Todt leaves Ferrari

Jean Todt, the man who led Ferrari’s resurgence in Formula 1 with the unprecedented six year domination during the Michael Schumacher dynasty has resigned from his post of CEO at Ferrari, which was confirmed during the just concluded share holder’s meeting March 18th.

Yet, rumours suggest that the 62yr old Frenchman may be positioning himself for a run at Max Mosley’s job as head of the FIA in 2009 when Mad Max’s current tenure expires. Apparently Mosley and Todt are friends and the Scuderia has left Todt as its FIA representative, which could come in handy during the run-up to elections next year…

Ferrari F2008

Continuing to lead the pack, Ferrari kicked off this year’s Formula 1 launches with the unveiling of the F2008 at Fiorano, Italy on January 6th. Ferrari’s new challenger is a re-designed version of its 2007 champion due to the dually imposed technical regulation changes which effect all of the F1 Constructors.

And wouldn’t you know it? While Kimi Raikkonen was busy shaking down the new F2008, Jean Todt was busy stirring the pot by claiming the new spec SECU developed by its rival McLaren, favours the Woking based team…

Ferrari replaces Todt

In a further sign of the changing of the guard at Ferrari, the Prancing Horse hierarchy has just announced that Stefano Domenicali Will replace Jean Todt as head of Gestione Sportiva, effective January 1st, 2008.

Upon graduating from the University of Bologna, Domenicali joined Ferrari in 1991 and will head a decisively Italian flavoured Scuderia Ferrari race team. It’s unclear whether or not Todt will continue as President and CEO of Ferrari automobiles…

Ferrari re-signs Massa

As I’ve been blathering on about the ridiculousness of Alonso going to Scuderia Ferrari in 2008, Maranello has finally announced the re-signing of Felipe Massa.

Massa will remain a Prancing Horse pilot until the end of 2010 alongside 2007 World Champion Kimi Raikkonen.

Thus as I’ve also previously noted, the most logical choice for “Ferdi the Putz” in 2008 is Renault, with scuttle butt suggesting a swap with McLaren for Heikki Kovalanen? I’m still guessing that Nico Rosberg will land the vaunted McLaren seat alongside Lewis Hamilton. Kovalenen will partner Ferdi and Nelson Piquet Jr. will take over Rosberg’s seat at Williams…

Red Mist

You may have heard that ex-Ferrari employee Nigel Stepney was to publish a book chronology of his years at Ferrari titled Red Mist. Yet Stepney now claims that original publisher of this book has been manipulated into not publishing Stepney’s manifesto.

And instead of trying to write something clever about this story, I’ll defer to the lengthy article recently published, as it also contains a copy of a letter that Nigel wrote to current FISA mouthpiece Max Mosley detailing various issues involving the “Flexi-gate” issue which was the start of “Stepney-Gate…”

To read the story, see: Stepney says publisher pulled out because of pressure

Schuey to race again

While Michael Schumacher may not be gracing us with his presence in the pits during Grand Prix weekends any further. It appears his driving days aren’t completely finished.

As it’s just been announced that the seven times World Champion will take part in Felipe Massa’s charity go kart event this November. While it has been previously announced that Schuey will also participate in the ROC in Wembley this December. What’s next? Perhaps some Tin Top competition. And none of dat Speed Car stuff. Naw, wouldn’t it be fun to see Michael giving his ex-nemesis Mika Hakkinen the Chrome Horn in the DTM. But don’t hold your breath…

Schuey Day Trippin?

Previous to winging his way towards Monnocoe where the proverbial SHIT hit the fan over Ferrari’s disastrous race weekend earlier this season. Michael Schumacher was spotted tooling around Germany.

Yet a sighting of a Ferrari circulating around the Nurburgring is not exactly newsworthy. Except as David Hobbs would often tells his colleague Professor Matchett. You must have Eyes like a proverbial Rat!

As some sharp eyed observer noticed that the pilot of said Ferrari circulating the Nordschleife was none other than Herr Schumacher.

