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Post #1 Mon, Oct 16, 3:57 AM
ajzahn
Posts - 62542

 Monday 16 October 2006

SAO LONG 2006

A long, hard season comes to an end for Panasonic Toyota Racing with the Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos. After a double points finish in its home race in Japan last time out, the team heads to Sao Paulo for Formula One's only visit to South America. The annual trip to Brazil brings a samba flavour to the paddock and the undulating, bumpy Interlagos circuit, in a suburb of sprawling Sao Paulo, throws up a unique challenge for drivers. In front of some of the most passionate motorsport fans in the world and on one of Formula One's most historic circuits, Toyota hopes to finish the season on a high. After 17 tough races, Toyota has fifth place in the Constructors' Championship in its sights and Ralf Schumacher and Jarno Trulli will be giving their all to end the season on a positive note.

Ralf Schumacher (Car 7): "Interlagos is one of the most demanding tracks on the calendar – both for the drivers and for the technical team. For the drivers it is difficult because of the bumps, even though it is less bumpy than it used to be after they changed the track surface. From the technical side, you need a compromise between achieving the maximum downforce and getting the best top speed. It is important to have as much mechanical grip as possible in the tight infield, particularly in corners such as Pinheirinho and Bico de Pato, but on the other hand, you need a strong top speed for the two long straights, where ideally you would have as little wing as possible. This weekend is the end of a challenging year for us but we have worked hard and improved a lot in the second half of the season. I had a pretty tough race in Brazil last year but I at least managed to get into the top eight. I think we can do the same this year - but I hope this time I can score more than one point!
"

Jarno Trulli (Car 8): "I have always enjoyed the Brazilian Grand Prix. Interlagos is a technically demanding track and I enjoy the mix of low and high speed sections. There are also other aspects which make it quite complicated, for example it is one of only three anti-clockwise tracks on the calendar and that can make it tough on the neck as the race goes on. As far as the car is concerned, the circuit demands a strong engine from Turn 12 to Turn 1 as it is flat-out with a steep uphill climb. But you must also compromise a bit on set-up. You need downforce for the twisty parts but there is only really one overtaking opportunity, into Turn 1, so you have to make sure you don't have too much rear wing and become an easy target on the straight. Last year I had a weekend to forget, losing 10 places on the grid before getting stuck in traffic in the race. I hope to improve on that and, after our strong performance in Japan, end the year with a result for the whole team to celebrate."

Pascal Vasselon – Senior General Manager Chassis: "One of the first things you think about at Interlagos is the bumps - they have made several attempts to get rid of them but they are still there. They particularly affect the car early in the weekend and that seems to be either because the driver needs to get used to them or because their effect is worse with low grip. When the grip increases it is not that much of a problem so the best thing you can do is not to over-react and make too many changes. The flat-out up hill section is quite demanding for engines but overall the demands on the car are pretty standard – the tyres are in the middle of the range and it is average in terms of brakes, aero and engine contribution to lap time. The only exceptional aspect is in the wet because it can rain in hot temperatures and that is really tough for the wet tyres as they run at much higher temperatures than usual. Normally when we go there it is hot and if it rains it is very heavy but dri
es very quickly and you can go from extreme weather tyres to dry tyres in just a few laps. Personally, I have good memories of Brazil and, even though you should never be too confident, we should be strong at Interlagos so I am optimistic."
Post #2 Mon, Oct 16, 4:22 AM
ajzahn
Posts - 62542

 Interlagos: a daunting and challenging track

Sao Paulo, 16th October 2006 - This weekend's final round of the 2006 Formula 1 World Championship and the race that will decide the outcome of both the Drivers' and Constructors' titles, will be the 34th Brazilian Grand Prix and all but ten of them have been held at Interlagos, the others being run at Jacarepagua in Rio de Janeiro.

Since the world championship began, Brazilian drivers can claim the third highest number of Grand Prix victories, behind Great Britain and Germany, but they have only won their home race seven times, starting with a trio of victories in the first three Brazilian races from 1973 to 1975, the first two courtesy of Emerson Fittipaldi and the third with Carlos Pace, whose name was given to this track after his death in a light aircraft accident. Ferrari has also won this event seven times, but the last victory for Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro dates back to 2002, courtesy of Michael Schumacher, who also won here in 2000, after taking two first places for Benetton in '94 and '95. This will be the seventh consecutive season in which the Scuderia has fielded a Brazilian driver in its line-up at Interlagos, but for Felipe Massa, it is his first ever appearance in front of what is bound to be a very enthusiastic and noisy home crowd, while wearing the red race suit.

"For Brazilian race drivers, the Brazilian Grand Prix is of course very important, we come in for a lot of media attention and there is a great deal of pressure on us to do well," says Massa. "I have been here in Sao Paulo since just after the Japanese Grand Prix, simply getting on with my training programme and preparing as much as possible for the weekend. The pressure is not something that bothers me too much and I can deal with it quite well, although of course I have never raced at Interlagos with Ferrari, in a car that is capable of winning. If you look at my early days in Formula 1 with the Sauber team, I was always strong in difficult moments. I could come through them and recover and be stronger. So for sure, the Brazilian Grand Prix can be quite difficult in terms of being able to maintain concentration on the job of driving and working with the team on the track, but I know I am able to put the events and attention from outside the track to one side and concentrate on what I would like to do which is to win the race. It will be a difficult target to achieve but I am very motivated to do well here. Of course, it is obvious that, given the situation in the Drivers' classification, for me to win the Brazilian Grand Prix, that would mean that Alonso is in a points scoring position, whereas if he is not, then my race will take on a different direction and it will be no problem for me to help Michael. I will even be happy to help him."

