End of 2007 Season

Racing: not a good year, especially after the successes of 2005 and 2006. A change of driver, tyres and an aerodynamics issue meant we started very poorly (1.3 secs off the pace) and we never recovered. 2008 will be approached with much optimism despite this poor year: Alonso is back, aero development started on the R28 a lot earlier than in previous years, and lessons were learnt about how to handle the tyres

Drivers: Heikki and Fisico did the best they could with a very difficult and unpredictable car, eventually finishing 7th and 8th respectively. The team finished 3rd after McLaren were removed from the constructors championship. We finally announced our drivers for next season, although it is sad to say goodbye to Heikki and Fisico, we can be optimistic about our chances with Fernando and Nelson

IT: poor reliability of base IT systems hampered our year and took a bit of the gloss of another strong year of innovation and contribution to the company. Good commitment from everyone in the department ensured we kept disruption to our users to a minimum, we have a lot to do to improve in 2008!

For me another busy year of representing the team at various events, which saw me visit a number of places for the first time (incl. Cannes, Malta, New York, Cape Town …). The keynotes at ManageFusion 07 and Gartner ITXpo were highlights. As was the roadshow in Johannesburg

So Merry Christmas and here's to a successful 2008!

December in New York

People ask me a lot if I am busy, and I always reply things are manic (or some variation), I have found it difficult to find the time for what I term “low-level” task (e.g. paperwork), it is an indication of how bad things have become that I haven’t updated my “weekly” blog since the 24th August (11 weeks went by without an update!)

This update comes to you from the New York Palace hotel, I spent the week here attending the Symantec Executive Customer Council. I did find some time to look around the City, and it really is an amazing place. I did the usual touristy things, despite the biting cold (it snowed most days). Some very good conversations with the Council especially around virtualisation and security.

A tough year for the team, on and off the track. It’s the 8th December and we still haven’t announced our drivers for 2008, which is unprecedented. We appeared before the FIA council this week, hopefully that is now the end of this business. Thanks to all friends, family and colleagues for their support during this difficult time!! I think everyone in F1 has learnt lessons from this and the hearing two other teams faced earlier in the year. IT has an important part to play in protecting the company going forward!

Hopefully an update next week, with thoughts on who our drivers will be :-)