F1RWRS -- 2014 Season

[Shizuka]

Which experienced regularr drivers are available and not under contract.

Hagane Shizuka is currently unemployed after leaving Shonan DMS I think. He's been racing in F1RWRS since 2010 so probably the most experienced unemployed driver right now. The only other one I'm sure is not under contract is Daniel Martins. But he looks rather likely to end up at Sunshine.

I doubt a Sunshine return, so I might end up back in my own team.

Thing is Shizuka, like Phoenix, can't run a team if his life depended on it so chances are it'll never happen

Someone has to be a backmarker.

[eurobrun]

Which experienced regularr drivers are available and not under contract.

Hagane Shizuka is currently unemployed after leaving Shonan DMS I think. He's been racing in F1RWRS since 2010 so probably the most experienced unemployed driver right now. The only other one I'm sure is not under contract is Daniel Martins. But he looks rather likely to end up at Sunshine.

I doubt a Sunshine return, so I might end up back in my own team.

Would you be willing to let him drive for Autodynamics in 2015?

[eurobrun]

Which experienced regularr drivers are available and not under contract.

Hagane Shizuka is currently unemployed after leaving Shonan DMS I think. He's been racing in F1RWRS since 2010 so probably the most experienced unemployed driver right now. The only other one I'm sure is not under contract is Daniel Martins. But he looks rather likely to end up at Sunshine.

I doubt a Sunshine return, so I might end up back in my own team.

Would you be willing to let him drive for Autodynamics in 2015?

[the Masked Lapwing]

HRT are willing to offer Poppy Whitechapel a contract for next season, if she is willing to remain at the team through the merger. I promise that we will have a better car than this current crapbox

[Wizzie]

Thing is Shizuka, like Phoenix, can't run a team if his life depended on it so chances are it'll never happen

Someone has to be a backmarker.

No. That's what Tropico's for

Seriously, if you went to MRT's consultancy firm, I'd be able to turn your team around in about a year with my extensive knowledge of how the system works

[eurobrun]

Thing is Shizuka, like Phoenix, can't run a team if his life depended on it so chances are it'll never happen

Someone has to be a backmarker.

No. That's what Tropico's for

Seriously, if you went to MRT's consultancy firm, I'd be able to turn your team around in about a year with my extensive knowledge of how the system works

Autodynamics GP is interested in MRT's consultancy firm for next season.

[Wizzie]

Someone has to be a backmarker.

No. That's what Tropico's for

Seriously, if you went to MRT's consultancy firm, I'd be able to turn your team around in about a year with my extensive knowledge of how the system works

Autodynamics GP is interested in MRT's consultancy firm for next season.

Good choice, young Eurobrun. Uncle Melrose was just about to post his sliding scale of driver skill anyway for everyone to see anyway.

[Wizzie]

Before I do post that sliding scale however, I managed to find this gem on page 3

With so much money available to them, the new teams will completely rule pre-qualifying - hell, I'd predict if any of these teams happen to get their hands on a decent driver (which Shonan DMS might already have) they are within a good shot of making the points.

Let's observe this statement for a minute. There were five new teams for this year and out of those, four of the new teams (including Shonan) have gotten about 5 race starts between them. And yet all of them are still taking Tropico to the cleaners and back

[Klon]

Let's observe this statement for a minute. There were five new teams for this year and out of those, four of the new teams (including Shonan) have gotten about 5 race starts between them. And yet all of them are still taking Tropico to the cleaners and back

Well, my fear was unreasonable, I can safely say that. No problem with that.

[eurobrun]

Before I do post that sliding scale however, I managed to find this gem on page 3

With so much money available to them, the new teams will completely rule pre-qualifying - hell, I'd predict if any of these teams happen to get their hands on a decent driver (which Shonan DMS might already have) they are within a good shot of making the points.

Let's observe this statement for a minute. There were five new teams for this year and out of those, four of the new teams (including Shonan) have gotten about 5 race starts between them. And yet all of them are still taking Tropico to the cleaners and back

To be fair to him Acuri did score over 10 points, but other than that his prediction will be a total failure.

[Wizzie]

Before I do post that sliding scale however, I managed to find this gem on page 3

With so much money available to them, the new teams will completely rule pre-qualifying - hell, I'd predict if any of these teams happen to get their hands on a decent driver (which Shonan DMS might already have) they are within a good shot of making the points.

Let's observe this statement for a minute. There were five new teams for this year and out of those, four of the new teams (including Shonan) have gotten about 5 race starts between them. And yet all of them are still taking Tropico to the cleaners and back

To be fair to him Acuri did score over 10 points, but other than that his prediction will be a total failure.

There was a reason why I said four of the new teams. Besides, Mr McLean knows what he's doing. I think.

[FMecha]

So Autodynamics and MRT has a technical partnership eh? Mecha wants to do the same with Jones, if possible.

[AndreaModa]

Castrol Jones Racing completely prohibits Daniel Melrose from a) running a consultancy firm the F1RWRS, and b) from giving other teams advice and knowledge. There is a high possibility that CJR-related sensitive information could be leaked either intentionally or unintentionally. No amount of assurance will be acceptable on this matter. As such Sammy Jones suggests Melrose either packs it in, or packs his bags!

And FMecha, I know nothing about GP2 or GP4 to be of any help at all, the only way I've got Jones to where they are after a virtual complete fresh start in 2013 is down to just being smart with picking a chassis/engine combo.

[Wizzie]

Castrol Jones Racing completely prohibits Daniel Melrose from a) running a consultancy firm the F1RWRS, and b) from giving other teams advice and knowledge. There is a high possibility that CJR-related sensitive information could be leaked either intentionally or unintentionally. No amount of assurance will be acceptable on this matter. As such Sammy Jones suggests Melrose either packs it in, or packs his bags!

And FMecha, I know nothing about GP2 or GP4 to be of any help at all, the only way I've got Jones to where they are after a virtual complete fresh start in 2013 is down to just being smart with picking a chassis/engine combo.

I'd just like to point out it really isn't sensitive information when all I need is a calculator and the chassis/engine list on page 3 and I'd be able to make a comprehensive chart of where every single team is relative to each other in about ten minutes

The key to success is to get the most out of your engine. Mostly by picking one with a crapload of power coupled with a chassis that can handle the power and has a speed rating of 5 or greater

[AndreaModa]

Castrol Jones Racing completely prohibits Daniel Melrose from a) running a consultancy firm the F1RWRS, and b) from giving other teams advice and knowledge. There is a high possibility that CJR-related sensitive information could be leaked either intentionally or unintentionally. No amount of assurance will be acceptable on this matter. As such Sammy Jones suggests Melrose either packs it in, or packs his bags!

And FMecha, I know nothing about GP2 or GP4 to be of any help at all, the only way I've got Jones to where they are after a virtual complete fresh start in 2013 is down to just being smart with picking a chassis/engine combo.

I'd just like to point out it really isn't sensitive information when all I need is a calculator and the chassis/engine list on page 3 and I'd be able to make a comprehensive chart of where every single team is relative to each other in about ten minutes

The key to success is to get the most out of your engine. Mostly by picking one with a crapload of power coupled with a chassis that can handle the power and has a speed rating of 5 or greater

Exactly! I don't want Melrose telling other teams what they should and shouldn't be doing using other teams, including CJR, as examples!

Jones warns Melrose and makes offer to Vantini

A sensational story has emerged over the past few days that leaves Daniel Melrose's future at Castrol Jones Racing hanging by a thread after the Australian made public his plans to open a consultancy firm for other F1RWRS teams. In no uncertain terms, CJR team owner Sammy Jones has come out and publicly demanded that Melrose halt his actions or risk having his 2015 contract torn up.

"We want him in the team for 2015" Jones told reporters this evening, "but the problem is, we simply cannot employ a driver and team owner who will be discussing information, which we fear could compromise our position in the field, with rival teams. I've already been a bit suspicious with MRT's success this year, though I trust Daniel to do the right thing. There's no doubt that we want him 100% in our team next year driving alongside myself. He's done a stellar job this year and we have every faith that he'll repeat that performance for 2015. All I ask is for him to reconsider his consultancy firm plans and think about his racing future."

In a further twist to the story, Jones has also disclosed to Autosport exclusively that should Melrose not back down in his consultancy plans, then he intends to swoop for Italian F2RWRS runner-up from 2014 Rosco Vantini and tempt him away from an offer he's already believed to have from ArrowTech.

"Yes, he will be our man for 2015 if Daniel doesn't back down" said Jones, "I'm not prepared to budge on my stance with Daniel, so if he decides to walk away, then we definitely want to talk to Vantini. I would strongly urge Rosco to not sign with ArrowTech until he can speak with us first. We can guarantee him a competitive package that has even won a race and had numerous podiums in a season dominated by turbo-powered cars, so we have every expectation to go even better next year once the turbos gone. Rosco, give me a call!"

There we go! Ahh I do love stirring the pot!

[JeremyMcClean]

I thought this would have happened eventually...

[Wizzie]

Castrol Jones Racing completely prohibits Daniel Melrose from a) running a consultancy firm the F1RWRS, and b) from giving other teams advice and knowledge. There is a high possibility that CJR-related sensitive information could be leaked either intentionally or unintentionally. No amount of assurance will be acceptable on this matter. As such Sammy Jones suggests Melrose either packs it in, or packs his bags!

And FMecha, I know nothing about GP2 or GP4 to be of any help at all, the only way I've got Jones to where they are after a virtual complete fresh start in 2013 is down to just being smart with picking a chassis/engine combo.

I'd just like to point out it really isn't sensitive information when all I need is a calculator and the chassis/engine list on page 3 and I'd be able to make a comprehensive chart of where every single team is relative to each other in about ten minutes

The key to success is to get the most out of your engine. Mostly by picking one with a crapload of power coupled with a chassis that can handle the power and has a speed rating of 5 or greater

Exactly! I don't want Melrose telling other teams what they should and shouldn't be doing using other teams, including CJR, as examples!

Dude, anyone with a calculator can do that since Aerond publishes just about everything at the start of the year and make judgements based on that anyway. The only difference is I know what differences in performance translate to on the track. In essence, there is no such thing as confidentiality in the F1RWRS

[SuperAguri]

Prince Falik - Rosco Vantini for Jones Racing a done deal.
Prince Falik was hot on the phone, telling our staff that Rosco Vantini has all but signed for Jones Racing. He said, "Yes, yes, yes, Rosco Vantini and myself have been in talks with Jones Racing and it is all but done except for the paperwork and the lawyers fees. We did talk to Arrowtech and Tropico and were close to signing for one of them but the Jones deal was too good to turn down, as i said before Sammy Jones is one of the nicest guys in F1RWRS. Yes, yes, yes.". We expect Jones to announce later today the signing of the talented Rosco Vantini.

Where now for Melrose?
If Melrose is fired, where could he go? A lot of people think it will be his own team (MRT) but he has two skilled drivers there, so we think that he might end up at Arrowtech or even Sunshine, we can't see him signing for one of the lower teams like Tropico or Revolution so he may end up retiring again.

Saeed Al Faisal to sign for Arrowtech?
If Rosco Vantini does go to CJR then Al Faisal may get a full race seat after all, he did announce that he has signed a contract with Arrowtech as either a full or test driver, but the smart money is on the full race seat.

Yuka Katayama joins sister
Although Yuka Katayama does not have the experience to join F1RWRS, she did sign as a test driver for the Sunshine team. As she will not be allowed to take part in official tests, we are not sure what use she will be but she can drive the Sunshine car in private tests and she may get coaching from her older sister Shinobu. She does bring with her, some sponsorship money from Shiseido.

Prince Falik to leave Arrowtech?
If CJR do sign Rosco Vantini, then it might leave a strained relationship between Prince Falik and The Fox. Although it was looking like The Fox was going to relent and sign Rosco Vantini, Prince Falik by allowing his driver to sign for a rival team might mean The Fox will want nothing to do with Prince Falik. However Prince Falik told us "The Fox and myself get on fine. This deal will be the best for Vantini, I understand we do need to improve Arrowtech Acuri and running a pay driver for the season along with Mirko Bosevic will help the team to go forward.". The Fox was not avialble for comment.

[AndreaModa]

Dude, anyone with a calculator can do that since Aerond publishes just about everything at the start of the year and make judgements based on that anyway. The only difference is I know what differences in performance translate to on the track. In essence, there is no such thing as confidentiality in the F1RWRS

I know, but we're talking about a virtual world here, and you're not listening to what I'm saying!

Ultimately in the real world, I'm not fussed at all about the consultancy firm, but Sammy Jones in this virtual world is 100% against it, so what's it going to be? I want Melrose in the team for 2015, but as I've made clear, that won't be allowed to happen if the consultancy firm is established - not because I don't like it, but because I think it's an interesting storyline for the series - there's no hard feelings from me about this, let me make that clear! Another thing I'd like to clarify is that your place on the team for the 2014 Japanese GP is completely secure regardless of the outcome of all this.

So now, Sammy Jones needs to hear from his driver what he intends to do, and if he would prefer to run the consultancy firm, and leave CJR by mutual consent, and on good terms, or cancel his consultancy plans and remain with the team for 2015. It's entirely down to you now and what you want to do with your driver.

[Wizzie]

Melrose will prefer to wait until after Japan to sort this issue out and we have to consult with Autodynamics GP who have already signed a letter of intent for the firm. I mean, being sacked on his birthday of all days isn't a good look. At all.

And take note, when Melrose in the virtual world decides to be patient with something, you better feel pretty damn special as his management style, much like his driving, is more a 'shoot first, ask questions later' type. Although the patience is mostly so his laywers can look over the contract to see exactly what this falls under

[AndreaModa]

We meaning both me and you consulting with Autodynamics or just meaning you as Melrose? As far as Sammy Jones is concerned, the matter is for you to sort out. He has a car with Melrose's name on for 2015, but only if he ditches the consultancy firm plans.

Jones: "2015 driver line-up decision rests with Melrose"

The twists and turns of the story surrounding Sammy Jones, his team, and Daniel Melrose continue to come at fast pace, with Melrose having stated publicly that he intends to resolve the issue after the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix. Jones it seems is happy to wait, providing that he doesn't loose out on a deal with Rosco Vantini should Melrose decide to leave the team and continue with his plans for a consultancy firm.

"My 2015 driver line-up decision rests with Melrose. I want him in my team because he is a fantastic driver, with an excellent history both in this series and in Formula 1, but I cannot tolerate him driving for my team whilst at the same time offering help and advice to rival teams. It simply cannot work." Jones told reporters outside his Banbury base this morning.

"Since my previous appeal to Vantini to contact us, we've held some preliminary talks, I've briefed him about the situation, which he fully understands, and I think we have reached a level of agreement that will place him at the team should Melrose decide to leave. Nothing has been signed yet, but it's clear that this offer is the best one Rosco has had so far, with no disrespect intended towards ArrowTech. Now we just hope that Melrose doesn't drag his feet for too long, because I can't be waiting all through the off-season for him to make his mind up. I don't mind waiting until the current season is over, but once that has happened, my patience will quickly run short because we need to plan for 2015, especially if we end up with Rosco who will be a rookie and need far more preparation."

In all of this the thoughts of ArrowTech boss The Fox are unknown at this point, but having seemingly had a done deal with Vantini sneaked away from under his nose, the Canadian can't be happy with these recent developments. It seems highly likely that he will promote Saeed Al Faisal, the Saudi pay driver, from his original reserve driver position, to a place in the main team.

[FMecha]

Mecha's technical parternship with CJR was supposed(ly) to consultancy-like, but seeing Sammy Jones is against it, we decide to drop and forget it.

SuperAguri, note that DanielPT will have to approve Yuka's appointment as Sunshine's test driver, seeing that Sunshine is now DanielPT's. (DanielPT: please respond, or Aerond will offload Sunshine to someone else)

And that also means that Hendra Naufal, Mecha's development driver, is signed as testdriver, although likewise, may only attend private tests.

[AndreaModa]

Mecha's technical parternship with CJR was supposed(ly) to consultancy-like, but seeing Sammy Jones is against it, we decide to drop and forget it.

It's okay FMecha, it's like I said above, in the real world, I'm really not bothered at all about this sort of stuff, I just fancied spicing things up by making Sammy Jones completely opposed to it!

[pasta_maldonado]

Mecha's technical parternship with CJR was supposed(ly) to consultancy-like, but seeing Sammy Jones is against it, we decide to drop and forget it.

It's okay FMecha, it's like I said above, in the real world, I'm really not bothered at all about this sort of stuff, I just fancied spicing things up by making Sammy Jones completely opposed to it!

There's always one isn't there?

[Warren Hughes]

Schiller to sign for Mecha

With James Davies looking almost certain to leave Mecha GP for pastures new, Jean-Luc Schiller is believed to have signed a deal to race for the team in 2015. The Swiss driver, who is said to be hurt at the way he was replaced at Prospec with Fredo Mestolio, brings sizeable backing from Credit Suisse which is sure to be attractive for the small Indonesian team. Speaking to a Swiss journalist in the build-up to the F1RWRS season finale at Fuji, Schiller seemed confident that the deal would be completed, saying "It's basically a done deal and I'm looking forward to the opportunity to help build a quite new team from the bottom up. Prospec is a difficult environment because of the pressure of the history of the team and I came in as an outsider in a difficult moment. This is a new opportunity and I want to take the chance."

Translation - FMecha, if you confirm Schiller now he's yours. If you hold on, gambling on James Davies not leaving, he might end up elsewhere (he has an offer from Autodynamics).

[BlindCaveSalamander]

Translation - FMecha, if you confirm Schiller now he's yours. If you hold on, gambling on James Davies not leaving, he might end up elsewhere (he has an offer from Autodynamics).

Just want to clarify - I am NOT driving for Mecha GP next season. I have had my fill of abominable racecars for one lifetime. I'd rather take a year out than fail to qualify over and over and over again. Again.

[AndreaModa]

Because SuperAguri posting a load of hopeful news articles isn't enough!

Prospec to return to building their own engines for 2015?
Rumours abound that the Prospec team, having been taken over by the Pemberton Group, are re-evaluating the possibility of building their own engines for the 2015 F1RWRS season. The team were FAMOUS for their engines during the first three years of the series, which netted them two constructors' titles and a drivers' championship too and it is understood team principal Gary Cameron is seriously considering a return to engine manufacture for the team. For the past two seasons, Prospec have been using Lamborghini units, that have been CRITICISED for being overweight and under-powered.

James Davies lining up for Autodynamics drive
It's understood Chris Forbes, the boss of Autodynamics GP which will be one of two new teams entering the F1RWRS for 2015, is eyeing up British driver James Davies, who has been IMPRISONED in pre-qualifying this year with the hopeless Mecha Grand Prix team. It's believed Forbes has BOTTLED on signing Dean O'Lauchlan and whilst the Australian would bring much needed funds to the team, Forbes is known to want to have some talent in the team as well as cash, and Davies, who has been very OUTSPOKEN against his current team, looks ripe for a move for 2015.

Pippa Mann to retire and get hitched?
S.H.I.T has been informed by an insider at the Foxdale team that Pippa Mann, the team's principal and currently one of its drivers as well, will RETIRE completely at the end of the year to MARRY long-time bedroom buddy Ben Fleet. Mann, the 2012 F1RWRS champion, has been unavailable for a number of weeks for interviews, and there are rumours circulating that she is in fact PREGNANT and has been for some time.

Phillippe Nicolas spotted in Ann Summers in Brentwood
French driver Phillippe Nicolas, who NARROWLY missed out on the 2014 drivers championship with MRT, has been spotted by a member of the public in an Ann Summers store in Brentwood. Nicolas has earnt a REPUTATION in some circles for his wild partying and after being spotted with a number of GIRLS in tow one night, it seems that he has additional plans alongside his driving duties for the coming race weekend in Japan.

Shizuka set to partner Douglas Mann at Foxdale
Douglas Mann is set to offer Hagane Shizuka an IRRESISTIBLE chance to join Foxdale for the 2015 season, reforming their partnership at Mann's Manx-Anglo-Nippon Racing Team from the 2012 season. It's widely believed that Pippa Mann will RETIRE, and Douglas, keen on securing a reliable, quick driver looks set to plump for the Shonan team owner who stepped aside this season to allow another pay driver to raise further funds for his EMBATTLED team.

[JeremyMcClean]

If Pippa is pregnant, then why has she been driving since the mid-season?

[AndreaModa]

If Pippa is pregnant, then why has she been driving since the mid-season?

It's only early days at the moment you see

[Stramala]

Oh god no. They say a driver loses half a second for every child they have right? If the rumours are true then Ben Fleet is going to be so slow for me next year!

[Klon]

Oh god no. They say a driver loses half a second for every child they have right? If the rumours are true then Ben Fleet is going to be so slow for me next year!

Pah, whether someone loses half a second or not in an Alitalia doesn't make any difference what-so-ever, DNPQs will be inevitable either way.

[FullMetalJack]

Oh god no. They say a driver loses half a second for every child they have right? If the rumours are true then Ben Fleet is going to be so slow for me next year!

If that's true, then in real life, Massa must have had about 20 kids.

[AndreaModa]

Oh god no. They say a driver loses half a second for every child they have right? If the rumours are true then Ben Fleet is going to be so slow for me next year!

Hahaha just you wait till she finds out she's having triplets!

Aerond, you know what to do!

[Klon]

Oh god no. They say a driver loses half a second for every child they have right? If the rumours are true then Ben Fleet is going to be so slow for me next year!

If that's true, then in real life, Massa must have had about 20 kids.

And Jean-Denis Délétraz must have bred like an insect queen.

[East Londoner]

HRT are willing to offer Poppy Whitechapel a contract for next season, if she is willing to remain at the team through the merger. I promise that we will have a better car than this current crapbox

Poppy Whitechapel is willing to sign a new contract. I'll actually make a concerted effort to keep up to speed with developments this time.

Anyway...

Damon Cannon to return to F1RWRS
Sources close to the former F1RWRS driver Damon Cannon, who last participated with the woeful Shock Of The Lightning Motorsport team (SOTL) in 2013, have reported that Cannon is considering a return to F1RWRS action in the coming season. Mr Cannon has been quoted as 'being open to any offers that come through'. It is plausible that a new or lower midfield team would hire Cannon to give themselves a firm footing in 2015, with Cannon's prior experience in the series.

[Stramala]

Oh god no. They say a driver loses half a second for every child they have right? If the rumours are true then Ben Fleet is going to be so slow for me next year!

Pah, whether someone loses half a second or not in an Alitalia doesn't make any difference what-so-ever, DNPQs will be inevitable either way.

Shut up losers. If that happened in a Tropico you'd be lapped twice in the space of a single lap.

[Klon]

Oh god no. They say a driver loses half a second for every child they have right? If the rumours are true then Ben Fleet is going to be so slow for me next year!

Pah, whether someone loses half a second or not in an Alitalia doesn't make any difference what-so-ever, DNPQs will be inevitable either way.

Shut up losers. If that happened in a Tropico you'd be lapped twice in the space of a single lap.

Pah, at least we have money to develop our car and don't have to use our credits to pay fines because of our big-mouthed owner.

[eurobrun]

Damon Cannon to return to F1RWRS
Sources close to the former F1RWRS driver Damon Cannon, who last participated with the woeful Shock Of The Lightning Motorsport team (SOTL) in 2013, have reported that Cannon is considering a return to F1RWRS action in the coming season. Mr Cannon has been quoted as 'being open to any offers that come through'. It is plausible that a new or lower midfield team would hire Cannon to give themselves a firm footing in 2015, with Cannon's prior experience in the series.

Autodynamics GP are interested in his services.

[Wizzie]

Pah, whether someone loses half a second or not in an Alitalia doesn't make any difference what-so-ever, DNPQs will be inevitable either way.

Shut up losers. If that happened in a Tropico you'd be lapped twice in the space of a single lap.

Pah, at least we have money to develop our car and don't have to use our credits to pay fines because of our big-mouthed owner.

Developing that piece of crap however will be equivalent to pouring all your money down a toilet

[dr-baker]

Pippa's PREGNANT?????

That's news to me! Don't you think either Douglas or I would be the first to know if Pippa had a bun in the oven?

Elsewhere, at the same time...

I am NOT pregnant! Martin McFry is only being entered into the final race of the year to assess his potential for a race seat at Foxdale for next year, and to bring a tad of extra funding so we can start next season with a touch of extra development. Nothing more, nothing less.

And as for Hagane Shizuka wishing to join us, of course we would love to have him, but Martin McFry is heading our list for potential drives, and James Davies has already expressed an interest for the seat as well. Any decision will be made after the season has finished.

And no, I am NOT looking for an extra driver to replace me because I am pregnant! What is it with you people?! I will not have children until after Ben Fleet and I are married!