Minardi out of Australian GP
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This is a real shame, it is not as if Minardi were suddenly going to get a 1-2 in the race is it?? 
Minardi to launch F1 legal action
Paul Stoddart (right) in discussion with F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone
Minardi are to take legal action after being refused permission to compete in Sunday's Australian Grand Prix.
The F1 minnows received the unanimous agreement from rival teams to take part in the race with last year's car, but fell foul of a stewards' ruling.
"We are going to seek a legal remedy and we think we have prepared a water-tight case" said Minardi team boss Paul Stoddart.
Minardi have not been able to comply with new rules aimed at slowing cars.
The new FIA rules, which include extended engine mileage, limited tyre changes and restricted aerodynamics, have meant that all teams have had to make major modifications.
Minardi have maintained that they want to use an updated version of their 2004 car for the first three races of the season in Australia, Malaysia and Bahrain.
They then plan to switch to their 2005 cars for the first European race in Italy.
Ferrari and Jordan have started the season with last year's cars but have made changes in accordance with the FIA regulations.
Stewards said it was "inappropriate and unacceptable" for Minardi to race with cars which did not meet 2005 technical rules.
"It is our view that it is inappropriate and unacceptable to alter the technical regulations with which all competitors comply in order to suit the individual needs of one competitor," read a statement from the stewards.
"We had a very fair hearing from the stewards (but) with a heavy heart they've decided against us," added Stoddart.
Team guide: Minardi
"It leaves us now with only two options, one of which is to seek injunctive relief against the stewards' decision, not against this event, or to try and modify the car overnight in order to be in the event.
"What I can say is that under no circumstances will we seek to disrupt this event in any shape or form.
"I compliment the stewards on their fairness. A judge who is probably far better qualified to adjudicate on these matters will now decide and obviously in tandem we will try and modify the cars."
Minardi eventually managed to get the rest of the F1 teams to agree to their participation, but the stewards' decision meant they did not take part in either of Friday's two practice sessions.
Minardi to launch F1 legal action
Paul Stoddart (right) in discussion with F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone
Minardi are to take legal action after being refused permission to compete in Sunday's Australian Grand Prix.
The F1 minnows received the unanimous agreement from rival teams to take part in the race with last year's car, but fell foul of a stewards' ruling.
"We are going to seek a legal remedy and we think we have prepared a water-tight case" said Minardi team boss Paul Stoddart.
Minardi have not been able to comply with new rules aimed at slowing cars.
The new FIA rules, which include extended engine mileage, limited tyre changes and restricted aerodynamics, have meant that all teams have had to make major modifications.
Minardi have maintained that they want to use an updated version of their 2004 car for the first three races of the season in Australia, Malaysia and Bahrain.
They then plan to switch to their 2005 cars for the first European race in Italy.
Ferrari and Jordan have started the season with last year's cars but have made changes in accordance with the FIA regulations.
Stewards said it was "inappropriate and unacceptable" for Minardi to race with cars which did not meet 2005 technical rules.
"It is our view that it is inappropriate and unacceptable to alter the technical regulations with which all competitors comply in order to suit the individual needs of one competitor," read a statement from the stewards.
"We had a very fair hearing from the stewards (but) with a heavy heart they've decided against us," added Stoddart.
Team guide: Minardi
"It leaves us now with only two options, one of which is to seek injunctive relief against the stewards' decision, not against this event, or to try and modify the car overnight in order to be in the event.
"What I can say is that under no circumstances will we seek to disrupt this event in any shape or form.
"I compliment the stewards on their fairness. A judge who is probably far better qualified to adjudicate on these matters will now decide and obviously in tandem we will try and modify the cars."
Minardi eventually managed to get the rest of the F1 teams to agree to their participation, but the stewards' decision meant they did not take part in either of Friday's two practice sessions.
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Red bull racing finally relented, but are expected to be Minardi's main competitor, so you can see why they were opposed. It was Ferrari that kicked up the most stink (and let's face it, Minardi were never a threat to them...)
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Anything Ferrari does doesn't surprise me anymore. That's why I was more surprised at Red Bull's actions. I think Ferrari would be happy to just run Michael and Ruben with no one else on the track. Although sometimes Michael makes it seem that way . . .
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I don't know why Red Bull's opposition surprises you, they'd have been brain damaged to let Minardi run the car from 04. Imagine if Red Bull gets knocked out of the points in both races because of Minardi having a better car than Red Bull is allowed to run under the rules. That would be a disaster for a debuting race team, and one of their own making to boot. No, I think it's far more questionable that they relented. Ferrari's opposition however is dubious at best.
