News in brief

[TotalF1 Jens 0]

Here's a bit of news from around F1 that isn't out yet, straight from the horses sources mouths....

1.) Jordan is going to be running in their new livery for the 2003 season Monday at their test session in Barcelona. Other news concerning the team link to, for example, the Super Nova F3000 team becoming more linked to Jordan and driver Giorgio Pantano is rumoured to become a test driver for the team alongside his F3000 racing.

2.) Ralf Schumacher is apparently so fed up with his brother's success that he fears despite the numerous rule changes that Michael will enjoy another easy season.

"I can't stand his continuous luck. Despite the rule changes I fear he might have another extremely easy season. At the Valencia tests where our new car did not impress, I turned on the TV that night to hear how Michael broke the lap record at Fiorano."

"It makes me sick to see him get so lucky all the time, that I turned off the TV and stormed outside in my anger."

(my translation from Finnish, so small differences may be present)

3.) Renault engine man Jean-Jacques His is on the verge of losing his job due to the new V10 not delivering the desired amount of horsepower.

[nichosnz 0]

No news on Jaguar testing yet? I know they are/were considering the Friday decision, but you don't know more Jens?

[daz 0]

Yeah - apparently Jaguar did take up the Friday testing option. They think that the extra two hours on a Friday is going to prove invaluable in teaching the tracks to their drivers (Pizzonia in particular). I stll maintain that its the wrong decision but only time will tell I suppose...

[TotalF1 Jens 0]

I say Jaguar did the right thing going for the two hours practice time, it's all in the Wrap. The main advantage is the choice of tyre can be made after track time, and setups can be bettered... Only two weeks and a couple of days and we'll find out!!!

[nichosnz 0]

Bridgestone teams not using the session had an advantage before Jaguar opted in, with both Jordan and Minardi to observe, Michelin had just Renault. I feel this session would be a good choice in the future for any new team, like Toyota was in 2002. And should be considered by all teams that employ a rookie (top 3 aside).

[TotalF1 Jens 0]

Now that there are four teams running on Friday morning, there will be 12 cars on track. Half Michelin, and half Bridgestone... I dont really know actually if it brings too much benefit to Bridgestone runners, because the company has made it clear that they will be focusing on only a few compounds instead of a separate one for each team. Meaning Ferrari...

Michelin meanwhile is taking full advantage, with Williams and Mclaren already testing their own compounds...

[nichosnz 0]

Actually I think that benefits Bridgestone (marginally) over Michelin as the Bridgestone teams will be able to see in actions the exact compounds thay have to choose from. This is more of a benefit later in the season once everyone knows how each others cars behave.