Jonny5 Report post Posted January 19, 2017 Formula One - 2017 Season (Content shamelessly stolen from various websites) Rule Changes In what is possibly the first time F1 has made aesthetics a central pillar of future regulations, 2017's cars are set to look more "aggressive" thanks to regulations to make them wider, heavier and run on fatter tyres. Wings will also be wider, with the rear wing lower than is currently the case. The FIA claim substantial gains of over three seconds are expected in 2017 through the "aerodynamic rules evolution, wider tires and reduction of car weight". Engine Changes COST Agreement has been reached on a significant reduction in the price of power unit supply to customer teams and a reduction in cost to manufacturers over the coming years. - In 2017 the power unit price for customer teams will be reduced by €1m per season compared to 2016. - From 2018, the annual supply price will be reduced by a further €3m. - Cost reduction on power units will be driven by changes to the Sporting and Technical regulations in 2017 and 2018, with a progressive reduction of the number of power unit elements per driver per season. SUPPLY Supply of power units to customer teams will be ensured, as the homologation procedure will include an “obligation to supply” that will be activated in the event of a team facing an absence of supply. PERFORMANCE CONVERGENCE The new agreement includes a package of measures aimed at achieving performance convergence. - The token system is to be removed from 2017 - Additionally, constraints on power unit part weights, dimensions and materials, and on boost pressure will be introduced in 2017 and in 2018. SOUND Manufacturers are currently conducting a promising research programme into further improving the sound of the current power units, with the aim of implementation by 2018 at the latest. Driver LineupMercedes Lewis Hamilton (Confirmed) Valtteri Bottas (Confirmed) Ferrari Sebastian Vettel (Confirmed) Kimi Raikkonen (Confirmed) Red Bull TAG-Heuer/Renault Daniel Ricciardo (Confirmed) Max Verstappen (Confirmed) Williams-Mercedes Felipe Massa (Confirmed) Lance Stroll (Confirmed) McLaren-Honda Fernando Alonso (Confirmed) Stoffel Vandoorne (Confirmed) Force India-Mercedes Sergio Perez (Confirmed) Esteban Ocon (Confirmed) Toro Rosso-Renault Carlos Sainz (Confirmed) Daniil Kvyat (Confirmed) Renault Nico Hulkenberg (Confirmed) Jolyon Palmer (Confirmed) Haas-Ferrari Romain Grosjean (Confirmed) Kevin Magnussen (Confirmed) Sauber-Ferrari Marcus Ericsson (Confirmed) Pascal Wehrlein (Confirmed) Manor-Mercedes TBA TBA In administration Car Launch Schedule February 21: Renault, TBC February 22: Force India VJM10, Silverstone February 23: Mercedes W08, Silverstone February 24: Ferrari, Fiorano February 24: McLaren MP4-32, Woking Pre Season Testing Two test sessions will be held at Barcelona, the first on the 27th of Feb & the second on the 7th of March. Calendar March 26: Melbourne, Australia April 9: Shanghai, China April 16: Bahrain, Bahrain April 30: Sochi, Russia May 14: Barcelona, Spain May 28: Monte Carlo, Monaco June 11: Montreal, Canada June 25: Baku, Azerbaijan July 9: Spielberg, Austria July 16: Silverstone, United Kingdom July 30: Budapest, Hungary August 27: Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium September 3: Monza, Italy September 17: Singapore, Singapore October 1: Sepang, Malaysia October 8: Suzuka, Japan October 22: Austin, USA October 29: Mexico City, Mexico November 12: Sao Paolo, Brazil November 26: Abu Dhabi, UAE Prediction Game The prediction game will be back again this year, but not just yet. 12 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bushtopher Report post Posted January 19, 2017 Anyone going to any races live this year? After a year off, I'll be back to Monza this year - can't wait! Might try to get to Silverstone too - been far too long since I've been. Wonder if too soon to take my four year old son? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Baring Report post Posted January 19, 2017 I'm off to Barcelona, theres 6 of us can't wait. We are landing at 11am then bit of a mad rush to make quali that starts at 2pm. Race day will be more relaxed then we fly home Tuesday morning, so have Monday all day to see a few things and drink Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SeanR Report post Posted January 19, 2017 every year I think about taking the boy to Belgium... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bushtopher Report post Posted January 19, 2017 29 minutes ago, SeanR said: every year I think about taking the boy to Belgium... I went two years ago on a coach trip, which my friend had won in a fantasy F1 competition. First time going to a race as part of an organised trip, and for Spa I'd highly recommend it. No worries about getting to/from the circuit, and you can sleep on the coach. We we also had glorious weather the whole time, which was unexpected! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Baring Report post Posted January 19, 2017 Yes do it Sean. We took the eurostar to Brussels then internal train from there. All very easy and quite cheap. We carried 2 man tents in our bags and just camped by the track, atmosphere was amazing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mexos Report post Posted January 19, 2017 Only Silverstone booked so far, but I quite fancy Austin... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mexos Report post Posted January 19, 2017 For those thinking of going to Spa or Monza, do it. Both are utterly awesome in very different ways. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
totov Report post Posted January 20, 2017 I'd love to do a race some time, only things that have stopped me the last few years are the expense - it's certainly not the cheapest sport to want to attend - and the fact that it seems like really bad odds that the race will be exciting. Fingers crossed this year changes my mind on the latter point! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nick_L Report post Posted January 20, 2017 On 1/19/2017 at 05:53, Baring said: I'm off to Barcelona, theres 6 of us can't wait. We are landing at 11am then bit of a mad rush to make quali that starts at 2pm. Race day will be more relaxed then we fly home Tuesday morning, so have Monday all day to see a few things and drink Head from the airport right to Estacio Sants then jump on a train to Montmelo - from memory its about a 20 min walk from there so I think you should be ok, the mad dash will prob be quite fun I'd recommend hanging out in Montmelo for a bit after the race - all the locals come out and it was a really great atmosphere last time I went. Monza is an amazing experience so I'd encourage anyone to do that race if you get a chance, but my number one favorite is Montreal 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mexos Report post Posted January 21, 2017 Yeah another +1 for Montreal. Great place to see a race. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
