F1RWRS -- 2015 Season - ROTY voting!!!

pasta_maldonado · Post by **pasta_maldonado** » 18 Sep 2012, 16:35

I don't see how Sunshine can restrict her right to drive for another team even if she leaves. :roll:

SuperAguri · Post by **SuperAguri** » 18 Sep 2012, 16:41

Autosport wrote:Katayama furious at FRWRS board
Shinobu Katayama was furious when she was told that she would have to stay at Sunshine and would not be able to race for Revolution. She said "I am furious at the Sunshine management for making such a poor car for me and then suspending me for speaking my mind, they are basically trying to undervalue me, to make me look ordinary, they are favouring James Davies as he is cheap, plus they know that I am one of the top 5 drivers on the grid and they rather I not race or underperform rather then lose me. I am furious at the spineless FRWRS commission for rejecting my appeal regardless as my contract states underperformance of the car and does not bring in my team mates performance, and even if it did it is obvious the car woefully underperformed from last season. I have always raced in the top 4 in the last two tasmanian GPs and this season both cars were in the back end of the field. My contract is clear and I want to end this slavery and race in a decent car again.". Revolution were disappointed that they would not be able to use the talents of Shinobu Katayama for the forseeable future. The FRWRS have yet to comment as have Sunshine Motorsports

DanielPT · Post by **DanielPT** » 18 Sep 2012, 16:41

Aerond wrote:
SuperAguri wrote:
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.

Autosport wrote:Sunshine is glad that the commission ruled on its favour

The ruling that came immediately after Sunshine's injunction was favourable to Sunshine and the team is happy about it. Nevertheless João Lagos doesn't wish bad to his current drivers and is sad that one employee wants to leave, "While I am happy to see the commission decision, I never wanted this in the first place. I am not happy that one of our drivers wants to force his way out of the team like this and, at the same time, not willing to keep unhappy personnel within the team, so, if Shinobu maintains her desire to activate the 'car under perfoming clause' in her contract after the internal suspension ends, Sunshine will accept it and will not prevent her from driving for any other outfit.

DanielPT · Post by **DanielPT** » 18 Sep 2012, 16:47

SuperAguri wrote:
Autosport wrote:Katayama furious at FRWRS board

Shinobu Katayama was furious when she was told that she would have to stay at Sunshine and would not be able to race for Revolution. She said "I am furious at the Sunshine management for making such a poor car for me and then suspending me for speaking my mind, they are basically trying to undervalue me, to make me look ordinary, they are favouring James Davies as he is cheap, plus they know that I am one of the top 5 drivers on the grid and they rather I not race or underperform rather then lose me. I am furious at the spineless FRWRS commission for rejecting my appeal regardless as my contract states underperformance of the car and does not bring in my team mates performance, and even if it did it is obvious the car woefully underperformed from last season. I have always raced in the top 4 in the last two tasmanian GPs and this season both cars were in the back end of the field. My contract is clear and I want to end this slavery and race in a decent car again.". Revolution were disappointed that they would not be able to use the talents of Shinobu Katayama for the forseeable future. The FRWRS have yet to comment as have Sunshine Motorsports

João Lagos wrote:I think it is a real shame that Katayama is not more professional than this. I think this can hurt her career in the future as any team owner would be cautious in signing such a 'dangerous' driver. I still think that Shinobu is very talented, though.

dr-baker · Post by **dr-baker** » 18 Sep 2012, 17:29

Some Hopelessly Inaccurate Tabeloid wrote:Foxdale in trouble
Following the DISMAL performance from the Foxdale team at yesterday's Tasman GP, rumours are abound that the team may be SCRAPPED by the end of the year. Commission President Daniel Prieto was even overheard commenting on Foxdale's situation, calling the team 'UNBELIEVABLE' and slow. With Pippa Mann likely to enjoy a good year at Aeroracing this season, it seems certain to S.H.I.T that Foxdale will go to the dogs to allow the Mann siblings to focus on their driving ambitions at teams with better prospects. After the race, Douglas Mann was seen in conversation with a number of team bosses, suggesting that the Manxman will ABANDON his own team before the 2015 season is even over.

