In the hot seat: trying the R29 for size

Wednesday 3 December 2008 | RF1 Paddock Pass

| Istanbul | R29 | Fernando Alonso | Nelson Piquet

Both Fernando Alonso and Nelson Piquet popped into Enstone recently for their preliminary seat-fit in a mock-up of the R29 chassis.

Although the first appearance of the R29 is some weeks away, the technical team in Enstone have put together a mock-up chassis in preparation for the imminent birth of the real thing. And so with Christmas fast approaching, it was time for Fernando and Nelson to get their first experience of the new car as they both climbed aboard the mock-up earlier this week. This wasn't the seat-fit proper, but a preliminary check to make sure they both felt comfortable in the newly designed cockpit.

Squeezing a driver into the tight confines of the cockpit is a fine art. Drivers cannot simply jump into the car and expect to fit straight away. In fact, the whole process of getting the driver comfortable can take several hours. That's because they require specially moulded carbon seats to be made and fitted in the car, as well as padding to make sure they don't' bang their elbows or legs etc.... It's worth taking all this time to get them comfortable because it ensures they can drive the car at maximum attack on the racetrack.

As you'd expect, the mock-up looks just like a normal chassis. Some of it is made from carbon fibre with other parts produced using rapid prototyping technology. By creating a mock-up the team can check the dimensions and layout of vital parts and systems before the final chassis is produced. Obviously the R29 has been designed around both Fernando and Nelson, but fitting them into the mock-up was the final piece in the jigsaw.

Both drivers' race engineers, David Greenwood (for Fernando) and Phil Charles (for Nelson) were on hand to oversee the seat-fit, checking the driving position to make sure everything was snug, legal and safe. Chief Designer, Tim Densham, was also there to hear the drivers' feedback first-hand. Nelson even took some photos from inside the cockpit to show the position of his legs and the pedals - although for obvious reasons those pictures can't appear in my blog ;-)

Both Fernando and Nelson were impressed with what they saw, but what they're really looking forward to is getting behind the wheel of the R29 on a racetrack. That will happen in January, but before that they will have to return to Enstone for their definitive seat-fit once the first R29 chassis has been completed. Rest assured, I'll be there armed with my camera to capture that special moment once again!

Comments

Wednesday 3 December 2008 at 17:11:11 by dilettante

Those are amazing pics RF1PP!! Thanks a lot for these stuff...

Wednesday 3 December 2008 at 17:13:02 by Francis

thanks for the much clear explaination of how driver's seat in cockpit be made prelimiary! ('Cuase what Fernando said in the porgrame in Cadena Ser is a bit difficult to image...)

By the way, Mr. Greenwood is pretty good in that suit!

Wednesday 3 December 2008 at 17:18:12 by clemo

good pics RF1pp
certainly looks a bit of a squeze in there....they all look very serious

by the way shame its only a mock up, a 'black with a splash of yellow' car would look pretty good on track!

Wednesday 3 December 2008 at 17:22:21 by iwwee

On last picture Nelson looks so comfortable that he might fall aslep

Wednesday 3 December 2008 at 17:22:49 by dilettante

A nice paper on integration of Appro's new supercomputer into Renault F1 team...(.pdf file)

http://www.appro.com/whitepaper/Building ...

Wednesday 3 December 2008 at 17:36:10 by Tony

Hi RF1PP Thanks for the pics, I particularly like the photo of NP sitting in the open cockpit.

Clearly shows how the driver sits with him 'bottom' lower than his feet. Years ago the tubs were pretty flat with the legs straight out, bit like go carts but not the F1 cars of today. Can't be confortable but then F1 cars are built for confort but speed. ( Abit like my wife - I run like hell ) joke.

Wednesday 3 December 2008 at 17:52:15 by Tony

Hiya BOL - I did read your bit in the previous blog about 'Capitalism' and a single engine.

You're never going to get a perfect world and we could debate all day on whose political system is the best. Communism never worked, there was alway a class difference, the only difference was you were either really poor or really rich. This current economic crisis will help bring prices down, you might even be able to buy a Cleo for 5.000 € soon.

As for the single engine, I know somebody in the FIA has apparently put out for tender to some engine makers a blue print on a single engine design. Will actually get anywhere I seriously doubt it.

