When Jenson Button first came onto the F1 scene there were glimpses of a potential top driver, but unfortunately that has never materialised and he is left nursing his wounds at Honda. Now with the emergence of F1s newest superstar Lewis Hamilton, it appears Jenson's jealousy has got the better of him, in an interview with the UK's “mail on sunday”.
“He's a great driver, but there are lots of great drivers in Formula One who did not have his package”, Button was quoted as saying believing Lewis has lost his only chance to win the world title. But to write off the young Brits chances so early in his F1 career would be a little premature, especially considering he has just completed the most successful rookie season in Formula 1 history.
It remains to be seen how well Lewis recovers from the major disappointment of losing the title to F1 rival Kimi Raikkonen, the flying Finn could go from strength to strength after a hugely successful end to his season and dominate for many years to come as Michael Schumacher did with Ferrari. And should we discredit the challenge of Alonso, that must depend on how competitive his new team (probably Renault) will be.
Let us know what you think – comment below, was this the only Lewis' last chance to win the F1 title?
Top three times and top 10 finish for Australian debut of Lotus 2-Eleven.
The Lotus 2-Eleven has shown its speed by joining the exclusive eight-minute club at the 2007 Mt Buller Sprint. Only 17 cars have recorded a sub-nine minute run in the event's five year history, and the Lotus 2-Eleven cracked an 8m:59s on only its second dry run. The three-day Mt Buller Sprint started in extremely trying conditions, with the first two days held in rain and fog allowing just two of the planned six special stages to run. With almost half of the 95 car field being all-wheel drive turbos, the Lotus 2-Eleven driven by Dean Evans with navigator Samantha Stevens used its bespoke adjustable traction control to compensate.
"As bad as the conditions were, the rain was a great test for the traction control system," explained Evans. "I started on maximum T/C, but every few kays I was dialling it out to where I could simply stamp on it exiting a corner. We may have had only two-wheel drive, but getting power down was never an issue. The launch control was equally brilliant: in the wet or dry it catapulted off the line."
Enduring very wet, foggy and slippery conditions, 17 cars retired by the end of day two, including two-time winner Jim Richards who withdrew his two-wheel drive Porsche due to the poor weather conditions. Day three was a turn-around, with sunshine and perfect conditions allowing the 2-Eleven to shine for the day's four stages. It didn't take long. On the day's first stage, Evans set the fourth fastest time with a 9m:04s, leading the Subaru STi Spec Cs of Tony Longhurst and Grant Denyer.
On the next stage, the Lotus went five seconds faster to record an 8m:59s run, a stunning third-fastest outright. "By the time I pulled fourth gear after 300 metres, I was thinking 'this is how the quick cars feel!" enthused Evans. "Gradually turning down the traction control throughout the run, on the final corner there was a stream of water running across the road so I turned it back to full traction control, we hit the water under power and started to slide but the computer chips limited the slip and just put the power down. The key was having the confidence in the traction control to floor it from every corner. Now I'd hate to drive a car without it."
At the lunchtime service break, while others were changing tyres to softer compounds and setting suspension, the 2-Eleven was cleaned, polished but remained mechanically untouched from factory trim, including the standard Yokohama Advan tyres, factory-suggested Ohlins shock absorber and sway bar settings and standard Pagid brake pads. It even ran a minimum of half a tank of fuel the entire weekend.
"We wanted to show how quick the 2-Eleven is straight out of the box," explained Lotus Cars Australia Sales and Marketing Manager Jonathan Stretton. "Anyone can purchase a 2-Eleven through our dealer network and we've proved it can run in events like this and be highly competitive."
Into the afternoon's final two stages, Evans' consistency showed with another 8:59 and on the final run, the clock stopped at an 8m:54.66, a time that would have been fastest outright on the first Mt Buller event. Based solely on dry runs, it would have finished an incredible fifth outright on debut. Including the two wet stages, the Lotus 2-Eleven placed ninth outright in the 2007 Mt Buller Sprint.
Mr Stretton added: "We're extremely proud of Dean and Samantha being able to showcase the 2-Eleven's potential. They did an exemplary job, especially given the circumstances, and to perform this well without changing the car in any way is testament to both the crew who drove the 2-Eleven and the Lotus Sport team in the UK who built it."
At just 745kg, the 2-Eleven's supercharged 1.8-litre four-cylinder offers 188kW and 0-100km/h in just 3.9 seconds on the way to a top speed of 249km/h. The recommended retail price of the Lotus 2-Eleven is $127,500 plus statutory government charges, sold through the Lotus Cars Australia authorised dealer network.
