[zenren]

With March 17 getting nearer, I think its time for the 2013 thread to kick off.

For starters, here are the rule changes from last year for the 2013 season.

DRS use
For safety reasons, in 2013 drivers are only be able to utilise the Drag Reduction System (DRS) overtaking aid within the designated DRS zones during practice and qualifying. Previously drivers had been free to deploy the system as they pleased in these sessions.

Active double-DRS systems outlawed
In 2012 Mercedes developed a clever concept whereby air was channelled through an opening in the rear-wing endplate when DRS was activated and then fed through the car to help stall the front wing. For 2013 active drag reducing systems involving the DRS, such as this, have been banned.

Stepped noses
Teams have the option of tidying up the aesthetics of their cars in 2013 with the introduction of new regulations aimed at improving the look of ‘ugly’ stepped noses first seen in 2012. A small piece of laminate - nicknamed a ‘modesty' or 'vanity' panel - may now be used to smooth the nose section.

Crash testing
To make F1 cars ever safer, tougher new tests on roll structures and the survival cell have been introduced for 2013. Furthermore, every chassis that a team produces, as opposed to just one, will now be subject to a static load test of the survival cell.

Curfews
The team personnel curfew - which prevents team members from being in the paddock during specified periods - has been extended from six to eight hours on Thursday nights for 2013. The number of exceptions allowed during a season has also been reduced from four to two.

Front wing tests
For 2013 front wing deflection tests will be more stringent to lessen the possibility of flexible bodywork being used to enhance aerodynamic performance.

Minimum weight
The minimum weight of the car and driver has been increased from 640kg to 642kg to compensate for the slightly increased weight of Pirelli's 2013 tyres. The mandatory weight distribution has also been adjusted accordingly.

Force majeure
The ‘force majeure’ allowance relating to when a car stops on the track during qualifying has been deleted from the regulations. For 2013 any car that stops on the track must have enough fuel for the mandatory one-litre minimum sample plus an additional amount proportional to the amount of fuel that would have been used in returning to the pits (determined by the FIA).

Qualifying
Not an actual regulation change, but as the official 2013 entry list comprises 22 cars - two fewer than in 2012 - six cars rather than seven will now be eliminated at the end of both Q1 and Q2.

Championship entry fees
Championship entry fees have been revised. Red Bull, as constructors’ champions, were required to pay US$500,000 plus US$6000 for each point gained in the 2012 World Constructors’ Championship to enter the 2013 championship. Every other team was required to pay a basic fee of US$500,000 plus US$5000 for each point scored in 2012.

Confirmed Teams and Drivers for 2013:

Red Bull Racing
1. Sebastian Vettel
2. Mark Webber

Ferrari
3. Fernando Alonso
4. Felipe Massa

McLaren
5. Jenson Button
6. Sergio Perez

Lotus
7. Kimi Raikkonen
8. Romain Grosjean

Mercedes
9. Lewis Hamilton
10. Nico Rosberg

Sauber
11. Nico Hulkenberg
12. Esteban Gutierrez

Force India
14.
15.

Williams
16. Pastor Maldonanldo
17. Valterri Bottas

Toro Rosso
18. Jean-Eric Vergne
19. Daniel Ricciardo

Caterham
20. Charles Pic
21.

Marussia
22. Timo Glock
23. Max Chilton

Source: http://www.formula1.com/

[mayankk]

I am sticking to Mclaren, and betting big on Button this time. I just don't have any confidence with Perez right now, who looked more and more and more like a kneejerk reaction post his signing.

Also, will be rooting for Lewis, and here's my justification.
I started following F1 with Mclaren mercedes, and this is still Mercedes, basically a sister team(half-cousin, if being pedantic), so its OK.

[amartyasg]

Originally Posted by mayankk

I am sticking to Mclaren, and betting big on Button this time. I just don't have any confidence with Perez right now, who looked more and more and more like a kneejerk reaction post his signing.

Also, will be rooting for Lewis, and here's my justification.
I started following F1 with Mclaren mercedes, and this is still Mercedes, basically a sister team(half-cousin, if being pedantic), so its OK.

I was just about to post the same thing, when I saw your post!

But Lewis is still number 1 for me, though. I understand Mercedes's 2012 car and the whole championship campaign was like one of those football matches were a team scores within the first 10 minutes and celebrates like it made history, and then loses 6-1 or something. But Mercedes is a works team, and their budget involves quite a few bank accounts more than some of the other teams from what I've heard. So I'm hoping they can make it count. And if there is one driver on the field who can take a mid field car and win a race with it then its Lewis! ( and Fernando, and Hulkenberg, and Maldonado ... you get the point )

Only problem is that I have my 12th Boards going on before and after 17th March. I think I can still sneak the race in!

[kaushik60]

Damn it! Istanbul isn't going to make it to the 2013 Race Calendar.
Turkey has been struggling with issues related to financing their GP, as most of the fans in attendance are from outside Turkey. With their Prime Minister disallowing state funding, there will be no Grand Prix of Turkey at Istanbul park in 2013.

Source and full article here

[anachronix]

First pictures of Sergio from the MTC, his signing by Mclaren has been criticized as a knee-jerk reaction. Lets see what this kid can do in the silver car!

http://thisisf1.com/sergio-perez-fir...cedes-2013-f1/

[sameerg001]

This time too, I am with vettel. Hope to see him on top again

I hope vettel becomes the second man to have 5 titles in a row after Michael Schumacher, which would require him to win in 2013 and 2014.

Cheers!

[anachronix]

Ferrari beefing up the aero team by bringing in Martin Bester!

http://www.gptoday.com/full_story/vi...dynamics_guru/

[myavu]

Mercedes reveals 2014 Formula 1 engine





WOW! See how neatly they had packed that V6 Turbo. Can easily fit into a bike chassis.

Source: http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/105080

This engines is not at all bad when it roars. Almost similar to current V8s. Critics where little apprehensive about it's sound last year fearing fans will miss the fun/uniqueness of current F1 engine scream.

Source: http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/105081

Cheers!

Vinu

[anachronix]

Ferrari has officially kickstarted the season with the 23rd edition of Wrooom, an event partially organised by Philip Morris and company.

Naughty design by the Scuderia, the front of the jacket looks a lot like a pack of Marlboro



Source: http://www.ferrari.com/english/formu...campiglio.aspx

[deetjohn]

The cars are losing power and gaining weight. Not a good direction!

Originally Posted by anachronix

Naughty design by the Scuderia, the front of the jacket looks a lot like a pack of Marlboro

The cars are out in the 1st week of Feb, isn't it?

I really cannot stand one more season with the blame on wind tunnel calibration.

[sa_kiran]

Why Hamilton and Mercedes could surprise in 2013 - http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2013/01/1...013-prospects/

[sa_kiran]

Pedro de la Rosa to join Ferrari as a development driver.
https://twitter.com/noblef1/status/291479448979664896

[anachronix]

I have been reading articles that were too strikingly similar to this every year about Brawn/Mercedes team about a strong come back for the 4th consecutive year. I will believe it when I see it!

4th Year and counting, only new chemical in the equation for Mercedes is Lewis and I do hope that he fights in the front than in the mid or lower part of the grid this year.

Originally Posted by sa_kiran

Why Hamilton and Mercedes could surprise in 2013 - http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2013/01/1...013-prospects/

[deetjohn]

Alonso is very confident for the season.

He said: "We can be faster or slower than the others but not 1.5 or 2 seconds off the pace, because it was a record what we had last year. It is maybe impossible to be worse than last year, so I am confident."

Now, thats one agrument you can't fault with.

[anachronix]

Rumour: FI close to collapse. The rumor is that it will either be bought by Colles or Flavio. The news is being reported by Italian magazines.

http://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/fo...medium=twitter

EDIT:

A short clip from the Wrooom'13!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHhoyIdsrO8