Ross Brawn's take on USF1

Rod Stewart's "Reason To Believe" keeps running through my mind when ever USF1 is mentioned

 

The rumors seem to be saying that USF1 only exists so they can "squat" on a grid position that can be sold later to a Johnny-come-lately. With more teams exiting every day, I do not see a huge growth market in new teams trying to break in to F1.

I am willing to believe that with today's CAD systems, you do not need to create as much "Brick and Mortar" (in this case CF and alloy) as in the old days. Work that used to require something tangible can now be done in the computer.

I am expecting to see a pair of Cosworth-powered USF1, sponored by Google, cars on the grid next year.

Scott

 

But Brawn's point is still very valid. You can do so much design work on computer, but at some point you need to bolt it all together and submit it to real world testing. A few years back one of the teams (I can't remember which--maybe Prost?) had a sequence of issues passing their side crash tests. And if USF1 really intends to go racing, they need to have a chassis to test as well as allow themselves time for redesigns. I'm still firmly in the camp that thinks they're looking to "flip" their grid spot. My guess is, Windsor went after this with the full intention of building a team thinking that it was win/win--if it didn't happen, he could sell his position. Basically, for USF1 to bring it all together you're talking about them doing so in a manner no other team has done. With a fraction of the staff, and with minimal design time. Hell, Ferrari gave up half way through the season to work on 2010.

But right now, both scenarios are looking less likely by the day.

 

Doesn't get around the fact that all chassis have to pass stringent crash testing even before a car can be track tested. Hard to complete a car until the major component is still under review.
testing starts Feb 3 2010, finishes by the end of Feb.
that roller by the beginning of November seems behind schedule....WAY behind IMO.

Also, I believe that USF1 is the ONLY team not to have contacted McLaren about the standard engine ECU.

 

Maybe Sauber could take USF1's place.

 

USF1 isn't doing anything new or novel in this regard (doing work in the computer). The teams have already been doing that for years and years.

And given that, it would be reasonably expected to see USF1 doing the same tasks as other teams - producing parts, building a car, testing, as the other teams. They aren't, because they aren't a real team.

 

Does anyone know if any of the other newbies are yet carrying out "internal crash testing of components?

I agree that the more we (appear to?) learn that USF1 ain't going to happen, but at least on here the others seem to be getting a free pass......

I know they're in existing race shops etc, but that's still a *long* way from a completed, crash tested car....

Cheers,
Ian

 

http://argent.fia.com/web/fia-public.nsf/130A104E1769D120C1257617002D4CAE/$FILE/Stable%20Technical%20Regulations%20-%2024th%20July%20-%20CLEAN.pdf

Read section 16. about test procedures, one has to be well along in construction before the tests can be administered.

 

Yes Peter, Please let it be so !!!

 

Sauber doesn't need USF1's place because they already got Toyota's.

USF1's spot at this point is worth zero as there is nobody else in line who wants to be on the grid.

 

is that a dig towards Roddie? i love that song

 

Heavens no.
Every Picture Tells a Story was the sound track to a great summer.