F195 (Collieafc) - Italy quali up + 2nd round of bids!

[Collieafc]

Engine Bids

With the teams having submitted their tenders to prospective engine providers, the enbgine manufacturers make their decisions...

Ferrari
For 1996 Ferrari have decided to open the doors to a customer team. This Ferrari engine, although not subject to much in extra support, will almost certainly be quick out of the box, at least until other manufacturers release upgrades. 4 teams have made a bid for the affordable yet powerful engines, and are also free to rebadge them as they see fit. Ligier are the most prestigious of the bidders, but Minardi have offered the most money, and an all Italian partnership would not be a daft idea. However, although receiving an offer from the Tyrrell team, Ferrari politics have vetoed this offer, rumours being due to their chief sponsors Malboro not being keen on favouring a team sponsored by a rival tobacco firm (Mild Seven).
1-32: Ligier
33-70: Minardi
71-100: Arrows
Result: 56. Minardi become the first team to secure an engine deal for 1996 with a 2 year deal for customer Ferrari engines.

Renault
The French powerplant is still the must-have engine for teams who want to challenge for victory in the Constructors title. Their higher costs mean that it’s the 1995 heavyweight teams of Williams and Sauber who lead the bidding with 2 year deals but McLarens delayed approach to the market with unpredictable priorities could mean one contract heading to Woking.
Round 1
1-50: Williams
51-82: Sauber
83-100: McLaren
Result: 2. Williams extend their successful alliance with Renault to the end of the 1997 season
Round 2
1-70: Sauber
71 - 100: McLaren
Result: 83! In a surprise announcement Renault announce they will be leaving runaway 1995 leaders Sauber to power McLaren for an assault on 1996 – but McLaren have hedged their bets too well, and may yet be gazumped by their own offers elsewhere

Mercedes
The up and coming engine of Formula 1, Mercedes have made strides with engine development in 1995 and are very much in the long haul in the F1 game, shown with their preference for long term deals and testing. 5 top-6 teams made a bid for the German engine, and all above market value, suggesting the Mercedes could be the leading engine in the future, though this now sits at 4 with Williams landing Renaults. With McLarens Renault bid hinging on Mercedes though, this deal could decide the fate of 1996 before the cars have even been built…
1-35: Sauber (Most prestige)
36-60: Jordan (Most money)
61-80: Benetton
81-100: McLaren
Result: 63! In a somewhat surprising move, Mercedes decide that they like the Benetton operation, with the teams history of in-season testing a possible deciding factor as the Enstone outfit embark on a 2-year partnership with Mercedes

Mugen-Honda
The Japanese engine team have gained fame for consistent reliable engines and as a result are pursued by 5 teams. Mugen-Honda have also expanded into sponsoring drivers, with the team providing Shinji Nakano as a free test driver to their team partner, with preference to team which offer him a race seat. This has seen the likes of Arrows with a possible foot in the door which would not normally have been open so wide, whilst Sauber keep an eye on the bids even though Mugen wasn’t their choice, as McLarens bidding roulette has one more spin of the wheel…
1-30: McLaren
31-60: Arrows
61-75: Jordan
76-88: Ligier
89-100: Pacific
Result 90! In arguably the largest shock of all the engine providers and despite McLaren and Arrows much more favourable bids and a history with Jordan, Mugen-Honda place their faith in the promising but relatively inexperienced Pacific team for 1996, meaning McLaren end up with Renaults for 1996 – but its not over as Pacific have a bigger eye on…

Peugeot
…Peugeot, France’s other F1 engine manufacturer and with them, Pacific may inadvertently decide the course of the entire 1996 season as McLaren’s Honda bid may rely on the direction of the Peugeots, which in turn may hinge on Saubers Peugeot last gasp, such is the engine bidding web that has been spun. The favourite though is Jordan who have offered the most money, while Ligier and Arrows have also made a punt on securing a works deal, with Ligier now desperately seeking an engine.
1-19: Arrows
21-40: Sauber (Prestige gives slight bonus)
41-63: Jordan
64-82: Ligier
83-100: Pacific
Result: 94! Pacific are faced with a hard choice but choose Peugeot works power over Mugen-Honda for 1 year. This means a re-roll for…

Mugen-Honda part 2
Mugen-Honda, who are forced to re-evaluate their bids in the face of Pacific pulling out. Once again, McLaren and Arrows are the favourites but Jordan desperately need an engine – but could it be at the expense of Sauber, who are still at the mercy of other teams bids?
1-32: McLaren
33-65: Arrows
66-83: Jordan
84-100: Ligier
Result: 43! Mugen-Honda decide to take their engines to Arrows who are more than happy to accommodate Shinji Nakano and his cash in exchange for a competitive engine.

Ford Zetec JD
Ford received 3 serious offers for their works engine but with them all withdrawn, they are now lacking a team. However, Forti made an almost comically low bid
1-99: Wait until the second round of bidding for a team
100: Forti land the deal due to an accounting error
Result: 41. Forti’s bid fails to stealth its way past the accountants. The engine will be available for the second round of bidding.

