I'm in America, and want USF1 to be at the forefront more than anybody, but, what have we actually seen from them?

Some sterile photos of some machines, an office with some dudes at a computer.

A few generic computer generated images.

Like I said a few posts back, "where's the car?"

I'm in America blah blah blah blah

I think the key word there is 'in'. So, you're in America, but not an American.

There's only one way to find out - patience. We'll see when the 2010 season comes around. Campos or Manor have shown nothing.

I think it's for the better. This way, they'll be an established team when an American joins, and the whole thing won't rest solely on the success or failure of the American driver.

Hi there!

Today, this morning, all the radio shows in Córdoba (ARG), talks about President Cristina Fernandez want sign José López for Two years with USF1 team, for revival the campaign "Visit Argentina" like does Carlos Reutemann in the seventies.,

The Cadena Tres huge Radio network, friends of López family, sayd that literally..,

Regards

P.D: Ouhh., the petrol Company is named PECOM., and they have already a racing Team in the FIA GT, and this year they WON the 24 Hrs Spa Francorchamps.,
And have a team in the WRC, too.....

Which part of the word didn't you understand? whas it the "I" or the "N" ?

AR1 is not a credible source. No one else has picked it up.

But why have an American driver at all? I just don't get it. I think this is the main reason people get tetchy about USF1. Not that it's an American team. Not that it's based in the US, or has "US" in its name, but that it has a stated aim of having drivers of a particular nationality. That's just not the way that modern F1 works, and it's such an unnecessary limitation to impose on a team that it smacks of complete arrogance or complete stupidity. Nothing wrong with a team employing an American driver per se, if that turns out to be the best option for them of course.

I dont see the problem with an American team wanting an American driver. They've already said that they would hire somebody not American if need be, its just a *want* or a *goal* for the future.

I dont see many people getting upset because Mercedes wants a German driver(s). Why is that?

Anyways, Jonathan Summerton is getting a chance in an F2 car soon, which could be very good for him to get recognized more over in Europe. He's got a good shot at the title, I'd say, if he can get a ride. He did beat Sebastian Buemi as teammates back in F3, which some people might not realize.

And I can name at least TWO Canadians who would be better picks!

I dont see many people getting upset because Mercedes wants a German driver(s). Why is that?

Prefer Hildebrand or Rossi or Newgarden though myself. Summerton's never been more than mmm... OK

Hildebrand and Rossi certainly have a lot of potential, but I'd say Summerton is the most prepared and experienced at this point.

As for him just being 'ok', like I said, he beat Buemi(ya know, that current F1 driver) as a teammate in F3 Euro(as well as winning races both there and in A1GP in non-top teams). Its hard to tell how good somebody will be when in a top team, but I'd say he at least deserves a shot. F2 will be very good in that regard, as they go out of their way to negate the 'team' advantage somebody can have, and Summerton's experience in similarly-powered cars could be a pretty good boost.

To be honest I'm only really familiar with Summerton from his F3 Euroseries days and, while he didn't look out of his depth, he hardly set the world on fire either. Doesn't mean he's untalented, just that I've yet to see anything that screams "Get that guy an F1 car, NOW!"

Spengler and Wickens. There, I said it. Canadians are better circuit racers than Americans! Let the fireworks begin.

Spengler and Wickens. There, I said it. Canadians are better circuit racers than Americans! Let the fireworks begin.

Many of you were wondering when USF1 will ahve a roller... ok, in an interview given to ESPN La tinamerica, P. Windsor has confirmed they have the car finished in the Computer, but they are not going to build it until Cosworth announces the date they will be giving the engines to the teams (remember Cosworth is still working on the engines and so, according to Windsor, they haven't even put a date to give them to their clients. It will be interesting to know what are the other Coswoth-powered teams doing...)

I can't see why they would wait on the engine. Even though Cosworth are still working on it, I would find it difficult to believe the measurements to build around IE mounting points etc. are not already available and so work could continue regardless. Are any of the other teams delaying their build because of this?

Because while they wait for the engine, the car will likely still undergo more development changes, so why build a rolling chassis that will be outdated by the time they actually get an engine to put in it?

The team has already said that they will be going about things slightly differently than most teams do in order to not waste money, and this is likely one of those differences. Whether or not it'll hurt em is yet to be seen, but they might just be going about things quite cleverly, ya know?

Many of you were wondering when USF1 will ahve a roller... ok, in an interview given to ESPN La tinamerica, P. Windsor has confirmed they have the car finished in the Computer, but they are not going to build it until Cosworth announces the date they will be giving the engines to the teams (remember Cosworth is still working on the engines and so, according to Windsor, they haven't even put a date to give them to their clients. It will be interesting to know what are the other Coswoth-powered teams doing...)

UNITED STATES - The Formula 1 is in the process of change. I started a couple of seasons with the technical changes and continues with the sporting regulations.