Felipe is too young to remember the first wave of Brazilian influence in Formula 1, a phenomenon that began with the first ever home-grown world champion, Emerson Fittipaldi, who secured the first of his two world titles in 1972. His first trips to the race track featured more recent local heros. "I have many good memories of Interlagos and the Brazilian Grand Prix," claims Massa. "I remember going to watch Nelson and Ayrton. I think I went two or three times to the grand prix when I was little, but not to see the race itself, as I was usually taken on Saturday to see the qualifying. I remember once when I was very small, watching Piquet in the Benetton and Senna in the McLaren and that was like a dream for me to be there watching these guys drive. Then, a bit later, I can remember watching Rubens when he was racing for Stewart Grand Prix. Watching qualifying from the public grandstands was a very emotional experience for me. And then suddenly I am here..driving for Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro with a chance of getting a good result on Sunday!"

When the Interlagos circuit was first built, it measured just under eight kilometres and was regarded as one of the most difficult tracks in the world. Today, it measures around half that original length, but it is still a daunting and challenging place to race. "The circuit itself is very challenging for a variety of reasons," reckons Massa. "It has many changes of gradient, going up and down and it is extremely bumpy which adds to the physical challenge and so too does the fact it runs anti-clockwise. Physically, this puts a strain on the neck muscles, especially as there are many high-speed corners which put you under a lot of lateral G forces. Even the main straight is always turning slightly to the left, while the fact the lap length is not so big means the actual number of laps in the race is comparatively high. It is going to be a difficult race, but I am looking forward to the chance of driving it in a very competitive car. The perfect car here has plenty of downforce for the corners, while still maintaining power and speed for the straights and I think our car has that. I love driving in Interlagos and have won many races here in other categories. I have plenty of experience and know the place well, but of course my team-mate also has the same and in fact I think he has raced here more than me, so maybe my experience won't count for so much!"

Can a home crowd really improve an athlete's performance. In the totally professional and high-tech environment that is Formula 1, it is hard to say, but it one crowd could add something to a driver's performance, then it would have to be this one here in Sao Paulo, as it is the most colourful and most vocal one of the year. "What I will have is massive support from the crowd," predicts Massa. "It will be a great feeling to race in front of my people again. Brazilians are very emotional and I think it would be a great feeling for them and for me if I can be out in front. I will be doing my best as usual. Even being on the grid before the start is an amazing feeling as the crowd is so near the track. There will be a lot of attention focussed on both me and Michael this weekend, but it won't get in the way of us doing our job for the last time this year."
Post #3 Mon, Oct 16, 6:21 AM
Arcanjo
pimp daddy - 17187

 Brazil rocks.
I have my own groupies.
Post #4 Mon, Oct 16, 7:38 AM
ajzahn
Posts - 62542

 Renault team boss Flavio Briatore has dismissed suggestions that Sunday's title-deciding Brazilian Grand Prix could be overshadowed by dirty tricks.

Fernando Alonso needs just one point to win the drivers' championship ahead of Ferrari's Michael Schumacher.

And Briatore insists the German's history of on-track collisions should be of no concern to Alonso.

"Michael is very professional and if he is involved in any accidents, then he loses the title anyway," he said.

Crucial championship races involving Schumacher have been marred by crashes in the past, most notably involving Briton Damon Hill in 1994 and Jacques Villeneuve in 1997.

But Briatore is confident that Schumacher will abide by the rules in Brazil, saying: "I really don't have this kind of concern because Michael wants to leave Formula One in the right way.
I know Michael very well and I don't think there is a problem. It's good for the press talking about that, good for the gossip and the newspapers, but it will be a normal, fair race."

And, despite his 10-point lead, defending champion Alonso insists the championship is not over yet.

"I don't think it is over at all. Until the final lap, when you know you are champion, anything can still happen and we are taking nothing for granted," said the Spaniard. "Our aim has to be to do a normal weekend, to get the maximum from the car without any big risks, and to finish the job."

Schumacher, who has publicly written off his chances of overhauling Alonso's lead, says he is concentrating on helping Ferrari win the constructors' championship.

Renault lead Ferrari by nine points in the race for the team title but Schumacher, who is retiring at the end of the season, said: "We will go on the full offensive and want a one-two because the boys deserve this title.

"That is the only chance we have to win and that is all that we can do. The constructors' championship would be fully deserved in my eyes.
I am aware that after nearly 16 years this will be my last race. It goes without saying that I want to end with a good one." (BBC)
Post #5 Mon, Oct 16, 7:39 AM
ajzahn
Posts - 62542

 Fernando Alonso only needs one point for victory, but is taking nothing for granted ahead of Interlagos...

Fernando, Brazil was the place where you won your world championship last year. It must hold fantastic memories for you?
FA: Yes of course. Brazil will always hold unique memories from winning the championship there in 2005 – and the fact we are fighting for it again in 2006 makes it even more important. It is a fantastic place, where you can really feel the emotion and the passion of Formula 1. Brazil has a long tradition in the sport with many famous drivers, so you have the history too. It is great to be racing in this country, and especially with so much at stake at the end of the season.

In terms of the circuit, what challenges does it hold for you and the engineers?
FA: The track surface is normally very bumpy, so we work a lot on the suspension to make the car comfortable to drive over the whole race distance. The other main area is the engine, because the main straight is very long and uphill, so you need good power and good acceleration out of the last corner. Those are the most important factors from my point of view.

Michael Schumacher has said that the drivers’ championship is over for him. What approach will you be taking?
FA: Firstly, I don’t think it is over at all. Until the final lap, when you know you are champion, anything can still happen and we are taking nothing for granted. So we know that there is still a job to do, and we are focused on it. I think our aim has to be to do a normal weekend, to get the maximum from the car without any big risks, and to finish the job. If we have our usual performance, fighting at the front, then we will achieve our targets.

