Amateur

am·a·teur /ˈæməˌtʃʊər, -tʃər, -tər, ˌæməˈtɜr/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[am-uh-choor, -cher, -ter, am-uh-tur] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation –noun

1.	a person who engages in a study, sport, or other activity for pleasure rather than for financial benefit or professional reasons.

We are so used to seeing those perfect handbrake turns from the Rally gods, your Loebs, your Solbergs and Hirvonens, let us pause for a moment and celebrate the enthusiastic and the over enthusiastic, the slightly capable and those who are just trying hard...to stay on the road. Let us celebrate what is in the end the heart and soul of motorsport, the amateur!

Here's how it's not really supposed to be done in this lovely video from France's 1Max2Rallye.com.
This video is also remarkable as it contains the only footage I know of a rally BMW M Coupe! Check it out about 3min in.





Reader Oily added in Comments:
A couple of my favourites when I was rallying at the lower levels:


Yes, the bumper's off









No, I'm not waving to the camera

Figure Skating

Next time you feel like getting up early and driving five or six hours to the track is just too much of an effort, consider this epic winter cannonball by fellow tracktard and Axis friend Dale from Bridge to Gantry.com.

A must read (especially for all you rally car types) you can find HERE.

Peugeot 908 HDi FAP preparing for the oil burner battle with Audi in the ALMS (automotoconso.com)

Even Tiff can't hold it on the road!

I always liked the Fifth Gear tests better than Clarkson and the Top Gear crew. Sure TG has the Stig and some of the best snarkyiness on TV but you get the impression that the hosts are better, well,....hosts than drivers and that the money shots in they fantastically photographed segments, you always suspect there is someone else behind the wheel.

Tiff and Jason Plato on the other hand are both racers and you know it is those two tracktards doing the work.

Anyway, poor Mercedes.



The Merc blows the most smoke! from Axis of Oversteer on Vimeo.

BMW "Performance" parts catalog

Rumored forever, here it is. BMW, like some of the Japanese manufacturers will offer mostly cosmetic but tasty looking bits for the 1 series that can be dealer installed, under warranty and rolled into the car's payments. They will make make many extremely happy.

Sadly the single coolest thing they offer, a very nice lightweight Sport Seats which rivals Porsche's similar offering will NOT be available in the US market. That steering wheel though, that will be a stunnerz delight: "launch via symbolic traffic light"...weeee!

1addicts.com has all the details and a .pdf of the german brochure.  

(The Freepster informs us you can stroll down to your local BMW shop and pick up one of these brochures, in English, today!)

Some highlights:

BMW Performance braking system
6 piston brake caliper
brake disc is perforated and grooved
including:
-brake discs
-brake caliper (yellow) (not necessary for 135i)

BMW Performance sport suspension
aviable for E81,82,87,90,92
rideheight will be lower than with m-sport suspension
including:
-2x compression leg
-2x shock absorber
-2x anti-roll bar
-rubber bearing for front and rear anti-roll bar
-2x strut support bearing
-4x additional shock-absorber
-small parts (screws...)

BMW Performance alloy rims
weightsaving about 1kg to a same sized rim
18" for E85/86
18" for E81,82,87,88
18" for E46
19" for E90,91,92,93 (except xDrive)

BMW Performance strut brace (carbon fiber)

BMW Performance air intake

BMW Performance exhaust system

BMW short shift kit
reducing shiftling travel by 25%

BMW sports seats
weight ~3kg/seat
can be connected with heated seat controlling
available for 1 series and 3 series (excluding convertibles)
not for US sales!

