2014 car launch dates

[AndyL]

McLaren: Fri 24 Jan
Mercedes: Tue 28 Jan (at Jerez test)
Lotus: some time before Bahrain test (before Wed 19 Feb)

Anyone have any more?

[Tazio]

F1 correspondent Alessandro Stefanini said Ferrari's 2014 package would be run over a couple of "filming days" before to its official debut.

He said the most likely car launch date were January 23 or 25, with the latter less likely due to "superstitious" reasons.
What is so unlucky about Saturday Jan. 25? That sounds kind of lame to me.

[AndyL]

F1 correspondent Alessandro Stefanini said Ferrari's 2014 package would be run over a couple of "filming days" before to its official debut.

He said the most likely car launch date were January 23 or 25, with the latter less likely due to "superstitious" reasons.
What is so unlucky about Saturday Jan. 25? That sounds kind of lame to me.

Maybe it's the other way around, 23 having some positive association.

[Tazio]

^ May well be Andy I wonder what the reasoning is. Now I have to know. :angryfire :p

[Bagwan]

After a moment or two of googling , I read that Enzo never ran cars on Fridays for those superstitious reasons , and I guess the 25th is a Friday .

So , it's about Fridays , not specifically the 25th .

I didn't find , however , what had the old man spooked about Fridays .

[Tazio]

Jan. 25th is a Saturday :crazy:

[Bagwan]

Jan. 25th is a Saturday :crazy:

Well , way to wreck that theory .
Had to go and look at a calendar , didn't you ?

Believe it or not , I did read it somewhere .

[anfield5]

^ May well be Andy I wonder what the reasoning is. Now I have to know. :angryfire :p

I could be wrong, but I seem to recall it was because his son Alfredo (DIno) died on a Saturday, so Ferrari never liked testing or working on Saturdays.

[RS]

^ May well be Andy I wonder what the reasoning is. Now I have to know. :angryfire :p

I could be wrong, but I seem to recall it was because his son Alfredo (DIno) died on a Saturday, so Ferrari never liked testing or working on Saturdays.

Is that why they're sh1t in qualifying then?

[AndyL]

I could be wrong, but I seem to recall it was because his son Alfredo (DIno) died on a Saturday, so Ferrari never liked testing or working on Saturdays.

If Wikipedia is correct then Dino did indeed die on a Saturday (30/6/1956) so that seems a likely explanation.

[Tazio]

Makes sense, thanks guys!

[Tazio]

Looks like they are launching The F14T (my prediction) on Saturday the 25th :crazy:
http://motorsportstalk.nbcsports.com/20 ... h/related/ (http://motorsportstalk.nbcsports.com/2014/01/15/ferrari-announces-january-25-online-launch/related/)



Is that why they're sh1t in qualifying then?

Dino died in 1956 Ferrari have a total of 207 poles going back to 1950, substantially more than any other constructor.
So I guess the short answer is no. ;)

[SGWilko]

Looks like they are launching The F14T (my prediction) on Saturday the 25th :crazy:
http://motorsportstalk.nbcsports.com/20 ... h/related/ (http://motorsportstalk.nbcsports.com/2014/01/15/ferrari-announces-january-25-online-launch/related/)



Is that why they're sh1t in qualifying then?

Dino died in 1956 Ferrari have a total of 207 poles going back to 1950, substantially more than any other constructor.
So I guess the short answer is no. ;)

But it was a funny one liner, you gotta give him that??? ;)

[Tazio]

But it was a funny one liner, you gotta give him that??? ;)

:sailor:

[minardi]

Force India VJM07

http://cdn.images.autosport.com/editorial/1390379893.jpg

[Finski]

Can't wait to see them, if they look like this new Force India picture i'll be happy, looks good.

Even though its not really about the looks, Its nice to have a sweet looking F1 car. I was a bit concerned about what the noses would look like but was pleasantly surprised. Can't wait to see the others, especially Ferrari.

[dj_bytedisaster]

Well first of all you can't actually see the nose as they carefully chose a side-profile only. The fron tyre also hides the ugly angle drop of the nose.

On top of that it is not actually the nose they are going to use. It is a banker and will be changed until Melbourne.

source: TJ13: Daily #F1 News and Comment: Wednesday 22nd January 2014 (http://thejudge13.com/2014/01/22/daily-f1-news-and-comment-wednesday-22nd-january-2014/)

[RS]

Force India looks good.

Didn't know there was a team entering the Fiesta into the F1 World Championship this year though?

[Tazio]

I don'r really care for the livery of the 2014 FI challenger. It's too busy for my liking.
Then again all that really matters is if it's fast

[steveaki13]

I quite like the new livery actually.

Although most of these first photo's are only that. Livery reveals, as Dj said the cars should be quite different come the season proper.

Anyway looks OK though as a first impression.

[rjbetty]

Force India VJM07

http://cdn.images.autosport.com/editorial/1390379893.jpg

Hey it's a mid-90s Minardi with a big splash of orange!

Your username made me think of that. Welcome on board btw.

This is another team to go for a dark livery when Nico Hulkenberg arrived.

[steveaki13]

At least Minardi still exsist somewhere.

[minardi]

Hey it's a mid-90s Minardi with a big splash of orange!

Your username made me think of that. Welcome on board btw.

This is another team to go for a dark livery when Nico Hulkenberg arrived.

Thanks! Yeah it does feel a bit Minardi-esque. Funny that!

