Formula One Countdown

[Sixpipes]

Latest on the tire wars from FIA Soap Opera headquarters... More absurdity scheduled for 2007. :cool:

http://www.formula1.com/news/4601.html

[Tex Arcana]

Latest on the tire wars from FIA Soap Opera headquarters... More absurdity scheduled for 2007. :cool:

http://www.formula1.com/news/4601.html
:rll: that "curb cornering speeds" stuff just makes me laugh! The only way to do that is to pull wings and put them on motorcyle tires.

[Mika]

Kimi to Renault: perhaps, but they'll play hell getting him to run the black camera mount to Fishhead's red. Chances are this is a feint by someone, either Kimi or Flavio, to hide the real move--maybe JPM to Renault?? If Flavio sticks around, he should be able to deal with JPM and help improve him.

McLaren: haven't they learned about "starter kits" by now?? Forget the nationality of the driver (Yes, Mika: Finn's are cool--can you say "Jere Lehtinien"??); what really counts is getting the best available athelete, in this case driver. Nico Rosberg is showing very well, as is Scott Speed, tho I doubt they are going anywhere--if anything, Speed will move up to the Red Bull slot and bump either Coulthard (who might be going to Ferrari??) or Klien (doubtful).


More anti-Kimi comments. Nice...funny thing is, every time you open your mouth against Kimi, you insert your foot in there just as quickly.

Back in '01, Kimi was driving for Sauber. An obviously inferior ride compared to the McLaren's, Ferrari's and Williams. Kimi scored 9 points in '01. If Kimi is such an unfit driver, how come he got 9 points in a crappy car? If Scott Speed was so darn good, he'd have points by now. Period.

Now, Nico's scored 4 points so far. He's got potential. He may still earn a decent car. Who knows, Williams may be able to get their junk together and Nico may be able to make a legit push for driver champion in a few years. Oh, BTW, he's Finnish too. Guess he must be another one of your "Starter kits" ::tu: Funny how at the beginning of the year Nico was toted as being 100% German. And sure enough, in the USGP program they show him as half German, half Finnish.

Oh, if you want to take a look at another future McLaren star, take a look at Lewis Hamilton. He's doing quite well in the GP2 series....


Mika

[Tex Arcana]

More anti-Kimi comments. Nice...funny thing is, every time you open your mouth against Kimi, you insert your foot in there just as quickly.

Back in '01, Kimi was driving for Sauber. An obviously inferior ride compared to the McLaren's, Ferrari's and Williams. Kimi scored 9 points in '01. If Kimi is such an unfit driver, how come he got 9 points in a crappy car? If Scott Speed was so darn good, he'd have points by now. Period.

Now, Nico's scored 4 points so far. He's got potential. He may still earn a decent car. Who knows, Williams may be able to get their junk together and Nico may be able to make a legit push for driver champion in a few years. Oh, BTW, he's Finnish too. Guess he must be another one of your "Starter kits" ::tu: Funny how at the beginning of the year Nico was toted as being 100% German. And sure enough, in the USGP program they show him as half German, half Finnish.

Oh, if you want to take a look at another future McLaren star, take a look at Lewis Hamilton. He's doing quite well in the GP2 series....


Mika
Just because YOU want to kiss his a$$, doesn't mean I have to. :nono: I just call it like I see it. And what I see is a guy who's been handed some of the best equipment possible, and has yet to make good on it; a guy who has drestroyed as many cars as not; a guy who's lost more points than he's gained by destroying said cars. I couldn't care less if he's Finnish, German, Italian, INdonesian, or Nigerian--his record speaks for itself. Your namesake (Mika Hakkinnen) was one of the best drivers ever, and actually managed to win in similar equipment; so what's Kimi's problem?

If ya get a guy who's "similar" to someone else just because of the similarities, that's a "starter kit"; Wang Ju Ju was a Yao Ming stater kit; Julius Jones is an Emmitt Smith starter kit; the list goes on and on, and you get waht you paid for: a mere shadow of the original.

[Mika]

Just because YOU want to kiss his a$$, doesn't mean I have to. :nono: I just call it like I see it. And what I see is a guy who's been handed some of the best equipment possible, and has yet to make good on it; a guy who has drestroyed as many cars as not; a guy who's lost more points than he's gained by destroying said cars. I couldn't care less if he's Finnish, German, Italian, INdonesian, or Nigerian--his record speaks for itself. Your namesake (Mika Hakkinnen) was one of the best drivers ever, and actually managed to win in similar equipment; so what's Kimi's problem?

If ya get a guy who's "similar" to someone else just because of the similarities, that's a "starter kit"; Wang Ju Ju was a Yao Ming stater kit; Julius Jones is an Emmitt Smith starter kit; the list goes on and on, and you get waht you paid for: a mere shadow of the original.

Wow. Just wow. You family tree must not split one bit. I don't kiss his ass. He's a damn good driver. WITH more points than Mr. Whiney Montoya. WITH the same car. Even with a lesser car, he still managed respectively, while JPM couldn't muster up enough points for a legit chance for DC.

Yet to make good on it? Right, 'cuz Montoya's done SO much better:vomit: . Kimi, 2nd in '03 and '05. JPM, best he could muster is 3rd(behind Kimi in '03, and back in '02). Since then, he's been weaksauce. He's your boy, but you don't see me ragging him. Hey, I know your boy's good, and he pulls a decent race out of his ass every once in a while. But I don't go trashing him.

As far as Kimi's problem goes, do you remembe a guy named Newey? His ass left a few years ago. McLaren has had problems since. But hey, I guess you knew that. McLaren's problems have stemmed from reliability issues. Last year they had the fastest car out there, but couldn't make it to the finish line. Now they concentrated on reliability, but the speed/aero package is lacking.

According to your similarity theory goes, the only people who I have dealt with that have the same mentality that you do are trailer trash redneck. Like Foxworthy said, ain't gonna get Evian when you mix sewer and pond water. Does that make you starter kit for the trailer trash redneck club? No, I try to give people a chance. But you've done a fine job of putting yourself in that class. Meh, suits me.

So, I'll ask you again, is Nico a "starter kit"?


Mika

[dboat]

Now boys,

cant we all get along?

Dana

[Mika]

Now boys,

cant we all get along?

Dana

It's too much fun not to though:tongue:



Mika

[Tex Arcana]

Wow. Just wow. You family tree must not split one bit. I don't kiss his ass. He's a damn good driver. WITH more points than Mr. Whiney Montoya. WITH the same car. Even with a lesser car, he still managed respectively, while JPM couldn't muster up enough points for a legit chance for DC.

Yet to make good on it? Right, 'cuz Montoya's done SO much better:vomit: . Kimi, 2nd in '03 and '05. JPM, best he could muster is 3rd(behind Kimi in '03, and back in '02). Since then, he's been weaksauce. He's your boy, but you don't see me ragging him. Hey, I know your boy's good, and he pulls a decent race out of his ass every once in a while. But I don't go trashing him.

As far as Kimi's problem goes, do you remembe a guy named Newey? His ass left a few years ago. McLaren has had problems since. But hey, I guess you knew that. McLaren's problems have stemmed from reliability issues. Last year they had the fastest car out there, but couldn't make it to the finish line. Now they concentrated on reliability, but the speed/aero package is lacking.

According to your similarity theory goes, the only people who I have dealt with that have the same mentality that you do are trailer trash redneck. Like Foxworthy said, ain't gonna get Evian when you mix sewer and pond water. Does that make you starter kit for the trailer trash redneck club? No, I try to give people a chance. But you've done a fine job of putting yourself in that class. Meh, suits me.

So, I'll ask you again, is Nico a "starter kit"?


Mika

Geez, calm down, it's not like I'm talkinga bout a family member.:rolleyes:

For one, I never mentined JPM in my previous post; I spoke ONLY of kimi. And what I said is my opinion of him, based on what I've seen of him since he started in F1. He had plenty of opportunity before Newey left to do well, but didn't; last year, the year before, they had some of the hottest equipment around, but it mysteriously was "unreliable"--of course, any car will be unreliable if you literally drive the wheels off of it.

I'd like to say I have an educated opinion, since I've been an avid follower of F1 for a VERY long time, longer than most.

Either way, it is well known that F1 is more about the equipment than the drivers; on the other hand, what separates a great driver from a merely fast driver is his ability to work with his team and make both himself and his car better. Mika Hakkinen was very good at that; Kimi is not, and that's based on his overall performance.

As for "starter kits": my gut says Nico isn't a starter kit, but I could be wrong. When I saw McLaren hire Kimi, the first thing that popped into my head was "starter kit, yer gonna regret it", and so far I've been right.

As for your diatribe about my family tree and such: how far back can YOU trace your lineage?? :rolleyes:

[Tex Arcana]

It's too much fun not to though:tongue:



Mika

Beware of what you wish for... you just might get it. ;)

[Mika]

So you mention the fact that Kimi has failed. Failed how? As badly as JPM has? As in he's scored more points with less pole positions. He can actually come back from behind and win a race? He consistently is ahead of his teammate, whoever it may be? Yup, he's a failure.

If McLaren is so darn good, how come they had problems at the beginning of last year, and towards the end of the year they learned how to keep a car together? I'm sure you will find a way to blame Kimi for it. But remember, JPM had just as much input as Kimi did, so you can put the blame on your Whine just as much.

So, I'll ask you again, since you like to ignore questions. Are you a starter kit for the redneck trailer trash?

Since you're not used to answers, just blah blah blah, http://www.familysearch.org/Eng/Search/customsearchresults.asp?LDS=1&region=7&last_name=Hyytiainen&standardize=N .

It goes back about 500 years, doing a quick search on my last name.


Mika

[Mika]

Beware of what you wish for... you just might get it. ;)

Same goes to you too. You can dish it, you can take it:D


Mika

[Tex Arcana]

So you mention the fact that Kimi has failed. Failed how? As badly as JPM has? As in he's scored more points with less pole positions. He can actually come back from behind and win a race? He consistently is ahead of his teammate, whoever it may be? Yup, he's a failure.

If McLaren is so darn good, how come they had problems at the beginning of last year, and towards the end of the year they learned how to keep a car together? I'm sure you will find a way to blame Kimi for it. But remember, JPM had just as much input as Kimi did, so you can put the blame on your Whine just as much.

So, I'll ask you again, since you like to ignore questions. Are you a starter kit for the redneck trailer trash?

Since you're not used to answers, just blah blah blah, http://www.familysearch.org/Eng/Search/customsearchresults.asp?LDS=1&region=7&last_name=Hyytiainen&standardize=N .

It goes back about 500 years, doing a quick search on my last name.


Mika
Kimi: dammit, get over yourself, and get over him. Just because he's a Finn, doesn't make him a god, he's just a fairly talented driver with a 5-cent brain in his skull. I'd bet we could drag Alain Prost out of retirement, put him in a McLaren, and he'd not only outdrive Kimi, he's likely win another championship. :evil

I'm a 5th generation Texan, one of my ancestors was a captain in the COnfederate Army, and my entire lineage can be traced back past the Mayflower (one branch), into either Scotland or Germany, depending on which branches you follow. I don't think I'm trailer-trash, especially considering I've never owned trailers, and only lived in one for abou 3 months.

As for your link, I'll give you the benefit of the dooubt that's your family, but you have to appreciate the fact that I could call shens on it, and call YOU trailer-trash with a vine for a family tree. :rolleyes:

[Tex Arcana]

Same goes to you too. You can dish it, you can take it:D


Mika

I know I can take it, what you've dished is pretty weaksauce where I come from; if you've followed my "meteoric" career here at TALON, I'm sure you know how well I can dish it out, as well. :d

[Mika]

Kimi: dammit, get over yourself, and get over him. Just because he's a Finn, doesn't make him a god, he's just a fairly talented driver with a 5-cent brain in his skull. I'd bet we could drag Alain Prost out of retirement, put him in a McLaren, and he'd not only outdrive Kimi, he's likely win another championship. :evil

I'm a 5th generation Texan, one of my ancestors was a captain in the COnfederate Army, and my entire lineage can be traced back past the Mayflower (one branch), into either Scotland or Germany, depending on which branches you follow. I don't think I'm trailer-trash, especially considering I've never owned trailers, and only lived in one for abou 3 months.

As for your link, I'll give you the benefit of the dooubt that's your family, but you have to appreciate the fact that I could call shens on it, and call YOU trailer-trash with a vine for a family tree. :rolleyes:

I keep giving facts about Kimi. Fact: he's outdriven every teammate in his F1 career. Fact: he's more of a driver than JPM will ever be. Yet you seem to trash him more than your boy Monty. Montoya has had just as many chances to win DC's as Kimi has(even more, considering he was in a Williams a few years ago when they were good), and yet you still trash him. To me that sounds an awful lot like you're the one living with the blinders on. Maybe you're pissed 'cuz people don't respect Monty, but Monty likes to :crying: a lot, and folks don't like that in the paddock. There's a reason why folks don't mind paying Kimi the big bucks, and JPM is asking to ride for free.

You are absolutely right, just 'cuz he's Finnish doesn't make him god. Far from it. Not that you're saying it, but to say that Finns aren't good drivers is :bs .

You could call shenanigans on me all you want. But how many Hyytiainen's have you heard of? Not too freakin' many. There aren't too many of 'em in Finland either. Call me trailer trash all you want. I've never lived in one, never owned one. Difference between me and you is that I like to keep an open mind and an open eye.



Mika

[Mika]

I know I can take it, what you've dished is pretty weaksauce where I come from; if you've followed my "meteoric" career here at TALON, I'm sure you know how well I can dish it out, as well. :d

5th generation Texan? Now I remember what folks told me. Everything's bigger in Texas. Including folks with big egos, who have no reason to have one in the first place. I haven't followed you at all on Talon. All I've done is respond to this thread after your :vomit: posts.




Mika

[Tex Arcana]

I keep giving facts about Kimi. Fact: he's outdriven every teammate in his F1 career. Fact: he's more of a driver than JPM will ever be. Yet you seem to trash him more than your boy Monty. Montoya has had just as many chances to win DC's as Kimi has(even more, considering he was in a Williams a few years ago when they were good), and yet you still trash him. To me that sounds an awful lot like you're the one living with the blinders on. Maybe you're pissed 'cuz people don't respect Monty, but Monty likes to :crying: a lot, and folks don't like that in the paddock. There's a reason why folks don't mind paying Kimi the big bucks, and JPM is asking to ride for free.

You are absolutely right, just 'cuz he's Finnish doesn't make him god. Far from it. Not that you're saying it, but to say that Finns aren't good drivers is :bs .

You could call shenanigans on me all you want. But how many Hyytiainen's have you heard of? Not too freakin' many. There aren't too many of 'em in Finland either. Call me trailer trash all you want. I've never lived in one, never owned one. Difference between me and you is that I like to keep an open mind and an open eye.



Mika
You don't know me very well, do you?? :rll: I've got a more-open mind than 99% of the people around here--hell, I piss off my contractor on a regular basis, because when he tells me about something he's having trouble with, I come up with a very out-of-the-box solution, which makes him have to rethink the whole thing over again, and he eventually ends up agreeing with me.

And if you had the comprehension skills of a redneck, you'd notice that "my boy" ain't JPM, but Michael Schumacher, and lately Fernando Alonso, and it's damned well certain that they both are better driver's than your vaunted Kimi. :nono:

I'll take your word for it, not being "tt", it's good to have a family background, as long as the blood isn't too blue. ;)

So there. :tongue:

[Tex Arcana]

5th generation Texan? Now I remember what folks told me. Everything's bigger in Texas. Including folks with big egos, who have no reason to have one in the first place. I haven't followed you at all on Talon. All I've done is respond to this thread after your :vomit: posts.




Mika
Just because you can't handle the fact that your Kimi is a spare, ain't my problem.

[Sixpipes]

I think we should start a thread about Formula One, what do ya'll think? And you should know that there is a rumor going round that you guys are rooming together at LightningFest... :cool:

[Mika]

You don't know me very well, do you?? :rll: I've got a more-open mind than 99% of the people around here--hell, I piss off my contractor on a regular basis, because when he tells me about something he's having trouble with, I come up with a very out-of-the-box solution, which makes him have to rethink the whole thing over again, and he eventually ends up agreeing with me.

And if you had the comprehension skills of a redneck, you'd notice that "my boy" ain't JPM, but Michael Schumacher, and lately Fernando Alonso, and it's damned well certain that they both are better driver's than your vaunted Kimi. :nono:

I'll take your word for it, not being "tt", it's good to have a family background, as long as the blood isn't too blue. ;)

So there. :tongue:

Last I checked, F1 is 90% car and team surrounding it, 10% driver. So your boy Michael has the best car(has had it for over 10 years), and "your boy" Alonso also has had the best car for 2 years(reliability, speed). Sounds like you're a bandwagon boy...must be a Mavs fan too.

Alonso is a talented driver, no doubt. As well as Michael. But if Michael is so darn good, how come he doesn't want Kimi next to him? I'll tell you why. He'll actually push Michael, and give him a good challenge. I guarantee you that Michael wouldn't have wanted Mika Hakkinen next to him either. 'Cuz he'd make Michael look bad(not always, but more often than not).

Ron Dennis said it, not me. "If Kimi doesn't win a driver's championship, it's because we couldn't give him a car good enough." I'd rather take his word than some backyard dust racer.



Mika

[Mika]

Just because you can't handle the fact that your Kimi is a spare, ain't my problem.

:d Stick to JPM. He'll take you places. Like 3rd or 4th place, behind Kimi.


Mika

[Mika]

I think we should start a thread about Formula One, what do ya'll think? And you should know that there is a rumor going round that you guys are rooming together at LightningFest... :cool:

:beer: . Game on!


Mika

[Tex Arcana]

Last I checked, F1 is 90% car and team surrounding it, 10% driver. So your boy Michael has the best car(has had it for over 10 years), and "your boy" Alonso also has had the best car for 2 years(reliability, speed). Sounds like you're a bandwagon boy...must be a Mavs fan too.

Alonso is a talented driver, no doubt. As well as Michael. But if Michael is so darn good, how come he doesn't want Kimi next to him? I'll tell you why. He'll actually push Michael, and give him a good challenge. I guarantee you that Michael wouldn't have wanted Mika Hakkinen next to him either. 'Cuz he'd make Michael look bad(not always, but more often than not).

Ron Dennis said it, not me. "If Kimi doesn't win a driver's championship, it's because we couldn't give him a car good enough." I'd rather take his word than some backyard dust racer.



Mika
...



Fanboi. :bs



:evil

[Mika]

...

Fanboi. :bs



:evil

Yup. It only came from Ron Dennis's mouth. Must be fanboi stuff.

Keep your blinders closed, and your trailer doors open.


Mika

[Tex Arcana]

Yup. It only came from Ron Dennis's mouth. Must be fanboi stuff.

Keep your blinders closed, and your trailer doors open.


Mika

:rolleyes: You actually beleive what they say?? You must be a dupe, 'cuz 99% of what comes out of ANY F1 team member is usually squat.

Like I said: fanboi, unable to put blame where it should be.

[Mika]

:rolleyes: You actually beleive what they say?? You must be a dupe, 'cuz 99% of what comes out of ANY F1 team member is usually squat.

Like I said: fanboi, unable to put blame where it should be.

Keep strummin' your banjo, and bangin' your sister. Or cousin. Probably the same person anyways...

Ya know, I thought about something(for a change). What kind of person hires someone, and has to do their job for them? I mean, you hired a contractor and he can't do his job? Is there some kind of brain drain in Frisco? I'd let the guy go if he can't do his job to well. Maybe try to find someone who can do their job. I'm just sayin' though, with your mighty open-mind and all.

