Will any 2010 liveries live up to these? (Gallery)
The 2010 season has been kicked off with Ferrari’s F10 being unveiled. There has been a lot of talk about design but also the livery which looks good but frankly it could be mistaken for Team Santander now.
Liveries are always a big focus for fans and can repulse us or make us fall in love. So while we are anticipating the new car uniforms hear is a selection from the past, ones which made us weak at the knees and some that just made us ill…
This is a love/hate livery for many. The Malboro sponsored car (with the additional major sponsors of Shell, Agip, FIAT, Goodyear and Pioneer) had enough red to show the world it was Ferrari but the additional black wings matched the tyres and made the car look so smooth. It may have been beautiful but for the majority of the red and black Ferrari era, the cars were poor. The sponsors did just look like bumper stickers mind.
The red Ferrari of Gilles Villeneuve battling Arnoux’s Renault became an iconic image from a breathtaking on track battle. The other plus side was both cars were beautiful and their striking liveries helped create an image of utmost power.
Jaguar’s rendezvous with F1 back at the beginning of the noughties has faded from minds quickly and hardly surprising when you look at the results. The livery however must never be forgotten and the R2 was weak-at-the-knees beautiful.
Back in the 80s Williams didn’t just have the famous Mansell-Piquet rivalry making everyone watch their cars but the Canon sponsorship. It was a famous relationship which made the car a beauty, a tough task when the 80s were extremely competitive when it came down to aesthetics.
For me, I’m surprised it took so long for the Toyota to catch alight. It wasn’t that the livery was ugly, it’s that it was boring. It had very little soul or passion and give me a month and I’ll have forgotten it completely.
The R29 generally made fans cry in pain once their eyes saw but I thought it was one of the most beautiful cars ever. It was made better when ING left which was probably the only good to come of the Singapore scandal. It was loud but for me it worked. It was certainly a marmite car.
Another 2009 car up, here is the mp4-24. Perhaps the shape made it that much worse but McLaren has never looked good with the Vodafone sponsorship. The red and silver just don’t go. I miss the pre-06 black and silver which made the team’s car appear sleek and like an assassin.
The Honda earth car. From a distance it looked messy and just a resounding ‘no’ from me. It had plenty of fans however.
Whenever anyone thinks of Senna it is because he is now a driving legend but the other major achievement he had is that almost every F1 car he drove was beautiful. Maybe the man maketh the car but all the liveries look pretty, damn smart so here they are:
Williams recent cars have been pretty dull. They are smart but corporate, this however is a cracker. There is just the right amount of white (even the Rothmans’ labels look good) and a nice bit of gold to give the car some character. This car will probably always be associated with Imola 94 but it deserves a mention for being a work of art.
If Mclaren want their own livery once the break with Mercedes is completely then they should go back to something like this. A lot of people have been chanting for an orange colour scheme but that just sounds scary. The red and white worked perfectly together so please go back to this Mclaren.
We end on a high with the best of them all. Whenever the word ‘livery’ is mentioned this will always spring to mind for 90% of people. JPS teamed up with Lotus in the 70s and then the 80s and both times the results were stunning. The cars oozed coolness and were the sexiest F1 car ever. The striking black and gold was the quintessential colour scheme. No livery even comes close today, they aren’t even in the same universe.
Which liveries do you like? Drop us a comment below!
Kobayashi confirmed at Sauber
Sauber have today confirmed their first driver for 2010 – Japanese former Toyota driver Kamui Kobayashi.
Kobayashi stood in for an injured Timo Glock at Toyota in the last 2 races of last season to make his F1 debut. He finished 9th and 6th but won himself an instant fanbase due to his aggressive style. Kobayashi has previously won the GP2 Asia Series, Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 and Formula Renault 2.0 Italia. He said:
“Ever since the start of my career I have dreamed of racing in F1. Now this dream has come true. I am very happy that my two races in 2009 have earned me a cockpit place.
“I will do my very best for Peter Sauber’s team and I am proud to be able to carry on flying the Japanese flag in F1.”
Team boss Peter Sauber said:
“I’m very much looking forward to working together with Kamui. In the final two Grand Prix of last season he was granted an unexpected chance to show his skills, and he made impressive use of it.
“Particularly in the Abu Dhabi race he demonstrated not only that he can drive fast and aggressively, but also his ability to successfully implement a strategy. I am convinced he has a great deal of potential and will be able to make the most of it in our team.”
Kobayashi at Sauber in 2010?
It has been reported that Kamui Kobayashi will drive for Sauber in 2010 after an impressive showing at the the end of the season.
Finnish newspaper Turun Sanomat alleges that a deal has been made but that no confirmation will be made until both race seats have been filled.
Kobayashi had hoped for a race with Toyota, but the Japanese manufacturer have pulled out of the sport.
Giancarlo Fisichella, Nick Heidfeld and Pedro de la Rosa are believed to be on Sauber’s shortlist, and Peter Sauber has already expressed a desire for a blend of youth and experience behind the wheel.