Hopefully the colours are as striking in reality rather than just taking second stage to the black – we'll find out soon enough, although does look like the front of the nose will be white, with the ant-eater part black to become less noticeable.

[anfield5]

Kinda looks like an American single seater with the colour scheme. But I kinda like it. I wonder if the Hulk has a clause in his contract that says he will only race a dark grey or black car?

[dj_bytedisaster]

Williams posted first pic on twitter. What a moose.

http://thejudge13.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/williams_prelaunch.png?w=746&h=1224

Martini rumoured to be title sponsor.

Daily #F1 News and Comment: Thursday 23nd January 2014 (http://thejudge13.com/2014/01/23/daily-f1-news-and-comment-thursday-23nd-january-2014/)

[RS]

I like the side profile of these new noses. The front view of the Williams is a little less pretty but I still think they're better than the awful stepped noses we've had for the last couple of years.

[dj_bytedisaster]

It looks like a failed pornstar with his willy hanging out of his britches. It's a complete abomination :mad:

[Ranger]

Better than the stepped noses at least.

[Robinho]

Looks ok to me, we hated the narrow high rear wings, the grooved tyres, the high noses, the low noses, the stepped noses, the wide front wings, the skinnier tyres, the high cockpit sides and everything in between. We'll grow to be indifferent to these and then when the next changes happen we'll hate them too

[DazzlaF1]

I like it a lot, really stands out

[henners88]

Changes for changes sake. We'll get used to it but by mid season when we realise how dull the racing has become, it'll be the least of the fans worries. I hope we are proven wrong and we have a title fight this year.

[jens]

Force India specifically showed a side picture not to show the hideous front end! However, the livery of FI looks awesome.

Autosport.com wrote already a couple of months ago that these noses are not going to look particularly pretty this year...

[truefan72]

I don'r really care for the livery of the 2014 FI challenger. It's too busy for my liking.
Then again all that really matters is if it's fast

yeah, i think they are on the right path, but it is a bit busy,
But good to see them trying new ideas out, away from the standard white they have been running for some time.

[steveaki13]

I always love to see changes of livery. Freshen things up.

[Zico]

Force India specifically showed a side picture not to show the hideous front end! However, the livery of FI looks awesome.

Autosport.com wrote already a couple of months ago that these noses are not going to look particularly pretty this year...


In recent years, other than a few Ferraris which didn't look too hideous, I can't say I've seen any modern F1 cars in the last decade that I'd regard as being particularly 'pretty'. It's all substance over style I guess... For me wings only really look right on aircraft.. The Eurifighter Typhoon... now that is a beautiful looking machine! :)

[COD]

Williams posted first pic on twitter. What a moose.

http://thejudge13.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/williams_prelaunch.png?w=746&h=1224

Martini rumoured to be title sponsor.

Daily #F1 News and Comment: Thursday 23nd January 2014 (http://thejudge13.com/2014/01/23/daily-f1-news-and-comment-thursday-23nd-january-2014/)

Martini liveries have allways looked great in rallycars, so hope for great things on the Wiloiams one as well

[Big Ben]

The aerodynamic changes are more radical than expected. They've changed the nose of the car with a p3n1s.

[minardi]

If Martini does indeed become a main sponsor of Williams... we might actually get a pretty amazing livery on the grid in 2014!

That is of course unless the people in the design department eff up the opportunity of producing something iconic. The liveries on Williams have hardly been memorable the past few years. :rolleyes:

[minardi]

McLaren MP4-29
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BevkJ-QCIAA7HFf.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BevlN1ZIQAA5BRq.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BevlNE0CMAIDiM4.jpg

http://media.cdn.mclaren.com/images/galleries/_79P0197.jpg


Lotus E22
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BevlO5ACQAEyFE1.png

Edit: more photos

[AndyL]

A return to push rod suspension for McLaren. Launch is being shown on Sky at 8PM tonight.

Best-looking interpretation of the cocknose I've seen so far.

[AndyL]

Lotus E22
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BevlO5ACQAEyFE1.png


A double nose! Didn't see that coming. Genius, or too clever by half?

[minardi]

Lotus putting the boot into McLaren on the day Boullier quits and is set to join McLaren.

@Lotus_F1Team
"Already tired of the #McLarenMP429 launch? Ok, best stay tuned as our #E22 is set to unveil its true colours soon..."

... then go and post their car at 12pm as well. Rascals.

[RS]

These new noses look fine from the side, but the front on view looks a bit dodgy on the McLaren, Interesting what Lotus have done.

I'm quite surprised McLaren say their roster of sponsors is the envy of the pitlane and their finances are the best they have ever been when there is very little on the car!

[Big Ben]

the mclaren looks pretty pretty without the red though... hihi... except the wiener at the front of course... it looks to me the cars this year have a gender

[dj_bytedisaster]

http://thejudge13.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/wtf1.png?w=746&h=429

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

[Wasted Talent]

Interesting takes on the droop nose. Will be good to see FI from the front...

Also the McLaren brings home how much smaller the rear wing is.

WT

[dj_bytedisaster]

Interesting takes on the droop nose. Will be good to see FI from the front...

Also the McLaren brings home how much smaller the rear wing is.

WT


FI is a Williams style anteater : http://thejudge13.com/2014/01/24/daily-f1-news-and-comment-friday-24th-january-2014/

[steveaki13]

If the Mclarens livery stays like that we are going to struggle to tell a distant Merc and Macca apart.

