Formula One Countdown 2007

[dboat]

Well, thank goodness there is something good on the horizon.. in just 68 days from now, we will have another season of Formula One Racing.
:banana: :nana2 knana

I started this thread because last years thread on this subject got to be over 30 pages long, well at least that long on how I have Talon set up. But anyway, this should prove to be an interesting year,, interesting indeed. Drivers changing teams, no Micheal Schumacher to count on to win most everything, when he has a decent car. Etc, etc..
I know there are probably a lot of NASCAR guys on the board, but nothing in motorsports does it for me like F1. The next best thing is NHRA, and then one of the two open wheel series, ChampCar and IRL. I have to say I am a bit more of an IRL fan mostly because of Danica Patrick. I just want her to do well.

Well, I am probably going to be rooting for Ferrari this year, although I am becoming something of a Jenson Button fan. I would like to see him do well. He seems like a decent bloke (this is my best Queens English). However, with the changes in some of the principles at Ferrari, I am wondering just how well the team/cars will do this next year.. it just wont be the same without Michael.

Well, it just another couple of months to go, or just another month after the SuperBowl.. so it wont be long, before I am getting out of bed early on Saturday mornings and going downstairs to put the race on the big screen, sit back and watch the fun begin.

Dana

[Mika]

First time EVER that I'll be rooting for the evil red team. Should be an interesting season. Lewis and Alonso at McLaren, Kimi and Massa at Ferrari.



Mika

[Tex Arcana]

Wow... I have hardly anything to say at the moment because I've seen absolutely no news on F1. The only thing I know is they are well on their way to becoming NASCAR, tho. :hammer:

[dboat]

Wow... I have hardly anything to say at the moment because I've seen absolutely no news on F1. The only thing I know is they are well on their way to becoming NASCAR, tho. :hammer:

They will never become Crashcar... I have been to a race and seen the fans.. believe me there is a difference.. especially in the women fans.. :eek2:

[Tex Arcana]

They will never become Crashcar... I have been to a race and seen the fans.. believe me there is a difference.. especially in the women fans.. :eek2:

okay, I'll restate: "F1 is well on their way toward turning into the euro version of WWFRacing, otherwise known as NASCAR." Meaning they are headed toward rules that will take out the technology and the driver in favor of "competition". Raikkonnen yellows, anyone?? :tongue: :d

[dboat]

okay, I'll restate: "F1 is well on their way toward turning into the euro version of WWFRacing, otherwise known as NASCAR." Meaning they are headed toward rules that will take out the technology and the driver in favor of "competition". Raikkonnen yellows, anyone?? :tongue: :d


maybe but the view in the stands will always be better.. :D

[Mark #2]

maybe but the view in the stands will always be better.. :D
There are more women at F1 races that don't shave than NASCAR... at least at the European races that I attended, but they did have more of their teeth, except in England.:tongue:

[dboat]

There are more women at F1 races that don't shave than NASCAR... at least at the European races that I attended, but they did have more of their teeth, except in England.:tongue:

cant speak for those overseas races but after going to Indy for a couple of years. the ones that make it here are clean shaven.. and have pearly whites.

[Mark #2]

cant speak for those overseas races but after going to Indy for a couple of years. the ones that make it here are clean shaven.. and have pearly whites.

Diggers and trophies, same as you see at Dallas NASCAR races.

Back on track, I haven't read up on the F1 changes this year on tires, engines, wings, suspension, rules etc.
So more homework for me.
Who won the predictions last year?

[dboat]

Diggers and trophies, same as you see at Dallas NASCAR races.

Back on track, I haven't read up on the F1 changes this year on tires, engines, wings, suspension, rules etc.
So more homework for me.
Who won the predictions last year?


http://www.formula1.com/insight/rulesandregs/

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 ) and Montoya

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

This should be fun and interesting..

Dana

Actual final standings..
Drivers

1 Fernando Alonso Spanish Renault 134

2 Michael Schumacher German Ferrari 121

3 Felipe Massa Brazilian Ferrari 80

4 Giancarlo Fisichella Italian Renault 72

5 Kimi Räikkönen Finnish McLaren-Mercedes 65

Constructors

1 Renault 206

2 Ferrari 201

3 McLaren-Mercedes 110

4 Honda 86

5 Sauber-BMW 36

Mark, I'll let you make the call on who was closest... :D

[Mark #2]

Okay, me, only person that got the first two right in the correct order for both the Driver and MFG.;)

[Tex Arcana]

http://www.formula1.com/insight/rulesandregs/


Cliff's Notes??


Rosberg (that is a reach Tex )

Of course it was, I dind't like anyone else there. :p

[kirkmears]

Wow... I have hardly anything to say at the moment because I've seen absolutely no news on F1. The only thing I know is they are well on their way to becoming NASCAR, tho. :hammer:
dats pha-knee
too bad no HiDef:rolleyes:(yet) don't get me wrong, i love watching F1 live, but thank goodness for technology that allows you to record them when they come on at 4am
:bows

[dboat]

Cliff's Notes??



Of course it was, I dind't like anyone else there. :p

the link was the best I could find.. and that last pick was still a reach.. :D

[dboat]

Okay, me, only person that got the first two right in the correct order for both the Driver and MFG.;)

ding ding ding ding... I agree, you be da winner!!!:banana:

[Tex Arcana]

ding ding ding ding... I agree, you be da winner!!!:banana:

oh, stop kissin' his butt. :tongue:

[Tex Arcana]

Interesting tidbit in Autoweek: STR and Stupid Aguri Dorifto Swap are allegedly using vehicles made by sister teams (RedBull and honduh, respectively), and this is supposedly in violation of that silly rule that says teams have to use tiehr own cars and designs, and no "customer" cars--silly, because in 2008, the rules change again to allow Prodrive(?) to build "customer" cars. :rolleyes:

[dboat]

If looks counted for anything in performance.. then this is a competitive car.. although I would think that it will be, just not sure the drivers will be ..

http://www.formula1.com/news/5540.html

[Mark #2]

Okay, I'll give up my secret source, since I won last year.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/category/story.cfm?c_id=66&objectid=10420581

[dboat]

till the best auto racing series turns it on again... knana

Dana

[dboat]

Just 43 more days... did you read about the F1 extravaganza that is being held in Abu Dabi?

[dboat]

37 days and counting!!

[dboat]

Here is the latest from Formula1.com... the boys in red are looking strong but I dont think anyone has the overwhelming uppperhand this year..

With testing in Bahrain complete, the teams will return to their bases and prepare to depart for Melbourne and the Australian Grand Prix on March 18.

Unofficial Thursday times from Bahrain:
1. Felipe Massa, Ferrari, 1:29.989
2. Heikki Kovalainen, Renault, 1:30.384
3. Giancarlo Fisichella, Renault, 1:30.498
4. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari, 1:30.534
5. Fernando Alonso, McLaren, 1:30.564
6. Rubens Barrichello, Honda, 1:31.067
7. Pedro de la Rosa, McLaren, 1:31.354
8. Scott Speed, Toro Rosso, 1:31.500
9. David Coulthard, Red Bull, 1:31.589
10. Nick Heidfeld, BMW Sauber, 1:31.720
11. Mark Webber, Red Bull, 1:31.742
12. Robert Kubica, BMW Sauber, 1:31.751
13. Ralf Schumacher, Toyota, 1:31.791
14. Jenson Button, Honda, 1:31.837
15. Franck Montagny, Toyota, 1:32.264
16. Takuma Sato, Super Aguri, 1:33.357

and lets be honest... Tex hates Kimi,, and most all of us dont think that Sato even belongs here..
I am surprised to see Jenson Button that far down the list.. but gotta be optimistic and hopeful for young Scott Speed..

[kirkmears]

till the best auto racing series turns it on again... knana

Dana


HEAR, HEAR!

[Tex Arcana]

Here is the latest from Formula1.com... the boys in red are looking strong but I dont think anyone has the overwhelming uppperhand this year..

With testing in Bahrain complete, the teams will return to their bases and prepare to depart for Melbourne and the Australian Grand Prix on March 18.

Unofficial Thursday times from Bahrain:
1. Felipe Massa, Ferrari, 1:29.989
2. Heikki Kovalainen, Renault, 1:30.384
3. Giancarlo Fisichella, Renault, 1:30.498
4. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari, 1:30.534
5. Fernando Alonso, McLaren, 1:30.564
6. Rubens Barrichello, Honda, 1:31.067
7. Pedro de la Rosa, McLaren, 1:31.354
8. Scott Speed, Toro Rosso, 1:31.500
9. David Coulthard, Red Bull, 1:31.589
10. Nick Heidfeld, BMW Sauber, 1:31.720
11. Mark Webber, Red Bull, 1:31.742
12. Robert Kubica, BMW Sauber, 1:31.751
13. Ralf Schumacher, Toyota, 1:31.791
14. Jenson Button, Honda, 1:31.837
15. Franck Montagny, Toyota, 1:32.264
16. Takuma Sato, Super Aguri, 1:33.357

and lets be honest... Tex hates Kimi,, and most all of us dont think that Sato even belongs here..
I am surprised to see Jenson Button that far down the list.. but gotta be optimistic and hopeful for young Scott Speed..

interesting to see Alonso so far down the list, esp. when his replacement is already beating fishhead. :lol:

Truth is, these times aren't worth much, considering they're doing testing and making lots of adjustments.

Can't wait for the season to start, hope my damn Dish DVR will be working by then. :hammer:

[Tex Arcana]

so what's news with this? When's the first race?

[dboat]

so what's news with this? When's the first race?

Kimi looks fast although Massa has been looking fast too.. the first race is this Saturday at 10:30p EDT... its in Australia.. cant wait cant wait..

Dana

[Tex Arcana]

Kimi looks fast although Massa has been looking fast too.. the first race is this Saturday at 10:30p EDT... its in Australia.. cant wait cant wait..

Dana


Whaat about fred and the rest?

[dboat]

Whaat about fred and the rest?

Who cares about them?:D

actually, I havent had a chance to read up on the www.formula1.com
website.. also has the updates on the new rules and regs..

I will get to it later in the week, before I post up a poll on who will win it this year..

Dana

[Tex Arcana]

Who cares about them?:D

actually, I havent had a chance to read up on the www.formula1.com
website.. also has the updates on the new rules and regs..

I will get to it later in the week, before I post up a poll on who will win it this year..

Dana

Last thing I read was a blurb in Autoweek's ASSCAR guide, it was brief but tantalizing (like, Ferrari's decision to go with a significantly longer car), and snippets about McLaren having a really decent car this year. I just got the ultimate Racing fan Guide in the mail, but haven't read it yet, either (gotta finish the James Bond novel first :d).

[dboat]

You should be able to see live practice sessions tonite on the Speed Channel. It is scheduled to come on at 11p EDT.. or 10p CDT (for those that are challenged in this area)..

The commentary should be good, and we should begin to hear about all the changes, the rumors, the drama.. because what is F1 without some drama..

Go Big Red...

Dana

[Tex Arcana]

You should be able to see live practice sessions tonite on the Speed Channel. It is scheduled to come on at 11p EDT.. or 10p CDT (for those that are challenged in this area)..