It is also rumoured that Belgian driver Bertand Baguette (what a name!) will get the test and reserve driver role in Sauber, if you believe comments made by his manager. Baguette drove for BMW Sauber during the last day of the youngsters’ test in Jerez.
Turun Sanomat has also reported Malaysian oil company Petronas will maintain it’s backing of the Swiss team.
Renault reveal F1 future
There were worries that they were to follow Toyota out of F1 last month, but today it has been revealed that Renault will remain in the FIA F1 World Championship in 2010 after concluding a deal with Genii Capital, a Luxembourg-based investment firm specializing in new technologies, brand management and motorsport.
The full Renault statement read:
Renault has decided to maintain its commitment to Formula One and welcomes the perspective of a strategic partnership with Genii Capital, a Luxemburg based firm specialized in new technologies, brand management and motor sport. Following the proposed sale of a large stake of Renault F1 Team to Genii, both partners will operate the team together. The letter of intent signed by the two companies should be concluded in early 2010.
In 2010, the team will retain its name, its identity and the core ingredients that led to the successes achieved in 2005 and 2006. The team will continue to be supplied with engines by its sister company in Viry-Châtillon, which is also pleased to have received a renewed commitment from Red Bull Racing for the 2010 season.
After 35 years in the sport, Renault today announces a new phase for its F1 programme, consistent with Formula One’s drive for cost efficiencies. Formula One remains one of the biggest sporting spectacles in terms of annual television audiences and media exposure. Renault therefore believes that the impact of Formula One in terms of image, and brand awareness worldwide, particularly in new, emerging markets, will continue to play a key role in fulfilling the company’s growth objectives in years ahead.
Bernard Rey, Renault F1 Team President, said: “I am delighted to welcome Genii Capital as our new strategic partner as I am sure that their enthusiasm and business expertise will create a new dynamic for the team, the staff, and our partners. Altogether, we look forward to competing again at the highest level in Formula One. Today’s announcement also confirms Renault’s commitment and trust in the sport’s governing bodies to improve the green credentials of Formula One.”
Indeed, in making such a decision, Renault not only demonstrates its commitment to its fans across the world, its employees in Enstone and in Viry, and the FIA, FOA and FOTA but it also believes in the positive impact of promoting relevant technologies in synergy with its product plan. “With the ongoing evolutions of the Formula One regulations, Renault will be able to entertain its fans, while promoting a leaner and sounder Championship. We will show Renault’s skill when it comes to developing high-performance, fuel-efficient cars” said Bernard Rey, Renault F1 Team President.
The important cost reduction measures, made possible by the collective work within FOTA, have already improved significantly the operating cost base. With the anticipated sale of a stake in its F1 operational base in the United Kingdom to Genii Capital, Renault achieves today another step that will definitely bring F1 participation to an affordable level for the Group. In addition, the new partnership will contribute to procuring the team the resources to compete sustainably at the highest level, and creates a great opportunity to modernise its governance.
CEO of Genii Capital Eric Lux on the Renault deal:
“Our long-term vision for this challenging venture aims to return Renault to the forefront of Formula 1. Together with Renault, we intend to run the team with the same values as any of our other investments, prioritising ambitious performance targets without neglecting cost efficiency. We strongly believe that on-track performance can be compatible with business performance, and we will use all our entrepreneurial spirit and commercial know-how to achieve this goal.”
Glock sure Schu will return
Virgin Racing driver Timo Glock is certain seven-times F1 World Champion Michael Schumacher will make a return to the sport.
The former Toyota driver, now partnered alongside Lucas Di Grassi at Virgin said:
“There’s still a lot of speculation, but in the end he is a crazy race driver, and he wants to come back to racing. It’s not enough for him to just do go-kart races, or go to the Race of Champions at the end of the year.
“The flame is still there, it’s still burning within him, and it will be great for Formula One if he comes back.
“For me, my personal feeling, it is quite obvious he is coming back.“For Formula One and the fans it would be a big boost, a seven-time world champion coming back after three years out. It would be a mega highlight, and to drive for Mercedes, you would have a German driver in a German car.”
And Glock said he would relish the chance to race alongside his countryman, but realises it would be difficult.
“To beat Michael would be a good year for us, but we have to concentrate on ourselves, and not look at what others are doing.”
Virgin Racing have revealed Portuguese drive Alvaro Parente will be their reserve driver, and they have also made their new website live today.
To visit the the Virgin Racing website, click HERE
Why the Trulli- Kovalainen pair up makes a good deal of sense
Today it was announced that Lotus F1 Racing would run ex Toyota driver Jarno Trulli and ex Mclaren man Heikki Kovalainen for 2010. Both have won only one Grand Prix.
This seems to be a fairly good pairing for Lotus; age and experience alongside youth and potential. The only team which will have a more experienced line up is Williams although they will be fielding a rookie.
Jarno is a master over one lap, he really excels at qualifying. This suggests that he can squeeze the extra tenths out of the car which will be vital to any new team. He tends to suffer on race day and seems to be a fragile driver. However, his experience should also be an aid at the developing the car and he has worked very well alongside Mike Gascoyne before when they were back at Renault and at Toyota.
