Noticias 2014, Con el analisis de los miembros del Foro Oficial de Pedro de la Rosa Votos Opciones

[tenista]

Testing in January and a 21-race calendar?

Formula 1 looks set for a record 21-race calendar in 2014, with the season kicking off earlier than usual to accomodate two new races.

Not only will the racing season begin earlier, testing will too. The teams are believed to have agreed to an additional pre-season test in January in order for them to get some early running with the new power units.

The first test, to be held in Jerez, is likely to take place on January 21st, lasting four days. The locations of the final three tests haven't been confirmed, but Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Bahrain are in the running to host one or more each.

With the season likely to begin two weeks earlier than usual in Bahrain - rather than Australia - on March 2nd, having the final test on the island kingdom makes sense as it would only be a week or two before the race.

A record breaking calendar also looks likely with the addition of Russia and New Jersey. At present we have 19 races following the loss of Valencia (Europe), and there are no signs of any race being dropped.

It's worth noting nothing has been ratified for 2014 yet. This proposal must be signed off by the FIA later in the year before it becomes official and, requires a change in the regulations to allow for testing to take place in January.


http://www.f1times.co.uk/news/display/07696

[tenista]

Michelin would consider '14 tyre supply

French tyre manufacturer Michelin would consider returning to Formula 1 if Pirelli fails to agree a new contract with the FIA.

At present, Pirelli has agreements in place with all 11 teams and F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone. It doesn't however have the all important supply contract in place with the sport's governing body, the FIA.

The federation's president, Jean Todt, is believed to be keen to see Michelin return, though it isn't clear whether he has officially approached them.

Michelin racing chief Pascal Couasnon hasn't denied their interest either, but he says changes must be made to make it attractive.

"No," Couasnon told Speedweek when asked if Michelin were against supplying F1. "We all live in the same world, and it is clear to us what Formula 1 has in terms of [promotional] visibility.

"When it comes to technology, it could be extremely interesting. We would be willing to sit down and make some suggestions in terms of the type of tyres, the right mix in terms of spectacle and challenge for tyre manufacturer."

One change he suggested was the move to bigger rims - something Pirelli are keen to see - but the biggest factor currently blocking their return is the requirement for quick wearing tyres.

"We could suggest, for example, to change the tyre dimension. Today in racing, 13-inch wheels are used, but you can't find these on any other vehicle. That does not interest us. 18 inches, that's a whole different thing," he added.

"A tyre that only lasts seven laps, that's difficult to connect with the green idea. We would only be interested if there are smarter regulations," he concluded.


http://www.f1times.co.uk/news/display/07747