Finally, the 2006 Brazilian Grand Prix will mark the end of an era for you, as your last race with Renault. What will be your thoughts?
FA: I think it makes this a very special weekend for me, and gives me extra motivation to do the maximum for all my friends and team-mates. It is also the last race for Michelin in this period, and both Renault and Michelin have done so much for me in the six seasons since I started in F1. I think it is impossible to give back to them everything they have given to me since 2001. The only way I can try is to have a fantastic final race and to win the title so we can finish our relationship in the right way, with a celebration.
Post #6 Mon, Oct 16, 7:40 AM
ajzahn
Posts - 62542

 Giancarlo Fisichella is determined to take third in the drivers' championship - while helping Renault secure the constructors' crown.

Giancarlo, you have had two podiums in the last two races – you seem to be ending the season in strong form…
GF: I definitely think so, yes. The car is working really well at the moment and Michelin have done a fantastic job in the last races. That means we are fighting at the front in all conditions, and I have had clean races without any problems. Suzuka was really good fun, overtaking Button in the first stint and then using a good strategy to get ahead of Toyota. Things are going really well at the moment, for me and the team.

Now we arrive in Interlagos – what are your thoughts on the circuit?
GF: My thoughts are simple – it is one of my favourite circuits! I scored my first Grand Prix win here in 2003, and I finished second in 2000 as well. So there are good memories for me at this track, and I really enjoy its challenges as well. It is a difficult track, particularly for the neck because we are running anti-clockwise, so the left-hand side of your neck has a really hard time. Plus there are lots of bumps, which makes it physically harder as well; and it is a short track, so we do a lot of laps in the race. It all means that physical and mental endurance are very important factors.

In terms of technical development, you will be using a boosted RS26 engine in Interlagos…
GF: Yes, I think it should be a good step forward for me. The team at Viry has done an amazing job this year with the V8 engine, from the first test in January all the way through to the final race, and to have a new development ready for the final race shows how committed they are to winning this year. They have worked extremely hard to prepare the new specification so it is powerful and reliable. Hopefully, it can give us the edge in terms of performance.

Finally, your objectives for this race are two-fold: to take third place in the drivers’ championship, and to win the constructors’…
GF: Absolutely. I go into this race with the aim of doing the absolute maximum to win. You cannot drive with the idea that only points are good enough, you have to be aggressive, to attack and aim for the top of the podium. It is too early to make any predictions about performance until we see the cars running on Friday, but we know that the R26 is competitive after our performance in Suzuka. But my objective will be to fight at the front of the field, and score maximum points for myself and the team.
Post #7 Mon, Oct 16, 7:42 AM
ajzahn
Posts - 62542

 2006 BRAZILIAN GRAND PRIX PREVIEW

Preparations for the final Grand Prix of the 2006 Formula 1 season are drawing to a conclusion as the Team McLaren Mercedes team fly out to the Interlagos circuit in Sao Paulo, Brazil. This original five mile circuit layout, which was built in the 40s, has modernised over the years and still encompasses part of the old track, making it an exciting circuit at which to compete.

The first Grand Prix took place in Brazil at Interlagos in 1973 and was won by reigning Champion and local hero Emerson Fittipaldi, the year before he moved to McLaren and took his second title. In 1974, Emerson also took the chequered flag first, this time at the wheel of his McLaren M23.

In 1978 the race was moved from Interlagos to the Jacarepaguá circuit near Rio de Janeiro. Twelve years later, the race came back to São Paulo.

Another legendary McLaren driver took the most recent win at Interlagos secured by a Brazilian, with Ayrton Senna winning the 1993 Grand Prix at the wheel of an MP4/8. The race was an example of the Brazilian’s extraordinary talent, as Ayrton completed the final third of the race in sixth gear.

Interlagos has seen many historical moments in the history of the team, including in 1995 when on March 26th McLaren, Mercedes and Mobil 1 made their Formula 1 debut as team partners. The race saw Mika Häkkinen and Mark Blundell take fourth and sixth respectively for the new team.

Since 1998, Team McLaren Mercedes drivers have won the Brazilian Grand Prix four times within eight years. In 1998, Mika Häkkinen won ahead of his teammate David Coulthard; one year later, the Finn repeated his success. On both occasions, he started from pole position and posted the fastest lap of the race. David won in 2001. Last year, Team McLaren Mercedes took another 1-2 victory at Sao Paulo with Juan Pablo Montoya winning ahead of Kimi Raikkonen.

The race also sees Kimi Raikkonen’s final outing as a Team McLaren Mercedes driver.

KIMI RAIKKONEN
“I have always had dramatic races in Brazil, I guess the track encourages exciting racing. The atmosphere is always amazing, the Paulistas are crazy and I hope we can put on a great race for them. Overtaking is possible here, there are a number of places, but the main one is into the first corner, you slipstream up the hill and along the straight and then pass under braking into the left hander. You do need good grip to be quick, and set-up of the car is not to either extreme to try and be quick in the twisty section at the back of the track and also up the hill and onto the pit straight. Another couple of the main features of Interlagos are that a lot of the corners have adverse camber and we run anti-clockwise. This will be my final race with Team McLaren Mercedes; I am of course sad to be leaving the team. We have had some great times together and it would be fantastic to go out with a win. It is going to be tough, but we are all pushing hard to try and make it happen.”

PEDRO DE LA ROSA
“After the disappointing race we had in Suzuka, I am looking forward to getting back on track and working with the team to finish the year on a high. The test in Jerez this week has been positive, with a lot of the focus on tyres with Michelin and as a result, we feel confident we will be able to get more out of them at Interlagos. The track tends to be fairly abrasive on the tyres, but we are fully prepared for this. Qualifying is vital here, so we have to improve our performance from Japan. Because of the gradient of the start / finish straight, you need to be near the front of the grid otherwise you start on a much steeper hill. The track at Interlagos is bumpy, this does lead to significant vibrations and it makes it quite a demanding race on the car. Braking stability is also very important in Brazil.”