The global economic crisis has changed the landscape of the inclusion of the factories and we have increasingly less formal and more private teams.

One of the measures aimed at changing the F-1 is the entry of new teams for the 2010 season. And one of them is the USF1 based in Charlotte, with another office in Spain, where one pilot probably Argentina.

I was fortunate to speak with Peter Windsor, one of those responsible along with Ken Anderson of the new team that works tirelessly to assemble the necessary infrastructure. These are some concepts that I talk:

How is this to the team base in Charlotte?
We have done an incredible job. We started in August and today, four months later, we have a factory that operates in its entirety. Our engineering department from 25 to 34 people working full time and 34 contract. Not only have we built an operation with the ability to develop and build cars, but we need to, for example, a TV production department up and running.

Today, what is the situation with the development of self?
Our car will be built when we say that Cosworth engine is ready and so we have no date, but hopefully it's before the first race in March. The virtual development is nearing completion and we are using the time to continue working on some elements, such as diffuser.

With regard to the drivers, how close they are signing with Jose Maria Lopez?
We are close to signing the contract, although in these negotiations can never talk about dates until everything is ready and signed. Is a driver who always liked. I was impressed with what he has done in Argentina in the last three years. I met him in passing over Europe and I know much about him.

Generally, when a driver loses his chance in Formula 1 is discouraged, so I called the most attention he has achieved in Argentina during these three years. Have a great motivation to return, has miles of testing, and not 18 or 19 years but has the maturity of the 26 and is ready to prove what he can.

A few weeks ago I was with Carlos Reutemann, whom I joined a friend from the 70s in London. Carlos is very interested in the project.

What does it mean for you to have an Argentine driver for their debut season?
America has a great history and tradition in Formula 1, with big names like Andretti Gurney. Argentina has a history and passion recognized since the time of Juan Manuel Fangio, Froilan Gonzalez, Carlos Reutemann.

From that involvement with the Gurney Eagle that this seems the most appropriate, since they are two countries with a great history, united by a passion.

What says the rumors that their cars do not exceed the FIA crash test?
I've been a journalist for over 30 years and learned not to follow the rumors. Has also been talk about whether we will run with Cosworth or whether we will use another brand and the reality is that we have everything ready and signed with Cosworth.

How will the team work with two bases, one in Charlotte and one in Spain?
Formula 1 has changed considerably in recent years, especially with the limitations of testing and the short time allowed to be on track. For us the most logical is to have our central base in the U.S., but we need to have a place in Europe and it seems that Spain is the right place.

Almost all tests are performed in Spain, the weather is fantastic, the place we choose (Motorland Aragon in Alcaniz, north of the country) is in the midst of a beautiful villa will appeal to fans who want to get closer. Much better than being in England, where most of the equipment, where it rains and the weather is bad all year.

What is the relationship with YouTube and that way it will impact on the team?
Chad Hurley, one of the founders of You Tube, is one of the investors in the team. We know the vision and the ability shown by Chad and believe it can bring fresh air to the team. We're still working on details and on joint plans, but no doubt many good things to come.

We are keen to develop all aspects of New Media and weapons have indicated, even in the recent meetings with CVC, they are also working with a lot of interest in this issue.

What role will be Nic Jonsson in the team?
A Nic I have known him many years ago when he raced in Formula Asia. Your job will be to help to find and develop talent among young American drivers to take in the future. It is likely to fulfill the role as third driver. Probably will be working with us.

What are the goals in its first season?
I do not like to talk about goals in terms of results. My main job is to create a team, add talented people who have no opportunities in other teams. People who want to succeed. Make a team open to people. Our fans will be able to visit our facilities in Spain and in Charlotte. We will be an open team.

Who are likely to be the second driver of the team? We're talking with 3 pilots and hopefully for early January to have it resolved. We want riders who are fast, hungry and eager to prove. The changes in the economy have affected the way in which F1 teams operate.

Now we have different races and do not think a pilot with 10 years of experience can make a difference. I prefer, at this new system, pilots can train them and they grow with the team. And if you have miles of testing and Lopez, the better.

wait what hopefully ?

"Our car will be built when we say that Cosworth engine is ready and so we have no date, but hopefully it's before the first race in March."

wait what hopefully ?

"Our car will be built when we say that Cosworth engine is ready and so we have no date, but hopefully it's before the first race in March."

Don't forget the teams are planning a joint launch at the end of January. It would be odd to say the least to see all the other teams cars revealed only to have USF1 showing off just pictures on a computer or a scale wind tunnel model.

And it would be just as odd to see USF1's chassis ahead of the launch. The idea of a joint unveiling had been floated for some time - maybe the teams agreed on it in principle, and so USF1 did not go ahead with construction.

Don't forget the teams are planning a joint launch at the end of January. It would be odd to say the least to see all the other teams cars revealed only to have USF1 showing off just pictures on a computer or a scale wind tunnel model.