Anyway I do like the look of the new McLaren. Very sleek.

[minardi]

If the Mclarens livery stays like that we are going to struggle to tell a distant Merc and Macca apart.

Anyway I do like the look of the new McLaren. Very sleek.

It's just an interim livery thankfully until all their sponsorships are nailed on and secure.

Found this second image of the Lotus. Words fail me for that nose. According to @ScarbsF1, "the two tusks are unequal lengths, longer one forms the 9000mm2 tip, the other is also a crash strcuture, both act as Y250 flow conditioners"

http://cdn.images.autosport.com/editorial/1390581202.jpg

[christophulus]

They're about 90% there in making the cars look great, I really like the dropped noses compared to last years cars. It's just a shame the FIA have yet again left a daft loophole in that results in the fugly points on the ends of the nose cone.

[steveaki13]

If the Mclarens livery stays like that we are going to struggle to tell a distant Merc and Macca apart.

Anyway I do like the look of the new McLaren. Very sleek.

It's just an interim livery thankfully until all their sponsorships are nailed on and secure.

Found this second image of the Lotus. Words fail me for that nose. According to @ScarbsF1, "the two tusks are unequal lengths, longer one forms the 9000mm2 tip, the other is also a crash strcuture, both act as Y250 flow conditioners"

http://cdn.images.autosport.com/editorial/1390581202.jpg

Thanks

Yes that nose of differing lengths is bizarre. Its interesting to see a couple of different approaches. Maybe we will even see another.

Reminds me of 2004 and the Walrus. What a success that was. :D

[truefan72]

I have to admit, the Lotus looks incredibly stylish and attractive. As to the double nose, I think they might be unto something. Those guys are usually on point and it would be interesting to see how it plays out. At least there is some serious variety amongst the cars. That always makes for a fun conversation an viewing.

I'll wait for my final verdict until I see the mclaren in all its title sponsor glory. that dong nose is weird though.

If i had one word to describe all the cars so far it would be "Retro"

[Finski]

The mclaren would be beautiful if the the end of the nose was chopped off, still haven't gotten used to it, not sure if I will.

Just seen this pic, if this is the actual Ferrari I will be jumping for joy that ferrari has the best looking front, this is what they should all look like

http://content.f1today.net/x/full/photos/52e2d97944ca88cdb2208ffaf5e1d2d7aa1bcacb9448c.jpg? s=s

[Tazio]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bew29IWCMAAgnYt.jpg

[steveaki13]

Nice Doc. :)

What will the general effect of the smaller rear wings be? Should it just simply make it easier to follow?

[RS]

The mclaren would be beautiful if the the end of the nose was chopped off, still haven't gotten used to it, not sure if I will.

Just seen this pic, if this is the actual Ferrari I will be jumping for joy that ferrari has the best looking front, this is what they should all look like

http://content.f1today.net/x/full/photos/52e2d97944ca88cdb2208ffaf5e1d2d7aa1bcacb9448c.jpg? s=s

Agree, that Ferrari looks great. Hope that's the real deal!

Why can the rulemakers not just write that the nose tip has to be a certain width. Then they wouldn't look so weird.

[call_me_andrew]

If your McLaren nose lasts longer than 4 hours, call a doctor.

[minardi]

If your McLaren nose lasts longer than 4 hours, call a doctor.

When my other half asked me what I was looking at, I joked about how it was certainly a boy car... when I showed her to prove my point, I noticed that the "tip" of the nose actually has additional details which made it even more like what we're all thinking... the problem is I cannot un-see it now! :eek:

[RS]

Ferrari launch on their site now; it's not bad looking. The drop in the nose does not have such a nice transition as some of the other cars but the actual nose tip is less ugly than some.

[Robinho]

Regardless of how odd some of the cars looks, I'm very much enjoying how they don't all look the same

[Tazio]

Regardless of how odd some of the cars looks, I'm very much enjoying how they don't all look the same
I have to admit that the F14-T fits the "odd" criteria.

http://f14t.ferrari.com/static/src/asse ... ront34.jpg (http://f14t.ferrari.com/static/src/assets/photogallery/25ORE1430/studio/f14t-front34.jpg)

[journeyman racer]

McLaren should be excluded from scoring points until they turn up to the track with a car that doesn't look as stupid as what they've produced. The rules wasn't meant to create cars that have as ridiculous a looking nose as that. Who'd have thought they'd have topped the design monstrosity that was the MP4/10? (1995 car)

[AJP]

I personally like the lotus the most out of the released cars so far...if they show up, I hope it works well for them.

[jens]

Those car launches remind me a lot of 2009, when we also had a significant regulation change and each team had a different interpretation. I remember, how especially Renault looked very boxy like a tank. Yet RBR looked impressively sleek. Of course there was also a KERS packaging difference, some teams just didn't consider it. However, it has to be noted a "boxy car" doesn't mean it is inherently flawed - the Ferrari F2012 looked aerodynamically inefficient, but despite early season struggles they developed so well that Alonso led the WDC in mid-season.

So based on that I am looking forward to an interesting season. Notably different design solutions could mean each one has their own strengths, which can lead to fluctuations in teams performances - on some circuits some teams are faster, on another circuit other teams.

[RS]

Anyone know what time the Sauber launch is? Can't find it anywhere.

The teams have got really lazy with their launches this year, many presenting CGI images even and some still haven't confirmed when they're presenting even though they're at the test next week!