MARTIN WHITMARSH
“It is fair to say that the 2006 season has been far from ideal for Team McLaren Mercedes, and as a result it would be fantastic for the team and our Partners to bring the season to a close with a victory and there has been a massive final push by everyone involved toward making this happen in Brazil. As with any race this will be a challenge, but you cannot predict anything in motor racing as we have seen over the past few races. As we go into the winter, we have exciting prospects ahead of us for the coming season and the motivation and determination within the team is incredibly high. This race marks a definite end of an era for us as a racing organisation with the departure of Kimi. Ron spoke for the team in Monza when he said how much we have enjoyed working with Kimi since the start of the 2002 season and we wish him all the best.”

NORBERT HAUG
“Interlagos will be a great finale to a great season from many viewpoints. Of course, all the interest will be focused on the Drivers' Championship, which has not yet been decided. With regard to our team, we certainly want to end a difficult season with a good result for Kimi and Pedro. We have won four out of the last eight Grands Prix here; a fifth would be a good conclusion to a season in which we wanted to finish first and finally ended up third. In Brazil, Kimi will drive his 88th and final race for Team McLaren Mercedes. During his five years with the team he has been Championship runner-up twice, in 2003 and 2005. On behalf of Mercedes-Benz I thank him for his efforts and achievements, and I wish him all the best for the future – which will begin in the next Grand Prix, the last one of 2006.”
Post #8 Mon, Oct 16, 11:14 PM
ajzahn
Posts - 62542

 Michael Schumacher: "I will try to have fun!"

Maranello, 16th October 2006 - After an intensive last three weeks, the weekend was a quiet one for Michael. The Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro driver wanted to take a short break after the two Asia races and the two test days in Spain. Time was needed to recharge the batteries seeing as the seven-time world champion wants to be in peak form for the last race of his career. His aim for the race is: "to have fun!", as he declared with a big smile. Interlagos would have been more enjoyable had he been heading into it on the back of a win. Michael would like nothing better than to sign off with a victory for his team. The Constructors' title would be a great achievement. "The boys deserve the title. Whoever is able to turn around a situation like the one we found ourselves in this year, climbing back to the top and working extremely hard and passionately, merits huge respect and they have all my respect. They are the best at what they do and the Constructors' crown would be fully deserved", stated Michael. The strategy for the Grand Prix of Brazil is obvious: "attack. We are aiming for a one-two, nothing less. This is the only hope we have of taking the Constructors' title and it is all we can do. Everything else is out of our hands".

After the bitter end to the Grand Prix of Japan, the Scuderia is nine points down on Renault. Making up such a gap in one race is no easy task but is achievable. Michael is looking forward to the race at Interlagos. "Naturally, I am aware of the fact that, after almost sixteen years, this is my last race", concluded the most successful driver in Formula 1 history. "I hope that it will be an exciting race, that way I will take with me the marvellous feeling that only a win can bring".

Michael will be flying to Brazil tomorrow and at nine on Thursday morning he will participate in an important Shell press conference for the final time. He will then be available for press questions. The press conference will be held at the Transamerica hotel.
Post #9 Tue, Oct 17, 6:37 AM
ajzahn
Posts - 62542

 PREVIEW BULLETIN
BRAZILIAN GRAND PRIX, 22 OCTOBER 2006

The Event
The 2007 Formula One World Championship makes its final stop of the season in South America this weekend for the 34th Brazilian Grand Prix. Situated on the outskirts of Sao Paulo, the Carlos Pace Autodromo is one of the most atmospheric race tracks visited all year and will provide a fitting backdrop for what will undoubtedly be an explosive season finale as Renault and Ferrari battle it out for Championship glory. Politics and finance have dictated Interlagos’ chequered history since it opened in 1952, and were perhaps the primary cause behind its late debut on the Formula One calendar in 1973. WilliamsF1 has fielded 36 cars over the past 18 races at Interlagos, taking 40% of all poles and possible fastest laps and 22% of race wins. After a difficult year, the WilliamsF1 Team will be hoping for a positive end to the season to sustain motivation over a long winter programme of development.

Between the races
Immediately following Japan, Nico travelled to Bangkok to assist Oris with the launch of the Nico Rosberg Limited Edition mechanical racing watch. To reflect the 2,400 cylinder capacity of a V8 engine, only 2,400 watches will be issued worldwide. With all his commitments in the Far East completed, Nico headed to South America on Tuesday last week to give himself ample time to acclimatise and to spend a few days discovering Rio and working on his fitness levels. Mark returned to the UK after Japan to participate in a one day adventure race in Hampshire last weekend as part of his preparation for the forthcoming Mark Webber Pure Tasmania Challenge. Out of a 160-strong field, Mark and his three man team finished second. On Monday, he joined Australian rugby union star, Matt Burke, and Ally McCoist on the BBC’s Question of Sport Ashes special.

Making the car go faster
Both FW28s will feature the same specification as that which was raced in both China and Japan. The team also completed a four day test session in Jerez, southern Spain, last week during which Alex Wurz and Narain Karthikeyan carried out a series of race distances to determine which of Bridgestone’s tyre compounds will be best suited to Brazil.