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Originally posted by Q`res@March 4, 2005, 5:07 PM
I don't know why Red Bull's opposition surprises you, they'd have been brain damaged to let Minardi run the car from 04. Imagine if Red Bull gets knocked out of the points in both races because of Minardi having a better car than Red Bull is allowed to run under the rules. That would be a disaster for a debuting race team, and one of their own making to boot. No, I think it's far more questionable that they relented. Ferrari's opposition however is dubious at best.
I don't know why Red Bull's opposition surprises you, they'd have been brain damaged to let Minardi run the car from 04. Imagine if Red Bull gets knocked out of the points in both races because of Minardi having a better car than Red Bull is allowed to run under the rules. That would be a disaster for a debuting race team, and one of their own making to boot. No, I think it's far more questionable that they relented. Ferrari's opposition however is dubious at best.
And to make things even crazier, Minardi went to court to be allowed to race . . .the courts ruled in favor, and then Minardi withdrew their motion. (Very short paraphrase.) Looks like another fabulous F1 season
. . . . though I’ll watch just about every race. 
Imagine if Red Bull gets knocked out of the points in both races because of Minardi having a better car than Red Bull is allowed to run under the rules.
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From: Kentucky
The 2004 Minardi would be faster than the 2005 Red Bull, almost certainly due to the rules changes. (e.g. moving the rear wing forward, reducing downforce)
Jordan may not mind because of the way the Cosworth engine situation played out. Minardi used to run detuned Cosworths last year, but they got a new deal before the Jag team was sold off that lets them get full strength Cossie engines. So this year Red Bull and Minardi will run the same engines. However Jordan is now using the Toyota mill, which may give them a horsepower advantage over Minardi that can't be overcome by using last years car. There's some speculation in there for sure, but I still think it's food for thought.
Also, Minardi finished in the points last year (ok, if was only once at Monaco, but still...), so it's not inconceivable such a situation could arise. Especially with the new engine and tire rules. Which for those unaware. Teams now have to run one set of tires for the whole race (except for punctures or weather situations), and an engine is supposed to last for two full weekends.
Jordan may not mind because of the way the Cosworth engine situation played out. Minardi used to run detuned Cosworths last year, but they got a new deal before the Jag team was sold off that lets them get full strength Cossie engines. So this year Red Bull and Minardi will run the same engines. However Jordan is now using the Toyota mill, which may give them a horsepower advantage over Minardi that can't be overcome by using last years car. There's some speculation in there for sure, but I still think it's food for thought.
Also, Minardi finished in the points last year (ok, if was only once at Monaco, but still...), so it's not inconceivable such a situation could arise. Especially with the new engine and tire rules. Which for those unaware. Teams now have to run one set of tires for the whole race (except for punctures or weather situations), and an engine is supposed to last for two full weekends.
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I still bet (and have done) Red Bull will be in the points in Australia. That Cossy engine is seriously strong.........
As for Minardi, I am glad they can race. The whole F1 thing is starting to become a farce
As for Minardi, I am glad they can race. The whole F1 thing is starting to become a farce
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From: Mobile, AL
Update from F1-Live.com:
Albers best time in the 4th free practice was 1'35"975, over ten seconds off the overall best time posted by De La Rosa in the McLaren at 1'25"376. Red Bull's fastest time was 1'27"967.
I know, these are just practice times and they really don't mean anything, but at least Minardi were not being blown away.
I'll know more after I watch qualifying, which starts in about half an hour.
GO VILLENEUVE!!
Minardi back on track in Melbourne
Cars now conform to 2005 standards
Minardi this morning made their first on-track appearance this weekend. The team received the all-clear from FIA stewards to take part in the season-opening Australian Formula One Grand Prix here Sunday.
Team principal Paul Stoddart won an injunction in the Victorian Supreme Court to run his cars after stewards ruled on Friday that they had to comply with the new season safety regulations along with the other nine F1 teams.
Minardi's engineers worked overnight to modify their two race cars and spare car in time for Saturday's qualifying. FIA stewards said Saturday they had now passed Minardi's cars as they complied with the 2005 regulations on bodywork.
While Minardi used untried parts to modify the cars, Stoddart guaranteed they would be safe. "They haven't been tested and the cars have only ever done one and a half laps in this configuration," he said. "I'm confident in the safety to the other competitors and I'm confident in the safety and integrity of the car to my drivers."
This morning in practice, Minardi runners Patrick Friesacher and Christijan Albers out-paced Jordan Toyota rivals Tiago Monteiro and Narain Karthikeyan.
Cars now conform to 2005 standards
Minardi this morning made their first on-track appearance this weekend. The team received the all-clear from FIA stewards to take part in the season-opening Australian Formula One Grand Prix here Sunday.
