FFFFF 11 222 000 000 222 F 1 1 2 2 0 0 0 0 2 2 FFFF 1 22 0 0 0 0 22 F 1 2 0 0 0 0 2 F 11111 22222 000 000 22222 DDDD RRRR IIIII V V NN N GGGGG D D R R I V V N N N G D D RRRRR I V V N N N G GG D D R R I V V N N N G G DDDD R R IIIII V N NN GGGGG GGGGG U U IIIII DDDD EEEEE G U U I D D E G GG U U I D D EEEE G G U U I D D E GGGGG UUUUU IIIII DDDD EEEEE F1 2002 DRIVING GUIDE by Jamie Stafford/Wolf Feather FEATHER7@IX.NETCOM.COM Initial Version Completed: July 24, 2002 Version 3.0 Completed: September 17, 2002 ============================================== ============================================== ============================================== ACCOLADE: The F1 2002 Driving Guide won the initial FAQ of the Month contest at GameFAQs (http://www.GameFAQs.com/) for the month of July 2002 :-) GUIDE NOTE: Those interested primarily in car set-ups may instead wish to view/print the F1 2002 Car Set-ups Guide. As changes are made to car set-ups in the Car Set-ups Guide, the changes will also be made in this (full) guide accordingly. The same holds true for the circuit histories, which are available separately in the F1 2002: Circuit Histories Guide. JOIN THE FEATHERGUIDES E-MAIL LIST: To be the first to know when my new and updated guides are released, join the FeatherGuides E-mail List. Go to http://www.coollist.com/group.cgi?l=featherguides for information about the list and to subscribe for free. ============================================== ============================================== ============================================== CONTENTS Spacing and Length Permissions Introduction Assumptions and Conventions Race Order: 2002 Season Changes From F1 2001 To F1 2002 Normal Handling vs. Simulation Handling Quick Race Mode Challenge Mode Team Duel Mode Grand Prix Modes EA Sports Cards EA Sports Cards Acquisition Suggestions Tire Care Drafting (Slipstreaming) Flags and Boards General Tips F1-speak A Major Problem: FIA Rules Completely Subjective Section Advertisers A1 (A1-Ring) ABN-AMRO Agip Air Canada Allianz Alpine AMP Aral ARCOR Banco Real Bridgestone Canon Casino (de Montreal) Casio Chevrolet D2/Mannesmann Daimler-Chrysler Deutsche Post/Deutsche Post World Net EuroBusiness Evenrudee Firestone France Fuji Television/Fuji TV FujiFilm GPF1 Honda HSBC Ipiranga Jaguar Kaimin Magneti Marelli Malaysia Melbourne MillionCard Mobil 1 Monaco Grand Prix Monaco Monte Carlo Grand Hotel NGK Nicos Nikon Nokia Orange Panasonic Pastor Petronas PIAA Pioneer Pony Canyon Potenza Qantas Sao Paulo SAP Shell/Helix Siemens Spa-Francorchamps Toenec United States Grand Prix Vodafone Zepeter International Circuit Histories Circuit History: Albert Park Circuit History: Kuala Lampur Circuit History: Interlagos Circuit History: Imola Circuit History: Catalunya Circuit History: A1-Ring Circuit History: Monte Carlo Circuit History: Circuit Gilles Villeneuve Circuit History: Nurburgring Circuit History: Silverstone Circuit History: Nevers Magny-Cours Circuit History: Hockenheim Circuit History: Hungaroring Circuit History: Spa-Francorchamps Circuit History: Monza Circuit History: Indianapolis Circuit History: Suzuka Parts Used in Car Set-ups Suggested Set-ups Suggested set-up for Australia (Albert Park) Suggested set-up for Malaysia (Sepang) Suggested set-up for Brazil (Interlagos) Suggested set-up for San Marino (Imola) Suggested set-up for Spain (Catalunya) Suggested set-up for Austria (A1-Ring) Suggested set-up for Monaco (Monaco) Suggested set-up for Canada (Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve) Suggested set-up for Europe (Nurburgring) Suggested set-up for Great Britain (Silverstone) Suggested set-up for France (Nevers Magny-Cours) Suggested set-up for Germany (Hockenheim) Suggested set-up for Hungary (Hungaroring) Suggested set-up for Belgium (Spa-Francorchamps) Suggested set-up for Italy (Monza) Suggested set-up for the United States (Indianapolis) Suggested set-up for Japan (Suzuka) Grand Prix Of Australia: Albert Park Grand Prix Of Malaysia: Kuala Lampur Grand Prix Of Brazil: Interlagos Grand Prix Of San Marino: Imola Grand Prix Of Spain: Catalunya Grand Prix Of Austria: A1-Ring Grand Prix Of Monaco: Monte Carlo (Temporary Street Circuit) Grand Prix Of Canada: Circuit Gilles Villeneuve Grand Prix Of Europe: Nurburgring Grand Prix Of Great Britain: Silverstone Grand Prix Of France: Nevers Magny-Cours Grand Prix Of Germany: Hockenheim Grand Prix Of Hungary: Hungaroring Grand Prix Of Belgium: Spa-Francorchamps Grand Prix Of Italy: Monza Grand Prix Of The United States: Indianapolis Grand Prix Of Japan: Suzuka Wish List - Mine Wish List - Others Wrap-up Contact Information ============================================== ============================================== ============================================== SPACING AND LENGTH For optimum readability, this driving guide should be viewed/printed using a monowidth font, such as Courier. Check for font setting by making sure the numbers and letters below line up: 1234567890123456789012345678901234567890123456789012 ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz This guide is now approximately *****155 pages long**** in the Macintosh version of Microsoft Word 98 using single- spaced Courier 12 font. This means that it is likely NOT a good idea to print this guide in its entirety. ============================================== PERMISSIONS Permission is hereby granted for a user to download and/or print out a copy of this driving guide for personal use. However, due to the extreme length, printing this driving guide may not be such a good idea. This driving guide may only be posted on: FeatherGuides, GameFAQs.com, f1gamers.com, Games Domain, PSXCodez.com, Cheatcc.com, gamesover.com, Absolute-PlayStation.com, RedCoupe, InsidePS2Games.com, CheatPlanet.com, The Cheat Empire, a2zweblinks.com, Gameguru, cheatingplanet.com, RobsGaming.com, neoseeker.com, ps2fantasy.com, and vgstrategies.com. Please contact me for permission to post elsewhere on the Internet. Should anyone wish to translate this game guide into other languages, please contact me for permission(s) and provide me with a copy when complete. Remember: Plagiarism in ANY form is NOT tolerated!!!!! ============================================== ============================================== ============================================== INTRODUCTION F1 2002 is the latest entry in EA Sports' line of F1-based games for (originally) the PlayStation and (now) the PlayStation2. F1 Championship Season 2000, the game immediately preceding F1 2001, marked EA Sports' first foray of the series to the PS2, but F1CS2K was actually released in two 'flavors:' PSX and PS2. F1 2001 was thus the first PS2- only game of the series, and F1 2002 continues EA Sports' great tradition with its F1 games. Most likely, if you play F1 2002, then you are at least a casual fan of F1 racing, and have at least a basic knowledge of many or all of the F1 courses currently in use. That knowledge certainly does help when first playing F1 2002, and vice versa - as any extensive gameplay greatly helps in determining where the drivers are on each course when races are televised. The final segment of this driving guide provides information to help you to cleanly drive each course. Even those who know the courses fairly well and/or play the game regularly can always use tips. Please note that much of this information comes from the driving guide I wrote for F1 Championship Season 2000 and updated in the guide written for F1 2001, both games also by EA Sports. Those who have read and/or downloaded the driving guide for F1CS2K and/or F1 2001 will already have the same basic information covered in this driving guide. This driving guide has been modified and expanded to reflect the many additions in F1 2002, including the minor circuit alterations included in the game. Please also note that this guide is written specifically for the PlayStation2 version of F1 2002. I do not own a PC and do not have access to a PC on which to play games, nor do I own any other gaming consoles, so this guide does not address any of the cross-platform or cross-console differences in the game. ============================================== ASSUMPTIONS AND CONVENTIONS Most race circuits outside the United States name most corners and chicanes, and even some straightaways. Where these names are known, they will be referenced in the Notes section of each circuit's suggested set-up. These names have been gathered from course maps available on the courses' official Web sites, my memory of how F1 races have been called by American TV sportscasters (Fox Sports Net and SpeedVision, in 1999 2001, and Speed Channel in 2002), and/or from the Training Mode of F1 Championship Season 2000 (corner/segment names are listed at the bottom of the screen). To the extent possible, these names have been translated into English. ============================================== RACE ORDER: 2002 SEASON F1 2002 presents the courses in the order in which they were presented for the 2002 Formula 1 season. This driving guide will follow the same convention. F1 Race Schedule, 2002 Season: March 3 Australia Albert Park March 17 Malaysia Kuala Lampur March 31 Brazil Interlagos April 14 San Marino Imola April 28 Spain Catalunya May 12 Austria A1-Ring May 26 Monaco Unnamed (Street Circuit) June 9 Canada Circuit Gilles Villeneuve June 23 Europe Nurburgring July 7 Great Britain Silverstone July 21 France Nevers Magny-Cours July 28 Germany Hockenheim August 18 Hungary Hungaroring September 1 Belgium Spa-Francorchamps September 15 Italy Monza September 29 USA Indianapolis October 13 Japan Suzuka ============================================== ============================================== ============================================== CHANGES FROM F1 2001 TO F1 2002 In many ways F1 2001 and F1 2002 are the same game, simply updated. Colors and reflections are much more vibrant, it is MUCH easier to see the flags waved by the corner workers - and certainly, the teams and drivers have been updated for the 2002 season. Each team's cars also sounds and handles slightly differently from other teams' cars; for example, in Normal Handling, a Toyota's top speed is about 170MPH, whereas a Ferrari can climb to nearly 185MPH. This is initially quite noticeable when completing Challenge Mode. However, whether using Normal Handling or Simulation Handling, car control seems a bit twitchier than in F1 2001. In terms of the race circuits, they are largely the same, with appreciable enhancement in colors. However, the Monaco circuit seems to have been narrowed from the entrance to The Tunnel all the way to the entrance to Swimming Pool Chicane. In terms of gameplay, the AI has become even MORE aggressive than in F1 2001. This is especially significant on the standing starts, where it is fairly common to get speared from behind and knocked off the circuit. 'Gamebreakers' have been added to F1 2002. Whenever a major event takes place during a race (i.e., a massive crash), all action will suddenly stop as multiple cameras show the incident at regular speed and in slow-motion. Gamebreakers is an optional feature. A nice addition is the slipstream effect. On the right side of the race screen, a set of bars will slowly light up as a driver gets closer and closer behind another car, thus able to take advantage of the lead car's slipstream (aerodynamic vacuum) to suddenly jump out and make a pass. When racing in very wet weather when cars are launching a tall 'rooster tail' of spray in their wake, the slipstream meter can be used to approximate the distance to the car in front as well as the closing speed. EA Sports Cards are new to F1 2002. The EA Sports Cards for the Challenge Mode events are rather easy to obtain, as are those for Team Duel Mode; the others are gained seemingly 'at random' as certain tasks are completed in races. At the end of each race, a status screen will list the EA Sports Cards earned in the race (if applicable); during the race, if TV Panels is activated, then an indicator at the bottom of the screen will show that an EA Sports Card has been awarded (this notice will be repeated at the end of the race). See the EA Sports Cards section for more details. ============================================== NORMAL HANDLING VS. SIMULATION HANDLING Most game modes of F1 2002 allow the player to select which handling option is preferred. Normal Handling is essentially arcade-style driving. Here, the only 'tuning' option is whether to use hard or soft tires as the dry-weather tire compound (the compound option is only available in one of the Grand Prix Modes offering a Practice session). There are extremely few variables affecting car control in Normal Handling, which makes this driving option quite forgiving should the player make a mistake. For example, braking late for a corner does not necessarily mean that the car will slide off the outside of the turn; in fact, it is often possible to keep to the pavement in this situation and continue cornering. In another example, should the car get speared from behind and start to spin, it is TOO easy to 'catch' the vehicle and point the car back in the correct direction of travel. Simulation Handling introduces MANY more variables in the issue of car control, as well as many more tuning options. The Suggested Set-ups section is designed with Simulation Handling in mind; it covers the various tuning elements and presents car set-ups for all seventeen circuits in current F1 racing as presented in F1 2002. Whereas Normal Handling might be good for young adolescents and those just learning to drive in reality, Simulation Handling is best left to the parents and