The commentary should be good, and we should begin to hear about all the changes, the rumors, the drama.. because what is F1 without some drama..

Go Big Red...

Dana

If I can get my dang dish box problem sorted out, I'll be there. :hammer:

[Silver_2000]

If I can get my dang dish box problem sorted out, I'll be there. :hammer:

Practice was yesterday - qualifying (http://www.speedtv.com/programs/260/)is tonight 10:30 CST

http://www.speedtv.com/schedule/

[Mika]

Man, I'm looking forward to this year, but at the same time I'm not. Being a McLaren fan for so long, and then having Kimi go to Ferrari is confusing to say the least. Kinda like being a Red Sox fan and your fav. player going to play for the Yankees.Oh well. It does look like Ferrari is doing ok. McLaren looks strong, and another Finn is on the grid(Heikki Kovalainen in a Renault). Should be interesting to see how this year willl end up.Mika

[Tex Arcana]

Practice was yesterday - qualifying (http://www.speedtv.com/programs/260/)is tonight 10:30 CST

http://www.speedtv.com/schedule/

The problem is, every time I get a box, it's still got problems, and I end up having to send it back... and, of course, that means my programming goes out the window. :(

[Tex Arcana]

Man, I'm looking forward to this year, but at the same time I'm not. Being a McLaren fan for so long, and then having Kimi go to Ferrari is confusing to say the least. Kinda like being a Red Sox fan and your fav. player going to play for the Yankees.Oh well. It does look like Ferrari is doing ok. McLaren looks strong, and another Finn is on the grid(Heikki Kovalainen in a Renault). Should be interesting to see how this year willl end up.Mika

Hey, your boy ended up on the pole!! And you think YOUR confused, waht about me?? I had to be restrained from cutting my own throat over him getting the pole. :rll:

I saw some pics of the new Ferrari, that thang is quite nice; and it looks like they did things right with the extended wheelbase and the engine mods (to compensate for the 19k rev limit).

I can't believe Sato actually made it up in the top 10, tho, without hitting someone else along the way. Any bets on how many cars he'll take out in the race?? :lol:

[dboat]

Get them up before the race tonite.. the race starts at 11 EDT, 10 CDT.. prerace show starts 30 min before that..

You need to post up your top 3 drivers and constructors

My picks

Drivers

Kimi, Alonso, Massa

Constructors

Ferrari, BMW, Toyota

I dont think that the McLarens will hold up again this year, but FA will find a way to nurse his home..

Dana

[Mika]

Hey, your boy ended up on the pole!! And you think YOUR confused, waht about me?? I had to be restrained from cutting my own throat over him getting the pole. :rll:

I saw some pics of the new Ferrari, that thang is quite nice; and it looks like they did things right with the extended wheelbase and the engine mods (to compensate for the 19k rev limit).

I can't believe Sato actually made it up in the top 10, tho, without hitting someone else along the way. Any bets on how many cars he'll take out in the race?? :lol:

It's gonna be a rough season already(between you and me), I can tell:tongue: .

Not sure how this season will go. I have a feeling it'll go two ways. Ferrari and Kimi will take the DC and CC, or Alonso will do the best he can and make every point count and bring a DC to McLaren, while the CC goes to Ferrari. I will say this though, I am quite impressed with a few of the younger drivers. Kubica, Hamilton impressed me the most. BMW is going to be strong this year too.

My picks

Top 3 drivers: Kimi, Alonso(could go either way), and Massa.

Top 3 Constructors: Ferrari, McLaren, BMW.

ROY: Lewis Hamilton. I mean, qualifying 4th in his first race? Darn good.


Mika

[dboat]

It's gonna be a rough season already(between you and me), I can tell:tongue: .

Not sure how this season will go. I have a feeling it'll go two ways. Ferrari and Kimi will take the DC and CC, or Alonso will do the best he can and make every point count and bring a DC to McLaren, while the CC goes to Ferrari. I will say this though, I am quite impressed with a few of the younger drivers. Kubica, Hamilton impressed me the most. BMW is going to be strong this year too.

My picks

Top 3 drivers: Kimi, Alonso(could go either way), and Massa.

Top 3 Constructors: Ferrari, McLaren, BMW.

ROY: Lewis Hamilton. I mean, qualifying 4th in his first race? Darn good.


Mika


Mika,
I gotta agree on your ROY choice.. just hope its not a flash in the pan..

what I am concerned about is the one US driver, Scott Speed and my other favorite driver Jenson Button, Honda does not look good right now.

[Mika]

Dana, I hate to say it, but I don't see Scott staying around much longer in F1. I know that Red Bull has dropped a pretty coin getting him a seat, but at the same time the higher ups are results oriented.

I'd like to see JB do well. Hard to do so when your current car is performing worse than the previous model.

I don't think Lewis is a flash in the pan. He's been tailored by Dennis for quite some time now, and I don't see him leaving anytime soon(barring serious incidents). He's been unofficially under Ron's wing for 10 years(can't remember where I read it, maybe F1 mag), so I don't think he's too likely to be tossed to the curb.



Mika

[Mark #2]

I don't understand this rule, forced to use two different tyres during the race...okay let's put on the hard tyres now so we can go slower :confused:

Tyres
With Bridgestone becoming Formula One racing's sole supplier for 2007, each team will receive only two specifications of tyre per event. However, they will get more sets - four per driver on the Friday and ten for the remainder of the weekend. Each driver must use both specifications during the race and a large white dot on the sidewall of the softer compound will allow spectators to easily distinguish which tyre a driver is using at any time.

Not that excited about F1 yet this year, maybe it will change when the racing starts.

[Tex Arcana]

yeah, that tire rule seems quite silly. I can see strategies going both ways, tho: hard tires first, then softs; or vice-versa. It's gonna be wierd, tho. :(

Drivers: Alonso, Massa, Wreckkonen (sorry, Mika, I just *cannot* bring myself to place him higher than that, it was like pulling teeth to even admit third for him).

ROY: Hamilton looks way good, suspect we may see Kovalienin do really well, especially when Fishhead pisses off Renault, and they start concentrating on Kova's car.

[Sixpipes]

F1 gives me tired head...:hammer:

Alonso, Kimi, Kubica

McLaren, Ferrari, BMW

[Mika]

yeah, that tire rule seems quite silly. I can see strategies going both ways, tho: hard tires first, then softs; or vice-versa. It's gonna be wierd, tho. :(

Drivers: Alonso, Massa, Wreckkonen (sorry, Mika, I just *cannot* bring myself to place him higher than that, it was like pulling teeth to even admit third for him).

ROY: Hamilton looks way good, suspect we may see Kovalienin do really well, especially when Fishhead pisses off Renault, and they start concentrating on Kova's car.

No need to apologize, Tex.

After the first race, I am not sure of the CC. I think McLaren may push very hard, and they have two extremely talented drivers in Hamilton and Alonso(the second being a given). Their only question is their reliability. I think Massa's Ferrari would have been close to Hamilton and Alonso's speed/pace. Not sure if he'd be able to pass them though.

As far as the drivers championship goes, I still feel it'll be between Kimi and Alonso. Maybe Massa and Hamilton throwing it in the mix as well. If Alonso's car can hold together, then it'll be a championship to be determined in the last race. Otherwise, Kimi *should* take it. BUT, that's my opinion, and we all know about opinions.

BMW can mount up a good charge too. That's if DC doesn't continue crashing into Kubica, who is seriously talented.



Mika

[Tex Arcana]

It was a good race, tho I keep wanting to reach thru the TV and choke wrekkonen for that damn Qaalude monotone he uses. :hammer:

I think the real revelation here is hamilton: that boy is GOOD! :eek2: I think we have another Alonso on our hands here--or, better yet, racing's version of Tiger Woods: black, smart, talented, and well-spoken. I think he's going to be the next Shumacher, if they don't completely NASCAR-ize the series by then.

BMW looked good, too, tho Heidfeld fell off the radar a bit in the late goings, but that means he was driving well. I had hoped Massa could do better, but making it to 6th from dead last isn't to be sneezed at; now to see if he can make the top 4 next time.

[dboat]

I enjoyed the race too. You have to give props to Massa for picking up 16 spots, only person to do better than that would have been Kimi, FA or the old MS.. that kid Hamilton had a great showing and could have been second but one wonders about those pit stops.
What about that wreck between Coulthard and Wurz? almost took his head off, literally.

One of my favorite venues is next in Malaysia, coolest looking race track ever. plus the layout is pretty good too.. It looks to be a pretty competitive series this year..

The tyre thing is similar to what they are doing in the CART series, where they have two different tires, but they are a different color, IIRC..
I think its weird.. I say run whatever freakin tyre you want to run..

Dana

[Mika]

You know that team orders gave Alonso 2nd, and put Hamilton in 3rd. No question about that in my mind. McLaren doesn't want Kimi winning now, because that would just prove that their cars suck when it comes to reliability. Don't get me wrong, Kimi's no angel when it comes to cars, but how many drivers do you know that have had 3 wing failures in their career?

Coulthard and Wurz made absolutely no sense. Looked like a Sato move, and that's exactly what I thought it was initially.

Hamilton has showed in his first race that he's the real deal. Hats off to him for handling the pressure so darn well. I mean, podium in his maiden voyage. WOW!



Mika

[Tex Arcana]

You know that team orders gave Alonso 2nd, and put Hamilton in 3rd. No question about that in my mind. McLaren doesn't want Kimi winning now, because that would just prove that their cars suck when it comes to reliability. Don't get me wrong, Kimi's no angel when it comes to cars, but how many drivers do you know that have had 3 wing failures in their career?

Coulthard and Wurz made absolutely no sense. Looked like a Sato move, and that's exactly what I thought it was initially.

Hamilton has showed in his first race that he's the real deal. Hats off to him for handling the pressure so darn well. I mean, podium in his maiden voyage. WOW!



Mika

I didn't think they were that close, but I could be wrong. What's really funny is that the McLaren's both ran really well this weekend, and have been very fast this spring as well; which lends credence to my assertions that wrekkonen really ticked off the team and they laid out on him.

Coulthard tried to make a late move, and Wurz just wasn't paying attention (like wrekkonen when he had his off :tongue:--can't BELIEVE he admitted that in the interview!), at least he had the presence of mind to get his hands off the wheel and hit the brakes.

My new favorite is Hamilton, now. Alonso is great, and chances are very good he'll end up with the DC, but it would be cool to see Hamilton do it in his rookie season. ;)

[Tex Arcana]

I enjoyed the race too. You have to give props to Massa for picking up 16 spots, only person to do better than that would have been Kimi, FA or the old MS.. that kid Hamilton had a great showing and could have been second but one wonders about those pit stops.
What about that wreck between Coulthard and Wurz? almost took his head off, literally.

One of my favorite venues is next in Malaysia, coolest looking race track ever. plus the layout is pretty good too.. It looks to be a pretty competitive series this year..

The tyre thing is similar to what they are doing in the CART series, where they have two different tires, but they are a different color, IIRC..
I think its weird.. I say run whatever freakin tyre you want to run..

Dana

Didja hear what they said aboutt he tire markings, that when Bernie heard that CART uses a red stripe to distinguish one tire from the other, he went the exact OPPOSITE direction, just to avoid the appearance of having learned something from CART?? :hammer::rll:

Honestly, I think the teams screamed bloody murder about having ANY kind of markings at all on the tires, and that dot was a last-ditch compromise.