Ford Zetec ECA
The budget version of the JD, the ECA version is nevertheless still a tidy engine and gutsy for a V8. There are two available and although 2 bids were received, only Simteks one is being taken seriously by Ford management
Round 1
1-10: Hold out for 3m
11-95: Simtek
96-100: Forti
Result: 32. Simtek net a bargain on a cut price Ford ECA engine to power them for 1996
Round 2
1-90: Wait until the 2nd round of bids
91-100: Forti
Result: 9. Ford are starting to get wise to Forti’s tricks…

Yamaha
The other Japanese engine manufacturer also received two bids that were more befitting of the engines worth. The marquee would prefer one of its engines on a long term deal as it evaluates whether to continue supplying two teams past 1996, with the other on a short term deal. This suits the two bidders, Tyrrell, who’s priority was to continue to use Yamaha engines while Larrousse, under new management were after a short term deal.
Result: Both teams land Yamaha engines. However, with Larrousse favouring the Ford ED’s (which are unlimited supply), this leaves 1 yamaha engine free on a 1 year deal

Hart
The small British based engine manufacturer has a reputation for powerful engines on a shoestring budget, although the lack of cash compared to engine manufacturers is starting to show. They are still in demand though, with Larrousse wishing to extend their deal for a further two years, while Forti have made a sneaky bid at less than half the market value
1-87: Larrousse
88-100: Forti
Result: 81. Forti’s surprise performance this year tempts Hart somewhat but in the end they commit to Larrouse for a further 2 years.

This leaves Jordan (!), Ligier, Forti and Sauber (?!) without an engine supplyer for 1996 so far. But there will be a second round of engines

Ataxia: As per Mugen Hondas agreement (and your driver bids), Nakano will take the second Arrows seat for 1996. He also takes his money too so you receive 1.5m. This is a 1 year contract.

[Salamander]

Darn, if I'd stuck in a bid for the JD I might have even gotten it. Oh well, the ECA should be more than good enough for Simtek to do something other than be incredibly rubbish.

[TomWazzleshaw]

Minardi will rebadge the Ferrari engine as Fondmetal for the 1996 and 97 seasons

[Collieafc]

And now for some driver rolls...

Mansell: Since his return to Formula 1 to substitute for the injured Barrichello, Mansell has been a revelation, pushing his Jordan to challenge Ferrari’s and has scored a good few podiums on the way and has never failed to score. But age is against him, and Mansell so far has had only 1 offer from the struggling Tyrrell team, although it is for two years. He keeps the offer in his pocket while he gives it some thought and hold out for another team.
Result: Mansell will hold out for another round of bidding.

Jean Alesi: The leader of the Ferrari team, Alesi has had a sterling 1995 so far. Despite lacking a victory, he sits in 3rd place overall behind the runaway Sauber drivers and has confirmed it with a string of 2nd places, as he has added consistency to his opportunistic pace. This has led many to tout Alesi as a champion in waiting should he get the right car. With Sauber and Williams booked up for next year though Alesi has a hard choice to make – Does he stick with Ferrari, and remain the hero of the Tifosi, or will he sacrifice money for a 2 year contract for McLaren, who have Renault power for 1996, who tried to land him before, and surely a tip for the title? Or does he go back to Tyrrell, the team who gave his F1 break, and offer both Ferrari’s wages and McLarens contract security?
1-35: Ferrari
36-70: McLaren
70-100: Tyrrell (Lower prestige)
Result: 59! After hearing McLaren landed Renaults for 1996, Alesi (again!) signs for McLaren, who score their top driver target for 1996.

Martin Brundle: The experienced Brit Brundle has spend 3 years at the Ligier team. However, for 1996 he has only received one offer, to be lead driver of the now Mugen Honda Arrows team, which he is delighted to accept.

Emmanuel Collard: Collard has been a bit of a super sub this year, being loaned by Sauber to both McLaren and Simtek. Sauber have offered a 2 year test contract extension with possible promotion in 1997, while at the same time doing a deal with Simtek to guarentee Collard 8 races experience for 1996. Collard is grateful for the lengths Sauber have went to secure him a drive despite being fully booked for 1996 and accepts.

Johnny Herbert: 1995 has not been a particularly good year for Herbert – first disqualification, then being largely outperformed by F1 rookie, De Ferran. Herbert has never been comfortable at Simtek but, Ligier have offered the Englishman a second chance. Herbert cannot sign this contract quick enough.

Olivier Panis: If 1994 was seen to be a year of underperforming at Benetton for Panis, then 1995 he has thrived in the Pacifc team and rebuilt his reputation and then some. Panis makes no secret he is happy at Pacific, and Pacific are clearly happy with Panis, offering both a wage rise and a 2 year contract extension, especially as the Arrows offer is withdrawn.