those with A LOT of gaming experience, as Simulation Handling is a MUCH more difficult level in terms of car control. Here, tuning is key, as improper tuning means horrific car control; since there is no such thing as a perfectly-tuned car (especially with so many tuning elements involved), there will always be a compromise somewhere in car control. ============================================== QUICK RACE MODE Here, players can simply jump into a car in P22 and get out on the tracks in four-lap races using Normal Handling. Initially, only Hockenheim, Monza, and Silverstone are available for race venues. Winning at these venues opens new venues. Here is the list, with easiest circuits listed first and most difficult circuits listed last: Hockenheim Initially available Monza Initially available Silverstone Initially available Imola Win at Monza Melbourne (Albert Park) Win at Monza A1-Ring Win at Monza Barcelona (Catalunya) Win at Monza Indianapolis Win at Hockenheim Nurburgring Win at Hockenheim Magny-Cours Win at Silverstone Montreal (Gilles-Villeneuve) Win at Imola Sepang (Kuala Lampur) Win at Imola Hungaroring Win at Melbourne Interlagos Win at A1-Ring Spa-Francorchamps Win at Barcelona Suzuka Win at Indianapolis Monaco Win at Nurburgring Expect weather conditions to change at least once during a race in Quick Race Mode. If a race begins in the dry, expect rain by the end of Lap 3. If a race begins in the wet, expect the rain to end by the end of Lap 3 (but the road will still be a little damp at the end of the race). There are no FIA Rules in effect for Quick Race Mode; this means that shortcutting, dangerous driving, ignoring yellow flags, and other unsportsmanlike/unsafe conduct IS permitted. Also, the driver is protected from incurring damage and does not suffer mechanical failures... unlike some of the competitors. Quick Race Mode is VERY forgiving in terms of the technique of racing. Missing a braking zone is not necessarily disastrous here, even with Speed Assist deactivated. Catching a spinning car is fairly easy, even at over 150MPH. Botching an apex can still result in good cornering, even passing while cornering. ============================================== CHALLENGE MODE Challenge Mode presents 22 challenges total, 11 basic challenges and 11 advanced challenges; within each category, the challenges are listed by team, where the player takes the role of a given driver for that team and must complete the task at hand. Before each challenge, the player is presented with a screen detailing exactly what is about to happen, and what is required for success. This ranges from simply maintaining position to passing an inordinate number of cars in VERY little time to an interactive Pit Stop. Note that each team's challenges are often similar between the basic challenge and the advanced challenge, but this is not always the case. Also, it only takes one pixel for a car to be considered out of bounds, so high-speed car control is crucial to success in many of the advanced challenges. ============================================== TEAM DUEL MODE This unique race mode works on the concept of intra-team rivalry: Each driver wants to prove that he is better than his teammate. In Team Duel Mode, all that matters is that the player finish better than his teammate in a race of four or eight laps total, with the player starting at P22. Note that Team Duel Mode is essentially one of the Grand Prix Modes (see next section), with the exception that a race win is not necessary. As long as the player can beat his teammate, that will suffice. Team Duel Mode also awards EA Sports Cards. One EA Sports Card is granted per Team Duel Mode win per team per difficulty level. ============================================== GRAND PRIX MODES Here is where an F1 driver earns his money!!! These modes present one or more full race weekends - Practice, Qualifying, Warm-up, and Race - using either Normal Handling (easiest) or Simulation Handling (hardest). Grand Prix events are quite customizable: race length, transmission, FIA Rules, slipstream effects, etc. Single Grand Prix is a single race weekend, using any driver at any venue. Full Championship covers the entire 2002 season in order using any driver. Custom Championship allows the player to create an original championship season using any number of races and any order of venues with any driver; the possibilities are endless: all-technical circuits (Monaco, Suzuka, etc.), all high-speed circuits (Monza, Hockenheim, etc.), the reverse of the actual 2002 season (Suzuka, Indianapolis, etc.)... For the various Grand Prix Modes, points are distributed in accordance with FIA regulations: First Place: 10 points Second Place: 6 points Third Place: 4 points Fourth Place: 3 points Fifth Place: 2 points Sixth Place: 1 point Others: 0 points These points are given to both the cars' drivers AND the cars' teams (constructors) for the Drivers Championship and Constructors Championship; in effect, the points do 'double duty.' Those concerned about winning both championships should elect to play as a driver from a team with a strong track record (pardon the pun) for winning: McLaren, Ferrari, etc. Grand Prix Modes include the following sessions: Practice: The first step in a race weekend is to prepare the car as best as possible for the weekend's race. There is no such thing as a 'universal car set-up,' as each venue requires different things from each car. A total of sixty minutes is allowed for Practice; a car may complete any lap already in progress when the sixty-minute timer expires. Practice is generally held on Friday of a race weekend. If FIA Rules is activated, there are no penalties assessed for any infractions. It is important to wisely choose a tire compound before the end of Practice; whatever compound is on the car at the end of Practice is the same tire compound which MUST be used throughout the rest of the grand prix weekend. Qualify: The day before a race, all twenty-two cars have a total of one hour to qualify for the race and try to begin the race as high up on the grid as possible. Each driver is permitted a total of twelve laps - INCLUDING out-laps and in-laps - to qualify for the race, and only the fastest lap time is used to place the driver on the grid. If FIA Rules is activated, infractions will result in the loss of the current lap in progress. Warm-up: The morning of the race, cars are given one hour in which to further hone car set-up for the race. This can be very important, as the best qualifying set-up may not necessarily be the best race set-up for a particular circuit. Race: This is the big event!!! Once the lights go out, hit the accelerator and try to gain multiple positions by reacting faster than any cars before you. If you decided to skip the Qualify session, you will automatically be placed in the very last position on the grid (P22) for the Race session. The slowest cars are obviously placed at the rear of the starting grid, so if a player has an excellent reaction time on the standing start, up to half the field (and possibly even more!!!!!) can be passed before reaching the first corner of the circuit. ============================================== EA SPORTS CARDS F1 2002 presents EA Sports Cards, awarded for completing specific events in the game, or for achieving certain feats during races. The following is a list of the EA Sports Cards available per team, and the requirements for earning each of these cards: Toyota (Gold) Duration: Complete an eight-lap race Racing: Gain a place Milestone: Score ten Top Six finishes Team Duel: Win Team Duel for the team Basic Challenge: Complete Basic Challenge for the team Advanced Challenge: Complete Advanced Challenge for the team Toyota (Silver) Toyota (Bronze) Duration Duration Racing Racing Milestone Milestone Team Duel Team Duel Basic Challenge Basic Challenge Advanced Challenge Advanced Challenge Minardi Duration: Complete a sixteen-lap race Racing: Overtake a teammate Milestone: Ten podium finishes Team Duel: Win Team Duel for the team Basic Challenge: Complete Basic Challenge for the team Advanced Challenge: Complete Advanced Challenge for the team Minardi (Silver) Minardi (Bronze) Duration Duration Racing Racing Milestone Milestone Team Duel Team Duel Basic Challenge Basic Challenge Advanced Challenge Advanced Challenge Arrows Duration: Complete a race of at least half the full race distance (i.e., a race of at least 39 laps at Monaco, which has a full race distance of 78 laps) Racing: Finish in a higher position than where started the race Milestone: Start P1 twenty times Team Duel: Win Team Duel for the team Basic Challenge: Complete Basic Challenge for the team Advanced Challenge: Complete Advanced Challenge for the team Arrows (Silver) Arrows (Bronze) Duration Duration Racing Racing Milestone Milestone Team Duel Team Duel Basic Challenge Basic Challenge Advanced Challenge Advanced Challenge Renault Duration: Complete five 16-lap races Racing: Take first place Milestone: Win 20 races Team Duel: Win Team Duel for the team Basic Challenge: Complete Basic Challenge for the team Advanced Challenge: Complete Advanced Challenge for the team Renault (Silver) Renault (Bronze) Duration Duration Racing Racing Milestone Milestone Team Duel Team Duel Basic Challenge Basic Challenge Advanced Challenge Advanced Challenge Jaguar Duration: Complete five races of at least half full race distance (i.e., a race of at least 39 laps at Monaco, which has a full race distance of 78 laps) Racing: Once at P1, keep from being overtaken for at least one full lap* Milestone: Score the fastest race lap twenty times Team Duel: Win Team Duel for the team Basic Challenge: Complete Basic Challenge for the team Advanced Challenge: Complete Advanced Challenge for the team Jaguar (Silver) Jaguar (Bronze) Duration Duration Racing Racing Milestone Milestone Team Duel Team Duel Basic Challenge Basic Challenge Advanced Challenge Advanced Challenge BAR Duration: Complete five full-lap races Racing: Never leave the track for a single lap Milestone: Earn 100 points Team Duel: Win Team Duel for the team Basic Challenge: Complete Basic Challenge for the team Advanced Challenge: Complete Advanced Challenge for the team BAR (Silver) BAR (Bronze) Duration Duration Racing Racing Milestone Milestone Team Duel Team Duel Basic Challenge Basic Challenge Advanced Challenge Advanced Challenge Jordan Duration: Complete nine 16-lap races Racing: Start a race P22 and finish P1 Milestone: Win a season Team Duel: Win Team Duel for the team Basic Challenge: Complete Basic Challenge for the team Advanced Challenge: Complete Advanced Challenge for the team Jordan (Silver) Jordan (Bronze) Duration Duration Racing Racing Milestone Milestone Team Duel Team Duel Basic Challenge Basic Challenge Advanced Challenge Advanced Challenge Sauber Duration: Complete nine races of at least half full race distance (i.e., a race of at least 39 laps at Monaco, which has a full race distance of 78 laps) Racing: Set a fastest lap for a race Milestone: Earn 150 points Team Duel: Win Team Duel for the team Basic Challenge: Complete Basic Challenge for the team Advanced Challenge: Complete Advanced Challenge for the team Sauber (Silver) Sauber (Bronze) Duration Duration Racing Racing Milestone Milestone Team Duel Team Duel Basic Challenge Basic Challenge Advanced Challenge Advanced Challenge Williams Duration: Complete nine full-lap races Racing: Win two races in a row Milestone: Win two seasons Team Duel: Win Team Duel for the team Basic Challenge: Complete Basic Challenge for the team Advanced Challenge: Complete Advanced Challenge for the team Williams (Silver) Williams (Bronze) Duration Duration Racing Racing Milestone Milestone Team Duel Team Duel Basic Challenge Basic Challenge Advanced Challenge Advanced Challenge McLaren Duration: Complete 17 races of at least half full race distance (i.e., a race of at least 39 laps at Monaco, which has a full race distance of 78 laps) Racing: Lap a backmarker Milestone: Earn 200 points Team Duel: Win Team Duel for the team Basic Challenge: Complete Basic Challenge for the team Advanced Challenge: Complete Advanced Challenge for the team McLaren (Silver) McLaren (Bronze) Duration Duration Racing Racing Milestone Milestone Team Duel Team Duel Basic Challenge Basic Challenge Advanced Challenge Advanced Challenge Ferrari Duration: Complete 17 full-lap races Racing: Lead race from start to finish* Milestone: Earn maximum points in a season Team Duel: Win Team Duel for the team Basic Challenge: Complete Basic Challenge for the team Advanced Challenge: Complete Advanced Challenge for the team Ferrari (Silver) Ferrari (Bronze) Duration Duration Racing Racing Milestone Milestone Team Duel Team Duel Basic Challenge Basic Challenge Advanced Challenge Advanced Challenge *If another driver can put the nose of his car just one pixel ahead of yours for just one millisecond, your chances of attaining this EA Sports Card at the current race are destroyed. This checklist can be used for strategy purposes. By studying this checklist carefully, players can determine the best approach for the game to gain as many of the EA Sports Cards as possible in the shortest possible time. ============================================== EA SPORTS CARDS ACQUISITION SUGGESTIONS Here are some suggestions for acquiring the medals as quickly as possible. However, A LOT of time will still be spent trying to collect each of the EA Sports Cards. General F1 2002 permits players to effectively 'skip' medals. There is no reason to first earn a team's Bronze Medal before working on its Silver Medal. Instead, players can immediately work toward earning a team's Gold Medal. Earning a higher medal will still grant access to those features unlocked with the acquisition of a lower medal. F1 2002 also permits players to acquire more than one EA Sports Card (per team) per event. 