BMW Performance steering wheel
fitting E9x,E8x
for controlling the display, the steeringwheel is equipped with two buttons hidden under the alcantara
the buttons are located in the area of the thumb rest
the display features the folowing informations:
-stoppwatch
-stoppwatch race (1/100s), up to 10 interim times,
launch command via symbolic traffic light, reaction timer, maximum speed, top score will be saved automatically
-Quatermile race via symbolic traffic light, times for 1/8 mile, 1/4 mile
-acceleration timer 0-40km/h,0-60km/h,...up to 400 meters
-g-meter (transverse & straight acceleration)
-engine & oil temperature
-shiftlights - 2x5 LEDs

Tease

How many of you have put off buying a Playstation 3 because there has been no GT5 and therefore no point at all to the console? I know I have. Here is the latest tease for the GT5 Prologue supposedly out in April with online play and, yes, Ferraris.



GT5 Prologue from AxisOfOversteer.com on Vimeo.

MotoGP in Malaysia

Can't forget our fans of 2 wheeled oversteer, here is a clip from this past week's MotoGP testing in Malaysia.

Valentino Rossi had a goofy moment but as you'll see he's pretty stoic about it, broken bones are nothing for these guys. Danni Pedrosa crashed too but did get hurt enough to have to spend some time away from the track.

The unpainted bikes look wicked and sound fantastic. Perhaps because I'm a sick person, I really enjoyed peeking in on the de-breifs and the body language riders use to communicate with engineers.

In the video we see, Rossi (Yamaha), Andrea Dovizioso (JiR Honda), Capirossi (Suzuki), Melandri (still not comfortable at Ducati), Alex DeAngeli (Gresini Honda), Casey Stoner (Ducati), Hayden (Repsol Honda), Jorge Lorenzo (Rossi's new team mate at Yamaha), DePuniet (Honda), Colin Edwards (Yamaha tech3), Pedrosa (Repsol Honda).

about 10 minutes.


MotoGP testing Malaysia from AxisOfOversteer.com on Vimeo.

2008 Rallye du Monte-Carlo by "Fred"

Full Monte part II: Col de Turini and Super Special Stage

read "Full Monte part I"

I guess there was some snow after all and on the Col de Turini spectators did their best to make sure that any plowing was all for nothing ....but not everywhere of course, oh no that would be too easy, better to toss snowballs and shovel snow only on blind corners, just to keep drivers on their toes!

Here Mikko Hirvonen deals with it...



The Rally ended with a Super Special stage on the lower part of the Grand Prix circuit, great stuff. Here is Solberg vs Galli, battle of the showboats.



But for some real "Axis of Oversteer" action, check out the Suzuki SX4 of PG Andersson!



Finally...a big oops from Conrad Rautenbach, his second off of the week end, sometimes it's better to "just go home"! (check out the "expert" commentary turn on the German once he stuffs it... from hero to zero in 4.2 secs)

Full Monte

don't miss "Full Monte part II"

Largely ignored, certainly by US television, the Monte Carlo Rally is taking place this week end.

The race is not going to be on the WRC calendar next year switching instead to the "low cost" IRC (Intercontinental Rally Challenge). IRC promises to bring "innovative coverage" and distribution, we'll see if that means more access or simply a new more expensive subscription service.

Meanwhile the WRC is in a odd moment, the series one good rivalry gone with Marcus Grönholm's retirement leaving Sebastian Loeb to predictably dominate the first event.

They are also using spec Pirelli tires which nobody seems to be especially happy with. And once again, there is not much snow on the mountain roads behind the principality.

The one bit of great news for the WRC is that Dave Richards has come back as Subaru team manager and will run the team first hand this season. That can only be good news, and if he can give Solberg a good car to fight Loeb in, the season could be as good as the last. See a clip of the Scoobie Supremo discussing the upcoming new car below.

For our very international audience, I dug up three full stage onboard clips in three languages: Mikko Hirvonen, Danni Sordo and Chris Atkinson. The first two on Stage 3, the Subaru driver on Stage 13. Atkinson almost blows it, but he ended some 7.5 secs in front of everyone.

On the final day of the Rally WRC's official site promises live coverage of the final Super Special stage, that should be quite cool, coverage is promised for 9 AM EST (1500hrs local).

