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	<title>Walking Leaf</title>
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	<link>http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk</link>
	<description>Blogging from the Leaf</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:11:15 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	
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		<title>Plastic Beach and Stylo from Gorillaz</title>
		<link>http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/2010/03/02/plastic-beach-and-stylo-from-gorillaz/</link>
		<comments>http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/2010/03/02/plastic-beach-and-stylo-from-gorillaz/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:42:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>walking_leaf</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Media]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/?p=1097</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
The highly anticipated third album from cartoon band Gorillaz is nearly upon us and thanks to the Guardian website and YouTube, we have the unique opportunity to listen to Plastic Beach and watch the official music video to Stylo.
With Plastic Beach, the album features guest performances by Snoop Dogg, Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, Kano, Bashy, Bobby [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Gorillaz-Plastic-Bench-image.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1099" title="Gorillaz Plastic Bench image" src="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Gorillaz-Plastic-Bench-image.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="358" /></a></p>
<p>The highly anticipated third album from cartoon band <a href="http://gorillaz.com/" target="_blank">Gorillaz</a> is nearly upon us and thanks to the <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/musicblog/2010/mar/01/gorillaz-plastic-beach" target="_blank">Guardian</a> website and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9vAOzYz-Qs" target="_blank">YouTube</a>, we have the unique opportunity to listen to <em>Plastic Beach</em> and watch the official music video to <em>Stylo</em>.</p>
<p>With <em>Plastic Beach</em>, the album features guest performances by Snoop Dogg, Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, Kano, Bashy, Bobby Womack, Mos Def, Gruff Rhys, De La Soul, Little Dragon, Mark E. Smith, Lou Reed, Mick Jones, Paul Simonon, sinfonia ViVA and The Lebanese National Orchestra for Oriental Arabic Music. A large collaboration of artists working alongside the pioneers of the band &#8211; <em>Blur&#8217;s</em> frontman Damon Albarn and co-creator of the comic book <em>Tank Girl</em>, Jamie Hewlett.</p>
<p>After listening to the complete track listing on <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/musicblog/2010/mar/01/gorillaz-plastic-beach" target="_blank">Guardian Music</a>, I have to say it’s certainly different. Very cool and funky in fact. Best track so far is Empire Ants.</p>
<p>As for the music video <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9vAOzYz-Qs" target="_blank">Stylo</a>, we follow our hero Murdoc Niccals on a dangerous trip to the mainland from his new home on Plastic Beach. Something goes badly wrong and Murdoc, Cyborg Noodle and 2D end up in a high-speed car chase with a local cop and an unknown assailant (clue: Yippie-kai-yay motherf*****!).</p>
<p>Looking forward to the new album which is out on March 8th.</p>
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		<title>Formula One 2010 Preview</title>
		<link>http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/2010/03/01/formula-one-2010-preview/</link>
		<comments>http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/2010/03/01/formula-one-2010-preview/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:05:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>walking_leaf</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Motor Racing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/?p=1036</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
A new Formula One season is upon us once again and with new drivers joining an expanded grid featuring new teams, this year&#8217;s world championship is likely to be the most unpredictable and exciting in the past six decades of the sport.
Entertaining the fans has become the number one priority as outlined by the sport’s [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/F1-2010-preview-header.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1037" title="F1 2010 preview header" src="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/F1-2010-preview-header.jpg" alt="" width="510" height="765" /></a></p>
<p>A new Formula One season is upon us once again and with new drivers joining an expanded grid featuring new teams, this year&#8217;s world championship is likely to be the most unpredictable and exciting in the past six decades of the sport.</p>
<p>Entertaining the fans has become the number one priority as outlined by the sport’s governing body (the <a href="http://www.fia.com/en-GB/Pages/HomePage.aspx" target="_blank">FIA</a>) and the teams (<a href="http://www.teamsassociation.org/" target="_blank">FOTA</a>) for 2010. With the KERS system dropped due to poor uptake (not to mention added weight), a new approach to racing has been introduced with significant changes to the Formula One rulebook.</p>
<p>Refuelling is now banned for the first time since 1993. This radical move to abolish fuel stops should improve on-track action, encouraging the drivers to overtake one other instead of relying on pit-stop strategies to gain track position. It will be intriguing to see the differences in performance due to the fuel levels. The cars will start off heavy (around 160kg of fuel) but as the race progress, the cars will go faster and faster as the fuel levels goes down. As for pit-stops, expect to see lighting-fast tye changing. The Williams team in particular have been practising and can change all four sets of tyres in three seconds!</p>
<p>A new points system has also been ratified for this season, in response to the increased grid and encouraging the drivers to overtake. Since 2003, points had been awarded to the top eight finishers with ten points for the winner, eight for second, six for third and all the way down to one for eighth place. For 2010 the winner will be awarded 25 points, 18 for second, with third receiving 15, 12 for fourth and then ten, eight, six, four, two, and one for tenth place.</p>
<p>As for qualifying, yet another change has been added to the three-part session due to more cars taking part. Qualifying one and two will see eight drivers eliminated in each with the remaining ten going for pole position in session three. However in qualifying three, the cars will run in low-fuel configuration but the drivers must use the same tyres into the race. This particular rule change will play a significant part in race strategies. Will the drivers conserve their tyres in the top-ten shootout by pacing themselves in order to have better grip at the start of the race but risking the penalty of a low grid position? Or should they just go for glory by claiming the best spots but be handicap at the beginning of the Grand Prix without any decent tyre performance?</p>
