2009 F1 Form Guide

Contents

Strategy suggestions
2009 Drivers
2009 Teams
2009 Driver and Team RF1 performance
2009 Calendar
Useful F1 links

Strategy suggestions

There are over 6,100 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 (Felipe Massa 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, Timo Glock 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 Glock 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 is 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.

2009 Drivers

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

Guide to the 2009 drivers

Lewis Hamilton - McLaren

Lewis Hamilton was a revelation in 2007 and became World Champion in 2008. He had a real roller coaster of a season in 2008 and it came down to the last corner of the last lap of the last race of the season. It doesn't get more exciting than that. Lewis is a class act and you wouldn't bet against him making it back to back championships this year.
2008 RF1 score: 479.0 (2/22)
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 in 2007 and 2008 was supposed to the season that he really made his mark. He did win his first Grand Prix but lacked the pace of his team mate. He will look to put in more consistent performances in 2009.
2008 RF1 score: 386.5 (7/22)
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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Kimi Räikkönen - Ferrari

Räikkönen was World Champion in 2007 but had quite a difficult season in 2008. Most expected Kimi to dominate his team mate but he struggled for qualifying pace and this meant he started further down the grid from his rivals. With all the rule changes in 2009 and the extra testing mileage for Kimi you can expect the Finn to be back on full form this season.
2008 RF1 score: 485.0 (1/22)
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

Many people didn't think that Massa has the ability to mount a strong challenge on the World Championship in 2008. They were very much mistaken. Massa won more races than, eventual champion, Hamilton and very nearly clinched the title in front of his home crowd in Brazil. 2009 will be interesting, many expect Kimi to be back on form and the battle between the two team mates will be a fascinating.
2008 RF1 score: 447.5 (4/22)
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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Robert Kubica - BMW Sauber

Robert Kubica had a really strong start to the season; he won his first Grand Prix and also led the championship. Unfortunately BMW's decision to halt development on their car part way during the season saw the Pole's charge falter. He will be looking to challenge throughout 2009.
2008 RF1 score: 445.0 (5/22
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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Nick Heidfeld - BMW Sauber

Heidfeld struggled with qualifying pace during 2008. This often led to Heidfeld starting lower down the grid than his talent and car would suggest. Nick's tenacity during the race often saw him climb steadily through field and finish well though. With his team mate getting his maiden win in 2008 Nick will be looking to match Kubica in 2009.
2008 RF1 score: 463.0 (3/22)
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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Fernando Alonso - Renault

Two times World Champion, Fernando Alonso, is arguably the most complete driver on the grid. His race craft is second to none and this was highlighted throughout 2008 when he consistently put in fantastic drives despite his car being slower than those of the front runners. His two race victories were well deserved and he will want to be back to the 2005 and 2006 glory days in 2009.
2008 RF1 score: 429.5 (6/22)
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, raced for the first time in 2008. His performances were a little erratic but to be expected of a rookie. He will look for more consistency and pace in 2009.
2008 RF1 score: 265.0 (16/22)
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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Jarno Trulli - Toyota

Compared to 2007, Trulli's 2008 season was pretty good. Unfortunately his Toyota still struggled for pace but he did make it to the podium. It is probably a make or break year for Toyota this year so they will want to deliver a quick car and hope that Trulli can make the most of it.
2008 RF1 score: 346.0 (9/22)
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

2008 was Timo Glock's first full season in F1. He was initially inconsistent but, as the season continued, his performances got strong. He will look to carry this form through into the 2009 season.
2008 RF1 score: 346.0 (9/22)
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 Buemi - Scuderia Toro Rosso

Sebastian Buemi will be in his first season of F1 in 2009. He is another driver who has progressed through the Red Bull Junior Team and competed in both the GP2 Europe (finishing sixth) and the GP2 Asia (finishing second) in 2008. He was also test driver for Toro Rosso during the season and takes a step up to a full race seat this year.
2008 RF1 score: Did not compete.
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 has dominated Champ Cars by winning four championships in a row. He had a reasonable first season in 2008 but it was by no means up to his usual standard. He will be looking to strengthen his prospects in 2009.
2008 RF1 score: 252.0 (18/22)
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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Mark Webber - Red Bull Racing

