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[CookinFlat6]

Curious statement from Montoya related to the previous topic

Juan Pablo Montoya believes the reason Ferrari have struggled in recent years is because of the absence of Michael Schumacher.

The 38-year-old former McLaren driver and the seven-time World Champion were regularly fierce competitors during their time together in Formula, even though the Colombian seldom came out on top.

"The only time Ferrari did well was when Michael was there," he told German news agency DPA.

What do Ferrari supporters think about this statement, can it simply be MS missing thats the problem (no mention of Todt or Brawn), thats if there is a problem at all. If there is a problem is Montoya wrong about the cause. If there is not a problem is Ferrari just having bad luck? Is this a discussable topic on the support thread or is it a new thread?

[1Lemon]

McLaren havent won anything for a while either and they actually had the fastest car, should you not be more concerned about when McLaren will win again?

I doubt either McLaren or Ferrari will be relishing the past half decade.

Pfft half a decade? Try being a Williams fan!

[LRW]

Bernie wants to be a billionaire by the age of 90 even if .....

But he already is?

Maybe he wants to be a Trillionaire?

[Hammer278]

Curious statement from Montoya related to the previous topic

Juan Pablo Montoya believes the reason Ferrari have struggled in recent years is because of the absence of Michael Schumacher.

The 38-year-old former McLaren driver and the seven-time World Champion were regularly fierce competitors during their time together in Formula, even though the Colombian seldom came out on top.

"The only time Ferrari did well was when Michael was there," he told German news agency DPA.

What do Ferrari supporters think about this statement, can it simply be MS missing thats the problem (no mention of Todt or Brawn), thats if there is a problem at all. If there is a problem is Montoya wrong about the cause. If there is not a problem is Ferrari just having bad luck? Is this a discussable topic on the support thread or is it a new thread?

Probably worth a new thread? "What's wrong at Ferrari?" or something, it would be interesting to hear from different angles. We had a lot of "Whats wrong at McLaren" for the past 2 years and issues surfaced wildly just a few months back with rectifications. Not a bad time to start a Ferrari one, especially since they've had similar success to McLaren in the past 7 years.

[CookinFlat6]

A new thread could be seen as kicking Ferrari when they are down. But are they really down? All through testing we heard they were on top of things, sandbagging, holding back, clever cooling, economical engine with fuel saving during gear changes. Now it appears the engine is a bit over weight and not able to use the energy recovery optimally. We hear the chassis guys and the engine guys are pointing fingers at each other while the Dom calls for unity.

This was surely Ferraris big chance to use it's expertise and heritage and dominate a new engine based era. 2 WDC drivers on board yet they seem to have started the same way they have every year recently - on the back foot

It's not money, they spend more than Merc and RBR, it's not political influence - they have special privileges, it's not drivers, it's not brains - they could afford to demote Fry and install the best guy after Newey - Allinson

Is this normal or is there an issue? Merc have come from nowhere to take control, Ferrari will have to beat RBR Renault this year or risk having to admit that the talk of aero and engines by Monte was wrong

[Hammer278]

Why is it considered kicking them when they're down, I don't think so at all. It's just an interesting topic to understand what's stopping them from getting back to winning championships which is just as interesting as the McLaren conundrum. Alonso was hired to start their next 'domination brigade' after the Schum, but it's not happened. You've put forward a few ideas but I'd like to hear more from a few Ferrari fans as well.

[LewEngBridewell]

McLaren havent won anything for a while either and they actually had the fastest car, should you not be more concerned about when McLaren will win again?

I doubt either McLaren or Ferrari will be relishing the past half decade.

Pfft half a decade? Try being a Williams fan!

[spankyham]

I rate Raffaele really highly and look forward to him finding a seat in F1 in the not too distant future

 wrote:">Raffaele Marciello: “Optimistic about my debut.”

The final GP2 pre-season tested has now ended in Bahrain, prior to the opening round of the year, which takes place at this very same circuit from 4-6 April on the same card as round 3 of the Formula 1 World Championship. The test went well for Raffaele Marciello, with good results on both qualifying and long runs. Over the three days, the Ferrari Driver Academy student completed 156 laps and was fifth fastest with a 1.39.704.



Raffaele Marciello

“I’m very pleased with how pre-season testing has gone, especially these last three days in Bahrain. One of our aims was to find the best set-up for qualifying and we are now on the right road. I used the Supersoft tyres for the first time in a qualifying run with good results. The long run, in race trim, confirmed the positive trend we had already seen at the previous Abu Dhabi test, especially in terms of tyre management. Looking at our technical preparation as a whole. I am optimistic about my first GP2 race of the season.”

Luca Baldisserri, Head of the FDA

“Raffaele and the Racing Engineering technical crew have made the most of this test session. There are still some areas that require more attention as the season gets underway, such as adapting quickly to the different tyre compounds available. It is one of the obstacles the drivers have to overcome when they start in GP2, but we believe that we can quickly make progress. The long runs have been encouraging and on this front, we will try and learn how to make the most of new tyres in the opening laps without compromising their consistency in the rest of the race. It will be a long and demanding season, but we are ready to deal with it, aware that we can reach our goals.”