Within 24 hours of posting, the video of the Lotus 2-Eleven's run at the Mt Buller Sprint was the number one Most Viewed, Top Rated and Top Favourites in the Autos & Vehicles categories on YouTube Australia. The video can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8gb21NzEsw
Lotus Cars Australia would like to extend its deepest condolences to the family and friends of navigator Paul Flintoft who was tragically killed during day one of the Mt Buller event, and wishes driver David Reynolds a full and speedy recovery.
When we all thought the off track revelations have died down in the world of Formula 1, Mclaren come to the rescue with their involvement in another spying scandal, but this time they are the victims.
This time McLaren's Formula 1 rivals Renault have been summoned by the FIA over charges they were in possession of secret McLaren documents containing information about the McLaren fuelling system, gear assembly, oil cooling system, critical dimension data, hydraulic control system and a novel suspension component used in the 2006 and 2007 McLaren F1 cars.
McLaren's former Engineer Phil Mackereth is alleged to have taken 3 disks containing the detailed information with him to Renault, and if found guilty they could possibly be facing a $100 million fine as well as being thrown out of the constructors championship, if the FIA follows the precedence they have already set with McLaren.
The hearing is set to take place on December 6th.
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His first championship
Two races ago the world was convinced of Lewis Hamilton writing Formula 1 history to be the first rookie to take the championship, even after the McLaren team was disqualified from the constructors championship. But Kimi showed some famous Finnish 'sisu' and did what all McLaren fans and the UK feared most, to win twice in a row while Lewis stumbled, twice. Finland went crazy last night celebrating the first championship since Mikä Häkkinen's 1999 victory.
Kimi 'Ice Man' Raikkonen was even seen smiling, a first for this season of F1. Kimi: "It is very difficult for me to explain in words what I am feeling at the moment: it is an incredible emotion. Even when we went through some difficult times and it looked as though there was no way to fight back, we never gave up and this work produced its reward today.”
Obviously Lewis Hamilton was not in the best of moods but was still able to put this season into perspective: “Obviously I am pretty disappointed with the result today, having lead for so much of the season and then not to win the Championship. However I have to put the result into perspective, this is only my first year in Formula 1 and overall it has just been phenomenal.” We are not expecting Lewis to make the same mistake (he lost 28 seconds while resetting his gearbox) next season.
The McLaren doom scenario became a reality with Kimi gathering 110 points throughout the season and both Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso ending on 109 points, Lewis takes second place. Next season should prove interesting with three championship candidates on three different teams, Raikkonen at Ferrari, Hamilton at McLaren and Alonso at Renault.
The Nissan GT-R GT500 race car for the GT500 class of Japan's SUPER GT series got its first run on a race track less than a week after the unveiling of the production car. The Suzuka Circuit was the host of the Nissan GT-R GT500 tests that took place from October 29 – 30, being supervised by NISMO (Nissan Motorsports International Co., Ltd.).
The Nissan GT-R GT500 will debut in Japan's SUPER GT series next year. The tests took place under sunny skies and the Nissan GT-R GT500 had Satoshi Motoyama, Michael Krumm and Tsugio Matsuda, behind the wheel. The test was designed to obtain important data for the race car's further development.
Following repeated requests by motor racing enthusiasts among the SLR. CLUB members, the British motor racing specialists RML Group (Ray Mallock Ltd) have developed the new SLR 722 GT. This puristic super-sportscar is designed exclusively for the racetrack, has no approval for on-road use and will take part in the SLR. CLUB Trophy, a competition series forming part of the SLR. CLUB racetrack programme in Europe.
Compared to the series-production version, the SLR 722 GT has been uniquely and comprehensively re-engineered by RML, especially with respect to the suspension, braking system, aerodynamics, interior and exhaust system. More than 400 components were redesigned. The key data of this edition limited to 21 two-seaters kerb weight 1390 kilograms, maximum output 500 kW/680 ps at 1.75 bar boost, and maximum torque of 830 Newton metres to guarantee maximum racetrack performance.
The SLR 722 GT already makes a powerful impression at standstill: new body components such as the front apron with front splitter, wide wings, prominent side skirts, the large rear diffuser and the fixed rear spoiler are obvious indicators of outstanding racetrack performance and extensive aerodynamic development work.
The likewise redesigned bonnet conceals a supercharged AMG 5.5-litre V8-engine uprated by RML to develop a peak output of 500 kW/680 ps and a maximum torque of 830 Newton metres. A racing air filter and a new exhaust system ensure outstanding responsiveness and an even more striking engine sound. Dispensing with numerous comfort features means that the SLR 722 GT tips the scales at a kerb weight of just 1390 kilograms. The result is a favourable power-to-weight ratio of 2.0 kg/ps and an acceleration time of 3.3 seconds from standstill to 100 km/h. The maximum speed is 315 km/h.