And while young German F1 hopeful Winklehock is busy making his Grand Prix debut, Schuey will be on hand for the dedicating of his brand new grandstand at the Nurburgring this weekend…

Ferrari birthday cake

Oh goody! We here at No Fenders can once again return to our regular programming! Now that the yea hoo’s with too many bottle rockets have finished shooting their…

Like all great parties… They must eventually come to an end. Which was the case for Ferrari’s around the world celebration of its 60th Birthday.

Why do I always manage to miss these affairs? Having now missed both the big 5-Oh as well as number sixty…

Ferrari targets Stepney

If things weren’t bad enough on track. News comes from Modena that the Scuderia “Dream Police” have taken legal action against Ferrari (Soon to be Ex?) Technical Coordinator
Nigel Stepney.

It all seems to stem around the restructuring of Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro upon Messer Schumacher’s retirement. As the long dominant Formula 1 team seems to be in a bit of disarray upon the departure of several key members. With Rory Byrne effectively retiring, Ross Brawn on sabbatical and Paulo Martin Elli having moved to FIAT. This leaves Jean Todt feeling a bit lonely these days at the helm of the Ferrari monstrosity.

And this reshuffling included seeing Nigel Stepney being assigned a new non-racing role at Ferrari after being an integral part of the Schumacher Dynasty. As you may recall that Stepney received a broken foot while being Michael Schumacher’s refueler during the glory years. But after Schuey’s departure, Stepney has been assigned tasks at the factory.

Although Ferrari is unwilling to divulge the exact discrepancies Stepney has made. Maranello spokesman claims the action is in regards to the Englishman’s behaviour. While in Italy
Scuttlebutt accuses him of attempting to sabotage the red cars just days prior to Monaco. Which seems highly unlikely.

Stepney has made no secret of his desires to remain trackside and has been shopping himself around to various F1 competitors while still under the employ of the Prancing Horse. Rumours suggest Stepney was keen to take some of the remaining staff with him to Honda.

Stepney’s retorts to Ferrari’s allegations seem to suggest a bit of a “Witch Hunt.” Claiming that Ferrari knows exactly where he is. Upon booking his pre-arranged Asian holiday thru the Ferrari travel office. This comes after Ferrari claimed Stepney was not contactable.

In a recent interview with the UK’s Sunday Times. Stepney said
Ferrari is up to a game of dirty tricks. It’s all in the hands of his lawyer, so let’s wait and see.

Hmm? Wind tunnel fan belt breakages, Flexi-Floor accusations and throwing a key staff member “Under the Bus.” Could this be the root cause of the Scuderia’s recent downturn in performance?

Is this any way to treat the man responsible for giving Steve Matchett his chance as a Formula 1 mechanic?

World’s most expensive fan belt

So just what is up in Ferrari land? I mean why the current three race slump. Including the shellacking by McLaren finishing 1-2 last weekend.

And as previously mentioned some astute pit lane reporter. NO! Not Derr-Wreck Daily! But I think Peter Windsor mentioned the fact that Ferrari recently suffered a belt failure to their single rolling road wind tunnel. And it’s interesting to learn that the steel belt that propels this portion of the wind tunnel runs at a speed of 180mph! Which means F1 engines aren’t the only thing that goes KABLAMOE!

Yet surely this single factor cannot simply be the sole reason of Ferrari’s slump? I know that aerodynamics play a crucial role of a Formula 1 race cars success. But I just can’t believe that the lack of a wind tunnel for a few days would indeed be so critical! I suspect it has more to do with the fact that Ferrari is running a long wheelbase chassis. As well as the redesign of the “Flexi-floor.” At least I believe the longer wheelbase was a key issue at Monaco.

Now why is it that every time I write longer wheelbase all I can think of is the old Pontiac commercial. “Wider is Better!” As Pontiac tried vainly selling a “wide-track” Grand Prix model a few years ago…

This downtime of the past 24 hours makes me ponder if Ferrari’s decision to invest heavily in CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) is such a wise thing to proceed with? I mean CFD requires enormous amounts of computing… Which, ergo. Means having your own “Super Confuzer” which NEVER goes off line. Quick, somebody please tell me if the lights are still on in Maranello?

Italian Spin Job

Ah, those feisty Italians! You may have heard about Ferrari having just been voted the best place to work in Europe?

