2007 F1 Form Guide

Contents

Strategy suggestions
2007 Drivers
2007 Teams
2007 Driver and Team RF1 performance
2007 Calendar
Useful F1 links

Strategy suggestions

There are over 5,000 possible combinations of two drivers and two cars within a budget of £70M in Reality F1. Seasoned players welcome this flexibility but it can be a bit bewildering to new players. In order to help new players here are a few suggestions that may help improve your RF1 performance:

Pick an expensive driver who is likely to be a front runner throughout the season (Fernando Alonso for example) and then fill the rest of your team with cheaper components. The points picked up by the good driver will keep your performances consistent. Your cheaper components may be less reliable but you will score well provided they finish.
Choose a cheaper driver or car initially. Slow but reliable cars and drivers will score well at the start of the season when they will be able to pick up places due to other cars suffering reliability problems. Your cheaper cars may rarely feature in the top eight positions but will score well for you provided they finish the race. As the season progresses you can change your team to reflect the in-form teams/drivers.
Try not to put all your eggs in one basket. If you have Jarno Trulli, Ralf Schumacher and a Toyota in your team then if either of the two drivers fail to finish then your car score will also be affected. However, if Trulli and Ralf Schumacher do well then your team score will also be high so this approach can be a high risk strategy that sometimes pays off.
Don't forget to adjust your pitstop strategy before each race. You will get ten points per race for having the same strategy as the race winner irrespective of the rest of your team. You can use F1 Web sites to find out what pitstop strategy was used in the same race last season. It's also a good idea to keep an eye on the weather forecast for the race (again check the F1 Web sites). A changeable forecast can mean teams will make more pitstops to cope with track conditions and wet races are often slower so fuel economy is greater.
Be prepared to make changes to your team as the season progresses. You have two free team changes so keep an eye on the results and the driver performance table.
Alternatively, let Reality F1 choose a team for you. When you sign up Reality F1 can suggest a team for you, we just can't guarantee it will be any good.

2007 Drivers

Alonso
Hamilton
Fisichella
Kovalainen
Massa
Räikkönen
Button
Barrichello
Heidfeld
Kubica
R Schumacher
Trulli
Coulthard
Webber
Rosberg
Wurz
Liuzzi
Speed
Albers
Sutil
Sato
Davidson

Guide to the 2007 drivers

Fernando Alonso - McLaren

The reigning double World Champion and the man to beat. In 2006 he was very consistent throughout the season and he gets the best out of his car. Even when Renault's mass damper system was banned and they were off the pace he still turned in some excellent results. However, he's at a new team this year and that's bound to make a difference, how quickly he adapts may make or break his season?
2006 RF1 score: 463.0 (2/22)
2005 RF1 score: 479.0 (2/20)
2004 RF1 score: 384.5 (4/20)
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Lewis Hamilton - McLaren

Hamilton is the reigning GP2 Champion but this is his first season in F1. Despite being only 22 he's been racing since he was eight and has been part of the McLaren stable since 1998. Partnering the reigning World Champion in your rookie season will be tough but expect Hamilton to be fast from the outset.
2006 RF1 score: Did not compete.
2005 RF1 score: Did not compete.
2004 RF1 score: Did not compete.
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Giancarlo Fisichella - Renault

In 2006, Fisichella was again over-shadowed by his faster and more consistent team-mate. However, with Alonso now at McLaren, Fisichella will want to stamp his authority on the Renault team. He often starts the season well but then tails off - this year he'll be looking to turn in regular wins and podiums.
2006 RF1 score: 338.5 (5/22)
2005 RF1 score: 275.0 (8/20)
2004 RF1 score: 377.0 (5/20)
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Heikki Kovalainen - Renault

It's Kovalainen's first year in F1 but he's been a Renault test driver for the last three seasons. In 2004 he became the first non-Rally driver to win the Race of Champions. On the way to the final he beat David Coulthard, Jean Alesi and Michael Schumacher. In the final, Heikki faced Sébastien Loeb and beat him twice in two rounds to take the title. Kovalainen was second (to Nico Rosberg) in the 2005 GP2 Championship, he didn't race during 2006 as he was Renault's full-time test driver. Although this is his first year in F1 expect him to do well.
2006 RF1 score: Did not compete.
2005 RF1 score: Did not compete.
2004 RF1 score: Did not compete.
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Felipe Massa - Ferrari

Massa was looking to impress alongside Schumacher in 2006 and he certainly did that. He regularly pushed his more experienced team-mate and showed that he clearly has speed. In 2007 Massa will be joined by Räikkönen and both men will want to challenge for the title.
2006 RF1 score: 384.0 (3/22)
2005 RF1 score: 247.5 (13/20)
2004 RF1 score: 292.0 (9/20)
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Kimi Räikkönen - Ferrari

After another difficult (and winless) year at McLaren, Räikkönen switches to Ferrari for 2007 - filling the vacant seat left by Michael Schumacher's retirement. Kimi is very fast but is known to be quite hard on equipment. With Ferrari's reputation for reliability he'll be looking to mount a strong challenge this season.
2006 RF1 score: 347.0 (4/22)
2005 RF1 score: 511.5 (1/20)
2004 RF1 score: 306.0 (8/20)
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Jenson Button - Honda

2006 became the year that Jenson finally won a Grand Prix. Unfortunately it was also a difficult year for Honda and, although they were fast in qualifying, the race pace wasn't there. Button will want to return to winning ways in 2007.
2006 RF1 score: 314.0 (6/22)
2005 RF1 score: 233.5 (15/20)
2004 RF1 score: 398.0 (3/20)
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Rubens Barrichello - Honda

Barrichello joined the Honda team in 2006 but initially struggled to find pace in the car. However, as the season progressed he turned in some good results. He'll be looking to take this momentum into the 2007 season.
2006 RF1 score: 263.5 (7/22)
2005 RF1 score: 354.0 (4/20)
2004 RF1 score: 467.5 (2/20)
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Nick Heidfeld - BMW Sauber

Heidfeld started the 2006 season strongly but suffered a series of reliability problems and accidents that kept his points tally low. However, as the season progressed, Nick turned in some excellent performances including BMW-Sauber's first ever podium (Hungarian Grand Prix). With the new BMW looking very strong Heidfeld will want a good start to the season.
2006 RF1 score: 247.5 (12/22)
2005 RF1 score: 249.5 (12/20) - inc performances by Pizzonia
2004 RF1 score: 187.0 (16/20)
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Robert Kubica - BMW Sauber

When Villeneuve left the BMW-Sauber part way through the 2006 season his obvious replacement was Robert Kubica. Kubica was BMW-Sauber's third driver and had been setting stunning times during the Friday sessions. Kubica became the first Pole to drive in F1 and his best result was third at the Italian GP. In 2007, Kubica will be racing for the whole season and, if previous form is anything to go on, he'll do well.
2006 RF1 score: 227.5 (14/22) - inc performances by Villeneuve
2005 RF1 score: Did not compete.
2004 RF1 score: Did not compete.
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Ralf Schumacher - Toyota

Ralf is now the only Schumacher in Formula 1 and he'll be looking to inherit some of his brother's speed, reliability and luck. Unfortunately the 2006 Toyota again flattered to deceive and Ralf only managed one podium finish during the season. Will 2007 be Toyota's year?
2006 RF1 score: 226.0 (15/22)
2005 RF1 score: 316.5 (7/20)
2004 RF1 score: 272.5 (10/20) - inc performances by Pizzonia and Gene.
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Jarno Trulli - Toyota

Trulli's a known to be a fantastic qualifier but often his race performances are inconsistent. During 2006 Trulli struggled to even turn in decent qualifying pace from the Toyota and will want to challenge for podiums during the 2007. Whether Toyota deliver him a car able to do this remains to be seen.
2006 RF1 score: 255.5 (10/22)
2005 RF1 score: 269.0 (9/20)
2004 RF1 score: 315.0 (7/20) - inc Villeneuve's performance for one GP.
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David Coulthard - Red Bull Racing

In 2006, Coulthard once again showed that his experience and abilities are undimmed and he regularly out-paced his younger team-mate. This fact was reflected at the end of the season when Coulthard was retained and Klien left to make way for Mark Webber. The 2007 Red Bull car is an Adrian Newey design and will be using Renault engines so it should allow Coulthard to shine.
2006 RF1 score: 254.0 (11/22)
2005 RF1 score: 250.5 (11/20)
2004 RF1 score: 253.0 (12/20)
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Mark Webber - Red Bull Racing

After another disappointing season at Williams, Webber has moved to Red Bull Racing for 2007. Webber is known as a quick driver but during the last few seasons he's struggled to show his pace. Alongside a driver as experienced as Coulthard, Webber will need to find his form quickly.
2006 RF1 score: 153.5 (21/22)
2005 RF1 score: 262.5 (10/20)
2004 RF1 score: 183.5 (17/20)
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Nico Rosberg - Williams

Nico Rosberg is the son of 1982 F1 World Champion Keke Rosberg. Nico won the inaugural GP2 Championship in 2005 and at the start of 2006 he put in some excellent performances. Unfortunately he tailed off during the season and with Toyota power in his Williams for 2007 he'll be looking to put in some strong performances from the outset.
2006 RF1 score: 211.0 (16/22)
2005 RF1 score: Did not compete.
2004 RF1 score: Did not compete.
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Alex Wurz - Williams

Wurz first raced in F1 during the 1997 and competed for three seasons with the Benetton team. Since 2001, Wurz has carried out a testing role for McLaren and more recently Williams. 2007 will be his first season of racing since 2000 but given the amount of testing he's been doing don't expect him to be slow.
2006 RF1 score: Did not compete.
2005 RF1 score: Did not compete.
2004 RF1 score: Did not compete.
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Vitantonio Liuzzi - Scuderia Toro Rosso

Liuzzi had a difficult first season with the fledgling Toro Rosso team. He scored the team's only points of 2006 and will be looking to add to that tally in 2007.
2006 RF1 score: 239.0 (13/22)
2005 RF1 score: 203.0 (18/20) - inc performances by Klien
2004 RF1 score: 199.0 (15/20)
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Scott Speed - Scuderia Toro Rosso

2006 was Speed's first season of F1. He had a reasonable rookie year and will be looking to improve in 2007 - especially after the team questioned his commitment during the off season. With Ferrari power in the Toro Rosso, Speed will be hoping to make the most of it.
2006 RF1 score: 263.0 (8/22)
2005 RF1 score: Did not compete.
2004 RF1 score: Did not compete.
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Christijan Albers - Spyker F1

Albers started the 2006 season well but was often involved in incidents that meant he didn't have the opportunity to shine. In 2007 he'll be looking to improve.
2006 RF1 score: 186.0 (19/22)
2005 RF1 score: 209.0 (17/20)
2004 RF1 score: Did not compete.
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Adrian Sutil - Spyker F1

Sutil was one of three test drivers signed to Midland F1 (now Spyker F1) for the 2006 season. For 2007 he has been promoted to the second seat.
2006 RF1 score: Did not compete.
2005 RF1 score: Did not compete.
2004 RF1 score: Did not compete.
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Takuma Sato - Super Aguri

Sato is an exciting and aggressive driver but at times he's inconsistent. He turned in some good performances when the 2006 car allowed. With greater Honda assistance for 2007 you can expect a stronger showing.
2006 RF1 score: 202.0 (17/22)
2005 RF1 score: 152.5 (20/20)
2004 RF1 score: 267.5 (11/20)
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Anthony Davidson - Super Aguri

Davidson became a test driver for BAR (now Honda) in 2001. He's had a few 'fill-in' races for both Minardi and BAR but this will be his first full season in F1.
2006 RF1 score: Did not compete.
2005 RF1 score: Did not compete.
2004 RF1 score: Did not compete.
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Team Guide

McLaren

In 2006, McLaren once again struggled for reliability. The car was undoubtedly quick but the two drivers were unable to get the results from it - leaving McLaren with its first winless season for 10 years. However, defending World Champion Fernando Alonso will be joining them this year and this should give the team a boost.
2006 RF1 score: 303.25 (3/11)
2005 RF1 score: 437.25 (2/10)
2004 RF1 score: 279.5 (6/10)
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Renault

Renault have won the constructors' championship for the last two seasons and will be looking for a hat-trick. However, they're without Alonso and so will be looking to Fisichella and Kovalainen to get the results. They have excellent reliability and the slickest pit crew in the business.
2006 RF1 score: 400.75 (2/11)
2005 RF1 score: 377.0 (2/10)
2004 RF1 score: 352.0 (2/10)
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Ferrari

They ran Renault close for the 2006 title but ultimately it was the car that let them down when they needed the reliability. They'll be looking to redress the balance this year but with so many high profile people leaving the team this could affect their performance.
2006 RF1 score: 440.25 (1/11)
2005 RF1 score: 351.5 (3/10)
2004 RF1 score: 517.75 (1/10)
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Honda Racing

Honda struggled again during 2006. However, they did record their first win and will definitely want to build on that in 2007. Their qualifying pace is usually good but they tend to fade in the race.
2006 RF1 score: 288.75 (4/11)
2005 RF1 score: 193.0 (9/10) - scored as BAR.
2004 RF1 score: 332.75 (4/10) - scored as BAR.
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BMW-Sauber

BMW-Sauber have been the in-form team during winter testing. They've been putting in some impressive times leading some people to tip them as championship challengers in 2007. If the car is quick then they've two good drivers who could deliver the results.
2006 RF1 score: 237.5 (7/11)
2005 RF1 score: 233.5 (7/10)
2004 RF1 score: 334.5 (3/10)
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Toyota

Despite being reputed to have the largest budget of any team on the grid, Toyota failed to turn this cash into consistent results in 2006. The pressure will be mounting for the team to deliver some good results in 2007 - especially if Honda outpace them.
2006 RF1 score: 240.75 (6/11)
2005 RF1 score: 292.75 (4/10)
2004 RF1 score: 176.25 (8/10)
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Red Bull Racing

Red Bull racing will be using Renault engines in 2007 and this should help them get further up the grid. Renault's reliability will also be a big help. They also have a strong driver pairing so will be expecting good points finishes.
2006 RF1 score: 211.00 (8/11)
2005 RF1 score: 226.75 (8/10)
2004 RF1 score: 191.25 (7/10) - scored as Jaguar.
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Williams

Williams have switched from using Cosworth engines to Toyota power for the 2007 season. With Alex Wurz adding experience to the youth of Rosberg the team should have a much better season this time round. By their high standards Williams have underperformed for the last few years.
2006 RF1 score: 182.25 (10/11)
2005 RF1 score: 256.0 (6/10)
2004 RF1 score: 318.25 (5/10)
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Scuderia Toro Rosso

Toro Rosso had excellent reliability during 2006 but they were running a down-rated V10 engine as opposed to the V8s used by the other teams. This season they will be using Ferrari engines so expect them to be fast and reliable. Whether they have the driver pairing to get the results remains to be seen.
2006 RF1 score: 251.00 (5/11)
2005 RF1 score: 185.0 (10/10) - scored as Minardi.
2004 RF1 score: 175.5 (9/10) - scored as Minardi.
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Spyker F1

Spyker bought the Midland F1 team part way through the 2006 season. They have secured Ferrari power for 2007 and will want to score points this season - something they failed to do in 2006.
2006 RF1 score: 187.00 (7/11) - scored as Midland F1.
2005 RF1 score: 289.5 (7/10) - scored as Jordan.
2004 RF1 score: 172.25 (10/10) - scored as Jordan.
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Super Aguri F1

Despite it being their first season in F1, Super Aguri had a good 2006 and with the introduction of their new car the performances improved. They will be using Honda engines in 2007 and have also bought some of the IPR for the 2006 Honda car which will definitely improve their potential.
2006 RF1 score: 167.00 (11/11)
2005 RF1 score: Did not compete.
2004 RF1 score: Did not compete.
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2007 Calendar

Australian Grand Prix (Melbourne) - 18/03/07
Malaysian Grand Prix (Sepang) - 08/04/07
Bahrain Grand Prix (Bahrain) - 15/04/07
Spanish Grand Prix (Barcelona) - 13/05/07
Monaco Grand Prix (Monte Carlo) - 27/05/07
Canadian Grand Prix (Montreal) - 10/06/07
United States Grand Prix (Indianapolis) - 17/06/07
French Grand Prix (Magny-Cours) - 01/07/07
British Grand Prix (Silverstone) - 08/07/07
German Grand Prix (Nurburgring) - 22/07/07
Hungarian Grand Prix (Budapest) - 05/08/07
Turkish Grand Prix (Istanbul) - 26/08/07
Italian Grand Prix (Monza) - 09/09/07
Belgian Grand Prix (Spa-Francorchamps) - 16/09/07
Japanese Grand Prix (Fuji) - 30/09/07
Chinese Grand Prix (Shanghai) - 07/10/07
Brazilian Grand Prix (Sao Paulo) - 21/10/07

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Useful F1 Links

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