Interlagos from a technical perspective
The 71 lap Brazilian Grand Prix will be a true test of durability for man and machine, heightened by the fact that the race is run in an anti-clockwise direction. The 4.3km circuit consists of 13 medium and slow speed corners, nine left and four right, and has a blend of long, fast straights and gradient changes. With such a varied layout, set-up compromises are inevitable, and the challenge lies in achieving optimal aerodynamic efficiency around the lap. Interlagos is a notoriously bumpy circuit, so not only is it draining on the drivers, but the cars must have a good mechanical balance for drivability. Combined with the bumps, the track is also particularly abrasive, so harder compound tyres must be selected to ensure their survival. Engines are also under intense pressure in Brazil, with the long straights demanding extensive periods at full throttle and high revs, while the high altitude and thinning air saps approximately 8% of overall power around the lap. Plenty of overtaking opportunities, combined with the area’s unpredictable weather conditions, will only enhance what is always an entertaining spectacle in Brazil.

Mark Webber: "It’s clear it’s been a long and tough season for everyone at Williams but, with one event remaining, we’ll be doing our utmost to extract the best possible result from the package we have. Interlagos will mark my last race for the team and, of course, it would be nice to sign off with a strong result for the boys. All the focus, however, will be on the main fight for the Championship. It was fantastic to see Fernando win at Suzuka but, knowing Michael and Ferrari, they will continue to push until the end. As with the last two events in China and Japan, weather could still play a role in sealing the Championship as the Brazilian Grand Prix is often wet on at least one of the days.
There’s always a fantastic atmosphere at the track, the Brazilians are so passionate about Formula One and will be right behind their home drivers. Interlagos is a very unique circuit, it’s a very bumpy and short lap and I expect the qualifying times to be incredibly close."

Nico Rosberg: "Brazil seems to be a great place. I was in Rio for the week prior to the race in order to get used to the time difference from China and Japan, and it is an awesome city. I learnt to surf there, which was really good fun. The Interlagos track is again completely new for me so I'm going to need to learn it fast. I will probably be at the track on Wednesday to have a close look at it with our engineers. Performance-wise, it’s important that we build on the progress that we made in Japan and I hope that the Bridgestone tyres are as strong in Brazil as they were in Suzuka."

Sam Michael, Technical Director, WilliamsF1: "Interlagos is a great race track with plenty of overtaking opportunities, mainly created by the two straights and the variable gradients. Dominated by slow to medium corners and straight lines, it is important to have a good car balance in the corners that precede the straights. The long pitlane and low fuel penalty both have a first order affect on strategy decision and indeed what tyre compound level we will use. We worked with Bridgestone at last week’s Jerez test to select two tyres that will cover the varying track temperatures that we can experience in Brazil."

This weekend’s race, the final round of the Championship, will be significant for the team for two reasons. Firstly, it will be Mark’s last before he leaves WilliamsF1. Mark has made a significant contribution over the past two seasons, not only on the race track, but he has also been a great team player and we wish him well for the future. It will also be Cosworth’s last race with Williams, and we thank them for all their efforts this year. For everyone involved with the team, it would be a fitting reward to take some points away from the final round. It hasn’t been the best of years for us, but we have taken all the lessons learnt on reliability and performance and are busy applying them to our 2007 car, where we aim to return to being a front running team.”

Simon Corbyn, Head of F1 Race Engineering, Cosworth
“The 2006 Brazilian Grand Prix is likely to be the last race for Cosworth as a Formula One engine supplier. The objective from the outset of the CA2006 programme was to deliver the benchmark new generation V8 Formula One engine. Cosworth believe we achieved that in terms of engine performance, reliability and also engineering support to WilliamsF1.

Mark Webber will start the weekend with a fresh Series 6 engine and will run an engine duty cycle specifically for Brazil which will allow the engine to run at 20,000RPM for the entire race. Cosworth will be going all out to add to our tally of 176 wins in 39 seasons of Formula One.”
Post #10 Tue, Oct 17, 8:04 AM
ajzahn
Posts - 62542

 Brazilian Grand Prix

20th - 22nd October 2006
Final - 18th World Championship round

Preview.

Munich/Hinwil, 13th October 2006. In the run-up to the 2006 FIA Formula One World Championship finale, the battles for the drivers' and constructors' titles are still up in the air. Likewise, there is a great deal in the balance for the BMW Sauber F1 Team in this 18th and final grand prix of the season, to be held in São Paulo on 22nd October. The young team embarked on its debut season from eighth place and is currently fifth in the constructors' championship with a one-point lead over Toyota. Drivers Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica aim to defend this position at the Brazilian Grand Prix. If they manage that, it would mean a successful conclusion to a maiden season in which the BMW Sauber F1 Team has already achieved far more than could be expected.


Nick Heidfeld: "I always enjoy coming to São Paulo. Not only is Interlagos one of my favourite circuits, I also love the flight path into the city. It's incredible to be hovering for minutes on end above those endless housing districts and shanty towns. Unfortunately crime is an issue here, as it is in many of the world's major conurbations. But we drivers don't really get to see any of it.

Of course my fondest memory is of winning my first podium place here in 2001 with the Sauber Team. It was a difficult race in wet conditions, but everything worked out and in the end I was able to take third place on the podium next to David Coulthard and Michael Schumacher. I would rate the Ferra dura turn as one of the best in the whole racing calendar, although the bumpy surface of the track is not so nice. But they say it was improved last year, when I couldn't race due to injury. I'll have to see for myself, and I hope to round off the season with a successful race."


Robert Kubica: "I know the São Paulo track from racing there in 2002 in Formula Renault 2000, as I was invited for the last round of the Brazilian championship. It is a very nice track and I like the configuration, even though it is a bit bumpy. There is a really big uphill section that you cannot see on television after the last corner, which brings you to the main straight. There are some difficult corners, but I think it will be a good experience to go back to Interlagos with Formula One."


Sebastian Vettel: "Carnival, nice girls, good weather, football, magic, rainforest - that's what comes to mind when I think of Brazil. I know a bit about it as I have had Brazilian team-mates. They are great fun. I think the people here are open for anything. Now with Felipe Massa they maybe have another hero coming up.