Webber had a stronger season in 2008 than he did in 2007. However, the car still suffered some reliability issues and Mark will be hoping for better luck in 2009. Unfortunately a broken leg from a bike accident during the off-season might compromise his build up to the 2009 campaign. Given a reliable car you can expect Webber to be right up there in 2009.
2008 RF1 score: 329.5 (11/22)
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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Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull Racing

Sebastian Vettel was arguably the most talked about driver in 2008. He won his first Grand Prix in superb style at Monza and his pace often meant that the Toro Rosso finished higher up the order than the parent Red Bull team's cars. Having moved to red Bull Racing for 2009 he'll look to bring the team its first win as he did for Toro Rosso.
2008 RF1 score: 324.0 (12/22) - inc performances by Speed
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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Nico Rosberg - Williams

Rosberg had quite a quiet season in 2008. He didn't have a great car and will hope that the 2009 Williams is a very different machine. If he gets a good car then he'll definitely be in the mix.
2008 RF1 score: 354.5 (8/22)
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 had an inconsistent 2008. We saw glimpses of his speed but he was thwarted by a fairly slow car. Assuming Williams deliver a good car then he'll be a strong mid-fielder and points contender.
2008 RF1 score: 322.0 (13/22)
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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Jenson Button - Brawn GP

Jenson has had a really bad couple of years. Each year he has hoped that Honda would deliver a quick car and for the last two years they have not. With the arrival of Brawn, Button must have been really looking forward to 2009. Unfortunately the turmoil over the sale of the team has meant a lack of testing. If the car is quick then Button will be desperate to get back to the sharp end of the field.
2008 RF1 score: 267.0 (15/22)
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 - Brawn GP

Rubens Barrichello had another bad season in 2008 but, given the car he had, that was understandable. He's the most experienced driver on the grid and with a good car he can definitely deliver. Reunited with Ross Brawn for a full season he will hope to recreate the glory days at Ferrari.
2008 RF1 score: 265.0 (16/22)
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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Adrian Sutil - Force India

The 2008 Force India was unlikely to win any races but it did come very close to a podium. Unfortunately, Kimi lost control of his Ferrari and crashed in to Sutil who was running a superb third at the Monaco GP. This was cruel blow and Sutil will want to have much better luck in 2009.
2008 RF1 score: 102.0 (20/22)
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 is a seasoned campaigner and put in some very strong performances during 2008. His Force India was out-classed by the rest of the field but, come race day, Fisi would get his car up into the midfield. With a bit more luck he would have had a much better season than it appears on paper. He will be hoping for a better car in 2009 and, if he gets one, he'll make the most of it.
2008 RF1 score: 202.2 (19/22)
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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Team Guide

McLaren

McLaren wanted to put the "spygate" saga of 2007 behind them and do their talking on the track. They produced a superb car and it eventually took Hamilton to the driver's title. In 2009 they will want both drivers on form and fighting for both championships.
2008 RF1 score: 432.75 (3/11)
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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Ferrari

Ferrari won the Constructor's Championship in 2007 and 2008. They had a few reliability glitches and their controversial "traffic light" pitstop control system wasn't without its problems. Despite this the consistent performances of their drivers saw them wrap up the crown but they did miss out on the driver's championship. They will want both in 2009.
2008 RF1 score: 466.25 (1/11)
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 2008 and achieved their goal of winning a race. They stopped developing the car very early to focus on the new rules for 2009. They have always said that 2009 would be the year they started challenging for championships, many would argue that they had the potential to do this in 2008 so 2009 should be very interesting indeed.
2008 RF1 score: 454.0 (2/11)
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