'Event' is specifically used here, as even when working on Challenges or Team Duel, other EA Sports Cards (such as a team's Racing Card) can also be earned. Not surprisingly, the EA Sports Cards requirements for the 'lesser' teams (Toyota, Minardi, etc.) are far easier than those for the 'greater' teams (i.e., Williams, McLaren, and Ferrari). Acquiring the various EA Sports Cards can be made a little easier by using Normal Handling with Tire Wear, Fuel, and FIA Rules deactivated, and with only dry Weather. Also, using shortcuts where available can be very handy, especially for those cards where one must gain first place and keep from being passed for a specific period of time. (For information on shortcuts, see my F1 2002: Illegal Times Guide. I find that Monza is the best circuit to use when shortcutting could be an integral part of attaining one or more EA Sports Cards.) Toyota The Racing Card can be easily acquired in the hunt for any of the other Toyota cards. Ten finishes in the points are required to gain Toyota's Milestone Card. One of these can be earned simultaneously by scoring in the points in an eight-lap race, which itself will grant the Duration Card. Minardi The Racing Card requires overtaking a teammate, which is the entire point of Team Duel. Thus, winning Team Duel will also grant the Racing Card. Arrows Somewhat similar to Minardi, the Arrows Racing Card requires finishing in a position higher than where one began an event. Therefore, since Team Duel always begins with the player at P22, successfully passing Team Duel will grant two cards at once: the Team Duel Card and the Racing Card. Renault The requirement for Renault's Milestone Card (winning twenty races) inherently means taking first place, which is the requirement for the Racing Card. Since the Duration Card requires completing five sixteen-lap races, winning a single sixteen-lap race will grant the Racing Card. Successfully earning the Duration Card with ONLY RACE VICTORIES means that five of the required twenty wins for the Milestone Card will have been successfully attained. Jaguar The Jaguar Milestone Card requires scoring twenty Fastest Laps. This is NOT 'Fastest Lap at twenty races,' which is the misinterpretation I included in earlier versions of this guide. This means that if a player elects to compete in a race of at least twenty laps, the Milestone Card could easily be attained at just that one race. However, such a tactic could almost certainly never be realized, as a player will occasionally be slowed by traffic, make a mistake and run off-course, etc. On the other hand, a good driver can easily set the required twenty fastest laps within five races of at least half the full race distance, which is the requirement for attaining the Duration Card. BAR The BAR Milestone Card requires earning 100 points. Fortunately, this is cumulative across the entire game, so simply playing as usual in virtually any race or event and placing consistently within the Top Six will amass points which will automatically be put toward the acquisition of this card. The Racing Card requires never leaving the track for a single lap. Since the Duration Card requires completing five full-lap races, even a novice player should be able to keep to the track for one full lap in a full-distance race and not lose so much time that the player cannot perform well in the race. I personally tried attaining the Racing Card while working on the BAR Team Duel (held at A1-Ring), and it was a major handful trying to keep to the track for an entire lap AND maintain position. The BAR Milestone Card is earned by accumulating 100 points. This can be earned quickly by competing in and winning ten four-lap races. Jordan Jordan's Racing Card is earned by starting last and finishing first. Depending on a player's skill, this can be easily done while working toward the Duration Card, which requires the completion of nine sixteen-lap races. For the Milestone Card, a season can use races as short as four laps each. Sauber The Racing Card is earned by setting the Fastest Lap for a race. The best way to do this is to choose a four-lap race, and start P22. Those with excellent skills combined with prime shortcut knowledge (and FIA Rules turned off) can quickly catapult themselves from P22 to P1 in just one lap, inherently resulting in a Fastest Lap (since F1 2002 awards Fastest Lap beginning with Lap 1 - this is a programming error which can be greatly exploited!!!). From here, a player must simply stay in front; if challenged seriously, dirty tactics such as banging wheels or cutting off the challenger should preserve the Fastest Lap set on Lap 1, unless the player can better that lap time in the three laps which remain. Note: Team Duel is a great place to attain the Racing Card, although it will be eight laps in length. As with BAR, the Milestone Card is based upon points, which are gained cumulatively across most racing events. Consistent performance in the Top Six will result in points being automatically used toward the acquisition of the Sauber Milestone Card. Williams The Williams Basic and Advances Challenge Cards take place at Monza, finishing just beyond the exit of Ascari (the left-right-left chicane leading onto the back straightaway). The key to a Gold Medal time here is to take Ascari at full acceleration, which requires intimate familiarity with this portion of the Monza circuit as well as fast reflexes. This is actually an important skill to have at Monza, as the traditional top-running drivers (both Schumachers, Barrichello, Montoya, Raikkonen, and Coultard) are all able to fly through Ascari at top speed, so a player able to do the same can maintain position in relation to these CPU-controlled drivers. Winning two seasons is required to earn the Milestone Card. It is certainly possible within a season to win two races in a row, which just happens to be the requirement for the Racing Card. For the Milestone Card, a season can use races as short as four laps each. McLaren McLaren's Racing Card requires lapping a backmarker. This can easily be accomplished in one of the seventeen half-distance races required for the Duration Card. Depending on the CPU, this may also occur in Team Duel or even in a standard four-lap race is Failures is activated, as cars may have trouble and go to Pit Lane for repairs - thus giving the player a chance to lap the backmarker(s). As with BAR, the Milestone Card is based upon points, which are gained cumulatively across most racing events. Consistent performance in the Top Six will result in points being automatically used toward the acquisition of the McLaren Milestone Card. Ferrari Ferrari's Racing Card requires starting AND finishing a race P1 WITHOUT EVER BEING PASSED. This effectively means no Pit Stops without having a large enough lead to maintain P1 (a lead of at least thirty seconds should be adequate for this purpose). This also places prime importance upon gear ratios and circuit selection - if a player wishes to attain the Racing Card at a circuit which requires long gear ratios (such as Hockenheim), the player will likely fail at the standing start due to long ratios' inherent slow acceleration. A circuit with good shortcutting opportunities, such as Albert Park or Monza, can work to the player's advantage. The Milestone Card requires earning maximum points in a season - in other words, the player must win EVERY race in the season. This will be extremely difficult at circuits where passing is fairly rare, such as Monaco and Hungaroring, unless the player can qualify P1 and never be passed during the race. It may also be a good idea to disengage Autosave, so that if a player does not win a race within a season, progress can be reloaded and the loss wiped clean, allowing the player to make another attempt; of course, the player should save game progress after each win!!!!! ============================================== ============================================== ============================================== TIRE CARE At the beginning of a race and immediately after a Pit Stop, the tires are brand new ('stickers') and need to be brought up to temperature as quickly as possible so that they can provide the best possible grip. During this period, sharp turns or extremely-fast cornering will almost certainly cause the car to slide, and perhaps even spin. However, slides and spins will bring the tires up to optimum temperature even faster, so you may wish to purposely induce slides when entering corners, but only with extreme caution, as the already-thin line between having control of the car and losing control of the car will be at least halved until the tires come up to optimum temperature. The longer you run on the same set of tires, the more you need to take better care of your tires. This is especially important if you have had one or more off-course excursions. You may experience slides when cornering. If you have several offs with the same set of tires and find yourself sliding around the circuit a lot more than usual, you definitely need to return to Pit Lane for a new set of tires. Essentially, you are driving on pure ice, and the only way to 'reliably' get around the circuit is to bounce off the rails - which is extremely difficult to do 'correctly' to keep yourself pointed forward. One of the best ways to reduce the durability of the tires is to corner at high speeds. The manual for Gran Turismo 3 gives an excellent, detailed description of what occurs with the tires when cornering. In short, cornering at high speeds causes a high percentage of the tire to be used for speed, and a low percentage to be used for the actual cornering. To combat this and thus extend the durability of the tires, try to brake in a STRAIGHT line before reaching a turn, thus reducing overall speed and providing a lower percentage of the tires to be used for speed, and a greater percentage used for cornering. Note that if the percentage of the tires used for speed is too high compared to the percentage used for cornering, the car will slide and/or spin. ============================================== DRAFTING (SLIPSTREAMING) Drafting (also called slipstreaming) can be a very valuable technique for passing, especially on high-speed circuits with long straightaways. Drafting entails closely following a car, and allowing that car's aerodynamic vacuum to draw your car closer and closer while simultaneously giving your car a short boost in speed; just before colliding with the other car, dart out to the side and speed past as the 'extra' speed gained slowly drains away. This tactic is best used on long straightaways, and can be a prime passing method when combined with late braking at the end of a straightaway. If at all possible, try to draft off multiple cars, making several passes at once while gaining a TRULY dramatic spike in top-end speed. However, QUICK reflexes and good tire grip are very important to edging your car far enough out of the way to safely make a pass while drafting, otherwise you will ram or clip the lead car. Also, in F1 2002, some CPU-controlled cars will actually slow (sometimes significantly) if you try to use their aerodynamic wake to pass, adding more necessity to a player's quick reflexes. On the right side of the race screen, a set of bars will slowly light up as a driver gets closer and closer behind another car, thus able to take advantage of the lead car's slipstream (aerodynamic vacuum) to suddenly jump out and make a pass. When racing in very wet weather when cars are launching a tall 'rooster tail' of spray in their wake, the slipstream meter can be used to approximate the distance to the car in front as well as the closing speed. ============================================== FLAGS AND BOARDS Auto racing presents a number of flags and boards to quickly convey information to drivers as they speed around a circuit. Many of these flags are shown by corner workers, track-side personnel who display the various flags to warn drivers if there is potential trouble ahead or behind them. Boards are generally shown only at the Start/Finish Line. Please note that not all of these flags and boards are used in F1 2002, but they are used in real-world F1 racing. Boards Safety Car (SC): What is called the Safety Car in many countries is better known as the Pace Car in American motorsports. When this board is displayed at the Start/Finish Line (the board is painted white with the letters 'SC' painted in large black font), there is a significant incident somewhere on the circuit warranting that all cars at all areas of the circuit must slow down and follow the Safety Car. The main reason a Safety Car may be used is to allow safety personnel to get to areas of the track which are otherwise not easily accessible when cars pass at full speed; this situation usually means that there has been a collision or mechanical problem which has left one or more cars sitting idle in a vulnerable situation. The Safety Car board may also be displayed in the event that the weather does not permit full-speed racing. Flags Black Flag: Generally shown only at the Start/Finish Line, a driver is shown this flag when her or his car has suffered severe damage which the race marshals deem MUST be repaired immediately, or when a driver has committed an infraction of the racing rules. Depending on the form of motorsport, a Black Flag may also mean automatic disqualification from the event, especially if it is