Formula One Countdown

[dboat]

I cant say much more than just a little more than 75 days, as of the time of this post, til the 2006 Formula One season starts again:nana2 :nana2 :nana2 :nana2 :nana2 :nana2 :nana2 :nana2 :nana2 :nana2 :nana2

Dang I miss watching F1 racing. There have been so many changes for the upcoming year. Plus, the current champ has signed a deal to move to another team in 2007!! I wonder how much McLaren had to pay Alonso to make that move? wasnt chump change for sure. There are new engines and new technical rules, tire changes are back :tu: ; and the big question of whether Michael Schumacher will race for Ferrari looms as well.
Kim and I re-upped for the race in Indianapolis, hey the tickets were free and in the same seats as last year.. except we will probably have even more fun this year.. cant wait cant wait cant wait.. (can you tell I am excited?!?!) Then not too long after the July race in Indy, we will be going to KC for LFest06.. gonna be a big year of racing for the Boatman family (yes I know it doesnt compare to what many of you do, but hey, I do live in Erie,PA)...
Mika, Sixpipes, Tex, arent you stoked too?

Dana

[Mika]

I am definitely looking forward to it. I see this year most likely as Kimi's last year at McLaren, and Michael's last year at Ferrari(quite possibly throwing the towel in). It should be interesting to see what will become of this year.

My prediction, sadly, is that Ferrari will dominate. They had a rough year, mainly due to tire problems, but now that tire changes are back, they'll be stronger than last year, no doubt. McLaren's reliability problems will still be a thorn in Kimi's side, and Whine Pablo will hurt himself playing hopscotch, or tennis or whatever he does when Ron isn't looking.

I am always jonesing this time of year though. Luckily, I got football(Gator fan, *sadly* a Dolphin fan) to help me tide things over. I will definitely be going to Indy again with my family, making it 7 years in a row. If I had the $$$, I'd love to see Australia as well. But, I really feel that Ferrari will make HUGE strides in the off-season and open up a case of whoop ass. As a McLaren/Kimi/Mika fan, that hurts me to say, but I really think that's going to be the outcome.


Mika

[Sixpipes]

Gonna be interesting to say the least. The Williams/Cosworth thing is going to be fun to watch, but it would surprise me if they can be consistantly competitive in their first year. I'm picking Michael to win it all this year. Ferrari will have their act together this year which is bad news for everyone else. Honda had the most power last year, but I think Toyota will have made up some of the gap this year. The soap opera continnues...:cool:

[dboat]

Mika,

so you're a Hakkinen fan? even in retirement?

I am not so sure that Ferrari is going to dominate this year. They were down on power to everyone last year. You may be right that they will get it together for at least one more run at the title with Michael. Who knows. I am not counting out Renault with Alonso, also, McLaren is still a contender esp if they can keep those cars together. Overall, the field is much more competitive than ever. However, to think that Sato is coming back with the Super A team just makes me want to :vomit: .
Have you been over to www.formula1.com to read what is going on with the rule changes? the tech changes, etc? things are really going to change over the next couple of years to the engines, tyres, spoilers, etc. Heck, they are going to have to run the engines for 3 races and the trannies for 4:eek:..

I am living off of the Cowboys for now but that will come to an end soon. I do Fantasy Football to hold me over, even thru the playoffs.. (new draft).. but after that, its in the garage with the truck until 7a on Sunday morn on SpeedChannel.. at least its all over at a reasonable hour so you can get things done around the house..

Dana

[Sixpipes]

Have you watched the Speed Channel Year in review on F1? Pretty good show. :cool:

[Mika]

Mika,

so you're a Hakkinen fan? even in retirement?

I am not so sure that Ferrari is going to dominate this year. They were down on power to everyone last year. You may be right that they will get it together for at least one more run at the title with Michael. Who knows. I am not counting out Renault with Alonso, also, McLaren is still a contender esp if they can keep those cars together. Overall, the field is much more competitive than ever. However, to think that Sato is coming back with the Super A team just makes me want to :vomit: .
Have you been over to www.formula1.com (http://www.formula1.com) to read what is going on with the rule changes? the tech changes, etc? things are really going to change over the next couple of years to the engines, tyres, spoilers, etc. Heck, they are going to have to run the engines for 3 races and the trannies for 4:eek:..

I am living off of the Cowboys for now but that will come to an end soon. I do Fantasy Football to hold me over, even thru the playoffs.. (new draft).. but after that, its in the garage with the truck until 7a on Sunday morn on SpeedChannel.. at least its all over at a reasonable hour so you can get things done around the house..

Dana

Yeah, I'm still a Hak fan. He's been tinkering in a few events. Didn't do too well in rally, so he went back to road racing. I can't remember which series he was in, but he was behind the wheel in Germany a while back.

I think Ferrari will be back. They were down on power, but this year, so is everybody else with the 2.4 V8's or rev limited V10's. I'm not going to count out Alonso or Raikkonen, but I do believe that they got their work cut out for them. I feel that they'll be playing catch up with Herr Schumacher. The only seat Sato deserves is on the crapper.


Mika

[dboat]

Have you watched the Speed Channel Year in review on F1? Pretty good show. :cool:

Havent watched it.. what is the complete name of the show, then I can do a search on the DVR and record it or them? did you say it was one show or more than one show?
Thanks Dennis...

Dana

[dboat]

The only seat Sato deserves is on the crapper.
Mika

How true... his driving is so bad compared to the others.. is he really the best Japan has to offer? :rolleyes:

[Mika]

How true... his driving is so bad compared to the others.. is he really the best Japan has to offer? :rolleyes:

Sadly, yes. They had an article in F1 about previous Japanese drivers, and he by far had the most points, best results from all of them(about 10 or 12). Even though he's the country's best, it's still far away from the world's best. Which really surprises me, because when you think of Japanese, you often think of precision and perfection. Guess that doesn't fall into the driving category...



Mika

[dboat]

Which really surprises me, because when you think of Japanese, you often think of precision and perfection. Guess that doesn't fall into the driving category...Mika

true true

[dboat]

Well, 49 days or 7 weeks til it starts.. man I cant wait.. gonna be an interesting year.. lots of drama going on right now.. new engines, new tires and they can change them again..

[Tex Arcana]

Damn.. I missed the last half of the season, thanks to a balky DVR and being in LousyAnna. :mad: But I am looking forward to the next year and how the changes will level the field. MOney is good Alonso will do well (dare I say "repeat"?). Money is also good Ferrari will do well--I suspect they suspended development last year to focus on the V8 program. Honda might do alright, if they can get rid of that spare Sato, but with him they're screwed. JPM is very due to get some wins under his belt, if Mercedes can get a reliable engine ready; Raikonnen is a qualifying queen, and can't baby a car to save his life, and that alone will toss him to the bottom, because he'll keep breaking cars that JPM will be able to nurse to the finish.

It will be an interesting year for sure, tho. :tu:

[dboat]

only 33 more days til racing starts.. Ferrari is looking better.. best news is that Sato has not signed yet... maybe we will get a break after all!!

[Mika]

My prediction, sadly, is that Ferrari will dominate. They had a rough year, mainly due to tire problems, but now that tire changes are back, they'll be stronger than last year, no doubt. McLaren's reliability problems will still be a thorn in Kimi's side, and Whine Pablo will hurt himself playing hopscotch, or tennis or whatever he does when Ron isn't looking.

But, I really feel that Ferrari will make HUGE strides in the off-season and open up a case of whoop ass. As a McLaren/Kimi/Mika fan, that hurts me to say, but I really think that's going to be the outcome.

Just quoting myself from day after Christmas. Mark my words, Ferrari will be STRONG. It's already showing as it is. Renault/Ferrari this year. McLaren having problems this late into the game isn't a good story for either Kimi or Juan. "to finish first, you must first finish"...words that Ron Dennis needs to learn.

Dboat, as far as Sato goes, we can only hope to be so lucky.


Mika

[dboat]

Just quoting myself from day after Christmas. Mark my words, Ferrari will be STRONG. It's already showing as it is. Renault/Ferrari this year. McLaren having problems this late into the game isn't a good story for either Kimi or Juan. "to finish first, you must first finish"...words that Ron Dennis needs to learn.

Dboat, as far as Sato goes, we can only hope to be so lucky.


Mika

Mika,
Where ya been? not too many posts from you lately...

are you ready for another F1 season? lots of uncertainty with the new V8 engines this season..

Oh, did you see where King Bernie is finally sharing some of the wealth with the teams? all to avoid them from starting up their own racing series..
Dana

[Mark #2]

Okay I agree Ferrari will be tough with the same tires but Toyota and Honda have money and that is what F1 is all about:D

[Mika]

Okay I agree Ferrari will be tough with the same tires but Toyota and Honda have money and that is what F1 is all about:D

Honda almost always starts off strong, and then when Bahrain and the heat hit, they drop like flies. Hopefully that went away with Sato, and Honda will have good things to report.

I'm actually disappointed with Honda and Toyota. You'd figure that with all the money they've put into it, they'd have something to show for it. Toyota is on the way up though.

My prediction this year is Ferrari/Renault will be constantly fighting for the top positions. McLaren will be 3rd, with a few decent races, hampered once again by reliability issues. Toyota will make its way up as well, but mostly it'll be Ferrari/Renault/McLaren(in that order, I believe :( ).


Mika

[Mika]

Dboat, yeah, I am more than ready to wake up at 3 A.M. and watch a race. :) I've been working like an animal, and reading up a bit on my L stuff. I haven't been posting too much though, more lurking than anything else.

Are there enough people in the DFW to have get togethers for F1 races? I see only 2 or 3 folks, and we're pretty spread out across the metro. I wouldn't mind having a shindig at my place, as long as they can handle me representin' my country:).


Mika

[dboat]

Are there enough people in the DFW to have get togethers for F1 races? I see only 2 or 3 folks, and we're pretty spread out across the metro. I wouldn't mind having a shindig at my place, as long as they can handle me representin' my country:).
Mika

Who knows until you try.. wish I could be there but the 20 hour drive from Erie,Pa is a bit much for a couple hour race..

I will be at Indy again this year though.. since I went last year, got the free tickets for this year.. Its a blast, and the drive is only a day away..
Dana

[Mika]

I love going to Indy, even though the town is meh. I get to see my parents there, and I also get to see some wicked racing:). How can the sound of an F1 car running at 18,000 RPM's not put a smile on your face?



Mika

[Tex Arcana]

Dboat, yeah, I am more than ready to wake up at 3 A.M. and watch a race. :) I've been working like an animal, and reading up a bit on my L stuff. I haven't been posting too much though, more lurking than anything else.

Are there enough people in the DFW to have get togethers for F1 races? I see only 2 or 3 folks, and we're pretty spread out across the metro. I wouldn't mind having a shindig at my place, as long as they can handle me representin' my country:).


Mika

I have one word for you, Mika: TIVO!!! Eeet eees yourrr frieeend... :d

Yeah, I'd lveo a GTG, I record all the races and try to watch them.

[Tex Arcana]

only 33 more days til racing starts.. Ferrari is looking better.. best news is that Sato has not signed yet... maybe we will get a break after all!!
Let's hope Sato falls down a very deep dark hole and never returns, it seems like he's bound and determined to run anoyone off the road that gets in his way, forgetting the fact he's not very good to start with.

[dboat]

I love going to Indy, even though the town is meh. I get to see my parents there, and I also get to see some wicked racing:). How can the sound of an F1 car running at 18,000 RPM's not put a smile on your face?
Mika

I took some mini-vids with the dig cam last year.. I get in my office, turn up the volume all the way and ALMOST relive the experience, except its much louder in person. I could not believe how loud it was.. honestly, it is so much louder than any other event I have ever been to in my life.. even the Supercross in the Astrodome..

I cant wait to see it this year, since it shouldnt be the debacle that it was last time:flaming:
However, the V8 engines are supposed to wind up that high in RPM's are they?
Dana

[Tex Arcana]

I took some mini-vids with the dig cam last year.. I get in my office, turn up the volume all the way and ALMOST relive the experience, except its much louder in person. I could not believe how loud it was.. honestly, it is so much louder than any other event I have ever been to in my life.. even the Supercross in the Astrodome..

I cant wait to see it this year, since it shouldnt be the debacle that it was last time:flaming:
However, the V8 engines are supposed to wind up that high in RPM's are they?
Dana

iirc, they have seen over 22,000 rpm, but word is F1 will rev-limit them to 20,000 rpm. I may be wrong, tho.

[Mika]

I have one word for you, Mika: TIVO!!! Eeet eees yourrr frieeend... :d

Yeah, I'd lveo a GTG, I record all the races and try to watch them.

Ho, please!!! You think I's gots money? All this TiVo talk and what-not;) Seriously though, I like to get up around 2 and 3 and watch the races. Makes me appreciate the sleep I get the next weekend.

Do you know anyone else that would be interested?



Mika

[Tex Arcana]

Ho, please!!! You think I's gots money? All this TiVo talk and what-not;) Seriously though, I like to get up around 2 and 3 and watch the races. Makes me appreciate the sleep I get the next weekend.

Do you know anyone else that would be interested?



Mika

Dude, both Dish and DirecTV have DVR devices, that are damn near free with installation and service. :beer:

[dboat]

Ho, please!!! You think I's gots money? All this TiVo talk and what-not;) Seriously though, I like to get up around 2 and 3 and watch the races. Makes me appreciate the sleep I get the next weekend.
Do you know anyone else that would be interested?
Mika

hmmm, they come on live here at 7a in the morn for the European races at least. Its that Bahrain race that is usually a killer.. but Tex is right, that is why God invented Tivo..

Tex,
went to the F1 website to see about the new engines.. doesnt say the revs yet, but the new engines are 2.4 litre V8's compared to 3.0 litre V10's, some teams can still race the 2005 spec v10's but will be told to have a rev limiter on them to keep them competitive with the V8's.. the new engines look to be down 200 hp over last years V10's... so I was thinking lower engine speeds too.. I could be wrong on that one though... (but I doubt it:D )

[Tex Arcana]

hmmm, they come on live here at 7a in the morn for the European races at least. Its that Bahrain race that is usually a killer.. but Tex is right, that is why God invented Tivo..

Tex,
went to the F1 website to see about the new engines.. doesnt say the revs yet, but the new engines are 2.4 litre V8's compared to 3.0 litre V10's, some teams can still race the 2005 spec v10's but will be told to have a rev limiter on them to keep them competitive with the V8's.. the new engines look to be down 200 hp over last years V10's... so I was thinking lower engine speeds too.. I could be wrong on that one though... (but I doubt it:D )

Yeah, heard that too, but I also heard that the new motors out of the box will be able to rev past 24000 rpm, and that some teams were making some sick power out of them, despite the restrictions. I did read that in the future (2007? 2008?) that they would rev-limit the motors; but I also read in the same article thta other steps would be taken to control costs (read: homogenize a-la NASCAR) to encourage competitiveness. :vomit: They're gonna regulate F1 out of existence. :cry:

[skalywags]

did you see they were dropping the Belgium race?

[dboat]

did you see they were dropping the Belgium race?

not until you just posted it... doesnt look like they replaced it either:flaming:

[skalywags]

not until you just posted it... doesnt look like they replaced it either:flaming:
What I saw was that they would get back on the schedule, maybe 2007, if upgrades are made.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/4632126.stm

[Tex Arcana]

DAmn them.. "making modifications" usually means "making the course a chicane-fest"... if they screw the pooch on Eau Rouge, I'll be VERY unhappy :hammer:

[dboat]

DAmn them.. "making modifications" usually means "making the course a chicane-fest"... if they screw the pooch on Eau Rouge, I'll be VERY unhappy :hammer:

Not so sure on that. F1 has been pressing most of their older tracks to upgrade the facility, not so much change the layout. The newer tracks are incredible places and F1 is trying to make sure they run at the best tracks in the world. To get a new race is incredibly expensive and difficult. Usually the first place most have to upgrade is the paddock and the area for the racing teams, then the sponsorship areas and then the grandstands. Plus the newer tracks have the ability to hold well in excess of 100,000 people for race day. Belgium is an old track, so that may really be the issue. (but I am guessing) They may need to press Imola too. (however that is Ferrari home turf) They wont press Monaco too much though, everyone loves that place..

just found this

He (Bernie Ecclestone) has also been consistently critical of Silverstone's (British GP) outdated facilities, and expects its scheduled revamp to bring it up to the standards of new circuits in Bahrain, Turkey and China. So this one is on the chopping block too..

Its a business and if people are being asked to pay $$$$ (big bucks) to watch a race, then they (the paying public) expect a really nice experience.


Dana

[Tex Arcana]

Not so sure on that. F1 has been pressing most of their older tracks to upgrade the facility, not so much change the layout. The newer tracks are incredible places and F1 is trying to make sure they run at the best tracks in the world. To get a new race is incredibly expensive and difficult. Usually the first place most have to upgrade is the paddock and the area for the racing teams, then the sponsorship areas and then the grandstands. Plus the newer tracks have the ability to hold well in excess of 100,000 people for race day. Belgium is an old track, so that may really be the issue. (but I am guessing) They may need to press Imola too. (however that is Ferrari home turf) They wont press Monaco too much though, everyone loves that place..

just found this

He (Bernie Ecclestone) has also been consistently critical of Silverstone's (British GP) outdated facilities, and expects its scheduled revamp to bring it up to the standards of new circuits in Bahrain, Turkey and China. So this one is on the chopping block too..

Its a business and if people are being asked to pay $$$$ (big bucks) to watch a race, then they (the paying public) expect a really nice experience.


Dana
I hear what you're saying, but I'm not happy about decisions to put in chicances to slow down track (Monza comes to mind), and they still have those silly tendencies on older tracks.

[dboat]

I hear what you're saying, but I'm not happy about decisions to put in chicances to slow down track (Monza comes to mind), and they still have those silly tendencies on older tracks.

true but that has been done for two reasons.. safety (slow things down) and competition.. by slowing things down, they are trying to create more places to pass another car and let the slower cars be more competitive with the Big Boy teams.. (Ferrari, BMW, MB, etc)

Dana

[dboat]

Takuma Sato got named lead driver of the Aguri Suzuki team:flaming: ... some other guy is going to be the second driver... dangit.. that is just going to stink up the place again... :vomit:

Dana

The upside is that we are less than 4 weeks away from the season opener..
:nana2 :nana2 :nana2 :nana2 :nana2 :nana2 :nana2

[Mark #2]

Takuma Sato got named lead driver of the Aguri Suzuki team:flaming: ... some other guy is going to be the second driver... dangit.. that is just going to stink up the place again... :vomit:

Dana

The upside is that we are less than 4 weeks away from the season opener..
:nana2 :nana2 :nana2 :nana2 :nana2 :nana2 :nana2

Suzuki in F1, wow these motors have gotten small, maybe 2 cycles in F1 is coming next.:D

[Mika]

Takuma Sato got named lead driver of the Aguri Suzuki team:flaming: ... some other guy is going to be the second driver... dangit.. that is just going to stink up the place again... :vomit:

Dana

The upside is that we are less than 4 weeks away from the season opener..
:nana2 :nana2 :nana2 :nana2 :nana2 :nana2 :nana2

As long as Takuma doesn't crash into either McLaren, I'll be happy. Or get in the way of Kimi or Juan...