And, yes, I think the new tire rules are silly. However, I'm of the opinion that they not only should be running full-tread street tires, but that all 4 tires must be the same size and width. :tongue: Imagine that: having to re-engineer the entire car to compensate for the tires. :d Oh, and all wings should be banned, too: force them to make working suspensions that enhance grip, instead of playing witch doctor games with air. :d

[dboat]

Well, the race this weekend is at the coolest looking track in the world, at least the stands are cool..

Its on at 3a on Sunday and qualifying is at 2a on Sat, EDT.. anyone gonna stay up or get up to watch it live?

I probably will and then go back to bed. :rolleyes:

Dana

[Mika]

I'll be up to watch it live. I may be a bit comatose though;).




Mika

[Tex Arcana]

Not me, folks... sorry, just can't do it anymore, tht's why I have a DVR. :tongue:

I was despairing there for a bit, couldn't figure out if I had missed a race between Austrailia and this weekend. :(

[dboat]

Qualifying this morning was pretty good.. the top three guys all got their best time as the clock was expired and they were on their last hot lap.. wow..

For those that want to watch what should be a very good race, well at least for the top two teams, it will be rebroadcast on the Speed Channel at around 3:30p EDT, a more normal time to watch a race.. if you stay tuned to the Speed Channel, you can watch a NOPI Tunervision marathon starting at 10p EDT.. not that I care a whit about their races, I do think they have some of the best eye candy of any car related tv show going.. IMHO... :D

Dana

[Mika]

Hats off to McLaren. They had the pace today. Hamilton has really impressed me. He's one heck of a driver, especially being able to hold off a few red cars.



Mika

[dboat]

Hats off to McLaren. They had the pace today. Hamilton has really impressed me. He's one heck of a driver, especially being able to hold off a few red cars.

Mika


I agree.. it was pretty well set from beginning to end.. Still wondering if Kimi had started his run earlier, would he have gotten past Hamilton for 2nd..but dont think there is any way he would have caught Alonso. Also wondering whether McLaren has really developed a faster car or was Kimi nursing a water leak as has been reported. And what about Heidfeld getting 4th place!! nice finish for Nick and BMW!! I am really sad for Jenson Button. I really do like him as a person and a driver. He said it correctly in that his car is crap.. 12th place isn no points and no fun either.
At least it looks to be a competitive season for at least two teams, dont know if BMW or Renault will be able to make a run for it.. but did you catch the interview with Flavio before the race, you can tell his is really perturbed about the performance of their cars right now..

Also, good thing most of these races dont happen at 3am EDT.. not sure how many more of those I could take.. barely got out of bed this morning to watch and will have to take a nap to make up for lost sleep time.

Mika, are you going to Indy again this year? I am pretty sure we are..

Dana

[Mika]

I'm pretty sure Kimi was nursing his car 'til the last 10 or so laps. Because he was catching up on Lewis by half a second to a full second per lap. I'm not sure he'd be able to get past Lewis though, as Lewis seems to be a decent driver. Ferrari did what they did, and that was get as many points as possible. Sad to see Massa drop off though. Going from pole to 5th isn't exactly Ferrari's way of moving ahead.

I don't see myself going to Indy this year. My parents are on the fence about it. My wife doesn't want to go, so that kind of puts a damper on me going. Shame because it'll be the first time that I haven't gone to Indy since F1 came back in '00.



Mika

[dboat]

Mika,
Sorry to hear that.. I just ordered 3 day passes and parking, plus the box lunch.. We are going to go early this year for the paddock walk through and all.. we had a really good time last year and qualifying was just great.. we moved our seats a little closer to the start/finish line but kept them under cover for protection, rain or shine.. actually the sun can be brutal on us old folks:tongue: .

The announcers did mention the engine issue with Kimi, and they also said that if Michael was driving he would have won too.. on Massa, I am wondering if he can pull together the fast lap but just doesnt have the mental edge to do an entire race.. your thoughts? I'd ask Tex, but he will post anyway:evil

Dana

John, j/k

[Mark #2]

Just finished watching, didn't stay up.

Massa screwed up numerous times on the same corner number 4 and every time they went in car camera with him.

Hamilton was very impressive on the start and holding off Massa and Kimi.
M/M looks very strong.

Kimi had a good run in a hurt car.

It is surprising that Honda is not competitive and Toyota barely.

[Mika]

Mika,
The announcers did mention the engine issue with Kimi, and they also said that if Michael was driving he would have won too.. on Massa, I am wondering if he can pull together the fast lap but just doesnt have the mental edge to do an entire race.. your thoughts? I'd ask Tex, but he will post anyway:evil

Dana

John, j/k

People need to get the Schumi cack out of their mouths. He's retired. He was a heck of a driver. Not sure if we'll ever find another one that's as good as he is. But he retired. I just don't understand how people can say that Schumi would have won. I think Ferrari's best trait is their reliability/speed combo. They win points because they can finish them. Schumi's had a couple of races where his car was injured, but for the most part, he's had clean, trouble free cars.

Massa reverted to his younger days yesterday. He made quite a few mistakes, and didn't seem to learn from them. Last year he was smoother with Schumi by his side. Maybe he feels the pressure of him being the #2 driver caused him to make his mistakes. Maybe the engineers were telling him to overtake if possibleee. I don't know.


Mika

[Tex Arcana]

The answer is simple: Schumi was a maaster at race strategy. He rarely screwed up with pit timings, and once he was out front, it took a major incident to pull him out of the lead. Kimi's a fast driver, but he doens't have the strategic vision to pull it off, and today's race proved it. :tongue"

I think Massa got over-pressured, by his team and his teammate, in the early going; then again, Hamilton drove like a master holding them back with *just enough* to let Alonso run away with it. I was laughing out loud in the early stages, watching Massa try to dive past Hamilton and eventually screw it up and fall back hard.

Here's the biggest difference between the McLaren of last year and this year: when they played the radio transmission of Alonso after the win, the very first people he was thanking was his team; he was absolutely ecstatic for both his win *and* Ham's performance; and they both made sure the team got thanked in the interview. Kimi's never been like that unless someone's twisted his arm, and I still believe he just flat pissed off the McLaren people, to the point where they stopped giving him that extra little bit that's required to win.

It was truly a fantastic race, and the Speed crew really did it well. Now on to next week and Bahrain. :cool:

[dboat]

Heading downstairs to the ghetto home theatre to watch the race with laptop in hand to catch the live timing as well.. qualifying was great again with it all coming down to the last hot lap to have Massa win another pole but then youngster Hamilton coming in second and Kimi third and Alonso fourth.
Is Hamilton going to be the next Schumi?

I have to say I am really feeling bad about my other favorite driver, Jenson Button. Honda has given them such a POS to drive this year. I wont hear too much about him and thats pretty sad.. I kind of wish he was in a Ferrari to see how well he could really do.. but to no surprise, look how well Anthony Davidson did in the Super Aguri, esp on Q1.. way better than the token Japanese driver Sato (ok is anyone on this board surprised?).

Will David Coulthard and Scott Speed be back next year? Heck, will they finish out this year?

Dana

[Mark #2]

Pretty good start to this race so far, very competitive.

[Mika]

Good race. Hamilton continues to impress. He's tied with Alonso and Kimi now for points, and he's a rookie!

I don't see Scott Speed in F1 next year. He's not living up to expectations, IMHO. Another overrated driver(and the most overpaid, IMHO) is Ralf. To get paid $25m/year(ish) and be a backmarker isn't exactly stellar.



Mika

[dboat]

It was a good race.. I agreed with some others in that I would have hoped that Kimi would have taken it to Hamilton toward the end when he was within a second of him..not sure what happened there.. unless he decided to go with the 3rd place and be tied at the top for drivers points..
I absolutely loved Heidfeld passing up Alonso and making Ron Dennis eat his words regarding BMW..

I did like the way in the post race interview where they asked Massa about seeing his lead diminish, he basically said, I coasted to the end and saved the car.. good for him..

One visual note or observation... no matter what the weather was like for the race, you never saw MS sweat or wipe sweat away.. yet over the last two races, these guys have their towels with them and Hamilton had sucked down half a pitcher of Gatorade before they even got to him...

Dana

[Tex Arcana]

yah, I agree, good race. Massa redeemed himself from the last one, Hamilton set yet another benchmark, and did it well. Wreckonnen ends up third after what seemed to be a mail-in race, and Alonso fourth with what appeared to be a problematic car. I like that the top three spots are tied so far, and BMW doing better by the race, perhaps they can be the spoiler team and make Ferrari and McLaren work for it this year.

As for Sato: it was a very telling comment the boys made, late in the race, that the lead engineer for Stupid Aguri basically assembled the team to support Sato, yet the dummy can't seem to run a race without smoking a motor; heck, Davidson seems to be faster even when they try to tip the scales Sato's way.

Coulthard had an excellent drive, 'til the halfshaft let go; weber got owned by a recalcitrant fuel filler door; and speed just flat got caught in a wreck, as with Button. I hate to say it, it looks like honda has turned into an also-ran team. :(

Then there's Renault: anyone get a feeling that Fishhead has his head on the stump?? When Flavio got on the radio and climbed up his butt to get him to pass Trulli--and then failed--that says Fishy is on the blacklist. Personally, I think he should get dumped out with yesterday's garbage, prefereably in the same dumpster as Sato.

All-in-all, good race. Maybe we'll get a driver shakeup in the next month. :cool:

[dboat]

We start it all back up again!!knana

Will Alonso win on his home turf? Will Kimi step up? Will Massa reign supreme again? Oh, the drama... :D

Just glad to see racing starting up again, but these 3 week breaks are horrendous.

Dana

[dboat]

Now I wonder what time it will be on tv here?


Singapore will host a round of the 2008 FIA Formula One World Championship, it was confirmed on Friday. The race, to be held on a new street circuit, will be the first night-time event in Formula One history.

The announcement follows the agreement of a five-year deal between FOM CEO Bernie Ecclestone, Singapore entrepreneur Mr Ong Beng Seng, and the Singapore Tourism Board.

“I am very pleased to welcome Singapore to the Formula One family and we look forward to this exotic addition to the championship,” said Ecclestone. “This will be the first fully lit street race in Formula One.

“As a night race we anticipate it will quickly establish itself as one of the most dramatic and atmospheric races on our calendar. I know the Formula One drivers, teams and fans are all looking forward to coming to Singapore next year.”

The new race is scheduled to take place towards the end of the calendar in September or October. The timing of the night event means it can be broadcast at a convenient time for European TV audiences as well as thrilling local fans. It is also expected to have a hugely positive economic impact on the region.

"We are delighted to have reached a deal to bring this landmark event to Singapore, and look forward to working with F1, the Singapore Tourism Board and the business community to deliver a great race and vibrant support events together with the very best of Singapore’s famed hospitality and cuisine.” Ong added.

The Singapore Grand Prix will take place on public roads around the Marina Bay area. The design proposal includes powerful lighting systems that will replicate daylight conditions and the most stringent safety protocols will be applied to ensure driver and spectator safety.

