Catch-up Session – Week No. 13
As every Monday, here is the essential F1 news summarized in an article. On the agenda, of course, is the first Grand Prix of the 2009 season in Australia, which captured everyone’s attention. Then, several other pieces of information were revealed, but almost all had a connection to the Australian event. The use of KERS […]
As every Monday, here is the essential F1 news summarized in an article. On the agenda, of course, is the first Grand Prix of the 2009 season in Australia, which captured everyone’s attention. Then, several other pieces of information were revealed, but almost all had a connection to the Australian event. The use of KERS or Kinetic Energy Recovery System of the McLaren and a BMW car, as well as the officialization of Brawn GP’s sponsors, are examples. Finally, Formula 1 had not experienced such a controversy over a technical element of the cars with the diffuser for a long time.
Australian GP and a 2009 F1 Took Our Breath Away
What a start to the 2009 season! The regulation changes and winter testing promised it, and Formula 1 delivered. A new version of the sport was born in Australia yesterday, Sunday. With completely reshuffled standings, all the teams on the 2009 grid had to start from scratch this season. Against all odds, it is the former Honda team now known as Brawn GP that captured the attention of spectators and viewers alike. In Melbourne, Ross Brawn’s team took everything, securing pole position and a one-two finish in the race. Williams and Red Bull are doing well, as is Toyota, which attracted the wrath of the FIA this weekend, while BMW and Ferrari struggled…
Check out the Live and results of the weekend in Australia
McLaren and BMW Partially Used KERS in Australia
Renault and Ferrari had confirmed it a few days earlier, and the McLaren-Mercedes team introduced their kinetic energy recovery system for the first time in a race in Melbourne, and it was used on both of their cars. BMW, however, made a different choice, preferring the lighter weight of German driver Nick Heidfeld over the taller (and therefore heavier) Robert Kubica. The goal was to not exceed the 605-kilogram limit, a matter that can come down to mere grams!
Read the official confirmation of McLaren’s use of KERS
Read the official confirmation of BMW’s use of KERS
A championship still determined by points
While the standoff between the FOTA and the FIA could have quickly escalated, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile decided to backtrack on introducing a system that designated the champion by their number of wins in a season. In 2010, one thing is certain, the 10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1 scoring system will no longer exist, but there will be many discussions and meetings beforehand.
Read the official confirmation of the use of the points system in 2009
Oh you, broadcaster of all the controversies!
Every week brings its scandal. In week 12, it was the points system, and last week, it was the diffusers of Brawn GP, Toyota, and Williams that were the focus of concerns. Four other teams decided to take action, but the FIA rejected them. These diffusers are officially compliant. Ferrari, Renault, Red Bull, and BMW, who acted too late, filed an appeal. The verdict is on Tuesday, April 14, nine days after the Malaysian Grand Prix.
Read the article about the background of the diffuser case
Second Victory for Brawn GP: Its Sponsors…
The BGP 001 cars were still somewhat plain white, and Ross Brawn addressed this issue by relying on a solid investment, Virgin, owned by Richard Branson. With a highly publicized announcement from the paddocks on Saturday morning, the multi-million dollar deal was sealed. This contract opens the doors of Formula 1 for Branson. Given his desire to ‘dabble in everything’ throughout an already exceptional business career, the British entrepreneur will likely not stop at this mere sponsorship operation… We might almost forget the team’s second sponsor, the textile company Henry Lloyd, which has also established a special relationship with Brawn GP.
Read the official announcement of Virgin as the main sponsor of Brawn GP
Read the announcement of Henry Lloyd as sponsor of Brawn GP
The Unexpected Return of David Coulthard as a Test Driver
Brandon Hartley is and remains the official reserve driver for Red Bull Racing this 2009 season. Facing difficulties paying for his Super License, the Austrian team had to cover its bases and call back David Coulthard, a recent retiree. This situation will likely continue for a few Grand Prix, perhaps for the four races in March/April outside the European continent.
Read the confirmation of David Coulthard as Red Bull reserve driver