Lotus have allready said that they will not have a car ready for the joint launch.

Is there a deadline for USF1 to be in or out the F1 in 2010 according to FIA standards ?

All teams ( except Sauber ) have at least 1 racedriver confirmed for 2010, USF1 is only a big air bubble it seems to me,
it is about time FIA take her responsability. According to media reports Stefan GP is waiting in the wings with a lot of money
and able to compete in F1 in 2010 !

If FIA wait too long for USF1, there is a great possibility we have only 12 instead of 13 F1 teams in 2010.

Here is the story. There is a guy on a croatian national TV station that has a lot of insight on F1. He usually comments before and after the race in studio. His name is Mladen Jergovič*. And he also has a column on croatian F1 dedicated website. So, you migth ask, what has he to do with USF1? Well he is now an important member of that team and recently made a visit to the Charlotte HQ's. He wrote an article about that and here it is:

F1-hr.com

It's in croatian but i can give you some punchlines:

All you ever wanted to know about USF1...

- Despite all the negativism in media (official reports on FIA page included), the progress is positive. The work is going fine.

- Although the time was tight, due to all that FIA vs. FOTA strugle and recession going on in background they manage to get serious sponsors onside most important of all Chad Hurley (and Youtube). Geting Hurley onboard also ment geting green light from FIA. Hurley is now as most of you might know on top of the FIA's "new media" project.

- Financially the team is solid. They have arround 70 people currently working on 72-hours per week working regime, the maximum number of workers never to exceed 140 people (this is the philosophy of Windsor and Anderson). The reason behind this philosophy is in position of Charlotte HQ's with a lot of specialised companys in one-hour drive reach. Some of the most important outside cooperants (software, suspension, electronics...) are close enough that USF1 didn't have to introduce specialised subdivisions (and employ new people) within team. The most important cooperant is clearly Windshear (windtunel and aero department), which is currently said to be the best in the world.

- The car for 2010 is fully designed with about a third of it parts allready produced. By Anderson words (as one of the world's leading specialists in racing suspension) the car will have one or two distinct technical characteristics dividing him from all the other cars on the grid in Bahrain.

- About the drivers: the project is focused on (young) amercan drivers but the problem is that currently no one has superlicense. In the time of his visit Jose Maria Lopez was there too (he goes on then about his brief racing history) and he recons he could be interesting candidate with his argentinian industrial financial background.

- About the website problem: Bernie and his FOM blocked the usage of domain which includes "patented" F1 in it's adress, although the company can name itself USF1. So the domain will have another name and that explains why it took so long to establish USF1 website and even print buisness cards with team logo on them! The page will start fully functioning in the middle of december.

- He found a lot of optimism in the structure of the project: small team with enhusiasm and pure love for F1, cunningly maximising the resources arround them.

- At the end he reveals his role in the team: he will be the director for strategy and policy of the team, his domain being about strategical decisions about teams work and cooperating with FIA, FOM, FOTA and other teams.


*About Mladen Jergovič. He started his career as a reporter, working for a few years for Reuters until in 1991 Bernie offered him a job in newly established FOM Televison. After five years he become the chief manager for TV production and executive producer for digital multichannel direct F1 broadcast until the end of 2002. After that he returned to Croatia. In his career he visited over 180 GP's and has a lot of connections with drivers, managers, reporters and TV people inside F1. For sure he knows his way arround F1.

Hope i shed some light on USF1 mistery and i appologise for all the typos and "translation" errors in the process. I have never done this in such extend.

Can you tell us which driver has Sauber confirmed?

Službeni website ekipe bit će pokrenut sredinom prosinca, otvarat će svoje segmente postupno i bit će nešto uistinu posebno. Ovo i zbog toga jer bi trebao sadržavati i najsveobuhvatniju bazu podataka o F1 vozačima i ekipama (ali i ne samo o njima) ikada igdje objavljenu. Ova je baza podataka, rezultat 30-godišnjeg rada, do sada boravila isključivo u mojim osobnim megabajtima, ali u Charlotteu smo postigli dogovor o njezinom "pripuštanju" na web stranice ekipe USF1. (Svojevremeno, kad sam odlazio iz FOM-a, bio mi je ponuđen otkup ove baze podataka. Bezuspješno.)

Oh one more thing. I overlooked something that migt be of great interest for all F1 lovers, not just USF1 supporters. It's this segment:



USF1 website will offer enourmous database about F1 drivers and teams, which is a result of Mladen's 30 years personal work. In his own words it's one of the most extensive and complete there can be found, anywhere! He adds that when leaving FOM he was offered a buyout deal for this database. He refused.

Good commercial move that will draw attention to their website and possibly increase their fanbase i recon.

what the Croatian journo says about Bernie blocking the domains with the F1 word on it is... incredible... this Ecclestone is incredible...