Monaco Goes Mad, eSports Hits the Olympics, and F1's Wild History of Testing!

Sandbagging is like hiding a turbocharger in your grocery-getter; you pretend it's slow, but secretly, you're ready to smoke the competition.

NEWS FLASH

Monaco is about to get a whole lot spicier! The FIA has just announced that all drivers will have to make at least two pit stops during the race, rain or shine. They're hoping this will shake things up and make the race more exciting, especially since overtaking is notoriously difficult on the tight Monaco circuit. It'll be interesting to see how this new rule plays out in the upcoming race!

Olympics are about to get a digital makeover! The International Olympic Committee is launching the first-ever eSports Games in Saudi Arabia in 2027, where gamers will battle it out for gold in a virtual arena. This groundbreaking event marks a major milestone for eSports, finally recognizing it as a legitimate sport alongside its traditional counterparts. We hope sim racing is on the docket!

NASCAR driver Shane van Gisbergen had a hilarious reaction to watching his first Cup Series race at Circuit of the Americas, exclaiming, "What have I got myself into?" The track is known for its tight turns and chaotic crashes, but van Gisbergen is ready to tackle the challenge, even with the new shortened layout. He's embracing the mayhem and looking forward to putting on a show for the fans!

SIM RACING SNIPPETS

• Simsonn Pro-X Pedals are definitely worth the cost, comparing to high end pedals at one third the price. We unboxed them here a while ago now and since then a number of people have bought them and can’t stop talking about how great they are for the price.

• The GR Cup eSports League, managed by SRO America, will feature 40 sim racers competing in GR86 Cup Cars across seven US tracks for over $10,000 in prizes, with qualifying from February 24th to March 3rd on iRacing at Sonoma and VIR. You still have one day left to put some times down!

• The IMSA x Grid Finder Time Attack Challenge is ending tomorrow and offers participants in the iRacing competition a chance to win prizes, including a VIP IMSA experience and merchandise. Keep your eyes peeled for these events, they happen often!

MOTORSPORTS REPORT

• The Indycar season is about to start, and everyone's wondering who will come out on top. Alex Palou, the reigning champ, is in the lead, but there are plenty of drivers ready to take his crown.

• Accurate Opinion? The results from F1 testing are in and The Race breaks down the order from what they observed trackside in Bahrain. They’ve always had calculated, unbiased opinions. Take a look at how they rank the teams from last to first here!

• NASCAR fans were left seeing double after a last-lap caution flag at Atlanta Motor Speedway handing Christopher Bell the win, making some wonder if NASCAR was using a Magic 8-Ball to make decisions. But don't worry, NASCAR has finally put on their grown-up pants and explained the reasoning behind these seemingly inconsistent calls.

THE SPOTLIGHT

F1 Testing: A History Lesson

Last week, the Bahrain International Circuit transformed into a Formula One playground, with the desert air filled with the sound of engines roaring as teams unleashed their 2025 contenders for pre-season testing. It was a whirlwind of speed, sand, and the occasional mechanical meltdown, all in the name of shaving those precious milliseconds off lap times.

But this high-octane spectacle wasn't just about raw speed; it was a living testament to the evolution of F1 testing. Back in the day, testing was a far cry from the sophisticated affair we witnessed in Bahrain. Think back to the 1950s, when legendary teams like Ferrari and Maserati would sneak off to Monza or Monaco for some top-secret testing. These early tests were more about survival than speed, with drivers often doubling as mechanics, patching up their cars with whatever they could find.

So why the obsession with testing? Well, imagine trying to build a rocket on wheels with nothing but a napkin sketch and a prayer. That's essentially what early F1 teams were up against. Testing allowed them to gather crucial data on everything from engine performance to tire wear, turning those rickety contraptions into finely-tuned racing machines.

Of course, testing wouldn't be testing without a few bumps in the road (or sand dunes, as the case may be). In the past we’ve seen cars pirouette off track, engines erupt in flames, and drivers emerge from gravel traps looking like they'd just battled a sandstorm. It’s just a reminder that pushing the limits of speed often means pushing the limits of sanity.

In Bahrain, teams wrestle with new regulations, and experimental designs. There are spins, near misses, and enough head-scratching from engineers to cause a global hair loss epidemic. But through it all, there is a sense of progress, a glimpse into the future of what makes F1 so special.

Key Points About the History of F1 Testing:

• Early Days: Testing was rudimentary, with drivers often acting as mechanics and using basic tools.

• Evolution: Over time, testing became more sophisticated, with teams using data and technology to improve their cars.

• Importance: Testing is crucial for gathering data, identifying issues, and improving performance.

• Challenges: Testing can be unpredictable, with unexpected problems and setbacks.

So, as we look back on saga of F1 testing, let's remember this: every lap time, every mechanical mishap, and every expletive-laden radio message was a part of a grand tradition. It's a tradition that has shaped Formula One into the thrilling spectacle it is today, and one that promises even more excitement in the races to come.

Who do you think will start the season strong in 2025? Email us, or tag us on Twitter(X).

MEMBER FEATURE

Alex Ellis: Back in the Driver's Seat and Ready to Win

Let's take a peek at who's behind the doors of the Sim Racing Nation community as we do our first member spotlight.

Have you heard of Alex Ellis? He's the guy who traded hockey skates for racing tires and made a name for himself on the international motorsports scene and after a 14-year hiatus, he's back behind the wheel and ready to take on the Pirelli GT4 America racing series in 2025!  

Ellis's career is a highlight reel of accomplishments. He was a BMW F1 Junior, a Jim Russell Future Driver Scholarship Winner, and even snagged a Series Champion title. But life took a detour, and he stepped away from the track to focus on coaching and engineering. Now, he's feeling the need for speed once again, and we couldn't be more thrilled!  

This time, he's teaming up with VPX Motorsport, a group as passionate about winning as he is. They're setting their sights high, aiming to conquer the SRO Pirelli GT4 America Championship. With Ellis's talent and VPX's support, they're a force to be reckoned with.  

But what does Ellis do when he's not burning rubber on the track? You might find him sim racing, coaching other drivers, or hitting the slopes for some skiing or snowboarding. And let's not forget his family – his wife and two young boys are his biggest cheerleaders.

Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled season! Alex Ellis is back, and he's not just here to compete – he's here to win. Stay tuned for updates on his journey. We're sure it's going to be one heck of a ride! You can also find him in and around our discord channel.

AROUND THE WEB

During this week: March 1st, 2020 at the Auto Club 400, Ryan Blaney and William Byron drove the NASCAR Cup Series race with cars dedicated to Kobe and Gianna Bryant.

That’s neat: In his podcast debut, Otmar Szafnauer discusses how team principals integrate new drivers, using Hamilton's Ferrari move and Antonelli's Mercedes entry as examples, while sharing his own strategies and analyzing future driver pairings.

Wow: The FIA is seriously considering a return to V10 engines running on fully sustainable fuel for Formula 1.

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