Updated: 21 January 1998, 20:00 GMT
Updated: 21 January 1998, 20:00 GMT |
All the information is (c) 1998 M-WEB and/or Reuters |
The launch of the 1998 Formula One cars, only on Auto Race Net
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Tyrrell launched their 1998 contender
(c)M-WEB 1998
Location : London, England
The Tyrrell Formula One team unveiled their new contender, the Tyrrell-Ford 026, for the 1998 season on Wednesday.
The all-new Tyrrell, with a dramatic black, white and silver colour, has been produced by the Tyrrell team's highly regarded technical team under the direction of Dr. Harvey Postlethwaite.
The new 026 has been designed to comply fully with the new 1998 Formula One regulations.
New Tyrrell-Ford 026 and new regulations
(c)M-WEB 1998
Location : London, England
The new Tyrrell-Ford 026 clearly demonstrates the Tyrrell Racing Organization's reputation for engineering excellence and technical innovation.
With the new 1998 regulations, aimed at slowing down the cars and improving driver safety, the design and engineering departments of all the Formula One teams were forced to work late nights during recent months to allow thier 1998 contenders to comply with these new regulations, while aiming to minimise the effect of the changes on the car's performance.
The 1998 regulations specifically address the width of the cars, which has been reduced from 2000mm to 1800mm, the all-dry race tyres must be of a grooved design in 1998 and the new side impact standards, which has had a significant effect on the chassis design. Besides these changes, the Tyrrell team's engineering staff have had one more technical issue to deal with, the new Ford Zetec-R V10 engine which replaced their 1997 Ford ED V8 engine. The response from them was to design an all-new car, the Tyrrell 026.
Dr. Harvey Postlethwaite, under whose direction the 026 was designed, said that the combination of the Ford V10 engine and the demands of the new regulations required a totally new car. He said that from the outset, they knew that they wanted to spend more time on the aerodynamics of the 026. He said that in the end, they increased the wind tunnel time by 30 per cent compared to last year's car. He added that the result is that the aerodynamic background to the 026 is more thorough than that of its predecessor.
Four major technical challenges of the Tyrrell-Ford 026
(c)M-WEB 1998
Location : London, England
The four major technical challenges of the Tyrrell-Ford 026 that faced Tyrrell's design and engineering team according to Dr. Harvey Postlethwaite included :
Downforce reduction
Postlethwaite said that they feel that they have been quite successful in reclaiming most of the aerodynamic performance that could have been lost to the new rules. " Interestingly, " he added " the narrower track has actually allowed us to design a more efficient car in terms of lift-to-drag ratio for the first time in a number of years."
Narrow-track suspension
Postlethwaite said that this change may bring aerodynamic efficiency gains, but that it poses other engineering problems. He added that they feel that they have arrived at a good solution in this area with the 026, even if the suspension layout bears a passing resemblance to that of a Formula Ford of about 10 years ago.
Side-impact resistance
Postlethwaite said that a significant increase in safety standards, particularly in the area of side impact testing, has presented the engineering departments of all teams with a big challenge. He said that the new regulations effectively require the dissipation of double the energy input to what is by definition one of the weakest parts of a current Formula One chassis.
Engine installation
Postlethwaite said that this aspect was actually relatively straightforward and was assisted greatly by the fact that they knew many of the relevant Ford and Cosworth personnel concerned. He said that their assistance was particularly helpful seeing that they were working on tight deadlines. He added that as result, the Ford Zetec-R V10 engine installation programme was stabilised early on and that they were pleased with the result.
The narrow-track suspension of the 026 means that the wheels and tyres of the car are in closer proximity to the bodywork, which in turn affects the airflow around the car. As a result, Tyrrell engineers configured the rear wing of the car so that it is effectively set for the new car. Postlethwaite feels the design of the front wing will most likely be the subject of ongoing development during the 1998 season.
One of the aerodynamic 'carry-overs' from the 1997 Tyrrell-Ford is the use of the 'X-wings'. These are small, forward-mounted winglets which have proved effective on circuits where higher levels of downforce are required.
The rear suspension of the 026 has conventional pushrods acting through rockers and dampers positioned alongside (rather than on top) of the gearbox. Postlethwaite feels that this allows interesting new freedom at the back of the car. At the front of the 026, hydraulic rockers have been adopted for structural reasons.
The new side-impact regulations introduced by the FIA means that the 026, as does all the other 1998 Formula One cars, features noticeably longer sidepods than its predecessor. Postlethwaite said that it is a direct result of the crash structure that has been moved forward. He said that one of the challenges of the 1998 season has been to produce an aesthetically pleasing race car which also complies with the new regulations. Postlethwaite added that it would have been quite easy to end up with a car which looked rather 'slab-sided' in appearance."
