Force India Announces Technical Department Restructure

The Force India Formula One Team today announced a restructure to its technical department ahead of the 2010 FIA Formula One World Championship season, due to James Key, technical director, leaving the team to pursue new opportunities. Mark Smith, formerly design director, will now become technical director and will assume responsibility for the entire mechanical and aerodynamic design of the team’s challengers.

James has been a long-standing member of the team, first joining Jordan Grand Prix in 1998 as a data engineer before progressing to test engineer and later senior race engineer for Takuma Sato. In 2003, James joined the aerodynamic group and was then promoted to head of vehicle science towards the end of that year before becoming technical director in 2005.

Dr Vijay Mallya, chairman and team principal, said, ‘We would like to thank James for his commitment and drive over his 12 years with the team. Over this period he has seen four changes of owners, but his consistency and drive have enabled the team to field cars that have often belied our small size. We wish him every success in his future endeavours. For Force India, we will now undergo a slight restructure where Mark will take responsibility for the whole design process and various departments within the drawing office and we are confident we will have both the resources and the personnel to continue our strong progress shown at the end of 2009.’

James Key commented, ‘I have spent the majority of my motor racing career within the team and although a difficult decision I felt the time was right for me to move on to new opportunities. After four owners and various changes and challenges, to field a car that got a pole position and a podium seemed like a culmination of all the efforts. While I’m sad to leave a team I know so well, one which has allowed me to realise many ambitions within F1, I’m looking forward to a new start. The VJM03 is now up and running and early indications are good, I wish Force India all the very best for the next and coming seasons.’

Mark Smith will now assume the role of technical director with responsibility for all of the technical departments. Mark was one of the first Jordan employees and progressed through the team’s ranks to become joint chief designer. After 11 years with Jordan, Mark joined Renault Formula 1 as chief designer before joining Red Bull Racing in 2005, initially as deputy technical director and then technical director. Mark re-joined Force India in November 2007.

Quotes Roundup – Week Ending 21st February

The very best from the mouths of those in the know.

Testing in Jerez

The cars get set for their second week of testing…

• “From the laps that we achieved, we have again confirmed the reliability of the car, and from the impressions and data gathered, we can say that the pace and performance looks very good.” Michael Schumacher
  
• “We hope to get in some more laps in dry conditions because we still have a lot of work to do. The weather forecast is not very good for tomorrow, so we have to make the most of every dry window we get.” Pedro de la Rosa
  
• “Firstly I want to say a big thank you to Fairuz who did an excellent job today with the first proper day of running. With so much going on, such as doing systems checks, it can be a pretty disjointed day for the driver.” Mike Gascoyne
  

More Testing

It’s all about the weather, not speed…

• “We had a few electrical and mechanical problems to fix and check out from the last test. We have a few new parts to check out. Other than that, not much to say – the fifth day with rain on the same circuit. It’s boring.” Giorgio Ascanelli
  
• “It was not so positive, but it’s the same for everybody. It’s important to be here, running in the wet and in the dry. It doesn’t matter the conditions, it’s important to run and make the mileage on the car. We are maybe the team who run the most so I think that’s positive.” Felipe Massa
  
• “You always depend on the conditions. It was dry and wet, damp and in between, nothing really. Some people did more laps, some less. It was always too dry for inters or wets, and when it was raining hard it was too wet to even go out at some stage. That’s a shame because you lose a lot of time and you can’t really test things that you would like to.” Sebastian Vettel
  

F1 Wannabes

Those who would like to get on the grid…

• “Being competitive was something I missed in the last few seasons. There were seats available – with Campos or US F1 – but I don’t feel it was appropriate. The name is F1 but I can’t see those cars being competitive.” Takuma Sato
  
• “At the moment we have to say that we are very near. We are very near to a contract with Jacques Villeneuve, and probably also with another driver as our reserve driver. But the first one which will be with us is Kazuki Nakajima.” Zoran Stefanovich
  
• “I have some propositions to do some GT Open races, and we’ve had some contact with Superleague. Nothing is confirmed. But it wasn’t what I wanted. Formula 1 was always the main objective, so we’ll see what happens.” Alvaro Parente
  

Quotes Roundup – Week Ending 11th October

The very best from the mouths of those in the know.