<p>Slick tyres supplied by Bridgestone remain but the drivers will now have just eleven sets of tyres over the Grand Prix weekend, down from fourteen in 2009. One set is to be returned before second practice and two before third practice. The top ten qualifiers must start the race on the partially used set with which they set their best lap time in Q3.</p>
<p>Time penalties added to a driver&#8217;s elapsed race time have been modified. A drive-through imposed in the last five laps will now incur a penalty of 20 seconds, while ten-second penalty will see 30 seconds added. Previously, both were penalised by an additional 25 seconds. As for serving these penalties during the race, previously the drivers could complete up to three laps before serving a drive-through or ten-second penalty. The rules have now changed to reduce this to just two laps, which minimises any advantage a driver can obtain before taking his punishment.</p>
<p>As for the aesthetics, the larger fuel tank has made the 2010-spec Formula One racing cars into limousines! With the weight of the car increased from 605kg to 620kg. Not to mention a narrower front tyre (from 270mm to 245mm in width – shifting the ideal weight distribution rearwards relative to 2009) has given the overall appearance of these cars a unique look when compared to last season, but at least those ugly wheel-rim covers have been banned! As for the controversial double diffuser, these sophisticated aero devices remain but it might harm the close racing aspect due to the ‘dirty air’ turbulence…</p>
<p>In terms of the drivers and teams taking part this season, it’s great to see the most successful driver of the modern generation – Michael Schumacher – back in Formula One. His neck injury that prevented him in taking part mid-season in 2009 is now gone and despite being the oldest driver on the grid (Schumacher turned 41 last January), his level of fitness and desire is as strong as ever. It will be fascinating to see the seven-time world champion racing against young pretenders with the likes of Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button and Sebastian Vettel. In fact, it&#8217;s fantastic to see four world champions (Schumacher, Alonso, Hamilton and Button) racing on the same piece of race track. As for the teams, four new outfits have join the establishment with the famous Lotus name making a re-appearance alongside Virgin Racing, Campos Meta 1 and USF1 although the latter is facing an uphill struggle in taking part in the very first race due to financial difficulties. Stefan GP could step-in if the American-based squad drops out.</p>
<p><span id="more-1036"></span></p>
<p><a href="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/McLaren-MP4-25.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1038" title="McLaren MP4-25" src="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/McLaren-MP4-25.jpg" alt="" width="510" height="338" /></a></p>
<p>After winning the championship in dramatic fashion in 2009 with Brawn GP, world champion <a href="http://www.jensonbutton.com/" target="_blank">Jenson Button</a> will have the unique opportunity to defend his drivers’ title with the <a href="http://www.mclaren.co.uk/" target="_blank">McLaren-Mercedes</a> team. <a href="http://www.lewishamilton.com/" target="_blank">Lewis Hamilton</a> will be his new team-mate and it will be fascinating who will have the upper hand, as both are highly competitive. Not to mention both are British and world champions! One interesting point – how will the team handle these two young charges? McLaren will want to avoid that awkward situation with Hamilton and Fernando Alonso back in 2007… As for the car, the new MP4-25 is definitely an improvement over last year’s troublesome MP4-24 with better handling and stability. Looking at the lap times set in testing at the three Spanish tracks – Valencia, Jerez and Barcelona – the MP4-25 is very consistent. But it is unclear what fuel levels the car was carrying compared to its rivals.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Mercedes-W01.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1039" title="2010 Formula One Testing." src="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Mercedes-W01.jpg" alt="" width="510" height="340" /></a></p>
<p>Speaking of rivals, the new <a href="http://www.mercedes-gp.com/" target="_blank">Mercedes GP</a> team is aiming to achieve more title success following the takeover of Brawn GP. It has been 55 years since the German car manufacturer last competed in Formula One and it will be fascinating to see how the all-German team will fare against the all-British team that is McLaren. Both outfits will be using the same Mercedes FO 108X engine. On paper, the partnership of Ross Brawn and <a href="http://www.michael-schumacher.de/?lang=uk" target="_blank">Michael Schumacher</a> looks very strong thanks to their winning experience over the past few years, but it is down to the performance of the W01 or ‘Silver Arrows’ that will determine the fate of the team this season. Glancing at the lap times set in testing, Mercedes GP is setting quite reasonable times compared to the McLarens and Ferraris. Hopefully that will translate to wins and will give the chance for <a href="http://www.nicorosberg.com/" target="_blank">Nico Rosberg</a> to step out of team-mate&#8217;s shadow and score his maiden victory. Solid race results for Nico will justify his status at Mercedes GP.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Red-Bull-Racing-RB6-b.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1040" title="95655630KR112_F1_Testing_Da" src="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Red-Bull-Racing-RB6-b.jpg" alt="" width="510" height="340" /></a></p>
<p>After challenging Brawn GP for the championship double last season, <a href="http://www.redbullracing.com/cs/Satellite/en_INT/Red-Bull-Racing/001242807156063" target="_blank">Red Bull Racing</a> looks set for their strongest campaign yet with the beautifully-looking RB6. The Adrian Newey-designed car has set the benchmark for all designers to match in terms of aerodynamics. It&#8217;s not surprising to see nearly all of the 2010 cars have been influenced by Red Bull&#8217;s radical aero treatment with the high nose and engine cover. Can <a href="http://www.sebastianvettel.de/" target="_blank">Sebastian Vettel</a> and <a href="http://www.markwebber.com/" target="_blank">Mark Webber</a> deliver the results with this aero sophisticated car? Both have won races and in the case of Vettel, he looks the ideal candidate to go for the drivers&#8217; title following his impressive results in the second half of the 2009 season. The driver line-up at Red Bull Racing is immensely strong and it will be interesting who will have the advantage come qualifying and the race as Vettel and Webber are extremely competitive.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Ferrari-F10-c.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1041" title="Ferrari F10 c" src="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Ferrari-F10-c.jpg" alt="" width="510" height="325" /></a></p>