[minardi]

Anyone know what time the Sauber launch is? Can't find it anywhere.

The teams have got really lazy with their launches this year, many presenting CGI images even and some still haven't confirmed when they're presenting even though they're at the test next week!

I think I saw somewhere on Twitter that it was 3pm UK time, so should be revealed in a hour hopefully.

I agree though. Normally the launches have these big build-ups, but this year it's mostly just a single render revealed on Twitter when they feel like it. The excitement isn't quite the same, and in the case of McLaren and Williams, it's just blank liveries. Sadly I can't see the Sauber livery causing much excitement. It'll be plain coloured with a couple of plain sponsors dotted over it, rather than liveries being shaped by brand sponsor colours.


EDIT: And just minutes after I post that, I see the Sauber C33 has been leaked ahead of the launch. I was spot on about the livery, and might be too early to say judging on one angle... BUT possibly best looking car yet? That nose isn't ugly!

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Be6UlspIIAANl80.jpg

[RS]

Looks nice, last year's Sauber was about the best looking car too.

[Tazio]

I see the Sauber C33 has been leaked ahead of the launch. I was spot on about the livery, andmight be too early to say judging on one angle... BUT possibly best looking car yet? That nose isn't ugly!

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Be6UlspIIAANl80.jpg

I tend to agree, that is a decent looking challenger!

[zako85]

The new Ferrari nose looks kind of terrible, or perhaps just humble. It's almost asking: "Let me vacuum the race track for you sir, right?"


http://www.formula1.com/wi/gi/597x478/8Sab/manual/140010eve.jpg

[steveaki13]

I actually like the Ferrari Nose. Whether its good and fast or not is a different matter. Basic can be better, but sometimes complex can be better.

[zako85]

Someone else had the vacuum nose idea too

https://twitter.com/wtf1couk/status/427 ... 92/photo/1 (https://twitter.com/wtf1couk/status/427498676978593792/photo/1)

[anfield5]

The mclaren would be beautiful if the the end of the nose was chopped off, still haven't gotten used to it, not sure if I will.

Just seen this pic, if this is the actual Ferrari I will be jumping for joy that ferrari has the best looking front, this is what they should all look like

http://content.f1today.net/x/full/photos/52e2d97944ca88cdb2208ffaf5e1d2d7aa1bcacb9448c.jpg? s=s

Agree, that Ferrari looks great. Hope that's the real deal!

Why can the rulemakers not just write that the nose tip has to be a certain width. Then they wouldn't look so weird.

Why do the rule makers have to specify a height, width etc for the nose in the first place? As long as it is safe why not let designers design for them selves?

[steveaki13]

I agree Anfield5, there seem to be far to many restrictions. I don't think F1 would be needing double points, DRS, Chewing Gum tyres and multiple mandatory pitstops if F1 teams were allowed a more free reign when designing there Cars. It seems to me the closer the technical regs the more static and stale F1 beomes and for me personally the more dull it becomes.

Only My opinion, but I would love a return to a more maverick car design.

[Wasted Talent]

Why do the rule makers have to specify a height, width etc for the nose in the first place? As long as it is safe why not let designers design for them selves?

In respect of the front of the car, the rules are specified specifically for safety reasons - crash protection for the drivers feet and legs, and to try and prevent a car riding up on the back of anotehr in a rear end shunt.

I think they have got a good balance - hopefully improving safety yet allowing plenty of scope for teams to come up with different solutions. Great that the cars look appreciably different.

[truefan72]

I see the Sauber C33 has been leaked ahead of the launch. I was spot on about the livery, andmight be too early to say judging on one angle... BUT possibly best looking car yet? That nose isn't ugly!

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Be6UlspIIAANl80.jpg

I tend to agree, that is a decent looking challenger!

yup me 3
move over Lotus, Sauber takes the crown...so far

but on a side note: oh no, did hulkenberg make the wrong move again?
Sauber are usually not bad 2 years straight. and I thought he should have stayed there way back when.
only time will tell :)

[Storm]

The Ferrari isn't as ugly when you look at it from the front...well lowered expectations with regards to this year's cars certainly help!

2013 - 2014 comparison
http://www.mundodeportivo.com/20130318/ ... 98617.html (http://www.mundodeportivo.com/20130318/motor/f1/comparativa-ferrari-2012-13_54369398617.html)

[minardi]

Sourced from Twitter. Low quality shot of the Force India in the flesh.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Be-D2aLCUAAWlf5.jpg

[AndyL]

Yes that nose of differing lengths is bizarre.

Another weird effect of the way the nose dimensions are specified in the rules. There was a fairly late change that prevents the Lotus having equal-length twin noses. An earlier version of the 2014 regs just specified a 9000mm^2 cross section for the nose, but the version that came out in mid December specified a _single_ 9000mm^2 cross section. I wonder if Lotus were already too far down this twin nose route, and decided to comply with the revised rule by just fattening the sections and then chopping one back to behind the plane where the cross section is measured.

[RS]

Torro Rosso launch at 5:30pm CET today.

[JasonPotato]

Sourced from Twitter. Low quality shot of the Force India in the flesh.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Be-D2aLCUAAWlf5.jpg

They may want to re-think the front end design :p

[minardi]

Updated image of the Sauber front nose. Not so sure it's as pretty anymore
http://cdn.sauberf1team.com/uploads/tx_news/sm_c33_news_nose_top_2014_banner_02.jpg


... but it gets worse; the new STR9.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BfACEM3CEAAl18E.png
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BfACij-CMAATmY2.jpg

[RS]

http://gpupdate6.ed5.nl/news/236726.jpg

[RS]

The Torro Rosso looks like last years nose with the "finger" grafted on.

[steveaki13]

Yer Cant love that Toro Rosso.

It looks less radical than others, as you say It looks terrible with that finger added on as an after thought.

And I have grown tired of the Toro Rosso and Red Bull liveries. :z

As for the Sauber. I couldn't even tell it had a finger on in the original photo, I thought it sloped straight down to the ground. Sauber have gone down in my estimations. :p

[JasonPotato]

Was thinking, with these lower noses, surely it's more likely a car will go over the nose if rear ended? Even more dangerous than before or am i missing something?

[MrJan]

I prefer Chris Harris' description of the new designs: "If the McLaren's nose is a cock, then the Torro Rosso's is a dong. A great swinging DONG"

https://twitter.com/harrismonkey/status ... 2869425152 (https://twitter.com/harrismonkey/status/427848032869425152)

[AndyL]

Torro Rosso's is the most humorous-looking one so far. I think it will only be beaten if McLaren switch the cooling slot in their nose from horizontal to vertical, or if Red Bull have gone the whole hog and painted the tip purple.

[journeyman racer]

These cars are embarrassing to the competition.

[steveaki13]

Doesn't really bother me what they look like. I like a nice looking car, but ultimately I just want to see the cars and drivers working and racing.

I am still adamant I like the Ferrari nose best, especially after the Sauber has shown its true nose.

[anfield5]

We here the tern car-pornography quite a lot, but somehow I don't think this is what the expression generally means.

[TheFamousEccles]

Can't say I'm fussed about the noses, I guess that within the limitations of the specs for F1 cars as they currently stand, in many instances this is what we end up with. I would be surprised if many are so prominent by 2/3rds season...

[minardi]

The best was saved until last... both gorgeous looking cars.

Mercedes W05
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BfDObCMCYAA_cWL.jpg

Red Bull RB10 (painting the nose black so you can't see it as wel... good call)
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BfDPPGPCcAAdSeq.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BfDPixCCcAAkagK.jpg

[Bruce D]

Would be the absolute winner if it wasn't for those stupid front camera positions half way up the nose.

[RS]

The Mercedes is quite nice, Red Bull is ok but has the same stupid protusion as the Toro Rosso (surprise surprise), good job they painted it black. A new pic of the Force India still looking good:

http://gpupdate2.ed5.nl/news/236772.jpg

[RS]

And I have grown tired of the Toro Rosso and Red Bull liveries. :z


Yes, me too. Every year the same..

[dj_bytedisaster]

The Mercedes is quite nice, Red Bull is ok but has the same stupid protusion as the Toro Rosso (surprise surprise), good job they painted it black. A new pic of the Force India still looking good:

http://gpupdate2.ed5.nl/news/236772.jpg

Look at it from the front, it's a ridiculously huge dildo they have hanging off it on the front. The FI takes ghastly to a whole new level.

http://thejudge13.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/forceindia-vjm07-04.jpg?w=314&h=234

[minardi]

I think Force India are trying to make up for something.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BfDS9MTCYAAb2Ed.jpg

[RS]

The Mercedes is quite nice, Red Bull is ok but has the same stupid protusion as the Toro Rosso (surprise surprise), good job they painted it black. A new pic of the Force India still looking good:

http://gpupdate2.ed5.nl/news/236772.jpg

Look at it from the front, it's a ridiculously huge dildo they have hanging off it on the front. The FI takes ghastly to a whole new level.

http://thejudge13.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/forceindia-vjm07-04.jpg?w=314&h=234

Oh, that's a shame. It looked good from the side!

[dj_bytedisaster]

Oh, that's a shame. It looked good from the side!

Why do you think they only showed the side profile? That thing looks like a fucking anal rapist. That's it for me - I'm outta here. I'm not going to watch that friggin' freak show.

[henners88]

With the overhaul of regs I should be really excited about the forthcoming season. I hope the racing is better than the look of some of these cars I really do! I feel like I'm falling out of love with F1 and haven't defended it against the critics of late. Lets wait and see :)

[SGWilko]

Torro Rosso and FI cars look like they have taken design cues from Fifi & the Flowertots' Stingo character!

[Koz]

The Mercedes looks amazing!

[Storm]

fugly cars all round....What stupid reg makes cars look so hideous? I wouldn't mind if they are 2 sec slower per lap, but F1 cars need to look good.. whatever anybody else might say!

[RS]

The teams have got really lazy with their launches this year, many presenting CGI images even and some still haven't confirmed when they're presenting even though they're at the test next week!

I agree though. Normally the launches have these big build-ups, but this year it's mostly just a single render revealed on Twitter when they feel like it.

It seems Caterham and Williams aren't even going to bother presenting their cars, merely drive onto the circuit at Jerez!

[RS]

fugly cars all round....What stupid reg makes cars look so hideous? I wouldn't mind if they are 2 sec slower per lap, but F1 cars need to look good.. whatever anybody else might say!

I agree, as F1 is essentially a marketing tool for manufacturers and sponsors.

I like the fact the noses are lower, didn't like the high noses or the stepped noses. It's just the stupid protrusions on the end.. can't believe they didn't see it coming!