I think the circuit is one of the hardest of the whole season because it is very bumpy and old, and you feel every bump in an F1 car because it is very hard. I think for the race it is physically a very tough job to get through 71 laps. Every time the race finishes the drivers look completely shattered. Also in the race itself I remember two years ago seeing Kimi Räikkönen and Fernando Alonso laying their heads against the headrest."



Mario Theissen, BMW Motorsport Director: "We came back from the two Asian races with three points and are heading for Brazil and the final race of the season one point clear of Toyota in the constructors' championship. We will do everything we can to defend this position.

However, even before the last race of 2006 it is quite clear that we have achieved more than we could have expected in our first season with the BMW run team. In qualifying we made it into the top ten 17 times, and on one occasion even got onto the second row of the grid. In the 17 races so far we have made it into the points 15 times and even taken two podium places - thanks to Nick in Budapest and Robert in Monza. The bottom line is that we are ahead of schedule. But even more important than that is the fact that we have made steady progress during the course of the season. We are on a good path.

The circuit in Interlagos is very varied and challenging. And then there's the weather, which is often unpredictable in São Paulo. The engines take the strain on the start/finish straight, which is not only long but also on a rising gradient - and that makes for an exciting start to the race. A particular feature of the São Paulo track is its altitude: due to the low air density, engines lose about eight percent of their power as compared with sea level. I am certain we are going to witness an exciting final to the season."


Willy Rampf, Technical Director: "In terms of aerodynamics, Interlagos presents a real challenge. While the first and third sectors feature long flat-out sections, the middle sector with its many turns ideally demands maximum downforce. In the end it's a question of finding the optimum compromise. At any rate, high aerodynamic efficiency in the car is crucially important.

Although the track has been repeatedly resurfaced in parts, it is still quite a mogul field. That's why it's even more crucial here than on other circuits to work out an optimal mechanical set-up. Tyre choice is also difficult because temperatures can fluctuate greatly at this time of year. The rough asphalt means that tyre wear is definitely an issue. The strong likelihood of rain often calls for a compromise set-up to cope with both dry and wet conditions on the circuit. As at Imola and Istanbul, the GP at Interlagos is run in an anti-clockwise direction. That involves a corresponding strain on the drivers' neck muscles."


History and background:
2006 sees the staging of the 34th Brazilian Grand Prix. Formula One made its debut in this South American country in 1973. At the time, the Interlagos circuit near São Paulo covered a distance of 7.96 kilometres and was picturesquely sited between two lakes.

In 1978, Formula One moved to the Jacarepagua track near Rio de Janeiro, where a total of ten grands prix were held. Since 1990 the Brazilian Grand Prix has been held on a radically shortened race track at Interlagos.

In time for the 2003 GP, both the track and the team facilities were refurbished and modernised.

Founded in 1554, São Paulo is the capital of the southern Brazilian state of the same name and Latin America's largest industrial centre. São Paulo is a centre of finance and trade and a vast sprawling city. Fluctuating statistics on its population and geographical area indicate how difficult it is to keep track of these. It is currently estimated that the city itself has ten million inhabitants, rising to double that figure when its environs are included.

Profound social divides, extreme poverty and rising crime are the reasons why this most highly populated city in the southern hemisphere regularly hits the headlines. Violent and bloody unrest from May to July 2006 cost the lives of an estimated 180 people.

The city lies at an altitude of 750 metres above sea level, with the circuit - situated a little distance away from it - at around 800 metres. The consequent thinning of the air robs all Formula One engines of around eight percent of their potential power.
Post #11 Tue, Oct 17, 12:06 PM
Arcanjo
pimp daddy - 17187

 Alonso will use anengine with 20hp less, but it's rock reliable.
I have my own groupies.
Post #12 Tue, Oct 17, 4:35 PM
Nick1
New User - 46

 so another f1 seasion is coming to an end

it hink that this seasion will go down in the history of moter sports because how clos it was who evere wins hopefully M.S. and for those of you who do not know if he comes in first and F.A. does not scor a singel point(9th down) the M.S. will win the worl championship becaus he has mor 1st place wins they F.A.
Post #13 Tue, Oct 17, 9:38 PM
ajzahn
Posts - 62542
Quote from Arcanjo
Alonso will use anengine with 20hp less, but it's rock reliable.
just remember three years ago when he stuck in the wall at Sao Paulo

>>> http://youtube.com/watch?v=o-AAbA1ZNWo

Edited by ajzahn - Tue, Oct 17, 10:04 PM
Post #14 Wed, Oct 18, 2:59 AM
ajzahn
Posts - 62542

 Michael Schumacher: "Victory to celebrate with the team"

Sao Paolo, 17th October 2006 - The build up to the Grand Prix of Brazil has added spice for Michael Schumacher. "This is my last race and I have to say that I am pleased that it is taking place in Brazil", reflected the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro driver.

Interlagos is an old style circuit with long straights, numerous fast curves and some slower sections. These features make it one of the seven time champion's favourites. "Interlagos is fascinating and I have always liked it, especially as it is not a simple one to drive. Brazil is driven differently to most other circuits: anti-clockwise.

It is a great physical challenge. Also, the surface is irregular and so you need to have good control of the car that can, at times, be twitchy. Another reason I like it is that it throws up a lot of exciting races".