Mika

[Tex Arcana]

Takuma Sato got named lead driver of the Aguri Suzuki team:flaming: ... some other guy is going to be the second driver... dangit.. that is just going to stink up the place again... :vomit:

Dana

The upside is that we are less than 4 weeks away from the season opener..
:nana2 :nana2 :nana2 :nana2 :nana2 :nana2 :nana2

Politics are alive and well in Japan.. he must be the yazuka poster (poser?) boy... :rll:

[Tex Arcana]

As long as Takuma doesn't crash into either McLaren, I'll be happy. Or get in the way of Kimi or Juan...


Mika

Hell, he couldn't get out of his own way with a map and a navigator...

[dboat]

Suzuki in F1, wow these motors have gotten small, maybe 2 cycles in F1 is coming next.:D

oh heck yeah, then we can go back and have our, why an F1 engine isnt any more special than a weedeater engine discussion.. :evil

although, the engine speeds are supposed to be down this year. :flaming:

Dana

[Mika]

Hell, he couldn't get out of his own way with a map and a navigator...

True.:flaming: . Oh well, at least there's a couple Finns driving now. Kovalainen is Renault's test driver, and next year he'll probably be the #2 driver. It should be interesting to see Kimi this year. I think Kimi and Ron aren't exactly on the same page nowadays. Ferrari is being openly warm to having Kimi over there. Should be an interesting season...


Mika

[Tex Arcana]

True.:flaming: . Oh well, at least there's a couple Finns driving now. Kovalainen is Renault's test driver, and next year he'll probably be the #2 driver. It should be interesting to see Kimi this year. I think Kimi and Ron aren't exactly on the same page nowadays. Ferrari is being openly warm to having Kimi over there. Should be an interesting season...


Mika

I predict Kimi will spontaneously detonate in at least 5 races. He's a qualifying queen, has no sense of finesse at all, and couldn't nurse a car to save his neck.

[dboat]

I predict Kimi will spontaneously detonate in at least 5 races. He's a qualifying queen, has no sense of finesse at all, and couldn't nurse a car to save his neck.

Oh, I wouldnt be that harsh on him.. but I love his monotone interviews... :throw: does he ever get excited? I do hear that he is a party animal thoughknana and it has gotten him in some hot water with the team owner.

Dana

[Mika]

I predict Kimi will spontaneously detonate in at least 5 races. He's a qualifying queen, has no sense of finesse at all, and couldn't nurse a car to save his neck.

McLaren has proven that they make fast cars with great engines. They have yet to prove their reliability. Kimi would have won the drivers championship last year if it wasn't for McLaren's lack of reliability. You can look back 6 years, and they've had problems EVERY year with reliability. I don't think Kimi will detonate the motors, but I don't expect those motors to last 3 races like they're supposed to(is that this year?). Kimi doesn't have the finesse that Schumacher has, but I don't think anyone does.

Kimi is a typical Finn. Quiet and stoic when sober, livin' it up like a motha truck when he's drunk.

IF Kimi goes to Ferrari, don't be surprised if he wins quite a few of those dandy world championships(Both drivers and constructors). At least their motors don't go blammo...


Mika

[Tex Arcana]

McLaren has proven that they make fast cars with great engines. They have yet to prove their reliability. Kimi would have won the drivers championship last year if it wasn't for McLaren's lack of reliability. You can look back 6 years, and they've had problems EVERY year with reliability. I don't think Kimi will detonate the motors, but I don't expect those motors to last 3 races like they're supposed to(is that this year?). Kimi doesn't have the finesse that Schumacher has, but I don't think anyone does.

Kimi is a typical Finn. Quiet and stoic when sober, livin' it up like a motha truck when he's drunk.

IF Kimi goes to Ferrari, don't be surprised if he wins quite a few of those dandy world championships(Both drivers and constructors). At least their motors don't go blammo...


Mika

Towards the end of the season, JPM was the one looking good for a win, when somethign bizarre happened to him. He's got a lot more finesse and touch than Kimi, and I think he can nurse a weakening car better, and at least make the finish.

If Kimi has a similar year to last year, I think Ferrari won't touch him with a 10-foot pole. Maybe JPM to Ferrari, instead?? :d

[dboat]

McLaren has proven that they make fast cars with great engines. They have yet to prove their reliability. Kimi would have won the drivers championship last year if it wasn't for McLaren's lack of reliability. You can look back 6 years, and they've had problems EVERY year with reliability. I don't think Kimi will detonate the motors, but I don't expect those motors to last 3 races like they're supposed to(is that this year?). Kimi doesn't have the finesse that Schumacher has, but I don't think anyone does.

True True, I agree 100%

Kimi is a typical Finn. Quiet and stoic when sober, livin' it up like a motha truck when he's drunk.

IF Kimi goes to Ferrari, don't be surprised if he wins quite a few of those dandy world championships(Both drivers and constructors). At least their motors don't go blammo...

He might be the right ticket for Ferrari to replace Michael. Because the expectations of whoever does it will be very high.


Mika

Dana

[dboat]

Mosley fuels relegation idea




FIA president Max Mosley has been holding a series of press lunches this week providing those in attendance and fans of Formula One with plenty of food for thought. Speaking to the Italian media he waxed lyrical on such topics as the Manufacturers, cost saving, and 2008 regulation changes. Two suggestions in particular stood out though.

The first is that Formula One should adopt a system of promotion and relegation between itself and GP2, along the lines that are already used in football.

Quite simply, the lowest scoring team or teams at the end of each F1 season would swap places with the best GP2 teams, the idea being to "generate more interest in the sport."

Mosley admitted however that the costs involved in Formula One would have to be cut significantly to enable smaller teams to make the step up.

At the same time, Mosley has also revealed that the FIA are considering a revolutionary new format for 2011 and beyond. This would no longer mandate cubic capacity of the engines, instead a free-for-all formula would be introduced, with teams simply given a specific allowance of fuel for each grand prix race weekend and being left to their own devices to come up with a power unit that combined sufficient horsepower with the best fuel economy.

"All kinds of motors will be allowed," Mosley said, "but every car will get an equal amount of fuel. So it will be based on (fuel) consumption. Who wins will be the one who uses (the fuel) best. It is something that we will talk about at greater length on a later date."

:bs :bs I think they are trying to ruin the sport.. just build fast exotic race cars that only the best can drive and put them on tracks where they can actually pass each other... :rolleyes:

Dana..

[dboat]

I am so excited... One week to go, and really no one has an idea of where things are gonna shake out. Testing times mean nothing because you dont know what fuel loads people are going to use. Since the tires rules have changed, then a single tire manufacturer should not have an edge.. It should be an interesting year..

Dana

[Mika]

I am definitely looking forward to this season as well. I'm on motorsport.com and I've chosen my top 8 already...

1. Kimi(go figure)
2. Alonso
3. Barrichello
4. Montoya
5. M. Schumacher
6. Button
7. Trulli
8. Nico Rosberg(1st points in 1st attempt)

Some of these are quite off the wall, but it's all in good fun.

I agree with you in that Bernie is trying to ruin F1. I wish they'd just get the best drivers and let the best engineers build the best cars and let them all duke it out...

Mika

[dboat]

I am definitely looking forward to this season as well. I'm on motorsport.com and I've chosen my top 8 already...

1. Kimi(go figure)
2. Alonso
3. Barrichello
4. Montoya
5. M. Schumacher
6. Button
7. Trulli
8. Nico Rosberg(1st points in 1st attempt)

Some of these are quite off the wall, but it's all in good fun.

I agree with you in that Bernie is trying to ruin F1. I wish they'd just get the best drivers and let the best engineers build the best cars and let them all duke it out...

Mika

Big +1 on that, but its all about the money.. esp which teams have it and which ones dont. Wow, MS at 5th... you must really think that Ferrari isnt putting a competitive car on the course then.. It will be interesting nonetheless.
Dana

[Tex Arcana]

I am definitely looking forward to this season as well. I'm on motorsport.com and I've chosen my top 8 already...

1. Kimi(go figure)

now I KNOW you're smoking crack... :tongue: I"m tellin' ya, he'll set a record for broken cars this year. I even predict he'll manage to break MONTOYA's car without actually runing into it!! :d

[Tex Arcana]

Big +1 on that, but its all about the money.. esp which teams have it and which ones dont. Wow, MS at 5th... you must really think that Ferrari isnt putting a competitive car on the course then.. It will be interesting nonetheless.
Dana

You must be smoking crack, too...http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v111/texarcana/SMiles/allnighte.gif

[Mika]

Big +1 on that, but its all about the money.. esp which teams have it and which ones dont. Wow, MS at 5th... you must really think that Ferrari isnt putting a competitive car on the course then.. It will be interesting nonetheless.
Dana

I think Ferrari's car is up there, but they'll still be hampered with problems. Even moreso than McLaren !

I got high hopes for Kimi this year. If he doesn't do anything this year, he'll probably be off to Ferrari(perhaps Toyota).


Mika

[Mika]

Hey Tex,

I had some birthday crack left over, so that's what I was smokin'! :)


Mika

[dboat]

You must be smoking crack, too...http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v111/texarcana/SMiles/allnighte.gif

Tex, its preseason F1.. you can come join us and light up too!!!:beer:

The drama is about to begin..:tu:

Dana

[Mark #2]

http://www.formula1.com/insight/rulesandregs/13/995.html
Just FYI,
Lots of changes this year all for the best IMHO.
I am interested to see how Honda and Barrichello will do.

[dboat]

http://www.formula1.com/insight/rulesandregs/13/995.html
Just FYI,
Lots of changes this year all for the best IMHO.
I am interested to see how Honda and Barrichello will do.

Mark, with V8 instead of V10's and lower rpms, then no competition still for the vaunted weedeater..:evil

Dana

[Mark #2]

Mark, with V8 instead of V10's and lower rpms, then no competition still for the vaunted weedeater..:evil

Dana

HA HA, I think this will be a very cool season, it is also really interesting if you read all the detailed rules. No variable valve trains, materials limits, etc.

[dboat]

HA HA, I think this will be a very cool season, it is also really interesting if you read all the detailed rules. No variable valve trains, materials limits, etc.

I agree.. but because of all the new rules, its anybody's guess as to who will be competitive..
Dana

[Tex Arcana]

I think Ferrari's car is up there, but they'll still be hampered with problems. Even moreso than McLaren !

I got high hopes for Kimi this year. If he doesn't do anything this year, he'll probably be off to Ferrari(perhaps Toyota).


Mika

Gawd, I hope not... he really isn't all he's cracked(!) up to be. Schumacher is methodical and intelligent, and able to not only wring every ounce of performance out of a car he can, but he's able to communicate with his engineers and get the changes needed done to make the car (and team) better. Kimi is only good at cracking off a couple of fast laps for a short period of time, he's unable to preserve a car when it needs it--and he certainly can't tell his engineers how to fix a problem.

[Tex Arcana]

Tex, its preseason F1.. you can come join us and light up too!!!:beer:

The drama is about to begin..:tu:

Dana

http://www.imc2health.com/images/cocaine_crack-pipe.gif

Personally, I prefer "herbal refreshment" myself...
http://lawprofessors.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/marijuana_1.jpg

[Mika]

Gawd, I hope not... he really isn't all he's cracked(!) up to be. Schumacher is methodical and intelligent, and able to not only wring every ounce of performance out of a car he can, but he's able to communicate with his engineers and get the changes needed done to make the car (and team) better. Kimi is only good at cracking off a couple of fast laps for a short period of time, he's unable to preserve a car when it needs it--and he certainly can't tell his engineers how to fix a problem.

While I agree that MS can communicate with his engineers and he can wring out as much as he possibly can while not overstepping that fine line, I don't agree with the few quick laps regarding Kimi. If that was the case, he wouldn't have come from 19th to win the race(passing Alonso, at that) last year(can't remember which race it was). He's usually blindingly quick when his car is running. Again, something that McLaren has lacked in quite some time is reliability. Even when Mika Hakkinen won it in '98 and '99, he had 3 or 4 DNF's.

But hey, opinions are like @$$ holes. Everyone's got 'em, and they all stink:D.

Mika

[dboat]

While I agree that MS can communicate with his engineers and he can wring out as much as he possibly can while not overstepping that fine line, I don't agree with the few quick laps regarding Kimi. If that was the case, he wouldn't have come from 19th to win the race(passing Alonso, at that) last year(can't remember which race it was). He's usually blindingly quick when his car is running. Again, something that McLaren has lacked in quite some time is reliability. Even when Mika Hakkinen won it in '98 and '99, he had 3 or 4 DNF's.

But hey, opinions are like @$$ holes. Everyone's got 'em, and they all stink:D.

Mika

I am not quite so hard on the "boy".. except that he is beginning to rely too much on talent and throwing caution to the wind when it comes to his partying.. The one thing that MS (and I assume others) is that he was a wildman when it came to being in shape and ready to race. Heck, most of the time when he finished a race, he wasnt even sweating..
I am so looking forward to this season because there are so many unknowns and who knows where it will all come out.. although, I am concerned about the future of the sport..
Dana

[Mika]

I am not quite so hard on the "boy".. except that he is beginning to rely too much on talent and throwing caution to the wind when it comes to his partying.. The one thing that MS (and I assume others) is that he was a wildman when it came to being in shape and ready to race. Heck, most of the time when he finished a race, he wasnt even sweating..
I am so looking forward to this season because there are so many unknowns and who knows where it will all come out.. although, I am concerned about the future of the sport..
Dana

MS is a anomole. There are very few of him to get behind the wheel. He is so incredibly devoted to his job that he stays in shape year-round, and he also remains mentally sharp. You'll be hard pressed to find someone as dedicated to his job like him(and as successful to boot).

I agree that the sport may be taking a step in the wrong direction. I sincerely hope that they'll go back to making F1 truly ground breaking, instead of taking a "Nascar" type approach. As far as $$$ goes, if there's backers for teams, let the $$$ flow. Teams will either get with the program and be successful, or they'll flop and have their $$$ yanked from 'em.


Mika

[Tex Arcana]

MS is anomaly. There are very few of him to get behind the wheel. He is so incredibly devoted to his job that he stays in shape year-round, and he also remains mentally sharp. You'll be hard pressed to find someone as dedicated to his job like him(and as successful to boot).

I agree that the sport may be taking a step in the wrong direction. I sincerely hope that they'll go back to making F1 truly ground breaking, instead of taking a "Nascar" type approach. As far as $$$ goes, if there's backers for teams, let the $$$ flow. Teams will either get with the program and be successful, or they'll flop and have their $$$ yanked from 'em.


Mika

F1SCAR??? :eek2: It's happening... it's just a matter of time. And now Max Mosely is about to put the gun to the holdout teams' heads and force them to decide--we may see only 12 cars after April. :hammer:

[dboat]

F1SCAR??? :eek2: It's happening... it's just a matter of time. And now Max Mosely is about to put the gun to the holdout teams' heads and force them to decide--we may see only 12 cars after April. :hammer:


Hey, put up or shut up... but I would hate to lose my F1 racing.. esp since I have tickets for the race at Indy this year again.. that would suck..

Well, I have my dvr set to record all the practices, and the race.. :nana2

Dana

[Tex Arcana]

Hey, put up or shut up... but I would hate to lose my F1 racing.. esp since I have tickets for the race at Indy this year again.. that would suck..

Well, I have my dvr set to record all the practices, and the race.. :nana2

Dana

Me too. :beer:

[dboat]

Wow, that was GREAT!! I loved it a lot.. totally new and a lot more exciting. Much harder for the cameras to keep on top of though..

For the uninitiated, the old procedure was to have everyone go in reverse order of their fastest time in practice, so the slowest in practice went first, the fastest went last on a flying lap. Fastest lap got the pole. You did have to qualify with the fuel load you were going to start the race with.

New to this year..

First session (15 min) everyone goes out and gets their fastest time. The six slowest are "knocked out" and are put in places 17-22 on the grid. Your fastest time has to be done prior to the 15 minutes expiring. :)

Second session (15 min) everyone (except the 6 that got knocked out) go out and get their best time (their time from the prior session does not count in this session) the 6 slowest are "knocked out" and will go to places 11-16 on the starting grid. Your best lap must be completed prior to the end of the session. :D

Third session (20 minutes) the 10 cars that are left go out and get their best time with a fuel load that can not be exceeded for the start of the race. So their are some cars with better times in session 2 than in session 3. You can change tires during the session, you can run as many laps as you want or can to get your best time. If you have started your last lap prior to the end of the session you can count it if you finish after time has expired. :d

This is a great new way to qualify. Drivers have to compete with each other head to head in race-like conditions. This is advantageous to some drivers that can do well in traffic but arent good at the flying one lap. :burnout:

The Ferrari's came in 1-2.. Honda came in third.. Mika is going to be upset but Kimi's car came apart on him (not his fault) but man that guy has got to get better luck.. or McLaren needs to build a better car.. :hammer:

Renault was in the top spots too.. :rolleyes:

Michael Schumacher got the pole, tying Ayrton Senna, for most poles in a career. :bows :bows

Mark, I was wrong about lower engine speeds, these V8's are turning 19,000 rpms.. not sure how that stacks up against the Weedeater just yet though..

I am loving this already..knana

Dana

[Mika]

Dana, it's going to be another long year for McLaren. I would really like to see Kimi in a car that is reliable, and one that has the power to give him a chance to win. Too bad McLaren isn't cutting it for him.

I told you guys earlier about Ferrari, and looks like I'm right. I really wish I wasn't right, 'cuz last year was at least interesting watching Renault/McLaren go at it. It should be an interesting year. Not quite the way I was expecting it to start, but at the same time I'm not surprised.



Mika

[Sixpipes]

I think Honda is going to surprise some folks this year. And it will be fun to watch the Cosworth development especially with Webber as driver. I don't think Massa will hold up and I expect Barachello to be coming on strong at least by mid-year. Everything looks like it is stacking up in Schumachers favor, but I say he doesn't win the championship this year. :cool:

[dboat]

I think Honda is going to surprise some folks this year. And it will be fun to watch the Cosworth development especially with Webber as driver. I don't think Massa will hold up and I expect Barachello to be coming on strong at least by mid-year. Everything looks like it is stacking up in Schumachers favor, but I say he doesn't win the championship this year. :cool:


Dennis,
I was beginning to wonder if you were going to chime in on this thread.. Honda did look pretty good this morning.. not so sure about Massa yet.. time will tell. I agree that Rubens could be a wild card when all is said and done.
Want to bet fiddy cents on MS winning the championship?

Mika,
Dont give up on them yet.. the season is just starting.. but I think it will be interesting..


Did you listen in to the commentary on the Suzuki Aguri team? They are running a modified 2002 chassis, using last years engine that is governed and intake limited, and you can look at the cars and see that they are so far behind the curve on development that its not funny.. Apparently, the only reason they exist at all is because Honda had to make up for dropping Sato and not having a Japanese driver in their team.. that cost them over $100 million.. (you have got to be kidding me.. :bs )

Dana

[Tex Arcana]

Dana, it's going to be another long year for McLaren. I would really like to see Kimi in a car that is reliable, and one that has the power to give him a chance to win. Too bad McLaren isn't cutting it for him.

I told you guys earlier about Ferrari, and looks like I'm right. I really wish I wasn't right, 'cuz last year was at least interesting watching Renault/McLaren go at it. It should be an interesting year. Not quite the way I was expecting it to start, but at the same time I'm not surprised.