Grandstand seating and hospitality areas lining the track will be able to accommodate more than 80,000 spectators, while a permanent pit area with deluxe paddock facilities will be built adjacent to the existing Singapore Flyer complex.

“It will be more than just a motor race,” commented Singapore’s Minister of State for Trade and Industry, Mr S Iswaran. “We envision it to be a national festival, and one that presents many opportunities for participation for everyone, both visitors and Singaporeans alike.

“Singaporeans are excited about the race coming to Singapore and I share their enthusiasm. Singapore looks forward to welcoming the Formula One drivers, teams and fans to Singapore next year.”

The Singapore Grand Prix will be managed by Singapore GP Pte Ltd, a newly incorporated race promotion company formed between Komoco Motors and regional events company Lushington Entertainments, via its parent company Reef Enterprises.

[dboat]

Nice Race today... the start was very exciting, Alonso got it wrong at the post race conference.. (I am beginning to not like him).. Lewis Hamilton was on the podium again, this guy is the real deal.. youngest driver to lead in the points since the mid 60's. Bad luck again for Kimi.. even in a Ferrari. He is still in the hunt though... Massa continues to surprise me... I didnt realize he is only 26 yrs old.. WOW... Monaco, one of my favorites, is next up.. then the trip to the 'States.. in one month, USGP.. cant wait to go and be there this time for the whole experience and the whole time.. not just qualifying and the race..

Dana

p.s. How many of you heard of the issue of Bernie stating if the current guy doesnt get elected then no additional Grand Prix next year?

[Tex Arcana]

Massa is an excellent driver, as long as he doesn't let someone crawl into his head and turn it to mush. He did well despite the fuel fire in the pits; Ferrari shows dominance, again, despite the Werckonnen result :rolleyes:, how does he manage to break the best car on the grid??

hamilton is excellent, and fun to listen to. Alonso did well, too, tho he did smack Hammy on turn one, surprised it didn't end up worse.

Singapore, at night?? Silly if you ask me, they gonna give them headlights?? :rolleyes: And Bernie playing politics?? That's sure to backfire.

What's the next race? And is it my imagination, or is Formula one Debrief *not* on the air this week, despite them saying it is (A$SCAR Channel strikes again).

[dboat]

Kimi had an electrical failure, really really not his fault.
Alonso wanted to blame someone for his issues, he is slowly becoming an a$$ and a head case, his rookie teammate is a better driver and the other team is better too.. and he can not handle that.
Singapore will be lit up like Daytona, so no headlights needed..
F1 Debrief has been renamed to F1 Plus. May 25 at midnight EDT.
Monaco :banana: on May 27.. I love that race, may have to go one time before it all ends.
Dana


Massa is an excellent driver, as long as he doesn't let someone crawl into his head and turn it to mush. He did well despite the fuel fire in the pits; Ferrari shows dominance, again, despite the Werckonnen result :rolleyes:, how does he manage to break the best car on the grid??

hamilton is excellent, and fun to listen to. Alonso did well, too, tho he did smack Hammy on turn one, surprised it didn't end up worse.

Singapore, at night?? Silly if you ask me, they gonna give them headlights?? :rolleyes: And Bernie playing politics?? That's sure to backfire.

What's the next race? And is it my imagination, or is Formula one Debrief *not* on the air this week, despite them saying it is (A$SCAR Channel strikes again).

[Mark #2]

No one watched this parade this morning?

Alonso drove beautifully though.
Kimi and Scott Speed fighting for the same position.:rll:

Michael S. is coming back as a test driver?

[Tex Arcana]

No one watched this parade this morning?

Alonso drove beautifully though.
Kimi and Scott Speed fighting for the same position.:rll:

Michael S. is coming back as a test driver?

I watched it this afternoon, thanks to the miracle of the DVR :rolleyes:.

I think if Hamilton had just one break go his way, he'd've won this race. He's cracking off laps and times that are pushing Alonso hard, and his abilities behind the wheel are better than pretty much everyone's. Mark my words: Lewis Hamilton will be the next great driver. I only wish he could have won this race and set yet another "first" in F1.

I think this was a good race, esp. for Monaco. Oh, I *LOVED* how hamilton said, in the post-race interview, that he smacked that armco "a bunch of times", but that the durability of the car was fantastic --gee, if Wreckonnen had done that, he'd've ripped the suspension off!!:rll: What does that tell ya?? ;)

As for the rest: Massa is the real deal, but I don't see the championship going to him unless McLaren gets set back really hard (read: FOCA smacks 'em for something bad). He's definitely the better driver between him and Wreckonnen, esp. lately. And with Schumacher wandering the shadows, I suspect that Wreckonnen's getting the heat turned up; if we see Michael doing testing, Wreck-boi will pitch a hissy fit, get his a$$ chewed, toe the line for a race or two, and eventually either quits or get fired.

Next 4 races are on Fox, anyone have any word on who'll be doing the commentary?? If they were actually smart, they'd pick up the Speed crew and let them do it their way.

[Mika]

No one watched this parade this morning?

Alonso drove beautifully though.
Kimi and Scott Speed fighting for the same position.:rll:

Michael S. is coming back as a test driver?

I really had no motivation to watch this morning. Kimi botching up qualifying, or was it practice yesterday? Same corner Schumi botched up the year before. Such is life. I don't see Kimi taking the DC this year. He doesn't kiss Ferrari's ass like Schumi did.



Mika

[dboat]

Sorry I didnt post up.. I watched qualifying and the race realtime. The McLarens were just on it today. Massa could have hung in there, but there was something with him after that first stop, tires or something.. I liked it when Hamilton said that he never considered Alonso as some sort of teacher/mentor.. He does look to be the real deal, but time will tell and lets see what car his team gives him year after year. Kimi is struggling with the conversion to Ferrari, could be the car, could be the tires, could be Kimi. Although I hope its not the latter. He really is a great driver, IMHO, but you have to wonder what is going on with him between the ears with all the bad luck that he has had. There are constant rumors about his lack of conditioning, whereas, I dont think anyone was in better condition than MS.. The Italian press will be brutal on him. Its still early in the season, we shall see.

I AM NOT LOOKING FORWARD TO FOX TELECASTING THE NEXT FOUR RACES. THEY TEND TO REALLY REALLY SUCK ON THE COVERAGE.

I will at Indy for this years race.. every day..

Dana

[dboat]

Well, I hope and bet that Ferrari is pooping in their pants sitting at 4th and
5th on the grid. That Hamilton kid is really looking more impressive all the time. I bet Alonso is not liking the fact that he is taking a back seat to this newcomer.

Should be a good race except for the broadcast...

Dana

[dboat]

Well, no one has posted up, but Lewis is really running well. What a weird race. Penalties, wrecks, injuries, etc etc..

Super Friends comes through.. who wants to jump on that bandwagon?

Ferrari is losing ground and fast. Wonder if this is because they are not moving forward with the car and everyone is beginning to pass them up in performance. Regardless of that, wonder if Kimi will be blistered by the Italian Press. Mika, what is the Finnish press saying?

Alonso has got to be really wondering at this stage of the game, being outclassed by Lewis.

At least the broadcast used the Speed guys, so it wasnt as bad as it was in the past with ABC and CBS. But to start the broadcast with the cars lined up was unstable. But at least it was live.

Dana

[Tex Arcana]

Well, no one has posted up, but Lewis is really running well. What a weird race. Penalties, wrecks, injuries, etc etc..

Super Friends comes through.. who wants to jump on that bandwagon?

Ferrari is losing ground and fast. Wonder if this is because they are not moving forward with the car and everyone is beginning to pass them up in performance. Regardless of that, wonder if Kimi will be blistered by the Italian Press. Mika, what is the Finnish press saying?

Alonso has got to be really wondering at this stage of the game, being outclassed by Lewis.

At least the broadcast used the Speed guys, so it wasnt as bad as it was in the past with ABC and CBS. But to start the broadcast with the cars lined up was unstable. But at least it was live.

Dana

bwahahaha... hell, it was a FUN race!! 4 safety cars?? Massa and Fishhead blackflagged for stupidity?? The only bad thing was the wreck of Kubica, at least he was alive and (according to the Speed boys) with only a broken leg--THAT had me on the edge of my seat, I honestly thought he was dead. :(

Hammy wins decisively, Alonso drove an absolutely horrid race (somethign wrong with the car?), EVERYONE was all over the place, including the vaunted Kimi, who seemd like he was somewhere else instead of the race, at least in his head. Massa was actually doing well 'til the black flag, tho, so bummer for that--and the news that Shumacher is there to help MASSA and not Wreckonen, tells me that he's going to be kicked to the curb in short order if he doesn't pull his head out of his arse.

Good race, REALLY looking forward to Indy now, and the new leaders. :D

edit: And the broadcast was actually quite good, the boys dumbed it down just enough for the n00bs, without alienating/talking down to the rest of us. Well done, actually, except that Fox cut it short and didn't show the post-race interviews and pre-race stuff.

[Mika]

Well, no one has posted up, but Lewis is really running well. What a weird race. Penalties, wrecks, injuries, etc etc..

Super Friends comes through.. who wants to jump on that bandwagon?

Ferrari is losing ground and fast. Wonder if this is because they are not moving forward with the car and everyone is beginning to pass them up in performance. Regardless of that, wonder if Kimi will be blistered by the Italian Press. Mika, what is the Finnish press saying?

Alonso has got to be really wondering at this stage of the game, being outclassed by Lewis.

At least the broadcast used the Speed guys, so it wasnt as bad as it was in the past with ABC and CBS. But to start the broadcast with the cars lined up was unstable. But at least it was live.

Dana

I sure as HELL ain't gonna jump on that Super Friends bandwagon. Unless they take out Speed :throw:.

Nothing being said really about Kimi in the Finnish press, other than him passing Mika Salo in total career points(Finnish drivers). He's third all time, behind Hakk and Keke Rosberg.

As far as Schumi helping mASSa, I'm not surprised. He needs all the help he can get. Getting black flagged is about the worst thing you can do to yourself, and to your team. Great for morale, DC and CC. Felipe needs to be coddled by Michael. BUT, Ferrari keeps a "fair garage". :d

My dad said this a long time ago, and I'm starting to believe him. Italians such as Ferrari and the like need to have drivers who have big heads, types who go around saying "I'm the best driver in the world". Schumacher was an arrogant prick. A hell of a driver, no doubt, but an arrogant prick. Look at his interivews back in the day, before everyone started gobbling his cack. He would reply with snide remarks, show no respect to the interviewers and what not. Maybe that's why I didn't care for him. I respected him as a driver, but his true side comes out when he "loses control at 12 mph", or swerves into other drivers(Hill, was it?). No class whatsoever. Just 100% *******. Good thing he's gonna be holding Felipe's hand, and not Kimi's. I'll take Kimi's partying(it's a national pasttime, for those that don't know), his boring monotone interviews(you know the kind that people aren't talked down to), and his non ass kissing attitude rather than someone who could have killed someone just to win a DC.

****, Adam Sandler knows about it, and he's just an actor. Respect.



Mika

[dboat]

Well, Kim and I left Wed and arrived in Indy late Wed night. We went to the Pit lane walkabout and stayed for some of the Speed Channel interviews. It was well worth it.. I will see how my pics turn out when I get home and post up if they are worth posting.