The Mann siblings wrote:There is absolutely no truth in this, particularly based upon 1 race. Douglas has been involved in this series since the start and has previously had several DNQs. One poor race in which he managed to comfortably qualify is not going to see him quit the sport. And Pippa running teams since 2011, why would she quit now, just because of one poor race? The tabloid's acronym is apt - they are indeed merde.

Salamander · Post by **Salamander** » 18 Sep 2012, 17:37

SuperAguri wrote:
Autosport wrote:Katayama furious at FRWRS board
Shinobu Katayama was furious when she was told that she would have to stay at Sunshine and would not be able to race for Revolution. She said "I am furious at the Sunshine management for making such a poor car for me and then suspending me for speaking my mind, they are basically trying to undervalue me, to make me look ordinary, they are favouring James Davies as he is cheap, plus they know that I am one of the top 5 drivers on the grid and they rather I not race or underperform rather then lose me. I am furious at the spineless FRWRS commission for rejecting my appeal regardless as my contract states underperformance of the car and does not bring in my team mates performance, and even if it did it is obvious the car woefully underperformed from last season. I have always raced in the top 4 in the last two tasmanian GPs and this season both cars were in the back end of the field. My contract is clear and I want to end this slavery and race in a decent car again.". Revolution were disappointed that they would not be able to use the talents of Shinobu Katayama for the forseeable future. The FRWRS have yet to comment as have Sunshine Motorsports

James Davies wrote:Bullshite. You were 3rd in the championship last year, and I didn't qualify for a single goddamn race - who in their right mind would favour me over you!? Hell, I was prepared to offer to be contractural number 2 to secure this seat! Yeah, the car isn't as good as last year, but it isn't as terrible as you made it look - and I think I know a bit more than you about terrible cars. If you're going to throw a hissy fit just because you can't win out of the box, then I think you're going to find yourself persona non grata in the paddock very quickly.

Aerond · Post by **Aerond** » 18 Sep 2012, 17:41

Bathurst Pre-Q results page 18

pasta_maldonado · Post by **pasta_maldonado** » 18 Sep 2012, 17:49

David Koczo wrote:It feels good to have a chance of Qualifying for the race for the first time in 10 races. I'm happy for Ben and for the team, while I'm dissapointed that I was the slowest of all those who pre-qualified, I hope it is the start of a brighter future for Scuderia Alitalia.

Post by **Londoner** » 18 Sep 2012, 18:36

Damon Cannon wrote:Groves is TEN seconds slower than me!?

Klon · Post by **Klon** » 18 Sep 2012, 18:56

Kay Lon wrote:Well, that ain't good news. That ain't good news at all. We didn't count on Fleet, or Alitalia in general for that matter, to suddenly improve by this much compared to Adalaide. This in combination with failing to get our Michelin wet tires to work the way we wanted them too made for a difficult session, still that is no excuse for not making it. We will have to work on the car for the next race but I am confident that this won't be the beginning of a long DNPQ spell for us, contrary to what some pundits predict, worthless tapeworms that they are.

Lon's comment about Shinbou Katayama and Sunshine:

Kay Lon wrote:It depends, really: I have not driven their car, I can't tell how good it is: if Davies has used it's potental to a 90 or 100 % then I'd strongly advise Shin to accept that suspension, keep her mouth shut and do her job. Yeah, yeah, me telling someone to keep quiet seems hypocritical, but I have never accused a team of hindering me when it wasn't true, which means I only ever did it after my stint Morii's Kahama because it only happened there. Now, if Davies has absolutely outdriven the car then I can understand her frustration but will still really advise her against a move. There is no Jones Racing amongst the teams that might offer her a spot so she'd just hop from one mess into another and then the whole story would start again and that could hurt her career: nobody hires somebody who keeps complaining unless that person is the Best In The World™ at complaining and everything else he does, like I am.

tristan1117 · Post by **tristan1117** » 18 Sep 2012, 19:25

Damn, Boxtel DNQs after scoring two points in the last race? Can't we base pre-qualifying exemptions on actual race performance rather than qualifying? When the Commission decides who to put in pre-qualifying during the middle of the season, it's based on championship standings, not qualifying times...