Like I said previously and repeat again here, can you imagine Renault or Toyota, Honda, Ferrari or Mercedes putting a Cosworth engine or a Judd engine or some other makers engine in their car. I would have to say absolutely no.

F1 is already suffering from too many rule changes, some good and some bad but a single engine would be beyond comprehension.

If that were to happen we would, as was said earlier just become another series of cars with 4 wheels going round a track on a Sunday afternoon. Exciting racing maybe but innovation, futuristic thinking, technology that has not been seen in vehicles, no.

You only have to go to a race track and look at the number of spectators that go and watch WTCC, Renault World series, F2, F3, BTCC and many more types of racing. How many do you get 10.000 maybe 20.000 spectators. In most if not all European circuits you would get around the 100.000 spectators go and watch F1.

There I have said my bit. What do others think ?

Wednesday 3 December 2008 at 17:55:00 by Tony

Please if I could also add I was not in the least being derogatory about the Cosworth or Judd engines. They have proved themselves over many years as being in a class of their own, especially the Cosworth which has won many, many Grand Prix but we are talking something different here.

Wednesday 3 December 2008 at 17:59:16 by f1angel

First off, thanks RF1 for the pics! Both Fernando and Nelson look great and yes, that last pic of Nelson looks like he's about to go to sleep LOL!

Second, Tony, I totally agree with u on everything u have said!

Wednesday 3 December 2008 at 18:16:31 by Rulietta

AAaaah, thank you for that RF1!! There's nothing like insights to conclude a day lol. (Is it me or is someone definitely looking like a 5 year-old playing with his toy car? Naah seriously I mean, Nelson comparatively looks rather bored...)

Wednesday 3 December 2008 at 18:24:45 by Witch

Can't wait until January...
I'm getting very, very excited***

Wednesday 3 December 2008 at 18:29:04 by f1angel

Everyone, here's the campaign ad for ING Direct and UNICEF featuring Fernando at the end!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UFk3Scj8 ...

Wednesday 3 December 2008 at 18:34:44 by LOVELY

Thanks RF1pp, but I hope will see the R29 soon.......very soon...., and the problem of Kers will be .......

Wednesday 3 December 2008 at 18:39:13 by Blackmadonna

@Tony if i say what i think my posting will for sure be deleted again, so i guess i better shut up and stay out of any further discussion.

Wednesday 3 December 2008 at 19:29:48 by Tony

Hey BM - don't do that, why not send me a message as a friend, I'll listen or was it me you were upset with

If its a grumble do it quietly behind the scenes, eh!

Wednesday 3 December 2008 at 19:37:58 by Tony

What about KERS - will it make that much difference ?? That is really the big discussion point at the moment and I suppose we won't really know till well in to next season or beyond. We don't even know if all the teams will run with it. There is a big weight factor and obviously this will make the car slower than cars that may not have it fitted, except when it is used for just a few seconds each lap. Then what about realibility! If it fails to work then the car will definately be left behind.

Very intersting piece written by Geoff Willis of Redbull...have a read and make your own judgement :

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php ...

Wednesday 3 December 2008 at 19:41:57 by Rebecca

They were really interesting photos! thanks!

Wednesday 3 December 2008 at 23:48:33 by manuStudio

i've got to be honest to say I'm a bit disapointed by RF1 history F1 car part sales. Only 13 objects, all dating before 1997, except one from 2005. come on, you can do better than that!

Wednesday 3 December 2008 at 23:52:37 by Honey

Gosh, I can see what is meant by the drivers feet being positioned almost higher than their heart whilst in the cockpit. Really fascinating photos RF1PP, thank you I enjoyed this article.

Thursday 4 December 2008 at 10:18:56 by theWombatOfTheBlueOrangeLion

Tony, pure communism never existed on the face of Earth, it's never been tried out so one cannot say it failed because USSR and Eastern European states did not represent the idea at all. I'm proud to say that I'm a 4th generation left-wing thinker, my great grandfather was involved in 1917 Russian revolution (no kidding) so to me it's clear that an even bigger economic collapse in on the horizon & I welcome it. Meanwhile, I want bread and circuses in form of more eventful F1 races.

And single engine F1 will happen, the automakers are not selling enough cars to fund their F1 activities, it's just a matter of time before they start cutting costs on a larger scale. Everyone thought Ford made a mistake by pulling out of F1 in 2004, all I'm saying is "who's next?"

But a positive note goes to Renault for producing Dacia Logan and Sandero, the only people's car on the market these days.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=GsCIG58PSY ...

***

great post RF1, very informative.

Thursday 4 December 2008 at 10:39:12 by Tony

Hey BOL - you're letting the cat out the bag....a leftist, maxist Wombat now that is a dangerous breed, especeally as the Wombat likes fast cars and luxurios living.. Welcome to the real world

As for a single engine I have to hope that I am right and you are wrong. Only time will tell.

Thursday 4 December 2008 at 11:12:41 by XCutor

Great pics!

Thursday 4 December 2008 at 12:03:51 by missvicky

Hip-hip-hurray! We'll be here any news you have! Thanks!

Thursday 4 December 2008 at 15:45:17 by Lengskee

Thanks RF1PP, great pictures! good to know & were impressed and are looking forward driving R29 next year. Cant wait to see the unveiling of R29.

Thursday 4 December 2008 at 16:38:18 by amc

I'm cold i cant type and my sports seasons haave finished. testing couldn't come around sooner.

sorry...just getting frustrating!

great pics btw rf1pp...cheers for new blog

Thursday 4 December 2008 at 16:43:20 by RF1 Paddock Pass

I'm pleased you all enjoyed this blog. I'm always looking out for interesting things to write about on the blog and I appreciate your feedback.

Thursday 4 December 2008 at 17:13:11 by amc

rf1pp - I'd love some random 'day in the life of' blogs of regular folk who work at enstone and really act as a piece of the big jigsaw behind the scenes.

I think it would give a great insight into the industrious side of f1 instead of a team sport - after all, it is what makes the sport.

just a sugestion though...might not be everyones cup of tea I realise

Thursday 4 December 2008 at 17:35:45 by Tony

Who mentioned a 'cup of tea', yes please - milk no sugar

Thursday 4 December 2008 at 17:36:09 by ped

that a great idea amc , insight behind the scenes (designing/making parts etcI) I think would be interesting. (I wish I had thought of idea)

Thursday 4 December 2008 at 17:38:14 by Styliana

very nice pics...
Fernando and Nelson good
success for this year...
Go Fernando..
Go Nelson..
Go Team..
Good Job with the cars..

Thursday 4 December 2008 at 17:59:34 by manuStudio

The R29 Launch will be at the Paul Ricard track.

Thursday 4 December 2008 at 18:00:09 by manuStudio

Wonder if they will run it on the day of the launch, would be nice.

Thursday 4 December 2008 at 18:37:26 by amc

Tony, this is a good chance to despell this notion of you being a chauvenist - I take coffee myself! I don't think its wise to give wombats caffiene though...

Where did you hear about PR launch manustudio? Its a good idea if its true...bringing the launch back 'home'. I must say it seems most if not all the teams seem to be watching the pennies and opting for more sensible and sober launches instead of the outlandish spectacular they go for sometimes. The credit is crunching

Thursday 4 December 2008 at 18:40:17 by Ayrton1992F1

what the...
*lol*

How do you know that manuStudio, you always give us news first, haha lol

vamos fernando!
vamos nelsinho!

vamos R !

Thursday 4 December 2008 at 18:56:40 by manuStudio

Guys maybe I'm wrong, but that's what I heard.

Thursday 4 December 2008 at 19:02:30 by Tony

From F1.com

How is Mercedes-Benz approaching the winter’s engine equalisation process?

Ola Kallenius: Like all engine manufacturers, we have until December 15 to submit our proposals to the FIA. After that date, the governing body will decide how best to approach the situation to equalise power between every team.

That answers my question of the other day - seems the teams have till the 15 December.

@ amc - what me a chauvenist, never - well my be just a little and no coffee for the wombat, only drinks vodka neat

Thursday 4 December 2008 at 19:08:49 by clemo

@amc
I like the 'a day in the life of' idea, it has great potential...

RF1pp could you kick off with Fernando's physio? It would obviously need lots (and lots) of photos of his/her work in action so us mere fans with no knowledge of the profession could fully understand and appreciate what is involved

and if you liked the comments for your photos on this blog just think of the praise us ladies would heap on you for those ones!!!!!!!!

Thursday 4 December 2008 at 19:13:59 by Ayrton1992F1

Honda very possibly leaves F1

Thursday 4 December 2008 at 19:24:22 by dilettante

Lets hope this is baseless rumor.

Thursday 4 December 2008 at 19:25:01 by dilettante

http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns21017.html

Thursday 4 December 2008 at 20:06:17 by manuStudio

@ 40. OH NO....that sounds bad. F1 is in trouble indeed...

Thursday 4 December 2008 at 20:12:38 by amc

lol clemo...not exactly what I was getting at - but I can see what you mean:

You know what Fernando and Rome have in common? All roads (topics) lead to them...eh?

Nah, in all seriousness, we need stories of the unsung heroes, working day and night at factories or in the pit garages, who never get on camera or have their names praised upon...but are vital to making and maintaining the car that the drivers would be nothing without.

I guess I was just a bit inspired by a great bunch of test mechanics I met at silverstone (both from ferrari and renault), some who had worked at the factory for years, regular men and women who dont complain, get on with their jobs no matter how depressing it can get...and are always so friendly and appreciative (not all of them lol) if you show a bit of interest in them for a change!

...and maybe I can meet the great Pat Symonds one day...sorry i just thought I'd throw that one in

phew! that took forever to type with 3 fingers!

Thursday 4 December 2008 at 20:14:02 by dilettante

Weren't there a FOTA meeting today at Geneva? Any news about engine equalization?

Thursday 4 December 2008 at 20:24:01 by tae

hey heyy.. can you tell me how much have to pay to test with F1 Renault team? If its possible...

Thursday 4 December 2008 at 20:29:21 by dilettante

Hell...Honda out by March 2009

http://www.pitpass.com/fes_php/pitpass_n ...

Thursday 4 December 2008 at 20:37:22 by manuStudio

Its very scary because the problems that Honda are having and like all big car companies, Renault have the same problems.

Thursday 4 December 2008 at 20:42:34 by dilettante

I disagree. Renault are delivering, have able management, have title sponsors and drivers that bring money, have better racing history and passion

Thursday 4 December 2008 at 20:45:27 by manuStudio

In France Renault (Not F1) car sales are down 41%, most factories are closed for December to stop production for a month. Thousands of staff have been laid-off.

Thursday 4 December 2008 at 21:01:19 by amc

that is harsh dilettante, I'd be sorry if that ended up being true...t.we probably shouldnt comment on other teams' situation, but some teams should learn to be more economically constructive...

F1 is a multidimensional, multibillion dollar business....in an 'economic downturn' (buzz words in uk at the mo), the men in suits all need to realise every man's vulnarability is some time ago, it was time to think about individual economics.

I'm not naming names or pointing the finger, but everyone has to take responsibility for their own housekeeping.

Thats the nature of any competitive business in any industry.

If something falls even after taking all measures, then thats a different matter, and at least a team - or at worst, the sport itself - will go out trying all that is within its power.

Cutting spending isnt a bad thing - as long as the regulations to impose it are sensible and reasonable.

Thats loosely my opinion, regardless of the particular issue (be it team budget, engine costs etc).

Thursday 4 December 2008 at 21:56:20 by Tony

Well it does seem that the Honda thing is a case of 'no smoke without fire'. I really do hope that it is not true or we will soon be giving points to teams who just turn up!!

@ amc I like your idea of the insight into the life of.............. or insight into the department................. give the un sung heroes abit of the lime light which they so richly deserve.

Come on everyone lets go racing....cut down on the promotional events, the freebies, just put the cars on the track and let em race.

A real sad day if we loose Honda and I know where to lay an awful lot of the blame......yep you got it !!!!!

Thursday 4 December 2008 at 21:58:59 by amc

"Come on everyone lets go racing....cut down on the promotional events, the freebies, just put the cars on the track and let em race."

Tony - I'll sign up for that philosophy!

Thursday 4 December 2008 at 21:59:48 by amc

"Come on everyone lets go racing....cut down on the promotional events, the freebies, just put the cars on the track and let em race."

Tony - I'll sign up for that philosophy!

Thursday 4 December 2008 at 22:00:15 by amc

oops....sorry....dunno how that happened.

Thursday 4 December 2008 at 22:27:59 by Blackmadonna

Nick Fry obviously has 3 months to find a buyer for Honda, or they will be out completely.

http://www.itv-f1.com/Feature.aspx?Type= ...

