Puisi

Orakel, kita ini pengembara
berkelana di negeri kata
mencari sebuah makna
atas hidup di antara derai-derai jiwa

Tak tahukah kau, Orakel?

Kita ini memang pengelana
sesekali kita berkaca
di dalam telaga kata
kata bukan sekadar deret aksara
dan langit bukan sekadar bentangan angkasa

Tak ingatkah kau, Orakel?

pada negeri ini
dan tak malu kuakui
aku memang jatuh hati
pada negeri ini
di sini kita bebas menjadi
apapun yang ingin kita jadi
di sini kudapati
meski hidup memang ternyata retorika basi
namun sejatinya hidup adalah ilusi
seilusi melodi-melodi hati yang menyepi
di balik kabut mimpi

Mungkin kau lupa Orakel

negeri ini bernama puisi….

(last January 2009)
for: My best friend. Happy Birthday.

India to make F1 debut in 2011 - Ecclestone

Source:
http://f1.gpupdate. net/en/news/ 2009/01/22/ india-to- make-f1-debut- in-2011-ecclesto ne/

F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone says India will definitely be on the F1 calendar from the 2011 season onwards, insisting that he and the Indian circuit developers are 'fully committed' to making the race happen.

"Of course we will deliver, otherwise we wouldn't have entered into an agreement," Ecclestone told the BBC Asian Network of his deal to bring F1 to India in 2011. "It's a large country with a big population and it's good for sponsors, car manufacturers and everyone involved in F1."

Ecclestone added that while he expects the F1 race in India to be a success he doubts it will ever be as big there as cricket.

Ecclestone offers teams new deal

Source: http://f1.gpupdate. net/en/news/ 2009/01/26/ ecclestone- offers-teams- new-deal/

Bernie Ecclestone has offered car manufacturers involved in F1 a new deal which includes greater financial freedom in exchange for their long-term commitment to the sport.

The offer comes following Honda's demise and the ongoing discussion between FOTA and Ecclestone in which the teams are asking for a greater share of the revenues generated by F1, especially in the current economic climate.

"If the manufacturers are prepared to make a long-term commitment, say seven to ten years, we should let them spend what they want to, providing they supply engines and gearboxes at an affordable price," Ecclestone told the Daily Telegraph.

"It would prevent the kind of thing we've seen with Honda because we could sue them if they left," he added on how his plan would help secure the sport's future. "They wouldn't like that. Whether they will commit to that I don't know. Getting them to agree on anything has always been the problem

Drivers delay signing licences

Sumber:
http://f1.gpupdate. net/en/news/ 2009/01/24/ drivers-delay- signing-licences /

F1 drivers who are members of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA) have acted together and delayed signing their super licences required to compete in the upcoming F1 season as they fight another price rise imposed by the FIA.

Following last year's dramatic price increase that saw the cost of a superlicence increase over 500 per cent, a smaller increase has been ordered by the FIA this season meaning the basic price will rise from £9,430 to £9,798.

On top of the basic price the cost of each point scored during the season has gone up from £1,885 to £1,978 with a further insurance charge of £2,564.

In total practice it means the bill drivers face will be rather hefty-based on his results last year, Lewis Hamilton's will be £206,416 just to be able to compete in the 2009 season.

Drivers are now waiting for the matter to be raised at the next FOTA meeting at the start of February.

FIA confirms safety car rule change

Source: http://f1.gpupdate. net/en/news/ 2009/01/27/ fia-confirms- safety-car- rule-change/

FIA confirms safety car rule change

F1's safety car rules will be changed ahead of the 2009 season, the FIA has confirmed, following a successful test of new software during the course of last season.

The move comes amid calls from teams and drivers not to have to close the pit lane immediately after the safety car is deployed in a race, but this would only be safe if a way could be found to ensure drivers would not race back to the pits while there was a danger out on track and potentially risk a major accident.

The new software will tell drivers what the maximum speed the are allowed to be doing once the safety car is deployed and anyone exceeding this.