AND, I'll say it again. I'll take an F1 team leader's words before I take some dust bowl backyard racer's...

Fanboi? It's called sticking with your team/driver. Where are all the Mavs bumper stickers nowadays? What you call fanboi, I call dedication. More than I can say about most Mavs fans in the metro.



Mika

[dboat]

Ok you two... you are messing up, what used to be, a decent thread on F1 for this year.. take your flaming off line and PM each other to death if you like.. I happen to like both of you... but this is getting ridiculous..

So,

What chances are there to see Sebastion Bourdeais from ChampCar make the move to F1? I dont see anyone from IRL making the leap at this point..

Finally, dont you think that if one of the teams made a real run at Jeff Gordon, before he gets too much older, they could spend some time with him and make him a decent F1 driver? I watched that show on Speed a year or so ago when he drove JPM's older car at Indy and did a darned good job. You'd think that if they really wanted to make inroads in the US they would go after a guy like him that can actually drive and give him a year or three to make it happen. It would at least capture the attention of the American public for awhile.

Dana

[Mika]

What chances are there to see Sebastion Bourdeais from ChampCar make the move to F1? I dont see anyone from IRL making the leap at this point..

Finally, dont you think that if one of the teams made a real run at Jeff Gordon, before he gets too much older, they could spend some time with him and make him a decent F1 driver? I watched that show on Speed a year or so ago when he drove JPM's older car at Indy and did a darned good job. You'd think that if they really wanted to make inroads in the US they would go after a guy like him that can actually drive and give him a year or three to make it happen. It would at least capture the attention of the American public for awhile.

Dana

I haven't read too much about Bourdeais, but truth be told, I don't follow ChampCar too much. Mainly F1, and WRC('til it got taken off of Speed).

There's a few drivers in the NASCAR series that *may* be able to hang with the current F1 folks. Gordon is one of 'em. A long shot would be Tony Stewart as well. I would like to see Gordon in F1. He'd bring more attention than Speed does(IMO). He's a better driver as well. If Gordon were to have a decent shot, he'd probably need to stick with one of the top 3 teams(Renault, Ferrari, or Macca) to have a legit chance. Maybe if Toyota or Honda got their act together, they'd be able to give Jeff a good chance.

JPM and Jeff Gordon's show was "Swappin' Paint" or somethin' like that. They were both within a few seconds of each others times in each others cars. Pretty good show. Montoya was impressed by the acceleration of the V8's, and Gordon was impressed by the braking of the F1 car.


Mika

[dboat]

If I recall correctly on the Gordon/JPM show, it was clear that Jeff was way way more impressed with the F1 car than JPM with the CrashCar.. you know having to shift and using technology (read carburetors) from decades ago.. but you are right Jeff couldnt quit talking about the brakes and how deep he could go into the corners before hitting them.. Jeff's times would have qualified him for an F1 race, not bad for a first timer, but saying that he would have been as good as Sato doesnt say much.. but he did drive karts as a kid and has the ability to turn the steering wheel both directions.. I almost mentioned Tony Stewart as well.. Bourdeais is cleaning up in ChampCar but the talent going against him isnt all that strong either, but at least its open wheel racing and he is winning titles and races. There is a race on today at 12:30p Eastern time..
Dana


I haven't read too much about Bourdeais, but truth be told, I don't follow ChampCar too much. Mainly F1, and WRC('til it got taken off of Speed).

There's a few drivers in the NASCAR series that *may* be able to hang with the current F1 folks. Gordon is one of 'em. A long shot would be Tony Stewart as well. I would like to see Gordon in F1. He'd bring more attention than Speed does(IMO). He's a better driver as well. If Gordon were to have a decent shot, he'd probably need to stick with one of the top 3 teams(Renault, Ferrari, or Macca) to have a legit chance. Maybe if Toyota or Honda got their act together, they'd be able to give Jeff a good chance.

JPM and Jeff Gordon's show was "Swappin' Paint" or somethin' like that. They were both within a few seconds of each others times in each others cars. Pretty good show. Montoya was impressed by the acceleration of the V8's, and Gordon was impressed by the braking of the F1 car.


Mika

[Mika]

If I recall correctly on the Gordon/JPM show, it was clear that Jeff was way way more impressed with the F1 car than JPM with the CrashCar.. you know having to shift and using technology (read carburetors) from decades ago.. but you are right Jeff couldnt quit talking about the brakes and how deep he could go into the corners before hitting them.. Jeff's times would have qualified him for an F1 race, not bad for a first timer, but saying that he would have been as good as Sato doesnt say much.. but he did drive karts as a kid and has the ability to turn the steering wheel both directions.. I almost mentioned Tony Stewart as well.. Bourdeais is cleaning up in ChampCar but the talent going against him isnt all that strong either, but at least its open wheel racing and he is winning titles and races. There is a race on today at 12:30p Eastern time..
Dana

Jeff was pretty much amazed that he could go full blast on the straight away at Indy, and hit the brakes at the 50 meter mark and stay on course. Montoya wasn't as amazed as Gordon was, but he was still impressed.

If any of the F1 teams were to approach Jeff, it'd have to be in the next year or so. He's getting old for a driver(35 in August), but that doesn't mean a lot. Schumi's got 2 years on him, and he's at the top of his game.


Mika

[Mika]

Montoya dumps F1 for Nascar. Saw it on ESPN(SportsCenter).

Funny that he said that, 'cuz 6 years ago he said that Nascar cars are too big, too slow, and not powerful enough.

http://www.racingone.com/article.asp?artnum=1086

I didn't see a Nascar thread, so I posted it in here.

Found the article....

http://cbs.sportsline.com/autoracing/story/9546984/rss



Mika

[dboat]

My how the mighty have fallen... going to CrashCar... dang, if he is going with Ganassi, you'd think it would at least be open wheel.. but not this.. he must be really desparate for a ride.. really really desparate...

oh well, this is how we get new blood in F1...

I dont agree that Schumi is at the top of his game now. I think he is still the best but not his personal best. I think he did peak about 2 yrs ago, but there arent others that have the car and team that he has along with his level of talent. Even at 80-90% he is still the best.. what made him the best is that he just never made mistakes.. he was always closing in on whoever was in front of him.. I dont think he can do that nearly as well now.
Dana


Montoya dumps F1 for Nascar. Saw it on ESPN(SportsCenter).

Funny that he said that, 'cuz 6 years ago he said that Nascar cars are too big, too slow, and not powerful enough.

http://www.racingone.com/article.asp?artnum=1086

I didn't see a Nascar thread, so I posted it in here.

Found the article....

http://cbs.sportsline.com/autoracing/story/9546984/rss



Mika

[Tex Arcana]

Keep strummin' your banjo, and bangin' your sister. Or cousin. Probably the same person anyways...

Ya know, I thought about something(for a change). What kind of person hires someone, and has to do their job for them? I mean, you hired a contractor and he can't do his job? Is there some kind of brain drain in Frisco? I'd let the guy go if he can't do his job to well. Maybe try to find someone who can do their job. I'm just sayin' though, with your mighty open-mind and all.

AND, I'll say it again. I'll take an F1 team leader's words before I take some dust bowl backyard racer's...

Fanboi? It's called sticking with your team/driver. Where are all the Mavs bumper stickers nowadays? What you call fanboi, I call dedication. More than I can say about most Mavs fans in the metro.



Mika
damn, son... take some Valium and relax, it ain't THAT important. :rolleyes:

contractor: ok, drop a quarter into the slot and pay attention: I am the contractor on record; however, I have a guy doing the *actual* work of contractor--what he says, goes. He's a carpenter by trade, experienced enough to do it all if he wanted to, but he really doesn't want to do it all. But, for us, he is. We hired a concrete contractor to do the foundation, the one with the second-best price (the first-best wouldn't return our calls, likely because they figured they underbid and didn't want to be stuck with it); the started cheating the plans and the proper construction of forms and such, headed toward a significant plan change that would likely get us into hot water with the city, so Steve fired them and has been working to finish the job himself. Hence why we will need some experienced concrete people in a couple-three weeks, so we can do the pour. The most important thing we need, tho, is an experienced floor finisher, sinc the garage floor needs to be polished and leveled.

Get it, now, furriner? :p

[Tex Arcana]

Well, Mika, this should make you happier'n a pig in slop:
Montoya to go to NASCAR in '07 (http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/news/story?seriesId=2&id=2514365)


JOLIET, Ill. -- Why would Juan Pablo Montoya trade Monte Carlo and Melbourne for Darlington and Martinsville -- and likely take a pay cut in the process?

Go dig up another Finn starter kit, maybe you can find a designer and aerodynamicist in Finland as well. :tongue:

[Mika]

Well, Mika, this should make you happier'n a pig in slop:
Montoya to go to NASCAR in '07 (http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/news/story?seriesId=2&id=2514365)



Go dig up another Finn starter kit, maybe you can find a designer and aerodynamicist in Finland as well. :tongue:

Look 3 posts up. I know its a tough concept, this English thing. But if a furriner could handle it(an ESL person, at that), chances are brilliant geniuses like yourself shouldn't have a problem doing it either. It's called reading. And another case of comprehension owning you.

Actually, I got mixed feelings. While I rag Monty quite a bit, he was still better than half the folks on the F1 starting grid. While I find it amusing, it'll be sad to see Whine take a step down. His thing is that he wabts to be happy(or so he says now). And I sincerely hope that he is. During the press conference he even said that he would be taking a pay cut(salary). But I'm pretty sure he'll do well on endorsements. Columbian+Dodge=FTW? We'll see in '07.

Starter kit? Probably not. Don't know of any up and coming Finns. As far as aerodynamicists and designers, that ain't gonna happen. Those fools up there are too drunk to make it to the work desk.:tongue:

Sorry to hear about your contractor woes. Is that a regular deal going on in that business? Lazy @$$ people? If so, that sucks goat nuts.


Mika

[Tex Arcana]

Look 3 posts up. I know its a tough concept, this English thing. But if a furriner could handle it(an ESL person, at that), chances are brilliant geniuses like yourself shouldn't have a problem doing it either. It's called reading. And another case of comprehension owning you.

ENGRISH! ME NO SPEEKIE ENGRISH! YOU BE QUIET NOW, ROUND-EYE! :tongue:


Actually, I got mixed feelings. While I rag Monty quite a bit, he was still better than half the folks on the F1 starting grid. While I find it amusing, it'll be sad to see Whine take a step down. His thing is that he wabts to be happy(or so he says now). And I sincerely hope that he is. During the press conference he even said that he would be taking a pay cut(salary). But I'm pretty sure he'll do well on endorsements. Columbian+Dodge=FTW? We'll see in '07.

:rolleyes: yeah, no whining accepted from him now, he's made his bed, and sold his soul to :evil. He'll do fine, he really is talented, and very good with loose cars, and these things willm *always* be loose.


Starter kit? Probably not. Don't know of any up and coming Finns. As far as aerodynamicists and designers, that ain't gonna happen. Those fools up there are too drunk to make it to the work desk.:tongue:

:rll: they're too busy ice fishing and curling. Besides, only Enlishmen can survive in F1 design and management. :rolleyes:


Sorry to hear about your contractor woes. Is that a regular deal going on in that business? Lazy @$$ people? If so, that sucks goat nuts.


Mika

The concrete outfit: yeah, lazy and cheaters. My guy says, every time I see him, "I have no idea how they thought they could charge $38k for this, even with all my time on this, and the help I hire, I won't even get close to half what they were charging." So, I'm thinking this is working out for the better, getting much better quality in trade for more time to get it done. Once the concrete is poured, it'll fly, I think.

[Mika]

Concrete outfit=sucks! That is disgusting. I wish people had ethics these days. Guess that falls by the wayside.

(rant warning) Ugh, people have absolutely no pride in their work these days. I take that back, very few people do. There's more to life than just making a dang dollar. If I was in construction, I'd like to think that in 30-50 years, I'd drive by a building and tell my kids/grandkids "I built that, and I built it to last". Nowadays, people are in it for a quick buck and that's it. Frustrating... (rant off).



Mika

[Mika]

Oh, I forgot to mention. Danica Patrick is going to be joining the Nascar circus too next year. :)



Mika

[Tex Arcana]

Concrete outfit=sucks! That is disgusting. I wish people had ethics these days. Guess that falls by the wayside.

(rant warning) Ugh, people have absolutely no pride in their work these days. I take that back, very few people do. There's more to life than just making a dang dollar. If I was in construction, I'd like to think that in 30-50 years, I'd drive by a building and tell my kids/grandkids "I built that, and I built it to last". Nowadays, people are in it for a quick buck and that's it. Frustrating... (rant off).



Mika
Yah, we're both unhappy, but I just talked to him, and he said we will likely end up spending about half what they projected for this, and that he's got what he needs for both pours (one is the stem walls, the other the garage floor), and that he's got a guy lined up to do the floor polishing as well. So I'm a happy camper at the moment.

[dboat]

Oh, I forgot to mention. Danica Patrick is going to be joining the Nascar circus too next year. :)



Mika


WHAT?????? Say it aint so... why? with who?... ok just post up a link..

Dana

[Mark #2]

WHAT?????? Say it aint so... why? with who?... ok just post up a link..

Dana
Dad had a meeting with Jack Roush in Chicago this past weekend.

[Mika]

WHAT?????? Say it aint so... why? with who?... ok just post up a link..

Dana

My bad Dana. It's not confirmed 100%, but her dad had a meeting in Chicago last weekend(thanks Mark:) ).

http://sports.yahoo.com/nascar/news;_ylt=Ang7m3Nt_bJVlv6nNwsAySfov7YF?slug=nascar patrick&prov=st&type=lgns


Mika

[dboat]

My bad Dana. It's not confirmed 100%, but her dad had a meeting in Chicago last weekend(thanks Mark:) ).

http://sports.yahoo.com/nascar/news;_ylt=Ang7m3Nt_bJVlv6nNwsAySfov7YF?slug=nascar patrick&prov=st&type=lgns


Mika

Mika,
thanks for the link.. yeah her season has been a little frustrating..

Dana

[Mark #2]

Montoya released:

http://sports.yahoo.com/nascar/news?slug=bm-montoyaout071106&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

[Tex Arcana]

Montoya released:

http://sports.yahoo.com/nascar/news?slug=bm-montoyaout071106&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

Reading between the lines of Ron Dennis' statement: "Montoya was a major pain in the azz, who just couldn't stop complaining and was never happy, and couldn't be like Kimi; when he announced he was going to CRASHCAR, we gave him a helping kick right out the door. Good luck collecting on the rest of the contract, they'll have to pry it out of my cold, dead hands." :rll:

[dboat]

My how the mighty have fallen... going to CrashCar... dang, if he is going with Ganassi, you'd think it would at least be open wheel.. but not this.. he must be really desparate for a ride.. really really desparate...
Dana


I said it before and I am saying it again.

[dboat]

http://www.formula1.com/news/4615.html

gone but not forgotten...




just give them a couplel of weeks and you wont hear his name again.. :evil

sorry, I couldnt resist..

Dana

[dboat]

http://www.formula1.com/news/4625.html

The new rules enacted this weekend arent much different but just enough so that it bears worth reading... Not sure how I feel about it yet because I liked the old version a lot, but will probably like this just as well.

Dana

[dboat]

If Renault/Michelin run away with it this weekend, then they will lock up the Championship. They have the reliability and the tires to win. Their driver is good and steady. However, if Bridgestone and Ferrari can win and have Renault just finish down a few spots, there is still hope for a Ferrari comeback. I just dont see the Renault's DNF'ing anytime soon, and if they dont, then they have the upper hand..

Dana

[dboat]

What a great race!!.. different pit strategies and lots of good racing..

Kimi got screwed by his team.. should have been on the podium..

Michael wins going away..nice shot of him getting out of the car but not even sweating after a race in 95 degree weather.:eek2:

Alonso was pushing his car all day, the shots from the course showed that he was having to lock up the brakes a lot today.

Dennis, if you are still checking this thread, what has happened to Honda? both cars crapped out during the race.. they are spinning out of control being managed by committee... :confused:

Mark, my inevitable post about rpm's..MB doing 20,000 rpms in those V8's now.. :bows

Well, MS only picks up two points but its better than second place..

Dana

[Mika]

Initially I was thinking that Alonso could have pushed for 1st. But after Michael's 3rd stint(where he put 10+ seconds on Alonso), I saw that 2nd would have been the best he could have done. Michael had a masterful race, with a masterful car, with masterful tires.

How did Kimi get screwed? I thought he may have flat spotted the tires(for the last/unscheduled pit).

Michael/Ferrari/Bridgestone are back. MS is going to need help from Massa though. If Michael wins every race, and Alonso comes in 2nd, Alonso will win his second DC. I don't foresee any reliability issues with Renault, nor too many driver errors(last year Alonso messed up in Canada?). This season is going to be a fun one, watching Alonso and Mikey battle it out.



Mika

[dboat]

I thought that McL just screwed up and he needed the extra 2 seconds of fuel to finish (no pun intended) the race.. not sure if he flat spotted or not.. I am not sure they kept him from a podium..
Well at least Bridgestone did have masterful tires.. Michael did drive well.. The one thing that Renault and Ferrari have in common. They bring cars that dont break down.. If you cant finish the race with your car running, it just doesnt matter,, hence my comments about Honda today..

Well at least it wont be a runaway, thats the way it appears right now.. so for those that want to watch the second half of the season unfold and see if somehow MS and FA can make a mistake or if their teams or strategies dont work, it'll be fun..

Dana


Initially I was thinking that Alonso could have pushed for 1st. But after Michael's 3rd stint(where he put 10+ seconds on Alonso), I saw that 2nd would have been the best he could have done. Michael had a masterful race, with a masterful car, with masterful tires.

How did Kimi get screwed? I thought he may have flat spotted the tires(for the last/unscheduled pit).

Michael/Ferrari/Bridgestone are back. MS is going to need help from Massa though. If Michael wins every race, and Alonso comes in 2nd, Alonso will win his second DC. I don't foresee any reliability issues with Renault, nor too many driver errors(last year Alonso messed up in Canada?). This season is going to be a fun one, watching Alonso and Mikey battle it out.



Mika

[Tex Arcana]

Spot-on, boys. Helluva race. Mass stepped it up, and managed to hold up Alonso in the first stint, letting MS do what he needed to secure the race. Alonso did his best, as did Renault, in changing strategy to try to shake things up, but I'm thinking MS/Ferrari outthought them from the start.

Scott Speed did well, breaking into the top-ten with an old car, and despite a pinched nerve in his back. de la Rosa did exceptionally well, considering it was obvious that McLaren dropped a 16-ton weight on his shoulders. And did anyone catch Dennis' comment when asked about Montoya?? Sounded to me like he said something along the lines of, "I'm going to throw the wife out, now." :rll: If anyone could figure it out, please post it, I think theres a bit of dark humor in it.

As for Kimi: how can he ruin two sets of tires like that??

And how delicious was it that Sato never even got off the line for Stupid Aguri, and Montagny (who's about the be replaced with yet ANOTHER Sato starter-kit) not only finished, but NOT in absolute last place?? :rll:

And speaking of the stupidity of Japanese teams, HOnduh is about to doom themselves to Stupid Aguri status. It wouldn't surprise me to see both Button and Rubens jump ship together, and let them import more Sato starter-kits while they completely drown themselves in "committee-engineering"--hell, might as well bring Gm in on the board, as they're perfect for such a job. :rolleyes:

Speaking of starter-kits, Mika, I've got the perfect one for you: Ralf Schumacher. I can't believe I missed mentioning him; but he is, in fact, a starter kit. "Gee, his brother is great, maybe he'll be as good." :rll:

I do'nt think MS is gonna retire, he's got a couple more records to slap down first, and Ferrari is back, and poised to hand them to him. Alonso better work at it, and so had McLaren, because he's gonna need the best car to make it work.

So, all-in-all, a good race, and it's shaping up to be a great finish, with a true battle to the end.

[Mika]

Spot-on, boys. Helluva race. Mass stepped it up, and managed to hold up Alonso in the first stint, letting MS do what he needed to secure the race. Alonso did his best, as did Renault, in changing strategy to try to shake things up, but I'm thinking MS/Ferrari outthought them from the start.

Scott Speed did well, breaking into the top-ten with an old car, and despite a pinched nerve in his back. de la Rosa did exceptionally well, considering it was obvious that McLaren dropped a 16-ton weight on his shoulders. And did anyone catch Dennis' comment when asked about Montoya?? Sounded to me like he said something along the lines of, "I'm going to throw the wife out, now." :rll: If anyone could figure it out, please post it, I think theres a bit of dark humor in it.

As for Kimi: how can he ruin two sets of tires like that??

And how delicious was it that Sato never even got off the line for Stupid Aguri, and Montagny (who's about the be replaced with yet ANOTHER Sato starter-kit) not only finished, but NOT in absolute last place?? :rll:

And speaking of the stupidity of Japanese teams, HOnduh is about to doom themselves to Stupid Aguri status. It wouldn't surprise me to see both Button and Rubens jump ship together, and let them import more Sato starter-kits while they completely drown themselves in "committee-engineering"--hell, might as well bring Gm in on the board, as they're perfect for such a job. :rolleyes:

Speaking of starter-kits, Mika, I've got the perfect one for you: Ralf Schumacher. I can't believe I missed mentioning him; but he is, in fact, a starter kit. "Gee, his brother is great, maybe he'll be as good." :rll:

I do'nt think MS is gonna retire, he's got a couple more records to slap down first, and Ferrari is back, and poised to hand them to him. Alonso better work at it, and so had McLaren, because he's gonna need the best car to make it work.

So, all-in-all, a good race, and it's shaping up to be a great finish, with a true battle to the end.

I know that Kimi botched one set of tires up, but I'm not sure if it was two or not. His 3rd stop is what perplexed me. Was it a fuel issue or tire issue? I think the announcers mentioned he didn't fuel up on that last pit.

I think Ronnie boy said something along the lines of "this is F1, not NASCAR" or something along those lines. Who knows what he said? One thing's for sure though, he was pissed. In a way, I'm glad that Ronnie got a taste of his own medicine. When he blurted Alonso's arrival for '07, a lot of folks didn't like it. Payback's a biatch...

Ralfie boy just flat out doesn't have it. What's sick is that teams continue to pay him top dollar, like he's the ****. He is a piece of ****, compared to his brother.

The only things I have to look forward to the rest of this season is the Renault/Ferrari fight(and it will be a fight), and McLaren's development for next year's car. If Ron is smart, he'll throw in the towel for this year and start development for the next unreliable/fast or reliable/not so fast Macca.



Mika

[dboat]

Kimi got 2 seconds of fuel on his last stop.. that was why there was speculation that McL was the culprit in not doing the right math.

I do have to say though that those MB engines turning 20,000 rpms are something else..

I agree with Mika, I believe that Ron D did say something like, this is F1 so its not relevant, or something of that sort.. What I found more interesting was some of the other comments.. not a lot of folks think that JPM will do real well right off, then there were the comments about his girth and his love of burgers from McDonalds.. :evil talk about cut to the bone.. wow..
When they asked MS how he thought JPM would do.. he prob had it right.. he said, dont have a clue, but I wish him well...

On RS.. yep, another guy that has never achieved much but gets paid fairly well.. someone stepped up to pay him $10M next year.. not bad money if you can get it..

Oh, what did you guys think of those new wings on Jacques Villeneuve's car? didnt change his outcome much if any...

Dana

[Mika]

Jacques wings? Were those the wings that looked like flattened pizza boxes up front, obstructing the view of the driver? If its those, then I hate 'em. They may have function, but they are beyond hideous. Not saying that the Macca viking wings are beautiful, but they are tolerable at least. I'd say lose it if it isn't making the car better.

Kinda odd, 'cuz I'm usually a "function over appearance" type of guy. But in this case, it's just beyond ugly.


Mika

[Tex Arcana]

the fins (!) seemed to work on Friday in practice, but then they fell on their faces again the rest of the weekend. Such is life, either they will develop out into the latest-greatest thing, or they will go bye-bye like so many others. :rolleyes:

[Mika]

the fins (!) seemed to work on Friday in practice, but then they fell on their faces again the rest of the weekend. Such is life, either they will develop out into the latest-greatest thing, or they will go bye-bye like so many others. :rolleyes:

At least with these fins the blame can't be put on alcohol. Unless of course you're talking about the designers. :)



Mika

[dboat]

the fins (!) seemed to work on Friday in practice, but then they fell on their faces again the rest of the weekend. Such is life, either they will develop out into the latest-greatest thing, or they will go bye-bye like so many others. :rolleyes:

true true

but my concern is that with the new rules coming along, the number of new ideas will begin to drop in F1. This is the series where money was no object and the amount of R&D was over the top.. not sure we are going to see those days again. Just think of all the good things that have come out of the series..

but those pizza boxes have got to go.. Mika, the drivers said it didnt impede their vision at all.
Dana

[Mika]

true true

but my concern is that with the new rules coming along, the number of new ideas will begin to drop in F1. This is the series where money was no object and the amount of R&D was over the top.. not sure we are going to see those days again. Just think of all the good things that have come out of the series..

but those pizza boxes have got to go.. Mika, the drivers said it didnt impede their vision at all.
Dana

That's cool. At least they're only an eyesore to the spectators, and not the drivers.


Mika

[Tex Arcana]

At least with these fins the blame can't be put on alcohol. Unless of course you're talking about the designers. :)



Mika
:rll:

[dboat]

go over to http://www.formula1.com/news/4664.html

Tex's favorite team and driver have got a new car..

Dana

Do you think it will change the outcome of their driving?

[Mika]

go over to http://www.formula1.com/news/4664.html

Tex's favorite team and driver have got a new car..

Dana

Do you think it will change the outcome of their driving?

If I had to guess, I'd say they'd still be behind Midland. Especially without a driver mod. Sorry, I don't see Yamamoto going anywhere. I hope he does well with his maiden voyage though. Does well=not run into too many other drivers.



Mika

[Tex Arcana]

go over to http://www.formula1.com/news/4664.html

Tex's favorite team and driver have got a new car..

Dana

Do you think it will change the outcome of their driving?
How interesting, they're releasing a new car to coincide with a new driver?? Silly Japanese, can't they see how silly they're being?? :rll:

I doubt it seriously: if the car's fast, Sato will smash it trying to do something stupid; and Yamamoto is probably the latest supera-dorifto champ, and will end up wrecking as well.

[TXBLU]

The Japanese are very nationalistic, and Honda are even worse. Pride is guiding a lot of their decisions with this team. Why else would they bankroll Aguri Suzuki's efforts and provide Honda engines? Too bad he couldn't use the Suzuki name for the team.

At any rate, Sato has peaked as a driver. He tries to compensate for his car and skills with aggression, and that's what gets him into trouble. That guy should have been banned a long time ago, but the FIA doesn't want to insult the Japanese manufacturers and fans. Too bad Bernie Eccelstone doesn't care about the American market.

Since Ford sold out, and there hasn't been a truly competitive American driver since Mario Andretti, Bernie figure the American market doesn't matter. Maybe Scott Speed will find his way into a competitive machine and turn out to be a competitive driver. The 2008 rules package should make things very interesting.

[Sixpipes]

Guess you boys have seen this?

http://www.formula1.com/news/4692.html

[Tex Arcana]

Guess you boys have seen this?

http://www.formula1.com/news/4692.html
No, I hadn't... but I guess I shouldn't be surprised, with the coming brouhahah over the engine specs and development, I'm thinking we are going to see a major split in Formula One, very soon. :(

[dboat]

Guess you boys have seen this?

http://www.formula1.com/news/4692.html


Dennis,
glad to have you back.. I hadnt seen that either. I did see where Trulli re-upped. I thought I had seen where BMW was going to make a blockbuster offer to MS to get him to jump teams at the end of his contract:nono: .. hmmm..
Dana

[Mark #2]

The F1 website is great. The quality of the information and the technical data is impressive. Check out the Renault mass damper article as an example.
http://www.formula1.com/race/technical_analysis/762/311.html
Should be an interesting weekend.

[L8 APEX]

Why would Montoya leave the artwork that is F1 for the Hooked-on-phonics racing that is NASCAR.

[dboat]

Why would Montoya leave the artwork that is F1 for the Hooked-on-phonics racing that is NASCAR.

No one was lining up to sign him. He reportedly had offered to drive for free for his current team at one point. While he made an initial splash in F1, more recently his performances were not great, given the cars he was driving, and he became known as a very high maintenance kind of guy to his teammates, especially in the pits. Ganassi knew from his days before he got the big head, and maybe he will keep him in line. Also, now that he is a dadx2, Nascar will allow him to be closer to home most of the time.
Well thats all the reasons I have.
Dana

[dboat]

The F1 website is great. The quality of the information and the technical data is impressive. Check out the Renault mass damper article as an example.
http://www.formula1.com/race/technical_analysis/762/311.html
Should be an interesting weekend.

If you watched Fridays practice on Speed, quite a bit of time was spent discussing this item. Between the Speed broadcasts and the Formula 1 website, you get some of the best of motorsports, IMHO. It makes the other series look like :Bullshit , IMHO. However, when I had to watch the CBS version of F1, then it was like :vomit: . I gave up watching it. Mark, you should watch the race this weekend along with your laptop to watch the live timing on the F1 website, thats really nice. You will need to have a current version of Java on your machine, but you can download for free in advance.
Dana

[Tex Arcana]

The F1 website is great. The quality of the information and the technical data is impressive. Check out the Renault mass damper article as an example.
http://www.formula1.com/race/technical_analysis/762/311.html
Should be an interesting weekend.
Very nice, a sprung version of the corner weights '60s American convertibles used to control cowl shake and body flex, and to clean up the ride. I can't see how it can be considered an "active" aerodynamic element, even tho it's obvious it's meant to try to keep the ride height controlled to preserve optimum aerodynamic properties. I'd also say it's an attempt to reduce wheel spring rates as well. If you saw Indy, you probably saw the RBR rear wing attachment system, which was sprung in such a way as to reduce loading on the suspension--well, that's how they described it--allowing them to run softer springs. Hmmmm...

[Tex Arcana]

More indications the F1 apocalypse is nigh:

http://i7.tinypic.com/21cbdd0.jpg

:eek2:

[dboat]

Kimi has pole position, MS and Massa, 2nd and 3rd with Alonso back in 7th.. at least to start.. who knows what the fuel stategies are and such.. this is getting good.. If MS can score a big win and Alonso stays where he is or falls back (he is behind Barrichello, widely known as a blocker) This could bring MS back up to the front pretty quick:nana2

Dana

[dboat]

More indications the F1 apocalypse is nigh:

http://i7.tinypic.com/21cbdd0.jpg

:eek2:


:rll: :rll:

[Mika]

Why would Montoya leave the artwork that is F1 for the Hooked-on-phonics racing that is NASCAR.

His driving style is more feel oriented, instead of precision. NASCAR is the bump and run type, where as F1 is art in motion. I honestly think he'll do well in NASCAR, if he can get into a decent team/car.



Mika

[Mika]

More indications the F1 apocalypse is nigh:

http://i7.tinypic.com/21cbdd0.jpg

:eek2:

I got nothin' on that...can't argue with that(for once :rll: )


Mika

[dboat]

With Alonso taking 5th (and lucky to get that high) and MS first, the lead in points dropped from 17 to 11 today. With Hungary next Sunday, we could see a real fight to the finish for the championship. Kimi looked good today too, except AGAIN, his team screwed up on the fuel management, but he was able to come back out and get third away from Button.

Dana

[Mark #2]

Looks like the Renaults are a lot slower without their mass dampers. Announcers discussed it quite a bit during the broadcast.

[dboat]

Looks like the Renaults are a lot slower without their mass dampers. Announcers discussed it quite a bit during the broadcast.

I know, but when they questioned FA, he said it wouldnt have made a difference. I think it was the tires for the most part. The Michelins were blistering on the track today. Plus, I think everyone else has caught up with Renault's engines.

Its good to see the universe back in balance with MS winning GP's again. :D

Dana

[Mika]

Renault were having problems with their tires(as well as other teams running the Michelins). Ferrari/Bridgestone has been proven to be a winning combination too.

Michael and Ferrari have the momentum going to the next race. All Michael has to do is win every race(which is ENTIRELY possible with him), and he'll get his 8th DC.

Kimi was having problems with his hydraulics, but he still managed 3rd. 1st place behind the Ferrari's isn't too shabby all things considered.

I wouldn't be surprised one bit of Herr Schumacher got his 8th driver's championship. He's got the car, the tire, and the skills to reel Fernando in.



Mika

[dboat]

I wouldn't be surprised one bit of Herr Schumacher got his 8th driver's championship. He's got the car, the tire, and the skills to reel Fernando in.
Mika

We werent saying that a month ago.. it was looking like a Renault runaway..

at least it is going to be interesting..

I was glad to see Kimi do well, but like I said b4, his teams fuel management was poor again.

[Tex Arcana]

Well, finally finished watching the race. :rolleyes: Ferrari domination +++: even Massa did his job very well.

I think Renault got caught out with that mass-damper situation, and I think they should appeal it, because how can a device that is INSIDE the chassis that's not attached to ANY of the aerodynamic elements be considered a "movable aero element"?? :hammer: Damn that was the dumbest thing I've seen F1 do in, oh, about a year. :evil Renault needs to either resolve that issue, or find a new "magic bullet", otherwise MS is going to walk away with this one. It's cool that we're seeing history in the making; and we might see it again next year (100 wins, eclipse the total starts mark, eclipse the championship mark), if Ferrari can get a killer motor together before they freeze engine development (:hammer: on dumb things again).

Alonso is highly talented (did anyone see that dorifto he did in the gravel/grass, and STILL manage to stay ahead of Fishhead??), but his team better get their acts together if they expect him to win. He still has a chance, but only if he gets competitive again, which would be GREAT to see a battle to the bitter end.

Spekaing of fishhead: is it me, or is he biting the hand that feeds him?? Can't believe he's not supporting the guy with the REAL chance for a championship--but then again, he's got a history of being really flaky.

And that story about Webber: I think Frank Williams really needs to consider letting someone else do the negotiating and running of the team; I mean, Webber may ahve the fattest butt in F1, but when he does well AND had 8 DNFs due to equipment failure, it does't mean he's bad, it means his machines suck, and FW won't rehire him becuase he doesn't think he's worht it?? :hammer: I hope RBR gets him, honestly, and RBR gets good engines, so they can be more competitive. Oh, and didja catch the reason for many of the failures: that they're using HARD LINES in the hydraulics instead of flex lines?? :hammer: So what if they save a few grams: they already have to add ballast to the car to get to minimum weight, shavig a couple grams off a few lines ain't gonna affect that in the slightest. THAT in and of itself indicates FW may be losing it, if he's pushing for dumb stuff like that.

Oh, and now Kimi: McLaren's move on the start/fuel backfired hard, but there was no way he could win with the stuck lug and the other problems he was fighting. But, I do have one question: is it me, or does he sound like Cartman on Qaaludes when he talks?? He has GOT to be faking that, there's no way a guy who's a party animal like him can sounds like that all the time. I mean, imagine him delivering a pickup line in that monotone: "heybabyiamagreatforumlaonedriveridriveformclarenmy stickshiftishugeyouwannacomebacktomyplace" :evil

I'm truly afraid that, after this year, F1 will fracture hard. The splinter group will likely tell F1 to stuff it, and form their own group, but they will struggle with coverage and whatnot; F1, after being gutted, with end up like NASTARD and have nothing to show but alot of silly drama and technology that isn't--CHAMP and IRL have tried that already, and it's failing badly. YOu HAVE to have a compelling technology to bring people in, along with the drama--otherwise, it's just WWF on wheels.

Okay, I'm done for the day. Flame on. :tounge:

[dboat]

Maybe the pressure is too much for him to handle? But he has really screwed himself for the race this weekend... :evil :nana2

Dana

http://www.formula1.com/race/news/4761/763.html

[Tex Arcana]

Maybe the pressure is too much for him to handle? But he has really screwed himself for the race this weekend... :evil :nana2

Dana

http://www.formula1.com/race/news/4761/763.html
Ouch. Not good. Tho I read that they are putting the mass dampers back in for this race, in advance of the formal hearing.

I"m thinking that Flavio is piling on the pressure, and the team's beginning to self-destruct.

From the same source as above (AutoWeek), Kimi's all but certain (as in CONTRACT) to go to Ferrari. There is NO WAY Schumacher will let him be anything but #2, and it looks good that MS will be driving for Ferrari next year as well, which doesn't lend too much credence to the rumor.

[Mark #2]

Maybe the pressure is too much for him to handle? But he has really screwed himself for the race this weekend... :evil :nana2

Dana

http://www.formula1.com/race/news/4761/763.html

Wow, and I never heard this word before, Alonso "gesticulated" at...
Guess my vocabulary gives up at 5 syllables.

Thou shalt not gesticulate.:evil

[dboat]

Ouch. Not good. Tho I read that they are putting the mass dampers back in for this race, in advance of the formal hearing.

I"m thinking that Flavio is piling on the pressure, and the team's beginning to self-destruct.

From the same source as above (AutoWeek), Kimi's all but certain (as in CONTRACT) to go to Ferrari. There is NO WAY Schumacher will let him be anything but #2, and it looks good that MS will be driving for Ferrari next year as well, which doesn't lend too much credence to the rumor.


Well, Johnnie, I would disagree that MS is coming back. The chief is going on a year sabbatical. That is almost a death sentence because after being out for a year, trying to catch back up in this sport is almost undoable. I think that is the first telltale sign that the team is going to go thru a whole lot change and I dont believe that MS will be there for that.. IMHO
In recent interviews, Alonso is sounding like he is giving up, but blaming Michelin for not getting them good enough tires. I think MS will step aside if he wins this year, and the trend is good for him to do just that. With the penalty for FA, he will start far back and its a bad track to pass on. Flavio(did everyone here know that he fathered a child with Heidi Klum? DAMN:eek2: :bows ) had kidney stones and then was found to have cancer. Its been treated, now he wants to re-evaluate his life. But Renault is hot on him to re-sign with them to lead the team next year.
Webber is available now. Wurz signed with Williams.
Wow, what drama in F1.... like there isnt any anyway:D
Dana

[Tex Arcana]

Well, Johnnie, I would disagree that MS is coming back. The chief is going on a year sabbatical. That is almost a death sentence because after being out for a year, trying to catch back up in this sport is almost undoable. I think that is the first telltale sign that the team is going to go thru a whole lot change and I dont believe that MS will be there for that.. IMHO
In recent interviews, Alonso is sounding like he is giving up, but blaming Michelin for not getting them good enough tires. I think MS will step aside if he wins this year, and the trend is good for him to do just that. With the penalty for FA, he will start far back and its a bad track to pass on. Flavio(did everyone here know that he fathered a child with Heidi Klum? DAMN:eek2: :bows ) had kidney stones and then was found to have cancer. Its been treated, now he wants to re-evaluate his life. But Renault is hot on him to re-sign with them to lead the team next year.
Webber is available now. Wurz signed with Williams.
Wow, what drama in F1.... like there isnt any anyway:D
Dana

That's "MISTER JohnnY" to you... :nono::tongue:

If that's the case, then F1 will be in turmoil next year; with the engine restrictions coming, I'm thinking that they're on their way to turning into NASCAR or IRL/Champ--speaking of, did anyone see the new Panoz Champ car??

I'm thinking that the breakaway teams could form the new GP, if they can get the coverage and participation. Won't be the first time the olde guarde faded away and the new series took over.

edit: look for Webber to go to Red Bull, they are real keen to sign him.

[Mika]

Maybe the pressure is too much for him to handle? But he has really screwed himself for the race this weekend... :evil :nana2

Dana

http://www.formula1.com/race/news/4761/763.html

Alonso ain't the only one with a penalty either. Schumi managed to pass 2(or 3?) cars when the red flag was out. Alonso's in 15th, and Schumi's in 12th. Don't be terribly surprised to see Schumi in the top 5, maybe even podium with some good fortune of his(and bad fortune of others).

I'm glad to see Kimi get pole, but I'm not holding my breathe for a victory. Massa will be pushing him no doubt, and given McLaren's not-so-exemplary pit stop strategies in the past few races, I'd be glad to see him podium.



Mika

[dboat]

That's "MISTER JohnnY" to you... :nono::tongue:

Uhhh, sure.. :rolleyes:

Alonso ain't the only one with a penalty either. Schumi managed to pass 2(or 3?) cars when the red flag was out. Alonso's in 15th, and Schumi's in 12th. Don't be terribly surprised to see Schumi in the top 5, maybe even podium with some good fortune of his(and bad fortune of others).
Since Schumi ripped off the only sub 1:19 time of the session, the F boys seem to have fast cars and fast tires.

Well, that happened in the morning practice session.. what a stupid thing to do. :mad: He is 11th on the grid due to other changes in the lineups from engine changes and such.. Alonso has 14th.. what about Rubens getting 3rd position on the grid? Honder is coming around.

I'm glad to see Kimi get pole, but I'm not holding my breathe for a victory. Massa will be pushing him no doubt, and given McLaren's not-so-exemplary pit stop strategies in the past few races, I'd be glad to see him podium.

Mika, what the heck is going on with their poor planning? I mean dont these guys get a ton of money to do this right? sorry to :throw: your team but geesh its happened twice this year.. Also, do you think you will see Kimi pulling in after 15 laps for a pit stop again? Do you think he is running a really light fuel load? You know that MS will be filled to the gills back there and will want to run as long as he can probably going for a two stop strategy. At least Villenueve wont be there as a usual blocker for him.. although there will be 9 others.. cause I am betting Massa would let him on by.. :D

Dana

[dboat]

What an unexpected outcome.. none of the leaders finished the race.. what a great race with a lot of great stories in it..

Congrats go to Jenson Button.. a true professional!!

[Mika]

I never would have guessed the outcome of this race in a million years. Schumi, Alonso, and Kimi out! Whoda thunk it?!?!?

I'm pretty sure Kimi made a bonehead move(I'm hoping I'm wrong). Welp, read on formula1.com that he said that he couldn't go anywhere 'cuz Liuzzi slowed unexpectedly. At least he's not in the running this year, so it doesn't hurt his chances.

The McLaren boys have had a history of crappy strategy making. Mika Hakk back in the day even said that it's a shame that we win the race on the track, only to lose it in the pits.

Schumi should have let Pedro go by though. Especially after he went off. Guess the red boys play by a different set of rules:).

Alonso just had crappy luck. R/R lugnut man was slackin' off...

Hats off to Jenson for finally winning one for the Honda boys.



Mika

[dboat]

Mika,
I agree that MS should have let Pedro DLR go thru. He is my favorite driver but wtf? with no one getting points that mattered, this outcome favors FA because its just one less race that MS could have used to overtake him in the championship...

Dana

[Tex Arcana]

Oh, I was chortlin' in my Cheerios today... RAIN RACE!! Take that, NASTARD, you buncha girls! :tongue:

I loved it! Drama! Excitement! the world champs both OWNED!! WOOHOO!!

Yeah, Mika got it right: bonehead move of the day goes to Kimi for running OVER Luigi--YES, OVER!! Watch the vid: he didn't even make an attempt to swerve; I think Hobbes and Matchett were both right, that he was watching his mirrors for Pedro, and just flat got caught out. Luigi(?) was trying to let them by, and Kimi just drove up his azz. :rolleyes: Talk about "going out with a bang!" :rll:

If Alonso hadn't lost a nut(!), he'd've won, MS blew his strategy, tho he would've salvaged the points. I'd say that he should've let Pedro thru, but I think his steering was acting up when he took his first "shortcut", and when the next one happened, that was it for him. BUt, still, to get owned by a failure like THAT??

And I can tell ya, there's an F1 mechanic looking for a job--he'll work cheap, too, even tho he'll have massive medical bills after Flavio gets thru with him. :rll: He was ROILING mad, waht with Fishhead not doing his job AND wrecking, and then this boneheaded move.

Last but not least: Jenson Button. About damn time. He had the best chance of any to catch and pass Fred, and didn't even need it, in the end. He'll be getting his call from the Queen soon, those brits will knight just about anyone these days. :rll:

[Mark #2]

I love those kind of races, wets, drys, intermediates, continuously changing track. IRL and Cart don't race on the ovals either when it rains.

NASCAR runs rain tires at the road courses.
http://www.stockcarracing.com/techarticles/1589/

Look familiar?

http://www.autoracing1.com/images/2000/NASCAR/gy1_800.jpg

Rusty Wallace had Eagles ready to go

[dboat]

I love those kind of races, wets, drys, intermediates, continuously changing track. IRL and Cart don't race on the ovals either when it rains.

NASCAR runs rain tires at the road courses.
http://www.stockcarracing.com/techarticles/1589/

Look familiar?

http://www.autoracing1.com/images/2000/NASCAR/gy1_800.jpg

Rusty Wallace had Eagles ready to go

I noticed that IRL wasnt running in the rain the other day at Milwaukee, but they ran in the rain at Watkins Glen.. why would it matter, whether road course or oval.. wet road is wet road..
But you do have to love the fact that F1 runs no matter what the weather..
Dana

OH>>>hmmmm, could those be F1's?

[Mika]

Schumi did get 1 point though. He was classified as 9th for the race, but the race stewards found Kubica's car 2kg(4.4 lbs!!) too light after the race. So he lost what would have been his first points on his maiden F1 voyage. So Schumi got a point.

The only beef I had with Liuzzi was he got off the gas during two bad times. One: after a corner, and two, in the race line. If you are going to slow down, get out of the way. But regardless, Kimi still effed up and ran right over 'Tonio.

You know once Button gets knighted, media will be all up in arms saying "all he has to do is win 1 race and he's knighted?". Can't beat 'em, can't kill 'em(the media, that is).



Mika

[dboat]

Schumi did get 1 point though. He was classified as 9th for the race, but the race stewards found Kubica's car 2kg(4.4 lbs!!) too light after the race. So he lost what would have been his first points on his maiden F1 voyage. So Schumi got a point.

The only beef I had with Liuzzi was he got off the gas during two bad times. One: after a corner, and two, in the race line. If you are going to slow down, get out of the way. But regardless, Kimi still effed up and ran right over 'Tonio.

You know once Button gets knighted, media will be all up in arms saying "all he has to do is win 1 race and he's knighted?". Can't beat 'em, can't kill 'em(the media, that is).

Mika

Mika, you beat me to it.. I had just gone over to the website and read the story of how Kubica was disqualified.. well MS is only 10 points behind.. he can still win the championship.. and unless Michelin has a solution, he most likely will.. but after this weekend, it shows you it aint over until the fat lady sings.. but on another note, didnt the wet Michelins and intermediates completely outperform the Bridgestones? I mean there was no comparison.

Dana

[Mark #2]

I noticed that IRL wasnt running in the rain the other day at Milwaukee, but they ran in the rain at Watkins Glen.. why would it matter, whether road course or oval.. wet road is wet road..
But you do have to love the fact that F1 runs no matter what the weather..
Dana

OH>>>hmmmm, could those be F1's?
Yes, and no one has been able to develop a rain tire for the ovals.
Too many Gs on side loading I think.
Now F1 on an oval would be very interesting.

[Mika]

Mika, you beat me to it.. I had just gone over to the website and read the story of how Kubica was disqualified.. well MS is only 10 points behind.. he can still win the championship.. and unless Michelin has a solution, he most likely will.. but after this weekend, it shows you it aint over until the fat lady sings.. but on another note, didnt the wet Michelins and intermediates completely outperform the Bridgestones? I mean there was no comparison.

Dana

Yup. The commentators even commented how the Michelins just loved the wet and nasty conditions, while the Bridgestones were enjoying the drying conditions(late in the race).

This season is far from over as far as the push for the DC goes. Alonso is doing the best he can, but I'm not sure if it will be enough. Michael and Ferrari always seem to go strong the second half of the season, while Renault start off strong and tend to drop off as the season progresses.

One thing people weren't expecting this race was the wet weather. If there's 2 or 3 more races in the wet, the advantage goes to Alonso. 2 or 3 races should give Alonso enough cushion to keep Michael at bay. His whole package(car, tire, driver) is as close to perfect as possible. In the dry, the advantage definitely goes to Herr Schumacher. Not to say that Michael is bad in the rain, quite the opposite. I just don't think Bridgestone has done a lot of R&D for wet weather racing.



Mika

[Tex Arcana]

Damn, it was so cool that Kubica did so well on his first outing... that sucks. :(

I wish there would be more races like this. Best way to do it? Get rid of wings, and make 'em run treaded street tires: THAT would put driving back in the hands of drivers. :evil

Mark: you know as well as I do those CRASHCAR types pitch hissy-fits like Ricky Bobby does whenever they feel someone spit into the wind; the only people with the nuts to drive in the rain are the ringers they use on the road courses. :evil

[Mark #2]

Mark: you know as well as I do those CRASHCAR types pitch hissy-fits like Ricky Bobby does whenever they feel someone spit into the wind; the only people with the nuts to drive in the rain are the ringers they use on the road courses. :evil

Rusty and Mark Martin had the nuts.:D

[Tex Arcana]

Rusty and Mark Martin had the nuts.:D
So does Jeff Gordon, but then again he came out of the road-race ranks, maybe the other two did as well?

Oh, imagine how badly JPm is gonna spank everyone on those road courses! :evil

[dboat]

Yes, and no one has been able to develop a rain tire for the ovals.
Too many Gs on side loading I think.
Now F1 on an oval would be very interesting.

They do a little on the oval at Indy... they do come hauling A around that bend toward the finish line..

Dana

[dboat]

Yup. The commentators even commented how the Michelins just loved the wet and nasty conditions, while the Bridgestones were enjoying the drying conditions(late in the race).

This season is far from over as far as the push for the DC goes. Alonso is doing the best he can, but I'm not sure if it will be enough. Michael and Ferrari always seem to go strong the second half of the season, while Renault start off strong and tend to drop off as the season progresses.

One thing people weren't expecting this race was the wet weather. If there's 2 or 3 more races in the wet, the advantage goes to Alonso. 2 or 3 races should give Alonso enough cushion to keep Michael at bay. His whole package(car, tire, driver) is as close to perfect as possible. In the dry, the advantage definitely goes to Herr Schumacher. Not to say that Michael is bad in the rain, quite the opposite. I just don't think Bridgestone has done a lot of R&D for wet weather racing.

Mika

MS is usually great in the rain.. but clearly his tires were not up to the task.. you are right, with a 10 pt lead and 5 races, MS could be really back in it or if there are more wet ones... FA could take it home again..
The announcers were pretty clear on Speed last night.. looks like Kimi to Ferrari next year... Massa only had a one year deal.. however, if MS wins the DC, then I would expect him to retire..
How would you feel about Kimi in a Ferrari? wonder if his work ethic will change to match MS? (did you hear the announcers talk about that one too?)
Dana

[Mark #2]

They do a little on the oval at Indy... they do come hauling A around that bend toward the finish line..

Dana
Yeah, and they couldn't even make a dry tire that survived that one turn, :evil

[dboat]

Yeah, and they couldn't even make a dry tire that survived that one turn, :evil

Uhhh, that would be Michelin, that FRENCH company.. not Bridgestone, the Japanese company.. right?:D

[Mark #2]

Uhhh, that would be Michelin, that FRENCH company.. not Bridgestone, the Japanese company.. right?:D
Yeah, but you have to remember that it is Bridgestone/Firestone that has the worst street tire record of any tire manufacuturer and Michelin makes some of the best street tires.
Goodyear has been the standard for racing tires IMHO.

Looking around the garage I have them all, Michelins, Firestone, BFGoodrich, Goodyear, Nittos, Hoosiers, and Mickey Thompson, depending on the application.

[Mika]

MS is usually great in the rain.. but clearly his tires were not up to the task.. you are right, with a 10 pt lead and 5 races, MS could be really back in it or if there are more wet ones... FA could take it home again..
The announcers were pretty clear on Speed last night.. looks like Kimi to Ferrari next year... Massa only had a one year deal.. however, if MS wins the DC, then I would expect him to retire..
How would you feel about Kimi in a Ferrari? wonder if his work ethic will change to match MS? (did you hear the announcers talk about that one too?)
Dana

It kinda stinks to see Michael, arguably the greatest driver in F1, struggle in the rain. Usually he's just pickin' 'em off left and right at his will.

As far as Kimi goes in a Ferrari, I got mixed feelings. I seriously think Ferrari has an unfair advtantage when it comes to racing. FIA sets the rules, Ferrari decides to do what they want. Testing ban for the rest of F1? Ferrari continues to test. Other teams pay Ferrari a "heritage fee".

Despite that though, I know that Ferrari would give Kimi a fantastic car to win quite a few driver's championships. Kimi would be better off personality-wise at Renault, where everything seems to be "business as usual", closer to McLaren than a flamboyant Ferrari. Montemozolo(I know I butchered that name, sorry guys) has spoken nothing but good things about Kimi, and same goes for Todt. If Ferrari are willing to give Kimi a chance, I'm pretty sure Kimi will give them a chance as well.

Do I think Kimi will work hard for a championship? Absolutely. I don't think he wants anything more in his life than a DC. If it means sacrificing his partying, I seriously think he would if that's what it took.

It would be interesting to see Kimi next to Schumi. Kimi would learn a great deal from Michael. Who knows, maybe Michael would retire and become team boss? Entirely possible, as most upper managment's contracts expire this year. There's only two certainties in life...



Mika

[dboat]

Mika,
at the F1 website, they have a poll going asking who is the fastest Finn if they are driving the same car.. Hakk or Rakk.. thought you would want to vote on this one and see the results.. not sure that Tex would care though..
Dana

[Mika]

Mika,
at the F1 website, they have a poll going asking who is the fastest Finn if they are driving the same car.. Hakk or Rakk.. thought you would want to vote on this one and see the results.. not sure that Tex would care though..
Dana

If it was Hakk during his prime, no doubt it'd be Mika. If it was Kimi now vs. Hakk now, I'd have to lean towards Kimi. Either way, both jokers can fly:).

Thanks for the heads up, Dana.

Mika

[Mika]

Here's the votes so far...


30.69% Hakkinen
53.20% Raikkonen
16.11% Too close to call


Wow. I honestly did not think that Kimi would have been ahead on that poll. I personally voted for Mika. As much as I like Kimi, Mika's got 2 championships going for him, and he beat Schumi in '98.

Do I think that Kimi's fast? Absolutely. Do I think he's faster than Hakk? Dunno...


Mika

[dboat]

Here's the votes so far...


30.69% Hakkinen
53.20% Raikkonen
16.11% Too close to call


Wow. I honestly did not think that Kimi would have been ahead on that poll. I personally voted for Mika. As much as I like Kimi, Mika's got 2 championships going for him, and he beat Schumi in '98.

Do I think that Kimi's fast? Absolutely. Do I think he's faster than Hakk? Dunno...


Mika

Well you have to ask yourself, how many of those that go to the F1 website were even watching F1 when Hakk was driving.. I do think that Kimi is faster though..I think he is the one guy that isnt intimidated by Schumi, I think that FA is intimidated and with the pressure on him right now, he is fading fast. Hakk did beat Schumi but had much better equipment that year, (my Schumi bias is coming out here), but he too could stand up to him, not many else have done it over the long haul, but he was one of the few that did and could. However, Kimi is a true talent, he doesnt train worth a darned and yet he is incredibly fast, if he trained like MS, and had decent equipment, who knows what he could do. In a Renault or Ferrari, he might be untouchable last year or this year. IMHO
Dana

[Tex Arcana]

Mika,
at the F1 website, they have a poll going asking who is the fastest Finn if they are driving the same car.. Hakk or Rakk.. thought you would want to vote on this one and see the results.. not sure that Tex would care though..
Dana

Mika Hakkinen, all the way: hella better driver, smarter, and one of the nicest guys out there.`

[Mika]

Well you have to ask yourself, how many of those that go to the F1 website were even watching F1 when Hakk was driving.. I do think that Kimi is faster though..I think he is the one guy that isnt intimidated by Schumi, I think that FA is intimidated and with the pressure on him right now, he is fading fast. Hakk did beat Schumi but had much better equipment that year, (my Schumi bias is coming out here), but he too could stand up to him, not many else have done it over the long haul, but he was one of the few that did and could. However, Kimi is a true talent, he doesnt train worth a darned and yet he is incredibly fast, if he trained like MS, and had decent equipment, who knows what he could do. In a Renault or Ferrari, he might be untouchable last year or this year. IMHO
Dana


This is true, about the viewers of F1 from back in the day compared to todays viewers.

Mika didn't falter to the psychological games that Schumi plays. He did make a few mistakes, but all racers do. Kimi doesn't seem to falter to pressure either. He is yet to prove himself as a DC. Next year, if he's in a Ferrari(or Renault), will be a deciding year for him. If he does well and wins DC, then all of his fans can say it was the car. If he doesn't do well, then the blame has GOT to be put on him. Both teams have excellent cars with extremely high reliability.

Tex, does Kimi's personality bother you? Or his off track antics? Or both? I will say this much about him. I wish that he did train harder. Or should I say, not much has been spoken about his training.



Mika

[Tex Arcana]

This is true, about the viewers of F1 from back in the day compared to todays viewers.

Mika didn't falter to the psychological games that Schumi plays. He did make a few mistakes, but all racers do. Kimi doesn't seem to falter to pressure either. He is yet to prove himself as a DC. Next year, if he's in a Ferrari(or Renault), will be a deciding year for him. If he does well and wins DC, then all of his fans can say it was the car. If he doesn't do well, then the blame has GOT to be put on him. Both teams have excellent cars with extremely high reliability.

Tex, does Kimi's personality bother you? Or his off track antics? Or both? I will say this much about him. I wish that he did train harder. Or should I say, not much has been spoken about his training.



Mika


Yeah, it kinda does bug me. I think alot of it has to do with that squeaky monotone he uses when anyone talks to him; when you couple that with the perception that I've already expressed countless number of times, he ends up reminding me more of T.O. than, say, Jere Lehtinen. He comes off as arrogant, and relies more on his talent than his head, which ends up biting him in the butt more often than not.

[Mika]

Yeah, it kinda does bug me. I think alot of it has to do with that squeaky monotone he uses when anyone talks to him; when you couple that with the perception that I've already expressed countless number of times, he ends up reminding me more of T.O. than, say, Jere Lehtinen. He comes off as arrogant, and relies more on his talent than his head, which ends up biting him in the butt more often than not.

I'll agree with you that he does come off as arrogant. And the fact that he relies on his talent more than his head too. You gotta understand one thing though. Most Finns are simple. We're dumb! Our heads are hatracks, and very little else:rll: .

As far as T.O goes though, I can't agree with ya on that(go figure). T.O. is the guy who pounds his chest, and says I'm the man. Kimi keeps his mouth shut(almost to a fault), and does his job. And in being quiet, his confidence can be viewed as arrogance.



Mika

[Tex Arcana]

I'll agree with you that he does come off as arrogant. And the fact that he relies on his talent more than his head too. You gotta understand one thing though. Most Finns are simple. We're dumb! Our heads are hatracks, and very little else:rll: .

As far as T.O goes though, I can't agree with ya on that(go figure). T.O. is the guy who pounds his chest, and says I'm the man. Kimi keeps his mouth shut(almost to a fault), and does his job. And in being quiet, his confidence can be viewed as arrogance.



Mika


I haven't seen Kimi like that at all, but then again it may be ignorance on my part.

As for Finns being dumb?? :rll: I have two words for you: Linus Torvalds. If they don't ring any bells, say so, and I'll elucidate you. ;)

[Mika]

I haven't seen Kimi like that at all, but then again it may be ignorance on my part.

As for Finns being dumb?? :rll: I have two words for you: Linus Torvalds. If they don't ring any bells, say so, and I'll elucidate you. ;)

Linus Tovalds. Sounds awfully Swedish to me:D . He is Finnish, but with Swedish blood. He don't count;) .

Nokia on the other hand, all Finn. That's one thing that the country as a whole is proud of. They also make decent tires too(originally started out as a tire company in Nokia, Finland.

Well as far as opinions go, they're just like @$$es. Everyone's got one, and they all stink. :d ...and away we go!


Mika

[dboat]

Well as far as opinions go, they're just like @$$es. Everyone's got one, and they all stink. :d ...and away we go!Mika

Hey, not mine:evil

Dana

[Tex Arcana]

Hey, not mine:evil

Dana
Then you have "dead nose" syndrome like I do. :tongue:

[dboat]

F1 is back on this weekendknana knana knana knana

Dang, I have missed it something fierce, although I did get the garage cleaned up..

Anyway, the fight is back on, Schumi vs FA.. hope Schumi kicks arse this weekend and FA falters.. need to make up that point differential and see some really good tight racing the rest of the season..

personally, I dont think that FA can handle the pressure.

Dana

Mika, I havent seen anything, but has Kimi signed with anyone (Ferrari in particular) yet for next season?

[dboat]

All Ferrari front row..Massa gets his first pole, Alonso in the third spot, no rain in sight,,, line 'em up and let 'em rip.. should be a good race..

Dana

btw, I got my renewal notice for next years F1 at Indy, looks like they worked out a deal to come back.. The race is June 17th.. I should be online on the 30th to get my tickets again.. :banana:

Anyone planning on going already?

Dana

[Lyfisin]

A slim chance I may go. I'm originally from Indy and went to the 500 last year with my cousin. He invited me up for the F1 race also and I may take advantage of it.

He raced in open wheel for 25 years and is a great guide/friend.

If I go, it would be great to meet up!

[dboat]

If I go, it would be great to meet up!


I agree, maybe Mika could make it too.. have great night out!!:tu:

Dana

[Mark #2]

OK, we are all watching qualifying?
I am willing to admit now that ~20K RPMs is incredible, they are absolutely screaming on this track.:D

[dboat]

OK, we are all watching qualifying?
I am willing to admit now that ~20K RPMs is incredible, they are absolutely screaming on this track.:D


:eek2: :eek2: I dont believe my eyes... :tongue:

well the race is tomorrow.. cant wait..

however, did I tell you that I have a weedeater that can run as fast as an F1 engine? :evil

Dana

[Mark #2]

:eek2: :eek2: I dont believe my eyes... :tongue:

well the race is tomorrow.. cant wait..

however, did I tell you that I have a weedeater that can run as fast as an F1 engine? :evil

Dana

I knew you would appreciate the post, but on this track they are hanging that RPM for a long time.:tu:

[dboat]

I knew you would appreciate the post, but on this track they are hanging that RPM for a long time.:tu:


yes and I love it... can you imagine driving something like that? just idling at 8000 rpms would be a hoot as it is..

Dana

[Mark #2]

yes and I love it... can you imagine driving something like that? just idling at 8000 rpms would be a hoot as it is..

Dana
Only imagine, Massa wins.

[Mika]

I'll be going with my family to Indy next year. My wife opts out, as well as her parents as well. :( Oddly enough, the 6 of us(my parents, the in-laws, and the wifey and I) get along really well.

As far as tomorrow's race goes, Massa won't win. Schumi will show his hand, and he'll score his 10 to Massa's 8 or 6(barring serious incident).

Kimi+Ferrari are the rumors still. Nothing 100% confirmed. But I wouldn't be surprised if he did jump to team red. The McLaren isn't cutting it this year.


Mika

[dboat]

Only imagine, Massa wins.


only if Schumi is no where in sight.. but one can imagine, including Massa..

Mika, maybe we can meet up for dinner or lunch next year. We plan on definitely going to qualifying, that was almost as fun as the race.

Dana

[Mika]

only if Schumi is no where in sight.. but one can imagine, including Massa..

Mika, maybe we can meet up for dinner or lunch next year. We plan on definitely going to qualifying, that was almost as fun as the race.

Dana

We could probably hit up Indy for lunch or dinner. We usually get there Friday night, and then leave Monday morning.

Interesting race today. Schumi on Alonso's tail the whole time, and Alonso held his own. Alonso also gained 2 points on Schumi. Thanks to Scott Speed, Kimi didn't last 2 laps. What can you do?



Mika

[dboat]

We could probably hit up Indy for lunch or dinner. We usually get there Friday night, and then leave Monday morning.

Interesting race today. Schumi on Alonso's tail the whole time, and Alonso held his own. Alonso also gained 2 points on Schumi. Thanks to Scott Speed, Kimi didn't last 2 laps. What can you do?

Mika

Sometimes you think that if Kimi didnt have bad luck he'd have no luck at all.

If he goes to Ferrari next year, there wont be any excuses..

At least Massa is making the most of his ride this year. Whether he will be with Big Red next year or not, who knows? Schumi... if MS comes back then Massa will be out..

But kudo's to Mark, for calling this one.. Massa wins his first GP.. did you watch the post race interviews? Massa gets emotional, MS in third place gets almost more air time than the first and second place finishers..

but it was a great race that came down to the last turn.. gotta love that..

Mika, sorry about Kimi though..
Dana

[Mika]

Sometimes you think that if Kimi didnt have bad luck he'd have no luck at all.

If he goes to Ferrari next year, there wont be any excuses..

At least Massa is making the most of his ride this year. Whether he will be with Big Red next year or not, who knows? Schumi... if MS comes back then Massa will be out..

But kudo's to Mark, for calling this one.. Massa wins his first GP.. did you watch the post race interviews? Massa gets emotional, MS in third place gets almost more air time than the first and second place finishers..

but it was a great race that came down to the last turn.. gotta love that..

Mika, sorry about Kimi though..
Dana

It's all good about Kimi. It's racing. I missed the post-race interview. I'm not surprised that Michael got more airtime. After all, he's Michael. Do I think it's right? No. But such is life.

Hats off to Massa for winning his first GP. He can thank Alonso for that one. Because if Schumi got past Alonso, I guarantee team orders would be enforced and Schumi would get past Massa.

It was a good race, with drivers passing and being passed. Quite a few good fights for positioning. Kubica started off so strong, Rosberg did well until his engine went kaput(loss of compression).


Mika

[Tex Arcana]

Ferrari goofed during the safety car period, by bringing Massa and Schumi in at the same time and stacking them. They *should* have brought Schuey in first, and made Massa go around once more, which would have brought it down to MS vs FA.

Still, all in all, an excellent race.

Tho, does anyone have any links to the latest Ferrari controversey, the "duct" on the rear wheels?

[Mark #2]

Lets check back at the halfway point in the season and see how we are doing..

Dana
Schumacher, Alonso, Raikkonen, Button, Montoya
Renault, McLaren, Ferrari

Sixpipes
Alonso, Barachello, Schumacher, Raikkonen, Button
Honda, Renault, Ferrari

Mika
Alonso, Michael, Kimi, Button, Rosberg
McLaren, Ferrari, Renault

Mark
Alonso, Michael, Kimi, Button, Barachello
Renault, Ferrari, Honda

Tex
Schumacher, Alonso, Rosberg, Button, Montoya
Ferrari, Renault, Williams


Very interesting gentlemen..

We all agree on three, Alonso, Schumacher and Button, we part with Raikkonen, Rosberg (that is a reach Tex:throw: ) and Montoya

We all agree on Ferrari and Renault but part with Williams, Honda and McLaren.

This should be fun and interesting.. :tu:

Dana
TTT Just so I can find it, not sure who is winning.

[dboat]

TTT Just so I can find it, not sure who is winning.

I would score it right now with Mark in 1st, Mika in 2nd, Dennis 3rd.. however, if MS does overtake FA.. then the worm turns.. :D

Dana

[Ken]

Tho, does anyone have any links to the latest Ferrari controversey, the "duct" on the rear wheels?

http://www.formula1.com/race/technical_analysis/764/325.html

Debate about it here:
http://groups.google.com/group/rec.autos.sport.f1/browse_thread/thread/28ce299e92b70675/4d68b7bda1fa61f0%234d68b7bda1fa61f0

I agree that it should be banned, they can alter cooling and drag parameters simply by changing the tires, especially after quali. They'll let Ferrari keep it until the championship is decided. (That's why they banned the mass damper when they did... ;))

[dboat]

I am thinking they will find them legal, and then when the others jump on board, they will then rewrite the rule to get rid of them or leave them be.. if they were going to find them illegal, I bet they would have ruled already.

Dana

[Mark #2]

I am thinking they will find them legal, and then when the others jump on board, they will then rewrite the rule to get rid of them or leave them be.. if they were going to find them illegal, I bet they would have ruled already.

Dana
My understanding is that no one filed a protest so they didn't have to rule on them?
I tend to agree on the conspiracy theory on the Renault mass damper thing, don't understand how that can be a movable aerodynamic device, when air never hits it.

[Tex Arcana]

http://www.formula1.com/race/technical_analysis/764/325.html

Debate about it here:
http://groups.google.com/group/rec.autos.sport.f1/browse_thread/thread/28ce299e92b70675/4d68b7bda1fa61f0%234d68b7bda1fa61f0

I agree that it should be banned, they can alter cooling and drag parameters simply by changing the tires, especially after quali. They'll let Ferrari keep it until the championship is decided. (That's why they banned the mass damper when they did... ;))

I just looked thru the google list and the f1 site, and the way I see it, it'll only be banned because it's not a "homogenous" part of the wheel--meaning is Ferrari wanted to produce a wheel with that bit that was made of the same material as the wheel itself, they could do it and get away with it.

As for that being an "aero" device: nah, it's mostly meant for brake cooling and wheel/tire isolation. Most teams (all?) already run small fans in the brake hubs to pump air thru the system; something like this (which isn't new, thanks to the google group: http://scaleautosport.com/raceimage.asp?racekeyid=1781) just enhances airflow for brake cooling, and MIGHT reduce drag around the rear wheels; if Ferrari successfully challenges this, or builds a wheel with this incorporated, watch for them to appear on the fronts as well.

FWIW: I think the mass-damper ban was completely bogus. The unit had nothing do to with "movable aero elements", even tho is helped control ride height over rough sections.

I doubt we see anything worse than Ferrari being told to remove those things.

[Mika]

(Turun Sanomat)
Kimillä nyt jo 31 keskeytystä McLarenilla
F1-sähkeet 27.8.

Kimi Räikkönen on ajanut nyt 84 Grand Prix -kisaa McLarenilla. Niistä 31 on päättynyt keskeytykseen. Keskeytysprosentti on peräti 36,9.

Tällaisella prosentilla on mahdoton voittaa mestaruuksia. Räikkönen on sentään kahdesti päässyt lähelle.

Räikkösen keskeytyssyyt: 12 kertaa moottori, 7 kertaa onnettomuus, 3 kertaa siivekerikot, 9 kertaa erilaiset muut rikot.
(Turun Sanomat)


For those folks who don't read Finnish, I'll help out.:)

Kimi has driven 84 Grands Prix with McLaren. Out of those 84, 31 have resulted in DNF's. A failure rate of 36.9%.

With percentages like this it's impossible to win a championship. Kimi has twice gotten close.

Raikkonen's DNF's: 12 motor failures, 7 accidents(be it his fault or others), 3 wing failures, 9 other failures.

Of course, this is a biased opinion;).



Mika

[dboat]

(Turun Sanomat)
Kimillä nyt jo 31 keskeytystä McLarenilla
F1-sähkeet 27.8.

Kimi Räikkönen on ajanut nyt 84 Grand Prix -kisaa McLarenilla. Niistä 31 on päättynyt keskeytykseen. Keskeytysprosentti on peräti 36,9.

Tällaisella prosentilla on mahdoton voittaa mestaruuksia. Räikkönen on sentään kahdesti päässyt lähelle.

Räikkösen keskeytyssyyt: 12 kertaa moottori, 7 kertaa onnettomuus, 3 kertaa siivekerikot, 9 kertaa erilaiset muut rikot.
(Turun Sanomat)


For those folks who don't read Finnish, I'll help out.:)

Kimi has driven 84 Grands Prix with McLaren. Out of those 84, 31 have resulted in DNF's. A failure rate of 36.9%.

With percentages like this it's impossible to win a championship. Kimi has twice gotten close.

Raikkonen's DNF's: 12 motor failures, 7 accidents(be it his fault or others), 3 wing failures, 9 other failures.

Of course, this is a biased opinion;).



Mika

just a LITTLE biased,,, although I would say that if he hadnt had so many failures last year he would have won the championship..

I dont think he has been with a team that has proven they can put a reliable car on the grid.. if and when he signs with Ferrari, well then it will be put up or shut up time for Kimi..
but I have to say one thing, he is a very talented driver.
Dana

[Mika]

just a LITTLE biased,,, although I would say that if he hadnt had so many failures last year he would have won the championship..

I dont think he has been with a team that has proven they can put a reliable car on the grid.. if and when he signs with Ferrari, well then it will be put up or shut up time for Kimi..
but I have to say one thing, he is a very talented driver.
Dana

All bias aside, agreed.

Next year if he does go to Ferrari, it is definitely put up or shut up time. If he doesn't win with team red, he won't win with anyone.



Mika

[Tex Arcana]

just a LITTLE biased,,, although I would say that if he hadnt had so many failures last year he would have won the championship..

I dont think he has been with a team that has proven they can put a reliable car on the grid.. if and when he signs with Ferrari, well then it will be put up or shut up time for Kimi..
but I have to say one thing, he is a very talented driver.
Dana

Does that count blowing up his suspension? :d

[dboat]

Does that count blowing up his suspension? :d


ok Tex... give the guy a break... I stand by my comments.. I hope that he does sign with Ferrari so that I can still pull for them as a team.. if he and MS were team members, not sure how well that would go over though..
Dana

[Tex Arcana]

ok Tex... give the guy a break... I stand by my comments.. I hope that he does sign with Ferrari so that I can still pull for them as a team.. if he and MS were team members, not sure how well that would go over though..
Dana
Arm or a leg?? :rll:

Nah, I honestly hope he doesn't sign with Ferrari... all due respect to Mika (both our pal here and his namesake), Kimi's the racing equivalent of T.O., with the fine print in the contract to match. :d

[Mika]

Arm or a leg?? :rll:

Nah, I honestly hope he doesn't sign with Ferrari... all due respect to Mika (both our pal here and his namesake), Kimi's the racing equivalent of T.O., with the fine print in the contract to match. :d

All good, Tex. It seems that Kimi's a Rodney Dangerfield though. He gets no respect;).



Mika

[Tex Arcana]

All good, Tex. It seems that Kimi's a Rodney Dangerfield though. He gets no respect;).



Mika
I seriously doubt Schuey would ever drive with Kimi, especially since their egos would clash like the titans. If Kimi goes to Ferrari, it'll be well after MS retires, and likely after most of Micheals crew is gone.

[dboat]

I seriously doubt Schuey would ever drive with Kimi, especially since their egos would clash like the titans. If Kimi goes to Ferrari, it'll be well after MS retires, and likely after most of Micheals crew is gone.


I agree on ego clash, but not so sure about the crew. Although MS is great about always giving credit to the "team" good or bad...

To get back on topic.

With MS coming in behind FA this last race, I think that really hurt his chances. Clearly the Renault's have figured out what was hurting their performance or they figured out how to get more performance. MS really has his work cut out for him if he is going to make up 12 pts in these last 4 races. He really needs a DNF by FA and a podium or a win to get him close at this point.. however, this should keep our interest until the last race or so. Then there is the offseason maneuvering. Does anyone recall which race MS was going to announce his plans for next year? Is it at Monza?
Dana

[Tex Arcana]

I agree on ego clash, but not so sure about the crew. Although MS is great about always giving credit to the "team" good or bad...

To get back on topic.

With MS coming in behind FA this last race, I think that really hurt his chances. Clearly the Renault's have figured out what was hurting their performance or they figured out how to get more performance. MS really has his work cut out for him if he is going to make up 12 pts in these last 4 races. He really needs a DNF by FA and a podium or a win to get him close at this point.. however, this should keep our interest until the last race or so. Then there is the offseason maneuvering. Does anyone recall which race MS was going to announce his plans for next year? Is it at Monza?
Dana


off topic:rolleyes:: Remember that the present crew (with few exceptions) were the bunch that helped him win his first DC with Benneton; when he jumped to Ferrari, the rest followed in short order (if they weren't there already). So I figure their loyalty to him will figure in their decision to stay and play for Kimi.

on topic: iirc, it's Monza, the "home" track. This will keep things interesting for sure, but I think if MS can win the rest of the races outright, and have FA follw in third or worse in at least half, MS'll win it; but he and the Ferrari crew will *have* to work extra haard to make the cars run like bats outta hell, and execute the strategies flawlessly in order to do it. And it will come down to who executes the strategies the best.

[dboat]

off topic:rolleyes:: Remember that the present crew (with few exceptions) were the bunch that helped him win his first DC with Benneton; when he jumped to Ferrari, the rest followed in short order (if they weren't there already). So I figure their loyalty to him will figure in their decision to stay and play for Kimi.

on topic: iirc, it's Monza, the "home" track. This will keep things interesting for sure, but I think if MS can win the rest of the races outright, and have FA follw in third or worse in at least half, MS'll win it; but he and the Ferrari crew will *have* to work extra haard to make the cars run like bats outta hell, and execute the strategies flawlessly in order to do it. And it will come down to who executes the strategies the best.


Tex, I agree with your comments.. only thing is, if MS aint there, the boys still need a job.. and I am assuming that they would rather have a driver with the potential to win rather than just someone filling the seat. So I would think they would give KR at least a year to see what he is all about.

