Santander British GP 2008 - Race Buildup, Testing Photos etc.

[Alex.]

Silverstone 2008​

Santander British grand Prix 2008

With the French race now behind them, the Formula One teams return to testing this week in preparation for the forthcoming British Grand Prix. All ten squads are expected to be in action at the UK’s Silverstone circuit, where a three-day session kicks off on Tuesday.

After the disappointments of Magny-Cours, McLaren are expected to introduce a range of upgrades to the MP4-23 during the course of the test. Heikki Kovalainen will be behind the wheel for two days from Tuesday, while Lewis Hamilton will take over driving duties on Thursday.

BMW Sauber, meanwhile, will also be aiming to make up ground, after their lacklustre showing in France. The German-Swiss squad will field Robert Kubica for the first two days before Nick Heidfeld takes over the F1.08 for the final day.

Jarno Trulli will make an appearance for Toyota on Tuesday and Wednesday, before handing over the TF108 on Thursday to team mate Timo Glock. Toro Rosso, meanwhile, will grant team mates Sebastian Vettel and Sebastien Bourdais a day and a half each in the STR3.

Force India, who missed the last test in Barcelona, are expected to test a new aerodynamic and mechanical package during the week. The VJM01's upgrade will include a new shark-fin engine cover, new bodywork, a revamped diffuser and front wing, plus suspension modifications.

Honda will also be out in force as they continue to try and remedy their poor pace this season. The Japanese squad have revealed they are to test a new aerodynamic package at Silverstone, which has been described by team principal Ross Brawn as a ‘considerable upgrade'.

These are my best shots from Day 1 of testing.
Vettel did only 10 laps after he managed to kill the car. Kovalainen spent all day doing much more laps than the leader massa trying to beat him and failed.
Sebastian Vettel

Nelson Piquet Jr

Jenson Button

Robert Kubica

Felipe Massa

Ferrari looking very strong as usual, dont be surprised if they take a 1-2 this time. Raikkonen has publically stated that he thinks Ferrari will win. Your throughts?

If anyone has photos from testing, or from the actual event when it arrives, please post them here.








​

​

 

[Only_in_f1]

Ill be there Thursday

 

[flat-beat-eric]

You guys are so lucky !

enjoy and thanks for the pics

 

[PeterJB]

I never realised they did testing for each GP so early!

 

[Cap'n Jack]

I never realised they did testing for each GP so early!

This isn't testing for the British GP, just conveniently scheduled before the grand prix.

Alex, is entry to the test session free or do you have to pay? Nice shots, by the way.

 

[Muzaffar]

Wow..... that is really cool Alex. So like, are you going to stay for all 3 days of the testing session? Well we all hope to see more photos from you, so don't disappoint us! Also, you said you will be in the pitlane for tomorrow, thats got to be one great experience. 👍 But if you don't mind (and if you really could that is....) get one of the driver to hold a sign that says "I ♥ GTPlanet". That would totally make everyones day complete, and even attract more people to Jordan's site!!!! 👍

 

[Only_in_f1]

This isn't testing for the British GP, just conveniently scheduled before the grand prix.

Alex, is entry to the test session free or do you have to pay? Nice shots, by the way.

Its £12 I think. Alex is giving me a lift for free on Thrusday.

For a pit pass you have to pay £110. Or just sneak under a gate like we did last time.

 

[Alex.]

Day 2 - Guests of AT&T Williams
Rosberg Pitstop


1st Selection of 115 photos, 2nd selection to come tommorow, with tommorow's shots:

Sebastien Bourdais

Robert Kubica

Felipe Massa

Heikki Kovalainen

Nico Rosberg

Highlights of days one and two:

If you like the video please go to the actual page and leave a comment or rating ​

 

[tigermoth737]

It's a pity that the only clear shots you could get of the cars were in pitlane.

 

[Alex.]