"The rule introduced in 2007 was a bad one, and we've gone back to the 2006 regulations, " said FIA technical delegate Charlie Whiting. "The only difference is we intend to implement a minimum time back to the pits. When we deploy the safety car, the message will go to all the cars, which will then have a "safety car" mode on their ECUs. As soon as that message gets to the car, it'll know where it is on the
circuit, and it'll calculate a minimum time for the driver to get back to the pits. The driver will have to respect this and the information will be displayed on his dashboard."

"If you remember, the reason we closed the pit entry was to remove the incentive for the driver to come back to his pit quickly," he added. "That's gone now, as you won't be able to reach the pits any quicker than your dashboard display allows you to."

Tyre choice more important in 2009

Source: http://en.f1- live.com/ f1/en/headlines/ news/detail/ 090128090801. shtml

Tyre choice more important in 2009
FIA seeking bigger difference between compounds

The difference between the performance of the two tyre compounds on offer at Grand Prix this year will be bigger than in 2008, the FIA's technical boss Charlie Whiting has confirmed.

The sport's rules dictate that drivers must use both types of dry-weather compounds during races, but in 2008 the difference between the Bridgestone products was often not large.

Whiting confirmed that F1's official tyre supplier has been asked to exaggerate the difference between the offered compounds in 2009.

"Sometimes, in 2008, this gap was a matter of one or two tenths. We thought it would be better if it was bigger. The Bridgestone engineers are working on that," the Briton said in a media briefing.

Early tests of the 2009 tyres, to be 'slicks' for the first time since 1997, indicate that the difference between the compounds may now be very wide.

Whiting, however, played down the indications of the winter test tracks.

"What happens in winter testing is probably not indicative of what will happen in the warmer conditions of the first four races."

"It's something we'll have to look at, as we certainly don't want too big a difference between the two types of tyres available at each race."

He said his preference for the compound gap at races is 'at least half a second'.

No 'free' Friday engine use in 2009

Source: http://en.f1- live.com/ f1/en/headlines/ news/detail/ 090128091219. shtml

No 'free' Friday engine use in 2009
Eight engines to use over the whole season

Friday practice will no longer be exempt from F1's long-life engine rules, the FIA's Charlie Whiting has clarified.

The engine rules for 2009 have been tweaked, with the mandatory consecutive use of power plants dropped.

Instead, drivers will be limited to eight engines for the entire season and can use them 'as they like'.

In 2008 and previously, the two-race per engine rule did not apply to Fridays. "Now, for 17 races, the eight engines will have to do the three days of each Grand Prix," Whiting said.

"What the teams will do is to have a Friday engine that'll probably do the first four races or something of that nature. They'll then take the engine out and use another one for Saturday and Sunday," he said.

There has also been confusion as to whether, because of the existing 'parc ferme' rules, one engine could be used in qualifying and then exchanged with another for the race.

Whiting confirmed that penalties for engine changes will only occur in 2009 if a driver uses a 'ninth engine'.

No more engine breaks for teams

Source: http://f1.gpupdate. net/en/news/ 2009/01/28/ no-more-engine- breaks-for- teams/

F1 teams will not be allowed to have any more chances to get their engines up to par after the FIA agreed to allow some teams to catch up this winter by unfreezing the engine development restrictions.

"I can't really give you confidential information, " FIA technical delegate Charlie Whiting explained, "But we gave all the teams the opportunity to submit a list of things they would like to change in order to achieve engine parity, because there seemed to be some disparity between engine performance, which was not intended.

Then, with Honda's withdrawal - they appeared to be the ones down on power - the engine manufacturers agreed among themselves that they would not seek any engine parity changes, and they would allow Renault to do something," he added. "It's what I would describe as a minor upgrade. It's a one-off thing; it's not an on-going thing. Now, teams have submitted their list; we've agreed to it and that's the end of it until 2012."