Mika

Oh, stop blaming McLaren for Kimi's problems: Montoya didn't blow up his car, did he?? :nono:

Kimi is a one-lap wunderkind, admit it. :tu:

[Tex Arcana]

I think Honda is going to surprise some folks this year. And it will be fun to watch the Cosworth development especially with Webber as driver. I don't think Massa will hold up and I expect Barachello to be coming on strong at least by mid-year. Everything looks like it is stacking up in Schumachers favor, but I say he doesn't win the championship this year. :cool:

The Honduh's are running pretty decently, Davidson showed well, too. The Cosworth motors will be the big surprise, with being able to hit 20k RPM, but don't get your hopes up on Weber, he's a spare driver with a wide butt who takes people out that try to pass him (mush like Sato like to spear people who're going faster'n him).

Alonso is still the best bet for the next championship, tho FErrari's ablilities with new motors and new configurations will hold them in good stead. Kimi will fail spectacularly, and Montoya will end up co-driving with Schuey at FErrari. :tu:

[Mark #2]

I posted the first Honda response.:tongue:
I like Rubens and really respect Honda as an engineering company.

Every Honda that I have owned has been perfect: cars and motorcycles(almost killed me), no weedwackers;)

Honda in NASCAR in 2007/8 with the body change?

[Tex Arcana]

I posted the first Honda response.:tongue:
I like Rubens and really respect Honda as an engineering company.

Every Honda that I have owned has been perfect: cars and motorcycles(almost killed me), no weedwackers;)

Honda in NASCAR in 2007/8 with the body change?

I like Rubens, too... I just hope he can shine. I'm not too sure about Honda, tho: just run low on oil and watch your motor go bye-bye; do that to a Toyota, and it just keeps running.

Watch Toro Rosso win it all this year with "detuned" V10 and a $10 restrictor, while the other teams spend BILLIONS of euros on new motors. :rll:

[dboat]

Watch Toro Rosso win it all this year with "detuned" V10 and a $10 restrictor, while the other teams spend BILLIONS of euros on new motors. :rll:

That wont happen, F1 has already said that if they start performing too well, they will make them make more changes to detune the engine..meaning, you aint winning with those things, because everyone else has paid the price of admission..

Dana

[dboat]

Every Honda that I have owned has been perfect: cars and motorcycles(almost killed me), no weedwackers;)

Too funny.. :evil

so just how do these 19k running V8's compare to that weedwacker? I am still running a Ryobi 2 stroke here... :banana:

Dana

[Mika]

Oh, stop blaming McLaren for Kimi's problems: Montoya didn't blow up his car, did he?? :nono:

Kimi is a one-lap wunderkind, admit it. :tu:

One lap wonder? I think not. Kimi got 3rd from 21st. Oh, by the way, they had an interesting fact for Kimi. 30 failures since 2001. Most of 'em the blame was put on McLaren. The only example I can think of that is his fault was when he flat spotted the front tire last year. The rest of the times its been motor problems, wing problems, tranny problems, or like yesterday, a suspension failure. AKA McLaren shortcoming.

Montoya got 5th from 5th. Seems to me Montoya isn't giving 100%. He let Button pass not only once, but twice. From the same spot. Once I can swallow, but twice? Either he's a slow learner, or he's not trying. I guess you don't blow motors up when you're not pushing the envelope.

Hats off to Alonso for sticking it to MS. He kept Michael within striking distance when necessary, and stuck it to him as well. Rosberg(a Finn in blood) scored points on his maiden F1 voyage. Very nice to see a couple Finns out there.

Honda is doing a darn good job. They have significantly improved since last year. They're still a hair off, but they're definitely within striking distance of a drivers championship.

Mika

[Tex Arcana]

One lap wonder? I think not. Kimi got 3rd from 21st. Oh, by the way, they had an interesting fact for Kimi. 30 failures since 2001. Most of 'em the blame was put on McLaren. The only example I can think of that is his fault was when he flat spotted the front tire last year. The rest of the times its been motor problems, wing problems, tranny problems, or like yesterday, a suspension failure. AKA McLaren shortcoming.

Montoya got 5th from 5th. Seems to me Montoya isn't giving 100%. He let Button pass not only once, but twice. From the same spot. Once I can swallow, but twice? Either he's a slow learner, or he's not trying. I guess you don't blow motors up when you're not pushing the envelope.

Hats off to Alonso for sticking it to MS. He kept Michael within striking distance when necessary, and stuck it to him as well. Rosberg(a Finn in blood) scored points on his maiden F1 voyage. Very nice to see a couple Finns out there.

Honda is doing a darn good job. They have significantly improved since last year. They're still a hair off, but they're definitely within striking distance of a drivers championship.

Mika


Oh, they saw him jumping out of his car and whacking the rear suspension with a hammer. :rolleyes:

I have to admit, that was a good drive for Kimi, tho I was fully expecting him to blow it up completely. Pertinent statement: while the three were on the podium, Varsha said that McLaren has repeatedly said that if they gave Kimi the car he deserves, he'd be doing better. If they can improve the car, well and good; but I still think he's very hard on equipment. As for Montoya: maybe his car had a problem we weren't aware of, and won't ever unless one of us gets the British F1 magazine--and at over $200 for a year, I don't think that's happening. :nono:

Overall it was an amazing race:

*MS putting the FErrari on the pole, despite the naysayers, then driving to a solid second--which would've ben first had Massa done his job.
*Alonso picking up where he left off last year--and laying to rest the rumors that Renault would lay out on him, since he's leaving after this year.
*Kimi's stong third.
*Nico Rosberg shoing some SERIOUS skills and showing that the Cosworth motor will be a serious contender this year.
*Weber actually finished a race?? Did someone give him a brain transplant??
*That new guy at SUPAR AGURI DORIFTO SWAP: Who the HELL gave him a license?? I guess SADS did that so it would make Sato look better--and he did better, considering he didn't spear anyone today.
*Scott Speed: definite talent, give him a better motor and he'll contend.
*V8s: damn vibrations! Why can't they take the extra mass they have to carry and use them in balance shafts??
*V10s: pretty much out of contention, time to spend MORE money on developing a V8:hammer:--aw, screw it, give Cosworth a call and get a couple.
*Poor Fish-head--can't catch a break
*Villeneuve does it again--I swear I saw him toss a lit match beck ther before the car went up in flames. :nono:

I think we're going to have some very intersting racing this year, and a heck of a battle. Alonso is the one to beat, MS has the best chance to do it, with Kimi breathing down their necks (given he can hold a car together). I think Toyota missed the boat somewhere, and will struggle; HOnda has something going, but I think Button will have his work cut out for him to get on the podium. Weber will eventually screw up bad and take out someone with him. The team to really watch is Williams--I think the COsworth will be a force to be reckoned with, and Nico is a true talent.

Damned good time. I look forward to next week.

[dboat]

From the qualifying--man that was some great stuff

To Mika coming from 22nd (Mika, your guy deserves a lot here:tu: ) dead last on the start, with a full load of fuel and passed over half the field. Makes you wonder if his car wouldnt have imploded/exploded on him, where he would have finished.

To Jenson Button, showing some resolve for once and finishing just off podium.

To MS and FA to having a good battle at the end. I do think they will battle it out all season (if this race is any indicator). Just goes to show you how a few tenths of a second can make a difference as to the final place you end up in the race. I dont think that FA "put it" to MS, but MS was able to hold his own when he had a much heavier fuel load after the first pit stop. Renault may have a better car than Ferrari at this point:flaming: , plus Michelin tires are still a bit ahead of the BS tires:flaming: , but things will change as the season progresses. :twitch:

What about two of the rookies? Speed and Rosberg, NR put on a great show for his first race and Speed hung in there.. Hopefully a glance at the future of F1. :burnout:

Cosworth may be onto something, lets not judge them just yet. :)

Losers were -- Villaneuve, couldnt wait to leave, almost ran Coulthard off the track:nono: ; the Super Aguri team - they just suck:throw: ; Massa - bad start, bad run, bad luck at the pitstop:crying: ; Toyota -- I bet this will end their participation in F1, they are just not competitive and with one of the biggest budgets in F1.:hammer:

Dana

[Mika]

Dana, I said Kimi came from 21st because Montiego(I believe it was Montiego) started from the pit. But yeah, from back of the pack to podium is one HECK of a race. He did that last year, and it's good to see that despite McLaren slacking off for him, that he still puts the fight into the races. I have a hard time putting trust into McLaren's vehicles. It lasted this weekend, but will it last next weekend?

Tex, Montoya complained that he was down on power this weekend. Check out formula1.com "selected driver's quotes". I consider it driver error to give up a pass twice in the same corner to the same driver. Protect the line, as they say.

I agree that the biggest loser is Toyota. All that $$$ and nothing to show for it. Sato and Ide sucked too, despite what he was saying about the weekend being a great step in the right direction(paraphrased).

It takes Bridgestone a couple of laps to warm their tires up to proper temperature. Michelin's are good to go lap one, and it seems that they stay there or taper off ever so slightly.

All in all it may turn out to be a darn good year. There's four teams that are showing championship potential. Renault, Ferrari, Honda and McLaren(if their cars stay together). I am definitely looking forward to this season:).


Mika

[Mark #2]

Good race today, should be a great season.
Agree with all of ya'lls observations, on teams, tires, and drivers performances.

[dboat]

Good race today, should be a great season.
Agree with all of ya'lls observations, on teams, tires, and drivers performances.


ok, I was looking for at least one more weedwacker comment... :evil


sorry, couldnt let it go..

Dana

[dboat]

Dana, I said Kimi came from 21st because Montiego(I believe it was Montiego) started from the pit. But yeah, from back of the pack to podium is one HECK of a race. He did that last year, and it's good to see that despite McLaren slacking off for him, that he still puts the fight into the races. I have a hard time putting trust into McLaren's vehicles. It lasted this weekend, but will it last next weekend?

Tex, Montoya complained that he was down on power this weekend. Check out formula1.com "selected driver's quotes". I consider it driver error to give up a pass twice in the same corner to the same driver. Protect the line, as they say.

I agree that the biggest loser is Toyota. All that $$$ and nothing to show for it. Sato and Ide sucked too, despite what he was saying about the weekend being a great step in the right direction(paraphrased).

It takes Bridgestone a couple of laps to warm their tires up to proper temperature. Michelin's are good to go lap one, and it seems that they stay there or taper off ever so slightly.

All in all it may turn out to be a darn good year. There's four teams that are showing championship potential. Renault, Ferrari, Honda and McLaren(if their cars stay together). I am definitely looking forward to this season:).


Mika

+1

funny, you'd think that if Montoya had enough to start and finish 5th, that he could have held off Button.. wonder if he is getting soft like Villeneuve? JV won the championship too early in his career, he has been getting the big payday on his laurels ever since.. I dont think he has had the fire in him for a long time.. interesting as to how that compares to others,, esp MS.. I dont know that I could keep up his pace if I had gotten as many $100M contracts as he has.. the man has got to have some serious cash...

Dana

[Mika]

+1

funny, you'd think that if Montoya had enough to start and finish 5th, that he could have held off Button.. wonder if he is getting soft like Villeneuve? JV won the championship too early in his career, he has been getting the big payday on his laurels ever since.. I dont think he has had the fire in him for a long time.. interesting as to how that compares to others,, esp MS.. I dont know that I could keep up his pace if I had gotten as many $100M contracts as he has.. the man has got to have some serious cash...

Dana

That's what separates Michael from the rest of the folks. He has 100% dedication. Not taking anything away from my boy Kimi or anyone else, but even during the off-season he trains all out. He pretty much breathes, eats, sleeps F1. He found his home to say the least. For Michael, it's not about the money(although I'm sure it is REALLY, REALLY nice), it's about winning.

As much as I dislike Ferrari(as a McLaren fan), I still respect Michael for what he has done to the sport, and I commend him for his dedication.


Mika

[Sixpipes]

Too early to tell, but I predict Honda will win the constructors championship this year probably followed by Renault and Ferrari.

Top five drivers will be Alonso, Barachello, Schumacher, Raikkonen, & Button.

Who the heck knows after only one race, but thats my story and I'm sticking to it. :cool:

[dboat]

Too early to tell, but I predict Honda will win the constructors championship this year probably followed by Renault and Ferrari.

Top five drivers will be Alonso, Barachello, Schumacher, Raikkonen, & Button.

Who the heck knows after only one race, but thats my story and I'm sticking to it. :cool:

Since there are only about 5 of us that post to this... we should all post up our prediction for top 5 points for drivers and top three points for constructors. In the order they will finish.. Mark, Mika and Tex waiting on you..

my drivers would be Schumacher, Alonso, Raikkonen, Button and Montoya

constructors Renault, McLaren and Ferrari

Dana

[dboat]

That's what separates Michael from the rest of the folks. He has 100% dedication. Not taking anything away from my boy Kimi or anyone else, but even during the off-season he trains all out. He pretty much breathes, eats, sleeps F1. He found his home to say the least. For Michael, it's not about the money(although I'm sure it is REALLY, REALLY nice), it's about winning.

As much as I dislike Ferrari(as a McLaren fan), I still respect Michael for what he has done to the sport, and I commend him for his dedication.


Mika

So when Kimi goes to Ferrari next year, are you going to be conflicted or what? Or will you drop Kimi in favor of Alonso?

Dana

[Mika]

I still got Finnish blood in me, despite being an American citizen(by naturalization). I'd have to root for Kimi at Ferrari.

Right now there's 3 teams that want Kimi(besides McLaren). Ferrari, Toyota and RENAULT, believe it or not. I think Renault would be Kimi's best bet at winning a driver's championship. Toyota, not so much, but the $$$ would be fantastic. Renault has reportedly offered Kimi $24m-28m/year for a two year contract. If Kimi would leave McLaren, that's where he'd go. If Michael hangs around this season(around the top of the championship points), he may stick around for another few years. And he won't LET Kimi come to Ferrari, because MS would be upstaged. So don't be surprised if Kimi goes to Renault. Although it would be bad ass to see a McLaren front led by Alonso and Kimi!

As far as the top 5 in world driver's championships:
1. Alonso
2. Michael
3. Kimi
4. Button
5. Rosberg

Constructors:
1. McLaren
2. Ferrari
3. Renault


Mika

P.S. I got my info from a Finnish newspaper, and no it's not a Euro-trash tabloid type paper either:).

[Sixpipes]

So I'm the only one with Barachello in the top five (drivers) and Honda in the top three constructors race? :cool:

[dboat]

So I'm the only one with Barachello in the top five (drivers) and Honda in the top three constructors race? :cool:

so far.. lets see what Mark and Tex have to say..

The reason I didnt pick Barachello, is that Button is still the number one guy there and he will get the better car. The reason I didnt pick Honda is because I think that their drivers are not in the top echelon and they wont make the top 3, I would have put them at 4th.

Dana

[Tex Arcana]

Tex, Montoya complained that he was down on power this weekend. Check out formula1.com "selected driver's quotes". I consider it driver error to give up a pass twice in the same corner to the same driver. Protect the line, as they say.

I agree that the biggest loser is Toyota. All that $$$ and nothing to show for it. Sato and Ide sucked too, despite what he was saying about the weekend being a great step in the right direction(paraphrased).
Mika

Maybe he got the blue flag waved at him after protecting his line? Or maybe he's wanting out of a worsening situation--they *did* lose Adrian Newey, after all, and despite Kimi's run, they've really not been competitive at all.

I think Toyota needs David Richards at the helm, that'll make their expenditures effective. :tu:

[Tex Arcana]

Since there are only about 5 of us that post to this... we should all post up our prediction for top 5 points for drivers and top three points for constructors. In the order they will finish.. Mark, Mika and Tex waiting on you..

my drivers would be Schumacher, Alonso, Raikkonen, Button and Montoya

constructors Renault, McLaren and Ferrari

Dana

Schumacher, Alonso, Rosberg, Button, Montoya. I predict Kimi will destroy every car in even more imaginative ways before the end of the year. Schuey will win the title, and retire; Rosberg will fill his void at Ferrari, and continue the winning ways 'til Bernie brings in NASCAR chassis and engines to create "parity" :vomit:; then mercedes will start winning with pushrod deisels. :rll:

Constructors: Ferrari, Renault, Williams. :d

[dboat]

Schumacher, Alonso, Rosberg, Button, Montoya. I predict Kimi will destroy every car in even more imaginative ways before the end of the year. Schuey will win the title, and retire; Rosberg will fill his void at Ferrari, and continue the winning ways 'til Bernie brings in NASCAR chassis and engines to create "parity" :vomit:; then mercedes will start winning with pushrod deisels. :rll:

Constructors: Ferrari, Renault, Williams. :d
Tex, man your brutal sometimes.. LOL

Dana

[Mark #2]

Okay I'm in:
1. Alonso
2. Michael
3. Kimi
4. Button
5. Barachello

Constructors:
1. Renault
2. Ferrari
3. Honda
4. McLaren

[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

[dboat]

Well, another race in the books and the Renault boys looked awfully strong. Honda had a decent showing with Jenson Button ( a driver that I am liking more and more with the pending retirement of Schumacher;) ). Mika, I am beginning to think that if Kimi didnt have bad luck, he wouldnt have any luck at all... dang, another DNF. Rumor is out there that Montoya and McLaren are not on good terms, meaning a divorce at the end of the season. My Ferrari team got a 5th and 6th only because Heidfeld blew up at the end of the race, thank goodness for little favors:D .. Almost everyone, except Renault, is having engine issues..
Did everyone see that the race at Spa in Belgium has been cancelled due to track repairs? :bs Did you hear where the average ticket to todays race in Malaysia was about $13 US? (wish I could have only paid that to go to the race at Indy:flaming: )

Dana

[Mark #2]

Well, another race in the books and the Renault boys looked awfully strong. Honda had a decent showing with Jenson Button ( a driver that I am liking more and more with the pending retirement of Schumacher;) ). Mika, I am beginning to think that if Kimi didnt have bad luck, he wouldnt have any luck at all... dang, another DNF. Rumor is out there that Montoya and McLaren are not on good terms, meaning a divorce at the end of the season. My Ferrari team got a 5th and 6th only because Heidfeld blew up at the end of the race, thank goodness for little favors:D .. Almost everyone, except Renault, is having engine issues..
Did everyone see that the race at Spa in Belgium has been cancelled due to track repairs? :bs Did you hear where the average ticket to todays race in Malaysia was about $13 US? (wish I could have only paid that to go to the race at Indy:flaming: )
Dana

Yeah, but the MONTHLY salary for an office worker with a 4 year degree and 5 years experience is ~$350, just as reference point.

Renault looks very strong, Honda good, Ferrari fair.

[Tex Arcana]

Well, another race in the books and the Renault boys looked awfully strong. Honda had a decent showing with Jenson Button ( a driver that I am liking more and more with the pending retirement of Schumacher;) ). Mika, I am beginning to think that if Kimi didnt have bad luck, he wouldnt have any luck at all... dang, another DNF. Rumor is out there that Montoya and McLaren are not on good terms, meaning a divorce at the end of the season. My Ferrari team got a 5th and 6th only because Heidfeld blew up at the end of the race, thank goodness for little favors:D .. Almost everyone, except Renault, is having engine issues..
Did everyone see that the race at Spa in Belgium has been cancelled due to track repairs? :bs Did you hear where the average ticket to todays race in Malaysia was about $13 US? (wish I could have only paid that to go to the race at Indy:flaming: )

Dana

Yeah, just finished watching the race myself. I couldn't tell if Kimi got hit, or if he went and chopped Klein and caused it himself (that's where my money is). Otherwise a very good race with good results.