Well in typical Italian fashion, the Ferrari employees have decided to strike after some apparent “strife” with the management. So perhaps not all is perfect in Maranello? Does this mean Ferrari has to give the award back?

“Mama Mia, That’s a spicy Meatball!”

Schuey sets Sail

After staying out of the media’s spotlight upon his forced retirement, seven times World Champion Michael Schumacher has been busy making the rounds lately.

After finishing playing golf in Abu Dhabi, Willi Weber called upon his ex-client to hand out the A1 GP Championship trophy hardware. Where Schuey presented the shiny “cup” to the fledgling teenager Nico Hulkenberg.

The “stunt” was totally unplanned and seems to have ruffled some feathers of those whom have been on Schumi’s “Dance Card” for several years.

Next Michael made a surprise visit to America Cup challenger New Zealand to go for a “Three Hour cruse.” It seems a little surprising that Herr Schumacher rode aboard the opposition to Ferrari’s native country +39 Italian challenger.

And although Mary Ellen and Ginger weren’t present, I’m happy to report that the “Kiwi’s” didn’t have Gilligan at the helm either as the Emirates backed yawth defeated the Italians.

Was Michael simply hoping to either get a lift or go for a “walk about” his Isle ‘O Schumi? Since I suspect that the man made Middle East donated island isn’t large enough for Michael’s G5!

Yet I’m happy to report that Schuey & Co. safely returned to port…

What will Michael do?

Ah the lifestyles of the Rich and the Famous… While recently playing golf in Dubai, Michael Schumacher commented over his still as yet undefined role at Ferrari.

Schumacher who’s expected to take up some sort of managerial role in the future stated how its great to work for a company that lets you decide what you wish to do.

Meanwhile three current Formula 1 drivers have made differing remarks towards the seven time World Champions presence during Ferrari winter tests.

In his typically harsh Aussie mentality, Mark Webber has spouted off about why in the HELL is Michael still floating around at the Scuderia’s outings? Perhaps you should focus upon getting up to pace aboard your mid-pack Red Bull, mate!

Also Kimi Raikkonen has said he doesn’t need Michael’s help or advice and now comes Felipe Massa’s comments about not missing Michael either.

Who says Formula 1 respects its elders? Gone and forgotten, eh? Yet reports state that Jean Todt has claimed he’d be extremely happy if Michael said that he wanted to be Team Principal as his new role at Ferrari. So perhaps Kimi and Felipe had better watch their tongues…

Cold as Ice?

The British media never seems quite content unless it’s ramping up the pressure upon Formula 1’s leading lights. Recently the Brit’s turned their attention towards the “Iceman,” better known as Kimi Raikkonen.

Reportedly Raikkonen hasn’t spoken to Michael Schumacher over integrating into the Scuderia or asked for any driving advice, with Raikkonen being quite content to pursue his own agenda…

Rossi’s shiny new FIAT?

Valentino Rossi, the “Mega” MotoGP Superstar has been linked to a new deal with Ferrari. Well Sort of.

You may recall that Rossi has previously spent time testing for the Scuderia back in the winter of 2005 fueling speculation as a possible replacement for the newly departed Michael Schumacher.

Rossi continued to remain with his two wheel roots instead after signing a contract extension and fought for the 2006 Moto GP crown which eventually went to American Nicky Hayden.

Now upon Rossi’s Yamaha MotoGP team having lost long time title sponsor Camel due to the never ending Anti Tobacco legislation comes reports that FIAT is poised to become the team’s new backer…

Ferrari 60th Birthday Announcement

ile the Scuderia creeps towards Senior Citizen status by turning 60 this year, Shell Oil has decided to make quite a ruckus over the impending birthday.

Imagine waking up to the shrill sounds of exotic Formula 1 machinery barking loudly in the early morning hours of your neighborhood? This is apparently exactly what has happened in Monaco.