<p>Meanwhile at <a href="http://www.ferrari.com/English/Scuderia/Pages/Racing.aspx" target="_blank">Ferrari</a>, an exciting new driver line-up in the shape of double world champion <a href="http://www.fernandoalonso.com/DEFAULT2_i.cfm?seccion=0" target="_blank">Fernando Alonso</a> and the super-fast <a href="http://www.felipemassa.com/" target="_blank">Felipe Massa</a> represents the Scuderia&#8217;s best chance in winning this year&#8217;s world championship. After taking a sole victory in the Belgian Grand Prix in the hands of Kimi Raikkonen in a somewhat lacklustre 2009 season (no thanks to the tricky-to-drive F60), the Italian team have focused all resources in making the F10 the best car on the grid. And judging by the lap times set by the two Latin drivers in Valencia, the new Ferrari certainly has the speed. In fact, Alonso and Ferrari are the early season favourites and the Spaniard has even <a href="http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/81623" target="_blank">commented</a> that this car is the best he has ever driven. As for Massa, the Brazilian has fully recovered from his horrific Hungarian Grand Prix qualifying injuries and is determined to challenge his new team-mate for race wins. The partnership between Alonso and Massa will be intriguing especially when you consider their past clashes as rivals at Renault and Ferrari respectively. The latter still believes he lost the 2008 drivers&#8217; title due to &#8216;crashgate&#8217; in that controversial Singapore Grand Prix&#8230; Despite this, I believe the pair will put their differences behind and go for the team&#8217;s number one goal, winning the world title.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Williams-FW32-b.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1043" title="Williams FW32 b" src="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Williams-FW32-b.jpg" alt="" width="510" height="340" /></a></p>
<p>That elusive 114th race victory still remains out of reach for <a href="http://www.williamsf1.com/" target="_blank">Williams</a>. The line-up of <a href="http://www.nicohulkenberg.net/" target="_blank">Nico Hülkenberg</a> and <a href="http://www.barrichello.com.br/en/" target="_blank">Rubens Barrichello</a> mixes youth and experience but will the driving talent reward that much needed success for the British-based team? Race veteran Rubens Barrichello will have the unusual opportunity in taking the lead role at Williams following several years playing the number two (at Ferrari especially). His technical knowledge will be a major asset to the team and in the case of his young team-mate Nico Hülkenberg – the former GP2 champion – valuable information in setting up the FW32. I have high hopes that Williams will return back to the glory days of the 80s and 90s, but that 2004 Brazilian Grand Prix victory seems so long ago especially when you look back at the rich history of Frank Williams and Patrick Head&#8217;s team. But will the Cosworth engine be strong enough to lead them back to the winners&#8217; circle? Only time will tell.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Renault-R30.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1044" title="2010 Formula One Testing." src="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Renault-R30.jpg" alt="" width="510" height="340" /></a></p>
<p>With a striking retro livery, the <a href="http://www.renaultf1.com/" target="_blank">Renault F1 team</a> is hoping to cast aside the &#8216;crashgate&#8217; controversy and move on. Under new leadership from Eric Boullier (former DAMS GP2 team boss) and the backing of investment firm Genii Capital, the outfit hopes to turn around that difficult 2009 season with more positive results. Even though bosses Flavio Briatore and Pat Symonds have left due to that incident at Singapore, by signing the solid <a href="http://www.kubicarobert.com/" target="_blank">Robert Kubica</a> as the lead driver, Renault is heading back to restoring its reputation. Kubica is a good choice and the Polish driver is full of enthusiasm following his four frustrating years at BMW Sauber. As for the R30, it might have a great paint job but so far in testing the car has lacked speed compared to the others. More development is needed to regain lost ground and hopefully Kubica&#8217;s motivation won&#8217;t disappear like he did in the later stages at BMW Sauber… Joining him is Formula One newcomer <a href="http://www.renaultf1.com/Bio,24.html" target="_blank">Vitaly Petrov</a>. Come the Bahrain Grand Prix, Petrov will be the first ever Russian to compete in the history of Formula One motor racing. What&#8217;s ever more remarkable is his racing career. Eight years ago, he was the double Lada cup champion! Driving a Renault Formula One car will certainly be a different experience compared to his Lada. But I have high hopes Petrov will do a good job.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Force-India-VJM03.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1045" title="Force India VJM03" src="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Force-India-VJM03.jpg" alt="" width="510" height="309" /></a></p>
<p>After taking an amazing maiden pole position and podium result at Spa-Francorchamps thanks to Giancarlo Fisichella, <a href="http://www.forceindiaf1.com/" target="_blank">Force India</a> is aiming to continue for more with the new VJM03. The driver line-up remains the same as last season with <a href="http://www.adriansutil.com/" target="_blank">Adrian Sutil</a> and <a href="http://www.liuzzi.com/" target="_blank">Vitantonio Liuzzi</a> but the pair must focus on finishing races rather than crashing out… Hopefully their desire to push the team forward will mean better results but additional speed is required from the VJM03 if team boss Vijay Mallya wants that dream result in winning its first race. Realistically, Force India&#8217;s chances are competing against the likes of Scuderia Toro Rosso and perhaps the new teams on a regular basis.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Toro-Rosso-STR5.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1048" title="59665056" src="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Toro-Rosso-STR5.jpg" alt="" width="510" height="340" /></a></p>
<p>With no help from Red Bull Technologies in 2010 (due to the customer chassis ban), the team formerly known as Minardi must push ahead with its own development to achieve results. In the case of <a href="http://www.tororosso.com/cs/Satellite/en_INT/Toro-Rosso/001242807620404" target="_blank">Scuderia Toro Rosso</a>, the Red Bull junior team has become an independent constructor for the very first time this season. Even without the technical guidance from Red Bull Technologies, the new STR5 looks remarkably similar to Red Bull Racing&#8217;s RB6. The line-up of <a href="http://www.buemi.ch/index.html" target="_blank">Sébastien Buemi</a> and <a href="http://www.jalguersuari.com/eng/" target="_blank">Jaime Alguersuari</a> is the same as last season but with now a year&#8217;s experience underneath their belts, Buemi and Alguersuari&#8217;s targets will be scoring points. But if the team cannot match this objective then serious pressure will be placed on Toro Rosso.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Lotus-Racing-T127.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1092" title="Lotus Racing T127" src="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Lotus-Racing-T127.jpg" alt="" width="510" height="340" /></a></p>
<p>Now on to the new Formula One teams. I am delighted to see the famous <a href="http://www.lotusracing.my/" target="_blank">Lotus</a> name back this season. Okay, it may not have the same motorsport legacy as the &#8216;real&#8217; Team Lotus (as run by the late Colin Chapman), but this new Malaysian-backed squad has potential. The Mike Gascoyne-designed T127 looks great in the 1960s-based livery and it certainly runs reliable during testing when compared to Virgin Racing. Hopefully the pairing of <a href="http://www.jarnotrulli.com/" target="_blank">Jarno Trulli</a> and <a href="http://www.heikkikovalainen.net/eng/" target="_blank">Heikki Kovalainen</a> will help speed up development but it&#8217;s going to be a steep learning curve for everyone involved. For Trulli, this is his last opportunity to stay in Formula One after 13 years in the sport. That sole victory in the 2004 Monaco Grand Prix driving for Renault is a distant memory and he needs to justify his position with strong results at Lotus. As for Kovalainen, the Finn needs to restore his confidence and reputation after two painful seasons at McLaren alongside Lewis Hamilton. Hopefully Heikki can do this and lead the team back to glory. I wish everyone at Lotus F1 Racing the best of luck.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Campos-Meta-F1.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1050" title="Campos Meta F1" src="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Campos-Meta-F1.jpg" alt="" width="510" height="254" /></a></p>
<p>Luck is definitely needed for <a href="http://www.camposmeta.com/" target="_blank">Campos Meta 1</a> with that all familiar lack of money hampering the team&#8217;s efforts to make it on to the Formula One grid. At the time of writing this post, a change in management has taken place with majority shareholder José Ramón Carabante taking full control of the outfit from original founder Adrián Campos. Ex-Spyker team boss Colin Kolles is now in charge of Campos Meta 1. What about the drivers? Well, only <a href="http://www.brunosenna.com.br/" target="_blank">Bruno Senna</a>, the nephew of the great Aryton Senna, has been confirmed. Indian racing driver <a href="http://www.karunchandhok.com/" target="_blank">Karun Chandhok</a> is a possible number two. Still no news on what the car will look like but one thing is certain, it will be powered by Cosworth. Time is running out for the Spanish-based outfit.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/USF1-team.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1051" title="USF1 team" src="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/USF1-team.jpg" alt="" width="510" height="224" /></a></p>
<p>Time is undoubtedly out at <a href="http://www.usgpe.com/" target="_blank">USF1</a>. The ambitious American-based team set-up by technical director Ken Anderson and journalist Peter Windsor has failed to materialise despite <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/USF1Team" target="_blank">YouTube</a> founder Chad Hurley&#8217;s interest in sponsoring the team. At the time of writing, USF1 have yet to launch the car or sign a second driver. Only <a href="http://www.formula1.com/teams_and_drivers/drivers/124/" target="_blank">José María López</a> has been confirmed but I really doubt López will be driving in the opening races of the new season. A major lack of funds is the main issue and the team has even asked the sport&#8217;s governing body if they can skip the opening four races to get everything ready. If USF1 does indeed drop out due to financial problems then <a href="http://www.stefangp.com/" target="_blank">Stefan GP</a>, a team backed by Serbian engineering company AMCO, could step in to fill the void. Unfortunately a lack of preparation could hinder Stefan GP despite acquiring ex-Toyota race cars. As for the drivers, team boss Zoran Stefanovic has announced Japanese racer <a href="http://www.formula1.com/teams_and_drivers/drivers/827/" target="_blank">Kazuki Nakajima</a> will form the line-up with the possibility of former champion <a href="http://www.jv-world.com/" target="_blank">Jacques Villeneuve</a> making a surprise return.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Virgin-Racing-VR-01.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1053" title="Virgin Racing VR-01" src="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Virgin-Racing-VR-01.jpg" alt="" width="510" height="340" /></a></p>
<p>At least <a href="http://www.virginracing.com/" target="_blank">Virgin Racing</a> will be on the grid. The VR-01 is the first Formula One racing car to be designed entirely using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation technology, as opposed to the traditional method of using a windtunnel. High expectations have been pinned to the new VR-01 as pioneered by the ambitions Nick Wirth. And with the driving talent of <a href="http://www.formula1.com/teams_and_drivers/drivers/791/" target="_blank">Timo Glock</a> and newcomer <a href="http://twitter.com/lucasdigrassi" target="_blank">Lucas de Grassi</a>, Virgin Racing hopes it can get good results in its debut season. Whether the advantages in CFD design will play a significant part in achieving results remains to be seen, but the most important factor is how well the car will go against the stopwatch.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/BMW-Sauber-C29.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1054" title="BMW Sauber C29" src="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/BMW-Sauber-C29.jpg" alt="" width="510" height="340" /></a></p>
<p>And rounding up the expanded grid this season, it’s <a href="http://www.bmw-sauber-f1.com/en/index.html" target="_blank">BMW Sauber</a>. Even though the German car manufacturer pulled out of Formula One racing last season due to a lack of success, the name still remains with Peter Sauber&#8217;s outfit. Experienced Formula One test driver <a href="http://www.pedrodelarosa.com/castellano/index.php" target="_blank">Pedro de la Rosa</a> will lead the BMW Sauber outfit in 2010 with the promising <a href="http://www.kamuikobayashi.com/" target="_blank">Kamui Kobayashi</a> as his new team-mate. Even without a major sponsor on the car, the C29 has the speed potential to upset the establishment. But we shouldn&#8217;t read into the testing times too much as various fuel levels and tyre wear can give a different picture to where all the teams are in terms of performance. But if the pace of the BMW Sauber is genuine, it might spring a surprise this season.</p>