being displayed due to an infraction of the racing rules. Blue Flag: The Blue Flag is generally displayed by the corner workers to indicate that a slower car must pull aside to allow a faster car to pass. This generally means that the slower car is not on the lead lap, as many forms of auto racing allow for drivers to fight to remain on the lead lap, especially in oval-track racing. Green Flag: The Green Flag means that full racing conditions are in effect. If a driver is coming out of a Yellow Flag area of a track, this flag indicates that the car can at least be brought back to full racing speed. Red Flag: Generally shown only at the Start/Finish Line, the Red Flag indicates that a race has been suspended temporarily. The rules regarding what can take place during a Red Flag period vary by the form of motorsport in question. For example, NASCAR parks all cars behind the Safety Car/Pace Car on the track and all drivers must remain in their cars unless NASCAR officials (usually at Race Control) grant drivers permission to leave the vehicles (this usually only occurs in inclement weather). In F1 racing, if a race is Red Flagged, the race essentially begins again once the condition creating the Red Flag situation has passed or has been remedied. White Flag: Shown at the Start/Finish Line, the White Flag indicates that there is only one more lap remaining in a race. Not all forms of motorsport use the White Flag. In some endurance races, the white flag is displayed when it is calculated that the official race duration (in terms of time) will expire by the time the lead car completes one more lap of the circuit. Yellow Flag: A Yellow Flag means that drivers must slow due to a potentially-dangerous situation. On oval tracks, a Yellow Flag covers the entire circuit, although some forms of oval-track racing (such as NASCAR) permit drivers to race back to the Start/Finish Line to 'take' the Yellow Flag there. On road courses, the Yellow Flag usually only applies to a specific section of the circuit, which allows for full-speed racing elsewhere; should a full-course Yellow Flag situation be warranted, a Safety Car or Pace Car will be used to collect all the competitors and lead them slowly around the race venue. One of the STRANGEST Yellow Flag situations took place in 2000 at the F1 Grand Prix of Germany at the high-speed Hockenheim circuit. A local Yellow Flag was issued for one of the long, insanely-fast straightaways (where cars can easily achieve 180MPH... or more) because a spectator somehow made his way out of the grandstands and onto the track itself. Fortunately, this EXTREMELY dangerous situation did not result in any injuries or accidents, and the imbecile was quickly grabbed, hauled off the track, and arrested. ============================================== GENERAL TIPS A general tip for ALL racing games is to successfully complete ALL the license tests in any game of the Gran Turismo series. This is a great way to learn how to handle cars of all drivetrain formats and horsepower ratings in a wide variety of situations - starting and stopping, J-turns, right-angle corners, chicanes, blind turns, wet racing conditions, etc. This will all be very handy for virtually ANY racing/driving game you ever play, and the Gran Turismo games are also extremely good to have in your PSX/PS2 collection (especially GT3). Another general tip for ALL racing games is to read through my General Racing/Driving Guide, available EXCLUSIVELY at FeatherGuides (http://feathersites.angelcities.com/) and at GameFAQs (http://www.GameFAQs.com). This presents many of the same information the Gran Turismo license tests present in practice, plus plenty of other information ranging from judicious use of rumble strips to typical tuning options to tire management. When first playing F1 2002 (irrespective of whether or not you have played the preceding games in the series), play with flags, damage, etc., set to off, and with weather set to dry; also, use Normal Handling. This will give you the best possible (and most forgiving) conditions for learning how to handle the cars in F1 2002. As you progress with the game, add weather, damage, Simulation handling, etc. F1's standing starts can either give you a great advantage, or put you at the back of the pack. To reduce or eliminate wheelspin from a standing start, try to time the use of the accelerator with the exact millisecond the lights go out. If you use the accelerator too soon, you WILL have wheelspin, which can cause flat-spotting in the rear tires and can even cause your car to go askew so that it points in a trajectory taking you directly OFF the circuit (or into a barrier). Also related to the standing starts, if you are deep in the pack, the car directly in front of you is likely to produce A LOT of smoke (and spray, if in wet conditions at the beginning of a race) due to wheelspin. If at all possible, swing to the edge of the pavement immediately to avoid an early accident if you can get off the line a lot sooner than the car in front. Some circuits are set up so that there is either wide pavement on the Pit Straight or an expanse of pavement unofficially part of the main circuit itself (such as the right side of the pavement at Monza and at Suzuka); making use of these areas can allow you to swing out wide to avoid incidents, and also get you clear of traffic so that you can REALLY slam on the accelerator and pass huge numbers of cars before the initial corners of the circuit. Braking is always important in racing. However, F1 2002 demands SMOOTH braking (especially if using Simulation handling), which often means braking rather early. Slamming on the brakes often results in wheel lock and/or car spin, which can induce flat-spotting on the tires and tremendously increases the risk of collision - especially with the Tire Wear option activated. Even after the standing starts, the use of the accelerator is extremely important in F1 2002. By exercising extreme care with both the brakes and the accelerator, anyone can rapidly learn to essentially glide through corners at a rather quick speed. A pristine racing line is also important in these situations, as the changes in G-force and velocity need to be constantly kept in check if you want to remain on the official course. I personally find it sometimes easier to take tight corners WITHOUT braking. In these cases, simply let off the accelerator and coast toward and through the corner until the appropriate acceleration point, usually at or just beyond the apex. One very good place to attempt this strategy is at the initial corners at Kuala Lampur (Malaysia), although this tactic can have rather dire consequences at the start of a race with all the cars bunched together. The AI in F1 2002 produces some interesting challenges in terms of action on the track. For example, I have several times seen a group of cars four-wide on the Pit Straight at Monza (coming off the Curva Parabolica) as they dice for position. If you are coming up quickly upon a pack of slower cars involved in a heated battle for position, this can be a particularly challenging situation, especially if you are yourself being pursued rather aggressively. Try to analyze the movements of the cars in front of you and look for an opening. However, remember that most CPU-controlled cars use the exact same racing line, so once they fall into line for a corner or a chicane, dart up past them and try to outbreak them into the corner/chicane (IF you have confidence in your brakes and reflexes). Speed Assist (which automatically handles braking when cornering) can be great when first learning a course. However, to be truly effective in these races, Speed Assist should be turned off. This will allow YOU to handle braking (if wanted) while cornering, and will generally allow you to have MUCH more speed in corners. This translates to more difficult handling, as cars will always handle better when going slow than when going fast (assuming the car set-up has not been changed). This also means that passing while cornering will be much easier - and much more dangerous. For those who wish to shortcut corners, deactivating Speed Assist will also help to keep your momentum as you drive through sand and/or grass. If you REALLY want to achieve fast lap times and generally be much more competitive in a race, then Speed Assist simply MUST be deactivated. Some circuits have distance-to-corner markers in anticipation of tight and/or (semi-)blind corners. While these markers are useful, DO NOT completely rely on them, as they may 'disappear' as the race progresses. These markers can be knocked down by a car which slips or is forced off the pavement, and the markers are not replaced. Therefore, try to use permanent objects (such as grandstands or trees) to judge the braking zone for a corner or chicane. ALWAYS listen attentively to the team radio communications; this will give you information about your teammate's progress and the condition of your own car, as well as alert you to any incidents on the circuit, such as spins, cars with smoking engines (which often leak oil), etc. Especially when you hear that another car has a problem, always be on the lookout for EXTREMELY slow cars in the indicated sector of the circuit - cars WILL come to a complete stop in the middle of the pavement, and if you are playing with Flags off, it is quite easy to miss seeing the slowed/stopped vehicle until it is too late to take evasive action. If you are assigned a Stop-Go Penalty, you will also receive radio communications instructing you when to come to Pit Lane to serve the penalty. For those playing with Simulation Handling, it is important to note that using long gear ratios will produce an automatic loss of position for the standing starts due to the inherent decreased acceleration. However, there are times when the decreased acceleration can be of tremendous benefit, such as taking a series of tight S-curves quickly without the need for braking (such as through Bechetts at Silverstone). The most obvious benefit to long gear ratios is the higher top- end speed, yet the long gear ratio must be matched with medium or low downforce settings for the wings to force the car into seventh gear (in automatic transmission) on long straightaways (such as Rettilineo Parabolica at Monza). F1 2002 features CPU-controlled opposition which is FAR more competitive and relentless than in previous incarnations of the series. However, this also means the competitors are absolutely ruthless. Should you have an off or an on-track accident, do not expect those behind you to give you room to rejoin the race. Instead, the competitors will often plow into you at full throttle, knocking your car around like a snowboarder at Tokyo Megaplex. While this certainly presents some interesting visuals in Replay mode, this can very quickly become frustrating... and costly, as you will likely find yourself at the very tail end of the pack once you can recover. ============================================== F1-SPEAK F1 racing has a somewhat specialized vocabulary. Here are some of the more common terms: ARMCO: The type of barriers generally used at F1 races. Information on these crash barriers can be found at Hill and Smith Web site (http://www.hill-smith.co.uk/). Blowed up: A car's engine has expired. This is characterized by a massive plume of white-grey smoke pouring from the rear of the car. Also, there is often oil deposited all over the race circuit, so if a blowed up car does not instantly pull off the pavement, that section of the circuit will be very dangerous for the remainder of the race. Catch: In any form of auto racing, it is quite common to see a car slide off the course, often at high speeds. Generally, this results in a car either being essentially beached in a sand trap, stuck in the grass if the area has recently experienced a significant rainfall, or a collision a barrier. Even if the car does not slide off the course, spins on the racing circuit itself also occur with relative frequency. A 'catch' is when one of the above incidents occurs, but the driver is able to either keep the car from hitting a barrier (or another car) and/or is able to keep the car from getting stuck in the sand or grass before returning to the circuit. Lollipop Man: The man holding the Brakes stick in a Pit Stop. This stick essentially looks like a long lollipop, with its long handle and rounded end with instructions for the driver. Off: A car has gone off-course. A minor off means that only one or perhaps two wheels have slipped off the pavement, and the driver can generally recover quickly. However, a major off involves a trip well off the pavement, and usually also occurs at very high speed. P#: This indicates a driver's race position. P1 is Pole Position; P6 is the final points-paying position; P22 is last place. Points-paying Positions: These are the Top 6 places in a race. At the end of a race, P1 awards 10 points, P2 awards 6 points, P3 awards 4 points, P4 awards 3 points, P5 awards 2 points, and P1 awards 1 point. There are NO points awarded to drivers not finishing in the Top 6. This also the reason why the TV Panels at the bottom of the screen update by six positions at once; in F1 2002, the updates are generally ONLY for the points-paying positions. Shunt: A collision, generally between cars. This term could also be used for cars swapping paint, but that is EXTREMELY difficult to do in open- wheel racing (such as F1) without inducing an accident. Team Orders: Each F1 team runs two cars at each race weekend. Team orders involve one or both drivers purposely altering driving style or changing race positions for the