Green Light

Freep asked about this a few days back and I saw the question raised on a couple of online forums: why are some cars running a blinking green light?

I looked at the footage I have and I think that it's the F1 equivalent of the "rookie sticker". So far I have seen it on Sebastian Bourdais' STR and on the new Honda when driven by tester Takashi Kogure.

Anyone know for sure?

Blowing Hot Air

Team Force India are the first, as far as I can tell, with this clever new brake cooling solution.

Usually, as soon as an F1 car pulls into the pits, mechanics rush to in with these modified leaf-blower things but the ex-Spyker team have these elegant carbon fiber clip on extraction fans.

Of course if they move to a Ferrari style wheel shroud those will become very expensive rechargeable desk fans laptop coolers!

The Works

Can't swing a Ferrari Challenge season?

Consider the Mini John Cooper Works Challenge, as an added bonus you will get a race car with not one but two cup holders!














As an aside, how cool does John Cooper look in that picture? I will have to find a hat like that for track days!

Major Traqmate software update released today.

Traqmate relesed the latest version of their TrackView software today.

Version 2.05/Video will, among other things, provide you with a theoretical best lap video playback, how cool is that?

Now you will be able to actually SEE how fast you SHOULD have gone over a full lap!!

other features include:

• Super-hot video dashboard with analog gauges showing Velocity, RPM, G-Meter, Laptimes, and Track Map
• Improved graph printing, now includes vehicle cursors on the printouts
• Number of drivers in multi-car playback increased to 8
• Track Facts display showing information for the current track, including Start/Finish coordinates for easy transfer between Traqmate units
• Scoreboard tab on segment analysis shows breakdown of each segment by lap and driver. See at a glance who has the best time in Sector 3!
• Traqview now remembers path to video files and path to Traqmate firmware files
• Color-coded segment indicators coordinate the Track map and the Distance graphs

Downloads are free for Traqview and Traqview Video Customers.

Fernando, back to basics?

What I like about this clip is that you really get the feel of winter testing: early morning, fog, probably cold...
Fernando Alonso looked pretty relaxed stepping out of a Megane once again...he checks out the Audi R8 and goes about his business testing the new Renault R28. In Spain he still gets cheers worthy of Maranello tifosi. You can also catch s glimpse of the new Williams.




(thanks to Francesco for making this Valencia footage available)

You know you are racing in Australia when...

Kangaroo dodging aside, Mount Panorama has one of the world's most awesome and I imagine, intimidating tracks. Coverage of the Bathurst 1000 race is just fantastic, check out these next two clips: the first a great on board with multiple cameras and telemetry (check out the well advised "let me see if I still have brakes" pumps...) and the second is a ripping qualifying lap by five time winner Mark Skaife....amazing stuff. Enjoy!

Submit your image to the Axis Picture Of the Day: send it HERE

Hmm.... GT-R crushes Turbo.

While it's not surprising that a Japanese car show would have the porcine Nissan GT-R crush a 997 Turbo automatic, did they really have to stack the decks by using an apparently clueless driver in Porsche?  

CG will correct me if I'm wrong but if there is one thing stock Porsches don't like is an early apex and the Turbo driver is constantly turning in early and sliding out of the turns, losing all momentum.

That being said, I'm still trying to figure out how Nissan engineers have managed to make a 4000lbs car stick like that..... I wonder is the car comes with those "almost r-compound" tires like evos and STi do, the show clocked it at over 2 seconds faster than the 997 turbo automatic on that track! For sure your tire bill will be expensive.

Darwin's Guard Rail.

Is that wrong?
No, it's not because as it turns out nobody was seriously injured...a rally miracle.

This was in Sicily during the Targa Florio a few years ago. The best part is the cameramen yelling insults at the human tire barriers who turn out to be quite effective as the car just takes off down the stage with just flatspotted tires to worry about! That and the emergency worker telling the crowd only the wounded can get to ride in the ambulance!