<p>So that&#8217;s the grid. In terms of the <a href="http://www.formula1.com/races/calendar.html" target="_blank">circuits</a>, for the next nine months the Formula One circus will be travelling around the world with the opening round of the championship taking place in Bahrain on March 14. Canada makes a welcome return but still no sign to a return in North America. But at least the future of the British Grand Prix has been finally safeguarded after the flawed and ambitious plan to modernised Donington Park to Formula One-spec failed due to money issues. Silverstone will play host to the British Grand Prix for the next 17 years, which is great news for the fans, drivers and teams. New for this year is the &#8216;Arena&#8217; section which will increase the track&#8217;s length by 760 metres. The Korean Grand Prix is a new addition to the calendar. The 3.493-mile Korea International Circuit is located in Yeongam County (around 400 kilometres south of Seoul). And just like last season the Yas Marina circuit will host the final round of the world championship.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/BBC-F1-team.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1057" title="BBC F1 team" src="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/BBC-F1-team.jpg" alt="" width="510" height="368" /></a></p>
<p>The excellent <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/default.stm" target="_blank">BBC</a> coverage will continue with even more access to the drivers and team personnel during a Grand Prix weekend. All the sessions will be broadcast live via the Internet, on interactive television through the ‘red button’ and radio. The familiar faces and voices of <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7908585.stm" target="_blank">Jake Humphrey and co</a> will be trackside to bring you the best comprehensive coverage of Formula One to the British audience.</p>
<p>So there you have it. Not long to go before the first race in Bahrain on March 14. It&#8217;s going to be one hell of a battle: all-British McLaren versus all-German Mercedes, plus a dash of Latin flair from the legendary Scuderia Ferrari. Then there&#8217;s Alonso, Hamilton and Button, three world champions doing battle amidst the comeback of Schumacher, the greatest of them all. The sport&#8217;s most epic year is nearly upon us. Bring it on!</p>
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		<title>Muse’s new app</title>
		<link>http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/2010/02/23/muse%e2%80%99s-new-app/</link>
		<comments>http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/2010/02/23/muse%e2%80%99s-new-app/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:46:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>walking_leaf</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Media]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/?p=1013</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
Photo: Shirlaine Forrest
One of my favourite rock band Muse has just released a fantastic new app for the Apple iPhone and iPod Touch. The Muse App features all the best parts of the official Muse website plus bonus content including a special edition of the band’s latest album The Resistance.
The Muse App, which is available [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Muse-Echo-Arena1.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1031" title="Muse Echo Arena" src="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Muse-Echo-Arena1.jpg" alt="" width="436" height="540" /></a></p>
<p><em>Photo: Shirlaine Forrest</em></p>
<p>One of my favourite rock band Muse has just released a fantastic new app for the <a href="http://www.apple.com/uk/iphone/" target="_blank">Apple iPhone</a> and <a href="http://www.apple.com/uk/ipodtouch/" target="_blank">iPod Touch</a>. The <a href="http://muse.mu/news/article/605/introducing-the-muse-app/" target="_blank">Muse App</a> features all the best parts of the official <a href="http://muse.mu/" target="_blank">Muse website</a> plus bonus content including a special edition of the band’s latest album <em>The Resistance</em>.</p>
<p>The Muse App, which is available via the <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/muse-app/id355526817?mt=8" target="_blank">iTunes Music Store</a>, lists upcoming tour dates, music videos and photographs. In addition fans can directly upload and tag their own images taken at gigs with this application.</p>
<p>Here are some screenshots of the app, taken from the iPhone:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Muse-App-1.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1019" title="Muse App 1" src="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Muse-App-1.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="480" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Muse-App-2.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1020" title="Muse App 2" src="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Muse-App-2.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="480" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Muse-App-3.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1021" title="Muse App 3" src="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Muse-App-3.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="480" /></a></p>
<p>Other features include:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Muse Map </strong>- All the global muse.mu information on a zoom-able map. See how many Muse members, images and tour dates apply to your city!</li>
<li><strong>Gig Pics</strong> &#8211; Take a picture from your iPhone at a Muse show, tag it to the show you&#8217;re at and upload it straight to muse.mu for everyone to see.</li>
<li><strong>The Resistance</strong> &#8211; A special section on the new album including an AppBook, the video for Resistance, audio of United States of Eurasia and 30 second clips of all the album tracks.</li>
<li><strong>Tour</strong> &#8211; details of all the forthcoming tour dates including links to buy tickets etc.</li>
<li><strong>Feeds </strong>- RSS feeds of Muse News, Tour Dates, Muse Twitter, the band&#8217;s Delicious Feed and MuseLive and Microcuts news.</li>
<li><strong>Video Player</strong> &#8211; An integrated muse.mu video player featuring all the video content from muse.mu.</li>
<li><strong>Forum </strong>- an iPhone/iPod Touch friendly forum skin for all you muse.mu forum users.</li>
<li><strong>Background Switcher</strong> &#8211; pick your favourite background for the app from a selection of Muse designs.</li>
</ul>
<p>Sounds cool right? The best part is the price. Only £1.79. Rock on!</p>
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		<title>Lotus returns back to Formula One with the T127</title>
		<link>http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/2010/02/12/lotus-returns-back-to-formula-one-with-the-tf127/</link>
		<comments>http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/2010/02/12/lotus-returns-back-to-formula-one-with-the-tf127/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 12 Feb 2010 19:42:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>walking_leaf</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Motor Racing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/?p=1006</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
This is the new T127 from Lotus F1 Racing, now run by Malaysian businessman Tony Fernandes. It ends the 16-year gap since the famous Lotus name last raced in the Formula One World Championship.
The classic British Racing Green makes a welcome appearance on the T127 adopting the same colour scheme first used by the legendary [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Lotus-T127-1.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1007" title="Lotus T127 1" src="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Lotus-T127-1.jpg" alt="" width="510" height="340" /></a></p>
<p>This is the new T127 from Lotus F1 Racing, now run by Malaysian businessman Tony Fernandes. It ends the 16-year gap since the famous Lotus name last raced in the Formula One World Championship.</p>
<p>The classic British Racing Green makes a welcome appearance on the T127 adopting the same colour scheme first used by the legendary outfit way back in the 1950s and 60s.</p>
<p>Tony Fernandes expressed his joy when the new 2010-spec Lotus was officially launched in London and he hopes it can carry on the rich motor sport history as pioneered by the original owner of the team Colin Chapman.</p>
<p>&#8220;Words cannot express how I feel today,&#8221; said Fernandes. &#8220;It is an amazing job to get an F1 licence, have five people in Hingham and turn up today with this car.</p>
<p>&#8220;I was thrilled when Clive [Chapman] said that this was just like the beginning of Lotus back in the early days.&#8221;</p>
<p>He added: &#8220;We know we have a huge burden on our shoulders, standing on the shoulder of giants – [Jim] Clark, [Stirling] Moss, [Graham] Hill, and [Nigel] Mansell. We know we have a tremendous journey in front of us, we are honoured and cherished to be a part of history – we will leave no stone unturned in our efforts and we will do our best to return Lotus to its glory days.&#8221;</p>
<p>The T127 performed its first shakedown test earlier this week at Silverstone, with the team making an appearance alongside its rivals at the Jerez circuit next week for further development work.</p>
<p>Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen will be representing Lotus F1 Racing this year, bringing valuable experience to the new outfit.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Lotus-T127-2.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1008" title="Lotus T127 2" src="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Lotus-T127-2.jpg" alt="" width="510" height="314" /></a></p>
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		<title>Red Bull Racing’s new RB6</title>
		<link>http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/2010/02/10/red-bull-racing%e2%80%99s-new-rb6/</link>
		<comments>http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/2010/02/10/red-bull-racing%e2%80%99s-new-rb6/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 10 Feb 2010 09:59:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>walking_leaf</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Motor Racing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/?p=1001</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
This is the new RB6 from Red Bull Racing. The Adrian Newey-designed machine appears to be a logical evolution of the 2009 RB5, which became a major threat to Brawn GP in the second half of last season’s world championship.
The RB6 features a more extreme V-nose solution compared to the RB5, with a highly crafted [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Red-Bull-Racing-RB6-1.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1002" title="Red Bull Racing RB6 1" src="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Red-Bull-Racing-RB6-1.jpg" alt="" width="510" height="337" /></a></p>
<p>This is the new RB6 from Red Bull Racing. The Adrian Newey-designed machine appears to be a logical evolution of the 2009 RB5, which became a major threat to Brawn GP in the second half of last season’s world championship.</p>
<p>The RB6 features a more extreme V-nose solution compared to the RB5, with a highly crafted sidepods and the now standard shark-fin engine cover that has appeared on every other rival machinery.</p>
<p>In addition, the car features an intricate front-wing design and has been fully developed around the double-diffuser concept that had to be incorporated onto the RB5 mid-season last year.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Red-Bull-Racing-RB6-2.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1003" title="Red Bull Racing RB6 2" src="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Red-Bull-Racing-RB6-2.jpg" alt="" width="510" height="287" /></a></p>
<p>Following their six Grands Prix victories in 2009, which powered the team to second place in the constructors’ championship, Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber will again be at the wheel of the Adrian Newey-designed challenger.</p>
<p>Webber gave the car its initial run at Jerez shortly after the wraps came off, the team having opted to skip last week’s Valencia session to give them more development and wind tunnel time.</p>
<p>Hopefully this gamble on missing out the first pre-season test will benefit Red Bull Racing with better reliability and performance. The car certainly looks the part with the aggressive aero. Lets see how it goes against the stopwatches.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Red-Bull-Racing-RB6-3.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1004" title="Red Bull Racing RB6 3" src="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Red-Bull-Racing-RB6-3.jpg" alt="" width="510" height="263" /></a></p>
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		<title>Jack Bauer heading to the big screen?</title>
		<link>http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/2010/02/09/jack-bauer-heading-to-the-big-screen/</link>
		<comments>http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/2010/02/09/jack-bauer-heading-to-the-big-screen/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:45:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>walking_leaf</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Films]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Media]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/?p=995</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
After constant rumours of a film adaptation based on the award-winning television drama that is 24, Variety reports that a big-screen transfer is the next logical step for Twentieth Century Fox following eight years of the show.