Heikki on the other hand, will only be entering his fourth season in F1. This should be an edge over the new teams with rookie signings (Senna at Campos, di Grassi probably at Virgin Racing) as he has a lot of mileage under his belt. He showed a good bit of talent back in 2007 but the step up to Mclaren seems to be one too soon. The situation and Heikki’s mentality probably took another big hit with Lewis completely dominating him. At a new team he’ll have to contend with Jarno who is inching closer to retirement and so will probably find things much easier.
He showed some ballsy moves at times, most notably at Suzuka this year with a splendid move on Fisichella after leaving the pits. The Finn seems to have the potential and Lotus has thrown him a lifeline-if he wants to stay in F1 he will have to deliver this time.
This line up gives Lotus a good starting point and time to shop around for a young, talented Malaysian to take over the cockpit when the time is right. Another interesting point to note is that Jarno’s now ex –teammate Glock will be racing for Virgin, a team that Lotus seems determined to beat.
The rumours are that Trulli has an option to leave at the end of each year of a reported three year contract so we’ll see how that develops.
Lotus confirm Trulli, Kovalainen and Fauzy for 2010
Lotus have today confirmed their drivers for the 2010 Formula 1 season – Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen in race seats with Fairuz Fauzy the team’s third driver. The announcement was made by Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Najib Tun Razak in Kuala Lumpur.
Trulli was left without a drive when Toyota left F1 at the end of the 2009 season. He is a veteran of 219 races, collecting 246.5 career points but just one win since his first race in 1997. He has driven for Jordan, Renault and Toyota.
28-year-old Kovalainen has been in F1 since 2007 where he raced for Renault before moving to McLaren for 2008 and 2009, before being replaced by Jenson Button for 2010. Kovalainen has raced in F1 52 times, collecting 105 points but only one race win.
Fairuz Fauzy, a Malaysian driver now on a Malaysian team at Lotus. 27-year-old Fauzy is a veteran in the formulae below F1. This year Fauzy finished 2nd in the World Series by Renault.
Lotus also revealed their new logo at the event.
Lotus said in Press Release on their website:
The new Lotus F1 Racing logo has been developed to represent the teams future and heritage. We have designed a typeface which is progressive and bold, yet instantly fitting with the teams long and successful history. Taking clues from the iconic Jim Clarke Type 49 the new ‘DNA’ device uses the Lotus colours in a recognizable form which is extremely flexible and will become a key element of the new team brand.
To read the full Press Release on the Lotus team website with interviews with their new drivers, click here.
Jarno Trulli signs for Lotus, di Grassi to follow?
We reported earlier that Lotus team boss Tony Fernandes had announced by his Twitter account that he was to announce the drivers he had signed for the team’s debut season on Monday.
However, it seems he may as well call off the announcement as according to an AP source Jarno Trulli has been signed for the team, with strong rumours linking Lucas di Grassi with the new Malaysian-backed team. di Grassi has confirmed earlier this week that he will be in F1 next season with one of the four new teams.
A person familiar with Jarno Trulli told The Associated Press that then 35-year-old Italian has signed for the team.
Trulli was left without a drive when Toyota left F1 at the end of the 2009 season. He is a veteran of 219 races, collecting 246.5 career points but just one win since his first race in 1997. He has driven for Jordan, Renault and Toyota.
Sauber want youth and experience
The returning Swiss Sauber team want an experienced head and a young rookie to lead their title charge in 2010.
The team, who will be filling the slot vacated by Toyota have yet to sign any drivers, and there’s a lot of talent still seeking seats for next year. On the driver issue, boss Peter Sauber said:
“In the past weeks, many drivers have asked about us, but we couldn’t really negotiate when we didn’t have an entry. Now it’s different.
“I wouldn’t like to give any names, except to say that I assume we will have an experienced driver and a driver of the new generation.
“We have often had that mixture in the past and it worked well.”
It will be interesting to see if Sauber opt for one of their former drivers, with Nick Heidfeld, Giancarlo Fisichella and Jacques Villeneuve all still looking to secure a slot on the grid.
Massa dedicates 500 Miles of Granja Viana to Felipinho.
Ferrari F1 driver Felipe Massa went close to winning in his own karting event recently – Desafio Internacional das Estrelas, including winning one of the two races, but he finished in second to Michael Schumacher, who won the event overall.
However Massa has just won the 500 Miles of Granja Viana event near Sao Paulo in Brazil, alongside team mates Lucas di Grassi, and Stock Car Lights driver Julio Campos, after just under 11 hours of racing. He dedicated his win to his new born baby Felipinho.
Massa said;
“Together with the victory gained in Florianopolis last week this was a very important goal for me after I had dreamt about getting back onto the track for a long time. I want to dedicate this victory to my son, it’s my way to say how much I love him.”
Finishing in second place was a team featuring former Toyota F1 star Ricardo Zonta, while Rubens Barrichello’s team came third.