Team principal Paul Stoddart won an injunction in the Victorian Supreme Court to run his cars after stewards ruled on Friday that they had to comply with the new season safety regulations along with the other nine F1 teams.
Minardi's engineers worked overnight to modify their two race cars and spare car in time for Saturday's qualifying. FIA stewards said Saturday they had now passed Minardi's cars as they complied with the 2005 regulations on bodywork.
While Minardi used untried parts to modify the cars, Stoddart guaranteed they would be safe. "They haven't been tested and the cars have only ever done one and a half laps in this configuration," he said. "I'm confident in the safety to the other competitors and I'm confident in the safety and integrity of the car to my drivers."
This morning in practice, Minardi runners Patrick Friesacher and Christijan Albers out-paced Jordan Toyota rivals Tiago Monteiro and Narain Karthikeyan.
I know, these are just practice times and they really don't mean anything, but at least Minardi were not being blown away.
I'll know more after I watch qualifying, which starts in about half an hour.
GO VILLENEUVE!!
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Originally posted by Q`res@March 4, 2005, 5:59 PM
The 2004 Minardi would be faster than the 2005 Red Bull, almost certainly due to the rules changes. (e.g. moving the rear wing forward, reducing downforce)
Jordan may not mind because of the way the Cosworth engine situation played out. Minardi used to run detuned Cosworths last year, but they got a new deal before the Jag team was sold off that lets them get full strength Cossie engines. So this year Red Bull and Minardi will run the same engines. However Jordan is now using the Toyota mill, which may give them a horsepower advantage over Minardi that can't be overcome by using last years car. There's some speculation in there for sure, but I still think it's food for thought.
Also, Minardi finished in the points last year (ok, if was only once at Monaco, but still...), so it's not inconceivable such a situation could arise. Especially with the new engine and tire rules. Which for those unaware. Teams now have to run one set of tires for the whole race (except for punctures or weather situations), and an engine is supposed to last for two full weekends.
The 2004 Minardi would be faster than the 2005 Red Bull, almost certainly due to the rules changes. (e.g. moving the rear wing forward, reducing downforce)
Jordan may not mind because of the way the Cosworth engine situation played out. Minardi used to run detuned Cosworths last year, but they got a new deal before the Jag team was sold off that lets them get full strength Cossie engines. So this year Red Bull and Minardi will run the same engines. However Jordan is now using the Toyota mill, which may give them a horsepower advantage over Minardi that can't be overcome by using last years car. There's some speculation in there for sure, but I still think it's food for thought.
Also, Minardi finished in the points last year (ok, if was only once at Monaco, but still...), so it's not inconceivable such a situation could arise. Especially with the new engine and tire rules. Which for those unaware. Teams now have to run one set of tires for the whole race (except for punctures or weather situations), and an engine is supposed to last for two full weekends.
Also . . I thought the FIA had a rule in place the last two years that all customer engines had to be the same specs as the factory team? Meaning Jordan and Minardi had the same engine as Jaguar, Sauber the same as Ferrari . . . How could Minardi have a different Cossie if that rule was in place. (IF the FIA actually did any policing of the engines.)
Thanks for the F1 conversation . . .always good to learn and share!
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It was the same Cosworth engine (e.g. Same block, internals, etc.) it was just a detuned version of that engine.
As far as being sure about it, yeah I am. The American announce team talked about it last year, apparently that had alot to do with how hopeless Minardi was last year.
As far as being sure about it, yeah I am. The American announce team talked about it last year, apparently that had alot to do with how hopeless Minardi was last year.
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Jason, did you notice where they said that every ounce of downforce that the FIA took off the cars with the new regulations, the engineers were able to put right back on in different areas. There's plenty of ways to find speed out of the cars, you just need a rule change to force you to look for them.
You can't slow these cars down, it's against their nature.
You can't slow these cars down, it's against their nature.
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Q'res
So Sauber had a spec Ferrari engine, Jordan had a spec Jaguar/Cossie engine, and Minardi has a b-spec Jaguar/Cossie? And this year Minardi is going to get the spec Red Bull/Cossie engine. Cool! I need to keep up with my F1 reading . . . .
Steve-
It would seem you're correct!! They always seem to find a way to squeeze speed out of new rules.
So Sauber had a spec Ferrari engine, Jordan had a spec Jaguar/Cossie engine, and Minardi has a b-spec Jaguar/Cossie? And this year Minardi is going to get the spec Red Bull/Cossie engine. Cool! I need to keep up with my F1 reading . . . .
Steve-
It would seem you're correct!! They always seem to find a way to squeeze speed out of new rules.