The pit walk was pretty nice. There was enough turnover so that you could get up to the barriers and take some pics. There was the occasional startup of an engine and you could see the mechanics doing their thing. I feel better about some of my car skills after seeing a mechanic bang on an undercarriage piece, so banging on cars is an ok thing, even F1 cars:D .

We did see Alonso out there once looking at some computer in his pit.

I will also try to post up some "strange" reports as well. Since it was Thursday, I would give the overall day a 4 (out of 10). The numbers were low and there wasnt a whole lot to look at. This would be because its mostly a guys day with the only their SO's in tow. Kim did see a few (for those women that visit Talon).

I hope you guys watched or Tivo'd the interviews on Speed. I was out there for the Renault, Super Aguri and Ferrari guys. Fisi was really good, K was right there with him.. I have a whole new level of respect for Sato after his interview, and Davidson was great as well (wait for the beaver comment). The Superfriends then came down to the crowd and signed autographs as well. What struck me then, even though I probably knew this, is that Davidson must be about 5'2" tall and Sato 5'4" tall. Gee, these guys are really tiny. Then Kimi and Massa came out. They were really pretty cool. Mika, if I could have gotten you an autograph, I would have, but even the autograph sessions are random and very small. Kimi has a pretty large tat on his right fore-arm heretofore unseen. You could actually see his personality come out as they talked to him about his rep for partying. Massa was such an upbeat guy as well, making fun of his cutoff shorts with the wholes in them.

I left after that as I didnt want to hang around in the 90 degree sunshine to for another hour in hopes of seeing Jenson Button and Rubens B.

It was a lot of fun that I would do again in a heartbeat and will try to do again next year if time and money permit it.

Dana

[dboat]

Day two of the trip..

First day of practice, two sessions. It was pretty cool this morning and quite a bit warmer this afternoon. I enjoyed the 1.5 hours of each session watching the cars and drivers go out and in trying different setups and such.

The level of "strange" wasnt much different today. Although the numbers of attendees was way up compared to yesterday. Tomorrow should be even greater with qualifying happening in the afternoon.

On a side note, the number of performance vehicles here seem much higher here than in other cities (yes, they have Indiana plates). I have seen more Ferrari's in the last two days than I saw in 2 years in Dallas. We followed a Lambo to the racetrack this morning. There are more Vettes than you can shake a stick at; MB conv's (mostly AMG's), Lexus verts, Porsche's (mostly Boxers), etc etc..

Dana

[Tex Arcana]

I've been watching the entire thing on Speed this week (thanks to a nasty case of strep, I've got all the time in the world on my hands at the moment :(). The interviews were great, I really enjoyed how they did them and how easy and open the drivers seemed to be. The practice sessions were cool as well--and the clarification of the two-engine rule that came to light over Hamilton's lump really makes it very understandable now!

Of course, as of now: Hammy is P1, Alo is P2; Massa and Wreckonnen follow. How about that new Vettels kid??? 19yo and P6?? Hot damn, look for an upset of the order this weekend! I still think Lewis will pull off the win, tho.

[Tex Arcana]

WOOHOO!!! McLaren 1-2, Hamilton holds off Alonso for the win in decisive fashion; Mass comes in third after holding off Wreckonnen as well. And how about the new kid, Vettels? 8th spot, sets the record for the first teenager to earn a championship point in Formula One--awesome!! Unfortunately, Nico Rosberg torched his motor 4 laps from the end (and a nice points spot), after a very gutsy 1-stop strategy that seemed to be working for him.

All in all, it was an excellent weekend, the Speed/Fox coverage was excellent as usual, and the extrended coverage by the Speed crew was awesome. :tu:

Dana, hurry up with the pics and your report.

[dboat]

Well, the initial practice runs look promising for Ferrari for once. Kimi and Massa have turned the fastest times so far.

The race wont be live but at least the show will be decent with the Speed guys doing the broadcast on Fox.

With qualifying later this morning, and the track being relatively narrow, am hoping that the Ferrari boys can get the 1-2 spots and then do a wire to wire run and get back in the race. Even if Hamilton DNF's he will still be in 1st place after the race but things would tighten up a bit. The Speed boys reminded everyone on the last broadcast that it wasnt that long ago that Kimi was leading the points race by 13 at this time in the season and still lost the DC. So there is hope out there for the Ferrari faithful.

Dana

[Mika]

Funny how people have been reportedly blasting Kimi for his crappy starts. It HAS to be him, because Ferrari can never fail. He gets an updated clutch(probably one that Massa's been using since the 2nd race), and he wins. Passes Hamilton(1st person in F1 to do so), and wins the race. Amazing when you give a driver some decent equipment. Not even as good as Massa's, but decent. Top speed recordings on the track, Massa had 305.4? kph, while Kimi had 304.1 kph.

Jean Todt is Massa's manager, and effective manager at Ferrari. Guess who's gonna get preferential treatment? But yet, there's no #1 or #2 driver.

Too bad Trulli had to rear end Kovalainen. Heikki could have had a decent race too. Surprised that Sato wasn't even mentioned. Guess he's learning to keep a lower profile(crash less, maybe?).

All in all a good performance by Ferrari. A good resurgence for the company. Too bad it might be too late for Kimi, or Massa for that matter. Kimi's behind Lewis by 22 points, Massa's behind 17. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if Hamilton took it all. Incredible consistency and tenacity, especially for someone as young as he is.



Mika

[dboat]

Funny how people have been reportedly blasting Kimi for his crappy starts. It HAS to be him, because Ferrari can never fail. He gets an updated clutch(probably one that Massa's been using since the 2nd race), and he wins. Passes Hamilton(1st person in F1 to do so), and wins the race. Amazing when you give a driver some decent equipment. Not even as good as Massa's, but decent. Top speed recordings on the track, Massa had 305.4? kph, while Kimi had 304.1 kph.

Jean Todt is Massa's manager, and effective manager at Ferrari. Guess who's gonna get preferential treatment? But yet, there's no #1 or #2 driver.

Too bad Trulli had to rear end Kovalainen. Heikki could have had a decent race too. Surprised that Sato wasn't even mentioned. Guess he's learning to keep a lower profile(crash less, maybe?).

All in all a good performance by Ferrari. A good resurgence for the company. Too bad it might be too late for Kimi, or Massa for that matter. Kimi's behind Lewis by 22 points, Massa's behind 17. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if Hamilton took it all. Incredible consistency and tenacity, especially for someone as young as he is.



Mika

Mika, I pretty much agree with your summation. I dont know that KR is getting a different or slower car, the difference in speed could just be the weight difference between the two drivers. But I did enjoy the race today and it was good to see SF finish 1-2. Kimi really drove today the way we know that he can. The French GP is a drivers course and he showed it. I dont know that anyone is catching LH unless he DNF's or finishes out of the points on at least one race. FA has got to be kicking himself right now, but he did pull a great pass to get by Heidfeld after the second pit stop. Hope you saw that one. KR did a great job off of the line getting second place. That first corner is so tight no wonder there werent more wrecks. What is good is that there is some good young talent coming into F1 that should keep it interesting. We do need more competitive teams to really shake it up a bit more though.
I was also glad to see Jenson Button get a point. I do like him and the Honda's have just been very bad this year.

I am a bit surprised that Tex hasnt commented on this one just yet..

OH, it was good to see Kimi actually smile a bit at the post race interview.

Dana

[Tex Arcana]

lol, just because I do a little thing called "sleep", and I get bandwagoned?? :hammer: Just kidding, boys, put down the torches... I said, "put down the torches", the axes aren't necessary, either... :tongue:

As for the race: Kimi won, amazingly, didn't even manage to break the car. :rolleyes:

And, yes, there *is* a #1/#2 at ferrari: Massa is #1, Kimi is #2, look at the camera mounts, Massa's is red (#1), Kimi is yellow (#2). ;)

As for the rest of the race: Hamilton still pulled it off, despite being #3, I suspect they dialed his car down a notch to survive, esp. after Alonso's "bearing failure"--I mean, if they have to completely cut the gearbox off the engine blockjust to manage to replace it, something BAD happened back there to cause it to begin with :eek:.

Yes, Kimi drove well, he didn't manage to break it, and somehow he managed his strategy to get up front for a change--for if he hadn't gone those 3 extra laps, Massa would've won this one.

Mangy-Cours is a gorgeous track, too bad it's going away; I get the feeling F1 is about to strangle itself with its money demands, especially the tracks it *needs* (read: America and Canada).

Silverstone will be a good race, esp. since it's Hamilton's "homecoming", as it were. He's shaping up to be the best since Senna or Schumacher. :cool:

[Mika]

So you think F1 needs the US and Canadian GP's? I could see the need for a Canadian GP, but Americans aren't exactly interested in seeing "their boy" getting beat by others. If F1 is to remain in the US, the country better come up with a hell of a driver. Seriously, a Hamilton who can be a media darling and great driver. But hey, that's just MHO.

So with Alonso's tranny blowing up/melting, is that his fault? I mean, you like to blame Kimi for 3 wing failures...;).



Mika

[dboat]

I am not sure that F1 really needs a French GP. Face it, there are a LOT of places that are willing to pony up the money. The sponsors want and need a USGP, not sure that F1 has to have it though. I do like going to Indy, its a great place to have a race. But honestly, if someone in Las Vegas was willing to step up and have the race there, it would be bigger.

I am pleased that Hamilton is doing well in his rookie year, but please, lets stop these comparisons with Schumi and Senna. I am a little bit sick and tired of this. There was a young lad named Jacques Villeneuve that won in his rookie year, and where did he end up? Lets hold off on this comparison until Hamilton has at least 5 Drivers Championships under his belt first. For all we know, he will be lured away by big money to drive for Super Aguri, Red Bull, or Spyker.. and where would that get him? It takes a team to win these things and a car that wont break and it has to be fast. I bet the boys at Honda, Toyota etc.. will tell you that.

Dana

[Lyfisin]

The only bad thing was the wreck of Kubica, at least he was alive and (according to the Speed boys) with only a broken leg--THAT had me on the edge of my seat, I honestly thought he was dead. :(

I think I saw that race. That's the guy who kind of went airborne into the center of a curve area and then came back toward the track and slammed into the wall hard. I thought he was gone too when I saw his head go sideways. It really looked bad, but 15 or 20 minutes later they were saying he was ok. To have only a broken leg after that is amazing.

[Tex Arcana]

So you think F1 needs the US and Canadian GP's? I could see the need for a Canadian GP, but Americans aren't exactly interested in seeing "their boy" getting beat by others. If F1 is to remain in the US, the country better come up with a hell of a driver. Seriously, a Hamilton who can be a media darling and great driver. But hey, that's just MHO.

So with Alonso's tranny blowing up/melting, is that his fault? I mean, you like to blame Kimi for 3 wing failures...;).



Mika

Hell, the USGP is more important than the Canadian GP, if only because of the major MAJOR market in the US to a number of F1 manufacturers: Ferrari (their biggest market), BMW, Mercedes, Honda, Toyota; Renault is the only outsider, and they would LOVE to have a presence here.