Luca Badoer: The next Ferrari driver to climb the ranks, Badoer has been impressive so far when the car hasn’t let him down. Ferrari know this too and have offered Badoer a test contract for 1996 and a race one should other choices become unavailable. Benetton however have also offered the Italian a test contract.
1-50: Accept Ferrari 2nd driver contract only
51-75: Accept both Ferrari test and 2nd driver contract
76-100: Benetton
Result: 50! Badoer likes Ferrari but is torn on accepting the test driver role or holding out for the 2nd driver. In the end he holds out for the 2nd seat, but he may yet get it anyway depending on other bids…

Nicola Larini: Larini has been refining his skill as Ligiers test driver, and was in line for a seat for 1996 but Ligier decided to instead go for Herbert who has more current experience. This leaves Larini with test roles, however they are for Benetton who will have lots of work to offer with the Mercedes engine, or Williams, which test seat has a track record of resulting n a race drive on completion.
1-55: Williams (Higher prestige)
56-100: Benetton
Result: 55! Larini is stuck on who to choose, and Benettons new engine looks enticing, but the possibility of a 1997 race seat is too much for Larini to turn down and he accepts Williams

Mika Salo: On the subject of Williams test drivers getting a race seat, Salo is the latest graduate from the Grove teams test ranks. However, he also had a brief outing at Canada. This has landed a position at the Ligier team for the Finn, who has potential.

Giancarlo Fisichella: The Ferrari young driver is seen in the paddock as possibly the next big thing in some quarters. Ferrari believe this hand have offered promotion straight into a race seat for 1996. However, McLaren are rumoured to be making a big push for 1996 and have offered the young Italian a 2 year contract to test, which may be less attractive but also less pressure.
1-80: Ferrari (favours team + 2nd seat)
81-100: McLaren
Result: 91! Fisichella stuns Ferrari by shunning their 2nd seat, instead signing a 2 year test contract at McLaren at what could be exciting times for the Woking outfit. This means Luca Badoer gets the 2nd Ferrari seat

Michele Alboreto: The former F1 driver Alboreto has continued to serve Benetton well during testing and twice has helped them improve their race package massively from the seasons start. Benetton recognise this and wish the Italian to remain to aid them with the new Mercedes engine, but Alboreto has already postponed retirement once before
1-60: Finally takes retirement
61-80: Will sign as test driver only (will not accept a race seat)
81-100: Signs as a normal test driver (Will do races if requested)
Result: 50. Benetton value Alboreto’s work and try their all to persuade him to continue but this time the Italian has finally called time on his long Formula 1 career.

Nick Heidfeld: Heidfeld has been in his element in the German domestic motorsport series and already has an F3000 drive. McLaren though would like to go one further and sign Heidfeld as their young driver. However, the FIA deem him very inexperienced and call a meeting to discuss wheler to allow this:
1-60: FIA veto the move
61-85: FIA allow the move but only for test and young drive duties
85-100: No objection
Result: 9. The FIA decide Heidfeld is too inexperienced based on his background so far. However, he will be experienced enough for 1997

Mark Webber: The Australian has been rising through the ranks of his domestic series and is also making an appearance at the Formula Ford festival. But will that be enough to allow the FIA to let McLaren sign Webber?
1-60: FIA veto the move
61-85: FIA allow the move but only for test and young drive duties
85-100: No objection
Result: 86! Surprisingly, the FIA allow Webber to accept a McLaren young driver contract. This is subject to McLarens other bids.

Helio Castroneves: The Brazilian has been having a reasonable outing so far in British Formula 3. Tyrrell though believe there is further potential and offer Helio a 2 year test contract, which he readily accepts

Greg Moore: The young Canadian has been a revelation so far in the States, and is in contention to win the Indy lights series. This has not gone unnoticed in Formula 1, and Minardi’s talent scouts have offered Moore a race seat for 1996. Moore has a think about this but decides to swap from Indycars to Formula 1 for 1996

Tom Kristensen: Kristensen may not have any F1 experience but has been sensational in Formula 3. After the success of De Ferran, Simtek have decided to give another go on an upcoming driver, and have offered Tom a 1 year contract and race seat, which he accepts, on condition of Simteks other offers.

[Collieafc]

So far, this is what the 1996 season will look like:



The second round of driver and engine bidding will be released soon - all offers that were made on drivers in later rounds of bidding (eg Jacques Villeneuve) have been copied over.

[Salamander]

Can I ask why you didn't roll for de Ferran? He was my first choice...

[SeedStriker]

Well, since there's little options for engines...

Ligier Bids for Round 2:

Engine:
Ford Zetec JD (6M 1 year)
Ford Zetec ECA (4M 1 year)
Yamaha (4M for 2 years)

Tester:
Mauricio Gugelmin

Young Driver:
Juan Pablo Montoya

[Rated]

Gah... What the hell Renault?

[Collieafc]

Can I ask why you didn't roll for de Ferran? He was my first choice...

He is in the 2nd round of bidding. However, I have put your bid in for him, so when the 2nd round opens your bid will automatically be placed unless you say otherwise (you are free to edit or cancel it). If he accepts, he will take the seat instead of Kristensen, who will be dropped - there is no cost or penalty for this as Kristensens contract is not final until De Ferran makes his choice. However, Kristensen cant be poached by another team unless you sign De Ferran so dont worry about him running off on you if De Ferran goes elsewhere - if De Ferran doesnt sign (eg another team gets him), you get Kristensen.