Ferrari does have to have MS at the front winning out the rest of the year, Renault has good track management and a good car.

Dana

[Mika]

Ferrari just about always has the best strategy. Renault will make it close though for the championship. At this juncture, small things(well, not necessarily small) such as #2 driver blocking for #1 will be HUGE. Quite frankly, I see that advantage going to Ferrari.


Mika

[dboat]

Ferrari just about always has the best strategy. Renault will make it close though for the championship. At this juncture, small things(well, not necessarily small) such as #2 driver blocking for #1 will be HUGE. Quite frankly, I see that advantage going to Ferrari.


Mika

Good point, that I wasnt even thinking about.. you have to admit that at this stage of the season, Massa is doing better than Fisichella..

Dana

[Mark #2]

MS retires:(

[dboat]

MS retires:(

That is just going to suck donkey for me.. I will have to find another driver to follow.. I really hate it when that happens because none of the other guys does it for me.. he was the iceman, the conqueror.. he was greatness.. oh well, I'll get over it in time.. who knows, maybe I'll become a Kimi fan..

Dana

[Tex Arcana]

MS retires:(

:hammer: Link or shens :mad:

[Mark #2]

:hammer: Link or shens :mad:
We're related, secret info:D

[dboat]

We're related, secret info:D


I saw it on the ESPN2 scrolling banner on tv.

It did say that Mark did advise MS though... :evil

[Tex Arcana]

I saw it on the ESPN2 scrolling banner on tv.

It did say that Mark did advise MS though... :evil

You are nice; Mark isn't. :tongue:

And taht sucks. Now who's gonna be the #1 driver?? I HOPE it's MAssa.

[Mark #2]

You are nice; Mark isn't. :tongue:

And taht sucks. Now who's gonna be the #1 driver?? I HOPE it's MAssa.
Nope Kimi.

[Mika]

Nope Kimi.


'til I hear it from Schumi's mouth, he's still the #1 driver at Ferrari.(no offense to your secret informant).


Mika

[Mark #2]

'til I hear it from Schumi's mouth, he's still the #1 driver at Ferrari.(no offense to your secret informant).


Mika

http://sport.guardian.co.uk/formulaone/story/0,,1868435,00.html

Well we will find out soon, and I am not a fan of Jackie Stewart, kind of a dick IMHO.

[Mika]

I actually agree with Jackie Stewart. Ferrari/MS need to either keep their pieholes shut about him retiring, or actually announce his retirement. I've always been a fan of $hit or get off the pot. I'm not a fan of attention whores(which Ferrari/MS is guilty of in this situation, MHO). But hey, that's what's so great about this country. You don't have to have the same opinion as others do(and we know about that:)).



Mika

[Sixpipes]

Dana, I wouldn't give up on MS yet. Got to love the soap opera that is Formula One...:o

"Every possible scenario, including sabbaticals and retirement, has done the rounds in the picturesque setting for the Italian Grand Prix so far this weekend, but it is worth mentioning one more rumour.


It is suggested that the 37-year-old Ferrari (http://uk.sports.yahoo.com/f1/teams/3.html) driver could announce his departure from the team on Sunday afternoon, before returning to Formula One in a silver car in 2008."

[dboat]

http://sport.guardian.co.uk/formulaone/story/0,,1868435,00.html

Well we will find out soon, and I am not a fan of Jackie Stewart, kind of a dick IMHO.


Interesting read, especially the part from Niki Lauda. I thought he took the two years off because he was recuperating from those burn wounds. He was a darned good driver in his own right.. I understand the Ferrari approach to this and dont disagree. They will make their announcement, whatever it is, and then allow the drivers to take it from there. Its about the drivers, it would be interesting to see MS and KR on the same team. Is there some idea that maybe Team Red will do what Red Bull is doing and have two teams next year? That way they can have two #1 drivers? doubt it but who knows? So maybe there is hope for me to see MS continue to drive, but man, I cant believe that he would go somewhere else Dennis. Unless, as some rumors out there have it, that he would be paid an incredible amount of money, as if the current $80-100M he gets now isnt incredible already.
But just think, Team Reds plans have now generated how many posts on a Lightning Forum, dont you think they recognize that just by handling this news the way they are, they know this is great marketing for them?
Well, I hope that MS wins, FA dnf's and we have a real race to the Drivers Championship, then to top it all off, news from Team Red.
Dana
Sorry if this is a convoluted post. I did it at 4am and its all stream of consciousness(sp?).

[Tex Arcana]

Nope Kimi.

NNNNOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!
:nono:

[Tex Arcana]

http://sport.guardian.co.uk/formulaone/story/0,,1868435,00.html

Well we will find out soon, and I am not a fan of Jackie Stewart, kind of a dick IMHO.

You may think so, but he's the ONLY driver of his age with the guts to step up and tell everyone that they were putting the drivers at extreme risk, and something needed to change. He doesn't mince words, nor does he kiss butt. My kinda guy. :tu:




I actually agree with Jackie Stewart. Ferrari/MS need to either keep their pieholes shut about him retiring, or actually announce his retirement. I've always been a fan of $hit or get off the pot. I'm not a fan of attention whores(which Ferrari/MS is guilty of in this situation, MHO). But hey, that's what's so great about this country. You don't have to have the same opinion as others do(and we know about that:)).

I agree, tho I suspect 95% of this drama is generated by the media, and Ferrari's just letting them blather on, until *they* are ready.

[Tex Arcana]

Interesting read, especially the part from Niki Lauda. I thought he took the two years off because he was recuperating from those burn wounds. He was a darned good driver in his own right.. I understand the Ferrari approach to this and dont disagree. They will make their announcement, whatever it is, and then allow the drivers to take it from there. Its about the drivers, it would be interesting to see MS and KR on the same team. Is there some idea that maybe Team Red will do what Red Bull is doing and have two teams next year? That way they can have two #1 drivers? doubt it but who knows? So maybe there is hope for me to see MS continue to drive, but man, I cant believe that he would go somewhere else Dennis. Unless, as some rumors out there have it, that he would be paid an incredible amount of money, as if the current $80-100M he gets now isnt incredible already.
But just think, Team Reds plans have now generated how many posts on a Lightning Forum, dont you think they recognize that just by handling this news the way they are, they know this is great marketing for them?
Well, I hope that MS wins, FA dnf's and we have a real race to the Drivers Championship, then to top it all off, news from Team Red.
Dana
Sorry if this is a convoluted post. I did it at 4am and its all stream of consciousness(sp?).

"James Joyce, your car is ready; James Joyce, your car is ready." :rll:

Is it possible that MS goes to another team?? Is it possible to outpay Ferrari??

Yes. And yes.

Question is, why would he want to do such a thing? Answer: he enjoys building a winning team from scratch? Think about that for a second: he jumps to <insert team name here>, drags about half or more of the essential personnel from Ferrari (Todt et al), and they scrap EVERYTHING <team name> has done and start from scratch. In 2-3 years, they're winning again--of course, this based on what FIA/FOCA/Bernie decide to do to F1: if they stay the presumed course, then F1 turns into NASCAR Europe, and MS won't even get near that; if they moderate their draconian changes, he might stick around for the challenge.

Hell, remember he's only what, 36yo? He's got lots of life left in him, and he's in excellent shape. Tho, no matter what happens, look for him to drive in LeMans and a few other races that drivers love to run.

[dboat]

Here's another angle.. Since Ross Braun may be gone.. MS takes over the Red Team and then Kimi becomes the #1 driver.. who else to help mold Kimi than a guy like MS?

and the beat goes on.. MS stays with a team that he helped build and they use him to keep the team and winning going for a few more years. Plus MS gets to stay in the limelight and with F1 racing.. who knows, he might still do some of the Friday driving as well..

Dana

[Mika]

I agree, tho I suspect 95% of this drama is generated by the media, and Ferrari's just letting them blather on, until *they* are ready.

I can't argue that either. I think one can definitely blame the media for that junk. But to keep delaying "the announcement" isn't right, and the blame goes to team red;).



Mika

[Mika]

Well, it's confirmed(through Schumi's mouth even). This is his last year. I haven't heard of an announcement yet from Ferrari.



Mika

[dboat]

Well, I just got finished watching the race on Tivo.. great race, Michael has made the announcement, even said why they waited until then to make the announcement..

He said that a great driver will replace him.. guess this means that Sato is out:evil

They were surrounding the Ferrari bus and had security all around it too.. Here goes another round of speculation, but we all know where Kimi will be next year.. the only thing up in the air is whether Massa will be there or not.

Dana

[dboat]

Lets check back at the halfway point in the season and see how we are doing..

Dana
Schumacher, Alonso, Raikkonen, Button, Montoya
Renault, McLaren, Ferrari

Sixpipes
Alonso, Barachello, Schumacher, Raikkonen, Button
Honda, Renault, Ferrari

Mika
Alonso, Michael, Kimi, Button, Rosberg
McLaren, Ferrari, Renault

Mark
Alonso, Michael, Kimi, Button, Barachello
Renault, Ferrari, Honda

Tex
Schumacher, Alonso, Rosberg, Button, Montoya
Ferrari, Renault, Williams


Very interesting gentlemen..

We all agree on three, Alonso, Schumacher and Button, we part with Raikkonen, Rosberg (that is a reach Tex:throw: ) and Montoya

We all agree on Ferrari and Renault but part with Williams, Honda and McLaren.

This should be fun and interesting.. :tu:

Dana


With three races to go, I dont think many of us have a shot at a job in Las Vegas setting the lines on F1 racing...

[dboat]

Well, I just got finished watching the race on Tivo.. great race, Michael has made the announcement, even said why they waited until then to make the announcement..

He said that a great driver will replace him.. guess this means that Sato is out:evil

They were surrounding the Ferrari bus and had security all around it too.. Here goes another round of speculation, but we all know where Kimi will be next year.. the only thing up in the air is whether Massa will be there or not.

Dana

Just went out to the F1 site and Kimi has signed a 3 yr deal with Team Red, Massa is the #2 driver..
Dana

[Tex Arcana]

He said that a great driver will replace him.. guess this means that Kimi Wreckonnen is out:evil
muahahaha... :d :evil

Very emotional moment, and about damn time. It was telling how they noted the body language between jean Todt, Schumi, and Luca M; as if things were very strained. And the Speed crew made a very good point: that the crew on the team were Michael Schumacher's people, and not Ferrari's (which I've been saying all along). If MS *does* manage to jump ship--and given the uncertainty in what the FIA and FOA is going to become, it's not likely--look for Todt et al to follow him. Tho I think they will all "retire", except for the very youngest of the bunch, who might take new jobs as well. If the speculations of the Speed crew are even remotely correct, chances are that the brass at Ferrari are getting the big head again, and thinking *they* know what they're doing; when in fact it was Schumacher, Inc. that made it all possible.

[Tex Arcana]

With three races to go, I dont think many of us have a shot at a job in Las Vegas setting the lines on F1 racing...

I dunno, you and I look like we did alright. ;) I don't think anyone figured MAssa to do as well.

Oh, and let's watch for Kubica in the future: 3rd place in his 3rd race?? Day-um! :d

[dboat]

Oh, and let's watch for Kubica in the future: 3rd place in his 3rd race?? Day-um! :d

I agree on this one.. what a surprise that is.. in a nice sort of way

Dana

[Mika]

muahahaha... :d :evil

Very emotional moment, and about damn time. It was telling how they noted the body language between jean Todt, Schumi, and Luca M; as if things were very strained. And the Speed crew made a very good point: that the crew on the team were Michael Schumacher's people, and not Ferrari's (which I've been saying all along). If MS *does* manage to jump ship--and given the uncertainty in what the FIA and FOA is going to become, it's not likely--look for Todt et al to follow him. Tho I think they will all "retire", except for the very youngest of the bunch, who might take new jobs as well. If the speculations of the Speed crew are even remotely correct, chances are that the brass at Ferrari are getting the big head again, and thinking *they* know what they're doing; when in fact it was Schumacher, Inc. that made it all possible.

I think the way that formula1.com was wording it, Schumacher may stay at Ferrari, having a different role. That wouldn't be a bad idea either. Show Kimi how he took care of business, and help run the show.

A few things Schumi did damn well was rally the team around him and set the car up as best as possible.

Where the crap did Kubica/BMW come from? Holy crap! That's some driving man. Has BMW been that bad, or have the driver's just been that miserable?


Mika

[Silver_2000]

Interesting Drama..

I recorded the practice and the race only had time to watch a few miinutes of the race so far ....

Funny that the most repsponded to thread on Talon is about F1. Gives you a small idea of the types of fans there are around the world ...

Doug

[Tex Arcana]

I think the way that formula1.com was wording it, Schumacher may stay at Ferrari, having a different role. That wouldn't be a bad idea either. Show Kimi how he took care of business, and help run the show.

A few things Schumi did damn well was rally the team around him and set the car up as best as possible.

Where the crap did Kubica/BMW come from? Holy crap! That's some driving man. Has BMW been that bad, or have the driver's just been that miserable?


Mika


The guys on Speed News confirmed this: Schumi will stay on in an "undefined" role (read: 'til they finish paying him the remainder of his contract :rll:).

The thing that the Speed boys (Matchett, especially) said was that Schumacher was an integral part of the engineering team, able to give them the feedback they needed to make the car better (another thing I've been saying for years). I don't know if he can teach Wreckonnen how to do this (I think Kimi's ego is just a bit *too* large for that); and what will Kimi do to Massa when it's all done? Maybe Schumi's presence will help isolate Massa from Kimi, 'til he's ready to step up to the #1 spot.

[Tex Arcana]

Interesting Drama..

I recorded the practice and the race only had time to watch a few miinutes of the race so far ....

Funny that the most repsponded to thread on Talon is about F1. Gives you a small idea of the types of fans there are around the world ...

Doug

F1 is a heavily watched series, internationally. They took the high-art of "drama" to new heights, even tho they're just now learning the NASCAR "bend the rules to influence the outcome" lesson. :hammer:

Of course, if F1 ends up going that way (seems so, with the Massa/Alonso "incident", and the Ferrari brake-wheel-ducts still in place), it's going to turn it into yet another spec series, with the organizers manipulating theings for "entertainment value" over "racing".

Speaking of: any news on those ducts?? And any news on the "alternate" Grand Prix series?

[dboat]

Interesting Drama..

I recorded the practice and the race only had time to watch a few miinutes of the race so far ....

Funny that the most repsponded to thread on Talon is about F1. Gives you a small idea of the types of fans there are around the world ...

Doug

This crossed my mind the other day wondering if this was the longest thread on Talon.. :banana:

Those that are really into any racing series would probably stick with another thread on CrashCar or NHRA as well. But there are a few of us that enjoy this series. I will say that if the series changes too much they will lose the interest of many. One of the reasons I did watch was because of the technology involved and the cars were so cutting edge. This is about to change I fear.. the other was because of MS. He is the best of all time and you dont see that everyday either. I was a huge Supercross fan until Jeremy McGrath retired, now it just doesnt have the same draw for me.
Dana

[TXBLU]

I have watched Schuey since he started in F1. I always thought that Senna was the better driver of the two, and was deeply saddened when he died. Let's not forget Roland Ratzenberger died on the same weekend. Roland had shown some real potential up to that point.

Unfortunately, we never got to see Schumacher's potential realized while Senna was still on his "A" game. I still think Senna would have dominated over Schuey. The debate will go on forever over that one...

I realize that Sir Jackie has the right to his opinion, and greatly respct his accomplishments in F1, but I think he should shut his pie-hole on this one. He obviously has no understanding of Schumacher's mind-set. Schuey typifies the stoic German culture, and is fully aware of his enormous impact on motor racing in general, and F1 in specific. He controls his emotions as much as possible, and is very matter of fact about everything he says. Given that, I believe that he was honestly waiting for Massa's future to be decided (contractually) before his announcement was made.

Schumacher OWNS almost every record in F1 and most of them will probably never be broken. He may even have 93 wins when it's all over. He has forced everyone else to step up their game, just to be competitive. Alonso and Raikonnen have shown that they are more than competitive against him. Unfortunately for Kimmi, he's had some terrible luck. I know how that is from my motorcycle roadracing days. It's a cruel sport. Trust me.

Say what you will about Schumacher's skills, tactics, or personality. He will go down in history as the greatest F1 driver of the modern era. I don't think Jackie Stewart truly understands the magnitude of performance of a current F1 machine. Just ask Derrick Daly. He was completely humbled by a "test drive" in a mid pack car. He knew instantly that he was nowhere close to being competitive. Times have changed and so have the cars and the racing. It's just not the same as it was in Derricks day, much less Jackie's!

I, for one will miss Michael, and will always be in awe of what he has accomplished. Godspeed, Michael.

Just my $0.02...


By the way, I'm not surprised at all by the length of this thread. I always figured we were a bunch twisted gear-heads!!! :burnout:

[Tex Arcana]

Nicely said, Eric. :tu:

I disagree with you on Stewart, what Autoweek quoted him as saying, fully in-context, I believe is completely correct:


Whatever, the whole thing seemed woefully mismanaged and left Jackie Stewart, for one, deeply unimpressed. “Right now,” he said, “this is the biggest story in world of sport, and I think the way it’s been dealt with, by Ferrari, by Michael’s management, by Michael himself, is amateurish and nonsensical.

“It’s a huge story, of course, but whatever Michael did, it was not going to be the end of the world. Fangio retired, Stirling Moss retired, Jackie Stewart retired, Jim Clark and Ayrton Senna died… but no one person’s bigger than the sport, and that’s always been the case,” Stewart said. “The year I retired [1973], I made my decision early, in April. I told Ken Tyrrell, and Walter Hayes, of Ford, and that was it—I didn’t even tell Helen, my wife, because I didn’t want her to be mentally counting down the races through the season.

“I made my announcement at a function in London, 10 days after the last race, and it was organized way ahead of time, as was a dinner at the Savoy that Ford gave me, in honor of my career, if you like. Michael Schumacher retiring is a huge story, and—forgive me saying this—simply talking to specialist racing journalists isn’t enough in this case. I’m hearing that Michael is stopping, not so much because he wants to, but because he’s upset with Ferrari for taking on Raikkonen. If that’s the case, that’s crazy! Luca di Montezemolo is running a company—he had to safeguard the future of that company, that team, and he couldn’t just sit about, waiting for Michael to make a decision, before doing something. An announcement of this kind really should have been properly organized,” Stewart said.

It could've been handled better, indeed.

Sad thing was the race: if that stupid penalty to Alonso could get THIS from Niki Lauda:

This is the craziest single decision I’ve come across in all my years in this business.
who has ALWAYS been a very diplomatic man, even when he was taking F1 to task for safety, says alot about the nex quote, from Alonso:

I’ve always loved this sport. But I don’t consider F1 a sport anymore…

Maybe Mikey's getting while the getting is good.

[dboat]

http://www.formula1.com/news/4973.html

the new updates...

[TXBLU]

I still think Jackie could have been more respectful, and yet still voice his opinion. I just don't think it's right for Jackie to judge Michael when he has no experience being as dominant as Michael has been. Michael is fully aware of his impact on the sport, and that people watch and critique everthing he does. He is a very private person and feels that he was doing the right thing. None of us really know the goings on at Ferarri as it relates to Massa's position and Michael's possible retirement. I, for one, have no clue whether Michael was forced out, or truly felt the time was right for him to retire. Perhaps there is a great deal more to the story than any of us will ever be privy to. Yeah, It would have been cool for the Tifosi to know that it was Michael's last run at Monza but, hey, F1 ain't NASCAR! Michael doesn't need the ego stroke of a "farewell" tour. It's just not his style. We may not like his style, but he deserves repect for what he's accomplished. Enough to respect the way he made his retirement known.

[dboat]

I still think Jackie could have been more respectful, and yet still voice his opinion. I just don't think it's right for Jackie to judge Michael when he has no experience being as dominant as Michael has been. Michael is fully aware of his impact on the sport, and that people watch and critique everthing he does. He is a very private person and feels that he was doing the right thing. None of us really know the goings on at Ferarri as it relates to Massa's position and Michael's possible retirement. I, for one, have no clue whether Michael was forced out, or truly felt the time was right for him to retire. Perhaps there is a great deal more to the story than any of us will ever be privy to. Yeah, It would have been cool for the Tifosi to know that it was Michael's last run at Monza but, hey, F1 ain't NASCAR! Michael doesn't need the ego stroke of a "farewell" tour. It's just not his style. We may not like his style, but he deserves repect for what he's accomplished. Enough to respect the way he made his retirement known.


+1:tu: :tu:

[Tex Arcana]

I still think Jackie could have been more respectful, and yet still voice his opinion. I just don't think it's right for Jackie to judge Michael when he has no experience being as dominant as Michael has been. Michael is fully aware of his impact on the sport, and that people watch and critique everthing he does. He is a very private person and feels that he was doing the right thing. None of us really know the goings on at Ferarri as it relates to Massa's position and Michael's possible retirement. I, for one, have no clue whether Michael was forced out, or truly felt the time was right for him to retire. Perhaps there is a great deal more to the story than any of us will ever be privy to. Yeah, It would have been cool for the Tifosi to know that it was Michael's last run at Monza but, hey, F1 ain't NASCAR! Michael doesn't need the ego stroke of a "farewell" tour. It's just not his style. We may not like his style, but he deserves repect for what he's accomplished. Enough to respect the way he made his retirement known.


To be honest, I think MS got shoved out, considering the presence of DiMontezemolo (sp?), and how all that played out after the race. I also think that he was going to wait for the end of the season to decide (based on whether he won the championship or not), and that made it impossible for Ferrari to make its moves when they needed to.

Honestly, I'm about to the point Alonso is when it comes to Formula One: it's well on its way to becoming NASCAR-Europe. And that is NOT what racing should be. When the "alternate" series comes online, I think I'll be watching that, unless F1 stops the goofiness and goes back to its roots.

[dboat]

Well, the racing picks up again this weekend with the race in Shanghai.

Mark, were you planning on being there?

Anyway, Sato is getting penalized 10 spots on the starting grid for changing engines.. so this means he goes from 21 to 22? I mean really, is that a real penalty for this driver and that car? :rolleyes:

The race will be live at 2a on Sunday with qualifying at 2a on Sat morn... that would be 1a each day CST... I will be up and watching it..

off topic.. as I was talking with Mark, we have bought and had installed a HD (DLP) projector (dark chip 2 technology) and have a 106" screen or its about 4 feet by 7 feet.. so I cant wait to watch the race on it.. should be fun..
GO Michael!!
Dana

[Mark #2]

Well, the racing picks up again this weekend with the race in Shanghai.

Mark, were you planning on being there?

Anyway, Sato is getting penalized 10 spots on the starting grid for changing engines.. so this means he goes from 21 to 22? I mean really, is that a real penalty for this driver and that car? :rolleyes:

The race will be live at 2a on Sunday with qualifying at 2a on Sat morn... that would be 1a each day CST... I will be up and watching it..

off topic.. as I was talking with Mark, we have bought and had installed a HD (DLP) projector (dark chip 2 technology) and have a 106" screen or its about 4 feet by 7 feet.. so I cant wait to watch the race on it.. should be fun..
GO Michael!!
Dana
I won't be in Shanghai again for a couple more weeks and will miss Japan by one week this year.

I am going to try to line up my overseas travel next year to F1 race weekends, should be able to catch a couple at least.
Trying to plan for Malaysia, China, and Japan, maybe Germany.

Thank you for supporting DLP, I am sure that that will look very sweet with an HD feed, and the Bose(?) sound system too.:beer:
Keep being our advocate with the neighbors, good to see and talk with you again.:tu:

[dboat]

I won't be in Shanghai again for a couple more weeks and will miss Japan by one week this year.

I am going to try to line up my overseas travel next year to F1 race weekends, should be able to catch a couple at least.
Trying to plan for Malaysia, China, and Japan, maybe Germany.

Thank you for supporting DLP, I am sure that that will look very sweet with an HD feed, and the Bose(?) sound system too.:beer:
Keep being our advocate with the neighbors, good to see and talk with you again.:tu:

Mark, for some reason, I would love to go to the Malaysian GP, something about that track and the way they have the covered stands just appeals to me.. but I would love to go to any one of those races..

The projector is working great and the picture is unbelievable.. the sound system is a Boston Acoustics Home Theater in a box type, but it works well.

It was good to see you again as well..

Dana

[Mika]

The last two races of the season. Alonso and Schumi tied for the lead. Renault has a 2 point lead in the CC. It's gonna be interesting.

Alonso's tires let him down, giving Schumi a chance to take the lead. Schumi did well. He struck when needed, and didn't look back.

Another DNF for Kimi brought to you by McLaren. Glad that he's only got 2 more races left with that team. I hope that he does better at "the red team".



Mika

[Mark #2]

What took you so long to post, driver's interviews were over for almost a minute.;)
Great race, I like the wet to dry races the best, when to put on the drys and how the drivers handle the transition is always very interesting.

[Mika]

What took you so long to post, driver's interviews were over for almost a minute.;)
Great race, I like the wet to dry races the best, when to put on the drys and how the drivers handle the transition is always very interesting.


What can I say? I'm a slacker:D .

Fisi impressed me. Massa has been the better #2 driver so far this season, up until this race. Speed had quite a bit of pace at the beginning of the race, but faded. Kubica did darn well too, until he tried the slicks on a slick track.



Mika

[dboat]

The last two races of the season. Alonso and Schumi tied for the lead. Renault has a 2 point lead in the CC. It's gonna be interesting.

Alonso's tires let him down, giving Schumi a chance to take the lead. Schumi did well. He struck when needed, and didn't look back.

Another DNF for Kimi brought to you by McLaren. Glad that he's only got 2 more races left with that team. I hope that he does better at "the red team".



Mika

What a great race, lots of drama and some actual planning by the teams. MS did well and he pulled in for his last pit stop at the perfect time, the Fisi tried to run him off the road:flaming: , but MS got around him.. you gotta think if you are FA that you could have won this race.. the unneeded tire change and then the 20 sec pit stop.. he was fuming inside, you could tell, then he drops the bottle of champagne to the team member who lets it go thru his hands and the darned thing breaks.. waste of good champagne.
Massa did nothing to help MS today, but I hope all of you watched it to the very end where our friend Mr Sato totally screwed up in the corners and caused a huge mess.. Button was the beneficiary and got 4th place out of it. But as the announcer said, if I was Sato, I'd be looking for a place to hide or get my butt kicked (well he didnt really say get my butt kicked but inferred it:evil ). What about Kubika today? he was great until his team put the dry tires on too soon.. the kid was in 4th place and kicking some arse..

Altogether a great race and the outcome is good since we have two races and the two leaders are tied, the CC is close and the 3rd and 4th place drivers are one point apart. I really love F1...

Dana

[dboat]

Well, it finally happened..

Super Aguri’s Takuma Sato has lost his 14th-place finish in Sunday’s Chinese Grand Prix after stewards disqualified him for blocking faster drivers during the Shanghai race.

Sato was the backmarker involved in a final-lap incident, which culminated in Honda’s Rubens Barrichello running into the rear of Nick Heidfeld’s BMW Sauber.

The severity of Sato’s punishment reflects the fact that he has already been reprimanded for ignoring blue flags this season, in Australia back in April.

Spyker’s Christijan Albers was also penalized by Shanghai stewards for the same offence. The Dutchman had 25 seconds added to his race time, but actually moved up from 16th to 15th place thanks to Sato’s exclusion.

interesting to get penalized but have a better finish... :rolleyes:

[Mika]

Sato needs to hang it up. He seriously is nothing more than a liability to the rest of the driver's.



Mika

[dboat]

Sato needs to hang it up. He seriously is nothing more than a liability to the rest of the driver's.



Mika


Agreed, and not sure that Yamamoto isnt there with him..

[Mika]

Agreed, and not sure that Yamamoto isnt there with him..

The ONLY reason I didn't lump Yamamoto in there is because this is his first season in F1, and I don't think he has yet to cause a wreck or a ruckus in the backfield.


Mika

[dboat]

The ONLY reason I didn't lump Yamamoto in there is because this is his first season in F1, and I don't think he has yet to cause a wreck or a ruckus in the backfield.


Mika

true dat, but he hasnt shown any ability to drive past anyone either.. I guess I should cut him some slack.. but I am thinking of other drivers that could be there and arent but these guys are... know what I mean?

anyway, the Sauber guys have got to be a lot happier with Kubika than Villeneuve.. remember him?

[Mika]

true dat, but he hasnt shown any ability to drive past anyone either.. I guess I should cut him some slack.. but I am thinking of other drivers that could be there and arent but these guys are... know what I mean?

anyway, the Sauber guys have got to be a lot happier with Kubika than Villeneuve.. remember him?

I haven't put Yamamoto in the same category of Sato, but he's not far from it. As far as that goes though, Honda is going to start winning races when they have folks like Salo, McNish and Button in there.

As far as Jacques goes...Ville-who? I think Kubica has been quite the surprise for team starship troopers. A lot of eyebrows were raised in the paddocks in his first 4 grands prix. He is a guy who has a lot of talent, and could be a force to reckon with in the near future.

Speaking of forces...where's Tex? Is he having internet problems still?


Mika

[Tex Arcana]

The last two races of the season. Alonso and Schumi tied for the lead. Renault has a 2 point lead in the CC. It's gonna be interesting.

Alonso's tires let him down, giving Schumi a chance to take the lead. Schumi did well. He struck when needed, and didn't look back.

Another DNF for Kimi brought to you by McLaren. Glad that he's only got 2 more races left with that team. I hope that he does better at "the red team".



Mika


When Kimi's car died, I swear I thought I saw Ron Dennis hit a big, red "kill" button on his console... :hammer: It almost seems like they do that, just to remind him he's now a "traitor". :eek:

It was a very good race overall, with an excellent set of battles going on, at least 'til Tacrasho Sato screwed it up for those last 6 drivers. What a complete idiot. :flaming:

The next question is tiebreakers: how does that work? If Schuey and Fred end up splitting the last two races, is the first tiebreaker the number of wins each has?

No matter, the next two races will be VERY exciting.

[Tex Arcana]

What a great race, lots of drama and some actual planning by the teams. MS did well and he pulled in for his last pit stop at the perfect time, the Fisi tried to run him off the road:flaming: , but MS got around him.. you gotta think if you are FA that you could have won this race.. the unneeded tire change and then the 20 sec pit stop.. he was fuming inside, you could tell, then he drops the bottle of champagne to the team member who lets it go thru his hands and the darned thing breaks.. waste of good champagne.
Massa did nothing to help MS today, but I hope all of you watched it to the very end where our friend Mr Sato totally screwed up in the corners and caused a huge mess.. Button was the beneficiary and got 4th place out of it. But as the announcer said, if I was Sato, I'd be looking for a place to hide or get my butt kicked (well he didnt really say get my butt kicked but inferred it:evil ). What about Kubika today? he was great until his team put the dry tires on too soon.. the kid was in 4th place and kicking some arse..

Altogether a great race and the outcome is good since we have two races and the two leaders are tied, the CC is close and the 3rd and 4th place drivers are one point apart. I really love F1...

Dana


I think Massa was dealing with worse problems than the team let on, given the engine change, and his DNF thanks to the shunt with Coulthard. I do'nt think I'll make too much of this, given his youth and inexperience.

My new favorite drive ATM is Kubica, I think he's gonna surprise everyone. And was his tire change decision done by him, or the team trying to guinea-pig him??

[Tex Arcana]

Well, it finally happened..

Super Aguri’s Takuma Sato has lost his 14th-place finish in Sunday’s Chinese Grand Prix after stewards disqualified him for blocking faster drivers during the Shanghai race.

Sato was the backmarker involved in a final-lap incident, which culminated in Honda’s Rubens Barrichello running into the rear of Nick Heidfeld’s BMW Sauber.

The severity of Sato’s punishment reflects the fact that he has already been reprimanded for ignoring blue flags this season, in Australia back in April.

Spyker’s Christijan Albers was also penalized by Shanghai stewards for the same offence. The Dutchman had 25 seconds added to his race time, but actually moved up from 16th to 15th place thanks to Sato’s exclusion.

interesting to get penalized but have a better finish... :rolleyes:

BWAHAHAHAHAHAAHAH!!!:rll::rll::rll::rll::rll::rll: :rll::rll::rll::rll:

I can see the big boot of Bernie coming around toward his sorry butt!! And it's about time they did something about this total waste of protoplasm. :hammer:

[Tex Arcana]

Agreed, and not sure that Yamamoto isnt there with him..

hell, Yammerer is so slow the slugs in the grass can pass him... :rolleyes:

[Tex Arcana]

true dat, but he hasnt shown any ability to drive past anyone either.. I guess I should cut him some slack.. but I am thinking of other drivers that could be there and arent but these guys are... know what I mean?

anyway, the Sauber guys have got to be a lot happier with Kubika than Villeneuve.. remember him?

The reason is simple: They are Japanese. They already think their talent is superior (despite evidence to the contrary), and they would be embarrassed to have to go with some gaijin driver.

Just can the damn team, and get one in there that really wants to race.

[Mika]

When Kimi's car died, I swear I thought I saw Ron Dennis hit a big, red "kill" button on his console... :hammer: It almost seems like they do that, just to remind him he's now a "traitor". :eek:

It was a very good race overall, with an excellent set of battles going on, at least 'til Tacrasho Sato screwed it up for those last 6 drivers. What a complete idiot. :flaming:

The next question is tiebreakers: how does that work? If Schuey and Fred end up splitting the last two races, is the first tiebreaker the number of wins each has?

No matter, the next two races will be VERY exciting.

First tiebreaker is 1st place, 2nd tiebreaker is 2nd place, 3rd tiebreaker is 3rd place...

Sato needs to go. But sadly, he is Japan's "best" F1 driver to date. Yamamoto is happy happy super friends, that's great. But he needs to get his happy happy foot on the super pedal.

I think Kubica has surprised a LOT of folks in the F1 scene. Not just because of his driving(which has to be good), but also showing/proving that the BMW wasn't that bad a car. Guess Villenueve let it get to his head that he fell into a DC back in '97.


Mika

[Tex Arcana]

First tiebreaker is 1st place, 2nd tiebreaker is 2nd place, 3rd tiebreaker is 3rd place...

Sato needs to go. But sadly, he is Japan's "best" F1 driver to date. Yamamoto is happy happy super friends, that's great. But he needs to get his happy happy foot on the super pedal.

I think Kubica has surprised a LOT of folks in the F1 scene. Not just because of his driving(which has to be good), but also showing/proving that the BMW wasn't that bad a car. Guess Villenueve let it get to his head that he fell into a DC back in '97.


Mika

I think there are better drivers in Japan, it's the politics that are keeping them out, which is the biggest weakness the Japanese have.

Villenueve just really didn't want to drive, he was just collecting a paycheck.

[Mika]

I think there are better drivers in Japan, it's the politics that are keeping them out, which is the biggest weakness the Japanese have.

Villenueve just really didn't want to drive, he was just collecting a paycheck.

I haven't heard of any better Japanese drivers, but I'll believe ya.

Agreed 100% on Jacques, though.



Mika

[dboat]

Guess Villenueve let it get to his head that he fell into a DC back in '97.Mika

IMHO, that is exactly what happened.. but he was driving a great car and had a great team back then too.. then he lost his edge, but never lost sight of that paycheck.. although, he never made the kind of money he could have if he would have stuck with it..

Dana

cant wait, another race this weekend.

[Tex Arcana]

IMHO, that is exactly what happened.. but he was driving a great car and had a great team back then too.. then he lost his edge, but never lost sight of that paycheck.. although, he never made the kind of money he could have if he would have stuck with it..

Dana

cant wait, another race this weekend.

Hell, JV is rich so many times over he'll play hell spending himself into the poor house... :rll:

[dboat]

Hell, JV is rich so many times over he'll play hell spending himself into the poor house... :rll:

Except now he is married and has a bun in the oven.. that'll take the starch out of him..

Dana

[Mika]

The DC is Schumi's to lose now. He's got enough momentum to keep him going the last 2 races. If it rains, Alonso has a chance. Don't get me wrong, Schumi's a rain champ, but the tires aren't. If it dries up, Schumi will reel folks in bigtime, if he doesn't get pole.



Mika

[Tex Arcana]

Except now he is married and has a bun in the oven.. that'll take the starch out of him..

Dana

YEAH, right!! He's got a killer prenup in place that will let him do anything he wants, and if she wants out, she'll get a minimal buyout payoff. :rolleyes:

[Tex Arcana]

The DC is Schumi's to lose now. He's got enough momentum to keep him going the last 2 races. If it rains, Alonso has a chance. Don't get me wrong, Schumi's a rain champ, but the tires aren't. If it dries up, Schumi will reel folks in bigtime, if he doesn't get pole.



Mika

I caught something briefly last nite on speed about alonso and fishhead, that fishhead has really screwed up royally, and the can't count on him anymore. I should've kept the recording running and watched the practice in its entirety.

[dboat]

I caught something briefly last nite on speed about alonso and fishhead, that fishhead has really screwed up royally, and the can't count on him anymore. I should've kept the recording running and watched the practice in its entirety.


Mika, I agree with you.. the MO is all Michaels.. the big screwup with FA is that he is telling folks that Renault doesnt want him to win the DC.. the reasn being is that he is changing teams and they dont want McLaren going around next year with the reigning champ.. however, if MS wins, then retires, no one is there to brag about being the champ.. interesting conspiracy theory at least. :rolleyes:

[Tex Arcana]

Mika, I agree with you.. the MO is all Michaels.. the big screwup with FA is that he is telling folks that Renault doesnt want him to win the DC.. the reasn being is that he is changing teams and they dont want McLaren going around next year with the reigning champ.. however, if MS wins, then retires, no one is there to brag about being the champ.. interesting conspiracy theory at least. :rolleyes:

In the piranha pit that is F1, it's a viable theory, too. :rll:

[dboat]

Well, I watched qualifying and it went very well.. Ferrari front row, Toyota second row, Renault third row and Honder :tongue: fourth row. Since this was Ralf's best showing to date, I bet it makes him a keeper for someone in the future.

As an aside, how different can two brothers be than MS and RS?

The start tomorrow should prove to be incredibly interesting, we shall see what antics FA will be doing to get by the two Toyota boys.


Dana

[Tex Arcana]

Well, I watched qualifying and it went very well.. Ferrari front row, Toyota second row, Renault third row and Honder :tongue: fourth row. Since this was Ralf's best showing to date, I bet it makes him a keeper for someone in the future.

As an aside, how different can two brothers be than MS and RS?

The start tomorrow should prove to be incredibly interesting, we shall see what antics FA will be doing to get by the two Toyota boys.