[Mika]

Well, another race in the books and the Renault boys looked awfully strong. Honda had a decent showing with Jenson Button ( a driver that I am liking more and more with the pending retirement of Schumacher;) ). Mika, I am beginning to think that if Kimi didnt have bad luck, he wouldnt have any luck at all... dang, another DNF. Rumor is out there that Montoya and McLaren are not on good terms, meaning a divorce at the end of the season. My Ferrari team got a 5th and 6th only because Heidfeld blew up at the end of the race, thank goodness for little favors:D .. Almost everyone, except Renault, is having engine issues..
Did everyone see that the race at Spa in Belgium has been cancelled due to track repairs? :bs Did you hear where the average ticket to todays race in Malaysia was about $13 US? (wish I could have only paid that to go to the race at Indy:flaming: )

Dana

It's hard to root for someone who has arguably the crappiest luck of all in the sport. Thanks to Klein(a backmarker), he gets yet another DNF.

Renault stepped it up for sure this weekend. Honda is definitely showing good signs of promise. Ferrari did well, but not quite as strong as I was looking for.

Montoya and McLaren on bad terms? Maybe he should stop playing shuffleboard, and move to Miami and retire with his "I got another paycheck" attitude. He deserves to drive Midland, maybe Red Bull, but that's about it. He seems like one of those "I'm doing you guys a favor for driving for your team" guys...

$13 to the race? Where do I sign up? Heck, flights and hotel can probably be had for a couple grand for 2 people. That'd sure make for a nice long weekend.



Mika

[dboat]

Yeah, just finished watching the race myself. I couldn't tell if Kimi got hit, or if he went and chopped Klein and caused it himself (that's where my money is). Otherwise a very good race with good results.

Tex, showing the love for Kimi as usual.. :evil

but it was a decent race.. gotta love the qualifying session now.. it is fun to watch and has a lot more drama, the kind we like..

Dana

[Tex Arcana]

It's hard to root for someone who has arguably the crappiest luck of all in the sport. Thanks to Klein(a backmarker), he gets yet another DNF.

Renault stepped it up for sure this weekend. Honda is definitely showing good signs of promise. Ferrari did well, but not quite as strong as I was looking for.

Montoya and McLaren on bad terms? Maybe he should stop playing shuffleboard, and move to Miami and retire with his "I got another paycheck" attitude. He deserves to drive Midland, maybe Red Bull, but that's about it. He seems like one of those "I'm doing you guys a favor for driving for your team" guys...

$13 to the race? Where do I sign up? Heck, flights and hotel can probably be had for a couple grand for 2 people. That'd sure make for a nice long weekend.



Mika


:confused: Klien a backmarker?? It was the BEGINNING of the race, fergoshsakes!! :nono:

I think alot of teams got owned by motor problems, and that'll continue for a while. Cosworth got owned bigtime, too :rll:.

I think Montoya does his best when he KNOWS his team is with him, and when McLaren begins playing games, it's pretty obvious to everyone, especially the one they least wnat to know it. Bloody F1 politics. :hammer:

[dboat]

$13 to the race? Where do I sign up? Heck, flights and hotel can probably be had for a couple grand for 2 people. That'd sure make for a nice long weekend.Mika

Hmmmm, not a bad idea.. a long getaway from winter weather here..

if Tliss (Tom) is reading this, didnt you travel there this last year or so? How was the experience?

Dana

[Sixpipes]

Yeah, just finished watching the race myself. I couldn't tell if Kimi got hit, or if he went and chopped Klein and caused it himself (that's where my money is). Otherwise a very good race with good results.

Really disappointed with Barrichello's performance. :(

[Mark #2]

Really disappointed with Barrichello's performance. :(
Agree, 2 weeks in a row with a penality for speeding in the pits.

[dboat]

Agree, 2 weeks in a row with a penality for speeding in the pits.

Yes, but not necessarily surprised. He is a talented driver, but there is something about racing for Ferrari that brings out the best in a driver.. Look at how Massa is driving, better than ever.. go figure..

Dana

[Tex Arcana]

Yes, but not necessarily surprised. He is a talented driver, but there is something about racing for Ferrari that brings out the best in a driver.. Look at how Massa is driving, better than ever.. go figure..

Dana

Yeah, and that "something" is spelled S-C-H-U-M-A-C-H-E-R. :d

[03LightningRocks]

Paul Dana died today in a warm up race in Miami.

[dboat]

Paul Dana died today in a warm up race in Miami.

just went over to the indycar. com website... doesnt sound too good either..

sorry to hear that..

Dana

[Mark #2]

FYI, Australian GP starting now on speed.
What a CF this is on the start already.
And now what a race early.
and now late as Michael S. just ran out talent?
Another CF at 19 to go.
Scott Speed had a great race.

[Mika]

There were a lot of incidents this race. Sure kept my wife and I up last night. I think the biggest surprise was Michael going off track.

Scott Speed lost what would have been his first point as an F1 driver. He got a 25 second penalty for passing while the yellow flags were out. That pushed him back to 11th.

Good ol' Montoya. Spins on the formation lap, gets lucky and finds his way back to 5th, and then can't stay on the track. Got news for ya here Monty, this ain't the Florida Festival Mud Bogs, ya gotta keep that car on the asphalt.

In other news, Ide and Sato are still stinking in the back...


Mika

[dboat]

Well, I TIVO'd the race and watched it this morning, was just too tired to stay up to watch it live..

I just dont know about this track. The weather was cold, it was hard to keep the tires hot enough to stick, there are no runoffs so that a minor error could be made up without running into a fence. Crap, 10 cars dont finish the race and how many did the same thing as MS during practice and the race.. fix the track..
Mika, I bet your happy about KR's finish, but I now know how you feel when your guy craps out midway through the race. :flaming:

What was funny was listeing to them air the conversation between the pits and Fisichella, telling him to go faster.. also, the announcers calling Ido, OH NO..:rll: Only to then point out that Barrichello had a hard time getting around Ido in a car that is 4 yrs old and came off of a display someplace:vomit: . ? And this is the best auto racing in the world? :eek2:

Dennis, I have to say that at least Rubens got into the points this week but I am now thinking the worst two decisions made in the offseason had to be Rubens leaving Ferrari and Ferrari letting him go.. Massa hasnt done crap and Rubens hasnt looked good yet.

Does Toyota have it back together now? Since Ralf podium'd maybe they are turning it around?

I have no idea what to make of Jenson Button at this juncture, he gets pole position, cant keep it for any length of time, gets passed and is down several seconds within a heartbeat.. then his car craps out less than a quarter mile from the finish line. I dont get not letting it pass the finish line for some points either. Yes, he would get penalized 10 spots on the starting line at the next race, but points are points..

Dana

[Silver_2000]

Highlight (http://talonclub.com/aussie%20grand%20prix%20highlight.wmv) from the Aussie grand prix

:evil:twitch::beer::nana2

[True Blue Aggie]

Agreed on the Aussie GP highlight. :D

Not to hijack the thread, but did anyone watch the IRL race today?

[dboat]

Agreed on the Aussie GP highlight. :D

Not to hijack the thread, but did anyone watch the IRL race today?

I saw that this morning, and she is pretty hot..

I did watch some of it on the Tivo, but towards the end had it on the first speed of fast forward.. that one had a few bumps and rubs in it too..

Danica finished in the top ten again.. :nana2

I was wondering if anyone had gone to the NHRA drags in Baytown today.

Dana

[Mark #2]

Agreed on the Aussie GP highlight. :D

Not to hijack the thread, but did anyone watch the IRL race today?

Why would we when Nascar was at Martinsville, and we had a new driver in the DLP car today, almost a top 20.;)

[dboat]

There are a couple more pics here... :D

http://www.formula1.com/gallery/images/753/Sunday/90577.html

Dana

[dboat]

Why would we when Nascar was at Martinsville, and we had a new driver in the DLP car today, almost a top 20.;)


Because she is better looking than any Crashcar driver.. :D

[True Blue Aggie]

Even with the DLP car, NASCAR is boring. Only the superspeedway races get my attention, and sleep is involved with those races also.

Danica finished 6th, but only finished that high because she stayed at the back and stayed out of trouble. That accident with Tomas Scheckter (sp?) and Buddy Rice put her two spots up toward the end....

Thought Sam Hornish Jr. was going to take it for a while, but I missed about 30 laps driving home from lunch....

[dboat]

Even with the DLP car, NASCAR is boring. Only the superspeedway races get my attention, and sleep is involved with those races also. true
Danica finished 6th, but only finished that high because she stayed at the back and stayed out of trouble. That accident with Tomas Scheckter (sp?) and Buddy Rice put her two spots up toward the end.... true true

Thought Sam Hornish Jr. was going to take it for a while, but I missed about 30 laps driving home from lunch.... :nono:

Dana

[Mika]

Well, I TIVO'd the race and watched it this morning, was just too tired to stay up to watch it live..

I just dont know about this track. The weather was cold, it was hard to keep the tires hot enough to stick, there are no runoffs so that a minor error could be made up without running into a fence. Crap, 10 cars dont finish the race and how many did the same thing as MS during practice and the race.. fix the track..
Mika, I bet your happy about KR's finish, but I now know how you feel when your guy craps out midway through the race. :flaming:

What was funny was listeing to them air the conversation between the pits and Fisichella, telling him to go faster.. also, the announcers calling Ido, OH NO..:rll: Only to then point out that Barrichello had a hard time getting around Ido in a car that is 4 yrs old and came off of a display someplace:vomit: . ? And this is the best auto racing in the world? :eek2:

Dennis, I have to say that at least Rubens got into the points this week but I am now thinking the worst two decisions made in the offseason had to be Rubens leaving Ferrari and Ferrari letting him go.. Massa hasnt done crap and Rubens hasnt looked good yet.

Does Toyota have it back together now? Since Ralf podium'd maybe they are turning it around?

I have no idea what to make of Jenson Button at this juncture, he gets pole position, cant keep it for any length of time, gets passed and is down several seconds within a heartbeat.. then his car craps out less than a quarter mile from the finish line. I dont get not letting it pass the finish line for some points either. Yes, he would get penalized 10 spots on the starting line at the next race, but points are points..

Dana

I'm glad that Kimi was able to "reduce the bleeding". He didn't lose 10 points this weekend, only 2. He's in better position this year at this time than he was last year. If Kimi can make it to the checkered flag, it should make out to be an exciting season. But from what I see, it's Alonso's title to lose. Oh yeah, as far as having a car that craps out on you, it's a sucky feeling.

Rubens needed to get out of Ferrari. He was tired of being Schumi's shadow. He wanted to make a name for himself. As far as Button goes, I'm not sure if he's Schumi/Alonso/Kimi caliber. If he was more consistent, then I'd say yeah. Honda has proven that their cars have speed(as well as Toyota). Now its a matter of getting the drive out of them. Ralf got on podium? What the heck is up with that? I wouldn't be surprised one bit if Mike Gascoyne pulled Ralfie over to the side and said "if you don't produce, you overpaid bastage, I'll make you Friday driver".


Mika

[dboat]

Ralf got on podium? What the heck is up with that? I wouldn't be surprised one bit if Mike Gascoyne pulled Ralfie over to the side and said "if you don't produce, you overpaid bastage, I'll make you Friday driver". Mika

Mika,
From what I can gather, it wouldnt be the first time that has happened to Ralf..

Dana

[Tex Arcana]

I watched the race today, and I have to admit it was a pretty enjoyable race:

*Fernando on the pole in a domineering drive, after pwning everyone at the start;

*Massa getting punted by someone into Rosberg and ruining both their days;

*Schuey pwning himself by bouncing over the outer edge of the curb;

*JP getting pwnd by the same curb, but showing his recovery skills at the same time;

*Fernando showing his recovery skills during the safety car periods, while JP spins doing the same thing;

*Kimi actually having a fairly uneventful race, despite his early battles;

*Button blowing up yet another delicate Honduh engine, after burning it up fightingoff Fishhead--who's likely on his way out as well becasue he has no heart;

*Ralf backing into a third because he passed people who ownd themselves and slowed before the SC was out;

*Ideot showing he's still horrible, and should be sent home, and Sato is so slow he can't catch anyone to spear;

*Weber really blew any chance of getting anywhere;

*Scott Speed had a decent run, considering the handicap he's running under--speaking of, does anyone notice the irony of the RBR/STR situations:?? Red Bull Racing/Ferrari engines <--> Scuderia Toro Rosso/Cosworth engines?? Shouldn't that be reversed?? :confused:

All in all, a decent race. Lots of fun for sure, despite Klein's wall shunt.

[dboat]

:burnout: After a 3 week hiatus from Australia to Italy, F1 is back on and qualifying is going on now.. so lets get it on... :beer:

Ferrari had better step up this weekend or they are not going to have a chance to catch Renault unless they start having catastrophic failures.

Dana

[Sixpipes]

Schumacher wins the pole with manufacturers going Ferrari, Honda, Honda, Ferrari in the tops four qualifying spots. I just don't get the Honda's being down on top speed like they are (almost 10mph down to Ferrari). Must be gearing primarily. :cool:

[dboat]

Schumacher wins the pole with manufacturers going Ferrari, Honda, Honda, Ferrari in the tops four qualifying spots. I just don't get the Honda's being down on top speed like they are (almost 10mph down to Ferrari). Must be gearing primarily. :cool:

or maybe too much downforce dialed in for now but not tomorrow? plus what about fuel load.. wonder how light a fuel load the Ferrari's are running to get the speed up?

but congrats to MS for setting the number of poles record:tu:

He may really be the best driver in history..

[skalywags]

or maybe too much downforce dialed in for now but not tomorrow? plus what about fuel load.. wonder how light a fuel load the Ferrari's are running to get the speed up?

but congrats to MS for setting the number of poles record:tu:

He may really be the best driver in history..
I thought they said that now they top off the fuel, and do their runs, with each lap making the car lighter of course, and then they get some kind of weight allowance. I wasn't exactually sure what they were talking about, and I know qualifying has changed. I was busy studying for a test on the brain, so my brain wasn't able to pay attention to both. Any explanation of qualifying now, would be cool. What they meant by the weight allowance, and running all the laps within a percentage of the quallifying lap.
Till then - I'm off to go watch Supercross at TX stadium.

[dboat]

I wont be able to watch the race live today because it will be shown in delay on CBS. :flaming: :flaming: And quite honestly, their announcers just flat out suck!! :hammer: :vomit: So I will queue it up on the laptop and watch the timing of the race live there.. hope the delay wont be too bad..

Dana

[Tex Arcana]

I wont be able to watch the race live today because it will be shown in delay on CBS. :flaming: :flaming: And quite honestly, their announcers just flat out suck!! :hammer: :vomit: So I will queue it up on the laptop and watch the timing of the race live there.. hope the delay wont be too bad..

Dana

Well, I hope you got to watch it, it was very well worth putting up with the CBS spare (the color guy knows his stuff, they need to toss the other butthead).

[dboat]

Well, I hope you got to watch it, it was very well worth putting up with the CBS spare (the color guy knows his stuff, they need to toss the other butthead).

I didnt watch it.. just didnt want to take the whipping.. I did watch the stats live on Speed.com though.. so I knew who won when it happened..
Have you done that yet? the live timing is pretty cool.

Dana

[Tex Arcana]

I didnt watch it.. just didnt want to take the whipping.. I did watch the stats live on Speed.com though.. so I knew who won when it happened..
Have you done that yet? the live timing is pretty cool.

Dana

Actually, it was a pretty damn good race. Alonso and Shuey Sr. duked it out from about the 1/3 point on, with some strategy changes in both pits to try to take advantage of the other's changes to throw a wrench into the works. Of course, CBS didn't pay a bit of attention to the rest of the pack, but then again I'm tempted to write them a scathing letter for their p1ss-poor coverage. Ditch that Sheheen spare, keep Daly, and then literally transplant the entire Speed coverage over--that way, you get all the discussions and the coverage.

Speaking of, Speed's gonna show the race next Saturday... :hammer:

Oh, and me watching the "live timing"??? :nono: you know better than that, I can't even get a decent pic to download these days. :cry:

[dboat]

Tex,
Oh yeah, I forgot you be on dial up:rll: ..I cant imagine going back to dial up.. you need to upgrade.. well, it may not take that much bandwidth,, at least give it a try and see if/how it works.. just do it on the qualifying for the next race as a trial run..

Anywho... I have ordered my qualifying and race day tickets for the F1 race at Indy this year.. wonder what kind of drama we will have after last years fiasco. Got the hotel reservations too.. :nana2 :nana2

Now, I just went to a thing on places that are within one tank of gas from here and shazam.. Watkins Glen!!! IndyCar.. Danika Patrick... plus driving schools and Rolex Sports Cars too... if you are there during the week, you get to go three laps on the circuit (I am sure very surpervised).. but hey, you still get to do it..

Sorry for the :0fftopic post, but couldnt resist... esp since I am such a :postwhore

Dana

[dboat]

Just finished watching the live timing today.. another win for Alonso and second for Schumy.. I guess its going to be a race between Ferrari and Renault. But Alonso has such a big lead in points already, it may be hard to get Schumy the championship this year, which may be his last.

The McLaren boys arent doing to well, and the Honda boys are doing ok... just ok,,,

Dana

[dboat]

The powers that be saw it fit to send me two extra tickets to the race in Indy. Most likely it will be the last race there, rumors are rampant that Vegas is going to make a strong move to get the race there. However, they do have a face value of $85 each. I dont know where they are located but they are free to a dues paying Talon member that will honestly make it to the race. I would suggest that you strongly consider buying a parking pass if you do plan on attending, because it is pretty congested on race day. You can probably get tickets for qualifying too (I did and they were only $20 each). I think F1 qualifying is almost as exciting as watching the race now..

Drop me a pm or post up here if you are TRULY TRULY interested.

Dana

[Mika]

Just finished watching the live timing today.. another win for Alonso and second for Schumy.. I guess its going to be a race between Ferrari and Renault. But Alonso has such a big lead in points already, it may be hard to get Schumy the championship this year, which may be his last.

The McLaren boys arent doing to well, and the Honda boys are doing ok... just ok,,,

Dana

D'oh! Shouldn't have read this post. I kinda figured that's what would have happened though.

The McLaren is off. By 1.4 seconds in qualifying, and I'm sure even moreso in the race:(. Right now I'm hoping for a Finn defection to Ferrari next year. Will Schumi let Kimi come over?

I'm gonna grin and bear it and watch the CBS broadcasting. You can only make so much fun of those two jerks...

I'll be at Indy this year too(made it every year since '00-when F1 came to Indy). I'm looking forward to it:).



Mika

[dboat]

D'oh! Shouldn't have read this post. I kinda figured that's what would have happened though.

The McLaren is off. By 1.4 seconds in qualifying, and I'm sure even moreso in the race:(. Right now I'm hoping for a Finn defection to Ferrari next year. Will Schumi let Kimi come over?

I'm gonna grin and bear it and watch the CBS broadcasting. You can only make so much fun of those two jerks...

I'll be at Indy this year too(made it every year since '00-when F1 came to Indy). I'm looking forward to it:).

Mika

Mika, if you want to get together for lunch or dinner up there, let me know. We will be going in on Friday (prob wont be there for lunch) and leaving on Monday..
Dana

[Mika]

Mika, if you want to get together for lunch or dinner up there, let me know. We will be going in on Friday (prob wont be there for lunch) and leaving on Monday..
Dana

I'd love to get together, but I'm with my mom, dad, wife, and both in-laws. It'd be tough to bring everyone along;) But I do appreciate it.