SuperAguri · Post by **SuperAguri** » 18 Sep 2012, 19:50

Katayama apologises to team
After the various press releases by both sides, Shinobu Katayama gave a statement saying "I would like to apoloigise to the Sunshine team for my actions and do not lay blame to the cars poor performance on the hard working men and women at the Sunshine factory base in Australia. I am frustrated that the car is a pile o bolts and that we had nearly no investment in the car at the end of last year. I still believe that the car is a write off and we will struggle for points this season and I do beleive I am best served by leaving the team and racing for someone else whilst the team get a talentless pay driver to pay towards the 2016 car as I believe they will need it.

Shizuka · Post by **Shizuka** » 18 Sep 2012, 20:07

2015 target completed. REALLY WTF

AdrianSutil · Post by **AdrianSutil** » 18 Sep 2012, 20:08

Kingfisher begin their season at round 2.
It had taken one race too long, but Mr.Alexander was all smiles today as his team easily made it through pre-qualifying. Ashley Watkinson was 2nd fastest whilst young David backed him up with the fifth best time, making sure Kingfisher's weekend progresses beyond the Friday. "It's a fantastic achievement for the team to have made it into the main session", said Mr.Alexander. "The conditions were a little tricky but the lads knew that being consistent would see the lap times fall. We also escape pre-qualifying for the next race too, which is just..bloody brilliant."
Ashley was all smiles too. Having seen a long career slowly filter out, he has found a nice home at Kingfisher. "The last couple of seasons have been difficult, but Kingfisher knew that an experiences guy like me could help the young team to move up. I won the very first RWRS race remember!"
Mr.Alexander also pointed out that the season will be very close for the midfielders. "For sure, it's going to be difficult. Teams like Alitalia, Autodynamics and Boxtel seem to be around our level and beating them is our main goal this year. That, and scoring points!"

Aerond · Post by **Aerond** » 18 Sep 2012, 20:10

SuperAguri wrote:
Katayama apologises to team
After the various press releases by both sides, Shinobu Katayama gave a statement saying "I would like to apoloigise to the Sunshine team for my actions and do not lay blame to the cars poor performance on the hard working men and women at the Sunshine factory base in Australia. I am frustrated that the car is a pile o bolts and that we had nearly no investment in the car at the end of last year. I still believe that the car is a write off and we will struggle for points this season and I do beleive I am best served by leaving the team and racing for someone else whilst the team get a talentless pay driver to pay towards the 2016 car as I believe they will need it.

The funny thing of this statement is that Sunshine still has a good bunch of credits to invest.

Aerospeed · Post by **Aerospeed** » 18 Sep 2012, 20:41

GROVES BLAMES LACK OF TESTING FOR SLOW PERFORMANCE
New Autodynamics driver Sebastian Groves says that a lack of a test between the Tasman and Australian GPs caused his bad performance. "I apologize in advance for my lack of pace today, it was my first day in the car and I couldn't get to grips with it." Groves also said that Dean O'Lauchlan, the driver whom Groves replaced, "probably wouldn't have done any better."

TomWazzleshaw · Post by **TomWazzleshaw** » 18 Sep 2012, 21:24

pasta_maldonado wrote:I don't see how Sunshine can restrict her right to drive for another team even if she leaves.