betterment of the team. While team orders are NOT illegal in F1 competition (they are illegal in some other forms of motorsport), many generally have a strong dislike (and even a nasty hatred) for team orders, especially in those situations where team orders actually change the results of a race. The most notable incidence of team orders - and likely the most controversial use of team orders in F1 history past, present, or future - involved Ferrari's Reubens Barrichello, who had dominated the entire race weekend, pulling over in the final meters of the 2002 Grand Prix of Austria (at A1-Ring) so that his teammate Michael Schumacher could instead take the win, thus gaining an extra four points over his strong rival Juan Pablo Montoya in the Drivers' Championship. This use of team orders severely angered F1 fans at the circuit and around the world, but was justified by Ferrari by the team's desire to protect Schumacher's lead in the Drivers' Championship. World Feed: Because F1 races are televised (generally live) worldwide, FIA has implemented the World Feed system, in which the images of grand prix weekends are provided by the FIA- licensed F1 broadcaster for the country hosting each grand prix; all other F1 broadcasters must then use these images and sounds for their F1 coverage. There are provisions for the many F1-licensed broadcasters worldwide to include Pit Lane reports, but once a race begins, FIA prohibits any images from Pit Lane which are NOT provided by the World Feed system. Since each race is essentially 'televised' by a different country's F1-licensed broadcaster, the World Feed coverage between races definitely varies in quality. The World Feed for races in Malaysia is generally rather poor, with images often focusing on action away from what is most significant for the race or the overall season standings, reflecting Malaysia's F1-licensed broadcaster's lack of experience and knowledge in televising live F1 races. Races held in Western Europe - where many F1 races are held - generally have a very high quality World Feed due to extensive experience and knowledge in televising F1 races. ============================================== A MAJOR PROBLEM: FIA RULES My only MAJOR complaint about F1 2002 (as with F1 2001) is its implementation of FIA rules, which includes the use of flags. While I personally WANT to race with flags active, the implementation of the rules is FAR too oppressive - to the point that I have thrown the controller in frustration several times, and will probably need to buy a new one soon. What makes the FIA Rules option oppressive is how the Yellow Flag is used, particularly in accident situations. For example, as a highly aggressive driver, I tend to get into accidents or at least bump tires with someone fairly often. When this happens, if the other car has even one pixel ahead of my car, then ends up spinning or otherwise slipping behind me while I am able to keep going, the Yellow Flag is often presented instantly, and a $@#%^#&*!@ Stop-Go Penalty assigned for supposedly 'Passing Under the Yellow Flag.' Also oppressive is the Yellow Flag speed limit of 130MPH. When the Yellow Flag is first displayed, the CPU does not allow enough time for the player to see the Yellow Flag waved (or its indicator at the top-right of the screen) and slow appropriately, resulting in a $@#%^#&*!@ Stop-Go Penalty. While not necessarily a problem, I personally wish that the 107% rule would actually be enforced (or at least allow the player to choose to have the 107% rule enforced). The 107% rule means that anyone qualifying with a time higher than 107% of the race's pole position is deemed to not have qualified, thus keeping really slow cars (which could possibly be dangerous to other drivers in the race) out of the race. Granted, this then makes it possible that the player may be the only one participating in a race (especially if shortcutting where 'permitted' during qualifying), or that a player not qualify well enough to compete in a race. I have been unable to check this, but if there is a minimum speed rule in F1 racing, the game definitely needs to implement this rule as well. There have been several times when a super-slow car, or even a car stopped on the track in an area without a Yellow Flag displayed, has suddenly 'appeared from nowhere' and - due to my closing speed at top acceleration - caused me to crash. I know NASCAR has a minimum speed rule (which is even more important on oval- based tracks), but I would be surprised if a similar rule did not exist in F1 racing. ============================================== ============================================== ============================================== COMPLETELY SUBJECTIVE SECTION My favorite circuits are: Albert Park Imola Monaco (to watch a race, not to actually race - especially since I was able to visit Monaco in 1991) Hockenheim Spa-Francorchamps Monza (my personal 'test course' for the game) Suzuka My least favorite circuits are: Hungaroring Interlagos (but NOT because of any falling billboards!!!) Nurburgring Monaco (to race) A1-Ring Kuala Lampur My favorite corners/segments: Albert Park: Turns 11 and 12 Silverstone: Bechetts Monaco: The Tunnel and the entry to the Swimming Pool Chicane Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve: Nurburgring and Turns 12 and 13 Hockenheim: The Stadium Spa-Francorchamps: La Source, Red Water, and Blanchimont Monza: Ascari (especially at full speed) and Curva Parabolica Indianapolis: Turn 13 (Indy/NASCAR Turn 1) Suzuka: Degner and 130R My least favorite corners are: Monaco: Everything but The Tunnel and the entry to the Swimming Pool Chicane Spa-Francorchamps: Bruxelles Most hairpins (especially at Nurburgring) My favorite Pit Lanes (based on Pit Entry) are at: Imola Spa-Francorchamps Monza Indianapolis My least favorite Pit Lanes (based on Pit Entry) are at: Albert Park Interlagos Monaco A1-Ring Hungaroring Kuala Lampur My least favorite Pit Lane (based on Pit Exit) is at: Interlagos My favorite teams are: Ferrari Toyota Williams ============================================== ============================================== ============================================== ADVERTISERS This section is for those who have noticed the billboards and painted grass at the seventeen race venues and wondered about the entities (companies, organizations, countries, cities) indicated. Nothing in this section will help with game performance, but the information contained here may be interesting nonetheless. The information here is alphabetical by entity, with the Grand Prix featuring that entity's advertisements and some information about the entity (where such information is available, it is taken directly from the entity's Web site). I believe I have included every entity with at least one billboard shown in F1 2002, based upon F1 2001 (there seems to be little - if any - changes in advertisers between the two games); please feel free to contact me to add, update, or correct any information, especially with the billboards at Suzuka written in Japanese. This section is now entirely complete with the exception of Evenrudee, for which information is EXTREMELY difficult to find online :-( A1 (A1-Ring) Locations: Austria Information: This is the host circuit of the Grand Prix of Austria. Web Site: http://www.a1ring.at/ ABN-AMRO Locations: Brazil Information: ABN-AMRO Holding N.V. is a universal banking group offering a wide range of commercial and investment banking products and services on a global basis through the Company's network of approximately 3,600 offices and branches in 76 countries. Web Site: http://www.abnamro.com/ Agip Locations: San Marino, Spain, Austria, Europe, Great Britain, Hungary, Italy Information: Agip Lubricants started its operations in South Africa in 1973 and has since then operated as a producer, importer and distributor of high quality lubricants and special products. Web Site: http://www.agip.co.za/ Air Canada Locations: Canada Information: One of the best-known Canadian airlines. Web Site: http://www.aircanada.ca/home.html Allianz Locations: Austria, Europe Information: Allianz' development into one of the world's leading insurance providers has progressed steadily since the end of the 19th century. Web Site: http:/www.allianz.com/ Alpine Locations: Japan Information: Alpine Electronics of America, Inc., is the industry-leading manufacturer of high performance mobile electronics, founded in 1978. Alpine is the only manufacturer specializing in mobile multimedia, an integrated system approach incorporating digital entertainment, security and navigation products for your mobile entertainment. As a consolidated subsidiary of Alps Electric Co., Ltd., one of the world's premier manufacturers of electronic components for computer, communications and car electronic equipment, Alpine is the specialized supplier of quality mobile electronics systems. Web Site: http://www.alpine1.com/ AMP Locations: Australia Information: AMP is the premiere brand in the connector and interconnection systems industry. Established in 1941, AMP continues to be recognized for innovative products of the highest quality including electrical and electronic connectors, IC sockets, fiber optic products, premises cabling and application tooling. Web Site: http://www.amp.com/ Aral Locations: Japan Information: Since the foundation of the company, now more than 100 years ago, we have never tried harder to meet the growing requirements of our customers on a daily basis. Top quality, exemplary service and futuristic innovations are what guarantee our success. Today the Aral brand stands for different areas of business, for example our service station business and fuel and lubricant business, each offering a wide range of products and services for motorists consumers, companies and industry. Web Site: http://www.aral.com/ ARCOR Locations: Germany Information: ??? (The site is entirely in German... and I cannot read German.) Web Site: http://www.arcor.de/home/index.php Banco Real Locations: Brazil Information: This bank is a subsidiary of ABN-AMRO. Web Site: http://www.real.com.br/ Bridgestone Locations: Australia, Malaysia, Brazil, San Marino, Spain, Austria, Monaco, Europe, Great Britain, Germany, Hungary, Belgium, Italy, United States, Japan Information: Bridgestone Corporation, based in Tokyo, is the world's largest manufacturer of tires and other rubber products. Bridgestone and its subsidiaries operate 46 tire plants and 52 plants for diversified products in 24 nations and market their products in more than 150 nations. The companies' diversified business includes automotive components, industrial products, construction and civil engineering materials, bicycles, sporting goods, and precision parts for electronic equipment. Web Site: http://www.bridgestone.com/ Canon Locations: San Marino, France, Japan Information: Canon started out as a company with a handful of employees and a burning passion. That company soon became a world-renowned camera maker and is now a global multimedia corporation. Canon will continue using its technologies to benefit people as it pursues its objective of becoming a company that is loved by people throughout the world. Web Site: http://www.canon.com/ Casino (de Montreal) Locations: Canada Information: Each of the world's great cities has a memorable attraction, a gathering place that draws people back time and again. In Montreal, its the Casino where the pace is fast, the fun is non-stop and the buzz is all about having a great time. Web Site: http://www.casinos-quebec.com/francais montreal/dhtml/index_montreal_NS.html Casio Locations: Japan Information: Casio Computer Co., Ltd., is one of the leading consumer electronics companies in the world. Since its establishment in 1957, Casio has been active in the development of electronic calculators, timepieces, musical instruments, LCD TVs, pagers and other communications devices. Casio's corporate activities are guided by the motto: 'Creativity and Contribution.' Web Site: http://www.casio.com/ Chevrolet Locations: Brazil Information: Chevrolet (Chevy) makes a variety of cars, trucks, and SUVs, from the Camaro to the Corvette to the Astro to the S-10. Web Site: http://www.chevrolet.com/ D2/Mannesmann Locations: Germany, Belgium, Italy Information: Mannesmann has been taken over by Vodafone (see below). Web Site: http://www.mannesmann.com/ Daimler-Chrysler Locations: United States Information: This company merged in the late 1990s. The highly-visible Chrysler side of the company sells the PT Cruiser and 300M, among other vehicles. Web Site: http://www.chrysler.com/ Deutsche Post/Deutsche Post World Net Locations: Europe, France, Germany, Italy Information: Deutsche Post World Net is one of the largest logistics groups in the world. We make systematic use of the opportunities arising from globalization and digitization by providing top-quality services and technologies for our customers throughout the world. Our strategy foresees the intelligent interlinking of global flows of goods and information and the financial transactions associated with them. With this goal in mind, we are expanding our Group with determination and developing increasingly comprehensive one-stop-shopping options in keeping with customer wishes. Web Site: http://www.deutschepost.com/ EuroBusiness Locations: San Marino, Austria Information: Magazine covering business in Europe. Web Site: http://www.eurobusiness.com/ (Web site under construction as of December 12, 2001) Evenrudee Locations: Monaco Information: ??? Web Site: ??? Firestone Locations: Australia, Brazil, San Marino, Spain, Austria, Monaco, Canada, Europe, France, Great