merman Report post Posted January 22, 2017 According to BBC Sport, a decision on Silverstone ending its contract early won't be made until July. Presumably after this year's race. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jashin Report post Posted January 23, 2017 Bernie is gone then! Interesting times. http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/127858/ecclestone-ousted-brawn-poised-for-new-role 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
morcs Report post Posted January 23, 2017 "I still have enough money to afford to attend a race." Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mexos Report post Posted January 23, 2017 Enough about Bernie, THIS is the real news: Ross Brawn to be managing director, motorsports, for F1 following Liberty Media takeover, it has been announced 8 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mexos Report post Posted January 24, 2017 So now that he's in... I wonder if the 2017 regs will be changing radically for 2019 with some Ross influence (if this year is a procession after all) Also: Ross Oh hai! Remember me? The guy you pushed out? Yeah, good times for you coming right up lol. Toto Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
marsh Report post Posted January 24, 2017 Spare a thought for the toad 'forced out' by the people he sold to. Idiot. However, if you were going to pick someone to run it, I'd say picking Brawn was pretty much bob on......aside from the bloke running the Blancpain Gt series Stephane Ratel. I think he's a bit busy to be fair. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mexos Report post Posted January 24, 2017 I can't think of anyone I'd want running F1 day to day more than Ross. He has Jean Todt's ear, and like or loathe JT I have to believe he wants the best for F1. JT and Ross would/should be a formidable team. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jonny5 Report post Posted January 24, 2017 Cue up the Ferrari favouritism conspiracy theories now! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dudley Report post Posted January 24, 2017 As someone pointed out on Racer, don't underestimate the commercial guy from ESPN either. He knows the sport, the business and pioneered ESPN's streaming tech. There's a lot he can bring. -- On another note I was reading an article about Sauber claiming they won't be held back by the old engine (Well no shit, that's what the brakes are for). I think I've worked out their rationale, they're assuming 10 teams in 2017 and they're taking a punt. There's stronger and stronger rumours Honda will fulfil their obligatory commitment to a 2nd engine supply by supplying Sauber in 2018. So Sauber are I think burning 2017 before it starts. They've almost entirely funded by Mercedes and Marcus and this way they concentrate entirely on car design for a 2018 Honda powered actual challenger. It's a risk, it relies on them being able to attract some sponsorship for 2018, a half decent driver to go along with their obvious paydriver, actually sign that Honda deal, Honda to make something worth happening etc but I suspect being last this year is almost entirely by design. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
marsh Report post Posted January 24, 2017 Banking on Manor not making an appearance then? The new regime might resolve that quite quickly.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wallace Report post Posted January 24, 2017 1 hour ago, mexos said: I can't think of anyone I'd want running F1 day to day more than Ross. He has Jean Todt's ear, and like or loathe JT I have to believe he wants the best for F1. JT and Ross would/should be a formidable team. Couldn't agree more. I have a good feeling about F1 now that the dinosaur is gone. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mexos Report post Posted January 24, 2017 Read this: http://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/brawn-simpler-rules-a-key-objective-for-f1-future-868197/ We really could be looking at a new golden age of F1. I am really excited by all this. Also glad that Bernie is not gone because he is dead. He had to go, he should have ten years ago to be honest. I genuinely hope he enjoys his retirement. His contribution is massive but he's been holding things back for a long time now. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dudley Report post Posted January 25, 2017 On 24/01/2017 at 13:28, marsh said: Banking on Manor not making an appearance then? The new regime might resolve that quite quickly.... Certainly banking on them not coming back in any competitive form. Certainly this will have put a large dent in Manor's development. Assuming neither score points, more than possible, it comes down to best result first and Sauber will be strongest at the start of the year while Manor is at best, in recovery mode. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
marsh Report post Posted January 25, 2017 Ironic really as the other three setups they run appear to be half decent. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mexos Report post Posted January 26, 2017 The string back just gives you a bit of extra purchase. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PC Master Race Report post Posted January 27, 2017 So 10 teams next year. http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/127902/manor-closes-as-efforts-to-find-buyer-fail Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kiroquai Report post Posted January 27, 2017 Sad times :(. They made a real leap in competitiveness last season and generally seemed to be heading towards being a solid team fighting it out in the midfield. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mexos Report post Posted January 27, 2017 FUCKS SAKE. This sucks. The Liberty deal has just come too late. I can imagine had they been in charge for the past year something could have been done. SHIT NEEDS TO CHANGE... The number one thing that needs to change is prize money not going all the way down to the team that is last. I mean what the fuck, what sort of c*nt made that rule up? (INSERT CHIN STROKING SMILEY) A team gets killed off just because another team got one more friggin point? REALLY? My love for F1 is well documented but damn is it stretched on days like this. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites