Ferrari Copy?

Minichamps 1/43 Jordan EJ12
Giancarlo Fisichella

The moment I saw this car, I thought to myself, this looked like a copy of the Ferrari F2001 nose work. It did bear resemblace to the F2001, but its performance was short of lackluster. Still, for me, I thought that its a very attractive car. I got this from a sale from a hobby shop here a few months ago. Luckily, I had extra Benson and Hedges decals, which I had ordered from Japan.
This was the car of Fisi, before having his first win at Jordan with the EJ13.




The Jordan Honda EJ12 is Jordan’s second Formula One car to incorporate a ‘works’ Honda engine, the RA002E, which is packaged differently than its 2001 predecessor. As a consequence, the chassis rear bulkhead has been modified to suit the new engine.
The EJ12 incorporates heavy design revisions to the front of the chassis, therefore requiring a re-packaged front suspension system. New materials and production techniques have been utilised in the chassis to further reduce weight and the centre of gravity position, with the revised side-pods making the side impact structures smaller, but more efficient.
The seven speed gearbox is based on a revised version of the 2001 unit, although its internals have been re-packaged into a lower position with the casing optimised for stiffness. The car’s cooling system has further been re-configured, making it lighter.
New regulations imposed by the FIA for 2002 have made the electrical power steering system illegal, prompting the team to design a new power assisted steering system for the EJ12.
In line with current F1 design philosophy, the front and rear suspension features pushrod-operated Penske dampers, while the EJ12 utilises Brembo brake calipers carbon fibre discs. With increased competition between tyre manufacturers, Jordan has opted to continue its successful partnership with Bridgestone, working closely with the Japanese company during the winter to develop new specification tyres.

Thunder at the Rock

1/43 European Minardi F1 X2
Thunder at the rock 2003 Rockingham
Jos Verstappen

This car is a must have for any F1 collector. Its a rare two seater car which was only built for the Thunder at the rock event. This two seater is the first two seater f1 car to be released by Minichamps. They will also have a Mclaren two seater release in the future.
this car is faithfully reproduced in 1/43.






For the last couple of year's Paul Stoddart has put on a showcase event for Formula 1 fans at Donington Park, to give fans the chance to get a little closer to Grand Prix racing. This year the event, which will be held on the August Bank Holiday weekend (August 30-31), has moved to Rockingham and will feature displays which will include Jos Verstappen, Nicolas Kiesa, Bryan Herta, Giorgio Pantano, David Saelens, Gianmaria Bruni and Stoddart himself in action in the F1 cars and the fleet of Minardi two-seater F1 cars. There will also be a strong musical element to the event with a concert being headlined by one of the hottest properties in the rock music world, The Darkness. There will also be a round of the exciting ASCAR Days of Thunder racing series plus Formula 1 pitstop demonstrations, autograph sessions and a fun fair.

"Minardi's Thunder events have always been a chance for the team to give something back to the sport in which it competes, while allowing the people who really matter - the fans - the opportunity to get closer than normal to the cars and drivers they support," said Stoddart."It's a great package, which just seems to get better and better each year. Thunder at the Rock is undoubtedly going to be the best yet."