Britain, Germany, Hungary, Belgium, Italy Information: Bridgestone/Firestone Americas Holding, Inc is an international manufacturer with 38 production facilities throughout the Americas. The Nashville, Tennessee-based company was formed in 1990 when Bridgestone U.S.A. merged with The Firestone Tire & Rubber Company. We are a subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation. Web Site: http://www.firestone.com/ France (symbol only in the grass at Magny-Cours) Locations: France Information: Come travel in France, the host country of the Grand Prix of France. Web Site: http://www.euro-tourisme.com/db/uk/ Fuji Television/Fuji TV Locations: Japan Information: Television network in Japan; the title host of the Grand Prix of Japan. Web Site: http://www.fujitelevision.com/ FujiFilm Locations: Japan Information: Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc., is dedicated to exploring the furthest reaches of technology and continuing towards a dynamic imaging and information future. A leading innovator of imaging and information products, the company has 44 facilities, offices, and photo labs throughout the United States. Web Site: http://www.fujifilm.com/ GPF1 Locations: Canada Information: The official Web site - in French and in English - of the Grand Prix of Canada. Web Site: http://www.grandprix.ca/ Honda Locations: Canada Information: Although our name is most often associated with automobiles, we are much more than that. We manufacture a wide range of products, including motorcycles, ATVs, generators, marine engines, lawn and garden equipment and automobiles. Historically, Honda has been a leader in fuel-efficiency and low-emission technology. With all of our products, we work to balance your desire for fun and performance with society's need for clean air and water. Web Site: http://www.honda.com/ HSBC Locations: Malaysia, Brazil, Monaco, Canada, France, United States Information: Headquartered in London, HSBC Holdings plc is one of the largest banking and financial services organizations in the world. The HSBC Group's international network comprises some 6,500 offices in 78 countries and territories in Europe, the Asia Pacific region, the Americas, the Middle East and Africa. Through a global network linked by advanced technology, including a rapidly growing e-commerce capability, HSBC provides a comprehensive range of financial services: personal, commercial, corporate, investment and private banking; trade services; cash management; treasury and capital markets services; insurance; consumer and business finance; pension and investment fund management; trustee services; and securities and custody services. Web Site: http://www.hsbc.com/ Ipiranga Locations: Brazil Information: Petroleo Ipiranga Companies are present on many different sectors. From the petrochemical industry to the production of bitumen, passing through the refining and distribution of fuel oil, arriving to the production of special oils. This is the explanation to the increasing strength of Ipiranga label in the competitive oil market. Web Site: http://www.ipiranga.com.br/index.html Jaguar Locations: Great Britain Information: Jaguar produces a variety of world-renowned cars, such as the XJR. Web Site: http://www.jaguar.com/ Kaimin Locations: Japan Information: Unsure, as this page is in Japanese, but it appears to be for a fish-related company. Web Site: http://www.kaimin.co.jp/ Magneti Marelli Locations: San Marino, Spain, Austria, Monaco, France, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Japan Information: The Fiat owned Magneti Marelli Companies are international leader in the design and production of high-tech components and systems for the automotive industry. They supply the world's major car manufacturers such as Renault, Citroën, Peugeot, Fiat Group, Ford, Volkswagen, Audi, Seat, BMW-Rover, DaimlerChrysler, GM-Opel, Volvo, Saab, Nissan, Toyota and Daewoo. Web Site: http://www.magnetimarelli.com/ Malaysia Locations: Malaysia Information: The host country of the Grand Prix of Malaysia. Web Site: http://www.tourism.gov.my/ (Web site not responding as of December 13, 2001) Melbourne Locations: Australia Information: Melbourne is the host city of the Grand Prix of Australia. Web Site: http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/ MillionCard Locations: Japan Information: This appears to be a Japanese credit card. Web Site: http://www.mccard.co.jp/ (Web page available only in Japanese) Mobil 1 Locations: Australia, Spain, Monaco, France, Great Britain, Germany, Hungary, Belgium, United States, Japan Information: Mobil produces fuels and lubricants for cars and other vehicles; Mobil 1 synthetic oil is its best known product. Web Site: http://www.mobil.com/ Monaco Grand Prix Locations: Monaco Information: The host race of the Grand Prix of Monaco. Web Site: http://www.acm.mc/ (Web site under construction as of December 12, 2001) Monaco Locations: Monaco Information: The host country of the Monaco Grand Prix. I can say from personal experience that virtually every corner of this tiny country can be explored in a single day. Web Site: http://www.monaco.mc/ Monte Carlo Grand Hotel Locations: Monaco Information: Splendidly located between the celebrated Monte-Carlo Casino and the sea, the four-star de luxe Monte Carlo Grand Hotel offers 619 guestrooms and suites. Its modern architecture blends perfectly with the natural beauty of the Principality of Monaco and the hotel provides an exceptional range of services and leisure facilities. Web Site: http://www.montecarlograndhotel.com/ NGK (NGK Insulators, Ltd.) Locations: Japan Information: This Japanese company is divided into four areas: Power Business Group, Ceramic Products Business Group, Engineering Business Group, and Electronics Business Group. Web Site: http://www.ngk.co.jp/ Nicos (Nippon Shinpan Co., Ltd) Locations: Japan Information: Nippon Shinpan Co., Ltd. (the 'Company') engages in business based on a corporate philosophy of making consumers' lives more affluent and the corporate slogan 'Dream-Network Company.' By providing consumers with the convenience of deferred payments while at the same time providing merchants (member stores) with an advance payment system, the Company has developed its businesses while promoting sales growth with merchants. In addition to its traditional role as a comprehensive consumer-credit company with a keen understanding of the retail market, the Company has also established its role as an information systems provider through development of electronic credit settlement and other systems for promoting transactions in e-commerce. Established in 1951, Nippon Shinpan was Japan's first consumer-credit company and is now celebrating its 50th anniversary. By harnessing the unique strengths of a multisector format that includes credit card business, finance services and information systems, Nippon Shinpan pledges to move forward as the leading player in the consumer credit industry and realize consumers' dreams. Web Site: http://www.Nicos.co.jp/ Nikon Locations: Japan Information: A multi-billion dollar precision optical company with worldwide manufacturing, research and marketing capabilities, Nikon was recently ranked among America's ten most respected brands. Its cameras, lenses and accessories are used by more professional photographers than all other 35mm brands combined. Its Coolpix cameras have received more awards and top rankings than any other consumer digital camera. Its microscopes command the largest share of the US life science market, both in research and diagnostic laboratories. ... The majority of Nikon's revenues worldwide come from the sale of its semiconductor manufacturing equipment, which dominates chip fabrication facilities throughout the US, Europe and Asia. In addition, Nikon offers many other precision optical systems. For instance, it markets instruments used by eye care professionals, as well as prescription eyewear and sunglasses. Nikon construction and surveying equipment is used to help build and maintain America's roads, bridges and buildings. Nikon's binoculars and sport optics are used by outdoor enthusiasts the world over. Finally, Nikon is deeply involved in the engineering, production and quality control of manufactured goods, from plasma displays and plastics to medical devices and machine tools. Web Site: http://www.nikon.com/ Nokia Locations: Brazil Information: Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications. Backed by its experience, innovation, user-friendliness and secure solutions, the company has become the leading supplier of mobile phones and a leading supplier of mobile, fixed and IP networks. By adding mobility to the Internet Nokia creates new opportunities for companies and further enriches the daily lives of people. Nokia is a broadly held company with listings on six major exchanges. Web Site: http://www.nokia.com/ Orange Locations: Australia, Brazil, Spain, Canada, United States Information: Orange is one of the leading providers of wirefree communications worldwide and one of the first truly pan-European providers of wirefree communications services. Orange has interests in wirefree communications businesses offering a broad range of voice and data communications services in 20 countries worldwide, including 13 countries in Europe. Web Site: http://www.orange.com/ Panasonic Locations: Japan Information: Panasonic takes pride in being one of the world's premier electronics manufacturers. Not only do we make the DVD players, televisions and dozens of other consumer electronics products enjoyed by millions, but we are also a supplier of electronics components. From tiny semiconductors, to DVD-ROM drives for PCs, to flat screen plasma TV displays, Panasonic engineers are always pushing the technological envelope. In fact, many companies use our high-volume, high-speed manufacturing expertise and know-how to create even better products, just one more way Panasonic enhances lifestyles around the world. Panasonic is not only a premier maker of electronics hardware, it is also one of the largest global manufacturers of DVD entertainment software. The growing state-of-the-art Panasonic disc replication plant in Torrance, CA, supplies many of the DVD video discs Americans bring into their homes every night. Web Site: http://www.panasonic.com/ Pastor Locations: Monaco Information: Since 1880, the Pastors have sculptured out of stone the story of Monaco and modeled its new image. The JB Pastor & Fils Company has realized nearly one million square meters in the Principality. It has been responsible for the majority of the buildings (at least 500.000 square meters) along the sea, the Monaco Yacht Club, the Summer Sporting Club, and many buildings and prestigious residences in Monaco. Web Site: http://www.pastor-immobilier.mc/ Petronas Locations: Malaysia, Brazil Information (concerning Petronas Motorsports): In the area of R&D, the continuous efforts involved in developing improved lubricant products for the PETRONAS - sponsored racing teams have also helped to promote technology transfer and the PETRONAS brand of products. With the use of these lubricants by the racing teams, the PETRONAS brandname is further enhanced and promoted internationally. Web Site: http://www.petronas.com/ (Web site not responding as of December 13, 2001) PIAA Locations: Japan Information: The Global leader in halogen lamp systems, PIAA Corporation was established in 1963 with the commitment to manufacture world-class products that our customers could use with pride and confidence. Today PIAA upholds that commitment by combining market driven concepts with the latest technology to make night and inclement weather driving as safe as possible. Web Site: http://www.piaa.com/ Pioneer Locations: Japan Information: Pioneer is respected for its role in such innovations as interactive cable TV, the Laser Disc player, developing the first Compact Disc player for the car and the first detachable face car stereo, DVD and DVD recording, plasma display, and organic electroluminescent display. The Company's strength in optical disc and display technology is complemented by its state-of-the-art software products and manufacturing capabilities. Pioneer also distributes music and movie titles on VHS and DVD. Offering a wide variety of titles, with a specialty in anime. Web Site: http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/ Pony Canyon (symbol only, on some FujiTV banners) Locations: Japan Information: This is a familiar symbol/name for avid fans of anime (Japanese animation); the Pony Canyon symbol is prominently featured as the main clock in the radio studio in the anime series Android MAICO 2010. Web Site: http://www.ponycanyon.co.jp/ (Web site available in Japanese only) Potenza Locations: Malaysia, United States, Japan Information: Potenza tires for cars and trucks are made by Bridgestone, the Japanese company which now owns the storied American tire manufacturer Firestone. Web Site: http://www.potenza.com/ Qantas Locations: Australia Information: Widely regarded as the world's leading long distance airline and one of the strongest brands in Australia, Qantas operates an average of 450 domestic flights a day and around 540 international flights every week, serving more than 120 destinations in 35 countries. Web Site: http://www.qantas.com.au/ Sao Paulo Locations: Brazil Information: The host state of the Grand Prix of Brazil. Web Site: http://www.lsi.usp.br/alesp/ (Web site for the Assembleia Legislativa do Estado de Sao Paulo) SAP Locations: Canada, United States Information: Founded in 1972, SAP is the recognized leader in providing collaborative e-business