Now for a look at the real Targa Florio, let the great Vic Elford (who also "hit a local") take you for a drive... this is on the "whimpy" 45 mile course, which you did 10 times. the course included a 3.7 mile straight...lined with sheep presumably, for safety.

Night training

Haven't posted any 'ring videos for a while...shame on me! Here Marco Schelp in a BMW e46, is training for the 2007 24hr of the Nürburgring.
Super cool layout for the data gauges and second camera insert, maybe our friends over at Trackvision and Traqmate will whip up something similar for their systems.
And man, do I love those Z4 GTRs... shame they never got to race in the US.


(thanks Fredau)

Keyword: EBS

The media have been talking a lot about the disappearance of traction control in 2008, and have tried to evaluate its impact on next season’s performances. They very often forget to mention the loss of another electronic driver aid that is at least as important: the EBS (engine braking system).
When a car comes into a corner the biggest risk of a spin under heavy braking comes from locking up the rear wheels. In this case, there is no miracle remedy to regain control of the car. For several seasons the engineers worked on a way to increase performance with a system that optimised deceleration, while reducing the risk of locking up at the rear.
The first fruitful attempt was an entirely mechanical one. A spring placed on the master cylinder delayed the action of the callipers when the driver hit the brakes. It was an efficient solution but not flexible enough. The design offices went back to work and came up with a fully electronic system called EBS. Thanks to the sensors on the rear wheels the ECU was able to detect the first signs of locking up. When this happened the engine was immediately ordered to accelerate a little to avoid an off-track excursion. This philosophy became generalised to the extent that seeing smoke coming from the tyres under heavy braking became very rare.

This reliable and efficient device can no longer be managed by the 2008 common ECU whose functions have been reduced. The EBS was discretely shelved after the Brazilian Grand Prix. It could make a comeback but this time as an entirely mechanical system, which would obviously be less efficient.

The absence of traction control, a crucial help under reacceleration, combined with the loss of the EBS, which is very important in the deceleration phase, is going to make the drivers’ lives even more difficult in 2008.

from ing-renaultf1.com

Coolness...

2008 Aston Martin DBR9 Le Mans.

Flying Felipe

Woah there Felipe, you almost pulled a Joey Hand on your first day back!

First look ar the cars from Jerez on 1/14/08. Ferrari, Mclaren, Renault Toyota, STR, Williams and Force India on track.

The cars look wonderfully twitchy and there is plenty of extra yaw and wheelspin.....it will be a fun season.

I see that one unfortunate side effect of the new cockpit sorround safety regulations (the Wurtz-Coulthard rule...) is that the side of the drivers helmet is no fully obscured by the car. I wonder if helmet decoration design will change in the future.

Follow the BMWSauber F1 launch live NOW

They promised LIVE laps with Nick Heidfeld INSIDE the BMW Welt new car delivery center around 2pm Munich time!

link HERE

Here is the start

BMW Sauber F1 launch pt1 from Axis on Vimeo.

here is the "delivery"....

In Michael's slipstream

Ferrari may have had a low key launch for their F 2008 at Maranello but they sure put on a extravaganza in the ski resort of Madonna di Campiglio. And while Bernie Ecclestone participated in Mclaren's rather funereal launch, Ferrari managed to get Bernie's daughter Tamara trying to "stay in Schumacher's slipstream".

This was followed by a totally ridiculous Fiat 500 ice race with the complete Ferrari team...and Michael. In fact it looks like Schumacher is doing the bulk of the interviews, a role I'm guessing that can only make Raikkonen happy. As long as the press is satisfied with a Schumi quote, that is less work for the Kimi and Felipe.

Back to the ice race, if you do not understand Italian let me just say that the announcers are just hilarious: completely clueless, they are trying to comment the race as if it is a real race.

