2007 F1 Preview: Red Bull Racing
February 23rd 2007 01:35
Car Number 14
Still quick
David Coulthard
Stats
D.O.B: 27 March, 1971
Debut: Spain 1994, Williams-Renault
Starts: 212
Wins: 13
Fastest Laps: 18
Poles: 12
Points: 513
With Michael Scuhmacher now resting his feet at his Swiss mansion, David Coulthard is now the oldest man on the F1 grid. Despite his age however, Coulthard is one of the most relaxed and eager drivers around, an attitude acquired since joining Red Bull Racing in 2005. He has performed well for RBR, showing up favourable against young gun teammates like Christian Klien, Tonio Liuzzi and Robert Doornbos. This year however, the guy occupying the other side of the garage will pose a gigantic threat. Mark Webber will give the Scot a real run for his money (a lot of it apparently), and force him to perform. If DC doesn’t deliver, he may find himself without a spot in F1 for much longer. Still fast, and very wily, but whether or not he can keep up with Webber and the wave of new talent remains to be seen in 2007.
Car Number 15
Craving results
Mark Webber
Stats:
D.O.B: 27 August, 1976
Debut: Australia 2002, Minardi-Asiatech
Starts: 86
Wins: 0
Fastest Laps: 0
Poles: 0
Points: 69
With the disaster-riddled Williams fairytale behind him, Webber is looking forward to 2007 optimistic that Red Bull’s Newey-designed, Renault powered cars can give him the chance to shine, finally. If RBR does pull it off, and get the package to run seamlessly, then expect Webber to be right up the sharp end of the grid. His work ethic and ability to get the team around him is unmatched by any driver, and moving to Red Bull will reunite him with some of the old Jaguar staffers, with whom the Australian bonded with so famously. Webber showed glimpses of brilliance last season despite the Williams’s frustrating unreliability; this year, if things finally go to plan, he will shine. Podiums are a real possibility, and that elusive win might be around the corner.
The Team
Red Bull Racing
Starts: 37
Wins: 0
Fastest Laps: 0
Poles: 0
Points: 50
WDC: 0
WCC: 0
Team Principal: Christian Horner
Test Drivers: Robert Doornbos (Ned); Michael Ammermueller (Ger)
The drivers show off their New(ey) car
If Newey is given the right tools, he can produce wonders for RBR. After a long stint at the ultra-corporate McLaren, Newey heads into the funky, vibrant world of Red Bull. Assuming that Red Bull Racing’s fresh approach has reignited some sparks in the veteran designer, the RB3 could be one of the best chassis on the grid.
But there are many new ingredients being tossed into Red Bull’s mix for 2007, which may take some time to settle. The Ferrari customer engines that caused so many headaches from last season have been nerfed over to their sister team, Torro Rosso, and brand new Renault powerplants have been installed. While both Ferrari and Renault have similarly strong engines, Red Bull Racing are hoping that unlike Ferrari, Renault are willing to supply a rival team with the goods.
Mark Webber comes into the team to partner David Coulthard. This could potentially produce one of the strongest pairings on the grid, and no doubt Mark’s tireless work ethic and technical input will be a valuable asset. Also new to the team is Bridgestone, although as part of a mandatory rule change. The changing of rubber providers might be a hurdle for RBR, but it’s the same hurdle that many other teams will encounter.
Testing has been difficult
When you look at it on paper, Red Bull Racing looks unstoppable. A championship winning Renault engine, strapped into the back of an Adrian Newey chassis, and driven by two very fast, and very experienced drivers. Team boss, Christian Horner has a lot of expensive pieces of a puzzle floating about. If he can work out how to put it all together, the picture could well show some podiums and perhaps wins in 2007, and even greater glories in 2008. But it’s a tricky puzzle, and the inexperienced Horner has his work cut out for him. Red Bull are the dark horses, despite actually being red, and, er bulls.
In a Nutshell:
Strengths: Loadsa money, great drivers, Adrian Newey
Weaknesses: A lot of pieces for Horner to put together; pressure to perform from purse-holder Mateschitz; testing form has been poor.
Scoreboard:
Drivers: 7/10
Engine: 8/10
Chassis: 8/10
Resources: 7/10
Personnel: 7/10
Total: 37/50
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