solutions for all types of industries and for every major market. Headquartered in Walldorf, Germany, SAP is the world's largest inter-enterprise software company, and the world's third-largest independent software supplier overall. SAP employs over 27,800 people in more than 50 countries, and all of them are dedicated to providing high-level customer support and services. Web Site: http://www.sap.com/ Shell/Helix Locations: Australia, Brazil, San Marino, Monaco, Canada, Europe, Hungary, United States, Japan Information: This company's core business include oil exploration and production, chemicals, gas and power, and oil products. Web Site: http://www.shell.com/ Siemens Locations: San Marino, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Japan Information: Over 150 years of innovation have made Siemens a world leader in electrical engineering and electronics. Today, Siemens is on its way to becoming a worldwide leading e-business company. We will use the networked know-how of our more than 460,000 employees in over 190 countries to benefit our customers and win new business - and live up to the motto: Siemens - global network of innovation. Web Site: http://www.siemens.com/ Spa-Francorchamps Locations: Belgium Information: The host circuit of the Grand Prix of Belgium. Web Site: http://www.spa-francorchamps.be/ Toenec Locations: Japan Information: About the only English on the company Web site's homepage is a Flash movie stating 'Energy & Facilities Solution.' Web Site: http://www.toenec.co.jp/ (Web site in Japanese) United States Grand Prix Locations: United States Information: The host race of the Grand Prix of the United States. Web Site: http://my.brickyard.com/usgp/ Vodafone Locations: San Marino, Europe, France, Great Britain Information: Vodafone is the largest mobile telecommunications network company in the world. It has interests in mobile networks in 28 countries across five continents. Vodafone aims to be the world's leading wireless telecommunications and information provider, generating more customers, more services and more value than any of its competitors. Web Site: http://www.vodafone.com/ Zepter International Locations: Brazil, Monaco, Canada Information: Zepter International is an organization which produces and sells exclusive high-quality consumer products around the world, principally by way of direct sales through a sales force of 120,000 consultants but also through retail outlets. Since its inception, Zepter has striven to enhance lifestyles around the world and to become an essential part of everyday living. Over the past few decades, Zepter has become a global enterprise with sales through its companies in over 50 countries across the world. Web Site: http://www.zepter.com/ ============================================== ============================================== ============================================== CIRCUIT HISTORIES This section was created due to a personal inquiry, wishing to learn more about the history of the race venues currently used in F1 competition. This is not intended to be a detailed history of all the race venues, but more of a general overview of the circuits. As more information is gained, this section will be modified and expanded accordingly. The majority of information for this section comes from circuits' official Web sites, Formula1.com (http://www.formula1.com/), and Driver Network (http://www.drivernetwork.net/). To the extent possible, I will try to update circuit wins as best as I can, although that admittedly is not initially a priority in writing this section. ============================================== CIRCUIT HISTORY: ALBERT PARK The Albert Park circuit is a beautiful tree-lined venue using real Melbourne city streets encircling the serene Albert Park Lake. The Albert Park circuit has hosted the Grand Prix of Australia since 1996, taking over from the Adelaide temporary street circuit. Over 400,000 spectators saw the 1997 Grand Prix of Australia in person at the Albert Park venue. The 2002 Grand Prix of Australia was extremely eventful from the very beginning - to the extent that only eight cars finished the race!!! Rubens Barrichello began the race from Pole Position (P1), but on slowing for the first corner of the circuit, Ralf Schumacher (brother of Michael Schumacher) rammed the rear of Barrichello's Ferrari and was sent airborne, landing in the massive sand trap at the end of Pit Straight with far too much damage to continue. The incident created a massive chain-reaction melee as the other drivers scrambled to take evasive action... but many ended up taking each other out of contention due to massive damage. Seven other drivers were forced to retire from the race due to extreme damage. Fortunately, there were no severe injuries - just a lot of bruised egos and angry tempers. Stupidly, however, the race marshals made the decision to send out the Safety Car instead of red-flagging the race; had the race been stopped instead, FIA rules would have permitted all those drivers involved in the incident to use their back-up ('T') cars when the race was restarted. Of course, those drivers whose cars were damaged in the opening-lap melee were able to take advantage of the Safety Car situation to make repairs and rejoin the race. F1 winners at Albert Park include Damon Hill (1996), David Coulthard (1997), Mika Hakkinen (1998), Eddie Irvine (1999), and Michael Schumacher (2000-2002). The official Web site of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation (http://www.grandprix.com.au/cars/index.asp) features information on Australian F1 driver Mark Webber. Interestingly, there is a movement afoot - Save Albert Park (http://www.save-albert-park.org.au/) - which aims to prevent the relocation of the Grand Prix of Australia to a permanent race venue. ============================================== CIRCUIT HISTORY: KUALA LAMPUR The Sepang Circuit opened in March 1999 and includes three circuit formations: Race Track (used for the F1 Grand Prix of Malaysia), Go-Kart Track (using the first half of Race Track), and Motocross Track (circuit layout not yet available on the official Sepang Web site). This is the second-newest race venue in F1 competition, which began its F1 use at the end of the 1999 season. Sepang hosts F1, JapanGT, MotoGP, Merdeka Endurance, Malaysian Super Series, Motocross, and other track events (including private bookings). Two features cause the Sepang Circuit to truly stand out among all other F1 race venues. The first is the incredibly wide nature of the track itself, which has a 16m minimum width to provide plenty of side-by-side racing action. Aesthetically, the Sepang Circuit is literally dominated by the main grandstand, which is nestled snugly inside the two longest straightaways and has a roof designed to simulate Malaysia's national flower (the hibiscus, or Rosa Sinensis - known locally as the Bunga Raya). Unfortunately, with the relative newness of the Sepang Circuit, there is not much historical information to be found. The winners of the initial four Grands Prix of Malaysia: Eddie Irvine (1999), Michael Schumacher (2000 and 2001), and Ralf Schumacher (2002). See the official Web site (http://www.malaysiangp.com.my). ============================================== CIRCUIT HISTORY: INTERLAGOS The Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace has hosted the Grand Prix of Brazil intermittently since 1973, but has held the event consistently since 1990. As with many race venues, the circuit was originally longer (7.914 kilometers, or 4.946 miles) than its current configuration (4.267 kilometers, or 2.667 miles). This is also an odd venue in that races are run counterclockwise. This is definitely a tricky circuit to master, built upon a steep hillside. The very end of Pit Straight is the highest point of the circuit, then the circuit drops away significantly on a steep downhill S-curve which is one of the most dangerous areas in all of current F1 racing. The majority of Sector 2 and the beginning of Sector 3 are a set of tight, twisty corners connected with VERY brief straightaways, all tempered with significant elegant changes. F1 winners at Interlagos: Emerson Fittipaldi (1973 and 1974), Carlos Pace (1975), Niki Lauda (1976), Carlos Reutemann (1977), Jacques Laffite (1979), Rene Arnoux (1980), Alain Prost (1990), Ayrton Senna (1991 and 1993), Nigel Mansell (1992), Michael Schumacher (1994, 1995, 2000, and 2002), Damon Hill (1996), Jacques Villeneuve (1997), Mika Hakkinen (1998 and 1999), and David Coulthard (2001). Unfortunately, I am currently unable to find any further online information concerning the Interlagos venue. ============================================== CIRCUIT HISTORY: IMOLA Used for F1 racing since 1963, the Autodromo Enzo & Dino Ferrari is actually located in Italy (20 miles - or 32 kilometers - from Bologna) even though it officially hosts the Grand Prix of San Marino. Construction of the circuit began in 1950, and three years later was officially opened with 125cc & 500cc motorbike events. However, only in 1979 was the entire venue made permanent; before this time, part of the circuit was comprised of public roads. The 1963 F1 race was an untitled race, but was indeed part of the Formula1 series. In 1980, the Imola circuit hosted its first World F1 race as the Grand Prix of Italy. Beginning in 1981, the race at Imola was named the Grand Prix of San Marino. Two notable major incidents occurred at Imola. The first was in 1989, when Ferrari driver Gerhard Berger crashed and exploded in flames. Nearly a full fifteen seconds later, the flames were extinguished and Berger saved to the delight of the concerned spectators; in fact, Berger re-entered the race!!! Five years later, during the qualifier race and the actual Grand Prix, Roland Ratzenberger and Ayrton Senna lost their lives. (There has practically been a 'cult' surrounding the death of Ayrton Senna, and there are several Web sites which include details as well as video of his tragic death.) Due to these incidents, the circuit was redesigned. F1 winners at Imola: Nelson Piquet (1981), Didier Pironi (1982), Patrick Tambay (1983), Alain Prost (1984, 1984, and 1993), Elio de Angelis (1985), Nigel Mansell (1987 and 1992), Ayrton Senna (1988, 1989, and 1991), Riccardo Patrese (1990), Michael Schumacher (1994, 1999, 2000, and 2002), Damon Hill (1995 and 1996), Heinz-Harald Frentzen (1997), David Coulthard (1998), and Ralf Schumacher (2001). Visit the official Web site (http://www.autodromoimola.com/) for more information. ============================================== CIRCUIT HISTORY: CATALUNYA The Circuit de Catalunya near Barcelona has hosted the Grand Prix of Spain since 1997. The circuit hosts numerous forms of racing, including FIA Sportscar Championship, Spanish Formula-1 Grand Prix, 24 HOURS MOTORBIKE ENDURANCE, 24 HOURS CAR ENDURANCE, Catalunya Motorbike Championship, Spanish GT's Championship, Truck GP, and certainly F1 Racing; Catalunya even holds courses for the preparation of racing officials. Many teams also use the circuit for practice and testing. The circuit has three configurations: Grand Prix (7.563 kilometers, or 4.727 miles), National (4.907 kilometers, or 3.067 miles), and School (2.725 kilometers, or 1.703 miles). F1 winners at Catalunya: Jacques Villeneuve (1997), Mika Hakkinen (1998-2000), and Mika Hakkinen (2001 and 2002). See the official Web site (http://www.circuitcat.com) for more information. Unfortunately, it does not have any historical information on the circuit, nor can I find any such information online. ============================================== CIRCUIT HISTORY: A1-RING The A1-Ring has been the host of F1's Grand Prix of Austria since 1997, but also hosts Truck Grand Prix, Classic Grand Prix, Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters, and motorbikes, among other racing series. The 2002 Grand Prix of Austria was surrounded by controversy following an extreme Ferrari public relations faux pas. Reubens Barrichello had truly dominated the entire race weekend, and was definitely on his way to his second-ever F1 win. In the closing laps of the race, teammate Michael Schumacher (P2) began closing in on Barrichello, but the assumption was that this move was to allow Ferrari's cars to be close enough for a photo opportunity for its sponsors. However, since Michael Schumacher and Juan Pablo Montoya (Schumacher's closest expected competition) were at that point very close in points in the Drivers' Championship, Barrichello - who that week had signed a contract extension as the NUMBER TWO TEAM DRIVER behind Michael Schumacher - was ordered to pull aside in the final meters of the race to allow his teammate to gain an extra four points in his lead over Montoya (P1 awards 10 points; P2 awards 6 points). While FIA could not do anything against the team or the drivers for the team orders, the fans in the stands (and myself watching live on television at 7AM in Arizona) were FURIOUS. Michael Schumacher having officially 'won' the race was to take the top rung on the podium, but instead took the second rung and pushed the 'true' winner Reubens Barrichello to the top rung; the FIA took objection to this and sanctioned the team and the drivers at a special hearing later in the year. F1 winners at A1-Ring: Jacques Villeneuve (1997), Mika Hakkinen (1998 and 2000), Eddie Irvine (1999), David Coulthard (2001), and Michael Schumacher (the official winner in 2002 - see the note on the controversy above, as many consider that Reubens Barrichello won the race). See the official Web site (http://www.a1ring.at) for more information. Unfortunately, it does not appear to have any