Obviously you've never heard of 'gardening leave' clauses then, haven't you? :lol:

Aerond · Post by **Aerond** » 18 Sep 2012, 21:44

Qualifying results page 18!

Phoenix · Post by **Phoenix** » 18 Sep 2012, 21:50

Phoenix McAllister wrote:Above everything else, I want to state The Stig's failure to qualify has been down to sheer bad luck. You see, one of the sessions was wet, and guess which was the session in which his car worked... But look at Pippa, you can see that we're not worried at the slightest to face PQ once again. In fact, I really pity the small teams that have to PQ at the next round, such should be the thrashing they'll receive. Our car needs its reliability worked, but at least it's a front-running machine, and that is something that makes us happy. Ms. Mann, give it all and go for the second title!

TomWazzleshaw · Post by **TomWazzleshaw** » 18 Sep 2012, 22:02

Autosport wrote:Melrose to Sunshine?

There may be light yet at the end of the tunnel for Daniel Melrose as rumours of a potential rift between Sunshine Daihatsu and Shinobu Katayama poses an opportunity for the Australian to drive for the team after all. It is rumored that Melrose had signed a letter of intent to drive alongside Katayama in 2015 before Simpson produced a better offer for the former champ at the 11th hour, which forced the Japanese team to make a last minute deal with Mecha refugee James Davies. Whilst neither Simpson, Melrose or Sunshine were available for comment, it's rumored that Simpson boss Dave Simpson has already green lighted any potential move Melrose might make and, in return, Melrose would reportedly allow Simpson to take on one of MRT's F2RWRS drivers to fill the void if necessary.

Let's shake things up a bit then, shall we?

Aerond · Post by **Aerond** » 18 Sep 2012, 22:27

Wizzie wrote:
Let's shake things up a bit then, shall we?

Let's shake for the sake of shaking

Nessafox · Post by **Nessafox** » 18 Sep 2012, 23:01

Van Dycke qualifies for an F1RWRS race :shock:

How...?
And i'm proud of Ron doing so well, i didn't quite expect that he'd make it a few seasons back.

SuperAguri · Post by **SuperAguri** » 18 Sep 2012, 23:03

Autosport wrote:Rain and red flags cause mixed up grid
Rain on the first qualifying day meant that teams were really doing a quick wet test on their cars and no meaningful times could be recorded. The second day was dry, however a dog running onto the track caused a red flag, after a 10 minute dealy the session was restarted but another dog ran on the track and caused another red flag, which meant that drivers had ten minutes to get a time and the track was busy. David Neuberg who was unconvincing in prequalifying managed to qualify fifth, Kamaha just could not get a clean run, struggled and are midfield, Sunshine who are in the news, had James Davies in last but Daniel Martins got to 7th. Mark Dagnall struggled again in 16th, where as team mate Mignolet blasted to pole again. The race will be intresting.

RonDenisDeletraz · Post by **RonDenisDeletraz** » 18 Sep 2012, 23:52

What the bathplug

AdrianSutil · Post by **AdrianSutil** » 18 Sep 2012, 23:55

It's good and bad for Kingfisher at Adelaide qualifying
After a wet first session and a red flagged second, Kingfisher had an up and down day. David Neuberg, who openly admits to being one of the lesser skilled drivers in qualifying, ended up in an astonishing 5th place. It's not only David's best position, but that too for Kingfisher. Unfortunately, Ashley encountered numerous problems in the second session, failing to set a competitive time, and has failed to qualify. Still, Kingfisher have a car on the grid in only the second race of the year, again proving to the many doubters that the young team may be a force to be reckoned with this year. The main objective for Neuberg on Sunday? Finish the race and hope for attrition.

Aerospeed · Post by **Aerospeed** » 19 Sep 2012, 01:36

Wizzie wrote:
Autosport wrote:Melrose to Sunshine?

There may be light yet at the end of the tunnel for Daniel Melrose as rumours of a potential rift between Sunshine Daihatsu and Shinobu Katayama poses an opportunity for the Australian to drive for the team after all. It is rumored that Melrose had signed a letter of intent to drive alongside Katayama in 2015 before Simpson produced a better offer for the former champ at the 11th hour, which forced the Japanese team to make a last minute deal with Mecha refugee James Davies. Whilst neither Simpson, Melrose or Sunshine were available for comment, it's rumored that Simpson boss Dave Simpson has already green lighted any potential move Melrose might make and, in return, Melrose would reportedly allow Simpson to take on one of MRT's F2RWRS drivers to fill the void if necessary.

Let's shake things up a bit then, shall we?

Alessandro Marchesi wrote:No way am I going to drive for that Pre-Qualifying team. Nice to know Daniel puts people in seats that he himself wouldn't want to be in.

Shizuka · Post by **Shizuka** » 19 Sep 2012, 05:57

So, we qualified too? What the bathplug?

TomWazzleshaw · Post by **TomWazzleshaw** » 19 Sep 2012, 05:57

Shizuka wrote:So, we qualified too? What the bathplug?

Fundamentally, the car's not that bad actually. Hell, with a bit of attrition, you might be able to sneak in a top 10 result

FMecha · Post by **FMecha** » 19 Sep 2012, 09:21

Aerond: I spend 10 credits total today, not 10. 5 on Mack's race performance and 5 on Mack's quali performance.

And to spice things up, rumor is that one of Ultimate RoLFS Team is interseted on Sunshine (Shadaza, I'm watching you!) :twisted:

Aerond · Post by **Aerond** » 19 Sep 2012, 09:58

FMecha wrote:Aerond: I spend 10 credits total today, not 10. 5 on Mack's race performance and 5 on Mack's quali performance.

You didn´t spend any on race performance. Do I need to paste your email here? Check your emails before sending them!

TomWazzleshaw · Post by **TomWazzleshaw** » 19 Sep 2012, 10:05

Aerond wrote:
FMecha wrote:Aerond: I spend 10 credits total today, not 10. 5 on Mack's race performance and 5 on Mack's quali performance.

You didn´t spend any on race performance. Do I need to paste your email here? Check your emails before sending them!

Moral to the story: Don't cross the boss. Ever. :lol:

FMecha · Post by **FMecha** » 19 Sep 2012, 10:09

Aerond wrote:
FMecha wrote:Aerond: I spend 10 credits total today, not 10. 5 on Mack's race performance and 5 on Mack's quali performance.

You didn´t spend any on race performance. Do I need to paste your email here? Check your emails before sending them!

I checked my email and yes, I forget that I only spend it on quali performance. Sorry for the confusion and brain fade. :oops:

Aerond · Post by **Aerond** » 19 Sep 2012, 10:10

A PreQ driver 5th and other 13th! This is so 89! I love it!

Post by **DemocalypseNow** » 19 Sep 2012, 10:26

Andrea Sassetti wrote:Yes! That's what I'm talking about Ben. Good job. Well done. Got us into the race, this is exactly what we need from you. Keep up the good work. Now just bring it home in the race.

TomWazzleshaw · Post by **TomWazzleshaw** » 19 Sep 2012, 10:29

Aerond wrote:A PreQ driver 5th and other 13th! This is so 89! I love it!

Oi! It was 4th and 13th. Give Melrose some credit where it's due

Aerond · Post by **Aerond** » 19 Sep 2012, 10:36

Wizzie wrote:
Aerond wrote:A PreQ driver 5th and other 13th! This is so 89! I love it!

Oi! It was 4th and 13th. Give Melrose some credit where it's due

I was talking about Neuberg and Shizuka :geek:

TomWazzleshaw · Post by **TomWazzleshaw** » 19 Sep 2012, 10:38

Aerond wrote:
Wizzie wrote:
Aerond wrote:A PreQ driver 5th and other 13th! This is so 89! I love it!