Firstly, taking photographs of F1 cars at full pace is very difficult to even catch the car in a picture, but to get them in focus every time is something that is currently beyond me. However, these are 2 of many clearish shots taken on a grass verge before 'bridge',we were chucked out of the area which is hidden behind a hilled fence after about 25 minutes. the cars are travelling very quickly here but I managed to get the cars in the centre of the picture 95% of the time.
These two amongst many others which I can put up if anyone actually cares about this thread were taken on the gra

Trulli crashed with Coulthard in the morning and drove back with no wing

Also:
Mansell's Williams

Rosberg looking for the photo

If anyone is bothered I have alot more photos from the bridge angle which can be put up. This week's testing is now over.
​

 

[TheCracker]

Nice pix and vids, are we going to get a report of what you got upto as well Alex?

 

[PeterJB]

Nico Rosberg

​

OMG!! You can see his nose!!

 

[Alex.]

Nice pix and vids, are we going to get a report of what you got upto as well Alex?

If you aren't being Sarcastic, (I can never tell these days) I'll do a couple of paragraphs or a paragragh per day etc., shouldn't take mr too long. Infact I'll add a new picture for some parts of the days as I took nearly 300 and i'd like to show some more.

 

[Only_in_f1]

Alex, it was Glock's Toyota.

Ill do a little report on today if you like.

Day 3:
Day 3 of the Silverstone test was an opportunity to see how the teams could fare at the up and coming British Grand Prix at the circuit. The morning session was heavily interrupted by several red flags. Alonso with, seemingly engine trouble, Stopped on the start/finished and put oil on the track. The session was stopped for 10 minutes. A collision between Glock and DC at Stowe leaving carbon fiber on the track brought another halt to proceedings.
Drivers that tested today: Kimi Raikkonen, Nick Heidfeld, Fernando Alonso, Kazuki Nakajima, David Coulthard, Timo Glock, Sebastien Bourdais, Rubens Barrichello, Adrian Sutil, Lewis Hamilton.


The afternoon session was more flowing apart from a stoppage when Fernando Alonso ditched he Renault in the tight and technical final sector. On a personal note, me and Alex jumped a fence to get a close and an unrestricted view right next to the almost flat bridge corner. We started a trend as many people who thought it was wrong to jump the fence, which it was, started to follow us. This saved us as meaning there was so many people we couldn't be thrown out of the circuit. I have many videos and Alex has posted 2 pictures above from that view. Its amazing to be a concrete wall and a small grass verge away from these cars. Seeing Kimi nearly lose it coming toward us is a sight I shall always remember. I've been to a few Grand Prix's and test sessions but never have I been that close.

When I find the times ill post them up Just a quick thank you to Alex who gave me a lift there today.

Day 1 times:

Unofficial Tuesday times from Silverstone:

1. Felipe Massa, Ferrari, 1:20.188
2. Heikki Kovalainen, McLaren, 1:20.477
3. Robert Kubica, BMW Sauber, 1:20.995
4. Kamui Kobayashi, Toyota, 1:21.335
5. Nico Rosberg, Williams, 1:21.410
6. Mark Webber, Red Bull, 1:21.565
7. Nelson Piquet, Renault, 1:21.797
8. Jenson Button, Honda, 1:22.081
9. Vitantonio Liuzzi, Force India, 1:22.250
10. Sebastian Vettel, Toro Rosso, 1:23.853

Day 2:

Unofficial Wednesday times from Silverstone:

1. Heikki Kovalainen, McLaren, 1:20.015
2. Jarno Trulli, Toyota, 1:20.391
3. Nico Rosberg, Williams, 1:20.624
4. Nelson Piquet, Renault, 1:20.787
5. Sebastian Vettel, Toro Rosso, 1:20.795
6. Robert Kubica, BMW Sauber, 1:20.982
7. Felipe Massa, Ferrari, 1:21.069
8. Mark Webber, Red Bull, 1:21.170
9. Jenson Button, Honda, 1:21.445
10. Giancarlo Fisichella, Force India, 1:21.583

Day 3:

Unofficial Thursday times from Silverstone:

1. Lewis Hamilton, McLaren, 1:19.170
2. Timo Glock, Toyota, 1:19.815
3. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari, 1:20.321
4. Fernando Alonso, Renault, 1:20.862
5. Nick Heidfeld, BMW Sauber, 1:21.011
6. Kazuki Nakajima, Williams, 1:21.059
7. Adrian Sutil, Force India, 1:21.331
8. Rubens Barrichello, Honda, 1:21.344
9. Sebastien Bourdais, Toro Rosso, 1:21.432
10. David Coulthard, Red Bull, 1:22.232

Green = Fastest time of the 3 days.