Where are you going to be sitting though? I think we'll be in either the North or NW vista.



Mika

[dboat]

I'd love to get together, but I'm with my mom, dad, wife, and both in-laws. It'd be tough to bring everyone along;) But I do appreciate it.

Where are you going to be sitting though? I think we'll be in either the North or NW vista.
Mika

The A Penthouse.. right in front of the starting grid, but in the penthouse so we have a little elevation.. its also covered so that if it rains, we can stay dry and watch the race..

:0fftopic that is one thing I like about F1, come rain or shine, they are racing. :nana2
Dana

[Tex Arcana]

Just finished watching the CrappyBroadcastingSh1theads broadcast. :hammer: I swear, I threw stuff at the TV at least 5 times during that broadcast. I nearly turned it off so I could wait for the Speed version next Saturday. Those clowns they have working the races (and I hate calling Daly a "clown", but dammit he was being as stupid and that Sh1theen character--guess "stupid" DOES rub off!) just make the experience completely painful. I wish CBS would just nut it up and get Speed to let them rebroadcast the Speed gang's telecast. :nono:

Back to the race.

Damned nice race, to be honest, tho if I were Ferrari, I would've told Massa to get ahead fo Schuey, take out Fishhead, and THEN let Alonso and Mike fight it out; but, in retrospect, that wouldn't've worked any better, given the speed of the Renaults.

I'm of the opinion that Renault needs to be rid of Fishhead, and they need to get one of the really good young drivers (Scott Speed or Nico Rosberg) in there to back up Alonso. And I'm thinking Alonso is rethinking his decision to sign with McLaren, given their problems this year.

As for Kimi: nah, Ferrari won't sign him. If they do, it'll be the biggest mistake they've ever made, because he's just not that good. Sure, he can drive, but he can't do much more than go "all-on" or "all-off". And I think Montoya's problems are a result fo the internal politics in the team, and he's on his way out as well.

Look for Schumacher to not retire, especially if he wins the championship this year--which will be a REAL battle.

[Sixpipes]

Well, I think it is time to eat a little crow here. I surely thought Honda would have their act together this year, but...jeeeeeez. Barrichello finishes a lap down and Button way back. It is apparent to me that while Renault and Ferrari have taken steps forward since last year, Honda has most certainly stubbed their collective toe. Check out the speed traps 0n any circuit and you will see Honda down 10+ mph every freaking week. :(

[dboat]

Dennis, well I cant blame you for wanting them to do well. I am more inclined to believe that Bridgestone has almost caught up with Michelin again. Since they can change tires once again, they are at least competitive. I too was hopeful that Honda would be in the hunt but its looking more like a two team series more and more.
Tex, your comments echo my sentiments on CBS broadcasts. It seems whenever one of the big three (four?) try to do something like F1, they just cant get it together. If Speed or ESPN would have done it, it would be much better. At least the Speed guys really know their stuff on the series and one of them was once a driver. However, dont be so hard on Kimi, he is talented. I am just wondering if he isnt focused with McLaren anymore and is wanting the team change. Or is he making enough $$ now that it doesnt matter.. heck, look at Villeneuve. Once he signed the big contract after winning a championship, he was never competitive again. He is just lucky to have a car this year at all.

Question for you guys, how much of this is the driver and how much is it the car/tires?

In my book, I think that 70-80% of this is the car/tire combo.. I dont believe that Alonso is a better driver than Michael just yet.. and if Schumy retires this year, my best guess is that he will buy a team, or be a part of Bernie's team somehow.. he isnt going to go away quietly.
Dana

[dboat]

no takers on the tickets, eh?

[Mika]

The A Penthouse.. right in front of the starting grid, but in the penthouse so we have a little elevation.. its also covered so that if it rains, we can stay dry and watch the race..

:0fftopic that is one thing I like about F1, come rain or shine, they are racing. :nana2
Dana

That's cool. We are outside, in the North or NW vista. It's a fantastic view, from the end of the front straightaway, to the beginning of the rear straightaway. Truth be told, I enjoy it, rain or shine. :)

I'm throwing the towel in for McLaren. They can't get their car together for either driver. Montoya booted himself off, and Kimi's car didn't have the pace whatsoever. As far as I'm concerned, this season is over for Kimi/McLaren.

If Ferrari were to sign Kimi, it'd be 'cuz Michael would be retiring. Like Dana said, Michael may want his own F1 team. It'd be interesting to see both Kimi and Michael on the same team. I'd really like to see how much better Schumi really is. I have no doubt in my mind that Schumi is great(7 championships is proof enough), but how would Kimi fare off in the same car? It'd be interesting to say the least.

I will agree with Tex that Fisi isn't exactly a top team driver. Nico would be a much better match, or Kovalainen(Renault's third driver). Both Finns;) Speed still has to prove himself. He's done well for what he has(a crappy car), but he still hasn't proven himself.

I wonder how Alonso feels now, considering McLaren's situation. His thoughts are "oh ish!!!".


Mika

[dboat]

no takers on the tickets, eh?

ttt

[Tex Arcana]

no takers on the tickets, eh?

I really wish I could. I'll mention it to the wife, maybe I can tlak her into it.

[Tex Arcana]

That's cool. We are outside, in the North or NW vista. It's a fantastic view, from the end of the front straightaway, to the beginning of the rear straightaway. Truth be told, I enjoy it, rain or shine. :)

I'm throwing the towel in for McLaren. They can't get their car together for either driver. Montoya booted himself off, and Kimi's car didn't have the pace whatsoever. As far as I'm concerned, this season is over for Kimi/McLaren.

If Ferrari were to sign Kimi, it'd be 'cuz Michael would be retiring. Like Dana said, Michael may want his own F1 team. It'd be interesting to see both Kimi and Michael on the same team. I'd really like to see how much better Schumi really is. I have no doubt in my mind that Schumi is great(7 championships is proof enough), but how would Kimi fare off in the same car? It'd be interesting to say the least.

I will agree with Tex that Fisi isn't exactly a top team driver. Nico would be a much better match, or Kovalainen(Renault's third driver). Both Finns;) Speed still has to prove himself. He's done well for what he has(a crappy car), but he still hasn't proven himself.

I wonder how Alonso feels now, considering McLaren's situation. His thoughts are "oh ish!!!".


Mika


I have no doubt that Kimi is a "one-lap wonder"--he's proven it time and again. He just can't take an ailing car and run it to the bitter end, he always breaks it first. And that's why he'll never be the driver Schuey is--who else could take a car that was stuck in 5th gear and win an F1 race??? No one, afaik.

I really don't think Schuey will retire, especially if Ferrari does well this season--even if he *doesn't* win the championship--because that will make him hungry to win again. And with some real competition, he'll work harder than ever to make it happen, and with the team he has at Ferrari, my money is on them all to step it up and make it happen again.

Odds are still good Alonso will win this again. Honduh has really shot off a toe, mainly by firing David Richards: now they couldn't find their azzes with both hands and a roadmap. They're headed south, in a hurry. McLaren really needs to find their game, and soon. I don't think Montoya ended his day intentionally, I believe that his traction controlw as acting up, and that's what did it to him--just bad luck. With McLaren trying to focus on Kimi, they're going to lose the better driver (Montoya), who hopefully will try one more time with a better team (Ferrari? Renault? Red Bull? BMW?) I didn't mention Toyota, because at this point, theyr'e suffering from the same problems Honduh is, and that's a dearth of intelligent direction--maybe they should hire Richards and let him do his thing. It's already proven that Japanese can't run a successful F1 team--Stupid Aguri Dorifto Swap are nothing more than a rolling hazard on the track, and should be sent off before they do ssomething really stupid like kill someone. At least they ditched that Idiot Ude.

So, 1/3 the way thru, and we see a two-way battle brewing. Hopefully, that will change some.

[Mika]

I think its funny you call him a one lap wonder. That's why he drove a crappy car to 5th last race. Where was Montoya? That's right, the Great Montoya was too busy smokin' his crack pipe yet once again(alongside Ron Dennis), due to his superior driving ability. JPM did a fine job of letting that rear end go and high centered it on a kerb.

Kimi was off pace in qualifying by 1.4 seconds. The car wasn't going to do much. Kimi made the best that he could with what he got.

I'm tired of McLaren's crappy excuses. Ron blaming JPM and Kimi for not winning the constructors cup last year really pissed me off. He's got the drivers. It's just the car that he doesn't have.

When did Schumi take the car that was stuck in 5th gear to a victory?


Mika

[Tex Arcana]

I think its funny you call him a one lap wonder. That's why he drove a crappy car to 5th last race. Where was Montoya? That's right, the Great Montoya was too busy smokin' his crack pipe yet once again(alongside Ron Dennis), due to his superior driving ability. JPM did a fine job of letting that rear end go and high centered it on a kerb.

Kimi was off pace in qualifying by 1.4 seconds. The car wasn't going to do much. Kimi made the best that he could with what he got.

I'm tired of McLaren's crappy excuses. Ron blaming JPM and Kimi for not winning the constructors cup last year really pissed me off. He's got the drivers. It's just the car that he doesn't have.

When did Schumi take the car that was stuck in 5th gear to a victory?


Mika


Wanna hear something even funnier?? THey used to call the great SENNA a "one-lap wonder", because early in his career he couldn't finish a race because he kept breaking the cars. Qualified well all the time; broke in the race. He started getting VERY good with he started driving for McLaren (how ironic!), and with Prost, who was that era's Schumacher.

I'm with you, I really did not like how Dennis tossed them under the bus--but, then again, if he can't get thru to them because they're both primadonna's, maybe he felt he needed to gig 'em in public. Fat lot of good THAT did. :nono:

McLaren really needs to refocus, and it may be that they need to ditch both of them and pick up someone better... I wonder WHO that would be. :d It wouldn't surprise me that McL has decided to write off this year, and throw alot of development stuff at the cars in race trim to see what washes out, including the spare drivers; then pick up the pace next year with killer hardware and software (Alonso).

Yeah, Kimi was off pace in qualifying by 1.4 seconds... and how far adrift was he at the end of the race? :rolleyes:

EDIT: Schumacher's 5th gear drive was in '94, iirc, when he won with Benneton. With a Ford Cosworth V8, to boot. :D

[Mika]

I'm with you, I really did not like how Dennis tossed them under the bus--but, then again, if he can't get thru to them because they're both primadonna's, maybe he felt he needed to gig 'em in public. Fat lot of good THAT did. :nono:

McLaren really needs to refocus, and it may be that they need to ditch both of them and pick up someone better... I wonder WHO that would be. :d It wouldn't surprise me that McL has decided to write off this year, and throw alot of development stuff at the cars in race trim to see what washes out, including the spare drivers; then pick up the pace next year with killer hardware and software (Alonso).

Yeah, Kimi was off pace in qualifying by 1.4 seconds... and how far adrift was he at the end of the race? :rolleyes:

EDIT: Schumacher's 5th gear drive was in '94, iirc, when he won with Benneton. With a Ford Cosworth V8, to boot. :D

Kimi was off by 1.4 seconds in qualifying, off 56.8 seconds at the end of the race. With 66 laps, that was less than a second off pace per lap. Sometimes you can't overcome a crappy car.

I think Schumi will do one of two things. He will either retire or stay with Ferrari.

As far as Alonso goes, I seriously think he is crapping a golden brick right now. (inside his head) "why the eff am I going from a winning team to a unreliable and/or mediocre paced car? if Ron treats Kimi and JPM like this, how's he gonna treat me?" It's gonna be interesting to see Alonso at McLaren next year. Ron Dennis will be soothing Alonso at the end of next year saying "don't worry, there's ALWAYS next year". I'll be laughing my ass off if that's the case. If not, I'll have to eat some humble pie and take it like a man.

As far as Kimi vs. JPM goes, 27 pts vs. 15. And no cricket or tennis injuries. Just a bruised ego.



Mika

[Tex Arcana]

Kimi was off by 1.4 seconds in qualifying, off 56.8 seconds at the end of the race. With 66 laps, that was less than a second off pace per lap. Sometimes you can't overcome a crappy car.

I think Schumi will do one of two things. He will either retire or stay with Ferrari.

As far as Alonso goes, I seriously think he is crapping a golden brick right now. (inside his head) "why the eff am I going from a winning team to a unreliable and/or mediocre paced car? if Ron treats Kimi and JPM like this, how's he gonna treat me?" It's gonna be interesting to see Alonso at McLaren next year. Ron Dennis will be soothing Alonso at the end of next year saying "don't worry, there's ALWAYS next year". I'll be laughing my ass off if that's the case. If not, I'll have to eat some humble pie and take it like a man.

As far as Kimi vs. JPM goes, 27 pts vs. 15. And no cricket or tennis injuries. Just a bruised ego.



Mika


I think McLaren made the same mistake Jerry Jones did: they saw Kimi as a Mika Hakkinen starter-kit, and that is ALWAYS a mistake. As for JPM, they're treating him like a red-headed stepchild, which means the writing is on the wall and he's out, period. And it wouldn't surprise me to see Kimi jump as well, and Alonso get there and see Mercedes/McLaren gut the team in favor of the crew from Renault, including Flavio.

[dboat]

I think McLaren made the same mistake Jerry Jones did: they saw Kimi as a Mika Hakkinen starter-kit, and that is ALWAYS a mistake. As for JPM, they're treating him like a red-headed stepchild, which means the writing is on the wall and he's out, period. And it wouldn't surprise me to see Kimi jump as well, and Alonso get there and see Mercedes/McLaren gut the team in favor of the crew from Renault, including Flavio.

Wow, that is some "out of the box" thinking.. It would not have crossed my mind..

I still think that both those guys are good drivers. Its the team behind them.. but they are both a little flaky in their own ways.. unfortunately, that may be the way of the future and seeing the old school prof behavior of the likes of Schumi, Barrichello, etc.. may be gone soon..

Dana

[Tex Arcana]

Wow, that is some "out of the box" thinking.. It would not have crossed my mind..

I still think that both those guys are good drivers. Its the team behind them.. but they are both a little flaky in their own ways.. unfortunately, that may be the way of the future and seeing the old school prof behavior of the likes of Schumi, Barrichello, etc.. may be gone soon..

Dana
I can't tell if you're being sarcastic or not, so I'll assume not. ;)

Ever since the Ticket popularized the concept of "starter kits", thanks to JJ and his destruction of the Cowboys (of course, you can find examples of this throughout history, just no one really identified it as such 'til recently), I've seen this everywhere. And people sometimes make the same mistake, pick a guy who is *like* the one you want to replace, and not the Best Available Athelete. And it usually leads to disaster.

JPM has proven himself in America, and I think if he's given a chance at a team that's actually behind him, he'll do well. Kimi is talented, no doubt; but he's no Mika Hakkinen--and therein lies the mistake. Outside of F1, ANY of these drivers will spank the rest of the field, given even remote equipment parity. After that ride swap between Jeff Gordon and JPM, and seeing how fast JPM could toss that CRASHCAR, it's obvious that F1 drivers (with the exception of Sato and Idiot Ude) are truly the best in the world.

[Mika]

JPM has proven himself in America, and I think if he's given a chance at a team that's actually behind him, he'll do well. Kimi is talented, no doubt; but he's no Mika Hakkinen--and therein lies the mistake. Outside of F1, ANY of these drivers will spank the rest of the field, given even remote equipment parity. After that ride swap between Jeff Gordon and JPM, and seeing how fast JPM could toss that CRASHCAR, it's obvious that F1 drivers (with the exception of Sato and Idiot Ude) are truly the best in the world.

Didn't JPM have backing at Williams? He more or less pushed them to the curb the last season or two with them.

Kimi can do well, if the car can stay together. Even when Mika was racing in '98 and '99(and won the championship), McLaren still had mechanical issues. 5 DNF's due to vehicle failure(be it gearbox, tire, etc.), 3 due to driver errror(spun off). And Mika still won the championship.

Kimi in '04 and '05 had 9 DNF's due to mechanical problems, and 2 due to driver error(either accident or flat spotting tire). Less DNF's=more points=better CHANCE at winning DC.

Which leads me to believe that McLaren are slacking off, and good ol' Ronnie boy is pinning the blame on the drivers to save face.

I agree that F1 drivers are the best in the world. Right up there with the WRC. When JPM and Gordon swapped paint, Gordon was off of JPM's best time by about a second and change in the F1 car, and JPM was off of Gordon's best time by less than a second in the Nascar. Gordon is the exception to Nascar though. He actually learned how to drive, not just turn left. He paid his dues via carting, not dirt track racing.


Mika

[Tex Arcana]

Didn't JPM have backing at Williams? He more or less pushed them to the curb the last season or two with them.

Kimi can do well, if the car can stay together. Even when Mika was racing in '98 and '99(and won the championship), McLaren still had mechanical issues. 5 DNF's due to vehicle failure(be it gearbox, tire, etc.), 3 due to driver errror(spun off). And Mika still won the championship.

Kimi in '04 and '05 had 9 DNF's due to mechanical problems, and 2 due to driver error(either accident or flat spotting tire). Less DNF's=more points=better CHANCE at winning DC.

Which leads me to believe that McLaren are slacking off, and good ol' Ronnie boy is pinning the blame on the drivers to save face.

I agree that F1 drivers are the best in the world. Right up there with the WRC. When JPM and Gordon swapped paint, Gordon was off of JPM's best time by about a second and change in the F1 car, and JPM was off of Gordon's best time by less than a second in the Nascar. Gordon is the exception to Nascar though. He actually learned how to drive, not just turn left. He paid his dues via carting, not dirt track racing.


Mika


JPM had it initially at Williams, but I think a combination of ... hell, who was his partner there?? whoever, I think some politicking got going, and when Williams wouldn't respond to JPM's needs, he stopped trying as hard 'til he could find the next ride. I mean, if the team refused to set the car up to cuit your style, what do you do??

Gordon was off a full 10seconds a lap, but for a first time that was considered outstanding--remember they had to tape a pad into the cockpit sides to hold his head up, he couldn't take the lateral G-forces in the turns?? :rll:

A year before Gordon and JOM swapped, Denise MCCluggage wrote in her Autoweek column, that she felt that Gordon would make an excellent F1 driver, that he has the physical skills as well as the political skills to make it in the F1 sharktank--and she was the first writer to actually voice that opinion in public. Of course, she also said that Gordon would never do it, because GM owns him lock, stock, and barrel, and so he would never be able to extricate himself in time.

[dboat]

Tex, I was dead serious.. I do think Kimi is a good driver, in fact a great driver. We dont agree on this point but thats ok.. I do think that Michael is the best driver of all time and I enjoy watching him week in and week out. I will miss him when he's gone because I dont see anyone else stepping into those shoes for some time. Part of what makes Michael so great is that he not only knows how to drive, but he knows how to handle all the circus around him, the other boys, JPM and Kimi, for example, are not as skilled at this point as he.. Mika H was good at it to, until he decided to retire..

I think we both agree that there is more to the driving bit than meets the eye, hence, why Michael Andretti didnt make it in F1 when he had the chance.

Dana

[Tex Arcana]

Tex, I was dead serious.. I do think Kimi is a good driver, in fact a great driver. We dont agree on this point but thats ok.. I do think that Michael is the best driver of all time and I enjoy watching him week in and week out. I will miss him when he's gone because I dont see anyone else stepping into those shoes for some time. Part of what makes Michael so great is that he not only knows how to drive, but he knows how to handle all the circus around him, the other boys, JPM and Kimi, for example, are not as skilled at this point as he.. Mika H was good at it to, until he decided to retire..

I think we both agree that there is more to the driving bit than meets the eye, hence, why Michael Andretti didnt make it in F1 when he had the chance.

Dana

I'm with you, I think Kimi is missing that essential bit in his head that will catapult him to the championship. And Ill miss Schuey as well, at least we got to see him do it from the get-go. :tu:

[Mika]

Tex, the "One Lap Wonder" known as Kimi has been outqualified by Montoya this year more times...check it out. Copied and pasted from formula1.com

McLaren - Kimi Raikkonen, Juan Pablo Montoya
As in 2005, Raikkonen has been the far more consistent force at McLaren. He has been out-qualified several times by his Colombian team mate, but only once has the Finn been beaten to the flag. In a season in which Renault and Ferrari are already being regarded as the only title contenders, Raikkonen has twice managed to put a silver car on the podium, backing it up with one fourth and two fifth places. His only retirement came at Sepang, when he was shunted from behind by Red Bull’s Christian Klien. Montoya too has been on the podium - a third at Imola - but has also suffered three retirements, two of which were arguably down to driver error. While paddock rumours revolve around which top team will land Raikkonen for 2007, like Fisichella at Renault, Montoya is another currently pondering exactly where his future lies.
Qualifying: 3-3
Race: 4-2 Raikkonen
Points: Raikkonen 27, Montoya 15

Yup, Monty's sure lookin' like the better driver...



Mika

[dboat]

You have to watch it all the way till the end because you think they are running it hard at the beginning but its just idling.. wait and see..

Oops, I think I just wet myself watching this vid.. :tu: :tu: :evil

Dana

just think, this is the old V10 that ONLY did 18000 rpm.. the new V8's do 19000 rpm.. :tu:

http://metacool.typepad.com/metacool/2006/02/unabashed_gearh.html

[Tex Arcana]

Tex, the "One Lap Wonder" known as Kimi has been outqualified by Montoya this year more times...check it out. Copied and pasted from formula1.com

McLaren - Kimi Raikkonen, Juan Pablo Montoya
As in 2005, Raikkonen has been the far more consistent force at McLaren. He has been out-qualified several times by his Colombian team mate, but only once has the Finn been beaten to the flag. In a season in which Renault and Ferrari are already being regarded as the only title contenders, Raikkonen has twice managed to put a silver car on the podium, backing it up with one fourth and two fifth places. His only retirement came at Sepang, when he was shunted from behind by Red Bull’s Christian Klien. Montoya too has been on the podium - a third at Imola - but has also suffered three retirements, two of which were arguably down to driver error. While paddock rumours revolve around which top team will land Raikkonen for 2007, like Fisichella at Renault, Montoya is another currently pondering exactly where his future lies.
Qualifying: 3-3
Race: 4-2 Raikkonen
Points: Raikkonen 27, Montoya 15

Yup, Monty's sure lookin' like the better driver...



Mika


I'll stand by JPM... call it a gut feeling, but given F1 politics, it wouldn't surprise me at all to find that JPM is getting the short end of the technical stick. Again, just a gut feeling. I've never been much into starter kits, and when I saw McLaren hire Kimi, I saw a Mika starter kit, hence my prediction of failure--which, guess what?? Yep, failure. No DCs, no WCs, no MCs. :evil

Maybe Kimi is the Finnish version of Jacques Villenueve... :evil

[Mika]

I guess you've forgotten that Kimi threw in the towel already. That would really make McLaren want to push harder and give Kimi the benefit, right?

How did that last race end up? Kimi 5th in a crappy car, and Montoya high-centering a car 'cuz he couldn't handle it. If JPM is such a good driver and knows the limits, how come he couldn't save it? Or better yet, how come he couldn't AVOID it, like Schumi would have?

As far as your prediction of failure goes, Kimi had 11 DNF's in '04 and '05(9 McLaren's fault, 2 his). Sorry, but that's a POTENTIAL 110 points taken away from him. It's also a POTENTIAL 0 points, but with a good car, I'd be willing to bet he'd get at least half of those points. If you want to pin the no CC's or DC's, pin it on McLaren and Dennis.



Mika

[Tex Arcana]

I guess you've forgotten that Kimi threw in the towel already. That would really make McLaren want to push harder and give Kimi the benefit, right?

How did that last race end up? Kimi 5th in a crappy car, and Montoya high-centering a car 'cuz he couldn't handle it. If JPM is such a good driver and knows the limits, how come he couldn't save it? Or better yet, how come he couldn't AVOID it, like Schumi would have?

As far as your prediction of failure goes, Kimi had 11 DNF's in '04 and '05(9 McLaren's fault, 2 his). Sorry, but that's a POTENTIAL 110 points taken away from him. It's also a POTENTIAL 0 points, but with a good car, I'd be willing to bet he'd get at least half of those points. If you want to pin the no CC's or DC's, pin it on McLaren and Dennis.



Mika


Oh, without a doubt DC/McLaren are at major fault, for letting things get to this juncture in the first place. Idiots. I wouldn't be surprised to see McL and DC part ways in the future.

I think we're just gonna have to agree to disagree on Kimi and JPM, 'til further proof is available, and that ain't gonna happen 'til next year at least.

[Mark #2]

You have to watch it all the way till the end because you think they are running it hard at the beginning but its just idling.. wait and see..

Oops, I think I just wet myself watching this vid.. :tu: :tu: :evil

Dana

just think, this is the old V10 that ONLY did 18000 rpm.. the new V8's do 19000 rpm.. :tu:

http://metacool.typepad.com/metacool/2006/02/unabashed_gearh.html

Okay, so that is the coolest video I have seen in a while.
Can you guess in the video who is the guy that works on the engines all the time? :D

[Tex Arcana]

Okay, so that is the coolest video I have seen in a while.
Can you guess in the video who is the guy that works on the engines all the time? :D

I would if I could see the video. :mad:

[dboat]

I would if I could see the video. :mad:

Well if you would live in civilization where you could have a high speed connection.. its pretty darned cool.. makes me want to see F1 again.. but to get the real impact, you would have to turn up the volume on your computer to its loudest setting and then put your ear up to the speaker.. then you get about 1/10th of what its really like..

how about right click and save as? then go to bed for the evening and check it again in the morning? :rll:

Dana

btw, I think the real tale of the tape on all these guys is to have them drive each others cars, ala, IROC series style.. makes you wonder what Schumi could do in the Renault, McL, Honder:evil or even the Toyota..

[dboat]

Okay, so that is the coolest video I have seen in a while.
Can you guess in the video who is the guy that works on the engines all the time? :D

Who dat be? :confused:

ok, will you at least admit that it was cooler than watching a weedeater spin up? :evil

Dana

[Mark #2]

Who dat be? :confused:

ok, will you at least admit that it was cooler than watching a weedeater spin up? :evil

Dana

Check out the guy to the right with his arms crossed standing closest to the engine, never blinks an eye, while everyone else cowers with fear.

[dboat]

Check out the guy to the right with his arms crossed standing closest to the engine, never blinks an eye, while everyone else cowers with fear.

ok, watched it again.. (another woodie) but the picture quality isnt good enough for me to make him out:confused: .. except thinking that he must be deaf..
Still thinking this is cooler than a weedeater engine.. :D
Dana

[Tex Arcana]

Well if you would live in civilization where you could have a high speed connection.. its pretty darned cool.. makes me want to see F1 again.. but to get the real impact, you would have to turn up the volume on your computer to its loudest setting and then put your ear up to the speaker.. then you get about 1/10th of what its really like..

how about right click and save as? then go to bed for the evening and check it again in the morning? :rll:

Dana

btw, I think the real tale of the tape on all these guys is to have them drive each others cars, ala, IROC series style.. makes you wonder what Schumi could do in the Renault, McL, Honder:evil or even the Toyota..

It looks like a Flash thing, so it's not gonna let me do that. I'll have to wait 'til after June 1, when I allegedly get my AT&T wireless broadband. I hope. :tu:

[Sixpipes]

Same ole problem with the Hondas and trap speed. You can't expect to be competitive giving 10+ mph away every week. button didn't even make the final 10 in qualifying. :hammer:

http://www.formula1.com/race/result/speedtrap/757/24.html

[dboat]

Well, Button and everyone else will be in front of the Ferrari team.. Michael was stripped of the pole:bs .. oh the drama.. no way you win Monaco from the back row.. he might as well as just drop out and save wear and tear on the car.. this really stinks, but the ruling is final:flaming:

[dboat]

watched the race online via the live timing on speedtv.com... then caught the last 40+ laps of it on CBS... Rubens held up everyone, Kimi really pushed Alonso hard until his car crapped out behind the safety car.. Michael showed why he is the best.. got fifth place after starting last.. and this at Monaco..

What about Coulthard and Red Bull? wow.. Trulli must be sick having his car die that close to the end..oh well, Alonso racks up another win and is quickly putting himself out of reach for the championship.
Dana

[Tex Arcana]

watched the race online via the live timing on speedtv.com... then caught the last 40+ laps of it on CBS... Rubens held up everyone, Kimi really pushed Alonso hard until his car crapped out behind the safety car.. Michael showed why he is the best.. got fifth place after starting last.. and this at Monaco..

What about Coulthard and Red Bull? wow.. Trulli must be sick having his car die that close to the end..oh well, Alonso racks up another win and is quickly putting himself out of reach for the championship.
Dana

This was a darned good race, the broadcast notwithstanding:flaming: I am totally amazed that neither Honduh nor Toyota can put together a decent engine, but I think you're right, Rubens was holding them up; on the flipside, Michael could've passed him if he had one more lap to do it.

Schuey really did screw the pooch on this one, with that STUPID move. I keep replaying it in my head, and the more I do it, the more I think he did it on purpose. Hell, hit the damn wall if you're gonna do that, you've GOT the parts to replace the nose if you damage it--that way, you sell the "mistake" enough to make it work. Dumbazz. :hammer:

I don't konw if I buy that "overheated" engine contributing to Kimi's withdrawal--I mean, Montoya didn't toch his, and he had to drive slow as long as Kimi did, not to mention everyone else. I can't say I blame Kimi (tho it is concieveable that he did something to kill it), so blame has to fall on the team.

I really wish they had left Schuey at the top, that would've made a great race. It was still good, despite the losses.

Coultard made the podium? Well, not a real surprise, I think Red Bull will be a contender in the future, and I think Cosworth will make a real push into the V8 engine wars (yes, I know DC's car has a Ferrari motor, but the word is RBR is changing to Cosworth motors next year). It was too bad that Nico Rosberg had his motor let go. And did you see Weber pitch a fit when his motor went bye-bye?? I'll bet he gets fined for that steering-wheel toss. :nono:

[Silver_2000]

Interesting race - Glad MS got caught - it was SO obvious in the incar camera that he was playing around.

Im amazed that Alonso is considering switching teams with the run he has had this year ...

Disappointed there werent more shots of the Bling bling monte carlo crowd...

[Mika]

This was a darned good race, the broadcast notwithstanding:flaming: I am totally amazed that neither Honduh nor Toyota can put together a decent engine, but I think you're right, Rubens was holding them up; on the flipside, Michael could've passed him if he had one more lap to do it.

Schuey really did screw the pooch on this one, with that STUPID move. I keep replaying it in my head, and the more I do it, the more I think he did it on purpose. Hell, hit the damn wall if you're gonna do that, you've GOT the parts to replace the nose if you damage it--that way, you sell the "mistake" enough to make it work. Dumbazz. :hammer:

I don't konw if I buy that "overheated" engine contributing to Kimi's withdrawal--I mean, Montoya didn't toch his, and he had to drive slow as long as Kimi did, not to mention everyone else. I can't say I blame Kimi (tho it is concieveable that he did something to kill it), so blame has to fall on the team.

I really wish they had left Schuey at the top, that would've made a great race. It was still good, despite the losses.

Coultard made the podium? Well, not a real surprise, I think Red Bull will be a contender in the future, and I think Cosworth will make a real push into the V8 engine wars (yes, I know DC's car has a Ferrari motor, but the word is RBR is changing to Cosworth motors next year). It was too bad that Nico Rosberg had his motor let go. And did you see Weber pitch a fit when his motor went bye-bye?? I'll bet he gets fined for that steering-wheel toss. :nono:

Schuey "lost control" of his car at 16 k/ph! That's 10 mph! F1 superstar effed up. Period. That's just another example of how you can have money, but no class. Schumacher=great driver, but a bigger cack.

As far as Kimi's overheating goes, McLaren had their chance to fix the wiring harness on Friday too(same problem, it caught fire), but they chose to pull a Dennis and give half ass support.



Mika

[dboat]

Schuey "lost control" of his car at 16 k/ph! That's 10 mph! F1 superstar effed up. Period. That's just another example of how you can have money, but no class. Schumacher=great driver, but a bigger cack.

As far as Kimi's overheating goes, McLaren had their chance to fix the wiring harness on Friday too(same problem, it caught fire), but they chose to pull a Dennis and give half ass support.



Mika

ok, no dissing my driver... I havent ever heard of anything bad about him, except he does have a bit of history on stretching the rules.. but his driving skill is exceptional..
I dont blame the failure on Kimi.. If he is with Ferrari next year.. guess I will still be rooting for Ferrari..
Dana

[Tex Arcana]

Interesting race - Glad MS got caught - it was SO obvious in the incar camera that he was playing around.

Im amazed that Alonso is considering switching teams with the run he has had this year ...

Disappointed there werent more shots of the Bling bling monte carlo crowd...

I'm thinking more and more that Alonso is playing a bit of a game here, and may be trying to get Renault to up the ante a bit, so he can get the money he wants without switching to McLaren. Of course, my original theory may hold, with McLaren sluffing off on Kimi and JPM, so they can oust them "legally" and bring in Alonso and <insert spare name here>.

CBS is really screwing the pooch with their broadcasts. I'm almost to the point of ignoring the web and sports for a week, so I can see the Speed rebroadcast with the regular guys, and get the *REAL* inside scoop they provide. :rolleyes:

[Tex Arcana]

ok, no dissing my driver... I havent ever heard of anything bad about him, except he does have a bit of history on stretching the rules.. but his driving skill is exceptional..
I dont blame the failure on Kimi.. If he is with Ferrari next year.. guess I will still be rooting for Ferrari..
Dana

Oh, MS has done some pretty questionable things in the past, including chops, brake checks, and a few other unsavory things. He's no angel, but he's damn good at not getting caught... usually. :rolleyes:

[Mika]

Oh, MS has done some pretty questionable things in the past, including chops, brake checks, and a few other unsavory things. He's no angel, but he's damn good at not getting caught... usually. :rolleyes:

While he is the best driver in history, he is a cheap shot master. '00 against Hakkinen, '97 against Villenueve, and a few other cheap shots he's done. Now I understand racing is racing, there's also a thing called professionalism and decorum. He may be a great driver, but classy is one thing he isn't.

(sorry for the rant, Dana)


Mika

[dboat]

(sorry for the rant, Dana)


Mika

ok, all is forgiven.. :tu: everyone is entitled to their opinion.. and I dont want to see some of it because he is my favorite driver..
Dana

Tex, I think that Alonso is signed sealed and delivered, so he aint going nowhere else but McLaren next year.. maybe McLaren is realizing they dont have a realistic shot at the championship this year, so why not go cheap on the cars? I imagine that they could give two shakes about Kimi and JPM.
Dana

[dboat]

I am getting ready for this weekends IndyCar race at Watkins Glen.. the wife and I are driving over on Sun morn and driving back.. cant wait to get a seat and see these guys live..

Plus we are only a month away from leaving to go to the USGP.. I have to tell you guys that the Speedway is a class act.. The seats are decent sized, I am in a seating area that is covered so I wont be baking in the sun all day.. plus check out this link for what else they offer.. given the prices at these kinds of venues, I dont think this is a bad deal..

http://www.brickyardboxlunch.com/

Our seats have their own restroom area and concession stand within a few steps.. its really nice.. wish all the racetracks were this nice.
Dana

[Tex Arcana]

While he is the best driver in history, he is a cheap shot master. '00 against Hakkinen, '97 against Villenueve, and a few other cheap shots he's done. Now I understand racing is racing, there's also a thing called professionalism and decorum. He may be a great driver, but classy is one thing he isn't.

(sorry for the rant, Dana)


Mika

Oh, noooo... Villenueve is a HUGE cheap-shot artist, even worse than Schumacher; combine that with the poison he is on a team, and I wouldn't touch him with a ten-foot pole, unless I *WANTED* to kill a team. :nono: Weber's not much better, his azz gets three lanes wide when someone's trying to pass him.

[dboat]

Oh, noooo... Villenueve is a HUGE cheap-shot artist, even worse than Schumacher; combine that with the poison he is on a team, and I wouldn't touch him with a ten-foot pole, unless I *WANTED* to kill a team. :nono: Weber's not much better, his azz gets three lanes wide when someone's trying to pass him.

Tex,
We could start a whole new thread on passing and it would stretch for pages.. esp when you look at narrow tracks like Monaco.. Barrichello was horrible this last weekend.. Villeneuve has a huge rep for blocking. There are only a few that have no or decent reps for being professional when it comes to this..
Dana

[Tex Arcana]

Tex,
We could start a whole new thread on passing and it would stretch for pages.. esp when you look at narrow tracks like Monaco.. Barrichello was horrible this last weekend.. Villeneuve has a huge rep for blocking. There are only a few that have no or decent reps for being professional when it comes to this..
Dana

I've come to the conclusion that cheating is the norm in human society, not the exception; and in racing it's no different. :(

[dboat]

What a great great qualifying session.. It was down to the very last second an then some.. Alonso, Kimi and Michael... probably the way it should be (not necessarily in that order)..

Mika, did you watch any of the practice sessions? they showed Hakkinen on there.. apparently he was at Dover for the last CrashCar race too:confused: but maybe he is coming back out to public scene.. He looked good..

Button let everyone down or his car did.. in the last group of cars..

Even Villi came in 10th but was competitive for a while..

This could be a great race tomorrow... good track, places to pass, warm temps.. knana

Dana

[Mika]

I've come to the conclusion that cheating is the norm in human society, not the exception; and in racing it's no different. :(

That's sad, and I agree 100%.


Mika

[Mika]

What a great great qualifying session.. It was down to the very last second an then some.. Alonso, Kimi and Michael... probably the way it should be (not necessarily in that order)..

Mika, did you watch any of the practice sessions? they showed Hakkinen on there.. apparently he was at Dover for the last CrashCar race too:confused: but maybe he is coming back out to public scene.. He looked good..

Button let everyone down or his car did.. in the last group of cars..

Even Villi came in 10th but was competitive for a while..

This could be a great race tomorrow... good track, places to pass, warm temps.. knana

Dana

Hakk was there? Dang. I was washing my truck this morning, and I only caught the last 5 minutes of qualifying. I'd love to see Hakk back. He was one of the few folks that could challenge Schumacher back in the day.



Mika

[dboat]

Hakk was there? Dang. I was washing my truck this morning, and I only caught the last 5 minutes of qualifying. I'd love to see Hakk back. He was one of the few folks that could challenge Schumacher back in the day.