According to US reports, the television network has picked up a pitch from established screenwriter Billy Ray, who penned [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Jack-Bauer-New-York.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-996" title="Jack Bauer New York" src="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Jack-Bauer-New-York.jpg" alt="" width="510" height="340" /></a></p>
<p>After constant rumours of a film adaptation based on the award-winning television drama that is <em>24</em>, <a href="http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118014913.html?categoryid=13&amp;cs=1&amp;ref=vertfilm" target="_blank">Variety</a> reports that a big-screen transfer is the next logical step for Twentieth Century Fox following eight years of the show.</p>
<p>According to US reports, the television network has picked up a pitch from established screenwriter <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0712753/" target="_blank">Billy Ray</a>, who penned the recent Russell Crowe thriller <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0473705/" target="_blank">State of Play</a>.</p>
<p>This new project has received a positive backing from the star of the real-time drama Kiefer Sutherland, who plays agent Jack Bauer.</p>
<p>Ray&#8217;s storyline would reportedly see Bauer travelling to Europe, although more precise details on what is going to happen have yet to made public. If the film is made, executives will seek to hold on to the creative team that worked on the series in order to maintain the same qualities, which made the show such a hit with fans and critics alike.</p>
<p>It will be fascinating to see how the show can be translated on to the big screen. The ‘real-time’ element must remain but obviously not over a 24-hour period, as that would be a very long film…</p>
<p>In addition, adapting television shows to films could lead to become a hit or a flop. In the case of <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106179/" target="_blank">The X-Files</a>, a popular sci-fi show, two films were made during and after the series.</p>
<p>The first film entitled <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120902/" target="_blank">Fight The Future</a> was a success back in 1998, taking in a box office around $84 million plus $105 million overseas giving a grand total of $189 million. A follow-up with <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0443701/" target="_blank">The X Files: I Want To Believe</a> in 2008 was less successful, no thanks for the show being off the air for six years. That film only grossed $68 million worldwide.</p>
<p>Hopefully the same group of writers and producers will maintain that 24 feel. Not to mention the period of filming the television show and making a film will have to be seamless (for continuity reason), although this will be difficult considering the production time in making the show.</p>
<p>Best of luck to Twentieth Century Fox and to writer Billy Ray. I would personally love to see Jack Bauer at my local cinema!</p>
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		<title>Force India’s new racer</title>
		<link>http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/2010/02/09/force-india%e2%80%99s-new-racer/</link>
		<comments>http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/2010/02/09/force-india%e2%80%99s-new-racer/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:22:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>walking_leaf</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Motor Racing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/?p=990</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
This is the new Force India challenger for the upcoming Formula One season. The VJM03 is an evolution on last year’s car and the Silverstone-based squad hopes it can reward greater success after capturing its maiden pole position and podium finish in 2009.
Just like the other cars launched by the other teams, the VJM03 features [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Force-India-VJM03-car-1.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-992" title="Formula One World Championship" src="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Force-India-VJM03-car-1.jpg" alt="" width="510" height="340" /></a></p>
<p>This is the new Force India challenger for the upcoming Formula One season. The VJM03 is an evolution on last year’s car and the Silverstone-based squad hopes it can reward greater success after capturing its maiden pole position and podium finish in 2009.</p>
<p>Just like the other cars launched by the other teams, the VJM03 features the high nose and the shark-fin engine cover treatment as made typical based on this season’s technical rules.</p>
<p>Design director Mark Smith said the new car is an evolution of last year’s VJM02:</p>
<p>“The VJM03 is definitely an evolution of the VJM02 in terms of the design philosophies we have developed at Force India over the last year. We are very happy with the direction, therefore we have opted to evolve the car rather than significantly revise.</p>
<p>“Obviously one of the major aspects we have had to contend with are regulation changes which have had a considerable impact on some aspects of the design of the car. The removal of refuelling from races increases the amount of fuel needed to be stored in the cars – almost twice the amount we ran in 2009. There is a compromise now: either make the car much longer or wider, or, as we have done, a combination of both. This of course has influenced the mechanical design solutions and also the aerodynamics, specifically with respects to the diffuser and bodywork.</p>
<p>“Even with the ban of double diffusers for 2011, we recognise that we still have to push as much as we possibly can in this area in 2010 as we have targets to meet and the double diffuser is a key development aspect of the car.</p>
<p>“The VJM02 was a relatively low drag car that showed well on the low downforce tracks. As was demonstrated throughout 2009, that was a useful attribute but as we go into 2010 we have tried to maintain a high level of aerodynamic efficiency, but we recognise that our championship position will be enhanced by a general level of performance that is suited to all types of circuits. We have, we believe, quite an efficient car overall.”</p>
<p>Adrian Sutil and Vitantonio Liuzzi will race for Force India this year, with Paul di Resta installed as reserve and test driver.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Force-India-VJM03-car-2.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-993" title="Formula One World Championship" src="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Force-India-VJM03-car-2.jpg" alt="" width="510" height="765" /></a></p>
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		<title>Virgin Racing reveals the VR-01</title>
		<link>http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/2010/02/03/virgin-racing-reveals-the-vr-01/</link>
		<comments>http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/2010/02/03/virgin-racing-reveals-the-vr-01/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 03 Feb 2010 11:58:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>walking_leaf</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Motor Racing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/?p=980</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
Virgin Racing are the first of the new Formula One teams to launch their 2010 car, although its original plan to reveal the new VR-01 online was delayed by technical problems.