Schumacher is preparing for his final Formula 1 challenge with the aim of presenting his team with the Constructors' title. "We have a great squad and, over recent years, I have had Brazilian partners and this has given us even more support. Overall I am positive and this makes me enthusiastic about this race. I have already said that I would like to win the Constructors' title for my team and so our tactic will be to attack. It would be wonderful to win this last Grand Prix for us all. It would be an occasion for a huge party".
Post #15 Wed, Oct 18, 10:00 AM
Arcanjo
pimp daddy - 17187
Quote from ajzahn
just remember three years ago when he stuck in the wall at Sao Paulo

>>> http://youtube.com/watch?v=o-AAbA1ZNWo
From 0 to 5, 5 beeng the most hardcore non fatal crashes, I give that a 4.
I have my own groupies.
Post #16 Wed, Oct 18, 9:48 PM
the HitMan
Supercar Messiah - 2553

 hope alonso crashes and schumi wins.
(life is a lesson, you learn it when your thru)

PANDA IS GOD!!!!!
Post #17 Thu, Oct 19, 4:19 AM
Arcanjo
pimp daddy - 17187
Quote from the HitMan
hope alonso crashes and schumi wins.
That's lame.
I have my own groupies.
Post #18 Thu, Oct 19, 8:17 AM
ajzahn
Posts - 62542

 Felipe Massa: "My life has changed a lot"

Interlagos, 19th October 2006 - Felipe Massa looked as relaxed as one would expect, given this is his home race and that he has been here since shortly after the last race in Japan. But, also as one would expect, given he was sharing the FIA Press Conference panel with title contender Fernando Alonso, the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro man was given an easy time with very few questions. As we approach the final round of the season, Massa was asked how his life had changed since he became a Ferrari driver. "It has changed a lot," began the Brazilian. "There is a lot more media attention and pressure, but that is the same for all drivers who join Ferrari. There is a big change in your public visibility and that is a good thing. As for my year on track, I think I have done quite a good job and I am happy with the way my championship has gone."

Felipe denied feeling extra pressure racing at home. "I think it's all on this guy," he laughed, pointing at Alonso. "And also on Michael. My race here? I will be trying to win as it has always been my dream to race here in a competitive car. I will do all I can to help the team of course. It is a bit more difficult after what happened in Japan, but we still have a chance to win the championship. The last race was disappointing for us, but that's motor racing and in this race, we will try and do the best we can. The atmosphere is fine in the team and after what happened to Michael in Japan, we have no worries about the engine." Short and sweet today for Felipe!
Post #19 Thu, Oct 19, 10:25 AM
ajzahn
Posts - 62542

 Michael Schumacher: "One last title for the team"

Interlagos, 19th October 2006 - Michael Schumacher spent the first part of Thursday morning in the city of Sao Paulo, speaking at a press conference organised by Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro partner, Shell. The Shell conference in Brazil has been a tradition for several years now and Michael joked that he felt at home here. "I have had so many Brazilian team-mates over the years, that I feel I understand a lot about this place and its people." The large contingent of Brazilian and international journalists was keen to know how the seven times world champion felt about tackling his last ever F1 race. "I am trying to treat this Brazilian Grand Prix, as just another race, but occasionally, it comes into my mind that it is my last one. I am thinking more about this aspect of the weekend than about the Drivers' championship. I stick to the view I held immediately after the Japanese Grand Prix, which is that, in my opinion, the Drivers' title is already lost, because the circumstances needed for me to win are rather specific and I do not want to race having to hope that a rival will retire or have problems. But that does not mean I am not planning to try hard. I will be tackling this race in the same way I have done with all the others and will be trying to win and also, importantly for my last race, to really enjoy my weekend here at the Interlagos circuit, which is so interesting and challenging."

So, if the Drivers' title was not on his agenda, what were Schumacher's hopes for Sunday. "I would really like to do the best possible to give Ferrari the Constructors' title," said the German. "To a car manufacturer, this is always a very important prize and it would be a nice way to end my career, helping them to one more trophy."
Post #20 Fri, Oct 20, 5:20 AM
ajzahn
Posts - 62542

 Fernando Alonso: "Maximum Concentration!"

The Renault F1 Team’s Spanish ace talks about his approach to a crucial race…

Fernando, one year ago, you were also fighting for the championship in Brazil. Is there more or less pressure this year?
FA: I don’t know if it is more or less than in 2005, but I can feel the pressure. It’s normal when you have the chance to become champion, and you are close to the dream. And this year, the title has come down to the last race. I want to seize the opportunity. I am at maximum concentration and the team is ready to do it. We are in a good position after Japan, and now we need to finish the job!

You are fighting for the drivers’ title and the constructors’. Which is more important to you?
FA: I am a driver, so you know my answer! I think all the fans remember who wins the drivers’ title. Not many can say which team won ten or fifteen years ago. When you look at signs by the road here, you see Schumacher against Alonso, not Ferrari against Renault… The constructors’ title is important too, of course, for lots of reasons: commercial exposure, the pit-lane position, the image of the brand etc…

Will you be trying to avoid any incidents this weekend?
FA: I will try, but it’s hard when everybody is watching so closely! I think we have made good preparations. The team tested at Silverstone with Piquet, and I focused on my training, being careful not to injure myself. I need to stay focused and make no mistakes.

What is your best memory from this season? And the worst?
FA: My best is probably the win in Barcelona, in front of my people. I also enjoyed winning in Monaco, Silverstone and Suzuka, legendary circuits for Formula 1. And the worst? The penalties during the summer in Hungary and Italy.

Giancarlo and you will use different engine specs this weekend. Is there a major difference between them?
FA: Not really. They are very close in performance, less than a tenth a lap difference… We will be trying to get two cars on the podium like in China and Japan.

You are the world champion. Has that helped you in your fight this year?
FA: Yes, in some ways. That helps me to find motivation and manage some situations. I know how to become champion and what you need to do. The experience will help me all through the rest of my career.