Mika

I'd tell ya to watch it tomorrow morn on tv.. but its not on Speed,,, so that means tape delay on CBS and the announcing will outright suck. :flaming:

oh, well, you might watch it and then the Speed version later to see if they catch up with him again and do a short interview or something.. when he had a decent car (McLaren Mercedes) he was one fast guy.. there were a couple of years there where he and Coultard were practically unbeatable..
Dana

[Tex Arcana]

I'd tell ya to watch it tomorrow morn on tv.. but its not on Speed,,, so that means tape delay on CBS and the announcing will outright suck. :flaming:

oh, well, you might watch it and then the Speed version later to see if they catch up with him again and do a short interview or something.. when he had a decent car (McLaren Mercedes) he was one fast guy.. there were a couple of years there where he and Coultard were practically unbeatable..
Dana

Didja catch on yesterday's practice the rumor that Coulthard is "talking" to Ferrari about him going there next year and #2 to Schuey? Interesting rumor.

I'm highly surprised Mika drove in CrashCar: did he have an accident and hit his head recently??

[Mark #2]

Didja catch on yesterday's practice the rumor that Coulthard is "talking" to Ferrari about him going there next year and #2 to Schuey? Interesting rumor.

I'm highly surprised Mika drove in CrashCar: did he have an accident and hit his head recently??
He didn't drive, watching, in an interview stated "no way" he would drive one of the low tech cars.

[Tex Arcana]

He didn't drive, watching, in an interview stated "no way" he would drive one of the low tech cars.
Oh, thank goodness.. the world hasn't come to an end yet... :d

[dboat]

He didn't drive, watching, in an interview stated "no way" he would drive one of the low tech cars.

true dat.. he was just there as a visitor.. but the fact that he was there was most interesting..

[dboat]

Didja catch on yesterday's practice the rumor that Coulthard is "talking" to Ferrari about him going there next year and #2 to Schuey? Interesting rumor.

The better one was that one of the teams was throwing all kinds of big money at Ralf Schumacher.. who hasnt done anything in a while. Then the announcers were intimating that they were available to drive as well... (meaning they could do as well as Ralf and wouldnt mind getting that kind of money).. well, it is that contract renewal time of year, and lets face it, how many of the current crop of drivers have the real talent to win or place consistently with a decent car? Each team needs two drivers, so, let the bidding begin.

Dana

[dboat]

Not to go :0fftopic , but will for just a moment..

Have you been over to the F1 website recently? They are now selling F1 stuff, hats, deskpads, keyfobs, etc.. but they are certainly VERY proud of their stuff too.. the prices are a bit steep.. but to have a carbon fibre deskpad (they call it a mousepad)would be kinda cool... not sure its $470 worth of cool though:eek: .. or $85-95 for a keyring in carbon fibre:eek: .. or $734 for a watch with a carbon fibre face:eek2:

ok, sorry, lets get back on topic..

Dana

[dboat]

I am to the point of giving up hope that Michael can win the championship this year. The Renault package is just too strong, too reliable, too everything. I dont know if Alonso is a better driver, but what he has to work with is better than everyone else.

Dana

[dboat]

I gave it my best and watched what I could while I was working in the garage. (yes I have a tv in my garage).. anyway, if I get talked down to much more in a broadcast, I dont recall it but man do I miss the Speed announcers.. also, the comment early on how last weeks incident with Michael will forever tarnish his rep, was just ridiculous.. people forget crap like that unless.. heck, it wasnt like Dale Earnhart didnt come up from behind folks and push em off the track practically.. its a part of racing and sometimes you get caught sometimes you dont.. they wanted to accuse Michael of blocking, but then turnaround and say its legal and ok.. its not like no one else has done it or does it.. they just really burned me up:flaming: and then do a crappy job announcing.. not sure I can watch it again on CBS..rant off

Dana

[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
I think I'm winning so far, got the top three drivers correct in order and the top 2 teams correct in order.:evil

[Mika]

Too many times have I thought that Button will actually do something in a year. No more!

Renault is taking it all this year. Nobody is going to stop them. Like Dana said, too reliable, too consistent, too fast. Just an excellent team that nobody else can touch. What was Alonso thinking, leaivng such a strong team?



Mika

[dboat]

What was Alonso thinking, leaivng such a strong team?
Mika


It couldnt have been the money, could it? Didnt Villeneuve make that mistake after he won the championship?

[dboat]

I think I'm winning so far, got the top three drivers correct in order and the top 2 teams correct in order.:evil

However, Mika and I have the three drivers correct, but not in order and the three teams right, just not in the right order.. so it depends on how much weight you put on the right order but not having every one in there..

Then Tex and Sixpipes... well they were hopeful... but we still have half a season left..

Dana

[dboat]

Too many times have I thought that Button will actually do something in a year. No more!
Mika

Actually, I was thinking that if Michael retires, he may be my new favorite driver.. he does seem to be a very nice fellow and very professional. No one else grabs my attention at the moment.. Barrichello would have been except he left Ferrari and after he held up the entire field a couple of races ago for far too many laps.. he can go jump..

Dana

[Mika]

It couldnt have been the money, could it? Didnt Villeneuve make that mistake after he won the championship?

$$$$, that's the only thing I can think of too.

I agree with you about Button though. He is a gentleman, and very professional. However his results on track haven't been exactly fantastic. Over 100 GP's and 0 wins. :(.



Mika

[Mark #2]

$$$$, that's the only thing I can think of too.

I agree with you about Button though. He is a gentleman, and very professional. However his results on track haven't been exactly fantastic. Over 100 GP's and 0 wins. :(.



Mika
He was having a great drive today, but only 9 laps.:(

[dboat]

He was having a great drive today, but only 9 laps.:(

yep, but that isnt going to get you too many championships.. If he was with Renault right now, I think he would push Alonzo.. he has talent, good talent.. just dont know if he has the killer instinct..

but I do like the guy.. just wish he would get a haircut and shave.. :rll:

Dana

[Tex Arcana]

However, Mika and I have the three drivers correct, but not in order and the three teams right, just not in the right order.. so it depends on how much weight you put on the right order but not having every one in there..

Then Tex and Sixpipes... well they were hopeful... but we still have half a season left..

Dana
If I rememebr correctly, I also said somewhere that it would be Alonso taking it, despite my HOPE for Shumacher.

I haven't seen the race yet, tho I'm not surprised Alonso took it. He could cruise from this point with a string of 2nds and win it altogether.

Oh, as for Alonso's talent: hell, yes, at this stage I do beleive he's physically more talented than Shumacher. Youngsters have the blessing of faster nerve conduction, and these newest kidlets get quicker and quicker. The only thing olde fartes like Shcuey and us have over the kids are our experiences: "Age and treachery will always overcome youth and agility". ;)

I have a feeling we're going to see a whole passel of "old" drivers get run out after this year. If Schuey sticks around, he'll have maybe one more shot (especially if Alonso actually goes to McLaren); otherewise, he'll have a mediocre year again, and end up calling it quits.

Watch the F3000 and kart ranks, there's loads of new drivers moving up that will change the face of things forever.

[TXBLU]

I gave it my best and watched what I could while I was working in the garage. (yes I have a tv in my garage).. anyway, if I get talked down to much more in a broadcast, I dont recall it but man do I miss the Speed announcers.. also, the comment early on how last weeks incident with Michael will forever tarnish his rep, was just ridiculous.. people forget crap like that unless.. heck, it wasnt like Dale Earnhart didnt come up from behind folks and push em off the track practically.. its a part of racing and sometimes you get caught sometimes you dont.. they wanted to accuse Michael of blocking, but then turnaround and say its legal and ok.. its not like no one else has done it or does it.. they just really burned me up:flaming: and then do a crappy job announcing.. not sure I can watch it again on CBS..rant off

Dana

I agree. Derrick Daly and Ralph Shaheen are second rate announcers at best. Derrick was only mildly successful as a drivar, and Ralph, well, he's only ever been a spectator. Neither one seems to have a real grasp of the technical goings-on of Formula 1, nor an original thought that makes any sense. Derrick's comment sound like the rantings of a bitter has-been that runs a second rate driving school. They both sound as if they are reading from a script for the first time and are not really paying attention to what is happening on their monitors. Bring back Bob, David, and Steve!!! They know what they are talking about. Derrick and Ralph just plain suck.

[Sixpipes]

Derrick was only mildly successful as a drivar...

You're too kind. I like derek Daly, but he only scored 15 championship points in five years. I am pretty disgusted with Honda at this point. I was predicting a "breakout year" for them, but I missed that one by a mile. Alonso is making this another laugher of a Formula One season and I am losing interest rapidly.


Derek Daly
Formula One (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formula_One) Career
NationalityIrish
Active years 1978 - 1982Team(s)
Hesketh (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hesketh), Ensign (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ensign_%28racing_team%29), Tyrrell (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrrell_Racing), March (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/March_Engineering), Theodore (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theodore_Racing), Williams (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WilliamsF1)

Grands Prix64
Championships (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Formula_One_World_Drivers%27_Champions)0
Wins0
Podium finishes 0
Pole positions (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pole_position)0
Fastest laps0

First Grand Prix1978 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1978_United_States_Grand_Prix) United States Grand Prix (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Grand_Prix)
First win Notta
Last win Notta
Last Grand Prix1982 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1982_Las_Vegas_Grand_Prix) Las Vegas Grand Prix (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Las_Vegas_Grand_Prix)

[Tex Arcana]

I agree. Derrick Daly and Ralph Shaheen are second rate announcers at best. Derrick was only mildly successful as a drivar, and Ralph, well, he's only ever been a spectator. Neither one seems to have a real grasp of the technical goings-on of Formula 1, nor an original thought that makes any sense. Derrick's comment sound like the rantings of a bitter has-been that runs a second rate driving school. They both sound as if they are reading from a script for the first time and are not really paying attention to what is happening on their monitors. Bring back Bob, David, and Steve!!! They know what they are talking about. Derrick and Ralph just plain suck.

Derek really isn't that bad as a commentator, it's Sh1theen and CBS that're dumbing him down to the point of NASCAR drivers.

I tried to watch the race this morning. THe second I heard their voices, tho, I just couldn't stand it, and I turned it off. I won't erase it just yet, but as soon as I record and watch the Speed version, it'll be gone. So I ahve to wait 6 days: big deal. I'd ratehr see the real guys show an abbreviated version, thank these spares. :(

[dboat]

If I rememebr correctly, I also said somewhere that it would be Alonso taking it, despite my HOPE for Shumacher.

You had it Schuie, Alonso and then Rosberg (:rll: ).. that last one was REACH or a reach around..:evil

but lets see what F3000 brings.. hope it better talent than what Super Aguri is putting on the track..

Couldnt agree more on the CBS crew though.. I tolerated it only because I was in the garage so I didnt have to hear too much and could distract myself working on other things..

Dana

[Tex Arcana]

You had it Schuie, Alonso and then Rosberg (:rll: ).. that last one was REACH or a reach around..:evil

but lets see what F3000 brings.. hope it better talent than what Super Aguri is putting on the track..

Couldnt agree more on the CBS crew though.. I tolerated it only because I was in the garage so I didnt have to hear too much and could distract myself working on other things..

Dana

Don't make me RTFT again... it's over 25 pages now for me, and the ADD is kicking in hard tonite... :d

Stupid Aguri looks to me like someone's ego trip, that's failing badly.

[dboat]

Don't make me RTFT again... it's over 25 pages now for me, and the ADD is kicking in hard tonite... :d

Scroll back up, its on the prior page..

Dana

[Tex Arcana]

Scroll back up, its on the prior page..

Dana

Dude, I don't know how many posts-per-page yer running, but I'm on page 22 so far. :p

[dboat]

page 7
post #97

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
That was the original post.. but Mark had quoted it on post 197 page 14
and I use the forum default for posts per page..

Dana

[dboat]

Well, Jacques got married and has a little Villeneuve in the oven.. check it out over on Formula1.com. He also talks about his racing and driving.. doesnt mention that he hasnt driven worth a crap in almost a decade but been overpaid to do it.. :evil

Dana

[Tex Arcana]

Well, Jacques got married and has a little Villeneuve in the oven.. check it out over on Formula1.com. He also talks about his racing and driving.. doesnt mention that he hasnt driven worth a crap in almost a decade but been overpaid to do it.. :evil

Dana

Get the feeling there was a shotgun at the other end of that marriage?? :rll: I swear, when I saw his new wife during practice, I thought seriously that he really "settled", considering what he's been seen with in the past. I think she's cute, tho. Given how Euro's handle things, chances are he knocked her up, the lawyers bumped heads, worked out a payout and settlement, which included a marriage, transfer of funds, photo ops, the birth, then a quiet divorce where he gets out of paying alimony/childsupport because of the millions he paid her to marry her in the first place. :eek2:

[Tex Arcana]

page 7
post #97



Tex
Schumacher, Alonso, Rosberg, Button, Montoya
Ferrari, Renault, Williams
That was the original post.. but Mark had quoted it on post 197 page 14
and I use the forum default for posts per page..

Dana

yeah, yeah, I owned myself. :( I just went thru the posts, and that's what I find. I honestly thought I said that Alonso could take the championship over Schumacher, and I wouldn't be surprised. Ah, well.

[dboat]

Get the feeling there was a shotgun at the other end of that marriage?? :rll: I swear, when I saw his new wife during practice, I thought seriously that he really "settled", considering what he's been seen with in the past. I think she's cute, tho. Given how Euro's handle things, chances are he knocked her up, the lawyers bumped heads, worked out a payout and settlement, which included a marriage, transfer of funds, photo ops, the birth, then a quiet divorce where he gets out of paying alimony/childsupport because of the millions he paid her to marry her in the first place. :eek2:

well, either that or she can suck the chrome off of a ball hitch.. :evil

[dboat]

Watched qualifying yesterday, I still love the new format, although the outcome was not of my choosing, MS in fifth and over a second slower than Alonso.. :flaming: The Renault boys have 1st and 2nd, with Kimi in third..interesting post qualifying interview where Kimi didnt expect to be there because he didnt think the car was that good.. I hope its a good race and that MS was carrying a heavy heavy fuel load that slowed him down. Jarno Trulli surprised everyone by his qualifying time, but he has always been a decent qualifier, its just at race time that he hasnt been wonderful.

In the pre-race show today, they are going to talk about the new engine regs going into place in 2008 that will push the technology backwards by a couple of years:flaming: the Japanese teams are fighting this one tooth and nail apparently.

Dana

[Sixpipes]

Signing off for the year in F1. The series has become another joke this year. Honda's progress over the winter has failed to result in even a remotely competitive car during the season. The new qualifying format I love, but with 5 poles in a row, Alonso & Renault has even made qualifying a predictable joke.

[dboat]

Signing off for the year in F1. The series has become another joke this year. Honda's progress over the winter has failed to result in even a remotely competitive car during the season. The new qualifying format I love, but with 5 poles in a row, Alonso & Renault has even made qualifying a predictable joke.

Dennis, dont give up yet.. there is always hope, well not for Honda, but for Ferrari and MS.. he is about the only hope there is.. that and some mechanical failures by Renault..
Dana

[Tex Arcana]

Watched qualifying yesterday, I still love the new format, although the outcome was not of my choosing, MS in fifth and over a second slower than Alonso.. :flaming: The Renault boys have 1st and 2nd, with Kimi in third..interesting post qualifying interview where Kimi didnt expect to be there because he didnt think the car was that good.. I hope its a good race and that MS was carrying a heavy heavy fuel load that slowed him down. Jarno Trulli surprised everyone by his qualifying time, but he has always been a decent qualifier, its just at race time that he hasnt been wonderful.

In the pre-race show today, they are going to talk about the new engine regs going into place in 2008 that will push the technology backwards by a couple of years:flaming: the Japanese teams are fighting this one tooth and nail apparently.

Dana

Yah, it was a good race, I loved how JPM punted Rosberg into the fence, then owned himself later on. :rolleyes: With the "news" that he's begging McL/M to stay on FOR FREE (WTF--I doubt that's true, i'ts probably a ploy to get more money out of someone else), says his stock is falling rapidly.

NO surprise on Alonso winning, or Schuey in second--205mph on the straight, AND fastest lap in the race in the closing moments:eek2:, or in Kimi owning himself on the marbles.

As for the engine formula, I'm thinking ALL teams will fight that one. Personally, I think that's silly, they should look into severely reducing or eliminating wings and underbody aerodynamics--that way, they make a body that has to punch a hole, and that's not as dependent on black magic to keep the motor cool, so they can draft and pass.

[Tex Arcana]

Signing off for the year in F1. The series has become another joke this year. Honda's progress over the winter has failed to result in even a remotely competitive car during the season. The new qualifying format I love, but with 5 poles in a row, Alonso & Renault has even made qualifying a predictable joke.

No need to hate on Renault, it's been forever since they did anything decently. Honduh screwed themselves, first with the firing of David Richards, lately with the firing of Jeff Willis(sp?). They're basically turning the team into Stupid Aguri Dorifto Swap #1, and running it with a bunch of Japanses guys who have no clue what it takes to make a winner in F1. Look for Idiot Ude to be the lead driver at the Honduh team, and Barrichello and Button to get sent to Stupid Aguri, and have to drive 5-year-old chassis and restricted V10 engines. :hammer: :rll:

[Mika]

Meh, Kimi messed up and gave up 2 points. Did you hear what he said during the press conference after the race? It was a good jab at McLaren. He basically said that if you're not winning races, small errors like that don't matter. Which is true. There's no chance that McLaren will be able to catch up with Renault. Slight chance with Ferrari for constructors, but Monty will have to stay on course, and not graze the walls like he did yesterday, or hammer away at Rosberg.Renault is showing the pace that nobody can match. Period. McLaren came close for the first stint, but clutch problems and two crappy pits messed Kimi up. Such is life in racing though. As far as I'm concerned, Renault has won the championship, barring a serious wreck(highly unlikely) or reliablility problems(even smaller chance for that). Renault is puttin' the whoopin' stick on all the other teams, and the other teams are just takin' it.Mika

[dboat]

Meh, Kimi messed up and gave up 2 points. Did you hear what he said during the press conference after the race? It was a good jab at McLaren. He basically said that if you're not winning races, small errors like that don't matter. Which is true. There's no chance that McLaren will be able to catch up with Renault. Slight chance with Ferrari for constructors, but Monty will have to stay on course, and not graze the walls like he did yesterday, or hammer away at Rosberg.Renault is showing the pace that nobody can match. Period. McLaren came close for the first stint, but clutch problems and two crappy pits messed Kimi up. Such is life in racing though. As far as I'm concerned, Renault has won the championship, barring a serious wreck(highly unlikely) or reliablility problems(even smaller chance for that). Renault is puttin' the whoopin' stick on all the other teams, and the other teams are just takin' it.Mika
I did watch the post race interviews.. Kimi is one guy that shows his unhappiness with the team. He was pushing Alonso initially until that first botched pit stop.. Then Trulli was holding up Michael, but Fisi got screwed by the marshalls with the jump call and given a drive thru penalty. (Yes he jumped maybe a foot but had to hammer the brakes and that hurt him more than a standing start). Kimi did himself in at the end with a mental lapse on that corner, but at least he was trying. He is in the cat bird seat, to a degree, because he hasnt signed yet. Renault may be making a play for him. But he is cynical with McLaren these days, so not sure where he will go.
I will say that watching the race on Speed was sooooo much better.

Is anyone going to buy the $14.99 package from them for this weekend?

Also, we leave on Friday to drive over to Indianapolis.. cant wait, have tickets for Sat's qualifying and Sunday for the race... knana knana knana

Dana

[Mika]

I'll be there for qualifying and the race as well. North Vista. Get to see the last part of the front straight all the way to the start of the back straight. Darn good spot:).

