Mclaren Falling Short

McLaren 2009 car is falling short of expectations. The challenge for victory at the Australian Grand Prix seems impossible for Mclaren. The season has not begun yet and McLaren has started facing issues already. I really dont understand what these people do of so much the money spent for testing for F1.

McLaren will be introducing new aero packages and will be fuurther developing the car. But they are confident enough that will be ready by the first grand prix because they have an additional week of testing and they have sorted out the cause for the slower pace.

Mclaren Off The Pace

McLaren were off the pace in Jerez last week. They have made number of aerodynamic changes in Barcelona.
The rear wing has previously been an apparent cause. It is understood to have led to a degradation of the rear tyres. The team introduced during lunch break, a new front wing, floor and top body, continuing a further evaluation of those parts today.

Thursday Timings

Timings for Thursday Practice:

1. Rubens Barrichello, Brawn BGP 001, 1:18.926
2. Nico Rosberg, Williams FW31, 1:19.774
3. Timo Glock, Toyota TF109, 1:20.091
4. Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull RB5, 1:20.576
5. Fernando Alonso, Renault R29, 1:20.664
6. Felipe Massa, Ferrari F60, 1:20.677
7. Robert Kubica, BMW Sauber F1.09, 1:20.740
8. Lewis Hamilton, McLaren MP4-24, 1:20.869
9. Sebastien Buemi, Toro Rosso STR4, 1:21.013
10. Giancarlo Fisichella, Force India VJM02, 1:21.045
11. Sebastien Bourdais, Toro Rosso STR4, 1:21.629

Barcelona Practice

Timings

1. Nick Heidfeld, BMW Sauber F1.09, 1:20.338
2. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari F60, 1:20.908
3. Jarno Trulli, Toyota TF109, 1:20.937
4. Jenson Button, Brawn BGP 001, 1:21.140
5. Nelson Piquet, Renault R29, 1:21.662
6. Sebastien Bourdais, Toro Rosso STR4, 1:22.158
7. Mark Webber, Red Bull RB5, 1:22.246
8. Adrian Sutil, Force India VJM02, 1:22.452
9. Kazuki Nakajima, Williams FW31, 1:22.813
10. Heikki Kovalainen, McLaren MP4-24, 1:22.948

STR4 Revealed

STR4 was revealed at the start of Barcelona Test. It was the final team to unveil its car. Race drivers Sebastien Bourdais and Sebastien Buemi were present for the launch. Like sister team Red Bull Racing’s 2009 car, the STR4’s chassis is a product of Red Bull Technology.

Honda Saved

$100m buyout has saved Honda. Ross Brawn and Nick Fry will take control of the team.
Honda will compete in the Australian Grand Prix. But there will also be many job cuts at Honda.

Softer Tyres will have Green Band in 2009.

In 2009 we will be again seeing a come back of Slick Tyres. 11 seasons we saw grooved tyres.

This year the softer compound will have a Green Band. This acts as a distinguition between the 2 compounds. It also signifies Bridgestone's support for the FIA's Make Cars Green Campaign.

There is a change in tyre allocation rationale too. For 2009, non -consecutive allocations will occur at most races.

Opening Races Tyre Allocation:

Australia - super soft, medium
Malaysia - soft, hard
China - super soft, medium
Bahrain - super soft, medium
Spain - soft, hard