The Frod Zetec-R V10 will produce approximately 50 bhp more than its predecessor, the ED V8, but performance-enhancing developments that will be introduced during the season should see this figure increase. Tyrrell engineers together with technical personnel from Pi Research and Cosworth, have developed their own suite of electronic software for the new Ford engine. These electronic software components was successfully run on the Ford ED V8 during the Barcelona test session last December. The V10 drives through Tyrrell's own six-speed semi-automatic gearbox, which has been re-engineered to match the characteristics of the new engine. The unit retains Tyrrell's unique pneumatic gearchange.
Chairman and Team Principal, Ken Tyrrell said that the 1998 season will see the arrival of a new generation of Formula One cars. He said that this should make for a more even 'playing field' as all teams strive to get to grips with the demands of the new regulations. Tyrrell added that the team's strong technical depth should ensure that they are in a good position as they enter their 31st year of Grand Prix racing.
Ken Tyrrell said that thier confidence is also boosted by the fact that they will be able to use Ford's Zetec-R V10 engine for the first time. He added that Tyrrell has enjoyed a long and productive relationship with Ford and Cosworth over the years, winning all of its World Championships with Ford power. A great deal of development has gone into the Zetec-R V10 during the last 12 months, and they are certain it is capable of providing the sort of performance required to allow the Tyrrell-Ford 026 to be fully competitive, he said.
Tyrrell added that the Tyrrell Racing Organisation's merger with British American Racing in 1999 means that this will be the team's final year in its existing form. He said that there are obviously big changes ahead for all of them, but they have one clear goal in mind for 1998 and that is to have a strong season and go out on the highest note possible.
Tyrrell's additional sposorship announcement
(c)M-WEB 1998
Location : London, England
The Tyrrell Formula One team are said to be pleased to welcome Mild Seven back as a personal sponsor for Toranosuke Takagi. The Mild Seven brand will appear on Takagi's driver overall.
Toranosuke Takagi said that he is proud to have his country's cigarette brand Mild Seven sponsoring him in his very first year in Formula One. He added that he knows it will be a tough year for him as a 'rookie', but that he will certainly be doing his very best.
Satoru Nakajima said that they are pleased to have put together the strong partnership of Mild Seven and Tyrrell for Takagi in his first year in Formula One. Nakajima added that with the help of their technical expertise they hope that Takagi will have a good first year in Formula One.
Sauber pin podium hopes on experience
(c)Reuters 1998
19:15 GMT
By Paul Carrel
Location: VIENNA
Team chief Peter Sauber said on Wednesday the combined experience of drivers Jean Alesi and Johnny Herbert should earn his Formula One team "a lot of points" this season.
"We hope to get a lot of points and some podium places," he said at the launch of the new Sauber Petronas C17. "Both drivers will hold equal status."
Herbert, who with Alesi forms the most experienced F1 pairing with 248 Grand Prix starts, said Sauber could finish in the top five in the championship.
"They finished seventh last year with one car, with two cars they can double the points, or probably more. For the constructors' championship I think fourth or fifth is possible."
Modified engine
Sauber have modified their Ferrari-based Petronas engine which they raced with last year, making it lighter while increasing its horsepower and torque distribution.
Alesi, who left Benetton at the end of last season, said his move to Sauber was a "step up" after a "step down" to Benetton from Ferrari.
"In terms of the team spirit it's a lot better," he said. "At Benetton there was never any team support when there was a problem. The most important technicians kept on leaving and weren't replaced."
The 33-year-old Frenchman said the grooved tyres and narrower car body shape imposed under new regulations for the 1998 season would suit his driving style.
"I think it's going to make it easier for me," he said.
The new car was unveiled at Vienna's imperial Schoenbrunn Palace to the sound of Christian Muthspiel's "Symphony of Luck" but Herbert said hard graft was the key to the team's success.
"We have to work very hard to develop the car," he said. "Ferrari, McLaren, Williams and Benetton will all be good but we can possibly push into that area."
The new F1 season begins with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 8.
Hill thrilled with first drive
19:15 GMT
Location: Barcelona, Spain
In his first drive in a Formula One car for four months, Damon Hill took to the wheel of his Benson and Hedges Jordan Mugen-Honda 198 under sunny skies in Barcelona, Spain. "It was a big thrill," said Hill. "It felt great to be back in the driving seat, and my new car felt fantastic. It is wonderful to feel the adrenalin pumping again after such a long break."
The Benson and Hedges Jordan Mugen-Honda 198 was flown out to Barcelona on Tuesday morning after its dramatic launch at the Royal Albert Hall on Monday 19th. Despite flight delays, Damon and the Jordan Grand Prix team managed to complete 12 laps late on Tuesday afternoon.
"I must admit to feeling a little nervous when I first stepped into the car," said Hill. "Many of the features of the new car are different to those I am used to, such as the control systems for example , and I was anxious to see how it would feel after so many months away.
But after two laps you are fully back into it. Because of the regulation changes, the car has less grip than last year, but it is still fantastic to drive. When I got out of the car yesterday I had a huge grin on my face. Wednesday we are into serious testing, but we have not had any major problems which is no mean feat for a completely new car. I am impressed by how the team is working, and my relationship with everyone is gelling very nicely."
Damon will continue to test Thursday, and his team mate Ralf Schumacher will test Friday and Saturday.
Tyrrell launches last car before takeover
(c)Reuters 1998
Location: LONDON
Veteran team chief Ken Tyrrell on Wednesday contemplated life without Formula One when he appeared at the launch of his team's last car before being taken over by British American Racing.
The 73-year-old, who entered Grand Prix racing in 1968, was present at an unveiling ceremony with a difference at a London restaurant.
Tyrrell said: "People have suggested I may take an ambassadorial role for the sport, but I can't see that happening with me and the FIA.
"I am sure Formula One will carry on and do very well without me -- but I am not so sure about me doing well without Formula One."
Tyrrell sold his team to British American Racing in December last year and signalled that he hoped his final season as a race team chief would be one to remember.
He added: "There have been a lot of rule changes and I think there will be some surprise results this year. My design team have all got half-smiles on their faces because I think they anticipate something special coming up.
"I think podium finishes are on the cards for us this year, particularly since we will have the improved power and reliability of the Ford V10 engine."
The unveiling ceremony, however, did not go smoothly. The cord designed to lift the covers from the Tyrrell 026 car cord snapped at a critical moment and -- to a fanfare of music -- the covers fell back across the car.
It needed a small posse of team members to perform the ceremonials and eventually reveal the sleek new Ford-powered machine designed by the team's technical director Harvey Postlethwaite.
Tyrrell had only one driver to announce -- Japan's Toranosuke Takagi. Tyrrell said he had nicknamed him 'Tiger' because of his aggressive attitude and rapid improvement while employed as a test driver last season.
He said that he would name the second driver once he had completed negotiations.
Former Renault powered teams could face financial problems.
(c)M-WEB 1998
Location: Barcelona, Spain.
The French engine manufacture Renault retired from Formula One at the end of 1997, leaving Williams and Benetton without engine suppliers. Both teams have to buy the engine from a private engine turner.
The latest reports indicated that Williams is facing financial problems. Frentzen said in an interview, "It's a little bit difficult this year. As we will have to pay for the engine the first time, it's an extra charge to our household deficit."
How much are they paying for the engines? Stay with Auto Race for more details.
Williams dominate testing.
(c)M-WEB 1998
Location: Barcelona, Spain.
The Formula One teams are testing at the Barcelona racetrack in Spain. The two Williams cars set the fastest time on Tuesday, but it was German's Heinz-Harald Frentzen who set the fastest time of the day.
Frentzen's fastest time around the track was 1:21.38 seconds in a 1997 (FW 19) Williams modified to conform to the 1998 specs. World champion Villeneuve set the second fastest time on Tuesday, more than three seconds slower than his teammate. He clocked a time of 1:24.64 seconds.
Italian Giancarlo Fisichella, was disappointed when he failed to beat the times set by the Williams drivers. He set a fastest time of 1:24.71 seconds in the Benetton B198.
Former world champion Damon Hill drove a Jordan for the first time since he joined the team. The Englishman set a fastest time of 1:27.39 seconds in his Jordan Mugen-Honda.
The test session will continue on Wednesday when the Prost team joins the test session.
Watch Sauber launch thier new C17 challenger live
(c)M-WEB 1998
04:00 GMT
Location : Vienna
The launch of the new Sauber C17 challenger can be followed live on the internet on Wednesday. The Sauber C17 will be launched in Vienna at 9:30 GMT.
The launch in the Vienna Opera, will be accompanied by music composed by Christian Muthspiel called "The Symphony of Luck". The launch will be broadcasted by EUnet, who is a sponsor and the Internet provider of the Sauber Formula One team.
The team will also launch their 'revised' website with extensive use of the very latest technology. According to sources, the website is less graphic intensive which will increase the speed of downloading graphical material and information.
To view the launch of the C17 live at the Red Bull Sauber Petronas team's website, click here.
Please note :
You will need to download the RealAudio/Video plug-in.
Tyrrell 026 to be launched on Wednesday
(c)M-WEB 1998
04:00 GMT
Location : Chelsea, London
The Tyrrell 026 will be also be presented on Wednesday at 12:30 GMT at the Bluebird Restaurant in Chelsea, London.
The second driver for the Tyrrell team could also be announced at the launch, but according to reports, the announcement might be delayed.
Tyrrell will also present thier new website on Wednesday. To view the Tyrrell Formula One team's new website, click here.
Stay with Auto Race Net for all the latest developments.
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