If you sit though it you will see that Schumacher, out of it early tries to influence the outcome at the finish! Oh no, bring on the conspiracy theories....was he "faking" gearbox issues in the final laps? Haters could find their goldmine in this!!

The cars are painted like the driver's helmets, the black and red is Kimi, the green is Massa, orange is Schumacher, blue and white is Marc Gene (who brutally takes out Kimi!) and with the red and yellow is Luca Badoer.

Anyway... silly but fun

Hole in the head.

I'm not sure if it has to do with wind tunnel restrictions or it's because real world still gives better data in some cases but "secret" straight line high speed tests continue.
(see a previous article about straight line testing HERE)

Ferrari has booked the Vairano track (between Milano and Pavia) to test with Marc Gene on it's 2 km long straight, perhaps while most of the media was busy looking at pictures of Kimi Raikkonen snowboarding.


One of the rumors floating around is of a new concept for front end aero on the Ferrari f2008. While the car was presented with a nose similar in concept to last years and perhaps having some similarities to the late 07 Toyota, the rumors concern the use of what has been described as a "hole" in the nosecone. This mini tunnel would have the function of moving air from the lower to the upper portion of the nosecone cresting more pressure with less drag. Increased front end pressure is the name of the game and apparently essential for proper turn in with the spec Bridgestone tires. In the context of Mclaren and Toyota increasing wheelbase to move the weight forward but Ferrari going back to a shorter car this could be quite interesting. I wonder if a device inside the nosecone which would open and close the "hole" would be illegal?


images © Ferrari

More about the Vairano Automotive Safety Centre track: It is a facility open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It features, long with a handling course and an off-road track, a high speed course with a 2 km (1.24 mile) straight that is perfectly level and smooth and homologated for F1 testing. The whole track is surrounded by berms and fencing designed to "guarantee privacy " . It is owned by the publisher of Italy's largest auto magazine and used for testing, safe driving courses, and corporate events.

Formula Bollywood

I think the ill fitting leather Nerhu jackets and jodhpurs might finally have bested Coulthards Superman suit.
The look on Fisichellas face ... And he raised millions to buy that jacket!

"...like a accident in a fireworks factory"

Have you bought the January issue of CAR?

Contrast.

Worth a thousand words.

If you like words, read this excellent article by Maurizio Quarta on PitPass.com:

No show, no frills, just pure Formula One...

Mclaren F1 in luscious detail.

OK, so it's in Japanese but this is a great look at what is still, after sixteen years, as good as it got in the supercar game. You'll understand, trust me.

The program shows you all sorts of fascinating details you might not have seen, suspension, brakes, cooling. No Stiggy power slides heroics here, there is even an obviously balky shifter, with third gear seeming not so easy to find in at least two shots. But check out the dravings of the brake cooling system for example...great stuff to see.

There is a lot of buzz about the coming Ferrari Millechili concept, interesting that 1000 kg was precisely Gordon Murray's target 20 years ago when he first sketched out the F1 concept on a flight back from the Italian Grand Prix.

First Ferrari F2008 shakedown video

Fiorano today.


I had to chuckle a little when Luca Di Montezemolo asks Nicholas Todt where his "papá" is...

Mclaren MP4-23, Ferrari goes short Mclaren goes long.

Mclaren increased their wheelbase this year while the Maranallo team went the other direction. I wonder, if you were to measure, they might now have an identical wheelbase...

Heikki must also wonder about the car being presented on Lewis Hamilton's 23rd birthday, being designated and the MP4-23 and carrying the number 23.... Oh, boy. At least he probably will not complain.

Lewis Hamilton

"The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-23 is the coolest birthday present you can get, well it is for me anyway! To see the car for the first time at such a great place as the Mercedes-Benz museum makes it an even more memorable day. I have had the past three weeks off and spent the time training and relaxing with family and friends. I know how much work has been going on in Woking, Brixworth and here in Stuttgart and it is a great looking car. My engineer has told me that approximately 14,000 manufacturing man hours have been involved to produce the car in time for today. I will be testing it for the first time on Thursday. It is going to be a busy time but myself, Heikki, who I welcome as my new teammate, and everyone within the team is looking forward to it as we push forward together."