Modified suspension with central wheel locks
Fast lap times are guaranteed by the newly developed suspension: a new wheel location system at both front and rear provides improved kinematics and lateral dynamics. A modified stabiliser at the front axle reduces roll when cornering, while an adjustable wheel camber combined with shock absorbers with variable compression and rebound characteristics allow the suspension to be set up for different racetracks. 18-inch light- alloy wheels with central locks allow fast tyre-changes during a race which is also assisted by the pneumatic jacking system.
Power is transferred by a five-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel shift paddles, which has been adapted to racing conditions. A mechanical locking differential with a locking effect of 70 percent under acceleration and 80 percent on the overrun ensures traction without loss of power. Highly efficient, fade- resistant braking is provided by the new racing brakes complying with FIA GT regulations, which feature a modified cooling airflow and adjustable balance. The interior of the SLR 722 GT is characterised by the functional atmosphere of a thoroughbred racing car. Eye-catching details include a rollover cage, a redesigned instrument panel with a racing display, a racing steering wheel and bucket seats with six-point seat belts.
Developed by motor racing specialists
Development, production and sales of the SLR 722 GT are in the hands of the renowned British motorsport and automotive specialists RML Group. A maximum of 21 vehicles will be produced. Servicing and participation in racing events is also under the aegis of RML in collaboration with the SLR.SAFETY & SPEED ACADEMY.
The owners of cars already ordered are all members of the SLR. CLUB a highly exclusive community which organises events relating to the SLR and is chaired by Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of Daimler AG and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Cars. The SLR.SAFETY & SPEED ACADEMY forming part of the SLR. CLUB offers special driver training courses, and enables customers to acquire a national Category A racing licence.
Prominent, highly-skilled instructors for the SLR. CLUB include David Coulthard, Klaus Ludwig, Jochen Mass, Chris Goodwin and Christina Surer. The central focus of SLR. CLUB events is on automotive passion, professionalism and perfection.
Ready for the tarmac
Toyota Racing Development is readying itself for a tarmac rally return in Australia. Toyota TRD has been competing in the Australian rally successfully and will return to the tarmac Targa Tasmania rally this coming April with their new TRD Aurion.
The TRD Aurion is a, although sporty, regular road going car and will now get a proper run to show what the car is really capable of. Neal Bates Motorsport, who are also heavily involved with the rally TRD team, have been an integral part of the TRD Aurion development and are sure they can show the race-bred competition a thing or two and aims for a top 15 finish.
"We have only made minor modifications to the standard car, like fitting a roll cage, racing seats and safety equipment," said Neal Bates. "Targa is an event I absolutely love and the team's ultimate aim is to finish inside the top 10 outright. It would be an amazing performance if we could achieve it."
Press Release
TRD AURION RACE CAR HEADED TO TARGA
Toyota is set to return to one of Australia's iconic motorsport events in 2008, tackling the legendary Targa Tasmania with a TRD Aurion. It will be the first time since 2003 that Toyota Australia has entered a car in the tarmac rally and will mark the first competitive outing for the TRD-designed-and-built 3.5-litre, supercharged V6 Aurion.
Toyota will enter a standard TRD Aurion prepared by the team at Neal Bates Motorsport - the same group behind Toyota's multiple-championship-winning TRD rally outfit. Former Targa winner Bates was an integral part of TRD Aurion's development and believes the car has the potential to knock off some of its race-bred competitors.
"We have only made minor modifications to the standard car, like fitting a roll cage, racing seats and safety equipment," said Neal Bates. "TRD Aurion was developed over roads like those found on Targa Tasmania so it will be great to see it being driven at its maximum." Although TRD Aurion will be competing against cars specifically designed for racing, Bates believes it can finish inside the top 15.
"Targa is an event I absolutely love and the team's ultimate aim is to finish inside the top 10 outright. It would be an amazing performance if we could achieve it," said Bates. "The entire team is very excited about returning to Targa as we haven't done a tarmac event in a while."
The car is set to run in the Modern category of Targa's 17th edition. Targa Tasmania will provide Toyota Australia with an idea of TRD Aurion's potential for future motorsport events.
Toyota's last entry in the iconic tarmac rally was in 2003 with a Camry Sportivo and involved two greats of world motorsport. The car was piloted by the legendary Colin Bond, with the former 'Voice of Formula One', commentator Murray Walker, acting as co-driver.
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