F1RWRS -- 2015 Season - ROTY voting!!!

[Aerospeed]

Jeez, the teams need to know that they can't skimp out on 20 cent washers...

Some say that he once ate a live otter, and that he beat Daniel Melrose at Formula One 2012 without using the easiest difficulty level. All we know is, he's called the Stig.

Some say that ghosts tell Stig stories around the campfire, and that he could qualify a Life at Monza... if he could be bothered. All we know is, he's called The Stig.

[TomWazzleshaw]

Can we have a wet race at Bathurst just for the heck of it?

[Aerond]

This week I´ll be out on Friday. When do you want the Bathurst race to happen: Thursday night (around 10PM) or Saturday night? (Around midnight)

[Klon]

Saturday night's alright.

[Phoenix]

I'd prefer Thursday if possible. Since I'm in Madrid already this week, I'll be looking forward to waste the Saturday night partying before the university fecal matter is directed at the air blowing device

[tommykl]

I won't be awake for any, so I'm not bothered by any of them

[Phoenix]

I won't be awake for any, so I'm not bothered by any of them

Enjoy your time as a teenager

[Londoner]

Thursday night. It's a straight choice between falling asleep at sixth form, or at work. My Friday timetable is pretty crap indeed, so I'll sleep then.

[tommykl]

I won't be awake for any, so I'm not bothered by any of them

Enjoy your time as a teenager

That awkward moment when you live in a tiny village in the middle of nowhere and therefore have to ask your parents to take you anywhere.

[Aerond]

I won't be awake for any, so I'm not bothered by any of them

Enjoy your time as a teenager

That awkward moment when you live in a tiny village in the middle of nowhere and therefore have to ask your parents to take you anywhere.

It used to happen that to me, until I decided it was time to get a driving license.

[TomWazzleshaw]

This week I´ll be out on Friday. When do you want the Bathurst race to happen: Thursday night (around 10PM) or Saturday night? (Around midnight)

Either works for me but Thursday would be better. Gives me something to talk about with Lappy before our Engineering exam that afternoon

[Aerond]

Ok, Bathurst race on Thursday... Pre-Qualifying and Qualifying tomorrow!!

[Nessafox]

The organisers obviously missed Van Dycke's sex change No wonder she's underperforming. Though not being used to racing on high heels might be an explanation too.

[tristan1117]

Aerond, which program do you use to make bigger crashes in GP2?

[DanielPT]

Katayama suspended for the next two races

Following her outburst in the Japanese media after the race, Sunshine decided to suspend Katayama for the next two races. João Lagos deemed her behaviour totally unaceptable after only one race. "We all knew it would be a transitional year after since we could not change or improve our chassis in any way, so I am a bit sad to see, as yearly in the season as this, our number one driver to come out and behave like this". João Lagos also added that no team orders are used and that, honestly, James Davies was "a bit better" than Katayama at the last race. Autosport also came to knowledge that while indeed there is a performance clause that allows Katayama to leave, there is also another that prevents her from racing until the end of 2015 season. "Following the acquisition of Sunshine, we compromised in making Katayama our number one driver and developing her career. And we still hope to do be able to do it" said João Lagos. Katayama will be replaced by Daniel Martins in the first race and by her sister in the second race.

[TomWazzleshaw]

Excuse me while I pick up what's left of my jaw from the ground.

Seriously, that is one of the most controversial calls that I've ever seen in the F1RWRS. And by the way, Yuka Katayama's not eligible for a superlicense so she can't drive in the F1RWRS until she gets one.

[TomWazzleshaw]

Oh and whilst I'm still in the mood for updating the Wiki, has O'Lauchlan been officially sacked with immediate effect by Autodynamics or after the Australian GP?

[DanielPT]

Excuse me while I pick up what's left of my jaw from the ground.

Seriously, that is one of the most controversial calls that I've ever seen in the F1RWRS. And by the way, Yuka Katayama's not eligible for a superlicense so she can't drive in the F1RWRS until she gets one.