historical information on the circuit itself, nor can I find any such information online. Also, the official Web site is entirely in German, a language I cannot read. ============================================== CIRCUIT HISTORY: MONTE CARLO Anthony Noghes presented the concept of an automobile racing event in the streets of Monte Carlo in the 1920s. With the support of Prince Louis II, it was realized that the natural lay of the land provided a natural location for a superb racetrack. The first Grand Prix of Monaco was help April 14, 1929, with sixteen competitors. Since then, only fourteen years did the Grand Prix of Monaco not take place. Many of the most famous F1 drivers have won the Grand Prix of Monaco: Juan Manuel Fangio in 1950 and 1957; Stirling Moss in 1956, 1960, and 1961; Graham Hill in 1963-1965, 1968 and 1969; Jackie Stewart in 1966, 1971, and 1973; Niki Lauda in 1975 and 1976; Alain Prost in 1984-1986 and 1988; Ayrton Senna in 1987 and 1989-1993; and Michael Schumacher in 1994, 1995, 1997, 1999, and 2001. Due to the narrowness of the circuit, the steep elevation changes, and the numerous tight corners, the Grand Prix of Monte Carlo is one of the most prestigious events an F1 driver can possibly win. See the official Web site (http://www.monaco.mc/monaco/gprix) for more information. ============================================== CIRCUIT HISTORY: CIRCUIT GILLES VILLENEUVE Located on the Ile Notre-Dame in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, the circuit has hosted the Grand Prix of Canada since 1978. The circuit is named for Gilles Villeneuve, the first Canadian F1 driver. His first F1 victory was in 1978 at the Canadian Grand Prix on the Ile Notre-Dame track. However, following his death during a practice session for the 1982 Grand Prix of Belgium, the City of Montreal Executive Committee passed a resolution to rename the circuit in honor of Gilles Villeneuve. Jacques Villeneuve, son of Gilles Villeneuve, now competes in F1 (for BAR in 2002), so the Villeneuve name continues on in F1 racing. Many people attempt to compare F1 cars with CART cars. Therefore, it is perhaps not so surprising that in 2002, CART raced at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve for the first time. Based upon the popularity of this first CART venture to the circuit, CART will likely keep returning to this great race venue for many years and decades to come. F1 winners at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve: Gilles Villeneuve (1978), Alan Jones (1979 and 1980), Jacques Laffite (1981), Nelson Piquet (1982, 1984 and 1991), Rene Arnoux (1983), Michele Alboreto (1985), Ayrton Senna (1988 and 1990), Thierry Boutsen (1989), Gerhard Berger (1992), Alain Prost (1993), Michael Schumacher (1994, 1997, 1998, 2000, and 2002), Jean Alesi (1995), Damon Hill (1996), Mika Hakkinen (1999), and Ralf Schumacher (2001). The official Web site (http://www.grandprix.ca) has plenty of good information - including very important circuit access information, since cars cannot be taken to the island. ============================================== CIRCUIT HISTORY: NURBURGRING Originally 22.677 kilometers (14.173 miles) in length, the Nurburgring first opened in 1927 (following two years of construction) and is still going strong. The opening events featured motorcycles (June 18, 1927), with cars featured the following day. The 1939 German Grand Prix was the final race at Nurburgring for quite some time due to the beginning of World War II. The circuit itself was damaged in the closing months of the war, but racing returned to Nurburgring in 1947. However, there were no races at Nurburgring in 1948, as the circuit was being brought up to safety standards. Nurburgring began hosting F1 events in 1951. Estimates show that 400,000 spectators came to the track for the 1954 F1 race. In 1958, however, the F1 race saw the death of Peter Collins as his Ferrari went out of control. The 1968 world motorcycle championship at Nurburgring had a strange stoppage: a forest fire. The F1 Grand Prix later that year had nearly impossible visibility due to intense rain and fog. In 1970, the Northern Loop of the circuit was called into question after numerous accidents. Improvements were made for the following year, when 130,000 spectators witnessed Jackie Stewart winning the F1 Grand Prix. More improvements were demanded in 1974 (first by motorcyclists, then by F1 drivers). When Nikki Lauda was seriously injured in 1976, the Northern Loop was decommissioned as an F1 venue. A new, shorter circuit was then designed and built, opening in 1984 at 4.542 kilometers (2.839 miles) in length. Alan Prost won that year's European Grand Prix. In 1986, however, the F1 race moved to Hockenheim. 1995 saw the return of F1 to Nurburgring, and the historic race venue has produced excellent races ever since. Some of the notable F1 winners at Nurburgring: Alberto Ascari (1951 and 1952), Juan Manuel Fangio (1954-1956), Stirling Moss (1961), Jim Clark (1965), Jack Brabham (1966), Jackie Stewart (1968, 1971, and 1973), Alain Prost (1984), Michael Schumacher (1995, 2000, and 2001), Jacques Villeneuve (1996 and 1997), Mika Hakkinen (1998), and Rubens Barrichello (2002). See the official Web site (http://www.nuerburgring.de) for plenty more details about the Nurburgring. ============================================== CIRCUIT HISTORY: SILVERSTONE The world-famous Silverstone circuit - often spoken of in the same terms as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Monza - has hosted F1 racing since 1950. This 5.110-kilometer (3.194- mile) circuit is set at an airport site, and contains several configurations. The Silverstone International circuit (used for the British TOCA series) shares much of the same pavement as the Grand Prix circuit used for the annual F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain; in fact, the pavement for the two circuits even cross at approximately two-thirds of the way around the International circuit. During World War II, the Royal Air Force chose the site now known as Silverstone for an airfield and a bomber-training base. Following the war, other circuits such as Donnington Park and Brooklands could not be used for racing due to having been converted for wartime uses. Thus, in 1948, the Silverstone site was used for its first race... with the circuit marked by hay bales. The circuit was redone in 1949 and assumed a configuration roughly equivalent to that in current use. F1 began in 1950, and held its first race at Silverstone. Guiseppe Farina won the first-ever F1 race ni an Alfa Romeo. The British Racing Drivers' Club operated Silverstone until 2001, when current owner Octagon Motorsports took control of the venue; this also ensures that the British Grand Prix will be held at Silverstone for at least the next fifteen years. The world's best F1 drivers have all placed themselves into the Silverstone record books, including Manuel Fangio, Stirling Moss, Mike Hawthorn, Jack Brabham, John Surtees, Jim Clark, Graham Hill, Jackie Stewart, James Hunt, John Watson, Niki Lauda, Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell, Ayrton Senna, Eddie Irvine, Jacques Villeneuve, Mika Hakkinen, Michael Schumacher, and David Coulthard. The track record is held by Michael Schumacher, at 1:24.475 with an average speed of 217.784KPH (136.115MPH). Silverstone hosts far more than just F1: Grand Prix motorcycles, SuperBikes, Karts, FIA GTs, European Le Mans, RallySprint, stages of the Rally of Great Britain, British Touring Car Championship, and British Formula 3 and GT. The official Web site is actually the site for Octagon Motorsports (http://www.octagonmotorsports.com/), which owns and operates Silverstone, as well as Snetterton, Cadwell Park, Brands Hatch, and Oulton Park. ============================================== CIRCUIT HISTORY: NEVERS MAGNY-COURS Characterized by its three parallel straightaways (which can be aurally difficult for drivers while on the middle straightaway), Nevers Magny-Cours has hosted F1 events since 1991. The 4.226-kilometer (2.641-mile) circuit is also used for Motorbikes Championship, FIA GT Championship, Formula Renault 2000 Eurocup, FIA Sportcar Championship, Formula Nissan, historical races, and various endurance races. F1 winners at Nevers Magny-Cours: Nigel Mansell (1991 and 1992), Alain Prost (1993), Michael Schumacher (1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 2001, and 2002), Damon Hill (1996), Heinz-Harald Frentzen (1999), and David Coulthard (2000). Visit the official Web site (http://www.magnycours.com/) for more information. Unfortunately, the site does not include any circuit history in either the French- or English-language versions of the site. ============================================== CIRCUIT HISTORY: HOCKENHEIM The Hockenheim circuit was an EXCELLENT and very high-speed race venue until 2002, when the circuit was redesigned and severely shortened while accommodations were added to bring in even more spectators than before. The former Hockenheim configuration ran almost entirely through the German forest. The circuit was designed in 1932, and hosts F1 and many other forms of motorsport. Notable F1 winners at Hockenheim: Niki Lauda (1977), Mario Andretti (1978), (1981, 1986, and 1987), Alain Prost (1984, 1993), Ayrton Senna (1988-1990), Nigel Mansell (1991 and 1992), Michael Schumacher (1995, 2002), and Mika Hakkinen (1998). The official Web site (http://www.hockenheimring.de/) is unfortunately only available in German - which is a language I cannot read :-( ============================================== CIRCUIT HISTORY: HUNGARORING Located 19.2 kilometers (12 miles) northeast of Budapest, the 3.946-kilometer (2.466-mile) Hungaroring circuit has been used for F1 racing since 1986, and represented the first foray of F1 racing into the Eastern Block (during the Cold War era). F1 winners at Hungaroring include Nelson Piquet (1986 and 1987), Ayrton Senna (1988, 1991, and 1992), Nigel Mansell (1989), Thierry Boutsen (1990), Damon Hill (1993 and 1995), Michael Schumacher (1994, 1998, and 2001), Jacques Villeneuve (1996 and 1997), Mika Hakkinen (1999 and 2000), and Reubens Barrichello (2002). The official Web site (http://www.hungaroring.hu/) unfortunately does not include a circuit history. ============================================== CIRCUIT HISTORY: SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS The Spa-Francorchamps circuit is one of the most scenic race venues in all of F1 racing (especially now that the Hockenheim circuit in Germany has been practically destroyed in its new, far shorter configuration); races here are also as much characterized by the often-changing weather as by the challenging circuit itself. The Spa-Francorchamps venue has been as long as 14.038 kilometers (8.774 miles) in length (from 1950 to 1956), but has been greatly shortened now to 6.928 kilometers (4.330 miles) in length. This is a tricky circuit, categorized primarily by the tight La Source hairpin just beyond the Start/Finish Line, and the long, snaking, steep, uphill climb up Eau Rouge to the tree-lined Kemmel Straight (the highest area of the circuit). The Spa-Francorchamps circuit hosts numerous forms of motorsport, including F1, Karting, and motorbikes. There are also two driving schools based at Spa-Francorchamps: Peugeot Driving School EPMA and RACB Driving school. Conceived in 1920, the circuit was ready for racing in August 1921... but there was no race, as only one competitor had registered :-( Three years later, Spa-Francorchamps hosted its first annual 24 Hours of Francorchamps (24 Hours of Spa), an endurance race begun only one year following the inaugural 24 Hours of Le Mans. Until World War II, the major events held at the circuit were the motorcycle grand prix races, the Belgian Grand Prix, and the 24 Hours of Francorchamps. However, by the 1970s, drivers were sincerely concerned about safety along the lengthy Spa-Francorchamps circuit. After numerous propositions, a shorter circuit was created, and the 7-kilomter circuit was inaugurated in 1979. Fortunately, the new circuit kept the main characteristics of its massive former self and also sported many safety improvements. With the shorter, safer circuit, the F1 Grand Prix of Belgium was able to return to Spa-Francorchamps. The current track record was set by Michael Schumacher at 1:43.726 (241.837KMH, or 151.148MPH) in 2002. In one of the most spectacular passes in recent F1 history, the 2000 Grand Prix of Belgium hinged upon Mika Salo drafting behind Michael Schumacher to make a pass for the race lead at the end of Kemmel Straight, using a third car as a pick on entering Malmedy-Les Combes at the highest point of the Spa- Francorchamps circuit. Notable F1 winners at Spa-Francorchamps: Juan Manuel Fangio (1950, 1954, and 1955), Alberto Ascari (1952 and 1953), Jack Brabham (1960), Jim Clark (1962-1965), Emerson Fittipaldi (1972), Alain Prost (1983 and 1987), Ayrton Senna (1985, and 1988-1991), Nigel Mansell (1986), Michael Schumacher (1992, 1995-1997, and 2001-2002), and Mika Hakkinen (2000). Please visit the official Web site (http://www.spa- francorchamps.be/) for a lot of excellent information on the Spa-Francorchamps circuit and its many events and driving schools.. ============================================== CIRCUIT HISTORY: MONZA Originally opened in 1922 to commemorate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Milan Automobile Club, the Monza circuit (Autodromo Nazionale Monza), near Milan, Italy, has been the site of more F1 grand prix events than any other. The Monza circuit has seen numerous configurations, including the famous banked section