Teams to seek diffuser clarification

Source: http://www.autospor t.com/news/ report.php/ id/73038

Rival Formula One teams are set to request a rules clarification from the FIA about the design of the diffusers on the Williams and Toyota cars, this week's Autosport magazine reveals.

The two outfits are alone in having opted for a different design concept at the rear of the car compared to their rivals.

The diffusers at the rear of the Williams FW31 and the Toyota TF109 appear to exceed the maximum height of 175 mm at their peak through clever aerodynamic shaping of the rear crash structure.

Although both teams are confident that their designs are within the regulations, rivals outfits have expressed curiosity in the way their diffusers have been shaped -especially because it could give them an advantage in slow speed corners.

It is understood that several teams are looking at seeking clarification from the FIA about the matter, with Renault the first to confirm it will do so.

Renault executive director of engineering Pat Symonds told Autosport: "They (the diffusers) are certainly interesting, although I don't think I can comment on their legality.

"That's something for the FIA to comment on. We will be asking the FIA about it, but we haven't yet."

The Williams diffuser has a low centre section, well below the 175mm height limit, before a higher steeper element further back creates a second section around the rear crash structure.

The extra area of the Toyota diffuser is based in a 15 centimetre wide zone at the centre of the car where teams are allowed to fit extra bodywork. This has created a longer centre tunnel for air.

This week's Autosport magazine carries a full graphical analysis of the Williams and Toyota diffusers.

Because the regulations have changed so much this year, there is a high chance that further areas of car design will come under scrutiny over the course of the season as teams push to find loopholes in the new rules.

Teams who are concerned that an area they are developing may be questionable, can ask the FIA for a clarification about their design.

Furthermore, rival outfits can also seek answers from the governing body about the legitimacy of design features they have spotted on rival cars and may want to incorporate themselves.

An outright question about the legality of a rival car can only be lodged on a grand prix weekend, when a protest would need to be handed in to the race stewards.

Malaysia also agrees to 'twilight' race

Source: http://en.f1- live.com/ f1/en/headlines/ news/detail/ 090128100330. shtml

Like Australia, fellow faraway F1 race host Malaysia will also stage a 'twilight' Grand Prix beginning in 2009, it has emerged.

Instead of agreeing to install expensive floodlighting and run a Singapore-style night race, organisers of the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne last year negotiated to postpone the race start-time to 5pm beginning in 2009.

"Obviously, the later it is the better. I suppose it is easier getting up in Europe at 6am than 3am," a half-satisfied F1 Chief Executive Bernie Ecclestone said last year.

Also to benefit European television viewers, it appears Malaysia has also agreed to the 'twilight' scheme, as the FIA on Tuesday confirmed the 5pm race start-time for both opening rounds of the 2009 championship.

Qualifying in Melbourne and Sepang will also take place at 5pm local time.

Ecclestone: Three-car F1 teams 'will happen'

Source: http://www.crash.net/Formula+One/News/142341/1/ecclestone_three-car_f1_teams_will_happen.html

Bernie Ecclestone has re-iterated his contention that three-car Formula 1 teams will soon be a reality in the top flight – possibly even as early as the 2009 curtain-raising Australian Grand Prix in two months' time.

Honda's withdrawal from the sport at the end of last year means that as things stand there will only be 18 cars on the starting grid Down Under in Melbourne in March, and Ecclestone has hinted that should a buyer not be found for the beleaguered Brackley-based outfit, the big, well-financed manufacturer teams may have to step in to fill the void by each supplying a third car.

Indeed, should any more squads follow Honda out of the exit door – with fears expressed about the future security of Renault, Toyota and Williams' F1 operations, amongst others – a rapid solution will need to be found, be it either in the guise of new teams, or else third cars.

"That is what basically will happen," the sport's commercial rights-holder told Deutsche Presse-Agentur, whilst at the same time denying that he is contractually-obliged to grand prix organisers and broadcasters to have at least 20 cars in the field.

"If the manufacturers supply engines to other people, they can run three cars themselves.