Oh, ok. Then it's Daniel Martins for the next two races.

[RonDenisDeletraz]

O'Lauchlan is sacked immediately, even though he will be kept as a test driver.

[TomWazzleshaw]

O'Lauchlan is sacked immediately, even though he will be kept as a test driver.

Fair enough.

So, for Aerond's reference, these are all the driver changes before the Australian GP:

Sunshine: Katayama OUT, Martins IN
Foxdale: P. Mann OUT, D. Mann IN
Aeroracing: D. Mann OUT, P. Mann IN
Simpson: Simpson OUT, Macklin IN
Autodynamics: O'Lauchlan OUT, Groves IN

[AndreaModa]

I'd say though that Sunshine have consistently been hamstrung by having a poor driver line-up though. In 2013 they buggered about with it so much there was little continuity, and in 2014 Lon had a terrible first half of the year. I don't think Katayama is actually that decent, we've seen James Davies walk into that team and immediately start beating her quite comprehensively. Considering that the Sunshine car was one of the best on the grid for the past two seasons, they have only two victories to show for it. I think a Davies/Martins line-up will be far more beneficial in the long-run.

[RonDenisDeletraz]

I'd say though that Sunshine have consistently been hamstrung by having a poor driver line-up though. In 2013 they buggered about with it so much there was little continuity, and in 2014 Lon had a terrible first half of the year. I don't think Katayama is actually that decent, we've seen James Davies walk into that team and immediately start beating her quite comprehensively. Considering that the Sunshine car was one of the best on the grid for the past two seasons, they have only two victories to show for it. I think a Davies/Martins line-up will be far more beneficial in the long-run.

I personally find it hard to rate Martins after he was beaten so comprehensively by Mignolet at Arrowtech last year.

[TomWazzleshaw]

I'd say though that Sunshine have consistently been hamstrung by having a poor driver line-up though. In 2013 they buggered about with it so much there was little continuity, and in 2014 Lon had a terrible first half of the year. I don't think Katayama is actually that decent, we've seen James Davies walk into that team and immediately start beating her quite comprehensively. Considering that the Sunshine car was one of the best on the grid for the past two seasons, they have only two victories to show for it. I think a Davies/Martins line-up will be far more beneficial in the long-run.

I personally find it hard to rate Martins after he was beaten so comprehensively by Mignolet at Arrowtech last year.

I don't think anyone rated Martins at all after about race 7 in 2013

[RonDenisDeletraz]

I'd say though that Sunshine have consistently been hamstrung by having a poor driver line-up though. In 2013 they buggered about with it so much there was little continuity, and in 2014 Lon had a terrible first half of the year. I don't think Katayama is actually that decent, we've seen James Davies walk into that team and immediately start beating her quite comprehensively. Considering that the Sunshine car was one of the best on the grid for the past two seasons, they have only two victories to show for it. I think a Davies/Martins line-up will be far more beneficial in the long-run.

I personally find it hard to rate Martins after he was beaten so comprehensively by Mignolet at Arrowtech last year.

I don't think anyone rated Martins at all after about race 7 in 2013

Yet you didn't notice me accidentally confusing Bosevic for Mignolet. I swear that the Croatian is the entire definition of anonymous

[TomWazzleshaw]

I personally find it hard to rate Martins after he was beaten so comprehensively by Mignolet at Arrowtech last year.

I don't think anyone rated Martins at all after about race 7 in 2013

Yet you didn't notice me accidentally confusing Bosevic for Mignolet. I swear that the Croatian is the entire definition of anonymous

Bosevic is probably hamstrung by the equipment he has to deal with more than anything else. The fact he scored one of the two non-MRT poles all year in the ArrowTech and winning the first leg of the Bud 800 is to the man's credit. A Bosevic/Mignolet lineup at ArrowTech this year would have been dynamite in my opinion

[Aerond]

Aerond, which program do you use to make bigger crashes in GP2?