 

[Alex.]

Thread will soon be changed to a British GP Thread. using test pictures and stats for buildup.

 

[Only_in_f1]

Hamilton looked quite quick today. Fastest lap of anyone over the 3 days. Ferrari look like they will take it though.

In think Lewis could take it. Just a feeling. Maybe it would stop him moaning.

 

[SagarisGTB]

When did the British GP move to Santander?

 

[Z]

When did the British GP move to Santander?

2007, according to wikipedia:

Sponsors

RAC British Grand Prix 1950-1970, 1995-1999
Hitachi British Grand Prix 1994
RAC Woolmark British Grand Prix 1971
John Player British Grand Prix 1972-1978
Marlboro British Grand Prix 1979-1985
Shell Oils British Grand Prix 1986-1988
Shell British Grand Prix 1989
Fosters British Grand Prix 1990-1993, 2000-2006
Santander British Grand Prix 2007-

 

[TheCracker]

If you aren't being Sarcastic, (I can never tell these days) I'll do a couple of paragraphs or a paragragh per day etc., shouldn't take mr too long. Infact I'll add a new picture for some parts of the days as I took nearly 300 and i'd like to show some more.

Me, sarcastic? ....Never!

Seriously, i'd have put a relevant smilie at the end if i was being sarcastic (am i really that bad?)

I really do think that pictures posted always work better if there is some background story to them. I'm sure we're all pretty jealous of you for going and we'd all like to hear what the experience is like. Especially the day you spent as guests at Williams.

 

[Alex.]

Me, sarcastic? ....Never!

Seriously, i'd have put a relevant smilie at the end if i was being sarcastic (am i really that bad?)

I really do think that pictures posted always work better if there is some background story to them. I'm sure we're all pretty jealous of you for going and we'd all like to hear what the experience is like. Especially the day you spent as guests at Williams.

Haha, will I'll do day's 1 and two mostly as Mike explained the 3rd.

 

[livemusic]

Some very nice pics there, thanks for sharing them. 👍

 

[Alex.]

Day 1 report:

After a short journey from my house we arrived, with the sound of a 2.4 V8 getting louder and louder as we approached the track. After getting out tickets stubbed we approached the nearest part of the track, which happened to be the exit of the fast Abbey chicane. The sound grew louder and around came Felipe Massa, extremely quickly hitting both apex's and the rumble stip on the way out, the sound was incredible.
We explored several vantage points, all of which were good for viewing and bad for photos

it generally consisted of cars passing every 20 seconds and slowly getting used to the noise. It's a great experience and there was't alot of people there. As well as this, I bought a Toro Rosso cap for £6 when they were £25 on the next stall, and the bacon butties were gorgeous

The day gradually got better with times getting quicker and massa widening the gap between him and the competitors. It was almost like he was in Formula 1.1 .
We found that the best vantage points were the Abbey corner exit or club corner exit, both of which are full throttle. Kovalainen began to look quicker and quicker, and by the end of the day he was not far behind Massa. We left the curcuit around 3PM and when I got home I found that Massa had broken down and gotten out of the car where we were sitting, at Club Corner. It turns out he stood there for a fair amount of time dicussing the car with marhshalls, to which I was slightly annoyed. Some more photos from day 1:

My best photos are of day, 2 which will be up later on.​

 

[Danny]

I bought a Toro Rosso cap

Good boy.

 

[JohnBM01]

Ahh, yes... Silverstone. It may be called Silverstone, but it's surely golden on racing action. This is really one of the classic race courses anywhere in the world. If Brands Hatch isn't much of a proving ground in British motorsport, Silverstone is surely a track that will test you. I seen it being refered to as the home of British Motorsport (ToCA Race Driver 3). Over the years, I've always seen Silverstone as one of the world's greatest race tracks. This is one of those statement tracks. No one's going to hear of you if you don't make a statement in international competition around a track like Silverstone. With a number of British in motorsport as well as Brits in F1, I'm sure this is a race everyone wants to win and a race no one wants to lose. It's one of my favorite F1 tracks along with Monza, Monte Carlo, Interlagos, and Suzuka (can't wait for F1 to return to Suzuka if Suzuka and Fuji are alternating). Whether it's touring cars, sportscar racing, motorcycles/motorbikes, or formula-type racing, Silverstone is a competitive race track to test all of your driving abilities. Test all you want, but you'd better pass your exam on this track on race day.

Silverstone has a fairly even balance of high speed and technical corners. The track kind of dares you to go full song all the way around. The very first corner is easy to overshoot if you go too fast. A delicate balance of speed and handling is needed for Turns 2 through 6. Playing "ToCA Race Driver 3" and "rFactor," I try to drive carefully through these corners while keeping up a decent amount of speed. But not TOO carefully that I end up losing speed and just be liable to be passed. You go crazy fast out of Turn 6 at about 170+ mph before heading into Turn 7. Turns 8 through 10 are one of those increasing radius areas. My ToCA RD 3 experience shows that you really need to have a good amount of braking to set you up for properly exiting this section. And in my experience, it's a chance for my race car to do some lawn mowing by truly overshooting this area, even under intense braking. Turns 11 and 12 are like a two-part chicane. How you attack Turn 11 can determine how you power out of Turn 12. In a way, that one section reminds me a bit of the chicane at Donnington Park before heading into that super-slow hairpin section of the Grand Prix course. I always say that going through Turn 13 and into 14 will give you a nice chance to make up some lost ground (as long as you don't screw this section up). Finally, the section between Turn 14 and the finish line aren't really difficult to screw up. Keep her between the white lines and make sure to power out of the final section at full speed. Do this lap many more times with pit stops in consideration, and you're bound to finish.

Here's my guess for a winner... I got Hamilton on the top step of the podium in his home country. If not that, then I think it's going to be Raikkonen.

 

[Alex.]

From what I could see, it's going ot be Raikkonen or Massa. Kimi did 7 laps then sat in the garage eating until lunch time then did some more eating and came out in the afternoon and did a few laps, very close to Lewis' time.

 

[Lee]

This time next week, I'll be there baby!

 

[Danny]

Take a digicam pls ^_^

 

[Ardius]

Here's my guess for a winner... I got Hamilton on the top step of the podium in his home country. If not that, then I think it's going to be Raikkonen.

Very doubtful to see Hamilton on the podium, a Brit hasn't won the British GP for 7 years now, and usually the top team of that season wins it. So, it will be probably Ferrari who win, which one is hard to tell though, I hope for Massa though, I hate to see number two drivers get played down when they are ahead of the number one driver in the championship.
However, its not beyond McLaren to win it, with Hamilton's current mood, I reckon he's going to do a Damon Hill this season and make a ton more mistakes trying to push himself too far this season a la 1995 and Kovalinen doesn't seem up to pace with the Ferrari's, he may have a chance though.
BMW may sneak in if Hamilton screws up or even Red Bull or Toyota for 3rd.

 

[Chronos]

Fantastic post JohnBM01 I agree. Silverstone is a great track and I hope for a good race unlike Magny Cours track. I think Kimi will win again here but if Hamilton can stop the rookie errors I think he has the ability and speed to do it and I think people are a bit harsh on Lewis putting any driver who has a good day ahead of him. I'm not a Hamilton fan and I'm not keen on his off track stuff and probably rate Kimi as the best, so I was disappointed when I heard he may quit soon.

 

[Alex.]

hamilton could quit?