Oi! It was 4th and 13th. Give Melrose some credit where it's due

I was talking about Neuberg and Shizuka

Oh. Excuse me for one moment while I take refuge in the Bathurst commentary box :oops:

Warren Hughes · Post by **Warren Hughes** » 19 Sep 2012, 10:57

Cameron blames weather 'lottery' for DNPQ

Prospec team principal Gary Cameron has blamed Friday's difficult weather conditions at Mount Panorama for his team's poor performance in pre-qualifying. "It was really a lottery out there in those conditions, and with so little time to set a competitive laptime it makes it difficult," said the two-time F1RWRS race winner. "Both drivers had difficulty getting the tyres to work, and neither was able to deliver a clean lap unfortunately. I think our dry pace is still good enough to make the grid on a normal weekend, and I know our drivers are both quick over a single lap, so for sure it's not time to put out the white flag just yet."

Cameron did admit, however, that the team's start to the season had not lived up to his expectations. Drivers Kay Lon and Fredo Mestolio could only qualify 23rd and 24th in the Tasman Grand Prix before both retiring due to reliability problems. "It's been tougher than we expected, no doubt about that. To be relegated to pre-qualifying so early in the season was a real blow and we were slower than all of the teams we expected to be competing with. We are continuing to work hard at the factory and with Peugeot to improve our pace but resources are limited and I would think it unlikely that we'll be able to make any improvements for another couple of races. We all need to be patient, keep working hard and stick together, then I'm sure we'll get out of this rut."

The final comments appear to have been targeted at lead driver Kay Lon, who reportedly left the team's garage midway through the Tasman Grand Prix following his early retirement and was spotted soon after in a local bar. When pressed on this, Cameron merely stated that he was in 'no doubt about Kay's commitment to the team' and 'glad to have a driver of his quality on board.'

RonDenisDeletraz · Post by **RonDenisDeletraz** » 19 Sep 2012, 11:04

Warren Hughes wrote:Cameron blames weather 'lottery' for DNPQ

Prospec team principal Gary Cameron has blamed Friday's difficult weather conditions at Mount Panorama for his team's poor performance in pre-qualifying. "It was really a lottery out there in those conditions, and with so little time to set a competitive laptime it makes it difficult," said the two-time F1RWRS race winner. "Both drivers had difficulty getting the tyres to work, and neither was able to deliver a clean lap unfortunately. I think our dry pace is still good enough to make the grid on a normal weekend, and I know our drivers are both quick over a single lap, so for sure it's not time to put out the white flag just yet."

Cameron did admit, however, that the team's start to the season had not lived up to his expectations. Drivers Kay Lon and Fredo Mestolio could only qualify 23rd and 24th in the Tasman Grand Prix before both retiring due to reliability problems. "It's been tougher than we expected, no doubt about that. To be relegated to pre-qualifying so early in the season was a real blow and we were slower than all of the teams we expected to be competing with. We are continuing to work hard at the factory and with Peugeot to improve our pace but resources are limited and I would think it unlikely that we'll be able to make any improvements for another couple of races. We all need to be patient, keep working hard and stick together, then I'm sure we'll get out of this rut."

The final comments appear to have been targeted at lead driver Kay Lon, who reportedly left the team's garage midway through the Tasman Grand Prix following his early retirement and was spotted soon after in a local bar. When pressed on this, Cameron merely stated that he was in 'no doubt about Kay's commitment to the team' and 'glad to have a driver of his quality on board.'

You had absolutely no chance as Mestolio is completely useless in the wet.

Autodynamics are reportedly investigating if Groves had mechanical problems in Pre-Qualifying.

dr-baker · Post by **dr-baker** » 19 Sep 2012, 11:21

Pippa Mann is over the moon that she has qualified 3rd, both cars from her team are in the top 10 and that her beau was fastest in pre-qualifying and gained a decent grid position. Ben Fleet is going to get lucky tonight!