I'm still unsure where Kimi will go. I'd like to see him at Renault. If the money is right, I think he would. And I know that Renault would give him a competitive car from race 1, not race 10(like McLaren loves to do).


Mika

[dboat]

I'll be there for qualifying and the race as well. North Vista. Get to see the last part of the front straight all the way to the start of the back straight. Darn good spot:).

I'm still unsure where Kimi will go. I'd like to see him at Renault. If the money is right, I think he would. And I know that Renault would give him a competitive car from race 1, not race 10(like McLaren loves to do).


Mika

Mika, maybe I'll run into you.. I will prob be wearing my Talon Tshirt on Sat.. but on Sun, will have to wear something nice for all the lemonade;) knana

on Kimi... true dat... although now he should be careful and not diss his employer too much, because the next one may not care for that type of thing.. lastly, just where is Montoya going to land? he is still a good driver.
Dana

[Mika]

Personally I wouldn't mind if Montoyta laned on his @$$. I don't care much for him, although he can pull a race out of his butt every once in a while. Other times he's running into other drivers, or corners, or something along those lines. Word is he was willing to drive for free(rumor that I heard) for McLaren. Don't know if I buy that or not, but I honestly wouldn't be surprised if he didn't have a ride. He's pissed off quite a few folks in F1. Not just McLaren, but Williams as well. Other teams have seen how his relationship with his current team goes, and they don't want to be part of it.

As far as Kimi goes, it's always been the same story from Ron Dennis. Each race, the car gets better. And to defend Ron, it does. But unfortunately, the car is NEVER ready by race 1, rather ready halfway down the season. Ron needs to take a few lessons from Renault, and be ready to race the first race, not race 10. I agree that Kimi shouldn't bash his current employer, but EVERYBODY in F1 knows that he's gotten the shaft for so many years with McLaren. Coming so close, yet so far away. So every once in a while he comes out and speaks his mind. Again, I don't necessarily agree with his political aspect of it, but I do agree with his statements.

I think his next employer will ignore those occasional blips that he makes. Everyone in F1 knows that he is a driver, and a darn good one. Give him a good car, and he'll take care of the rest.



Mika

[Tex Arcana]

Ron needs to take a few lessons from Flavio Briatore, and be ready to race the first race, not race 10.
fixed. Definitely. I"m thinking he's on the verge of having bitten off more than he can chew, and having lost his best minds (Newey et al).

As for the rest: egh, when Kimi wins more races than he loses with mental lapses, I'll capitulate; otherwise, he's in the "flash-in-the-pan" category.

[Mika]

39 to 26. Both have crappy cars, yet Kimi is still ahead. A real driver would make the most out of his car, not whine and moan and punt other drivers out.

Kimi wouldn't have won that race anyway. With a messed up clutch, he still podium'd. 4 podiums to JPM's 2 this year so far. I can't complain. Especially with a sub-par car(for McLaren).

Face it, the rest of the F1 paddock is realizing how much of a slacker JPM is. Yeah, this year he's trying hard, but it's a case of too little, too late. If he wasn't so cocky, he'd be likeable. There's a reason why he's called "whine" Pablo...


Mika

[dboat]

Well boys, we made it over today.. qualifying at 1p tomorrowknana knana knana

I'll see if there are any lemonade pics to be had..

Dana

[Tex Arcana]

Well boys, we made it over today.. qualifying at 1p tomorrowknana knana knana

I'll see if there are any lemonade pics to be had..

Dana
hot chicks FTW.

[dboat]

Qualifyng was great today... nice and warm (too warm to suit me but I was in the shade).. All Ferrari front row and the Renault boys having issues.. life is good...

This is the pinnacle of motorsports my friends..

Tex, I couldnt decide whether to get you a Kimi or Juan Pablo t-shirt, so I didnt get you one at all.. I know how you love those guys..:evil :evil

Dana

[Mark #2]

Qualifyng was great today... nice and warm (too warm to suit me but I was in the shade).. All Ferrari front row and the Renault boys having issues.. life is good...

This is the pinnacle of motorsports my friends..

Tex, I couldnt decide whether to get you a Kimi or Juan Pablo t-shirt, so I didnt get you one at all.. I know how you love those guys..:evil :evil

Dana
Yeah I watched it, I love the new qualifying format, wish I was there, but I've got the DLP Fab responsibility this weekend. How about the Honda's?

[Tex Arcana]

Qualifyng was great today... nice and warm (too warm to suit me but I was in the shade).. All Ferrari front row and the Renault boys having issues.. life is good...

This is the pinnacle of motorsports my friends..

Tex, I couldnt decide whether to get you a Kimi or Juan Pablo t-shirt, so I didnt get you one at all.. I know how you love those guys..:evil :evil

Dana
:rll: you are so... teh funneh!! :tongue:

I got into the beginning of the last qualifying session on Speed today--that drag-race out of the pits was hilarious! I've been watching practice/qualifying, and the Speed coverage was good and enjoyable--well, except for that spare Derek Daly, who I beleive barely has the intelligence to breathe, much less discuss anything at all. :nono:

If you get me a USGP ballcap, I'll get Doug to give ya a kiss. :rll:

[Tex Arcana]

Yeah I watched it, I love the new qualifying format, wish I was there, but I've got the DLP Fab responsibility this weekend. How about the Honda's?
Not bad for Rubens, Button isn't too hot, tho; however, I think the real news is Stupid Aguri Dorifto Swap's placement ahead of Liuzzi and (of all people) Trulli--didja see his one and only qualifying run, where he was spraying sawdust all over the track?? :rll: Damn, his luck went sour in a hurry. :(

I'd say Schuey's placement is the biggest deal, tho; especially since Alonso got relegated to 5th. The Speed crew say that Renault is resigned to just trying to finish, and have publicly laid out on this race--engine problems, maybe??

It's gonna be a fun race, tho. :)

[dboat]

Yeah I watched it, I love the new qualifying format, wish I was there, but I've got the DLP Fab responsibility this weekend. How about the Honda's?

The Honda's didnt look too bad,and you dont know what fuel load they are running, so they just might be in the thick of things.. it looks like the Bridgestone tires are doing better in the heat than the Michelins.

Tex, according to the drivers, the Renaults are skating around and they cant seem to get a good setup, again is it the Michelins in the heat?

Now for the good part,,,,, kiss from Dougie for a hat??? hmmmmm:rolleyes:

Guys, wish you were here to hang and party...

There was a great interview on local tv where the local sports guy ran down Bernie Ecclestone.. what an arse he is... OMG...:eek:
But, I do believe they are really trying to bring the race back here for another stretch.

I said it last year and it still holds, this is the best set up racetrack I have ever been too... this place is great!!
Dana

[Tex Arcana]

The Honda's didnt look too bad,and you dont know what fuel load they are running, so they just might be in the thick of things.. it looks like the Bridgestone tires are doing better in the heat than the Michelins.

Tex, according to the drivers, the Renaults are skating around and they cant seem to get a good setup, again is it the Michelins in the heat?

Now for the good part,,,,, kiss from Dougie for a hat??? hmmmmm:rolleyes:

Guys, wish you were here to hang and party...

There was a great interview on local tv where the local sports guy ran down Bernie Ecclestone.. what an arse he is... OMG...:eek:
But, I do believe they are really trying to bring the race back here for another stretch.

I said it last year and it still holds, this is the best set up racetrack I have ever been too... this place is great!!
Dana

I'm at lap 28 in the race, about an hour and a half back (I love DVRs:D), and this is a coolrace, despite the attrition--that wrech on lap 1 was unbelieveable. I still haven't been able to tell who caused it, but so far it was Kimi standing on the brakes that caused JPM to rear-end him, which pushed Kimi into Button, who pushed out and caused Heidfeld to flip, and JPM slid into Speed. :eek2: Then there was Tacrapo Sato taking out ...Monteiro? --I swear, the need to run that jap the hell out, and take that stupid aguri dorifto team with him. :hammer:

[dboat]

We had a great time.. its always good when you go to a race and your favorite driver wins.. ticks me off that Ralf ended b4 the race was over, it let Fred(Alonso) move up a position. Michael was just cruising today.. once he got past Massa after the first pit stop.. the wreck was pretty spectacular but it did take out too many guys. The parking was great.. the weather was warm with a breeze and we were in the shade.

Will probably do it again, if it comes back to Indy. This was the last year of their contract with F1, so I guess it will depend on Bernie E.

Dana

[Tex Arcana]

We had a great time.. its always good when you go to a race and your favorite driver wins.. ticks me off that Ralf ended b4 the race was over, it let Fred(Alonso) move up a position. Michael was just cruising today.. once he got past Massa after the first pit stop.. the wreck was pretty spectacular but it did take out too many guys. The parking was great.. the weather was warm with a breeze and we were in the shade.

Will probably do it again, if it comes back to Indy. This was the last year of their contract with F1, so I guess it will depend on Bernie E.

Dana
Daly caught up with Bernie before the race, damn near knocked down the guy who had gotten there first, then managed to push himself into that interview; the gist of it was, Bernie was ready to be pissy about it, but he found everyone being nice about it, AND he surprisingly found the numbers there. It's all gonna depend on the money, really: he's already stated he's not going to "subsidize" a race in America, so it's gonna have to make him money, period.

Decent race, hated seeing that first-turn wreck take out so many people, tho. From what I've seen on Speed, it looks like Kimi ran into the turn hot, came up on Rubens, had to slam the brakes, and JPM ran up his rear, and the whole thing started. Everyone's calling it a "racing incident", and I ahve to agree. The SECOND incident, tho, was ENTIRELY Tacrapo Sato's fault, and he should be banned forever. :nono:

[Mika]

Kimi going to Renault perhaps? According to a Spanish newspaper, YES!

http://www.planet-f1.com/News/Story_Page/0,15909,3210_3213_1315829,00.html


This should make next year interesting.



Mika

[dboat]

Kimi going to Renault perhaps? According to a Spanish newspaper, YES!
http://www.planet-f1.com/News/Story_Page/0,15909,3210_3213_1315829,00.html
This should make next year interesting.
Mika

We ran into some folks from Columbia, JP fans, but they were also McLaren fans.. they felt that JP would be with Williams and Kimi with Renault.. so maybe the secret is out.. but didnt Renault just say that they signed their number one driver, Fisichella? :evil

but if that story is true about Kimi getting paid 4x Alonso, life is going to be good for Kimi.. Except dont the taxes really suck in Finland?
Dana

[Mika]

We ran into some folks from Columbia, JP fans, but they were also McLaren fans.. they felt that JP would be with Williams and Kimi with Renault.. so maybe the secret is out.. but didnt Renault just say that they signed their number one driver, Fisichella? :evil

but if that story is true about Kimi getting paid 4x Alonso, life is going to be good for Kimi.. Except dont the taxes really suck in Finland?
Dana

The taxes do suck big time in Finland. I'd imagine that if Finland was his place of residency, he'd be taxed somewhere along the lines of 70%. But his legal residency is Monte Carlo, where there is little/no taxation. Most F1 drivers legally reside in Monte Carlo for this reason alone.

Now, if JP is going to Williams and Kimi is gone, who is going to be the first driver? I would assume they'd put Lewis Hamilton as the second driver. Hmm, Ron Dennis has his work cut out for him. But then again, he's probably known this for quite some time now.


Mika

[dboat]

The taxes do suck big time in Finland. I'd imagine that if Finland was his place of residency, he'd be taxed somewhere along the lines of 70%. But his legal residency is Monte Carlo, where there is little/no taxation. Most F1 drivers legally reside in Monte Carlo for this reason alone.

Now, if JP is going to Williams and Kimi is gone, who is going to be the first driver? I would assume they'd put Lewis Hamilton as the second driver. Hmm, Ron Dennis has his work cut out for him. But then again, he's probably known this for quite some time now.


Mika

Schumacher's legal residency is in Switzerland.. wonder what kind of taxes he pays there?:rolleyes: You are right on about Monte Carlo, no taxes. but only the ultra wealthy can afford to live there, ironic isnt it..

Who knows what the final seating is going to be with the drivers? but you may see a third driver get to make the step up for McLaren. Of course, this would be wild, but if MS doesnt come back, who is going to be the first for Ferrari? wont be Massa.. but this year does go to show you how much of the winning is the car/team vs the driver. Barrichello hasnt done nearly as well, and frankly Massa has come from nowhere, although he was a good driver before. The only driver that couldnt win in a Ferrari has got to be Sato.. :evil

Dana

[dboat]

Mika,
Outside of having Kimi get bumped out in the first corner, did you have a pretty good weekend at the race? we had a great time..
Dana

[Mika]

Mika,
Outside of having Kimi get bumped out in the first corner, did you have a pretty good weekend at the race? we had a great time..
Dana

Oh yeah, I had a great time. I got to see my family, got to hear the F1 engines, and I got to get outta town. It's funny, 'cuz we were watching the qualifying near the start/finish line, and most everyone around us had ear plugs on. I left 'em off, and told my wife that it's music to my ears:). That's something that you just can't forget too easily...

The folks there were pretty nice, the race was a bit of a parade, but still entertaining. Ferrari had some phenomenal pits(6.5 and 6.6 seconds!!!), Renault tried to keep pace, and Jarno got points!!! Definitely an interesting race. Much better event than last year, even though only 9 cars made it to the end of the finsih. It would have been nice to see McLaren make it to the end of the race, but I doubt I'd see either of 'em pushing for a podium, let alone a victory.



Mika

[Mika]

Schumacher's legal residency is in Switzerland.. wonder what kind of taxes he pays there?:rolleyes: You are right on about Monte Carlo, no taxes. but only the ultra wealthy can afford to live there, ironic isnt it..

Who knows what the final seating is going to be with the drivers? but you may see a third driver get to make the step up for McLaren. Of course, this would be wild, but if MS doesnt come back, who is going to be the first for Ferrari? wont be Massa.. but this year does go to show you how much of the winning is the car/team vs the driver. Barrichello hasnt done nearly as well, and frankly Massa has come from nowhere, although he was a good driver before. The only driver that couldnt win in a Ferrari has got to be Sato.. :evil

Dana

It's going to be interesting seeing all the team captains scramble to find decent drivers, especially if Herr Schumacher decides to retire. And since Rossi isn't coming to F1, it'll be even more interesting. I really think Michael will return for one year, simply 'cuz he can still put the fight to these young drivers. Especially with a Ferrari.

If McLaren want a Finn in the seat, Kovalainen is the only other option since Kimi's gone. And I don't see Renault giving Heikki up too easily. There's a couple drivers I feel they need to get rid of. One is Taku(which is pretty much a given), and the other one is Ralf. I don't see a competitive edge in him. He acts uppity, like he's done something. When the reality is that he's only riding the coattails of his brother. All I know right now is that the driver's seats for '07 are a big ??????



Mika

[dboat]

It's going to be interesting seeing all the team captains scramble to find decent drivers, especially if Herr Schumacher decides to retire. And since Rossi isn't coming to F1, it'll be even more interesting. I really think Michael will return for one year, simply 'cuz he can still put the fight to these young drivers. Especially with a Ferrari.

If McLaren want a Finn in the seat, Kovalainen is the only other option since Kimi's gone. And I don't see Renault giving Heikki up too easily. There's a couple drivers I feel they need to get rid of. One is Taku(which is pretty much a given), and the other one is Ralf. I don't see a competitive edge in him. He acts uppity, like he's done something. When the reality is that he's only riding the coattails of his brother. All I know right now is that the driver's seats for '07 are a big ??????
Mika

Speaking of Ralf, someone has already stepped up to pay him $10M.. cant remember who it was.. then he had to go and blow up the car (prob wasnt his fault) with 10 laps left to let Fred get up another position for another point:flaming:
MS needs all the help he can get right now to get back into the points race.. and he is prob the only one that can catch Fred unless he DNF's a few races.. and that is not likely to happen because their cars have been dead reliable so far. So unless they wreck, not much is going to change that. There is all the talk of this turnaround this race with Ferrari, but I think that Michelin brought very conservative tires to the track that werent up to the speeds of the Bridgestones and wanted to make sure their cars could run.. the next GP at France will tell a tale whether Ferrari is really back or not.
Dana

[Mika]

Speaking of Ralf, someone has already stepped up to pay him $10M.. cant remember who it was.. then he had to go and blow up the car (prob wasnt his fault) with 10 laps left to let Fred get up another position for another point:flaming:
MS needs all the help he can get right now to get back into the points race.. and he is prob the only one that can catch Fred unless he DNF's a few races.. and that is not likely to happen because their cars have been dead reliable so far. So unless they wreck, not much is going to change that. There is all the talk of this turnaround this race with Ferrari, but I think that Michelin brought very conservative tires to the track that werent up to the speeds of the Bridgestones and wanted to make sure their cars could run.. the next GP at France will tell a tale whether Ferrari is really back or not.
Dana

I can't believe people throw money at Ralf. He is still yet to do anything worthwhile. He's junk as far as I'm concerned. There's so many other drivers that deserve a seat more than him. Alex Wurz, Hamilton, Kovalainen...

I do agree that Michelin brought a conservative tire to the USGP. I still feel that the McLaren's are still off pace. Hard to blame 3.5 seconds on tires. MAYBE 1.5-2.0 seconds, and the rest you can blame on the heap known as the Silver Arrows.

Michael and Ferrari are going to have to race balls out the rest of the season. IF Michael wins every race and Alonso comes in second, he'll still be 1 point behind(9 races left, 19 points behind). Michael is going to need help from Massa, which I am 100% sure he will get. This year's world driver's championship isn't over yet. But Ferrari are going to have to seriously dominate the rest of the season, a feat not easy. But if there's any team that can do it, it's Ferrari.


Mika

[dboat]

I will give McLaren one kudo above all the other teams... even Tex wont argue this, but then again maybe he will.. that car is one of the most beautiful race cars ever.. it is absolutely gorgeous.. that is one fantastic paint job...
Dana

[Tex Arcana]

This is what happens when my internet goes down (isn't it funny that it fails on Sundays and holidays?? :hammer:), I miss the *good discussions. :(

Anyway, here we go:

it's "Silly Season", boys: and we're gonna get treated to every half-baked rumor and bathroom scribbling there is for the next few months. It's almost not worth discussing, because you just will never know.

I don't see JPM going to Williams: they had a HUGELY rocky relationship to begin with, to the point of ol' Frank himself ripping into JPM and calling him everything in the book including Finnish(!) to try to get him to perform. What was ironic is the scuttlebutt behind that was that the team wasn't even trying to work with JPM beyond the bare minimum, and so he could never get comfortable. So I doubt that is going to happen.

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).

Michelin shot themselves in the foot with this race, because of the tires. We all know they can build a proper tire for this track if they wanted. Problem is, the tendency of teams to run the rears soft to allow them to cut rear wing, and I still do'nt beleive that's a problem, I think someone at Michelin make another HUGE mistake (especially give they had all the time in the world to make a proper tire and test it--if Bridgestone could do it, so could they), and that head is gonna roll--tho, maybe it did, with the passing of the Old Man himself?? Naaahhh.. too dramatic. ;) But Dana's right: Mangy-Cours is going to be the pivitol race for both Ferrari and MS: if Ferrari is back, or if Bridgestone has built *the* killer tire, then the battle will be on; otherwise Alonso will walk home with the title.

And, yes, Dana: the McLaren is a gorgeous car. The paint job is cool, tho I think they should've kept the more "chrome" look. But the Ferrari's are even more beautiful. :tongue: