2008 F1 Form Guide

Contents

Strategy suggestions
2008 Drivers
2008 Teams
2008 Driver and Team RF1 performance
2008 Calendar
Useful F1 links

Strategy suggestions

There are over 7,400 possible combinations of two drivers and two cars within a budget of £77M 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.

2008 Drivers

Räikkönen
Massa
Heidfeld
Kubica
Alonso
Piquet
Rosberg
Nakajima
Coulthard
Webber
Trulli
Glock
Bourdais
Vettel
Button
Barrichello
Sato
Davidson
Sutil
Fisichella
Hamilton
Kovalainen

Guide to the 2008 drivers

Kimi Räikkönen - Ferrari

World Champion 2007. Räikkönen had a very interesting season. Early on in the year his performances were a bit erratic and he suffered reliability issues. Later on he put in some stunning drives to get himself back in contention. Going in to the final two races he was the least likely of three drivers to take the crown. Kimi had to win both races and have other results go his way. The Finn went out and won both and, with problems befalling the McLaren duo, he took a well deserved championship. He'll be the man to beat in 2008.
2007 RF1 score: 427.0 (1/22)
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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Felipe Massa - Ferrari

Massa was extremely competitive during the year but his charge seemed to fade as the season went on. Eventually Ferrari had to opt to support Räikkönen when Massa's hopes of a championship disappeared. Massa will be keen to make sure he mounts a strong challenge in 2008.
2007 RF1 score: 402.0 (3/22)
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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Nick Heidfeld - BMW Sauber

Heidfeld had a strong and consistent 2007. He put in some strong qualifying performances and managed to translate these to some good finishes: he was fourth five times, third once and second once. In 2008 he'll be hoping to go one better and get a win.
2007 RF1 score: 303.0 (6/22
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

Robert Kubica had a strong first full season in F1. He only failed to finish twice all a season although one of those DNFs was a horrifying crash at the Canadian Grand Prix in which he was thankfully unhurt. Kubica will want to build on his 2007 performance and make regular trips to the podium in 2008.
2007 RF1 score: 259.5 (8/22
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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Fernando Alonso - Renault

The two-times World Champion had a very difficult time in 2007. He was more than matched by Lewis Hamilton (his rookie team mate) and Alonso's relationship with the team and Hamilton deteriorated. He decided to move back to Renault in 2008 (the team that gave him both of his World Championships) but rumours abound that he's only signed for one year and intends to move to Ferrari in 2009. After Renault's relatively poor showing in 2007 it will be interesting to see what the ex-World Champion can bring back to the outfit.
2007 RF1 score: 404.5 (2/22)
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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Nelsinho Piquet - Renault

Nelsinho Piquet, son of three times World Champion Nelson Piquet, will race for the first time in F1 this season. Partnering Alonso at Renault will be tough but Piquet has a strong background from GP2 (where he finished runner-up to Hamilton in 2006) and has been testing for Renault in 2007.
2007 RF1 score: Did not compete.
2006 RF1 score: Did not compete.
2005 RF1 score: Did not compete.
2004 RF1 score: Did not compete.
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Nico Rosberg - Williams

Rosberg had a superb second season in F1. He became more consistent and a fair bit quicker. He also produces excellent qualifying performances and, in 2007, regularly started from a top ten grid position. With a competitive Williams in 2008 he'll be one to watch.
2007 RF1 score: 222.0 (12/22)
2006 RF1 score: 211.0 (16/22)
2005 RF1 score: Did not compete.
2004 RF1 score: Did not compete.
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Kazuki Nakajima - Williams

Kazuki Nakajima didn't have the most auspicious start to his F1 career. Given a single race at the end of the 2007 season he accidentally ran over his mechanics in the pit lane. He'll be wanting to put this behind him and after being awarded GP2 rookie of the year he'll be interesting to watch as he finds his feet in F1.
2007 RF1 score: Did not compete.
2006 RF1 score: Did not compete.
2005 RF1 score: Did not compete.
2004 RF1 score: Did not compete.
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David Coulthard - Red Bull Racing

Once again David Coulthard proved that "class is permanent". He struggled to match his team mate in qualifying but his race craft is superb. Strong race performances saw him score more points than his team mate in 2007 but poor reliability resulted in 10th in the Championship for his efforts.
2007 RF1 score: 182.0 (15/22)
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

Webber has an excellent qualifying track record eventually led to a well deserved third place at the Nurburgring in 2007. Mark will be hoping for a more reliable car in 2008 since a fragile car thwarted most of his efforts in 2007.
2007 RF1 score: 154.0 (21/22)
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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Jarno Trulli - Toyota

Trulli is a qualifying specialist but even his qualifying performances couldn't cover up for the slow Toyota in 2007. He only finished in the points four times and will be hoping to have the car to allow him to translate grid position into championship points in 2008.
2007 RF1 score: 158.5 (20/22)
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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Timo Glock - Toyota

Timo Glock will start his first full season in F1 in 2008. He was GP2 champion in 2007 and BMW-Sauber test driver so he has a strong pedigree and plenty of F1 experience from testing. It will be interesting to see if he'll out-race his more experienced team mate in 2008 - you wouldn't bet against it.
2007 RF1 score: Did not compete.
2006 RF1 score: Did not compete.
2005 RF1 score: Did not compete.
2004 RF1 score: Did not compete.
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Sebastien Bourdais - Scuderia Toro Rosso

Sebastien Bourdais may not be well known to F1 fans but he's dominated Champ Cars by winning the championship the last four years in a row. He tested for Toro Rosso in 2007 and moves in to a full time race seat in 2008. Definitely one to watch.
2007 RF1 score: Did not compete.
2006 RF1 score: Did not compete.
2005 RF1 score: Did not compete.
2004 RF1 score: Did not compete.
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Sebastian Vettel - Scuderia Toro Rosso

Sebastian Vettel became the sport's youngest points scorer when he stood in for Robert Kubica in the United States GP in 2007. He then moved in to a full race seat for Toro Rosso when Scott Speed was dropped. To finish off a very impressive year he gave Toro Rosso their best result in F1 by finishing in fourth place in China. He'll have a full season in 2008 and should do well.
2007 RF1 score: 147.5 (22/22) - inc performances by Speed
2006 RF1 score: Did not compete.
2005 RF1 score: Did not compete.
2004 RF1 score: Did not compete.
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Jenson Button - Honda

Jenson had a really difficult year in 2007. The Honda was exceptionally slow, being outclassed by last year's Honda in the hands of the Super Aguri team, but Jenson showed his true potential and made the best of a bad car. He'll be hoping to put 2007 behind him and get his hands on a quick car in 2008.
2007 RF1 score: 179.5 (17/22)
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

Rubens Barrichello had the worst season of his F1 career in 2007. He failed to score even a single championship point. However, given the terrible car he had in 2007 this does not reflect Barrichello's talents - this is a driver who was second in the championship in 2002 and 2004. Expect to see Rubens back in the points in 2008 if he gets a better car.
2007 RF1 score: 247.0 (9/22)
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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Takuma Sato - Super Aguri

Takuma Sato had a superb season in 2007. The Super Aguri proved to be exceptionally quick (it being based on the race-winning Honda from 2006) and Sato put this to good use. The most memorable moment was him passing Fernando Alonso for position in Canada to finish sixth.
2007 RF1 score: 241.0 (10/22)
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

Anthony Davidson was given his first full season in F1 in 2007 and the young Brit demonstrated how long over due this was. He was extremely consistent and, although out-performed by his more experienced team mate, showed how good a driver he is. If Super Aguri deliver a quick car in 2008 expect Ant to be challenging for the lower points paying positions.
2007 RF1 score: 172.0 (18/22)
2006 RF1 score: Did not compete.
2005 RF1 score: Did not compete.
2004 RF1 score: Did not compete.
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Adrian Sutil - Force India

2007 was Adrian Sutil's debut season and, despite an uncompetitive car, he showed a lot of skill. This eventually led to him scoring Spyker's first World Championship points in the Japanese Grand Prix. With an experienced team mate in 2008 and new owners of the team he should do well.
2007 RF1 score: 189.0 (14/22)
2006 RF1 score: Did not compete.
2005 RF1 score: Did not compete.
2004 RF1 score: Did not compete.
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Giancarlo Fisichella - Force India

Fisi had very difficult year in 2007. The Renault was out-classed by the McLarens, Ferraris and BMW-Saubers, and, after a slow start, Fisichella was out performed by his young team mate. Moving to Force India and taking the lead driver role will be a new challenge for him but it's unlikely the car will match the Renault he's used to.
2007 RF1 score: 239.5 (11/22)
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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Lewis Hamilton - McLaren

Lewis Hamilton was a revelation in 2007. It was his debut season and he was partnered with two-times World Champion, Fernando Alonso. However, Hamilton had the measure of Alonso and showed himself to be more than a match for him. This led to tensions in the team and a very difficult end to the season. Hamilton should've been World Champion but for poor strategy in China and reliability problems in Brazil. In 2008, Lewis will want to put that right.
2007 RF1 score: 392.0 (4/22)
2006 RF1 score: Did not compete.
2005 RF1 score: Did not compete.
2004 RF1 score: Did not compete.
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Heikki Kovalainen - McLaren

Heikki had a very difficult start to his F1 race career and his performance was erratic. However, towards the end of the season he became more consistent and put in some excellent performances. This led to him out scoring his more experienced team mate at Renault, a much deserved podium in Japan and an offer of a McLaren race seat in 2008.
2007 RF1 score: 306.5 (5/22)
2006 RF1 score: Did not compete.
2005 RF1 score: Did not compete.
2004 RF1 score: Did not compete.
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Team Guide

Ferrari

Ferrari won the Constructor's Championship in 2007 but only after it was turned into a one horse race when McLaren were stripped of their points. The dipped in form during the early part of the season but came good towards the end. They've been the class of the field in winter testing and will be the team to beat in 2008.
2007 RF1 score: 414.5 (1/11)
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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BMW-Sauber

BMW-Sauber produced a reliable and quick car in 2007. Their drivers were regularly on the podium throughout the season. They'll look to have a quicker car in 2008 and to challenge for wins.
2007 RF1 score: 281.25 (2/11)
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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Renault

By their standards 2007 was a bad year for Renault. The car was uncompetitive and, from early on in the season, the talk was already of their 2008 challenger. Assuming they produce the car we know they can, and with the return of Alonso, they may challenge for wins this year but podiums remain the first objective.
2007 RF1 score: 273.0 (3/11)
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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Williams

Williams produced a good car in 2007 and will look to build on this in 2008. They have a relatively inexperienced driver line-up but Rosberg showed his maturity last year and is likely to produce good results this year. Their pre-season testing form suggest perhaps even an occasional podium might be possible.
2007 RF1 score: 249.5 (4/11)
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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Red Bull Racing

The 2007 Red Bull was a very quick car but it was dogged with reliability problems all season. This thwarted the team's progress and they will be looking to build on their obvious speed but ensure reliability in 2008.
2007 RF1 score: 168.0 (9/11)
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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Toyota

Last season the big budget Toyota team failed to deliver, again. They are reported to have one of the largest budgets on the grid but their performance remains mediocre. In the hands of a qualifying specialist like Trulli the car does well on a Saturday afternoon but tends to drift back down the order on Sunday. Will this be the year they finally get it right?
2007 RF1 score: 169.25 (8/11)
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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Scuderia Toro Rosso

2007 started badly for Toro Rosso as they had 13 retirements in 20 starts. Fortunes improved towards the end of the season and, after the arrival of Sebastian Vettel, they scored the best result for the team to date. Hopefully they will carry this momentum into 2008.
2007 RF1 score: 153.75 (10/11)
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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Honda Racing

2007 was a terrible year for Honda. The car had poor reliability and aerodynamics and both drivers struggled to make any headway. The arrival of ex-Ferrari technical supremo Ross Brawn should herald a new era for Honda but don't expect Brawn to make an instant impact on results - the latter half of the 2008 season should be better.
2007 RF1 score: 213.25 (5/11)
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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Super Aguri F1

Super Aguri had some fantastic results in 2007 and they were frequently found punching above their weight. The finished only two championship points behind the works Honda outfit. However, the cash-strapped team may struggle in 2008 as they've missed out on valuable testing time.
2007 RF1 score: 206.5 (6/11)
2006 RF1 score: 167.00 (11/11)
2005 RF1 score: Did not compete.
2004 RF1 score: Did not compete.
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Force India

Force India is the new name for the Spyker team, which was the new name for the Midland team, which was the new name for the Jordan team. They have an experienced driver line-up and they will be starting the season with a development version of the 2007 Spyker. This should prove reliable but the aero updates will be the key factor in their performance.
2007 RF1 score: 195.5 (7/11) - scored as Spyker.
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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McLaren

McLaren had a very strange year in 2007. The had a superbly quick car and exceptionally talented drivers who delivered on the track. Off the track there was a rift between the drivers and the team itself was found to have benefited from leaked Ferrari data. As a result the team was docked its points and heavily fined. Will the lack of cash or the reduced pit garage size affect the team in 2008? During testing the car looked very quick and Hamilton will want to clinch the title this year so don't bet against the McLarens despite their recent troubles.
2007 RF1 score: 0.0 - all points docked by FIA.
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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2008 Calendar

Australian Grand Prix (Melbourne) - 16/03/08
Malaysian Grand Prix (Kuala Lumpur) - 23/03/08
Bahrain Grand Prix (Bahrain) - 06/04/08
Spanish Grand Prix (Catalunya) - 27/04/08
Turkish Grand Prix (Istanbul) - 11/05/08
Monaco Grand Prix (Monte Carlo) - 25/05/08
Canadian Grand Prix (Montreal) - 08/06/08
French Grand Prix (Magny-Cours) - 22/06/08
British Grand Prix (Silverstone) - 06/07/08
German Grand Prix (Hockenheim) - 20/07/08
Hungarian Grand Prix (Budapest) - 03/08/08
European Grand Prix (Valencia) - 24/08/08
Belgian Grand Prix (Spa-Francorchamps) - 07/09/08
Italian Grand Prix (Monza) - 14/09/08
Singapore Grand Prix (Singapore) - 28/09/08
Japanese Grand Prix (Fuji Speedway) - 12/10/08
Chinese Grand Prix (Shanghai) - 19/10/08
Brazilian Grand Prix (Sao Paulo) - 02/11/08

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Useful F1 Links

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