"It is better to have 20 cars on the grid – whether they are in the hands of manufacturers or in private hands, that doesn't make any difference."

McLaren employees in shock following court case

Source:
http://www.pitpass. com/fes_php/ pitpass_news_ item.php? fes_art_id= 36826

13/01/2009

Employees at the McLaren factory in Woking are reported to be in shock following a legal case involving team boss Ron Dennis.

The Englishman was accused of homophobia by a former employee who later withdrew his claim resulting in the case being dismissed. The man, who had been employed as an air steward on Dennis' private jet, subsequently apologised "unreservedly" for making "unfounded" allegations.

However, back at the team's Woking HQ, staff remain distraught claiming that the recent case has caused them great hurt and embarrassment, especially within F1 circles where McLaren is widely regarded as the gayest team in the pitlane. Hearing that the case was at an end, many workers downed tools and headed to the local pub, the Fireman's Helmet.

As Village People blasted out of the juke-box, Peter, a charge hand, who preferred not to give his real name, told Pitpass; "How could anyone accuse Ron of being like that, it's bloody outrageous.

"Homophobic, bloody homophobic" he shouted, his fist clenched tight, too tight for our liking, "do you think a man who was homophobic would sanction the sort of pit gear that we have to wear?"

Meanwhile over at the Blue Oyster Bar, landlord Everard O'Toole was nursing a sore head, having overseen the riotous lunchtime celebration of what would have been Cecil Beaton's 105th birthday. Despite the outward flamboyance, Everard visibly tightens up when asked about the McLaren case.

"They're lovely boys," he finally gushes. "We get most of them in here at some time or another, we've even got a special booth for Mr Dennis and Mr Whitmarsh.

"They come in here regular," he reveals, "and not just for the Singalonga Judy nights. In fact, it's usually round about this time of year when they come in and start doing the designs for their team wear.

"They're a right pair," he continues, smiling, "sitting up there working away with their artist pads and magic markers. Makes us feel quite proud when we watch the Grand Pricks (sic) on TV and see those lovely mechanics in their tight shirts and trousers and little Lewis in those shiny overalls. It's hard to believe that Ron and Marty did all that in here.

"Remember those overalls a couple of years back, black and a hint of reddish-orange, " Everard continues after a meaningful pause. "They designed those in here, we've still got the original sketches in here somewhere.

"When they showed them around the bar there were cries of 'bona' and 'varda the lallies', though it's a pity they didn't take my advice and have an orange hankie hanging out the back pocket.

"Then again," he continues, they did take my advice on the pictures for their footwear range, doesn't that Heikki look lovely, beautiful guns."

Preparing for the evening's highly popular Mama Mia karaoke night, Everard refuses to talk about the court case, however, he is quick to defend Dennis, "lovely guy," he enthuses, "nanti riah, and a strange way of talking, but a bona guy all the same."

Although fully aware that Dennis would be unlikely to talk about the case having already issued a formal statement, we nonetheless went to McLaren's HQ in the hope of learning more. Walking through the vast ultra-modern building, past the Senna Suite, Hamilton Hall and the Liberace Lounge, we were shown to the Prost Parlour where we were served afternoon tea. Sadly, as we bit into our second cucumber sandwich, a spokeswoman informed us that the team was unwilling to speak to us at this time, especially with the launch of the 2009 car just a couple of days away.

As we left, we walked past an enormous mahogany door bearing a nameplate which read simply 'Ron Dennis - Boss of Bosses', above the doorway was the legend, 'abandon hope all ye who enter here'.

From behind the door we could hear laughter, it sounded like Martin Whitmarsh; "you're joking Ronnie," he said, "you'll never get them to wear those!"

At which point the music began... it sounded like Dancing Queen.

Dennis' former flight steward withdraws case

Source:
http://f1.gpupdate. net/en/news/ 2009/01/14/ dennis-former- flight-steward- withdraws- case/

A former steward on Ron Dennis' aeroplane, Peter Boland, has withdrawn his case against the McLaren team boss. It is believed the Briton accused the Dennis of being homophobic and racist.