Meanwhile Shell is busily trying to film commercials around the globe, with first London’s location being scrubbed and relocated to Monaco. Now comes word that the Sydney “shoot” has also been pulled. So much for the lure of free TV promotion as the Oil giant seems unwilling to “Shell” out any extra dinero on the mega-bucks commercials…

Massa bullish on BMW-Sauber

Is this just another wrinkle in the never ending mind games that Formula 1 drivers are renowned for? I find it a bit strange to read that Felipe Massa is claiming that BMW-Sauber is the team to beat so far…

Perhaps Massa is just taking a swipe at his real rivals for the upcoming season by claiming that BMW-Sauber looks stronger then McLaren-Mercedes, Renault and the others…

It will all get down to “brass tacks” in just one month Down Under, eh?

Schuey’s Excellent Adventure?

Holy Ford Fusion Batmann! What in the HELL is the world coming too? After seven time World Champion Michael Schumacher rightly SLAMMED “RASSCAR” upon Juan Pablo Montoya’s decision to become a “good ole boy” last July, comes word that Ray Evernham has offered Schumacher the opportunity to test drive one of his team’s race cars anytime…

Perhaps Evernham is trying to make everybody forget about last year’s acrimonious riff between ex- Evernham driver Jeremy Mayfield and himself? You don’t remember Mayfield's accusing Evernham of spending too much quality time with female protégé Erin Krocker and not enough time focusing upon the race team…

Hey, can I help it? If you spend any lengthy amount of time watching the SPEED channel you’re bound to see something on “RASSCAR…” As it’s ALWAYS the top story on The Speed Report…

The new Prancing Horse

While the fanfare of Kimi “spottings” in Scuderia crimson has faded as Ferrari knuckles down to the task of winter testing. It’s amazing what happens as soon as one of Formula 1’s all time greatest drivers leaves the fold.

Ferrari is declaring that the Scuderia will start the season with both of its racing drivers on equal terms to compete for the championship. This is unlike the Schumacher era where his teammate was definitely the number two driver…

Ferrari F2007

Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro held a very low key launch of its 2007 challenger yesterday at its Fiarono test track. The only glimpses of the new chassis were supplied by Ferrari’s media center…

Ferrari has also once again changed the chassis model’s name, reverting back to earlier practice with the launch of the F2007…

To read about Toyota's 2007 Launch, see: Toyota TF107

A Brawny Ferrari?

Although it’s been widely speculated for some time now, Ross Brawn has finally publicly stated that he hopes to return to the Prancing Horse in 2008…

Brawn who was Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro’s Technical Director for 10 years decided to take a sabbatical at the end of the 2006 Formula 1 season…

Brawn departed along with Ferrari’s engine guru Paolo Martinelli, upon Michael Schumacher’s retirement. Brawn now hopes to return to Ferrari in 2008 most likely as Jean Todt’s replacement as Team Principal…

Schuey grabs Gold

No, not all of his gold bars in his Switzerland bank accounts…
Basking in the limelight of his hastened retirement, Michael Schumacher was recently presented a Gold Medal of Motorsport at the Salle des Etoiles, Monaco Sporting Club FIA gala alongside Sir Stirling Moss…
Schumacher has also recently been made an honorary citizen of Maranello…

Todt advises Kimi on Drinking

Although Kimi Raikkonen has not officially been released from his McLaren contract, Jean todt has already given his opinions on the young Finn’s reputation for indulging in all night drinking binges in an interview with the French media…
Todt explained that Raikkonen will be even more in the spotlight as a Ferrari driver and that if he wishes to partake in a few rounds of Johnnie Walker with friends then Ferrari would prefer him to do so discretely. Todt is hoping that Raikkonen can mold his moniker “The Iceman” to spill over into his extra-curricular off track activities. Perhaps Raikkonen will switch his choice of beverages from Vodka to either Uzo or Grappa…

Gene Continues

Ferrari has signed Marc Gene to continue as a Ferrari test driver for 2007. Yet with the new testing restrictions going into effect next season, it’s unknown just how much testing Gene will do…

Ferrari Rearranges F1 Team Structure

As expected, upon Michael Schumacher’s retirement from Formula One, Ferrari has made several changes towards key positions of its F1 racing team. Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro’s top staff: Jean Todt, Ross Brawn and Paolo Martinelli have all changed positions with Ferrari’s F1 team taking on a more Italian “feel.” Chief Mechanic Nigel Stefany has announced his retirement while Michael Schumacher has been appointed assistant to Jean Todt…

