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Formula 1 2011 is go!

We look at the runners and riders as Formula 1 gears up for the 2011 season with a test session in Valencia, Spain.

By Tom Phillips

February 2011
The start of the 2011 Formula 1 season in Bahrain is less than 40 days away, but today marks the beginning of the first official test session of the new championship year.

Taking place at the Valencia circuit in Spain, the three-day test will be the first time that many of the competing teams’ 2011 challengers will break cover, and will also be the first time that drivers get to sample Pirelli’s new racing tyres in anger – as the Italian firm becomes F1’s sole tyre supplier in place of Bridgestone.

As well as new tyres, 2011 sees the reintroduction of the KERS energy recovery system, which is used to boost power for short distances. And while the controversial F-duct and double diffusers have been ditched for this year, drivers will have to get used to movable rear wings.

The new wings can be altered by the driver at certain points on the track only, and for restricted times, in order to enhance overtaking. The wing should boost top speed by around 10mph by reducing drag.
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Ferrari F150   Lotus T128   Renault R31   Sauber Ferrari C30
1. Ferrari F150
Drivers: Fernando Alonso, Felipe Massa
Last year’s championship failure has meant radical aerodynamics for the new Ferrari. The firm has been using Toyota’s old wind tunnel as well as its own to hone its new car.


  
2. Lotus T128
Drivers: Jarno Trulli, Heikki Kovalainen
A switch to Renault power and a more aggressive aerodynamic design should see Lotus gain ground on the midfield runners. Support from champions Red Bull will also help its cause.


  
3. Renault R31
Drivers: Robert Kubica, Vitaly Petrov
One to watch in 2011, Renault’s new car is radical in design, and shares little with its predecessor. Backing from Lotus has resulted in a livery inspired by Lotus F1 cars of the 1980s. 


  
4. Sauber Ferrari C30
Drivers: Kamui Kobayashi, Sergio Perez
Sauber has the advantage of Ferrari’s engine, gearbox and KERS. Extra cash from new sponsors should help the team spring a surprise, as long as its inexperienced drivers can take the pressure.
 
Mercedes WO2   Red Bull RB7   Torro Rosso STR6   Williams FW33
5. Mercedes WO2
Drivers: Nico Rosberg, Michael Schumacher
After a disappointing 2010, Mercedes is back with a near-clean-sheet design for its new car. A slender nose and striking silver livery mark out the new Merc that should take wins in 2011.


  
6. Red Bull RB7
Drivers: Sebastian Vettel, Mark Webber
Designer Adrian Newey has ensured that the RB7 has the latest KERS and movable rear wing at its drivers’ disposal. The car is an evolution of last year’s RB6, so expect it to continue where last year’s championship winner left off.


  
7. Torro Rosso STR6
Drivers: Sebastien Buemi, Jaime Alguersuari 
Red Bull’s sister team Torro Rosso has gone for an ambitious design that it hopes will land it a solid eighth place, and thus a healthy slice of TV money, in this year’s championship.


  
8. Williams FW33
Drivers: Rubens Barrichello, Pastor Maldonado
A useful injection of cash from new Venezuelan driver Maldonado will help Williams get back to its best. An interim car will be used in Valencia, before the final version debuts in Bahrain.
 
McLaren MP4-26   Virgin MVR-02   Force India VJM04   Hispania F111
9. McLaren MP4-26
Drivers: Jenson Button, Lewis Hamilton
The all-Brit driver line-up will be desperate for success in 2011. Mercedes’ KERS system was the best in 2009, while the 26 gets radical U-shaped sidepods and airbox in a bid to make it very aerodynamic.


  
10. Virgin MVR-02
Drivers: Timo Glock, Jérôme d'Ambrosio
A tie-up with Russian supercar maker Marussia should help the Virgin team build on last year’s debut season. More experience with its revolutionary CFD design process will help too.


  
11. Force India VJM04
Drivers: Paul di Resta, Adrian Sutil
Quality German driver Sutil is partnered with highly-regarded Scot Paul Di Resta for 2011. Mercedes engine and KERS system a bonus, as Indian-owned team looks forward to this year’s first Indian Grand Prix.


  
12. Hispania F111
Drivers: Narain Karthikeyan, TBA
Struggled in 2010, but Hispania’s new car will build on last year’s F110. Team commissioned Tron: Legacy designer to create new car’s livery. Things can only improve in 2011, as long as the cash holds out.
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