Finally, did you enjoy 2005 or 2006 more? Was it better fighting Raikkonen or Schumacher?
FA: They are two very different season. Last year we had a good lead but we could manage it thanks to the mechanical problems for Kimi, whose car was quicker than ours. This season, we knew that we had to concentrate at every moment to beat Ferrari. But I think I preferred the championship in 2005, when the atmosphere was better, more sporting.
Post #21 Fri, Oct 20, 1:52 PM
ajzahn
Posts - 62542

 Brazilian GP - Chequered flag for the F1 2006 Season

Interlagos, 20th October 2006 - By the end of this weekend, the Drivers' and Constructors' championships must be decided as this is the final round of the season. But if it is noticeable that there are far more media here than is usual for the Brazilian Grand Prix, a quick poll of the journalists reveals that the extra numbers are not so much due to the excitement of the duel between ourselves and our closest rivals and that between Michael Schumacher and reigning champion, Fernando Alonso but more to do with the fact that this is the final time Schumi will attend a grand prix as a race driver.

Like all great champions, Michael has had not only his fans but also his denigrators, but all agree that witnessing his sixteen year Formula 1 career will be something to remember for a long time as a special era in motor racing.
Today, the first day of free practice for the Brazilian Grand Prix saw Michael set the sixth quickest time on a day that started cool and damp so that both he and team-mate Felipe Massa, wearing a special green and yellow race suit to represent the Brazilian flag, did not venture out of the garage in the morning hour. In the afternoon, the local boy was seventeenth fastest.

As we have seen so often on Fridays, the free practice "podium" featured nothing but third drivers: Alex Wurz was quickest for Williams, for whom he will race next year, replacing Mark Webber. Second was Anthony Davidson for Honda with Sebastian Vettel third for BMW-Sauber who ran their cars with the message "Thank you Michael" on the rear wing in honour of Schumacher's retirement. Fourth was the Toyota of Jarno Trulli, followed by the second Honda of Jenson Button.
Post #22 Sat, Oct 21, 4:30 AM
ajzahn
Posts - 62542

 Ferrari confident on race engine

Ferrari believe Michael Schumacher will not experience any trouble with his car's engine at the title-deciding Brazilian Grand Prix on Sunday.

The seven-times champion was forced to retire from the Japanese Grand Prix two weeks ago after an engine failure.

The German needs to win the race in Sao Paulo and hope Fernando Alonso fails to gain a point if he is to win his eighth world title before retiring.

"The Suzuka problem was a one-off, we hope," said technical boss Ross Brawn. "It was a failure of the top end of a valve, where it connects to the collets around the pneumatic piston - nothing we've seen before.
So we've been super-vigilant on the build of these engines to try and make sure we can avoid the problem occurring again.
But we don't have a complete explanation for what happened."

Schumacher was leading the race and the championship when his engine went at Suzuka.

His exit allowed Alonso to go on and win and open a 10-point lead over Schumacher in the driver standings.

Both men have new engines for the Interlagos showdown.

While Schumacher has to go for victory, and may therefore have to rev his engine more than usual, Alonso can play safe and aim only for a solid points finish.

"Our approach is that the performance is there, we'll use it if we need to but we won't use it if we don't need to," said Renault engineering chief Pat Symonds.

Meanwhile former Ferrari team-mate Rubens Barrichello has dismissed Schumacher's chances of beating Alonso to the world title.

"I think it's quite impossible - maybe 1% away from impossible!" said the Brazilian. (BBC)
Post #23 Sat, Oct 21, 4:31 AM
ajzahn
Posts - 62542

 Fernando Alonso spoke after Friday’s practice sessions. The key word? ‘Normal’…

Fernando, how are you feeling after practice?
FA: Everything is normal at the moment. We are approaching the race with the same motivation, the same mentality and the same strategy for qually, for the race and for Friday. So everything should be normal. But we know that the main objective here is to be in the points, not to win the race.

And how did the sessions go?
FA: The circuit was still cleaning up a lot after the rain on Thursday, so it was slowly picking up grip. I think that it will be totally different on Saturday and Sunday.

Finally, will you be taking a safety-first approach?
FA: Well, we need to finish the race and avoid any risk. But at the same time, we need to prepare with a normal approach, to try and fight for the pole position, and for the podium on Sunday. For sure, if with 10 laps, or with 20 laps to go, I am in a comfortable position, then that is when I can drop a little bit.
Post #24 Sun, Oct 22, 6:57 AM
ajzahn
Posts - 62542

 Brawn: Michael has won from further back...

Ross Brawn insists Michael Schumacher could still win his final Formula One race, despite having qualified down in tenth place for the Brazilian Grand prix following a fuel pressure problem.

Schumacher had been targeting pole position to complete the first stage in his attempt to wrestle the 2006 title from the grasp of Fernando Alonso, the Spaniard needing just a single point to win the championship.

However, despite both himself and team-mate Felipe Massa proving the pace setters ahead of the top ten shootout, a drop in fuel pressure meant he did not even complete a lap of the Interlagos circuit.

Indeed, the drama comes after Ross Brawn insisted Ferrari had overcome the reliability issue that saw Schumacher retire from the lead of the Japanese Grand Prix, admitting the new issue was certainly causing some frustration.

"We are very frustrated about the problem that kept Michael in the garage for the final part of qualifying. It seems to be linked to fuel pressure, but now we need to find out exactly what happened.

Nonetheless, having seen Ferrari dominate in practice ahead of qualifying, Brawn insists the one-two result they need to also overhaul Renault in the constructors' standings is still in the offing, insisting the conditions come race day will suit their car. Furthermore, Brawn points out that Schumacher has won from further back on the grid before.

"It's a shame as we could have had two Ferraris on the front row. But in my opinion we could still pull off a one-two tomorrow. The cars are performing strongly, the Bridgestone tyres mean we can do consistent lap times and the weather forecast for slightly higher temperatures should all work in our favour. And let's not forget that in the past, Michael has managed to win races starting even further back on the grid."
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Superbot
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