Gp2Misc

[Salamander]

Considering I think perhaps this car is a bit of a step backwards for the team, I think we should be pleased with an 8th place finish. The car is a bit of a handful to drive, but I suppose I might actually be at a bit of an advantage there, considering the utter rubbish I've had to drive for the last 2 years. Still though, I think there might be some significant potential in this car, and with a bit of work, we should get back to where we should be, fighting for wins and podiums.

[FMecha]

Personally, I think Shinobu should NOT move to Revolution. See what happened to Melrose after he moved to Simpson in the last race.

[TomWazzleshaw]

Personally, I think Shinobu should NOT move to Revolution.

Who the bathplug suggested that she was ever going to Revolution in the first place?

[FMecha]

Personally, I think Shinobu should NOT move to Revolution.

Who the bathplug suggested that she was ever going to Revolution in the first place?

She did hint a possible move there, Wizzie. It would be a suicide move IMO if that happens, like Melrose to Simspon. You DNQ'ed in the first race

[Shizuka]

What? I didn't even think about this at all! I just mentioned Simon and Plaza, but that's all - no plans for 2016 yet!

Actually, here's another idea then. Van Dycke out, Katayama in at Revolution for these two races and then Marie Simon takes it. Why? Because if it was my fault, I'm taking the consequences and let her drive.

[DanielPT]

What? I didn't even think about this at all! I just mentioned Simon and Plaza, but that's all - no plans for 2016 yet!

Actually, here's another idea then. Van Dycke out, Katayama in at Revolution for these two races and then Marie Simon takes it. Why? Because if it was my fault, I'm taking the consequences and let her drive.

Katayama is still contracted to Sunshine during the suspension. Besides, she cannot drive for other teams this season according to her contract even if she unilaterally ends it. Sunshine respects its obligations and will want to keep Katayama for at least 2015.

I'd say though that Sunshine have consistently been hamstrung by having a poor driver line-up though. In 2013 they buggered about with it so much there was little continuity, and in 2014 Lon had a terrible first half of the year. I don't think Katayama is actually that decent, we've seen James Davies walk into that team and immediately start beating her quite comprehensively. Considering that the Sunshine car was one of the best on the grid for the past two seasons, they have only two victories to show for it. I think a Davies/Martins line-up will be far more beneficial in the long-run.

I personally find it hard to rate Martins after he was beaten so comprehensively by Mignolet at Arrowtech last year.

I don't think anyone rated Martins at all after about race 7 in 2013

He had a few good races here and there. Anyway, I am not expecting him to match Davies.

[SuperAguri]

Katayama takes case to Arbitration
Shinobu Katayama has taken her case to the FRWRS arbitration council, stating that Sunshine suspending her is unjust and that her contrat states that if the car for any part of the season is underperforming then she can walk away without penalty to either side. Sunshine are claiming that they have her services for the entire 2015 season and are refusing to let her go.

Katayama signs for Revolution
In a shock move, Shinobu Katayama has signed up with compatriate Hagane Shizuka to race for Revolution in a race by race deal. It is believe that Katayama was not happy with the Sunshine car and hates the new management and would prefer to race for a team that is at least going places and she believe she can match or beat Haganes pace so that Revolution would prequalify. She believes that her contract is black and white and she is walking away from Sunshine to sign for another team. Sunshine or Revolution have yet to comment.

[Shizuka]

That is indeed surprising, but positive for us.

In exchange, Marie Simon is free to join Sunshine, if she wants to - we're not standing in her way!

[Aerond]

Mecha spent 5 credits in upgrades; 80 left
Dofasco spent 10 credits in upgrades; 5 left (and no, I can´t split 1 BHP in two so stop asking for engine upgrades for 15, 25, 55 credits please!)

[Aerond]

Katayama takes case to Arbitration
Shinobu Katayama has taken her case to the FRWRS arbitration council, stating that Sunshine suspending her is unjust and that her contrat states that if the car for any part of the season is underperforming then she can walk away without penalty to either side. Sunshine are claiming that they have her services for the entire 2015 season and are refusing to let her go.