Massa Returns to the Track

Felipe Massa behind the wheel of the F2007…

• “The simulator uses an A1GP single-seater, so it’s not exactly like Formula 1, but pretty close. I drove on the track in Barcelona to avoid creating an even bigger test atmosphere.” Felipe Massa
  
• “Felipe will return to Maranello tomorrow where, on Monday, he will take a further step in his recovery programme in the best possible way, taking the wheel of a private F2007 single-seater in a test under the personal assistance of the F1 Clienti department.” Ferrari Statement
  
• “Everything went well, I felt very good physically, it felt like the crash from 25 July had never occurred. I haven’t had any eyesight problem and today I’d be ready to do not just one, but two races in a row.” Felipe Massa
  

New Teams on Schedule

US F1 and Manor confirm everything is going to plan…

• “Because of all the time we’ve lost, our ambition to run two young Americans is looking more difficult. I’m still hoping we’ll be able to run one American, but that’s a tall order because there aren’t many Americans out there with superlicences.” Peter Windsor
  
• “I personally visited the US F1 Team in August as well as this week, and I am impressed with the progress made by the organization since the Concorde Agreement was signed in late July.” Nick Craw
  
• “We are already assembling components on a mock-up chassis, the first real chassis is being built and should be ready in four or five weeks’ time. I’m very satisfied with the way crash tests are going and therefore I predict that the first car will be able to start running on the track at the beginning of February.” Nick Wirth
  

Driver Desires

Some of those drivers just want to return…

• “To me, F1 is an unfinished job so I want to get back in and just have a competitive package to drive, because now I have the experience, I have the speed. I really hope I can do it.” Takuma Sato
  
• “I’m speaking to a few teams that have open spaces and the new teams are still open. I am under no illusions about how difficult it will be, but I’m talking to people and if I’m given a chance, I will give 100 per cent.” Nelson Piquet Jr
  
• “It’s looking pretty good actually. We have some good offers on the table, and this is what we needed really. I think Formula 1 is in a tough moment, with many drivers on the market and that doesn’t make it easy for drivers outside of Formula 1 to get it.” Bruno Senna
  

Quotes Roundup – Week Ending 8th Feb

The very best from the mouths of those in the know.

Mosley’s Lunch Date

The FIA President speaks to a select few…

• “If we get the job done we will have 12 teams – it means independent engine and gearbox supplier at a sensible cost.Secondly decisions taken quickly and thirdly the commercial rights holder paying down to 12th place and also transport.” Max Mosley
  
• “Being very frank about it, a lot of people are saying you need to stay because of this situation and I really have to ask myself is 1) should I stay and that would mean 18 years running the sport, that is an awfully long time and then to do another 4 years, and 2) do I want to?” Max Mosley
  
• “If someone said ‘Here is 100 pounds, you have got to put it on a driver’, I would probably put it on Lewis. I think McLaren have done a very good job over the winter, everything I hear indicates that.” Max Mosley
  

Toro Rosso Racer

The team confirmed Bourdais, leaving Sato without a drive…

• “Now, I can focus on preparing for the coming season. It promises to be a very interesting one, thanks to all the rule changes and I’m also looking forward to establishing a good relationship with my new teammate, Sebastien Buemi, to ensure both of us do the best possible job for the team and for Red Bull.” Sebastien Bourdais
• “After one year with Toro Rosso, we expect him to profit from the experience he gained last season. He now knows the F1 environment, the race tracks and the team. In addition, the slick tyres, which make a comeback this year, should suit his driving style very well.” Franz Tost
  
• “I am determined to stay in top level motorsport and I will be fully focused on making a return to F1 as long as any opportunity is there. I want to thank all my supporters who have been absolutely fantastic with their loyalty, I will always remember these fantastic relationships we have built and hope we can one day repay this support.” Takuma Sato
  

The Licence Fee Debate

Drivers refuse to pay the inflated price…

• “The drivers contend that the Super Licence fees should not be a revenue stream for the FIA and such a change constitutes a major departure in principle for both past Super Licence fees and fees for any other drivers’ licences.” GPDA Statement
  
• “In the present climate, somebody who is earning several million a year and doesn’t want to spend one or two percent of that to get a licence for his trade is not going to get a lot of sympathy. And maybe we will have a quiet Friday in Melbourne…” Max Mosley
  
• “The drivers are not opposed to a reasonable increase in the Super Licence fees, the fee which should cover the administrative and other costs relating to the issue of the licence.” GPDA Statement
  

06-Feb-09: Toro Rosso Confirm Bourdais for 2009

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After yesterday’s hint that Bourdais would be returning to the Toro Rosso car in Jerez next week, the team have today confirmed that he will be in the car all year. Having kept us waiting so long, Franz Tost finally spoke about their re-signing, saying: “We expect him to profit from the experience he gained last season. He now knows the F1 environment, the race tracks and the team. In addition, the slick tyres, which make a comeback this year, should suit his driving style very well.”

It does leave all the other hopefuls disappointed, especially Sato who felt like he had a good chance. His manager Andrew Gilbert-Scott is disappointed, saying: “We have all been working very hard, and have been able to attract a significant amount of sponsorship… but unfortunately it was obviously not enough to secure the drive.” Sato maintains that he has unfinished business within F1 and wants to return, but admits his future is uncertain.

That’s it for this week, have a great weekend, and I’ll be back on Monday with another F1 Minute.

