Newcomers and organisational changes

Maranello, 4th January – It had been hinted at prior to Christmas when, speaking to Italian and international journalists during seasonal festivities, Luca di Montezemolo and Stefano Domenicali talked of not taking any drastic action, but rather making changes aimed at improving the efficiency of the team in its work, both at the track and the factory. Today came the facts.

Joining the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro is the respected engineer, Neil Martin, who takes on the role of heading up the new Operations Research department. A 38 year old Englishman, Martin previously worked for Red Bull and prior to that McLaren and he will now report directly to Technical Director, Aldo Costa.

At the same time, Costa’s deputy, Pat Fry will, in addition to his current role, take on the job of head of race track engineering. Up until yesterday, this position was held by Chris Dyer and his role within the company will be redefined in the next few days.

Source: Ferrari.com

FIA to remove pit entry white line overnight

"I am sure it’s just teething problems and people will look at that"

The FIA has reacted swiftly to drivers’ concerns about the pit entry in Korea.

Numerous drivers on Friday warned that the fact the entry to the new Yeongam circuit’s pitlane is on the racing line in a fast corner is a safety issue.

"Someone coming into the pits will be slower than the guy behind who is staying on the track," said Sebastian Vettel.

Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport reports that, after meeting with the drivers late on Friday, race director Charlie Whiting has agreed to a quick fix.

The white line on the pit entry is being removed overnight, meaning drivers coming into the pits can remain on the power through the fast corner and then sweep into the pits at the last moment.

"So the difference in pace between those coming into the pits and those staying out is not so great," confirmed Mark Webber.

It is also believed that a kerb at another fast corner is being slightly relocated, while the height difference between the kerbs and the track at turns 16 and 10 will also be attended to in the future.

"I am sure it’s just teething problems and people will look at that and see what they can do," said McLaren and FOTA boss Martin Whitmarsh.

More generally, following the media’s horror stories of the past months, the F1 paddock seemed surprisingly happy with the venue on Friday, and the drivers gave the actual layout a big thumbs-up.

Nico Rosberg said Yeongam is "very interesting" with "some great combinations of corners", and Fernando Alonso agreed the layout has "a bit of everything".

And the venue itself was also being praised on Friday, despite some minor earlier complaints about electricity and gas supply issues, and internet dropouts in the media centre on Friday.

"With the government and organisers spending this kind of money we need to be thankful as it is something amazing, no doubt about it," said Ferrari’s Stefano Domenicali.

The most genuine complaint is about the accommodation, even though the well-heeled drivers and management are enjoying the five-star Hyundai Hotel.

Buzzing around the paddock are stories told by journalists and mechanics about sex toys in vending machines and rooms that are obviously frequented by prostitutes.

"Maybe they (the organisers) can work on that for the future," said Vettel.

Source: Nextgen

FIA makes Monaco circuit changes

The FIA has revealed that it has made changes to the two chicanes at the Monaco circuit ahead of the sixth round of the F1 season this weekend.

New higher elements have been added behind the existing kerbs at the Nouvelle Chicane on the exit of the tunnel and at the Swimming Pool Chicane in an effort to reduce the possibility of drivers cutting the corners.

As well as installing new debris fencing at various sections of the circuit, there has also been extensive resurfacing work carried out including the run from St Devote up to the junction of the Avenue de Monte Carlo and the pitlane.

Source: Crash

Ferrari make engine modifications to help reliability

Ferrari has been allowed to make changes to its 2.4 litre V8 engine to help improve its reliability, after suffering a catalogue of engine failures in the first four rounds of the season. Both the Italian marque and customer team BMW Sauber have encountered numerous problems with the Type 056, with no less than five failures thus far and one other precautionary change.

Although engine development is effectively frozen as a result of the engine homologation rules introduced in 2007, small incremental changes to auxiliary components are allowed. However, manufacturers are only allowed to make significant changes to their engines to improve reliability, and only after receiving agreement from the FIA and fellow engine manufacturers. Ferrari's engine problems are understood to have centre around the powerplant's pneumatics (pressurised air) system.

Ferrari confirmed on Tuesday that it had received permission from the FIA to make the required changes, with those alterations set to be made available to the works and customer teams from the Spanish Grand Prix. However, only new engines will feature the changes, with engines used in any of the first four Grands Prix featuring the same configuration as previously.

“A lot of work was carried out on the test bench [with the engine], completing several long runs and this work produced some solutions which it is felt will solve the reliability problems experienced in Bahrain and Malaysia,” said Ferrari. “The team therefore requested and received authorisation from the FIA to make some changes within the framework of the current engine regulations and these modifications will be fitted to the engines to be used in Spain.”

Thus far, Fernando Alonso and BMW Sauber's Pedro de la Rosa have suffered two engine failures each, while de la Rosa's team-mate Kamui Kobayashi has been the victim of a failure too. Meanwhile, the engine removed from Felipe Massa's car after qualifying for the Bahrain Grand Prix is still being used in free practice sessions. Toro Rosso is the only Ferrari-powered team not to have suffered an engine failure.

Source: ManipeF1

Fuel tank not big enough for Virgin to finish races

Virgin has been given a green light by the FIA to make a substantial change to its 2010 chassis.

Although the chassis is homologated for cost reasons and therefore not able to be modified, it has emerged that the new British team discovered that the fuel tank in the VR-01 car is not big enough.

In fact, with normal engine settings, the Cosworth-powered car - if sufficiently reliable - currently would not make it to the end of a race, according to Germany's Auto Motor und Sport.

It is believed Virgin has been permitted to make the change, which will not be ready for a few more events, on the grounds of the 'cost or reliability' test.

The magazine said the revised chassis, to require a longer underbody, new engine cover and other bodywork, should be ready to debut in Spain in early May.

The situation, however, has put on hold any other car improvements for Virgin, given that it would make little sense to introduce new bodywork now if it must be substantially revised for the new fuel tank package in Barcelona.

Auto Motor und Sport also reports that a tweaked diffuser is not the only altered piece on the 2010 McLaren in Melbourne this weekend.

The report said the FIA requested that the Woking based team also alter a blade dimension on its front wing.

Source: F1 Complete