Dana

TOYOTA on the second row!!?? Perish the thought!! Someone inspect the cars, something illegal is going on!! :rll:

Simple answer on the start: FA and fishhead will blow by the Toyotas like they were standing still, but not before the Ferraris make the first corner clean. Massa will run blocker all day, and MS will win, with FA pulling in third behind Massa. And Fishhead will slip on a banana peel and crash the car, after which Flavio will beat him with a tire iron. :nana2

[Mika]

Dana, Tex, are you two staying up to watch it, or are y'all gonna watch the replay?



Mika(late night in Bedford)

[Mika]

I'm watching it live, and all I can say is holy @#$#!!!! Never in a million years would I have expected this...




Mika

[Mark #2]

I'm watching it live, and all I can say is holy @#$#!!!! Never in a million years would I have expected this...
Mika
Wow, watching on the delayed version, so everyone now knows that MS just Blew up.

[dboat]

I did watch it live this morning.. couldnt believe my eyes, but FA has this all but wrapped up now.. thought it was a little low brow to wave at MS as he went by though... last time that has happened was 2000 according to the announcers..
I am bummed.
Dana

[Mika]

I did watch it live this morning.. couldnt believe my eyes, but FA has this all but wrapped up now.. thought it was a little low brow to wave at MS as he went by though... last time that has happened was 2000 according to the announcers..
I am bummed.
Dana

Michael conceded the DC to Alonso. Michael said that if he was to win it, it wouldn't be right for Alonso to not finish(which is essentially what would need to happen).

It's not the classiest move(to wave at MS after his motor went blammo), but Michael isn't exactly the classiest of drivers. In a way, I feel for Michael, because it shouldn't end this way. At the same time though, it's almost poetic justice.



Mika(ready for the :throw: )

[dboat]

Michael conceded the DC to Alonso. Michael said that if he was to win it, it wouldn't be right for Alonso to not finish(which is essentially what would need to happen).

It's not the classiest move(to wave at MS after his motor went blammo), but Michael isn't exactly the classiest of drivers. In a way, I feel for Michael, because it shouldn't end this way. At the same time though, it's almost poetic justice.


Mika(ready for the :throw: )


Mika, I understand the way you feel on this one, and you are no way near being alone so no :throw: from me. Michael would win at all costs, however, where he was above the rest was how he always gave credit to the team for the win and the loss. He didnt beat down Bridgestone when they didnt have a tire that was competitive and he lost a year in a possible championship. If you watched him, he always seemed to treat every member of the team well, and wasnt above them (except in what he got paid). Was he ruthless on the track, yes he was. But I doubt that he would have pulled such a low brow, trashy move as to wave at someone the way that FA did.. I was hopeful that he would go out on top, as he was the greatest driver of all time, IMHO. He deserves that title not just because he was a great driver, but he also helped make that Ferrari team.
Dana

[Tex Arcana]

Mika, I understand the way you feel on this one, and you are no way near being alone so no :throw: from me. Michael would win at all costs, however, where he was above the rest was how he always gave credit to the team for the win and the loss. He didnt beat down Bridgestone when they didnt have a tire that was competitive and he lost a year in a possible championship. If you watched him, he always seemed to treat every member of the team well, and wasnt above them (except in what he got paid). Was he ruthless on the track, yes he was. But I doubt that he would have pulled such a low brow, trashy move as to wave at someone the way that FA did.. I was hopeful that he would go out on top, as he was the greatest driver of all time, IMHO. He deserves that title not just because he was a great driver, but he also helped make that Ferrari team.
Dana

I just finished watching the race this morning, and I was as surprised as anyone about MS's motor going like that. Did MS concede?? Link??

Dana, I watched for the "wave", and still can't quite see it. And, honestly, that is NOT the worst anyone has done: if you watched the race, you saw the replays of "incidences" that happened in years past, and Ayrton Senna was involved in most of them, and NOT in good ways. MS is a ruthless driver, but I have NEVER seen him do what Senna has done; and Alonso's "wave" was minor compared to some of the crap Senna pulled in his career.

I hate throwing Senna under the bus like that, but I have to put this into perspective. I don't think we'd EVER see either MS or FA deliberately crash another driver like Senna did (how he EVER got away with that, is beyond me--but then again, F1 has been a circus for a LONG time).

Michael Schumacher is a class act off the track, just like you said: he EARNS the loyalty and hard work of his team, by treating them as equals and as PEOPLE who deserve respect; he encourages them by being positive and supportive, which makes them work thousands of times harder than they would if he threw them under the bus like BO did the Cowpieboys. :rolleyes:

As for Alonso's quotes and such: given how the support staff were acting after the win, I'd say alot was taken out of context; however, he needs to study up on the MS method of encouragement, because if he starts throwing people under the bus (there's that line again), he's going to go the way of Wreckkonnen at McLaren.

Speaking of: THERE'S a surprise, Kimi actually finishing a race!! Did Ron Dennis' "ka-blammo" button malfunction?? :d

Final thought: I noticed that Alonso's hand was forced by Renault's follishness regarding even having a team in 2007. What if Fred hadn't of signed with McLaren?? I'd think that it would be HIS name on the Ferrari contract, instead of Kimi's. ;)

[Mika]

Schumacher conceding is found at formula1.com. It is one of the headlines from Sunday's race.

I didn't see the wave from Alonso, but apparently some people did.

However, crashing into someone is something that Michael's done twice. Once in '94 and once in '97(Jacques and Hill). I wouldn't put it past him at all, or past Ferrari to do so.

Despite that though, I feel that Michael's career should have ended on a different note. Fighting against his rival, not with a blammo. Most of you folks know that I'm not crazy about Michael, but I will give him credit when credit is due. I don't think there will be another driver who can rally a team together as well as he did. Or give the crew such good feedback so the crew can put the car exactly to his liking.

As far as your final thought goes, it's a possibility. BUT, Todt, Montemezolu(whatever his name is) have both praised Kimi's abilities for the past 3 years. So I think(there I go again) that the Kimi jump has been in plans for some time now.

Mika


I just finished watching the race this morning, and I was as surprised as anyone about MS's motor going like that. Did MS concede?? Link??

Dana, I watched for the "wave", and still can't quite see it. And, honestly, that is NOT the worst anyone has done: if you watched the race, you saw the replays of "incidences" that happened in years past, and Ayrton Senna was involved in most of them, and NOT in good ways. MS is a ruthless driver, but I have NEVER seen him do what Senna has done; and Alonso's "wave" was minor compared to some of the crap Senna pulled in his career.

I hate throwing Senna under the bus like that, but I have to put this into perspective. I don't think we'd EVER see either MS or FA deliberately crash another driver like Senna did (how he EVER got away with that, is beyond me--but then again, F1 has been a circus for a LONG time).

Michael Schumacher is a class act off the track, just like you said: he EARNS the loyalty and hard work of his team, by treating them as equals and as PEOPLE who deserve respect; he encourages them by being positive and supportive, which makes them work thousands of times harder than they would if he threw them under the bus like BO did the Cowpieboys. :rolleyes:

As for Alonso's quotes and such: given how the support staff were acting after the win, I'd say alot was taken out of context; however, he needs to study up on the MS method of encouragement, because if he starts throwing people under the bus (there's that line again), he's going to go the way of Wreckkonnen at McLaren.

Speaking of: THERE'S a surprise, Kimi actually finishing a race!! Did Ron Dennis' "ka-blammo" button malfunction?? :d

Final thought: I noticed that Alonso's hand was forced by Renault's follishness regarding even having a team in 2007. What if Fred hadn't of signed with McLaren?? I'd think that it would be HIS name on the Ferrari contract, instead of Kimi's. ;)

[dboat]

However, crashing into someone is something that Michael's done twice. Once in '94 and once in '97(Jacques and Hill). I wouldn't put it past him at all, or past Ferrari to do so.
Mika

Mika,
As much as I am a MS and Ferrari fan, I concur with the statement above. Although I would like to think otherwise. MS and Ferrari do win at all costs..

But he was a class act off of the track.

Dana

btw, he isnt the first driver that would do those things yet be loved by many, Dale Earnhardt comes to mind, first and foremost. :0fftopic

[Mika]

Mika,
As much as I am a MS and Ferrari fan, I concur with the statement above. Although I would like to think otherwise. MS and Ferrari do win at all costs..

But he was a class act off of the track.

Dana

btw, he isnt the first driver that would do those things yet be loved by many, Dale Earnhardt comes to mind, first and foremost. :0fftopic

I would like to think otherwise as well, but time has showed that Ferrari is more concerned about winning than showing class.

Schumacher is a class act off the track. I am yet to hear anything about "off track antics". Quite frankly, I don't think it'd be his style to do anything off the track.



Mika

[Tex Arcana]

Mika,
As much as I am a MS and Ferrari fan, I concur with the statement above. Although I would like to think otherwise. MS and Ferrari do win at all costs..

But he was a class act off of the track.

Dana

btw, he isnt the first driver that would do those things yet be loved by many, Dale Earnhardt comes to mind, first and foremost. :0fftopic

Agreed as well.

However, I think CRASHCAR is based on causing wrecks--wouldn't surprise me if they actually award points based on the severity/spectacle of the wreck!! :hammer:

[dboat]

Is anyone going to watch today and tomorrow?
Its Michaels last race:crying: :crying:

I watched the practice yesterday on Speed and they are projecting a meltdown (my words) at Ferrari after this year. A lot of people are going to be gone.. it looks like the suits are moving in to change things.. a lot of drivers are mystified as to why Michael is leaving when he has as fast or faster this year than any other year before..

I am flying to a conference tomorrow and wont be able to watch the race live but there is supposed to be a very special version on Speed.

Post up boys!! is it over or is anyone hoping for a catastrophic failure by Renault and have MS win his 8th DC? (I am)

Dana

[Tex Arcana]

Is anyone going to watch today and tomorrow?
Its Michaels last race:crying: :crying:

I watched the practice yesterday on Speed and they are projecting a meltdown (my words) at Ferrari after this year. A lot of people are going to be gone.. it looks like the suits are moving in to change things.. a lot of drivers are mystified as to why Michael is leaving when he has as fast or faster this year than any other year before..

I am flying to a conference tomorrow and wont be able to watch the race live but there is supposed to be a very special version on Speed.

Post up boys!! is it over or is anyone hoping for a catastrophic failure by Renault and have MS win his 8th DC? (I am)

Dana

I will be watching tomorrow. If I manage to get dialup before then, I can be online for live chat.

I'm torn, actually: yeah, I'd like to see MS get it and set the bar another notch higher; on the other hand, I like FA, and would like to see him get his second before he goes to the hell that is McLaren/Mercedes. :evil

[Mark #2]

Doesn't look good for MS. It's over I think.

[dboat]

Wheres Mika when you need him? they had Mika Hakkinen on an interview today during qualifying..

but Mark you are correct, its looking very grim for MS..

Dana

[Tex Arcana]

Hell, where are ALL of y'all when ya need it??? :hammer:

Helluva race, actually: Massa gets a dominating win, Fernando gets the championship, and MS drives like he's on fire to come from literally dead last at one point to 5th?? If it weren't for him puncturing his tire on Fishhead's wing, he might've helped win the constructor's championship for Ferarri.

Also, did anyone watch the after-race program?? Excellent, to say the least. Good recap of MS's career, even a blurb about that spare Villenueve's sour-grapes opinion (like anyone in F1 cares, to be honest).

Killer season, as well: loads of drama and fun. I can only hope next year will be half as interesting.

[dboat]

sorry I missed it.. I do have it on the DVR back home though... will watch it in its entirety next Sunday...

wow, what a season, what a thread... waiting to hear from Dennis and Mika..

Dana

[Tex Arcana]

sorry I missed it.. I do have it on the DVR back home though... will watch it in its entirety next Sunday...

wow, what a season, what a thread... waiting to hear from Dennis and Mika..

Dana

Hell, I was hoping to be up early enough to get online and chat DURING the race for once, but I overslept. :(

I think you're going to like it.

[dboat]

Ferrari Formula One team boss Jean Todt has been announced as the Italian car manufacturer’s new Chief Executive Officer. The position of General Manager, previously held by Todt, will be taken by Amedeo Felisa.

Both appointments were confirmed on Wednesday following a meeting of the Ferrari S.p.A. Board of Directors in Turin, Italy, under the presidency of Luca di Montezemolo.

Ferrari are expected to make further announcements later this week specific to the future management structure of their Formula One team, in light of Michael Schumacher's retirement.
(source formula1.com)

who'd a thunk this would happen??

Dana

[Mark #2]

Ferrari Formula One team boss Jean Todt has been announced as the Italian car manufacturer’s new Chief Executive Officer. The position of General Manager, previously held by Todt, will be taken by Amedeo Felisa.

Both appointments were confirmed on Wednesday following a meeting of the Ferrari S.p.A. Board of Directors in Turin, Italy, under the presidency of Luca di Montezemolo.

Ferrari are expected to make further announcements later this week specific to the future management structure of their Formula One team, in light of Michael Schumacher's retirement.
(source formula1.com)

who'd a thunk this would happen??

Dana

Jackie Stewart stated that this was likely on the race broadcast that Jean Todt would likely stay and MS would have a position too.

[dboat]

Jackie Stewart stated that this was likely on the race broadcast that Jean Todt would likely stay and MS would have a position too.

Havent seen the race yet.. I had heard that MS would but no idea that Todt would get the CEO job... just not what I expected.

[Mark #2]

Havent seen the race yet.. I had heard that MS would but no idea that Todt would get the CEO job... just not what I expected.

I think that Ferrari just couldn't afford MS any longer as a driver and forced him into a consultant role.

The same thing happens in big companies with engineers, like my dad, which was perfect timing for him (stock market in 2000), and financially now as a consultant, as they still need the expertise on new projects.

[Tex Arcana]

I think that Ferrari just couldn't afford MS any longer as a driver and forced him into a consultant role.

The same thing happens in big companies with engineers, like my dad, which was perfect timing for him (stock market in 2000), and financially now as a consultant, as they still need the expertise on new projects.

I doubt that, to be honest. No matter what they paid MS, the money he brought in from sponsorship and fans was well in excess of what they could ever pay him.

[DANA SPOILER ALERT]Did you see the little piece they did on Schumacher's life, after the race? I never knew that MS was an "apprentice mechanic" when they discovered him, but that would lend credence to my "driving engineer" assertions. :tu: [/DANA SPOILER ALERT]

[dboat]

I doubt that, to be honest. No matter what they paid MS, the money he brought in from sponsorship and fans was well in excess of what they could ever pay him.

[DANA SPOILER ALERT]Did you see the little piece they did on Schumacher's life, after the race? I never knew that MS was an "apprentice mechanic" when they discovered him, but that would lend credence to my "driving engineer" assertions. :tu: [/DANA SPOILER ALERT]

Tex, havent seen that yet, but I did know that fact.. I think that is part of the reason he has had a better relationship and has always favored and interacted with the support crew more than any driver I know of.. probably part of the reason he was more successful too.
Dana

[Tex Arcana]

Tex, havent seen that yet, but I did know that fact.. I think that is part of the reason he has had a better relationship and has always favored and interacted with the support crew more than any driver I know of.. probably part of the reason he was more successful too.
Dana
I would say it's a HUGE part of his success. And that method of managing people is the best method--you earn the trust and respect of the people who work for/with you, and they will walk thru fire for you; you treat them like peons and berate/terrorise them, they'll look for the first opportunity to cut your throat. :nono:

[dboat]

Ferrari technical director Ross Brawn is to leave the team at the end of the month, it was confirmed on Thursday. Brawn’s position will be taken by Mario Almondo, with Stefano Domenicali taking on the role of Sporting Director. New Ferrari CEO Jean Todt will become interim Managing Director.

According to Ferrari, Brawn has decided to turn his attention to his personal life after devoting the past decade to the Italian team. Also leaving at the start of November is engine director Paulo Martinelli, who is heading to another position within parent company FIAT.

“Ferrari offers its most heartfelt thanks to Ross Brawn and Paolo Martinelli for their immense contribution in the drafting of an extraordinary chapter in the history of the Scuderia and motor sport, which has produced a tally of 11 world titles (six constructors' and five drivers,' all of these with Michael Schumacher) and of around 90 wins in Formula One Grands Prix,” said the team.

Ferrari’s technical department will now be made up of a chassis department, headed up by Aldo Costa, while Gilles Simon will be responsible for the engine department, with both men reporting to Almondo.

[dboat]

Coupled with Michael Schumacher’s retirement, the management changes announced by Ferrari this week mark the end of an era at the Italian team. Technical director Ross Brawn is leaving, as is engine director Paulo Martinelli, while Jean Todt becomes Ferrari CEO.

Jean Todt: “To see such an important chapter in the history of Ferrari come to a close has a special effect on me, even though I know that that's life and we have to accept it. These have been extraordinary years on both the professional and human front, with important achievements coming as a result of the values instilled in our family. I thank Ross and Paolo for their unparalleled efforts and I wish them all the best in achieving the objectives they have set themselves in their new lives. As I said, a chapter closes but life at Ferrari moves onward and it is with pride and determination that we will tackle the next challenges, be they in the industry or in sport."

Ross Brawn: "I wish to thank Ferrari for allowing me to be part of a wonderful period in the history of the team. Everyone knows that Ferrari is a legend but more important are the people who work here. They have demonstrated extraordinary professionalism, loyalty, motivation and passion for their tasks. They are all exceptional human beings. For some time now, we have prepared for this handover and I am pleased to be able to pass on my responsibilities to people whom I am convinced can do an even better job than me. I have great faith in all of them and I am sure they will bring many more successes home to Maranello."

Paolo Martinelli: "I have spent my entire working life with Ferrari, first of all on the Grantursimo cars side, where I worked for sixteen years and then, as of January 1995, at the Gestione Sportiva. Both environments provided exceptional experiences that were fascinating and gratifying. President Montezemolo would often joke about the fact I joined the company when I was still in short trousers, but now I find myself about to take on a third personal challenge in the FIAT Group. I will leave part of my heart at Maranello. These have been unforgettable times as part of a fantastic team made up of people who are exceptional in both professional and personal terms."

Michael Schumacher: “I have to thank Ross Brawn as he has been on hand to help me with all my successes in Formula One. His strong personality and his natural authority have been of fundamental importance for the team. Ross is able to prepare people for the work they have to do, to help and to stimulate them and to point them in the right direction. In my mind, he will always set the standard. In the last six years of Formula One, I have only suffered two engine failures and that says all there is to say about the quality of Paolo's work. It is not because of what happened at Suzuka that we have not been able to take the final title win, but in fact, the reliability of the engine has always been at the root of our success. I hold him in great esteem and wish him all the best on his new professional path."

[dboat]

What a drive by MS... nice ending to the season..

as an aside, there is a nice article in Car and Driver on the announcing and announcers for the F1 races. Goes into where its done and how its done.. didnt realize that the one fellow in the crew flies in from France to do the show. I knew they were doing it from the studio though..

nice writeup.. does give Jackie Stewart a slam though:evil

Dana

[Tex Arcana]

What a drive by MS... nice ending to the season..

as an aside, there is a nice article in Car and Driver on the announcing and announcers for the F1 races. Goes into where its done and how its done.. didnt realize that the one fellow in the crew flies in from France to do the show. I knew they were doing it from the studio though..

nice writeup.. does give Jackie Stewart a slam though:evil

Dana

Yah, it was a great drive. And the C&D article was excellent as well. I've known that Windsor was on-site forever, tho I didn't know they flew Matchett in for every broadcast, I kinda figured he lived here--but then again, that doesn't make much sense, considering how "inside" he is in the F1 circus.