F1 2011 Car launches

[Siobhan]

Ferrari first to show there car today: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/moto...ne/9378005.stm

The next teams to unveil their cars are Renault, Sauber and Lotus on 31 January, with world champions Red Bull, Mercedes and Toro Rosso following suit on 1 February.

McLaren will not unveil until testing in Spain on the 13th Feb (I think)

Worth having a look at the new cars..

[Chloe O'brien]

Roll on Monday. 41 days to go gang.

[alan45]

Wait till yo see the new Maclaren

[Chloe O'brien]

I meant to post thi yesterday:

Michael Schumacher hit by illness in Mercedes simulator

Michael Schumacher has to combat bouts of sickness when preparing for grands prix in the Mercedes simulator.
The 42-year-old was regularly beaten by his team-mate Nico Rosberg in 2010 but Mercedes say Schumacher's limited time in the simulator was not to blame.
Mercedes explained: "Throughout his career, Michael from time to time has been susceptible to simulator sickness.
"It hasn't adversely affected Michael's race preparation or competitiveness with regard to his team-mate."
Since the testing allowance was reduced to 15,000km in 2009 and a ban on in-season testing introduced, the majority of Formula 1 teams have increasingly relied on simulators to prepare for race weekends.

Teams are secretive about their simulators but they typically consist of a replica cockpit which is raised on a moving, hydraulic platform in front of multiple screens.
The drivers use simulators to familiarise themselves with the circuits, tyre behaviour and to try out different car set-ups.
Schumacher struggled on his return to F1 after a three-year hiatus but Mercedes say the seven-time world champion's aversion to simulators has not affected his ability to recapture his best form.
"[Simulator sickness] has affected the length of time that he can spend on a simulator," the team added.
"This is a relatively common occurrence for many people in all fields of simulator activity including military, aircraft and racing cars.
"The simulator is one of a number of tools which drivers use to prepare for the race weekend [but] Michael has not been disadvantaged as together with his engineers he has made his simulation work effective."
Mercedes are building a new simulator which team boss Ross Brawn believes will be hugely beneficial to easing Schumacher's problems, however it will not be fully operational until 2012.
Mercedes added: "The situation has been exacerbated by the level of our current simulator technology.
"For many reasons, we have invested in higher quality and more realistic simulation equipment which will be completed and available for our drivers shortly."
Both Mercedes drivers are expected to get back behind the wheel of an F1 car during the first pre-season test in Valencia next week.

F1 fans can share the experience without the danger and buy a simulator for about £25,000.

They can also be hired for functions from f1showcar.com

I know what I want for my birthday if anyone has a spare £25K

[Siobhan]

Kath... if you are going all out... Hispania racing is looking for a cash injection of 30 million.. if you give it to them, you get a seat for 2011..

[Siobhan]

Next couple of cars

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/moto...ne/9381786.stm

[Chloe O'brien]

Kath... if you are going all out... Hispania racing is looking for a cash injection of 30 million.. if you give it to them, you get a seat for 2011..

Well that's a bargin. I'm sure I've got a spare 30 million hidden in a mattress somewere. Tomorrow's day for Red Bull and Mercedes. Did you see Top Gear last night when Clarkston was interviewing Boris Becker and asking if he new Schumacher and Vettel, and how he was going on about Vettel's hair.

[Siobhan]

Well that's a bargin. I'm sure I've got a spare 30 million hidden in a mattress somewere. Tomorrow's day for Red Bull and Mercedes. Did you see Top Gear last night when Clarkston was interviewing Boris Becker and asking if he new Schumacher and Vettel, and how he was going on about Vettel's hair.

Damn it.. I missed Top gear.. I will catch up during the week.... it is normally on when Dancing on Ice is on and my kids love that.. (note to self, set the didgy box to record the series)
Looking forward to tomorrow!! McLaren is leaving it late to reveal their cars... but in the end, it doesn't matter how they look.. we only can tell if it any good in 38 days and 19 hours when the first coverage start (tomorrow is not just about the car.. 1st glimpse of the lovely Seb for 2011)

[Chloe O'brien]

Yeah let's get our priorites right. I can't wait to see his lovely sparkling blue eyes, his cheeky smile and that beautiful mop of blond hair he has.

[Siobhan]

Renault have just done their launch: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/moto...ne/9381786.stm

Pics of all the cars so far (will be updated as days go on) http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/moto...ne/9382214.stm