I rolled Kristensens bid as I went on the rule of if a driver wasnt on one of the 3 rounds of bidding, then I would roll them straight away, so as to not chop and change drivers on the market (Moore was rolled for the same reason). The idea of staggering driver bids was to try and simulate that not all drivers or teams sign/offer contracts at the same time (like what is happening just now with McLaren in real life)

The same goes with Jarno Trulli, Ralf Schumacher and Mark Webber for McLaren - I had already pencilled them for Round 2 of bidding, so they arnt rolled yet - until they are, it will be Webber thats McLarens Young driver

Hope this helps clear it up? (It sounds more complicated than it is)

Gah... What the hell Renault?

Believe me, that was my reaction too - the RNG was having a brutal laugh at some teams expense

[FantometteBR]

Should I add my engine bids again now? Which ones are remaining?

[Rated]

Should I add my engine bids again now? Which ones are remaining?

Yamaha, Ford Zetec JD, Ford Zetec ECA, Ford ED.

Sauber's engine bids for round 2 :
Ford Zetec JD : 3.5m - 1 year
Ford Zetec ECA : 1.5m - 1 year
Yamaha : 1.5m - 1 year

[Hermann95]

After a dissaterous RNG for Jordan we will bid for the following engines:
Ford Zetec JD 5m$, 1 year
Ford Zetec ECA 2m$, 1 year
Yamaha 2m$, 1 year
Ford ED 0.5m$, 1 year

[Salamander]

Hope this helps clear it up? (It sounds more complicated than it is)

Yeah it does, thanks for that.

[Ataxia]

If I can just squeeze in a bid for Christophe Bouchut to continue as the test driver for Arrows, that'll be fab. I'll offer him 0.5M to carry on.

[Samster]

FFS McLaren stop nicking our drivers. Also what the hell Fisi? Turning down a drive at your dream team for a poxy test contract for some pokey British team.

[FantometteBR]

Well, here we are to try it again

Yamaha, Ford Zetec JD, Ford Zetec ECA, Ford ED.

Ford Zetec JD - 2.5m - 2 years
Ford Zetec ECA - 2M - 1 year
Yamaga - 1.5M - 1 Year

[takagi_for_the_win]

Gah... What the hell Renault?

I've been screwed over by every RNG I've been entered in, one had to go my way.

[Rated]

Any update if possible ? Please ?

[Collieafc]

Any update if possible ? Please ?

Funny you say that as I have been running Qualifying again today - life threw a few major distractions since the contract rolls but hopefully they are now out of the way.

Round 11: Belgian Grand Prix - Qualifying Report

As the results of some of the driver and engine deals are made public and discussed for 1996, its off to the legendary Spa-Francorchamps circuit for the 1995 Belgian grand prix, and what qualifying sessions we have had! For the first time this season it’s a Ferrari who will start in pole position as Jean Alesi was the only driver to get under 1m 53 after a wonder lap on Friday. He is partnered on the front row by the Williams of Damon Hill who under normal circumstances would have lead the grid easily.

However, this is only the start of the topsy turvy qualifying as Coulthard took the sister Williams into the 2nd row, but will be partnered by the second Ferrari of Badoer as the Scuderia seemed to have touched on a magic formula in their setups at Spa. The opposite is true of Sauber though as Schumacher had his worst qualifying position of 1995 in 5th place, despite being a master of Spa in the past. Joining him on row 3 is the Benetton of Berger who was himself in super form to separate the 2 Saubers, Wendlinger in 7th place. Martini also had a commendable qualifying session to take his McLaren into 8th and looking once more like the driver of old, though team mate Hakkinen done well to take 10th after being limited in his running to Saturday only.

It was also a shocker for the Jordan team as Mansell could only muster 13th behind both Ligiers while Zanardi is even further behind in 15th…behind Alex Wurz, as the Austrian silences his critics about his inexperience by inexplicably taking his Tyrrell to the top half of the grid! Panis was less than a tenth behind the Jordan in 16th, while team mate Noda is back on the grid in 24th. Herbert meanwhile finally got the better of De Ferran in qualifying for the first time this year with 23rd place while the Brazilian was struggling to get past 26th, though he comfortably made the grid.

1. Jean Alesi - ( Ferrari ) 1m 52.811
2. Damon Hill - ( Williams Renault ) + 0.206
3. David Coulthard - ( Williams Renault ) + 0.413
4. Luca Badoer - ( Ferrari ) + 0.448
5. Michael Schumacher - ( Sauber Renault ) + 0.665
6. Gerhard Berger - ( Benetton Ford ) + 1.602
7. Karl Wendlinger - ( Sauber Renault ) + 2.297
8. Pierluigi Martini - ( McLaren Mercedes ) + 2.491
9. Heinz-Harald Frentzen - ( Benetton Ford ) + 2.532
10. Mika Hakkinen - ( McLaren Mercedes ) + 3.103 Only ran on Saturday due to technical problems
11. Martin Brundle - ( Ligier Peugeot ) + 3.191
12. Eddie Irvine - ( Ligier Peugeot ) + 3.637
13. Nigel Mansell - ( Jordan Mugen-Honda ) + 3.719
14. Alex Wurz - ( Tyrrell Yamaha ) + 3.805
15. Alessandro Zanardi - ( Jordan Mugen-Honda ) + 3.883
16. Olivier Panis - ( Pacific Yamaha ) + 3.925
17. Ukyo Katayama - ( Tyrrell Yamaha ) + 4.055
18. Christian Fittipaldi - ( Minardi Ford ) + 4.260
19. Mark Blundell - ( Arrows Ford ) + 5.108
20. JJ Letho - ( Minardi Ford ) + 5.718
21. Taki Inoue - ( Larrousse Hart ) + 6.532
22. Andrea Montermini - ( Forti Ford ) + 6.700 Only ran on Friday due to technical problems
23. Johnny Herbert - ( Simtek Ford ) + 6.950
24. Hideki Noda - ( Pacific Yamaha ) + 7.437
25. Pedro Diniz - ( Forti Ford ) + 7.595
26. Gil De Ferran - ( Simtek Ford ) + 7.683
DNQ Massimiliano Papis - ( Arrows Ford ) + 8.047
DNQ Jean-Marc Gounon - ( Larrousse Hart ) + 8.584

[Collieafc]

Announcements

The bidding for the second round of drivers and Engines will start after the Belgian GP. I will post the new driver list along with the remaining engines then. All bids that have been made already have been noted and carried over. If you wish to amend (or even cancel) these bids, then feel free to do so but please repost them if you do! (E.G Villeneuve already has 2 bids from Benetton and Ferrari, while there have already been engine bids recieved from teams without engines yet for 1996.)

The bids for Round 2 will close at the start of Qualifying for the Portuguese GP (Round 13)

Wizzie: Pedro Lamy has been contracted for 8 races. He has currently sat in 2 of them, so he will need to be in a racing seat from Italy onwards in order to keep his sponsorship money (which has already been paid). You can choose to swap either Fittipaldi or Letho for Lamy, but you can change this without using your driver quota as you have used Lamy already, and you can chop and change the other seat. Eg you could have Lamy and Fittipaldi for Italy, Letho and Lamy for Portugal and Europe then Fittipaldi and Lamy for Aida. As long as Lamy is in one seat there is no penalty.

Salamander: As above with Giovanni Lavaggi but he is contracted for 4 races. So far he has sat in 1 race. You do not need to use Lavaggi again yet and as he has sat in the car already, swapping him with one of your existing drivers will not use your quota. EG you could have Lavaggi and De Ferran in Portugal, De Ferran and Herbert in Europe and Lavaggi and Herbert in Aida if you wish before reverting to standard lineup. As long as Lavaggi is in 3 race weekends, there is no penalty.

[Salamander]

Lavaggi will compete in the Italian, Japanese, and Australian Grands Prix.

[TomWazzleshaw]

Wizzie: Pedro Lamy has been contracted for 8 races. He has currently sat in 2 of them, so he will need to be in a racing seat from Italy onwards in order to keep his sponsorship money (which has already been paid). You can choose to swap either Fittipaldi or Letho for Lamy, but you can change this without using your driver quota as you have used Lamy already, and you can chop and change the other seat. Eg you could have Lamy and Fittipaldi for Italy, Letho and Lamy for Portugal and Europe then Fittipaldi and Lamy for Aida. As long as Lamy is in one seat there is no penalty.

Since Fittipaldi's our best chance for another result, Lamy will take Letho's seat for the rest of the season

[andrew]

Wow 1 DNq pace doesn't seem too good

[Collieafc]

Round 11: Belgian Grand Prix - Race Report

The cars wait what feels like an age for the lights to go green but when they do Alesi is uncharacteristically slow off the line as Hill drives round the Ferrari on the outside of La Source. Badoer though is significantly quicker and gets 3rd place but cannot get past the leading pair as Berger also slips up to 5th before getting the jump on Coulthard on the exit to take 4thas the field gets through the first corner unschathed.

The two Ferrari’s are fighting for second as the go through Eau Rough as Badoer tries to outdrag Alesi but the Frenchman blocks him before Badoer brilliantly outbrakes him for 2nd at the exit of Les Combs – meanwhile Coulthard tries to take 4th from Berger with Schumacher having a look…NO, he passes both of them in one go down the straight! What a move from the Sauber!

Indeed there are several movers in the field already as Hakkinen is right behind Coulthards Williams in 7th but the real star is Panis who made a cracking getaway from 16th to 13th and passes both Wurz and Irvine for 11th at the end of the straight and is just behind Wendlingers Sauber! Pacific have definitely made the right move by renewing his contract!

At the front though its Hill who is already pulling away from the two Ferraris busy battling each other, just ahead of Schumacher. Berger is still defending from Coulthard while Hakkinen already heads a train of cars from 7th to Panis in 11th. This is how it stays as they complete the first lap but Mansell has caught the 7th placed battle already as he recovers from a poor start to 12th place. Martini isn’t in the train for long though as he passes his team mate at Les Combs while Wendlinger does likewise to Frentzen to sieze 9th.

Hill sets fastest lap on lap 3 while Schumacher slowly reels in the two Ferrari’s. Blundell though is already in the pits after running wide trying to pass Montermini for 19th and damaging his nose. But we cut to the two ligiers and Mansell fighting for 12th as Zanardi is now with them. Brundle tries to pass Irvine for 13ths as ZANARDI TAKES THEM BOTH! What a move by the Jordan driver towards Les Combs and he catches them both totally unawares to take 13th! That’s surely a candidate for the pass of the season! No suych fun though for Letho as he runs wide and spins at the Bus Stop chicaine and stalls the car.

The Ligiers are battling so hard however that both Jordans are able to pull away from them. Worse, they are causing a queue of their own with Wurz, Fittipaldi and Katayama now onto their tail for 14th. That is until Brundle experiences a sudden front wing failure through Eau Rough! Brundle loses his front wing but thankfully he is still able to keep control of the car. Fittipaldi takes advantage of this confusion by sneaking past Wurz.

Lap 5 and Schumacher is now right on Alesi’s tail, having a look on the main straight but deciding against a move. Schumacher aggressively tries to pass Alesi twice but both times Alesi ruthlessly chops in front, almost taking the Sauber out at Bus Stop. Theres a massive crash at Eau Rough though as De Ferran tries an optimistic pass on Inoue for 21st and both collide at speed, De Ferran losing his front wing while Inoue spins at high speed – Herbert approaches and runs onto the grass just to avoid the spinning Larrousse but is still tagged and spins himself. Inoue is out and his Larrouse wrecked but he is thankfully ok after that scary episode. Herbert’s race is now also arguably ruined but his quick reactions and putting himself on the grass undoubtedly removed any chance of drivers being hurt.

At the front, Hill still leads as Schumacher continues to harass Alesi for 3rd, with Badoer only a few tenths ahead. Schumacher has again caught Alesi at Les Combs and the two go to Pouhon, Schumacher attempts to pass as Alesi chops to block the inside, Schumacher swings to the outside but gets it wrong! Schumacher goes off and into the gravel and breaks his suspension. The Sauber is out!

Speaking of Saubers, Wendlinger is still stuck fast against Hakkinens McLaren and tries to outdrag him at Blanchimont but Hakkinen brilliantly blocks him. Wendlinger tries again at Bus Stop but Hakkinen cuts him off and the Sauber loses time and is almost passed by Frentzen. Wendlinger eventually does pass Hakkinen on lap 11 along with Frentzen as Berger comes in for the first scheduled stop of the day from 4th place, with Martini following from 6th. Berger emerges 6th, between Wendlinger and team mate Frentzen while Martini is 12th but with clear track.

Panis pits one lap later for fuel. It’s a slow one, suggesting a change of strategy from 2 to 1 stops as the Pacific comes out in 15th. Badoer comes in from 2nd, implying the Ferrari’s are on a different strategy as they hedge their bets against Williams, the Italian falling to 4th, while Berger cruises past Wendlinger at Bus stop thanks to warmer tyres to take 5th spot. Zanardi also pits. Neither Williams shows signs of coming in so far but HILL! HILL IS OUT! He’s tried to lap De Ferran just out of La Source but gets it wrong and slides into the barrier! Either there is oil on the track or the Williams driver took great leave of his senses! This promotes Alesi into the lead as Hakkinen makes his stop.

Once the early stoppers are all done, its Alesi still to pit from Coulthard as Badoer is 3rd, Berger 4th and Mansell running as high as 5th though the Jordan is still to stop. Badoer tries to lap Blundell and also makes the same mistake as Hill in misjudging La Source but unlike Hill spins, but manages to get going again without losing a place. Noda though drops out with wheel bearing issues. Alesi pits from the lead on lap 20 along with 2nd placed Coulthard. Alesi comes out right ahead of he sister Ferrari as Badfoer is distracted by backmarkers – the two are side by side3 into Eau Rough, Akesi has the indide though and keeps the lead! That was close fighting between the two Ferrari drivers, and Badoer must be kicking himself for his earlier mistake. Coulthards stop is less eventful and he rejoins behind Bergers Benetton.

However its not long until the pair start to duel as the Williams closes in on Berger. Coulthard tries at Blanchimont but Berger defends his place. They come up to Les Combs and Berger smartly boxes Coulthard behind a lapping Forti – only for Coulthard to come right back at him and outbrake the Benetton! Wendlinger spectacularly loses control of his Sauber on lap 24 at Eau Rough but somehow doesn’t tag anyone when correcting himself and rejouning, though he slips down to 9th.

The reason is made clear as drizzle starets to hit the circuit as Alesi spins off at Bus Stop! Several drivers are caught out as Coulthard runs wide to give Berger back 3rd place and Diniz damages his nose after going off at Pouhon. Meanwhile its Badoer who leads the Belgian grand prix so far but it all hinges if this light shower develops into anything more…

It doesn’t but the kerbs are still slippery, as Coulthard finds out to his cost on lap 27! The Williams slides into the barrier at La Source and loses his front wing, and needs to pit again. Its an end to Brundles race though as his Ligier Peugeot gives up on the main straight and catches fire. Berger pits for his 2nd stop, comfortably retaining 3rd place. Frentzen is the next to be caught out by a slippery Eau Rough as he spins in 4th place, getting back on track in 11th but with his race ruined as he goes in for a 2nd fuel stop. Wendlinger meanwhile has caught up with Mansells 6th placed Jordan, the ex-champion having a quiet drive up the field so far, and managing to resist the Sauber until Bus Stop.

Once the 2-stoppers have pitted, Alesi is once more in charge of the race with Badoer someway back with Berger 3rd, Coulthard 4th, Mansell 5th and Hakkinen 6th. This changes when Wendlinger catches and outdrags the McLaren for 6th on lap 38 as the field starts to settle down. As Alesi’s tyres wear down though, Badoer starts to catch up and by lap 40 is just 3 seconds away. Will he get to his team mate in time? Hes not bthe only one as Wendlinger has caught up with Mansell for 5th place as the pair lap Blundell on lap 42 until Wendlinger again spins on Eau Rough! Disaster for Sauber as not only is Wendlinger safe, but Hakkinen retakes 6th too! It’s a similar downer for Montermini who retires from 17th due to transmission trouble. Wendlinger is right with Hakkinen as they start the last lap, can the McLaren hold for 1 lap? They charge through Eau Rough nose to tail, neither letting up for that final point!

No drama for Jean Alesi though as he crosses the line to win the Belgian grand prix and Ferrari’s first this year! The win takes him to 2nd in the drivers championship while the Ferrari team have been on form all weekend and this is confirmed with Badoer taking 2nd in a sterling weekend for him, and his first points and podium. Berger is 3rd and undoubtedly deservesd his podium after a faultless drive where he successfully mixed it with the front teams. Coulthard is 4th after a generally uninspiring weekend whilst Mansells no frills drive and experience sees him take 5th from 13th on the grid.

But we cut back to 6th place as Wendlinger tries to squeeze past on the approach to Pouhon, almost taking both off! They keep going and coming up to Blanchimont Wendlinger gets ahead! But its not over as Hakkinen has the inside and retakes it! Up to Bus Stop and now Wendlinger has the inside line and brakes too hard and Hakkening amazingly is still ahead! Hakkinen crosses the line 6th to take the final point after a brilliant last lap duel between the pair.

Classification after 44 laps
1 . Jean Alesi - ( Ferrari ) 1h 29m 24.675
2 . Luca Badoer - ( Ferrari ) + 3.528
3 . Gerhard Berger - ( Benetton Ford ) + 36.657
4 . David Coulthard - ( Williams Renault ) + 43.921
5 . Nigel Mansell - ( Jordan Mugen-Honda ) + 1:23.437
6 . Mika Hakkinen - ( McLaren Mercedes ) + 1:31.044
7 . Karl Wendlinger - ( Sauber Renault ) + 1:32.394
8 . Pierluigi Martini - ( McLaren Mercedes ) + 1:47.364
9 . Alessandro Zanardi - ( Jordan Mugen-Honda ) + 1:56.397
10 . Olivier Panis - ( Pacific Yamaha ) - 1 lap
11 . Heinz-Harald Frentzen - ( Benetton Ford ) - 1 lap
12 . Ukyo Katayama - ( Tyrrell Yamaha ) - 1 lap
13 . Christian Fittipaldi - ( Minardi Ford ) - 1 lap
14 . Eddie Irvine - ( Ligier Peugeot ) - 1 lap
15 . Alex Wurz - ( Tyrrell Yamaha ) - 1 lap
16 . Mark Blundell - ( Arrows Ford ) - 1 lap
17 . Johnny Herbert - ( Simtek Ford ) - 2 laps
18 . Gil De Ferran - ( Simtek Ford ) - 2 laps
19 . Pedro Diniz - ( Forti Ford ) - 2 laps
20 . Andrea Montermini - ( Forti Ford ) - 4 laps Transmission
RET Martin Brundle - ( Ligier Peugeot ) - Engine
RET Hideki Noda - ( Pacific Yamaha ) - Wheel Bearing
RET Damon Hill - ( Williams Renault ) - Crashed Out
RET Michael Schumacher - ( Sauber Renault ) - Crashed Out
RET Taki Inoue - ( Larrousse Hart ) - Crashed Out
RET JJ Letho - ( Minardi Ford ) - Spun off

Drivers Championship - Top 6
1st : Michael Schumacher - 71
2nd : Jean Alesi - 44
3rd : Karl Wendlinger - 39
4th : Damon Hill - 33
5th : David Coulthard - 33
6th : Nigel Mansell - 29

Constructors chamiponship
1st : Sauber Renault - 110
2nd : Williams Renault - 66
3rd : Ferrari - 53
4th : Jordan Mugen-Honda - 37
5th : Benetton Ford - 16
6th : McLaren Mercedes - 3
7th : Minardi Ford - 1

Notes: Looks like in this series Badoer is officially NOT A REJECT!

[Klon]

Well, for Round 2, Tyrrell prepares the following offers:

Nigel Mansell - 5m; 2 Years; 1st Driver
Gerhard Berger - 5m; 2 Years; 1st Driver

[Samster]

Amazing result, Ferrari's first win and first 1-2 of the season and Badoer is not a reject. However as was always my plan, Fisichella will get a turn in the #28 for Monza and if it weren't for his inexplicable defection to McLaren would be in the car for the rest of the season in preparation for going full time in 96. Instead Badoer will be back in straight after Monza.

[Collieafc]

Announcements

Wizzie: As per the agreed, Lamy will race for the rest of the season in place of Letho. In addition, you will have Ford EDM's for Monza only.

Salamander: Lavaggi is ready for the Italian Grand prix. Is he to replace Herbert or De Ferran?

All: The 2nd round listings of the driver market is below:

Drivers


Pay Drivers


Engines


I have carried all bids over where applicable. Feel free to change them but please repost any amendments/changes if it was before this post. As before, feel free to suggest any drivers not listed here - Some may be in the 3rd round (There will be lots more pay drivers in round 3) otherwise they will be RNG'd at the end of Round 2 of bidding.

The market is now open until the start of Qualifying of the Portugease Grand Prix (Round 13)

[Salamander]

Lavaggi will be replacing Herbert at all races he is scheduled to compete in.

[FantometteBR]

Forti will bid then for engines

Ford Zetec ECA - 1y - 3m
Ford ED - 1y - 1.5m

[andrew]

What is my budget?

[TomWazzleshaw]

Minardi would like to request the stats of the EDM engine for the purpose of comparison against the ED. Also, we'd like to make the following provisional offers, pending conditions from Fontana, Rosset and other potential drivers in the next round:

Second Driver
1. Max Papis: $3.5 mill in sponsorship, 1 year
2. Vincenzo Sospiri: $0.5 mill, 1 year, sponsor money preferable
3. Dario Franchitti: $0.5 mill, 1 year

[Samster]

Ferrari will increase our bid for Villeneuve to $3m. Our backup bid will be $1m for Barrichello.

[Collieafc]

Round 12: Italian Grand Prix - Qualifying Report

It was back to business at the front for qualifying at the Italian Grand Prix as Damon Hill lead another Williams front row lockout but of only the tightest of margins as team mate Coulthard was only 6 thousandths of a second behind. Schumacher in the Sauber was the only driver to get within a second of the Williams, while Alesi starts in 4th and will be hoping to cause an upset to reward the local tifosi. Wendlinger takes 5th spot while Ferrari young driver Giancarlo Fisichelli, who has been granted a one-off outing was impressive in his first ever qualifying to land 6th spot, just ahead of the two Benettons, McLarens and Jordans.

Further down, it was a good day for Pacific as Panis made the top half of the timesheets to snatch 14th place while Noda easily made the grid in 21st. Fittipaldi also secured 15th in his Minardi as the team are using a one off Ford EDM for Monza. Wurz again out qualified his team mate while Larousse were another team to have a good qualifying with Inoue in the top 20 and Gounon also easily making the grid.

1. Damon Hill - ( Williams Renault ) 1m 24.270
2. David Coulthard - ( Williams Renault ) + 0.006
3. Michael Schumacher - ( Sauber Renault ) + 0.714
4. Jean Alesi - ( Ferrari ) + 1.116
5. Karl Wendlinger - ( Sauber Renault ) + 1.651
6. Giancarlo Fisichella - ( Ferrari ) + 1.734
7. Gerhard Berger - ( Benetton Ford ) + 1.769
8. Heinz-Harald Frentzen - ( Benetton Ford ) + 2.078
9. Pierluigi Martini - ( McLaren Mercedes ) + 2.356
10. Mika Hakkinen - ( McLaren Mercedes ) + 2.568
11. Nigel Mansell - ( Jordan Mugen-Honda ) + 2.813
12. Alessandro Zanardi - ( Jordan Mugen-Honda ) + 2.897
13. Martin Brundle - ( Ligier Peugeot ) + 3.183
14. Olivier Panis - ( Pacific Yamaha ) + 3.600
15. Christian Fittipaldi - ( Minardi Ford ) + 3.760
16. Mark Blundell - ( Arrows Ford ) + 3.880
17. Eddie Irvine - ( Ligier Peugeot ) + 3.960
18. Alex Wurz - ( Tyrrell Yamaha ) + 4.827
19. Taki Inoue - ( Larrousse Hart ) + 4.839
20. Ukyo Katayama - ( Tyrrell Yamaha ) + 4.875
21. Hideki Noda - ( Pacific Yamaha ) + 4.992
22. Gil De Ferran - ( Simtek Ford ) + 5.086
23. Jean-Marc Gounon - ( Larrousse Hart ) + 5.159
24. Andrea Montermini - ( Forti Ford ) + 5.322
25. Pedro Diniz - ( Forti Ford ) + 5.915
26. Pedro Lamy - ( Minardi Ford ) + 5.949
DNQ Massimiliano Papis - ( Arrows Ford ) + 6.360
DNQ Giovanni Lavaggi - ( Simtek Ford ) + 7.072

[Collieafc]

What is my budget?

For 1996, it is 6m (after paying for your engine) plus any money you carry over from this season (currently 3m). You can increase this with pay drivers or good performance in the remainder of 1995. Remember you have to build a car as well, though your allowed to go into debt provided you dont finish the 1995 season in debt (You are not changed for your 1996 drivers engine or car until after the end of 1995 so dont worry about that)

Minardi would like to request the stats of the EDM engine for the purpose of comparison against the ED.

Ill get the PM sent

[Hermann95]

Jordan would like to sign the following drivers:

Mika Hakkinen 3.5m$, 2 years
Jacques Villeneuve 3.5m$, 2years
Jos Verstappen 1m$, 1 year

All for the number 1 driver position.