So, yeah: America is huge to F1, to the point where a number of Really Big Names (Sam Posey, Peter Windsor, Jackie Stewart, and others) think there should be a SECOND US F1 date. And I agree: If there isn't room on the calendar (hah! "not enough room" in 52 weeks??), then expand the calendar.

Alonso's tranny melted because Kimi threatened to go back to McLaren, didn't you hear that?? :banana: :tongue:

[Tex Arcana]

I am not sure that F1 really needs a French GP. Face it, there are a LOT of places that are willing to pony up the money. The sponsors want and need a USGP, not sure that F1 has to have it though. I do like going to Indy, its a great place to have a race. But honestly, if someone in Las Vegas was willing to step up and have the race there, it would be bigger.

Last time Las Vegas hosted an F1 GP, it was a flop, they'd've still made more going *back* to Dallas, instead of LV.

Nah, the other race should be held at Laguna Seca, period. What a race that would be, with those things going over the Corkscrew!! :eek2:


I am pleased that Hamilton is doing well in his rookie year, but please, lets stop these comparisons with Schumi and Senna. I am a little bit sick and tired of this. There was a young lad named Jacques Villeneuve that won in his rookie year, and where did he end up? Lets hold off on this comparison until Hamilton has at least 5 Drivers Championships under his belt first. For all we know, he will be lured away by big money to drive for Super Aguri, Red Bull, or Spyker.. and where would that get him? It takes a team to win these things and a car that wont break and it has to be fast. I bet the boys at Honda, Toyota etc.. will tell you that.

Dana

Sometimes, you just *know*... then there's Villenueve. ;) Hell, people said the same thing when Schumi hit the scene, on both sides of the fence; and those who stuck with him are sittin' rather pretty right now in the prediction camp.

And who would be fool enough to move from a proven contender/winner, to a total second-rate outfit? Oh, wait: Barrichello, Villenueve, etc, etc... ;)

If course, Hammy could kick the bucket tomorrow, too. :(

[dboat]

Last time Las Vegas hosted an F1 GP, it was a flop, they'd've still made more going *back* to Dallas, instead of LV.


When was that? must have been in the Frank Sinatra days.. I bet if they did it today, the pull would be huge.. esp from So Cal. But all over because you have other stuff to there while you are visiting for the race..

Dana

[Mika]

It's been at least 15 years, if not 20 since they did the F1 in Vegas, IIRC. You would have people coming in from all over the country to Vegas though. Indy isn't exactly a thriving tourist hot spot, except for 2 or 3 weekends out of the year.



Mika

[Tex Arcana]

When was that? must have been in the Frank Sinatra days.. I bet if they did it today, the pull would be huge.. esp from So Cal. But all over because you have other stuff to there while you are visiting for the race..

Dana

IIRC, it was right after the '84 Dallas Grand Prix, the local organizers here decided to let it go, and the LV ones stepped up and filled the void, but not well, because they drew significantly less than the DGP did.


It's been at least 15 years, if not 20 since they did the F1 in Vegas, IIRC. You would have people coming in from all over the country to Vegas though. Indy isn't exactly a thriving tourist hot spot, except for 2 or 3 weekends out of the year.



Mika



Perhaps so, but that track they have in LV is a dud. They really need to run a second GP at either Laguna Seca or Watkins Glen, because they're excellent tracks and have provenance. Hell, they could run at Road Atlanta and have a KILLER race. I still think they need to run at Indy, because it's an excellent track and it draws well, and the F1 community LOVE it (except for Bernie, who's a little sh!t).

So there. :tongue:

[Mika]

I'd love to see F1 run at Laguna Seca, but is there enough room to pass? Is the track wide enough? Also, would that venue be able to hold 200k+ people? I love that track, it actually is a bit technical.




Mika

[dboat]

I'd love to see F1 run at Laguna Seca, but is there enough room to pass? Is the track wide enough? Also, would that venue be able to hold 200k+ people? I love that track, it actually is a bit technical.
Mika

Laguna would be nice but I think Mika is right on this one, not sure its wide enough to pass on..if it was LV then a new track would be built. If you look at the newer tracks in F1, they are all pretty wide and allow more passing so that qualifying isnt the end all in determining the winner. Not sure that Watkins Glen is a solution either. I have been there, about 3-4 hours away, for an IRL race. The views arent great and it would be a pain for that many people to get there and get in and out.. Whereas, LV would have the hotel rooms, the airport and everything else around it. As much as we like to see tracks like LS that have the corkscrew, F1 doesnt like too much change in elevation anymore. (at least that is my take on it).

Dana

[dboat]

Have you guys seen this story.. no wonder McL/Merc is doing well.. they steal it away from Ferrari.. :tongue: its over on formula1.com

After weeks of media speculation, Ferrari have confirmed that they have presented a legal case against engineer Nigel Stepney, concerning the alleged theft of technical information from the team.

However, in an unexpected twist, the Italian squad also revealed that a member of the rival McLaren team is also involved in the investigation, a revelation that McLaren have subsequently confirmed.

"Ferrari announces it has recently presented a case against Nigel Stepney and an engineer from the Vodafone McLaren-Mercedes team with the Modena Tribunal, concerning the theft of technical information,” read a statement from Ferrari.

"Furthermore, legal action has been instigated in England and a search warrant has been issued concerning the engineer. This produced a positive outcome. Ferrari reserves the right to consider all implications, be they criminal, civil or of any other nature, according to the applicable laws."

Confirming the involvement of their engineer, who has yet to be officially named, McLaren commented: “McLaren became aware on the 3rd July 2007 that a senior member of its technical organisation was the subject of a Ferrari investigation regarding the receipt of technical information. The team has learnt that this individual had personally received a package of technical information from a Ferrari employee at the end of April.

“Whilst McLaren has no involvement in the matter and condemns such actions it will fully co-operate with any investigation. The individual has in the meanwhile been suspended by the company pending a full and proper investigation of the matter.”

The exact details of the case have not been revealed, but Stepney, who is no longer an employee of Ferrari, has maintained he is innocent of any wrongdoing.

The British engineer joined the team in the early 1990s and would go on to play an increasingly important role in Michael Schumacher’s championship success, despite being famously knocked over by the German during a botched pit stop at the 2000 Spanish Grand Prix.

[Mika]

Surprise, surprise. Another win for Kimi. Amazing how things work well for him when he's given a decent car(you know, improved clutch, no wing failures, no electrical issues, no overheating issues).

What's with mASSa? Did he stall out? Another way to drop the ball for Ferrari. Great decision Ferrari to put him as #1. Todt is smoking crack again, go figure. Even with help from the MIGHTY SCHUMACHER, Todt as manager, given a better car, he still ends up behind his teammate. :).

Hamilton and Alonso did about as well as they could, considering Ferrari's unmatched pace this weekend. Hopefully Ferrari will show the same or better pace next race weekend.


Mika

[dboat]

I was rooting for Kimi all the way.. Massa drove like a madman in getting back up to 5th place.. he was passing folks like they were standing still.. I really didnt think that the Ferrari's had passed up McL/Merc by that much.. what I am more interested in is whether M/M is better on the more open fast tracks like Indy rather than those that require less downforce..

Kimi really drove well, Massa did too if it werent for whatever issue befell him at the start.. it could have been another 1-2 Ferrari finish.. however, maybe things will get a little tighter.. also, I find that Alonso getting 2nd most interesting too, esp in Britain.. I am thinking that the politics are getting pretty hot and heavy in the M/M camp now..

Dana

Oh, it was a really good race today.

[Tex Arcana]

I'd love to see F1 run at Laguna Seca, but is there enough room to pass? Is the track wide enough? Also, would that venue be able to hold 200k+ people? I love that track, it actually is a bit technical.




MikaLaguna would be nice but I think Mika is right on this one, not sure its wide enough to pass on..if it was LV then a new track would be built. If you look at the newer tracks in F1, they are all pretty wide and allow more passing so that qualifying isnt the end all in determining the winner. Not sure that Watkins Glen is a solution either. I have been there, about 3-4 hours away, for an IRL race. The views arent great and it would be a pain for that many people to get there and get in and out.. Whereas, LV would have the hotel rooms, the airport and everything else around it. As much as we like to see tracks like LS that have the corkscrew, F1 doesnt like too much change in elevation anymore. (at least that is my take on it).

Dana

Bah, if the oldtimers could pass on LS in CanAm cars, they can pass in F1 cars. I'm tired of hearing guys who call themselves "professional drivers" (ASSCAR is the most guilty of this) whine about tracks that are difficult. If they wanna drive on a straight highway, then get off the track. :hammer:

Seriously: they really could make it work at LS, it's plenty big and wide enough. I understand your take about WG, but I'm thinking they could upgrade it to make it work. Also, Road Atlanta would be a better choice because it's already up to snuff on pretty much all counts except the "elevation change" bullcorn; and the damn whiner drivers can either shut up and work for their livings, or find a McDonald's that's hiring--oh, snap: they're automating them all. :eek: ;)

I'm still not a fan of LV, unless they go and put in a completely new track with a REAL roadcourse.

[Tex Arcana]

Have you guys seen this story.. no wonder McL/Merc is doing well.. they steal it away from Ferrari.. :tongue: its over on formula1.com

After weeks of media speculation, Ferrari have confirmed that they have presented a legal case against engineer Nigel Stepney, concerning the alleged theft of technical information from the team.

However, in an unexpected twist, the Italian squad also revealed that a member of the rival McLaren team is also involved in the investigation, a revelation that McLaren have subsequently confirmed.

"Ferrari announces it has recently presented a case against Nigel Stepney and an engineer from the Vodafone McLaren-Mercedes team with the Modena Tribunal, concerning the theft of technical information,” read a statement from Ferrari.

"Furthermore, legal action has been instigated in England and a search warrant has been issued concerning the engineer. This produced a positive outcome. Ferrari reserves the right to consider all implications, be they criminal, civil or of any other nature, according to the applicable laws."

Confirming the involvement of their engineer, who has yet to be officially named, McLaren commented: “McLaren became aware on the 3rd July 2007 that a senior member of its technical organisation was the subject of a Ferrari investigation regarding the receipt of technical information. The team has learnt that this individual had personally received a package of technical information from a Ferrari employee at the end of April.

“Whilst McLaren has no involvement in the matter and condemns such actions it will fully co-operate with any investigation. The individual has in the meanwhile been suspended by the company pending a full and proper investigation of the matter.”

The exact details of the case have not been revealed, but Stepney, who is no longer an employee of Ferrari, has maintained he is innocent of any wrongdoing.

The British engineer joined the team in the early 1990s and would go on to play an increasingly important role in Michael Schumacher’s championship success, despite being famously knocked over by the German during a botched pit stop at the 2000 Spanish Grand Prix.

I'm waiting for the McLaren protest on Ferarri's wheel "spats", damn sure it's going to happen now, with this coming down.

Stepney's a "name", and has been around for a long time. Either he made an egregious error (possible, but seems unlikely), or this is a setup from the get-go. No way to tell 'til the circus dust settles; watch for it to go away quietly, when Big Bernie steps in.