Thursday 4 December 2008 at 23:32:43 by manuStudio

Many are saying that Toyota could be next, they are in the same situation as Honda. Then the FIA would make the standard engine rule to try to save cost for teams and that would be it....its coming.

Friday 5 December 2008 at 00:08:53 by Tony

Well if this news is true, Gerhard Berger who just sold his share in Toro Rosso could be a possible buyer ??

Also I just read in Autosport this article :_

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php ...

When they talk about 1.8 ltr engine, turbo charged....what the heck, Renault just need to get out their old engine moulds from a few years ago.

The Wombat could be right.........

Friday 5 December 2008 at 00:25:41 by Rebecca

I've just read on TVNZ that they have only 1 month to find a buyer. This is sad .

http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/2358697

Friday 5 December 2008 at 00:32:58 by f1angel

@manu, Toyota will be next to withdrawal themselves from F1. This is what I've feared for quite some time now and I spoke about this with my father and he even knew that Honda will leave and the next will be Toyota.

This is a sign of just how bad the situation is in F1 right now. I have a feeling in my gut that by mid next season, if not earlier, we will hear another team(s) pulling out. The season that is in trouble right now is 2010.

Friday 5 December 2008 at 01:14:51 by Diki

@57-Very sad news
Now I can understand Max Mosley's and Bernie's plan...

Renault to cut further production if market worsens
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-1 ...

Friday 5 December 2008 at 02:49:49 by theWombatOfTheBlueOrangeLion

What did I tell you - it was only a question of who's next? My prophecies always come true.

Anyway, THAT team had to be put out of its misery, it was like a dying horse. It's a pity though that former Tyrrell Racing Organization ended up in total mess exactly 10 years after it was sold to BAR / BAT.

But Eddie Jordan, Paul Stoddart and Max Mosley all have predicted this outcome, car firms were in F1 to splash cash when it was available and now that they fell victim to their tunnel vision management policy F1 grids will look more & more like Bruce Willis's head - bald, private teams are coming back big time baby.

Williams will be back next year. Along with Renault, hopefully.

Friday 5 December 2008 at 08:11:04 by marsiandeneersten

Nice and interesting pics as allways RF1PP.

It's also sad to hear that Honda is leaving F1. A big name taken down by the financial crisis.

Friday 5 December 2008 at 09:54:46 by clemo

@amc
I can assure you it was posted with my tongue firmly in cheek.. ...i totally agree some insight into the unseen team members would be great reading.

very sad news re Honda esp for all the workers and their families this isn't a good time to be facing job losses.
I sincerely hope they find a buyer for the teams sake so they aren't consigned to F1 history but also for the rest of us too, the number of teams in f1 isn't huge and the loss of even a couple would raise questions on the competitiveness of the grid and the validity of the whole championship

apart from that we will never know the answers...would the honda 09 car REALLY be any good...could the ross brawn factor work....could jensen win ia race given a half decent car?????

Friday 5 December 2008 at 12:01:16 by manuStudio

@ 62,
Unfortunatly things are going fast....The 09 Honda, is no more...
new from a Honda F1 inside source:
Raw material orders have been cancelled.
Night shifts have been ceased.
No1 Wind tunnel turned off.

not good.

Friday 5 December 2008 at 15:31:56 by theWombatOfTheBlueOrangeLion

"Renault is fortunate in that it is not yet in the US market and has been a major beneficiary of a recently-announced French government package worth $32.8bn to help boost the national economy. The company is still saying that production cuts are necessary because of falling sales. Renault has no plans to announce any more job cuts, although it is already committed to cutting 6,000 jobs across Europe and is shutting many of its sites for several weeks in December."

Good news, aye?

And Tony? What did I tell ya about standard engine? It won't be single engine, apparently, but close to that. Check it out.

http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns21023.html

Friday 5 December 2008 at 15:54:18 by Tony

@ BOL ....As I said last night 'perhaps the BOL is right'. However I did say that I cannot see the manufacturer teams going with a single engine provided by 'for instance Cosworth' and I still maintain that.

As for there being a grid of 15 independant teams that is different. Look back 20 + years and yes you can see lots of independant teams.

The main thing for the moment is to not let the grid go below 18.

A sad day for F1 but not the end of the world. Lets all be optimistic and support our team and all the others for that matter. F1 is a family, tignt nit, stick together, fall out, shout at each other but in the end live together.

Viva F1