The VR-01 has been created entirely using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) rather than using the traditional method of a windtunnel.
Designer Nick Wirth believes CFD is [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Virgin-Racing-VR-01.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-981" title="Virgin Racing VR-01" src="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Virgin-Racing-VR-01.jpg" alt="" width="510" height="264" /></a></p>
<p>Virgin Racing are the first of the new Formula One teams to launch their 2010 car, although its original plan to reveal the new VR-01 <a href="http://www.virginracing.com/" target="_blank">online</a> was delayed by technical problems.</p>
<p>The VR-01 has been created entirely using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) rather than using the traditional method of a windtunnel.</p>
<p>Designer Nick Wirth believes CFD is the best way for teams to develop Formula One cars under the sport’s new resource restrictions:</p>
<p>“Today is a very proud day for everyone involved with Virgin Racing, however on this occasion, where the car is the star, I want to pay tribute to all the amazing people at Wirth Research who deserve so much of the credit for the VR-01.</p>
<p>“Putting together an F1 team, assembling an engineering group and designing a new car from scratch is an epic task in the timeframe we have been working to.</p>
<p>“I have been fortunate to have worked with the very best designers in F1 and I am well aware of exactly what it takes to be successful in this sport. When you see what the existing teams have achieved using the conventional but proven design approach, it is unsurprising that there is a great deal of scepticism about our all-CFD approach.</p>
<p>“But we are competing in a sport that is undergoing significant change having come face to face with today’s harsh economic realities. Under resource restriction, convention will become too costly and necessity really will be the mother of invention. I have absolute belief in the digital design process and the opportunity to put the all-CFD approach to the test at the highest level – to demonstrate that this could be the way for the future of F1 – is very, very exciting.&#8221;</p>
<p>Richard Branson&#8217;s ambitions project to set-up a new racing team was officially launched in December, when Lucas di Grassi and Timo Glock were announced as Virgin Racing’s race drivers.</p>
<p>A shakedown of the new car will take place on Thursday and Friday at Silverstone followed by a proper testing session at Jerez, where it will become the first of the new entrants to test alongside the established squads. Let see how the CFD created car will do when compared to the windtunnel designed versions.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/VR-01-car.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-988" title="VR-01 car" src="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/VR-01-car.jpg" alt="" width="510" height="395" /></a></p>
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			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/2010/02/03/virgin-racing-reveals-the-vr-01/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>5</slash:comments>
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		<title>The new FW32 from Williams</title>
		<link>http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/2010/02/01/the-new-fw32-from-williams/</link>
		<comments>http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/2010/02/01/the-new-fw32-from-williams/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 01 Feb 2010 12:55:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>walking_leaf</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Motor Racing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/?p=966</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
From that initial spy shot as revealed by Autosport, the first official day of Formula One testing in Valencia has allow us the unique opportunity to see the latest creation from Williams up close and personal.
Just like the previous 2010 cars, the Williams FW32 features a high nose but with some distinctively narrow struts from [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/FW32-Williams-1.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-968" title="2010 Formula One Testing" src="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/FW32-Williams-1.jpg" alt="" width="510" height="317" /></a></p>
<p>From that initial spy shot as revealed by <a href="http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/81104" target="_blank">Autosport</a>, the first official day of Formula One testing in Valencia has allow us the unique opportunity to see the latest creation from Williams up close and personal.</p>
<p>Just like the previous 2010 cars, the Williams FW32 features a high nose but with some distinctively narrow struts from which the front wing is suspended. In addition, a second air intake can be seen behind the main one.</p>
<p>Rubens Barrichello and GP2 champion Nico Hulkenburg will carry out the testing duties as Williams set out to improve their seventh place finish last season.</p>
<p>Lets see how fast this new Cosworth-powered car can do when compared to the others in this week&#8217;s testing.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/FW32-Williams-2.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-969" title="2010 Formula One Testing" src="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/FW32-Williams-2.jpg" alt="" width="510" height="340" /></a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>6</slash:comments>
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		<title>The W01 Silver Arrows</title>
		<link>http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/2010/02/01/the-w01-silver-arrows/</link>
		<comments>http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/2010/02/01/the-w01-silver-arrows/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 01 Feb 2010 12:02:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>walking_leaf</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Motor Racing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/?p=960</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
This is the actual Silver Arrows in which the Mercedes GP team will race in the upcoming Formula One season.
The W10 features that typical Red Bull Racing style high nose plus a small fin on the engine cover.
Ex-Williams driver Nico Rosberg will have the unique opportunity to shakedown the new Mercedes race car first during [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/W10-Mercedes-1.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-962" title="W10 Mercedes 1" src="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/W10-Mercedes-1.jpg" alt="" width="510" height="287" /></a></p>
<p>This is the actual Silver Arrows in which the Mercedes GP team will race in the upcoming Formula One season.</p>
<p>The W10 features that typical Red Bull Racing style high nose plus a small fin on the engine cover.</p>
<p>Ex-Williams driver Nico Rosberg will have the unique opportunity to shakedown the new Mercedes race car first during the opening day of official testing at Valencia. As for Michael Schumacher, all attention will be on the timesheets to see if he can still maintain that level of competitiveness since retiring from Formula One racing back in 2006. The German will drive the W01 in the afternoon session.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/W10-Mercedes-2.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-963" title="W10 Mercedes 2" src="http://www.walkingleaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/W10-Mercedes-2.jpg" alt="" width="510" height="305" /></a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>5</slash:comments>
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