Which begs the question: *how much* espionage goes on between teams?? McLaren said at the beginning of the year that merely switching to Bridgestones improved the aerodynamics of the car; it's well-known that Ferrari has a MAJOR benefit from its relationship with Bridgestone. So, how much info went from one team to another, either thru an unwitting agent (Kimi? no way), or thru real espionage? Now *THAT* would be a great book! :tu:

[Tex Arcana]

Surprise, surprise. Another win for Kimi. Amazing how things work well for him when he's given a decent car(you know, improved clutch, no wing failures, no electrical issues, no overheating issues).

What's with mASSa? Did he stall out? Another way to drop the ball for Ferrari. Great decision Ferrari to put him as #1. Todt is smoking crack again, go figure. Even with help from the MIGHTY SCHUMACHER, Todt as manager, given a better car, he still ends up behind his teammate. :).

Hamilton and Alonso did about as well as they could, considering Ferrari's unmatched pace this weekend. Hopefully Ferrari will show the same or better pace next race weekend.


Mika

Mika, Wreckonnen's entire strategy SMACKED of Schumacher, both this weekend and the previous race. Maybe it really is Todt overall that is making the team better (and is that really a surprise?); maybe Schumacher's presence is being felt, as he starts offering his vast experience to the drivers (and if Kimi were smart, he'd effing listen).

As for Massa: he went from 22 in the pit lane to 5, I'd say that in and of itself was a damn good drive, overall; I don't think the mighty Schumacher has ever won the race from dead last.

As for the "lead" driver bit: hey, Massa's a known factor, he can actually WIN in a Ferrari; Kimi was unknown, and had a reputation for killing a car before the end of the race, so it makes sense to make him earn his spurs.

[Tex Arcana]

I was rooting for Kimi all the way.. Massa drove like a madman in getting back up to 5th place.. he was passing folks like they were standing still.. I really didnt think that the Ferrari's had passed up McL/Merc by that much.. what I am more interested in is whether M/M is better on the more open fast tracks like Indy rather than those that require less downforce..

Kimi really drove well, Massa did too if it werent for whatever issue befell him at the start.. it could have been another 1-2 Ferrari finish.. however, maybe things will get a little tighter.. also, I find that Alonso getting 2nd most interesting too, esp in Britain.. I am thinking that the politics are getting pretty hot and heavy in the M/M camp now..

Dana

Oh, it was a really good race today.

Yes, it was, most excellent.

I think Ferrari getting their wind tunnel back online made a bigger difference than people first thought. I mean, the thing's run 24/7, and you *know* a majority of the stuff going in is Ferrari race vehicles, and a majority of THAT is F1 research; so, yeah, that's a big deal.

Today's race showed something, that Ferrari still have the best motors in F1, given how fast the cars were. Despite hammy's "bad setup", and Alonso's speed, the Ferrari's were still significantly faster.

I'm still gonna root for Hamilton to take the DC, tho, that's just too cool a story to *not* want to happen. I do think McLaren will come up with some major improvements in the course of the next few races, and at least keep the DC race tight. I'm sure that Ferrari's wheel spats will get challenged and potentially overturned; otherwise, you'll see EVERY team adopt them (as, I'm sure, they've ALREADY done the research on them and how effective aerodynamically they are) in the next couple-three weeks.

And I still think Kimi's gonna kill a car needlessly, when it counts, and *really* piss off the team... it's just a matter of time. :tex:

[dboat]

As for Massa: he went from 22 in the pit lane to 5, I'd say that in and of itself was a damn good drive, overall; I don't think the mighty Schumacher has ever won the race from dead last.


No, but I think MS did podium once from last or near last.. :tu:

[Mika]

Schumi did make it from 22nd to 5th at Monaco '06. Kimi went from 17th to win the race in Japan '05. I do think that Ferrari has always had a good strategy. I don't think the strategy came completely from Schumi though. One thing I will agree with you on John, and that is that Lewis will take the DC. I hope I'm wrong, but it's hard to see him messing up and doing worse than 4th. Heck, he's been on podium every race so far, so what's to stop him from staying on? If both Massa and Kimi have good races, then Alonso might be able to snatch a spot on the podium, but he'd have to start ahead of Lewis, which is tough. mASSa dropped the ball, when he could have gotten Ferrari more points. As far as going from 22nd to 5th, that's great. Like I said earlier, Kimi went from 17th to win the race in Japan '05. And taking those top 4 places would be quite a bit harder than lollygagging around in 5th.It's taken Kimi almost half a season to get things rolling his way. On a new team. With a new boss. With a new engineering crew. So I'll say this again. Give Kimi a car, and he'll do well. Give Kimi cars that overheat or have electrical issues, and he'll do the best he can. At least he didn't stall... Lead driver will always be Massa. Finns and Italians don't get along. Kimi goes about his job quietly(on the track, off track=different story), while Massa just like the rest of Scuderia Redd Foxx O will continue to pound his chest machisimo style and claim that they're the best, even when he can't handle a simple clutch operation while stopped.</p>

[Tex Arcana]

Schumi did make it from 22nd to 5th at Monaco '06. Kimi went from 17th to win the race in Japan '05. I do think that Ferrari has always had a good strategy. I don't think the strategy came completely from Schumi though. One thing I will agree with you on John, and that is that Lewis will take the DC. I hope I'm wrong, but it's hard to see him messing up and doing worse than 4th. Heck, he's been on podium every race so far, so what's to stop him from staying on? If both Massa and Kimi have good races, then Alonso might be able to snatch a spot on the podium, but he'd have to start ahead of Lewis, which is tough. mASSa dropped the ball, when he could have gotten Ferrari more points. As far as going from 22nd to 5th, that's great. Like I said earlier, Kimi went from 17th to win the race in Japan '05. And taking those top 4 places would be quite a bit harder than lollygagging around in 5th.It's taken Kimi almost half a season to get things rolling his way. On a new team. With a new boss. With a new engineering crew. So I'll say this again. Give Kimi a car, and he'll do well. Give Kimi cars that overheat or have electrical issues, and he'll do the best he can. At least he didn't stall... Lead driver will always be Massa. Finns and Italians don't get along. Kimi goes about his job quietly(on the track, off track=different story), while Massa just like the rest of Scuderia Redd Foxx O will continue to pound his chest machisimo style and claim that they're the best, even when he can't handle a simple clutch operation while stopped.</p>

:rll: I'd love to see what you REALLY wrote the first time around. :tongue:

You know as well as I do that Wreckonnen (:tu:) burned plenty of bridges getting where he is, and that he didn't do himself any favors at McLaren. Maybe Schumacher read him the riot act, or just flat appealed to his better sense, and got him to act a bit more humanely toward his engineers; maybe Schumacher is lending his expertise to other areas of the team; maybe Todt stepping back in was necessary, not only to put Kimi in his place, but to push the team back into contention (tho, getting that wind tunnel back was HUGE for them, and i think it showed).

Besides, Massa is Brazilian. ;) And you know as well as I do that stalling on the grid is more a function of the car itself acting up (since the clutch does NOT have an actual clutch pedal), than of driver error. In other words, sh!t happens: when it happened to Wreckonnen, you said it was "team conspiracy" :tex; when it happens to Massa, you say it was "driver error". ;) :rll:

Of course, we all can go off the deep end and call the entire circus "Bernie's NASCAR", and say [/thread]. :eek2:

[Mika]

I had that huge glob in paragraph form, all nice and easy to read. I tried editing it about 4 times, but each time it put it as one huge paragraph, instead of 3 smaller ones.

I didn't know that they had the wind tunnel closed to begin with(FIA rules?). But you are right, getting them opened up helped out quite a bit.

As far as Kimi burning bridges, he probably did. I probably would as well, especially considering how Ron treated him(next year, Kimi, we'll get 'em next year with a BIGGER, BADDER car). You feed me the same line for 4 or 5 years, and I'd be pissed too. Hell, they stopped working on last year's car halfway through the season because they knew they couldn't keep up with the Renault's and Ferrari's. They gave him a decent car, but one that couldn't keep up with the other two teams. That's one season though, and it's over.

My bad on Massa being Brazilian. For whatever reason, I thought he was Italian. But you do get my point. Finns and Germans are generally more on the stoic side(stereotyping here), whereas Italians, Brazilians, Spaniards tend to be on the more *festive* side. Kimi's got the *festive* side, but that usually includes tramps and alcohol at a strip club or a dance club.



Mika

[dboat]

Kimi's got the *festive* side, but that usually includes tramps and alcohol at a strip club or a dance club. Mika

I consider that a positive for him... I dont think I will ever forget the first time I heard he fell off of the back of the boat in Monaco after the race because he was being too *festive*.. you gotta love that in a guy.

Dana

[Mark #2]

No USGP this year, interesting:confused:

[Mika]

You mean in Indy for '08. Yeah, Bernie's greedy and so is Tony. Such is life. It should be interesting to see if there will be a USGP. I highly doubt it though. Not too many venues that can 1:handle the F1 crowd, 2:conform to FIA's safety standards. BUT, we shall see.


Mika

[Mark #2]

You mean in Indy for '08. Yeah, Bernie's greedy and so is Tony. Such is life. It should be interesting to see if there will be a USGP. I highly doubt it though. Not too many venues that can 1:handle the F1 crowd, 2:conform to FIA's safety standards. BUT, we shall see.


Mika

There is no USGP in 08.

[dboat]

Just read about it over on the IMS website.. that is a bummer because we really did like going to it..I dont think another venue can step up and provide what F1 requires to hold a race to make one happen in the US by next year. So, yep it probably is done for 2008... :flaming:

Dana

[dboat]

If you havent been to the website, here is the link.. these guys are doing it up right.. wow... plus they are making a marina for the cars to go around.. shades of Monaco..

make sure you go to the animation page..

http://www.abudhabigp.com/english/index.aspx

Dana

[dboat]

Absolutely a GREAT RACE TODAY!!!

If Kimi didnt have bad luck he would have no luck at all... Hamilton didnt look like superman for once... what a lot of changes and strategy that went into it.. and the DC is once again, up for grabs.. just goes to show you that you cant take anything for granted in racing and esp F1..

should be interesting to see what comes of the meetings this week between
F1, Ferrari and McLaren Merc...

Dana

[Ken]

Absolutely a GREAT RACE TODAY!!!


It was great, but Massa is a total crybaby. What a whining pitiful display at the weigh-in, on the podium, during the interviews. Alonso had no reason WHATSOEVER to have to apologize to that immature brat. Alonso was clearly faster, and made a racing pass. Massa just didn't want to lose the position. Fernando checked out after passing him.

I kind of liked Massa until yesterday, but now I can't stand to watch him. You could see he was a sore loser before, but this time was another level of poor sportsmanship. He should be fined for that behaviour.
Ken

PS Italian was the proper language for a Brazilian and a Spaniard to argue in though...

[Tex Arcana]

I had that huge glob in paragraph form, all nice and easy to read. I tried editing it about 4 times, but each time it put it as one huge paragraph, instead of 3 smaller ones.

I didn't know that they had the wind tunnel closed to begin with(FIA rules?). But you are right, getting them opened up helped out quite a bit.

As far as Kimi burning bridges, he probably did. I probably would as well, especially considering how Ron treated him(next year, Kimi, we'll get 'em next year with a BIGGER, BADDER car). You feed me the same line for 4 or 5 years, and I'd be pissed too. Hell, they stopped working on last year's car halfway through the season because they knew they couldn't keep up with the Renault's and Ferrari's. They gave him a decent car, but one that couldn't keep up with the other two teams. That's one season though, and it's over.