[spankyham]

F12berlinetta it’s Robb Report’s 2014 Car of the Year

Maranello, 25 March – In an “unprecedented landslide decision” by Robb Report editors and a panel of guest judges made up of members of the exclusive Robb Report Club, the Ferrari F12berlinetta has been selected as the luxury lifestyle authority’s 2014 Car of the Year.

Now in its 21st year, the award goes to an automobile whose technical excellence, styling, and performance captivate Robb Report’s judging panel. The Ferrari F12berlinetta outdistanced a field of 13 other sports and luxury competitors chosen by Robb Report’s automotive editors for their design, engineering, performance, and overall quality.

Selections resulted from extensive test-driving by a panel of experts that included Robb Report editor in chief Brett Anderson and automotive consultant Robert Ross who said: “Never before have our judges displayed such unanimity in choosing a Car of the Year winner. Most agreed that the F12 has it all: power, luxury, surgical response, and a shape that is seductive yet subtle for the brand. However, the exhaust, from one of the company’s most potent V12, clearly and loudly identifies the F12 as a Ferrari”.

This award adds to the already rich F12berlinetta’s showcase of trophies, including prizes for the best “performance engine” and the best engine above 4 liters.

[sagi58]

McLaren havent won anything for a while either and they actually had the fastest car, should you not be more concerned about when McLaren will win again?

I doubt either McLaren or Ferrari will be relishing the past half decade.

Pfft half a decade? Try being a Williams fan!

I think your loyalty is amazing!! Especially because we live in a world where
instant gratification seems to be the goal, it's great to see that loyalty still exists,
regardless of performance/success!!

[sagi58]

WoW! What a gorgeous, sexy, ferocious car!!
Any colour (prefer black) any method of delivery is acceptable!

Oh, for the afficionadoes of comparisons:

[youtube]q6y7oeZx9WY[/youtube]

p.s. it's hilarious to hear these guys giggling in delight!!

[spankyham]

 wrote:">Santander want Alonso to stay in F1 for another ten years

Ferrari’s major sponsor Santander is going nowhere, according to Emilio Botin, the Spanish banking group’s chief.
Botin said, “We want to continue in Formula 1 for at least ten more years,” Marca sports newspaper quoted him.
And Botin said that Santander want to remain hand-in-hand with Fernando Alonso for the same time period.
“I am convinced that, in ten years, Fernando Alonso will be as good as he is today,” he insisted.
Also present for Botin’s speech was Ferrari team boss Stefano Domenicali, who said: “I agree.”
Botin also revealed why he allowed Santander’s sponsorship with McLaren to lapse.
“There is only one Ferrari team, period,” he said. “We were interested in being with McLaren still because we have a bank in England, but it was a small sponsorship.
“When [Lewis] Hamilton was there it was justified. [Jenson] Button is a great driver, but it’s another matter,” Botin explained.
He suggested that a difficult start to the 2014 season for Ferrari is not swaying Santander’s loyalty.
“The partnership with Ferrari is the best we have had throughout our history,” said Botin. “It is the key for Santander being known around the world.”
Botin did, however, ask Domenicali when real improvements for Ferrari’s 2014 car will arrive.
“China,” the Italian answered. “Good, good,” Botin replied.


Fernando Alonso cycling with Emilio Botin

[sagi58]

 wrote:">Santander want Alonso to stay in F1 for another ten years

Ferrari’s major sponsor Santander is going nowhere, according to Emilio Botin, the Spanish banking group’s chief...

...He suggested that a difficult start to the 2014 season for Ferrari is not swaying Santander’s loyalty.
“The partnership with Ferrari is the best we have had throughout our history,” said Botin. “It is the key for Santander being known around the world...”

[racechick]

 wrote:">Santander want Alonso to stay in F1 for another ten years

Ferrari’s major sponsor Santander is going nowhere, according to Emilio Botin, the Spanish banking group’s chief...

...He suggested that a difficult start to the 2014 season for Ferrari is not swaying Santander’s loyalty.
“The partnership with Ferrari is the best we have had throughout our history,” said Botin. “It is the key for Santander being known around the world...”

I would suggest that santander's major sponsorship commitment will remain with Ferrari as long as Alonso does. Maybe if he leaves they'll remain partly with Ferrari as they did for a while with McLaren, but if Alonso goes to another team I suspect a lot of their sponsorship will go with him.

[spankyham]

 wrote:">Santander want Alonso to stay in F1 for another ten years

Ferrari’s major sponsor Santander is going nowhere, according to Emilio Botin, the Spanish banking group’s chief...

...He suggested that a difficult start to the 2014 season for Ferrari is not swaying Santander’s loyalty.
“The partnership with Ferrari is the best we have had throughout our history,” said Botin. “It is the key for Santander being known around the world...”

I would suggest that santander's major sponsorship commitment will remain with Ferrari as long as Alonso does. Maybe if he leaves they'll remain partly with Ferrari as they did for a while with McLaren, but if Alonso goes to another team I suspect a lot of their sponsorship will go with him.

Yep, when Fernando goes, I'd be fairly certain Santander will wind their sponsorship right back. There quite a few rumors going around that Apple really want to take-over the lead sponsorship position. Not sure how that would go down with me, but then again, I guess Luca (comforted by the iSheep ga-zillions of $) would manage to get over the fact that I might be disappointed.