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Final standings :
1 6 Giancarlo Fisichella Renault Winner
2 2 Rubens Barrichello Ferrari +5.5 secs
3 5 Fernando Alonso Renault +6.7 secs
4 14 David Coulthard Red Bull Racing +16.1 secs
5 7 Mark Webber Williams-BMW +16.9 secs
6 10 Juan Pablo Montoya McLaren-Mercedes +35.0 secs
7 15 Christian Klien Red Bull Racing +38.9 secs
8 9 Kimi Räikkönen McLaren-Mercedes +39.6 secs
9 16 Jarno Trulli Toyota +63.1 secs
10 12 Felipe Massa Sauber-Petronas +64.3 secs
11 3 Jenson Button BAR-Honda +1 Lap
12 17 Ralf Schumacher Toyota +1 Lap
13 11 Jacques Villeneuve Sauber-Petronas +1 Lap
14 4 Takuma Sato BAR-Honda +2 Lap
15 19 Narain Karthikeyan Jordan-Toyota +2 Lap
16 18 Tiago Monteiro Jordan-Toyota +2 Lap
17 20 Patrick Friesacher Minardi-Cosworth +4 Lap
Ret 1 Michael Schumacher Ferrari +15 Lap
Ret 8 Nick Heidfeld Williams-BMW +15 Lap
Ret 21 Christijan Albers Minardi-Cosworth +41 Laps
Good showing from the Red Bull Cosworth team as per my prediction! I am going to bed, 5am here!!!!! bloody Australian time zone.....
1 6 Giancarlo Fisichella Renault Winner
2 2 Rubens Barrichello Ferrari +5.5 secs
3 5 Fernando Alonso Renault +6.7 secs
4 14 David Coulthard Red Bull Racing +16.1 secs
5 7 Mark Webber Williams-BMW +16.9 secs
6 10 Juan Pablo Montoya McLaren-Mercedes +35.0 secs
7 15 Christian Klien Red Bull Racing +38.9 secs
8 9 Kimi Räikkönen McLaren-Mercedes +39.6 secs
9 16 Jarno Trulli Toyota +63.1 secs
10 12 Felipe Massa Sauber-Petronas +64.3 secs
11 3 Jenson Button BAR-Honda +1 Lap
12 17 Ralf Schumacher Toyota +1 Lap
13 11 Jacques Villeneuve Sauber-Petronas +1 Lap
14 4 Takuma Sato BAR-Honda +2 Lap
15 19 Narain Karthikeyan Jordan-Toyota +2 Lap
16 18 Tiago Monteiro Jordan-Toyota +2 Lap
17 20 Patrick Friesacher Minardi-Cosworth +4 Lap
Ret 1 Michael Schumacher Ferrari +15 Lap
Ret 8 Nick Heidfeld Williams-BMW +15 Lap
Ret 21 Christijan Albers Minardi-Cosworth +41 Laps
Good showing from the Red Bull Cosworth team as per my prediction! I am going to bed, 5am here!!!!! bloody Australian time zone.....
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Originally posted by Evil_Capri@March 5, 2005, 4:49 PM
Q'res
So Sauber had a spec Ferrari engine, Jordan had a spec Jaguar/Cossie engine, and Minardi has a b-spec Jaguar/Cossie? And this year Minardi is going to get the spec Red Bull/Cossie engine. Cool! I need to keep up with my F1 reading . . . .
Q'res
So Sauber had a spec Ferrari engine, Jordan had a spec Jaguar/Cossie engine, and Minardi has a b-spec Jaguar/Cossie? And this year Minardi is going to get the spec Red Bull/Cossie engine. Cool! I need to keep up with my F1 reading . . . .
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Originally posted by Q`res+March 6, 2005, 1:16 AM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Q`res @ March 6, 2005, 1:16 AM)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-Evil_Capri@March 5, 2005, 4:49 PM
Q'res
So Sauber had a spec Ferrari engine, Jordan had a spec Jaguar/Cossie engine, and Minardi has a b-spec Jaguar/Cossie? And this year Minardi is going to get the spec Red Bull/Cossie engine. Cool! I need to keep up with my F1 reading . . . .
Q'res
So Sauber had a spec Ferrari engine, Jordan had a spec Jaguar/Cossie engine, and Minardi has a b-spec Jaguar/Cossie? And this year Minardi is going to get the spec Red Bull/Cossie engine. Cool! I need to keep up with my F1 reading . . . .
[/b][/quote]
Sometimes . . it just takes a while.
I missed the race . . it's on here again at 12:30pm.
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I think these rule changes could...COULD spice things up alittle in F1 this, Im just really not looking forward to next year though....2.4 liter v8's? what??? YUCK!! Also anyone notice that they can no longer advertise cigarette brands on the cars?