[jens]

fugly cars all round....What stupid reg makes cars look so hideous? I wouldn't mind if they are 2 sec slower per lap, but F1 cars need to look good.. whatever anybody else might say!

I remember phrases like "looks do not matter as long as it is fast" and "no worries, we will get used to it". This is the first time I have serious doubts about that!

[minardi]

Pass the bucket...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BfEnPqGIcAECcVa.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BfEmhYcCAAAWJPS.jpg

[RS]

Oh wow, that Caterham is awful!

That's the most radical approach we have seen so far though.

The Merc and Ferrari look very similar front the front; I can see both changing - looks like they might block too much airflow to the underfloor compared to some of the other cars?

http://gpupdate2.ed5.nl/large/236843.jpg

http://gpupdate2.ed5.nl/large/236839.jpg

[minardi]

The Merc and Ferrari look very similar front the front; I can see both changing - looks like they might block too much airflow to the underfloor compared to some of the other cars?


I really hope it doesn't restrict the airflow as much as it looks, as the Mercedes looks by far the best looker in my eyes. It certainly looks fast on looks alone.

Oh, and one more of the Caterham.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BfEuAADCUAAt0FQ.jpg

[Storm]

Oh, and one more of the Caterham.


:( Why? :grenade:

btw is it CNN on the that, that thing at the front?

[minardi]

Oh, and one more of the Caterham.


:( Why? :grenade:

btw is it CNN on the that, that thing at the front?

I had to share my pain as part of my therapy to get over seeing such horrors. And yes, it's CNN on er... that er... piece of car.

[RS]

After all the fancy blown coanda exhaust thingies in recent years, this year's look rather primitive :laugh:

http://gpupdate2.ed5.nl/large/236901.jpg

[anfield5]

A few pages back we were all lambasting the look of the new Williams, it kinda has super-model appeal now after seeing most of the others.

[Big Ben]

That Caterham can't be the final product... I'm positive they just ran out of material for the nose... they must have :dozey:

[TheFamousEccles]

Bye, DJ.

Really, if you're going to get that upset over what a racing car looks like....

As for the rest of you fashionista, get a grip. They are F1 cars, and no amount of moaning about regs and dildoes is going to even register on the rats arse meters of the various designers/aerodynamicists.

Now, can we get on with the real discussions, hmm? I know it's been a long winter/summer for everybody, but now there's some action afoot. Let's all agree that they are not pretty and get on with something less superficial?

[steveaki13]

Bye, DJ.

Really, if you're going to get that upset over what a racing car looks like....

As for the rest of you fashionista, get a grip. They are F1 cars, and no amount of moaning about regs and dildoes is going to even register on the rats arse meters of the various designers/aerodynamicists.

Now, can we get on with the real discussions, hmm? I know it's been a long winter/summer for everybody, but now there's some action afoot. Let's all agree that they are not pretty and get on with something less superficial?

Basically you are saying Fast is beautiful. :) I agree, they may look strange, but if they work then it doesn't matter to drivers or teams.

[Storm]

Like the Caterham driver said, "I don't care how it looks, how fast it goes is all that matters"
hello, yoour car is going to be ugly AND slow...how about that?

As superficial the talk about beauty is, but you cannot seriously doubt that the appeal of a racing car is also in it's looks? and not just in how fast it can corner?
we probably would be talking about many other things during the year as long as its not another of those RBR/Vettel snoozefests all year, in that case we probably
will be back to this nose-bashing.

[truefan72]

I for one am glad with the new cars, not so much because they are works of aesthetic beauty but because they are all different. At least for now, until one team gets and edge and the rest copy... but that's at least 6-8 months away.

Yes many of those noses look weird at best and downright hideous at worst, but most, if not all, of these design teams are fairly competent folks and know what they are doing. I love the variety and different interpretations and it will be great watching them on the track. Now if it comes out that all these cars are close to within 2 seconds (or less) of each other, then it is a testament to F1 and how different concepts can yield similar results. From the fans perspective, the variety is good for marketing each individual team, and that along with the unique numbers should further enhance that aspect.

So yeah, its ok to not like the nose, (even though the side profiles look great, and that is what we will see most of during broadcast) but let's celebrate and enjoy the fact that 10 teams have amazingly produced 10 very different looking cars.

[RS]

Bar the very end of the nose, the McLaren is actually very nice looking:

http://gpupdate2.ed5.nl/large/236977.jpg

http://gpupdate2.ed5.nl/large/236984.jpg

[minardi]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BfKzgc0IMAE2EaW.jpg

Looks like Marussia have gone orange and white this year.

[steveaki13]

Is this the only picture thus far then, I haven't been keeping up with testing today but I assume the Marussia hasn't been out yet.

[minardi]

Is this the only picture thus far then, I haven't been keeping up with testing today but I assume the Marussia hasn't been out yet.

It was, until now. Seems it was the funny lighting in the garage making it look orange, but still an orangey red.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BfO5KTOIEAEXweC.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BfO5XSACUAEmDfE.jpg

[AndyL]

I thought F1 wasn't going to Brazil until November, looks like the McLaren is already there though:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-25841135

[steveaki13]

Decent looking Car for Marussia.

Their nose doesn't look quite so silly, still Its all about the pace and I doubt we will find that out today.

[RS]

The Marussia is quite decent looking, the teams that have painted their nose protrusions black were quite clever - you can barely see them head on:


http://cdn.images.autosport.com/editorial/1391097580.jpg

[RS]

Caterham definitely wins the award for ugliest car of the year:

http://gpupdate2.ed5.nl/large/237096.jpg

[truefan72]

Decent looking Car for Marussia.