11-Dec-08: Ecclestone Hits Out at Honda

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Bernie Ecclestone hasn’t held back his opinion on Honda, telling The Telegraph newspaper that they will not be missed. He said: “Just look at where they finished in the championship – ninth. They wasted millions and were a bad example to other teams.” He then goes on to say he’s looking forward to bringing in some buyers with more sense. Harsh words.

Meanwhile, Vijay Mallya has admitted the 2009 lineup for Force India is not official, despite both drivers confident they’ll be driving next year. Mallya previously said they would both be back, but now apparently has to “discuss this issue with McLaren and take this decision at an appropriate time.”

Finally, it was Toro Rosso on top again in Jerez, Buemi just ahead of Sato, with both drivers completing well over 100 laps each. BMW were the slowest of the day, but as ever, these times aren’t really representative.

That’s it for today, please join me again tomorrow for another F1 Minute.

10-Dec-08: Buemi Leads Day Two at Jerez

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It’s the 10th December 2008, and this is F1 Minute.

Buemi once again led the way in Jerez. Sato was close behind him though, and later made a point of saying Toro Rosso will be on fine form in 2009. Bourdais brought up the rear, with the top three positions all secured by Toro Rosso. McLaren turned up with their 2009 front wing, all flat and wide, although it didn’t look so bad without the obnoxious rear wing to go with it.

Elsewhere today, the FIA and FOTA met in Monaco and although no details have been given, both sides say it was one of the most productive meetings any of the parties present can remember. Yesterday, Autosport revealed they believed five teams had signed up to the Cosworth standard engine deal, one of which was Renault. Today, though, Renault have distanced themselves from this rumour, although not categorically denied it either.

Finally, Alonso has admitted he was surprised by Honda’s exit from the team, and presumably he’s thanking his lucky stars that he didn’t decide to move there.

That’s it for today, I’ll be back tomorrow with another F1 Minute.

18-Nov-08: Vettel Ahead For Second Day of Barcelona Test

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Sebastian Vettel topped the timesheets at testing in Barcelona today, in his Red Bull. Yesterday’s leader Takuma Sato was close behind in second, with the other two Toro Rosso entrants Bourdais and Buemi settling in third and fourth. Gary Paffett in the McLaren was best of the rest with normal McLaren test driver Pedro de la Rosa in the Force India car. He ended the day last.

After seeing the potential 2009 BMW yesterday, tester Christian Klien has admitted that it’s not a nice looking car: “To me, for the moment, it’s the worst Formula One car I have ever seen. It just doesn’t fit together.” Kubica agreed that it looks a lot better from inside the cockpit.

Finally today, Bernie Ecclestone has resurfaced his idea of changing the current points system to a medal tally, to encourage drivers to fight for gold instead of settling for silver. He says that the FIA and teams are all for the idea.

That’s it for today, I’ll be back tomorrow with another F1 Minute.

17-Nov-08: Takuma Sato Tops Day 1 of Barcelona Test

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Welcome to F1 Minute, it’s the 17th November 2008.

Testing got underway at Barcelona today, with our first glimpse of the 2009 wings in action. BMW ran a very high rear wing and low front wing, and it’s not that pretty. They were also testing out KERS, with the mechanics protected with thick gloves.

Toyota were the only team not in action, and we saw Takuma Sato top the timesheets in his test for Toro Rosso. Sebastien Buemi, also in the Toro Rosso, was just three tenths slower.

There were three red flags, caused by Robert Kubica for BMW and Nico Hulkenberg for Williams, with the main disaster saved for Giedo van der Garde in the Renault. He completed 27 laps as part of his World Series prize, but crashed out and finished the day in 16th.

Elsewhere, it appears the Canadian Grand Prix will definitely be off the calendar as the Montreal Mayor has admitted: “Despite our endeavours, the unreasonable demands of Formula One exceeded the taxpayer’s ability to pay.”

That’s it for today, I’ll be back tomorrow with another F1 Minute.

11-Nov-08: Toro Rosso Set Up Driver Shoot Out

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Today is the 11th November and this is F1 Minute.

Toro Rosso have confirmed who they’ll be running at the test in Barcelona next week. With just two seats available and a raft of drivers interested in having a go, just three will get a chance at the Circuit de Catalunya. Sebastien Buemi is scheduled to drive for all three days at the test, with Takuma Sato getting a chance for a day and a half, and Bourdais getting the other day and a half. It seems pretty tightly organised, and I hope it goes to plan. It’s been ages since we saw a good shoot out for a race seat. Apparently Bruno Senna is still in the running, despite having a go in the Honda, and Autosport.com is reporting that Barrichello was also in discussions with the team, but needs to bring some sponsorship money with him.

Elsewhere, David Coulthard has raised doubts about Hamilton’s pledge of commitment to McLaren. Lewis said he wants to see his career out at the team, but DC says if McLaren become uncompetitive, he doubts that will remain the case.

That’s it for today, please join me again tomorrow for another F1 Minute.

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