2008 was a mixed year for Renault. The star returned in the shape of Fernando Alonso but their car wasn't up to their usual standards. By the end of the season they were back at the sharp-end and, in the hands of Alonso, they took two victories. Alonso won't want to start the season on the back foot again, he'll want to challenge from the outset.
2008 RF1 score: 347.25 (4/11)
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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Toyota

During 2008, Toyota were revealed to have the largest budget of any team on the grid. Unfortunately they struggled to get bang for buck and, although their 2008 season wasn't bad, they will want to be challenging for regular points and podiums in 2009. It is make or break for them.
2008 RF1 score: 346.0 (5/11)
2007 RF1 score: 169.25 (8/11)
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

2008 was a mixed season for Scuderia Toro Rosso. On the one hand they achieved their first win and out scored the parent Red Bull team. On the other hand the team was put up for sale. The team will look to have another strong season in 2009 to ensure that potential buyers take note.
2008 RF1 score: 283.0 (8/11)
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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Red Bull Racing

Once again Red Bull Racing produced a car that showed glimpses of the speed it was capable of. Unfortunately it was dogged with reliability problems all season. However, the rule changes for 2009 mean that everyone starts with a clean sheet of paper and, in those situations, Adrian Newey (chief designer at Red Bull Racing) excels. Expect a quick and beautiful car... and let's hope it is reliable.
2008 RF1 score: 304.0 (7/11)
2007 RF1 score: 169.0 (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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Williams

2008 wasn't a very good year by Williams very high standards. The car wasn't particularly good and although they have a well-respected driver in Nico Rosberg they were unable to deliver consistently strong performances. In 2009 they will want to return to the faster end of the grid.
2008 RF1 score: 338.25 (6/11)
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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Brawn GP

2008 followed on from 2007 and was another terrible year for Honda. Even the technical genius of Ross Brawn couldn't help the team and so they switched to concentrating on the 2009 car very early. However, in December, Honda announced that they would not take part in the 2009 season and put the team up for sale. After a fraught few months the team has re-emerged as Brawn GP following a management buy-out. They have had virtually no pre-season testing and, with a restriction on mid-season testing, this could hurt them. However, they have a great leader in Brawn and two excellent drivers in Button and Barrichello.
2008 RF1 score: 266.00 (9/11) - scored as Honda Racing.
2007 RF1 score: 213.25 (5/11) - scored as Honda Racing.
2006 RF1 score: 288.75 (4/11) - scored as Honda Racing.
2005 RF1 score: 193.0 (9/10) - scored as BAR.
2004 RF1 score: 332.75 (4/10) - scored as BAR.
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Force India

Force India has an experienced driver line-up and, at various points in the season, they punched above their weight. The high and low point was probably Monaco where Sutil ran a strong third until being hit from behind by Kimi. In 2009 they will be using Mercedes engines and will hope to be further up the grid.
2008 RF1 score: 152.0 (10/11)
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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2009 Calendar

Australian Grand Prix (Melbourne) - 29/03/09
Malaysian Grand Prix (Kuala Lumpur) - 05/04/09
Chinese Grand Prix (Shanghai) - 19/04/09
Bahrain Grand Prix (Sakhir) - 26/04/09
Spanish Grand Prix (Catalunya) - 10/05/09
Monaco Grand Prix (Monte Carlo) - 24/05/09
Turkish Grand Prix (Istanbul) - 07/06/09
British Grand Prix (Silverstone) - 21/06/09
German Grand Prix (Nurburgring) - 12/07/09
Hungarian Grand Prix (Budapest) - 26/07/09
European Grand Prix (Valencia) - 23/08/09
Belgian Grand Prix (Spa-Francorchamps) - 30/08/09
Italian Grand Prix (Monza) - 13/09/09
Singapore Grand Prix (Singapore) - 27/09/09
Japanese Grand Prix (Suzuka) - 04/10/09
Brazilian Grand Prix (Sao Paulo) - 18/10/09
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (Yas Marina) - 01/11/09

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Useful F1 Links

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