Their nose doesn't look quite so silly, still Its all about the pace and I doubt we will find that out today.


i think the thing that makes me dislike the marussia is its livery. the body and shape of the car is probably decent looking as you say. but the paint scheme is horrible. To me smaller teams really need to put some effort into the livery of the car to stand out and get some attention. If they went with a strong metallic orange and some lovey accents then that would be cool. Better yet, they should go for a powder blue scheme like the old benetton/renaults which really stood out. I love the caterham livery and think if marussia's wasn't so dull it might do them a world of good

[steveaki13]

I would agree about the livery. It could do with a change.

[dj_bytedisaster]

Decent looking Car for Marussia.

Their nose doesn't look quite so silly, still Its all about the pace and I doubt we will find that out today.


i think the thing that makes me dislike the marussia is its livery. the body and shape of the car is probably decent looking as you say. but the paint scheme is horrible. To me smaller teams really need to put some effort into the livery of the car to stand out and get some attention. If they went with a strong metallic orange and some lovey accents then that would be cool. Better yet, they should go for a powder blue scheme like the old benetton/renaults which really stood out. I love the caterham livery and think if marussia's wasn't so dull it might do them a world of good

Now that's just silly. They and RB are the only teams, who managed to mask the huge dildo up front by clever use of black paint, so their livery is a winner by default. FI tried but failed, because they nailed something to it that even Ann Summers wouldn't sell and then contrasted the black paint with white of all colors, which sort of ruined the purpose of the exercise (or however that is spelt).

[anfield5]

Decent looking Car for Marussia.

Their nose doesn't look quite so silly, still Its all about the pace and I doubt we will find that out today.


i think the thing that makes me dislike the marussia is its livery. the body and shape of the car is probably decent looking as you say. but the paint scheme is horrible. To me smaller teams really need to put some effort into the livery of the car to stand out and get some attention. If they went with a strong metallic orange and some lovey accents then that would be cool. Better yet, they should go for a powder blue scheme like the old benetton/renaults which really stood out. I love the caterham livery and think if marussia's wasn't so dull it might do them a world of good

There is some truth in the livery argument. When Jordan first had B&H sponsorship in 1996 (I think?) The cars were painted metallic gold, this was quickly changed to bright yellow because the metallic gold livery didn't stand out well on the track and on T.V., it kinda looked a peculiar black/tan/yellow colour

[Storm]

Marussia car looks by far the best in terms of livery (I actually thought they did not have that thing at the end but the side view showed that I was wrong!)
It reminded me a lot of the Orange Arrows back in the day which I loved along with the B&H Jordan Shark/Hornets

[Norwegian Blue]

Does anyone else think these phallic noses could be dangerous in a collision... for instance the nose of one car, side on to the cockpit of another, a large amount of force concentrated on the 'B**lend'... like having a battering ram on the car!

[AndyL]

Does anyone else think these phallic noses could be dangerous in a collision... for instance the nose of one car, side on to the cockpit of another, a large amount of force concentrated on the 'B**lend'... like having a battering ram on the car!

You would hope they've done their sums on this, since it's the safety regulation specifying exactly how blunt the tip of the nose has to be that's given rise to this design.

[Tazio]

I don't think it is practical to have a "safe" front end and still get the kind of aerodynamic performance that would be acceptable for open wheel racing. The one point brought up by Newey is that if a car traveling at a high rate of speed were to nose into the rear end of another car it could slide under the rear end and jack the driver that noses in. Perhaps he has a valid point.


"The regulation has been introduced following some research by the FIA [the sport's governing body] which suggests that nose height reduces the chance of cars being launched [into the air] like the accident that Mark Webber had when he hit the back of Heikki Kovalainen in Valencia a few years ago.

"I must admit, I am concerned that the opposite may now happen, that cars now submarine effectively. If you hit the back of a car square on then you go underneath and you end up with a rear crash structure in your face, which is a much worse scenario."

"I guess it's like all these things, it might help in some scenarios, it hurts in others. It's one which I must admit personally I'm not in favour of. For me it's introduced possibly more dangers than it has cured."
http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/j ... 1-red-bull (http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/jan/28/adrian-newey-safety-fears-low-nose-f1-red-bull)

[truefan72]

Decent looking Car for Marussia.

Their nose doesn't look quite so silly, still Its all about the pace and I doubt we will find that out today.


i think the thing that makes me dislike the marussia is its livery. the body and shape of the car is probably decent looking as you say. but the paint scheme is horrible. To me smaller teams really need to put some effort into the livery of the car to stand out and get some attention. If they went with a strong metallic orange and some lovey accents then that would be cool. Better yet, they should go for a powder blue scheme like the old benetton/renaults which really stood out. I love the caterham livery and think if marussia's wasn't so dull it might do them a world of good

Now that's just silly. They and RB are the only teams, who managed to mask the huge dildo up front by clever use of black paint, so their livery is a winner by default. FI tried but failed, because they nailed something to it that even Ann Summers wouldn't sell and then contrasted the black paint with white of all colors, which sort of ruined the purpose of the exercise (or however that is spelt).

I thought you retired from F1
only to return and label a posters's opinions silly
you seem to be hung up on the "dong" part of the nose
I'm looking at the overall livery.

get a grip
SMH

[Tazio]

Bye, DJ.

Really, if you're going to get that upset over what a racing car looks like....

As for the rest of you fashionista, get a grip. They are F1 cars, and no amount of moaning about regs and dildoes is going to even register on the rats arse meters of the various designers/aerodynamicists.

Now, can we get on with the real discussions, hmm? I know it's been a long winter/summer for everybody, but now there's some action afoot. Let's all agree that they are not pretty and get on with something less superficial?
Dawg, I'm so down with this post!!!
From where I'm standing this season looks like it could be one of the most entertaining seasons since 2008.
But on point you guys bro suck (and when I say mean "you guys" I mean the group that doesn't love their enemies).
From where I'm standing as of right now I see the "prospect" of there being close inter-team battles @ or near the top @ McLaren, Mercedes, and Ferrari. Red Bull is a team I can't say that about because Fettel is their bro boy and a clear # one.
D.R. will be expected to do Seb's dirty work this season, unlike Magnussen (who will be the subject of much more whining by the Anglo-mafia than there was when The Boss first came up, and to his credit was a match for Fred, but hasn't fulfilled the prophecy that after being so close in 2007, that by 2010 he will have matured into the second coming, which he has not, just a damn good pilot that also likes to embrace life) :dork:


because he is going to make McLaren 2007 look like a feakin' honeymoon. I'm hoping that Williams will be a top tier two team, because Felipe once more will show that he is quick, very quick in low fuel situations, and still bro sucks in race trim, but a change in scenery might light a freakin' fire under his ass with this team, but he will lose interest (focus) down the road and get his ass freakin’ kicked in the WDC. I sincerely hope not.



The two-time Formula 1 World Champion added: "In fact, if I went out on track now in my Alfa Romeo Giulietta, I’d have as much fun, just as I did when I was a kid and as I do now, if I get into a kart, which is much slower than the speeds you reach in a Formula 1 car. It’s not enough driving on the simulator to get some feelings, you need to be out on track in a real car in front of the fans who have come just to support you: that’s real excitement." Read more at http://www.motortradesinsight.co.uk/art ... asp?id=971 (http://www.motortradesinsight.co.uk/article_page.asp?id=971)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBLZfvPQ2lA

[minardi]

Not really a car launch, but Lotus continuing to see the lighter side of F1 :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXATzDBD ... e=youtu.be (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXATzDBDjgo&feature=youtu.be)

[airshifter]

Not really a car launch, but Lotus continuing to see the lighter side of F1 :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXATzDBD ... e=youtu.be (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXATzDBDjgo&feature=youtu.be)


Good one. Plenty of plugs to make the sponsors happy as well. :D

[RS]

Not really a car launch, but Lotus continuing to see the lighter side of F1 :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXATzDBD ... e=youtu.be (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXATzDBDjgo&feature=youtu.be)

Is that the new hospitality suite?

I know budgets are tight at Lotus, but...

[Ranger]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/112504

Pretty keen to see it.

Hopefully Williams can start stringing together several decent seasons in a row, but I've been saying that for the past 8 years... :\

[Zico]

Nice video with 360 Deg view perspective of the Merc F1-W05 driving a lap at Siverstone here- http://www.mercedesamgf1.com/en/car/f1-w05-360-video/

Looks the biz! :) ...pity it doesn't sound it.

[RS]

Nice video with 360 Deg view perspective of the Merc F1-W05 driving a lap at Siverstone here- http://www.mercedesamgf1.com/en/car/f1-w05-360-video/

Looks the biz! :) ...pity it doesn't sound it.

Interesting to hear the sound from onboard. I think it sounds ok tbh.. I think it will be more the sound from trackside that will suffer.

[TheFamousEccles]

Cool video - cheers for the post Zico.

As for the sound, I like it. It's a flat bellowing sound (at least in the Merc's case), not unlike a boxer style motor, or even the Panigale motor of the current Ducati superbikes! :spinhead:

[minardi]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/112504

Pretty keen to see it.

Hopefully Williams can start stringing together several decent seasons in a row, but I've been saying that for the past 8 years... :\


Rumour has it this is the livery...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bg0eEdQIUAAYt_H.jpg

[Zico]

Rumour has it this is the livery...

Nice... but remembering the stunning Martini liveried 037, S4 and Grp A Delta Lancias it could have been so, so much more visually appealing without the black areas, I guess due to natural F1 TV viewing perspectives.. that's just the way things are thanks to how prime sponsorship areas are determined on F1 cars

[RS]

Surprised nobody has posted this yet: http://www.gpupdate.net/en/f1-news/3073 ... 14-livery/ (http://www.gpupdate.net/en/f1-news/307312/williams-martini-racing-presents-2014-livery/)

Nice to see Williams signing a high profile sponsor, but I do think they could have done better with that livery..

[Robinho]

I like it, would be nice if it can appear near the front of the field this year

[henners88]

Surprised nobody has posted this yet: http://www.gpupdate.net/en/f1-news/3073 ... 14-livery/ (http://www.gpupdate.net/en/f1-news/307312/williams-martini-racing-presents-2014-livery/)

Nice to see Williams signing a high profile sponsor, but I do think they could have done better with that livery..
Yeah the livery is disappointing considering it's an iconic racing sponsor like Martini. The picture above looks so much better than what they delivered. It's only a livery though and it's the speed that's important. It would be nice to see Massa wining races this year again and bringing the challenge back to Lewis on the way to his second World title. Wouldn't that be fitting ;)