Final Jerez test, March 2009

The last minute preparations ahead of this year's F1 season

20/03/2009 by Christine

Jerez played host to the final test of the 2009 season this week, with just four teams in attendance. Renault, Williams, McLaren and Renault all began the week in Jerez, but by the end of the week it was just McLaren and Williams remaining.

FIA change points system

No medals, but a tweak to the points available for a race winner

19/03/2009 by Christine

The FIA's World Motor Sport Council met this week to discuss some regulation changes and once they were announced, they caused great surprise.

The 2009 calendar - Germany to Abu Dhabi

A brief look at each stop on the second half of the F1 calendar

18/03/2009 by Christine

The 2009 calendar looks slightly different to last year's, with a couple of tracks knocked off the list, and a brand new one added. Organisers of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix are hoping to have their circuit ready in time, but they've got a few months left yet.

The 2009 calendar - Australia to Britain

A roundup of the first half of the Formula One calendar

17/03/2009 by Christine

There are quite a few changes to the 2009 F1 Calendar compared to last season. We've lost one race, as Canada has been kicked off the calendar, and France pulled out due to financial difficulties. There is one addition, with a new circuit at Abu Dhabi, ready to host the season finale in 2009. Here's a quick guide to the first half of the year.

Toyota admits to F1 doubt

Another Japanese manufacturer could be soon to exit the sport

16/03/2009 by Christine

As soon as Honda announced their withdrawal from Formula 1, we knew things were going to have to change. FIA President Max Mosley has been pushing for cost-cutting for a long time, and it suddenly became a huge priority. At the time, we were worried that other teams, particularly those from the car manufacturers would follow Honda out the door.

Barcelona test, March 2009

Three teams that made the most of their pre-season testing

13/03/2009 by Christine

The penultimate test in Barcelona saw all the teams together for the first time, now that Brawn GP have joined the pack. Thankfully, the weather was mostly good, with just the odd shower and some strong winds to cause problems.

More on the new Brawn GP Team

How the saved Honda team will organise itself for 2009

12/03/2009 by Christine

When the news first emerged that the team formerly known as Honda was being bought out by Ross Brawn, the immediate feeling was one of relief. We need all the teams on the grid, and the more drivers there are, the more exciting the races is. Plus, no one wants to see a driver or engineer's career over like that, it just isn't fair.

Toro Rosso launch STR4

Red Bull's sister team unveil their 2009 F1 contender

11/03/2009 by Christine

With the Brawn GP car unveiled with no specific launch, Toro Rosso became the last team to release their 2009 car into the wild. Having dominated some of the earlier winter tests using a previous car spec to everyone else, it was time for them to show us what the STR4 could do.

USF1 forced to change name

The American racing team face an early setback

10/03/2009 by Christine

USF1 has only been in existence for a couple of weeks and has already fallen foul of Bernie Ecclestone. The FOM boss has forced the team to change their name, as he doesn't like them using "F1" in their title.

Website review - BBC Formula 1

The returning UK F1 broadcaster ramps up their website coverage

09/03/2009 by Christine

The BBC used to have rights to show Formula One in the UK, but for the last 13 years the coverage has been provided by ITV. The BBC website for F1 formed part of their Sports site, and although the news was factual and engaging, the stories were often a few days late, and didn't go into too much detail.

Honda Racing becomes Brawn GP

Ross Brawn saves the Brackley-based F1 team

06/03/2009 by Christine

It's taken a few months, and we have all been following their progress carefully, but now the speculation has come to an end. Ross Brawn has officially taken over Honda Racing, with a 100% buyout.

FOTA announce future proposals

The teams want to make Formula One more accessible to fans

05/03/2009 by Christine

The Formula One Teams Association have been doing a lot of research behind the scenes over how to cut costs and improve the spectacle of F1, thereby securing it's future. After pressure from Max, they have come up with a raft of proposals for the future of F1.

Jerez test, March 2009

A few teams make the most of pre-season testing in Spain

04/03/2009 by Christine

A four/five day test in Jerez has been underway, with a couple of teams leaving early, but most spending the entire week in Spain. The weather has been variable, with some showers, strong winds, and the occasional burst of sunshine.

What is CFD?

A brief overview of Computational Fluid Dynamics

03/03/2009 by Christine

When it comes to making a car fast, you need a good driver, a decent engine and aerodynamic efficiency. These threee things combined will bring you wins, or see you at the back of the grid. The aerodynamics is one of the most scientific aspects of the car, with every bump and groove examined in minute detail.

Force India VJM02 launched

The latest car from the Silverstone-based team is revealed

02/03/2009 by Christine

The 2009 Force India car has now made it's appearance - one of the last teams to do so. Just Toro Rosso (and Honda, if they make it to the grid) have yet to be revealed. The VJM02 was released as it took to the track for the first day of this week's Jerez test.

Bridgestone goes green

The F1 tyre supplier bring back the environmental initiative

27/02/2009 by Christine

Back at the Japanese Grand Prix 2008, we saw the introduction of green paint on the Bridgestone tyre. Last year, to distinguish between the hard and soft compound, the centre groove of each soft tyre was painted with a white stripe.

2009 key season for Williams

The Grove-based team hope for a resurgence in F1 form

26/02/2009 by Christine

Nico Rosberg has been with Williams for three years, which constitutes his entire F1 career. His loyalty has been rewarded somewhat, with his status as number one driver in the team clear for all to see. However, the German driver has only had two podiums to celebrate in his short time at F1, and you could understand if he was tempted to leave.

Further engine clarifications

Changing the power plant midway through a weekend is now regulated

25/02/2009 by Christine

With all the talk of new wings and KERS devices, it's easy to forget that there are other regulations changing as well. Even if you do remember, it's sometimes difficult to get your head around what's going to be different.

USF1 officially announced

The newest Formula One team is confirmed for a 2010 entry

24/02/2009 by Christine

We first heard about USF1 at the beginning of February, and although it started out as speculation, it soon became clear there was something of substance behind the rumours. With Ken Anderson and Peter Windsor at the helm, the team seemed destined for great things, and their official announcement today caused quite a stir.

Massa feeling confident for 2009

Last year's runner-up is ready for the new season to begin

23/02/2009 by Christine

Even the most hard-hearted Lewis Hamilton fan must have felt a little sorry for Massa when that last minute overtaking move by the McLaren stripped him of the title he had held for just a few seconds.