Ron Dennis was obviously pleased to hear Boland withdraw his case.Dennis said on the matter: "Clearly, I and all at McLaren, and all the other respondents, have been totally vindicated by the complete and unequivocal withdrawal and unreserved apology by Peter Boland, who had worked as a steward on my aeroplane between 2002 and 2007. This case has been hurtful, irritating and unnecessary, in the sense that no impropriety ever took place, which fact Mr Boland now concedes.

"Equally, Mr Boland accepts that I have never said or done anything either racist or homophobic. Moreover, every action taken by my colleagues and me in connection with Mr Boland's dismissal was done with the intention of minimising the negative impact of that dismissal on his reputation and employment record. Had he not embarked on this unsuccessful and injudicious legal action, which he has anyway now abandoned, those goals could have been achieved."

Schumacher visits quake-hit Costa Rica

Source: www.f1fanatic.co.uk

Schumacher visits quake-hit Costa Rica
15 January 2009 by Keith Collantine
Michael Schumacher has toured the disaster zone in Costa Rica following the central American nation's 6.1-magnitude earthquake last week.

The death toll is reported to have risen above 20, with the most damage caused by resultant massive landslides.

Former seven time world champion Schumacher was already in Costa Rica for an appearance for traffic road safety, but he diverted his tour to survey the worst-affected region near the epicentre around Poas volcano.

The 40-year-old German, a renowned humanitarian donor, noted that "so many families have lost their homes".

Schu admits he thought about F1 return

Source: http://en.f1- live.com/ f1/en/headlines/ news/detail/ 090105100919. shtml

Schu admits he thought about F1 return
''But I rejected them all almost immediately' '

Michael Schumacher has admitted he has contemplated returning to Formula One following his retirement at the end of the 2006 season.

The seven time world champion, who turned 40 on Sunday, has since flirted with professional motorcycle racing, and remains an advisor and occasional test driver for Ferrari.

And he told Bild newspaper that he thought about coming back to F1 "perhaps two times."

"I have had a few interesting possibilities, " he explained to the German newspaper, "but I rejected them all almost immediately. "

Schumacher said his original reason for hanging up his helmet - because he felt he no longer had the motivation to devote his life entirely to the sport - is still valid.

"So I would only be racing for the sake of it or for fun and, no, that's not my thing," the title winner in 1994, 1995, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 said.

Michael 40th Birthday

Taken from la Gazzetta de lo Sport

Michael 40th Birthday

Di Montezemolo:
''Dear Michael, many congratulations and a happy birthday ! The years go by quickly but you continue to be in an extraordinary form. I always have in mind the many moments we've spent together, the beautiful ones but above all the difficult ones that have made our relationship ever stronger. I miss you a bit but I know you're always close to us and that your advice will still be precious both for the road cars as well as the new Formula 1 car, that will soon see the light. Between one bike race and another I remember you !''

Todt:
''Dear Michael, all the best for your 40th birthday. You've had the nicest career a passionate of motorsports could wish for and now you can enjoy life together with your loved ones. Eventhough we will see each other in a different setting compared to that of the period from 1996 to now, I hope to stay with you for a long time to come.''

Domenicali:
''Dear Michael,welcome to the club of fourty-year olds ! We've almost got the same age and we've shared many years together in Maranello. You've given us a lot and I think we've given a lot to you also. We still have to cover some mileage together and your experience will be useful to us, especially in a moment like this: characterised by big changes.''

Brawn:
''Fourty years...oh well, you'll stay younger than me. I think you've been the best driver I've had the fortune to work with and one of the strongest emotions is related to you: bringing back the title to Ferrari in 2000. By looking for new challenges you've brilliantly overcome your retirement, which is certainly a shocking moment for each racing driver.''

Weber:
''It seems incredible to me that you turn fourty today when I think about the fact we've been working together for twenty years now, half the time of your life in other words. But I'm really happy for you because you can celebrate this birthday in complete serenity. And it's clear that I wish you many healthy years to come, which is the most important thing apart from the success and the joy.''

Briatore:
''I wish you all the best. I've always considered you as a champion, on and off track. The secret behind your success is that you put passion in everything you do. Thanks to your skills you've made my Benetton successful and then you've brought back Ferrari to the top. So I'm sure that in the coming fourty years there will be plenty of satisfaction.''

Massa:
''Dear Michael,happy birthday ! You've been an example to follow for your career and for your working method with the team but you will also be an example when it comes to retiring. When I saw you with karts in Floranopolis you had the enthusiasm of a boy: is it this secret that keeps you young ?
A hug, Felipe.''

Ecclestone: Button should take a sabbatical

Source: http://f1.gpupdate. net/en/news/ 2008/12/30/ ecclestone- button-should- take-a-sabbatica l/

Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone believes it is a shame Jenson Button has signed a three-year deal with Honda now the team has pulled the plug from Formula 1. Button has already said he will continue to race with the possible new buyer but Ecclestone believes it would be better for the Briton to step out one year and wait for a top team to hire him.

"It's a pity because he's committed to Honda for three years," Ecclestone told the Telegraph. "He should be in any of the top teams. I'd rather see him wait to get a seat in one of those than race in an uncompetitive car."

Carlos Slim Selamatkan Tim F1 Honda

Sumber: http://otomotif.kompas.com/read/xml/2008/12/28/1105116/Carlos.Slim.Selamatkan.Tim.F1.Honda

ITALIA, MINGGU — Kabar bahwa David Richards bakal menyelamatkan tim F1 Honda dengan mengajak mitra bisnisnya dari Kuwait sirna. Justru penyelamat datang dari Meksiko. "Manusia terkaya kedua di dunia, Carlos Slim menjadi penyelamat tim F1 Honda". Begitu tulis koran Italia, La Stampa.

Berita ini, bilang koran itu memang tidak resmi. Namun, ada dua hal yang cukup menguatkan kalau tim tetap berpartisipasi di ajang F1 2009. Pertama, mengenai formasi pebalap, Honda diperkuat Jenson Button (Inggris) dan Bruno Senna—keponakan mendiang pebalap legendaris F1 Ayrton Senna—yang menggantikan posisi Rubens Barrichello (Brasil).

Faktor kedua, Honda yang bulan ini sudah mengumumkan pengunduran diri, diyakini telah mengantongi dana sekitar Rp 3,8 triliun. La Stampa yang tidak menyebutkan sumber berita itu juga menulis kalau Senna tampil disponsori oleh Embratel, perusahaan dari Slim's Telmex Group.

Berbicara soal prestasi, Honda memang kurang bersinar. Mereka hanya sekali memenangkan lomba pada 2006 di Hongaria oleh Jenson Button. Sementara rekan setim Rubens Barrichello menyeimbangkan prestasi terbaik finis ketiga di Sirkuit Silverstone. Dan untuk konstruktor, tahun ini Honda menduduki peringkat kesembilan dengan 14 angka.

Honda ikut terjun ke F1 dengnan bendera pabrikan pada 1964 melalui pasangan pebalap Amerika, R Ginther dan Buckman. Lantaran prestasi kedua pebalap kurang bersinar, Honda menggantikan keduanya dengan John Surtees (Inggris) pada 1967. Hasilnya, Surtees menduduki peringkat keempat dunia.

Justru menjadi penyuplai mesin ke tim McLaren dan Williams, Honda meraih segudang prestasi. Melalui duet Ayrton Senna dan Alain Prost di McLaren yang memakai mesin Honda pada 1988 hampir memenangkan semua seri balapan (16 seri, menang 15 seri).

Setelah merasakan nikmatnya bermandikan prestasi, Honda berhenti menyuplai mesin mendekati pertengahan 1990-an. Baru pada 2000 muncul lagi mendukung tim BAR yang kemudian sahamnya dibeli dengan bendera tim Honda.