparnuts.com/forums/showthread.php?39279-F1-Adrian-Newey-no-longer-key-to-success-in-new-F1&goto=newpost Fri, 18 May 2012 12:24:40 GMT From GMM

Red Bull is lamenting the limited role that can be played in 2012 by F1's aerodynamic genius Adrian Newey.

For the past few years, the energy drink owned team has enjoyed its dominance largely because of the airflow magic wrought by Briton Newey.

But in 2012, with reigning back to back world champion Sebastian Vettel just one of the five different winners so far, Pirelli rubber is king.

"I doubt Williams really know why they were so strong," team boss Christian Horner, referring to Pastor Maldonado's shock Barcelona pole and win last weekend, is quoted by Germany's Auto Motor und Sport.

Horner insisted that, rather than the winner being the team with the best overall package at each race, success this season is about "understanding the characteristics of the tyre and the window in which they work".

"It's not that the midfield teams have made a quantum leap aerodynamically from last year to this year," Horner insisted. "But from a performance point of view, this is what they have done."

The logical conclusion is that aerodynamic cleverness has taken a back seat.

Sebastian Vettel testing at Mugello. (Photo: Red Bull Racing)

So will Red Bull knock a million or two off Newey's huge annual retainer?

Horner laughed. "Adrian is not just an aerodynamicist, and aerodynamics are still important anyway. But now it's about harmonising everything, and these tyres are simply remarkably complex.

"Two races ago Nico Rosberg dominated, but in Spain he was almost lapped. It is very difficult to predict what's going to happen next -- a nightmare for the bookmakers," he smiled. "A lottery."

The situation has split F1 into two camps: those who love it, and those who do not.

"It has become like a GP2 championship," Pastor Maldonado, the junior category's 2010 champion, is quoted by The National newspaper. "The drivers can make the difference and the teams can still work on the strategy and the car."

The bizarre situation has left everyone scratching their heads, like Jenson Button.

He can scarcely believe that what looked a championship car - his 2012 McLaren - was beaten in Spain by Shanghai winner Nico Rosberg, who was almost lapped.

"The Red Bulls did a better job at the weekend than us in terms of points, but still they weren't quick when you compare them to Williams, Sauber, Lotus and Ferrari," he told PA Sport. "Five different teams winning five different races, we really don't know what's going on, and I think that's the same up and down the pitlane."





More... ]]> Auto123 Racing News moparnut http://www.moparnuts.com/forums/showthread.php?39279-F1-Adrian-Newey-no-longer-key-to-success-in-new-F1 F1: Pastor Maldonado was scared for his team with the fire http://www.moparnuts.com/forums/showthread.php?39278-F1-Pastor-Maldonado-was-scared-for-his-team-with-the-fire&goto=newpost Fri, 18 May 2012 12:24:40 GMT The winner of the Spanish Grand Prix talks about the fire that destroyed the Williams garage in Barcelona, some hours after his first victory.

"At that moment I was so scared for all of us. I think we were so lucky because we had no big damage and especially because our people were okay," said Maldonado in a conference call from the team's factory in Grove, England.

Pastor Maldonado, who won the race starting from pole two hours earlier, was photographed carrying his 12-year-old cousin away from the smoke-filled pit lane. His cousin was wearing a cast on his foot from a previous injury.

"I saw my cousin who was with a small injury, I took him and brought him away from the box. It was a difficult moment for all the team but we've been so happy even after that because of the win," is quoted Maldonado by Reuters.

His victory was the first for former champions Williams in nearly eight years. The Venezuelan driver explains that the happy faces at the factory motivate everyone more than ever and he hopes to challenge again for victory in Monaco.

Pastor Maldonado, Williams FW34. (Photo: Pirelli)

"We will do our best. As you see, all the teams are so close, the championship is so close and the gap is so close," he said. "We are getting better and better all the time. At the moment we don't have the quickest car on the track but we are doing our best and why not? Formula One is changing all the time. It's going to be difficult but we will try again."

"The tire degradation is quite big and it is true that you need to manage them. This is part of the race and it's the same for everybody. There are no easy races. We need to adapt to the tyres, to the rules, to the car," he added.




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