Il Wurld der Schuey

Talk about marketing genius… Or how to start your retirement? What better way then to have your own island? Apparently this is exactly the case for freshly departed Michael Schumacher. Not to be confused with the “World ‘O Schuey” which is located in Michael’s hometown of Kerpen. Instead Michael has been given an Island further east…

Schumacher’s Last Dance

It’s still hard to believe the day has finally arrived… Alas, all racing drivers must eventually retire. (Or slide into mediocrity) Although Michael Schumacher has had a season filled with some very strange mistakes, Michael has also scored 7 wins. Can it really be 15 years ago that I watched Michael make his sensational Grand Prix debut for Privateer Eddie Jordan at Spa-Francorchamps…?
As the sport’s “elder statesman” at the age of 37, Michael still seems hugely motivated to achieve victory and secure further World Championships. Was he forced to retire by the arrival of Kimi Raikkonen? As with Ferrari’s recent engine failure, we’ll never know the answer…
Unfortunately with one race to go Michael’s bid for a record 8th World Championship seems to have been extinguished with his devastating engine failure in Japan…
It appears that Fernando Alonso is poised to become Formula One’s youngest two times World Champion at age 25. All Fernando must do is finish in the points. An 8th place finish or better will do the trick. Michael must win the race with Fernando finishing 9th or worse…
Michael definitely needs some assistance to clinch the title in his final Grand Prix, look for Michael to simply dominate…Will Fernando’s Renault engine falter? Or even better go “KABLAMOE!” Highly unlikely... Will Fernando’s right rear tire nut fall off again? NO! Renault has fired the mechanic who’d had two occurrences of this… Therefore wouldn’t it be ironic if Michael’s “little” brother “Ralfie” nudged Fernando out of a points scoring position…
Unfortunately, it was Michael’s turn for shenanigans as he made a typically brilliant pass of Giancarlo Fisichella. Giancarlo earned his pay by slicing his front nose end plate against Michael’s rear tire… This incident forced Michael to pit for new tires, dropping to 18th place. Yet Michael showed why he’s won seven titles by fighting his way back to the front of the field. Michael snagged his 76th fastest race lap on route to a superb 4th place finish, passing his replacement Kimi Raikkonen with four laps remaining…

Italian Engineering

Many of us are still in shock over Michael Schumacher’s engine failure in Japan last week. Why did Michael’s Ferrari V-8 engine detonate? Especially since this was Michael’s first race engine failure in 6 years. (France, 2000) Of course we’ll never know the exact reason, nor will Ferrari be willing to divulge the cause. Ferrari has only disclosed that it was a top end failure and there was no warning…
Speculation centers on maximum engine revolutions and whether or not Michael was exceeding these prior to the detonation? Or did Ferrari instructed Michael to “turn up the wick” in a calculated risk to gain a larger gap prior to Michael’s final pit st0p?
Interestingly this year’s engine rules allow for teams to modulate their maximum engine revs, excluding Scuderia Toro Rosso’s rev-limited Cosworth V-10. This allows for teams such as Ferrari to play with peak engine RPM’s during the race weekend. Perhaps running to or above 20,000 RPM’s during qualifying. (Which teams are currently doing) Therefore the FIA has instituted a new maximum RPM limit of 19,000 RPM’s for 2007, which must be accomplished mechanically. This bans the use of RPM modulation through the use of any electronics…
It is certainly possible that Michael was running to a higher (20,000 RPM) rev-limit than normal for race distance when his engine went “KABLAMOE!” Only Ferrari knows…

During last week’s tests at Jerez, Michael topped the time sheets in preparation for the season’s finale at Interlagos. There is speculation that Ferrari will use “tweaked” engines in Brazil as they have nothing to loose… Michael will be able to use a new engine for the single remaining race. This will allow Ferrari to utilize a higher revving engine since it doesn’t have to worry about the usual two race weekend distance rule. Apparently rival F1 teams reported that Michael was running at 20,000 RPM’s in Jerez…