MP4-23 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

ENGINE

Type: Mercedes-Benz FO 108V
Capacity: 2.4 litre
No. of cylinders: 8
Max. rpm: 19,000 (FIA regulatory limit since 2007)
Bank angle: 90O
Piston bore maximum: 98 mm (FIA regulation)
Bore spacing: 106.5 mm
Number of valves 32
Fuel: Mobil 1 Unleaded (5.75% bio fuel)
Lubricants Mobil 1, newly developed 2008 formula for lower friction and better wear resistance
Engine weight: 95kg (minimum FIA regulation weight)

TRANSMISSION

Gearbox Speeds Seven forward and one reverse
Semi-auto Yes
Driveshafts McLaren
Clutch Hand-operated


Chassis McLaren moulded carbon fibre/aluminium honeycomb composite incorporating front and side impact structures. Contains integral safety fuel cell
Front Suspension Inboard torsion bar/damper system operated by pushrod and bell crank with a double wishbone arrangement
Rear Suspension Inboard torsion bar/damper system operated by pushrod and bell crank with a double wishbone arrangement
Suspension Dampers Koni
Electronics McLaren Electronic Systems control units incorporating electronics for chassis, engine and data acquisition. McLaren Electronic Systems also supplies the electronic dash board, alternator voltage control, sensors, data analysis and telemetry systems
Bodywork Construction One-piece engine cover; separate sidepod covers; separate floor section, structural nose with integral front wing.
Tyres Bridgestone Potenza
Radios Kenwood
Race Wheels Enkei
Batteries GS Yuasa Corporation
Steering McLaren power-assisted
Instruments McLaren Electronic Systems

Ferrari F2008 Video and team interviews

This is what Ferrari released to the media, silent shots of the F2008 followed by interviews with Gilles Simon, Head of Engine Department, Aldo Costa (Technical Director) and Mario Almondo, Operations Department Director. Also quick interviews with Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen.

In the second clip a somewhat less canned interview with Kimi.

Three interesting things about the F2008 front end

A. This secondary wing which must clean up and split the airflow to the bottom of the car was already present on the F2007. For this year it looks to have been further refined in shape and thickened.

B. I have no clue at to what this mysterious pod hanging below the zero keel might be.

C. Fantastically complex shape of the front wing reminds some of the late 2007 Toyota design and is refinement of the front wing seen in Brazil 2007

Naturally, expect the wings and many of the details to look somewhat different in Australia and certainly nothing like this by the end of the season.


In general the 2008 has a shorter wheelbase, larger nose wing, a rear wing more over the rear axle, and smaller /shorter sidepods. This would indicate more weight to the front of the car, both physical and aero.

Perhaps if we have any aerodynamicists among our readers, they might post their thoughts.

First Pictures and technical specs of the Ferrari F2008

(images © Ferrari)


The F2008 is the fifty fourth single-seater built by Ferrari specifically to participate in the World Championship Formula 1.

The project, marked by internal acronym 659 is the interpretation by the Scuderia of the 2008 regulations whose main feature is the introduction of a new standard electronic system , called SECU (Electronic Control Standard Unit), produced by MES (McLaren Electronic Systems) and consists of a control unit and a single software whose development will be finalized to coincide by the beginning of the championship.

Other new regulations include: gearbox, which will be used for four consecutive events; safety, with the introduction of lateral protection highest in the area of pilot helmet; materials, with a limitation in the types of composites used. As a result of these changes has led to an increase in the weight of the car.

All aerodynamic surfaces have been completely revised, but the configuration that will be used at the first race will be completely different from today. An intensive development plan will continue throughout the season.

The chassis has been further expanded under the driver's legs, sidepods and bonnet have been more tapered.

The suspension system has been revised and developed around the new aerodynamics. Wheelbase and weight distribution were adjusted to the challenge presented by the new regulation and experience gained last year about the Bridgestone tyres.

Changes to technical and sporting regulations regarding electronics and the subsequent introduction of SECU led to the elimination of a series of drivers aids in such as as traction control, engine braking system and electronically departure control. Management of the differential , engine and gearbox have been greatly simplified. The gearbox will again be carbon and remains longitudinal. For the second consecutive year the gearbox will be "Quick-Shift", SECU adapted to the software and further sped up.

In the light of the new regulations, in terms of reliability the role of Shell gearbox lubricants are vital . The braking system has been updated with new and innovative concepts calipers and for cooling.

The 056 engine is mounted longitudinally and maintain its structural function. The basic structure remains unchanged compared to what approved at the beginning of last season but has been further developed as far as auxiliary systems, air and fuel intake.

The technical regulation also requires the use of petrol corresponding regulations of the European Union, with a content of components derived from biomass equal to 5.75%. As always, there is an important role of technical partners even at the design and development stage of the single-seater . The already mentioned Shell but also FIAT Research Center, in particular the use of simulation systems, and Brembo for the development of the brake system.

According to tradition, a great attention was paid to performance and the optimisation of materials, design and quality controls, trying to maximize the level of performance and achieve the highest safety standards possible.

TECHNICAL DATA
Chassis In composite honeycomb with carbon fibre
Ferrari gearbox mounted longitudinally
Limited slip Differential
semiautomatic sequential electronically controlled gearbox with quick-shift
gears: 7 + reverse
disc brakes air cooled carbon
suspensions independent strut with a torsion spring front / rear
weight (with water, oil and pilot): 605 kg
BBS wheels (front and rear): 13''
Engine Type: 056
Number of cylinders: V8 microcast aluminum : V 90 °
Number of valves: 32
Distribution: pneumatic
Capacity total: 2398 cm3
Bore: 98 mm
Weight: <95 Digital Electronic Injection: Magneti Marelli Electronic Ignition: Magneti Marelli Static Gasoline : Shell V-Power ULG64 Lubricants: Shell SL-1098

Waiting for the F 2008...

It's going on right now...but the only pictures out of Maranello are from older Formula 1 presentations... stay tuned

Ferrari vs Porsche at the 24 hr of the Nürburgring

If those clips of late 60's early 70's LeMans got you all nostalgic for those Porsche-Ferrari battles, you will like this:

Ferrari will make a return to the 24 hours of the Nürburgring this year, a specially modified F430 GT2 will be built by Michelotto to the rules of the german VLN series ( the official name will be Ferrari F430 GTC ADAC).

It will be campaigned by
Veranstaltergemeinschaft Langstreckenpokal Nürburgring veterans Otto Altenbach and Jürgen Oppermann.

(via racingworld.it)

F131 Enzo Ferrari Owners manual

Just one day left before the official unveiling of Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa's new ride for 2008 and we are up to the latest Ferrari road legal supercar, the Enzo Ferrari.

So it still looks like a batmobile but with a better power to weight ratio and proper aerodynamics it finally succeeds where the F50 had failed and bested the Mclaren F1 in all but straight line performance. To Ferrari's credit there was not much given over to the styling department that was not wind tunnel approved. That multifunction display is still the coolest made.

The manual is now pretty much fully devoid of the exquisite technical detail seen in the 288 GTO manual and in the end your Enzo driving russian plutocrat is probably not going to miss any of it. In fact, considering used Enzo's sell used for almost twice what they cost new, chances are the cars get polished more than they get driven (with a some notable exceptions)... and when they do get driven, it seems like a good percentage of them get crashed by guys named Deitrich or Eddie.

Download the Enzo Owners Manual .pdf here
(do not hotlink please)

Is this nasty?