I don´t believe there´s a case there. Her team-mate was able to take the car to Top 10 and qualified with no hassle so it´s hardly underperforming. If Katayama sucked at Adelaide was entirely her fault, and then went to press, then she´s replaced by Martins I think you have to stick with that decission. Sorry.

[Shizuka]

Dofasco spent 10 credits in upgrades; 5 left (and no, I can´t split 1 BHP in two so stop asking for engine upgrades for 15, 25, 55 credits please!)

Okay, that is something you rarely see

[Aerond]

Katayama signs for Revolution
In a shock move, Shinobu Katayama has signed up with compatriate Hagane Shizuka to race for Revolution in a race by race deal. It is believe that Katayama was not happy with the Sunshine car and hates the new management and would prefer to race for a team that is at least going places and she believe she can match or beat Haganes pace so that Revolution would prequalify. She believes that her contract is black and white and she is walking away from Sunshine to sign for another team. Sunshine or Revolution have yet to comment.

The commission won´t recognise this contract as valid as Shinobu Katayama has a valid contract with Sunshine Daihatsu which ties her to the team for the whole of 2015, even under suspension from her own team. Therefore the commission refuses to give Shinobu Katayama a Reject License to drive for Revolution, or any other team that is not Sunshine, during the 2015 season, as long as DanielPT doesn´t authorize a move to other team.

PS: And, anyway, entry list for Bathurst is closed so Katayama won´t drive at Bathurst.

[Aerond]

F1RWRS 2015 -- Race 2/16 -- AUSTRALIAN GP -- Bathurst

WEATHER REPORT:
Pre-Q: Light Rain
Qualifying 1: Rain
Qualifying 2: Dry
Race: Dry

PRE-QUALIFYING

1.Ben Fleet (Alitalia) -- 1.46.195
2.Ashley Watkinson (Kingfisher) -- 1.46.321
3.Hagane Shizuka (Revolution) -- 1.46.850
4.Daniel Melrose (Simpson) -- 1.47.205
5.David Neuberg (Kingfisher) -- 1.47.943
6.Gia van Dycke (Revolution) -- 1.48.058
7.Nathanael Spencer (Boxtel) -- 1.48.174
8.Damon Cannon (Autodynamics) -- 1.48.638
9.David Koczo (Alitalia) -- 1.49.025
10.Kay Lon (Prospec) -- 1.49.414
11.Steven Mackintosh (Mecha) -- 1.49.569
12.Markus van de Schoot (Dofasco) -- 1.49.679
13.Mitchell Macklin (Simpson) -- 1.49.791
14.Andrea Battani (Boxtel) -- 1.49.799
15.Jean Luc Schiller (Mecha) -- 1.50.024
16.Fredo Mestolio (Prospec) -- 1.50.689
17.Tomislaw Tajner (Dofasco) -- 1.50.807
18.Sebastian Groves (Autodynamics) -- 1.58.580

** Kingfisher will skip Pre-Qualifying at Race 3.

QUALIFYING




** Aeroracing will race Pre-Qualifying at Race 3.

RACE

Interesting and fun race for the second round of the championship at Bathurst. It´s a circuit where there´re things happening every year and this year race didn´t disappoint. We had lots of overtaking, cars failing, accidents, incredible recoveries, some surprises and some dull moments as well, all wrapped in that sense of "anything can happen anytime".

Rhys Davies commanded the race from turn one and end of story when we talk about the win; the Australian veteran has started this season better than ever before and, if any MRT has a problem, it usually is Nicolas car. His drive was fantastic; opened an enormous gap in the first half of the race and then he just made sure to keep enough for any possible trouble in the second part. Positive signs on DGN as well, it seems the urgent updates introduced for this race worked, and even though both drivers had electric issues, they drove fast to secure their first points this season. Specially impressive was Dagnall, coming up from behind in a short lapse of laps and making overtakes practically at every possible passing place. Sammy Jones had a good drive as well and, after being passed by the black and white cars, he simply stayed out of trouble to collect three valuable points. More positive marks to Douglas Mann (who managed to score points in the Foxdale despite the disastrous weekend for the team at Adelaide), and to Revolution drivers van Dycke and Shizuka, who went from a perspective of failing to Pre-Qualify the whole season to drive at a quick pace which would have been enough for Shizuka to be in the points if it hadn´t been for electrics.

We have mixed feelings about Daniel Martins; having in count the car was new to him, and the storm hitting the Sunshine garage, he did an incredible job by placing the car in 2nd place in the first part of the race, but his spin, when he was running 6 seconds clear of the 3rd placed car, was a novice mistake and it has cost Sunshine much needed points. We didn´t have good feelings about Aurelien Moll, who was plain dull once again, and as well for Barii Mori, who seemed to lose all motivation after losing his Front Wing; also Zimmer, Scott and Vantini accidents were avoidable. In fact Zimmer was hardly beaten by a brilliant Whitechapel, who just fell a bit too short of ending in the points. A fantastic desplay for the HRT female.

But our ROTR can´t be given to any driver or team this weekend, because the real star of the race was the electric failures; up to 6 drivers suffered electrical problems during the race, an outstanding ammount and something the teams will have to work on for next race at Imola!




DOTR -- Hagane Shizuka; How the hell did he almost scored in that car?

CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS

Drivers

1.Rhys Davies -- 20 pts
2.Sammy Jones -- 7 pts
3.Rosco Vantini -- 6 pts
=.Mark Dagnall -- 6 pts
5.Thomas de Bock -- 5 pts
6.Ron Mignolet -- 4 pts
7.Andrea Battani -- 2 pts
8.Mirko Bosevic -- 1 pt
=.Douglas Mann -- 1 pt

Teams

1.MRT -- 20 pts
2.Jones -- 13 pts
3.DGNgineering -- 10 pts
4.Gillet -- 5 pts
5.Boxtel -- 2 pts
6.Arrowtech -- 1 pt
=.Foxdale -- 1 pt

[DanielPT]

Katayama takes case to Arbitration
Shinobu Katayama has taken her case to the FRWRS arbitration council, stating that Sunshine suspending her is unjust and that her contrat states that if the car for any part of the season is underperforming then she can walk away without penalty to either side. Sunshine are claiming that they have her services for the entire 2015 season and are refusing to let her go.

Katayama signs for Revolution
In a shock move, Shinobu Katayama has signed up with compatriate Hagane Shizuka to race for Revolution in a race by race deal. It is believe that Katayama was not happy with the Sunshine car and hates the new management and would prefer to race for a team that is at least going places and she believe she can match or beat Haganes pace so that Revolution would prequalify. She believes that her contract is black and white and she is walking away from Sunshine to sign for another team. Sunshine or Revolution have yet to comment.

There will be arbitration all right. Because Katayama is seemingly not respecting the clause that states that she cannot drive for any other team in 2015 and because there is no way that one can state the car is under performing only after 1 race into the season. And based on James Davies result, it is most likely that it was Katayama under performing instead.

Sunshine obtains a court injunction to prevent Katayama to drive for Revolution this weekend.

Shinobu Katayama debut for Revolution after her shock move is put on hold after Sunshine sought a court injunction to prevent her from racing based on the breach of a clause in her contract stating that Katayama could not drive for any other team besides Sunshine. The court stated that, given preliminary evidence, Sunshine was given reason for their injunction and until the ruling FRWRS arbitration council Katayama is unable to race in F1RWRS. About the suspension, João Lagos stated that Sunshine always respected Sunshine even when she went public about her status within the team and behind team bosses backs in trying to hire her sister into the team. "The team is dedicated to be successful and that is the main reason to buy Sunshine. I always stated that it would be a transitional year given that we must keep the previous chassis as an agreement with the previous ownership. Shinobu knows perfectly well that Sunshine cannot not part ways with her on its own initiative due to the same reason. The suspension is justified because slandering both the team and her bosses in the press doesn't fit within any working etiquette of any professional outfit, be it within sport or in the corporate world."