My bad on Massa being Brazilian. For whatever reason, I thought he was Italian. But you do get my point. Finns and Germans are generally more on the stoic side(stereotyping here), whereas Italians, Brazilians, Spaniards tend to be on the more *festive* side. Kimi's got the *festive* side, but that usually includes tramps and alcohol at a strip club or a dance club.



Mika

The news on Ferrari's wind tunnel came down back at the USGP, they had some severe damage when a tire let go and got tangled up in the road belt, took them quite a while to fix it, it seems.

the rest of it: The only place I see Kimi is on TV, and then he looks like he's on a combo of valium and quaaludes, and talks like cartman after an electroshock session.

[Tex Arcana]

Yeah it was an awesome race... wish it had run in all rain, tho.

Interesting that Massa fell hard at the end on the intermediates, same complaint as Weber, that they vibrated massively. I guess Bridgestone can't build a wet tire to save their necks? I wish they'd bring back the days of the multiple manufacturers/compounds and mix'n'match...

Alonso pulled off a hella pass, tho; the "discussion" he and Massa had afterward was priceless, I wish I could've understood it. I also think Alonso was the right one of the pair, he got position on Massa, so Massa should've backed down.

And Hamilton: damn, the boy is *good*! I loed how he made a show of letting Massa by when he got that "preemptive" blue flag, then crawled up his tail and held there for a good while before Massa pulled away, and Ham let Alonso by.

And, DAMN BERNIE and his greed!! The damn fool is so rich he'll play hell spending 10% of it before he kicks, and yet he screws the manufacturers AND the US by jacking the rates thru the roof like he does. :hammer: Maybe the Vegas date will materialize in time for 2010 or so. :(

And I think it's time for a major change in the formula, because it's starting to turn into BASSCAR (BernieASSCAR), instead of being the bleeding edge of technology that's relevant to the automotive world.

[dboat]

I really enjoyed the race on Sunday.. Massa is back in the saddle again and its really showing that Ferrari has a better car for the longer runs and higher speeds than McLaren Mercedes. Italy should be to their advantage as well. With Hamilton blowing a tire and finishing fifth, the points race tightens up and there are still four drivers with a shot at the DC. There is still the drama that is F1 with the pending court case coming up between Ferrari and MM too. Plus, with Alonso purposely holding on Hamilton at the last race, well, you can bet they wont be sending each other Christmas cards this year.

Personally, I am really beginning to think that Alonso is a really big a$$hole. Its one thing to drive hard, its another to do what he did.. that aint right.

Wanta bet that the same two drivers are not driving for MM next year?

Dana

[Tex Arcana]

I really enjoyed the race on Sunday.. Massa is back in the saddle again and its really showing that Ferrari has a better car for the longer runs and higher speeds than McLaren Mercedes. Italy should be to their advantage as well. With Hamilton blowing a tire and finishing fifth, the points race tightens up and there are still four drivers with a shot at the DC. There is still the drama that is F1 with the pending court case coming up between Ferrari and MM too. Plus, with Alonso purposely holding on Hamilton at the last race, well, you can bet they wont be sending each other Christmas cards this year.

Personally, I am really beginning to think that Alonso is a really big a$$hole. Its one thing to drive hard, its another to do what he did.. that aint right.

Wanta bet that the same two drivers are not driving for MM next year?

Dana

yeah, best season in memory, and this thread is as dead as earnhardt. :(

I'm thinking you're right, tho from what I read in Autoweek, hamilton actually started it with his antics the lap before. Dennis should've gotten his butt in there immediately, and put a stop to the shenanigans before the fool kids went and messed it up for everyone. Now, allegedly, everyone is happy, but I sense some serious competition between the two, with little actual wheel-to-wheel racing able to be run between them.

I'm still putting my money on Hamilton, tho: the possibility of the best rookie ever just can't be lost on anyone, esp. M-M, Dennis, et al.

[dboat]

yeah, best season in memory, and this thread is as dead as earnhardt. :(

:(:(:(:(

[Mark #2]

http://www.channel4.com/news/articles/sports/f1+fines+mclaren+50m+for+spying/800147

[Mika]

The good news(or bad news, depending who you are) is that Lewis and Alonso won't be affected by the penalty. McLaren is stripped of its CC points(which is fair) and fined ~$100m(50m Brit. pounds). Not surprised by this in the least. For many years now Ferrari has had a better machine(and driver). This year, somehow McLaren finds itself in a good fight for DC and CC? Not taking anything away from Hamilton, because I seriously think he deserves the glory that he gets(at least stateside, British press=different story). But Massa has improved his consistency quite a bit from earlier years, and Kimi's done a good job learning a new car as well.

The suckiest part about this junk is that this is the first year in quite a few where there's more than 2 drivers going at it for DC. This season has been tarnished by this. BUT, there's still 4 or 5? races left.



Mika

[dboat]

The F1 site has a better take on this story.. apparently FIA gave immunity to the drivers to have them testify. WOW!!! also, $100 million is a nice chunk of change.. you can bet that McL will want to appeal this one.. I do like the fact that no one from McL will be allowed on the stage or podium if one of their drivers win. Also, they have yet to decide whether the team will be penalized next year. So this might give some impetus to have one of the existing drivers leave (Hamilton for example). Also, they will have to send their drawings to FIA for review too.. what a slap in the face..

Even if one of the McL drivers wins, it smacks of cheating and it will be said that they won in the year that there team was found guilty of cheating.. bunch of stinking cheaters..

otherwise, its been a great year to watch.. I thought I would miss MS more but the racing has been so good that I have enjoyed it a lot.

Dana

From F1.com
McLaren have been excluded from the 2007 constructors’ championship and fined US$100 million following Thursday’s FIA World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) hearing in Paris. Drivers Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton have not been penalized and are free to continue their fight for the drivers' title.

The penalty follows McLaren’s admission that the team was in breach of the International Sporting Code through their possession of confidential technical data belonging to rivals Ferrari, who are now all but assured of the 2007 constructors’ title.

McLaren are also required to submit detailed plans of their 2008 car to the FIA, who warned that it could apply further sanctions relating to next season should any irregularities be found in the car’s design.

At July’s original hearing, the Council opted not to punish McLaren as it decided there was no proof that the Ferrari data had been used. Thursday’s second hearing followed the emergence of new evidence and the FIA’s request for McLaren’s drivers to submit any information they had that might be relevant to the case.

The FIA will explain the reasons behind the Council's decision on Friday, after which McLaren will decide whether or not to appeal.

The full statement from the FIA:

In an extraordinary meeting of the World Motor Sport Council was held in Paris on the 12th of September 2007, The following decision was taken:

"The WMSC has stripped Vodafone McLaren Mercedes of all constructors' points in the 2007 FIA Formula One World Championshiop an the team can score no point for the remainder of the season *.

"Furthermore, the team will pay a fine equal to 100 million dollar, less the FOM income lost as a result of the points deduction.

"However, due to the exceptional circumstances in which the FIA gave the team's drivers an immunity in return for providing evidence, there is no penalty in regards to drivers' points **.

"The WMSC will receive a full technical report on the 2008 McLaren car and will take a decision at its December 2007 meeting as to what sanction, if any, will be imposed on the team for the 2008 season."

The full reasons for this decision will be issued on the 14th September 2007.

* Points gained by other teams so far this season will not be affected.

** No McLaren representative will be allowed on the podium should a McLaren driver win any of the remaining races of the 2007 season

[dboat]

Well, Kimi had it going on today.. you can tell its one of his favorite tracks..

Did you see that move at the start by Alonso, looked like he was trying to take Hamilton out almost, if not, he was making sure that he wasnt getting by him no matter what..

Also,did you hear all the commentary regarding Alonso blackmailing his own team by telling if they dont throw Hamilton to the side, he was going to FIA with more info.. well, they didnt throw Hammy to the side and I guess he went. Thats why they came back to this whole thing and now have been banned from the Constructors Championship and have the huge penalty. Also Max Mosely says that if McL tries to take any retribution against the drivers then there will be further harsher penalties. WOW!!! this is some great drama.

Anyway, I enjoyed the race today..only 3 left in this year.. Kimi has an outside shot but most likely it will only happen if both of the front runners DNF one of the three remaining races..

Dana

[Tex Arcana]

Thing is, *everyone* in F1 spies and cheats, it's part and parcel of the industrial espionage that pretty much pervades the world. I thought Peter Windsor's comments sounded like he really sided with McLaren in this, and that he feels that the penalty is excessively harsh. One one hand, I agree, because it was basically a kangaroo court, with the deck stacked; on the other, F1 needed to make an example out of *someone*, why not the best team on the track at the moment?

What gets me is that they not only nailed them with the help of two drivers (delaRosa and Alonso), they did it with email evidence--given what was said that Alonso basically tried to "blackmail" the team, it honestly throws *everything* Alonso says and does into extreme doubt--and, had this gone to a proper court of law, even in France (home of the FIA), I don't think F1 could have met the burden of proof required.

And, sadly, the result is that Bernie has tightened his stranglehold on F1, to the point where he's becoming the euro version of Bill France and his get--which will lead to nothing good in the top form of racing ever.

At least I can get Grand Prix (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0060472/) on DVD and see some real racing. :rolleyes:


On topic: Spa is one of the all-time great tracks, despite the sanitizing they did to it. kimi worked it well, too; Alonso should be bitch-slapped for that move that nearly put out Hamilton, tho, and by the team. Of course, he's now the "Teflon Don", so he could punt Hamilton off a cliff and walk away unscathed, because now McLaren can't discipline him for any reason.

I used to like Alonso, but now I have to wonder. And if he actually wins the DC, I'll have to rethink F1 as well. Maybe it's time to embrace ASSCAR and all that implies. :vomit:

[Mika]

I used to like Alonso, but now I have to wonder. And if he actually wins the DC, I'll have to rethink F1 as well. Maybe it's time to embrace ASSCAR and all that implies. :vomit:

The world must be coming to an end. I actually agree with Tex:tex...:beer:...:D


Mika

[dboat]

I was never an Alonso fan.. and now will want to watch him lose.. I am really wondering who will hire him after his McL contract is done... I am thinking not much of anyone..

This will be over after 3 more races, so lets watch and see how it goes.. If Hamilton didnt have so much to lose, I would think that he would find a way to take Alonso out..

Dana

[Tex Arcana]

I was never an Alonso fan.. and now will want to watch him lose.. I am really wondering who will hire him after his McL contract is done... I am thinking not much of anyone..

This will be over after 3 more races, so lets watch and see how it goes.. If Hamilton didnt have so much to lose, I would think that he would find a way to take Alonso out..

Dana

I think alonso will find a way to take himself out, and probably during one of those moves that he makes to nail hamilton. :hammer:

Truthfully, what he did to mcLaren was completely reprehensible, trying to blackmail them into handing him the DC. I can't blame Dennis for doing what he did, and turning himself in. There is word that McLaren might take F1/FIA to court over the decision--and, to be honest, they should, because they were convicted on the word of a blackmailer, not on facts or evidence.

It's a sad day, indeed.

[Mika]

Interestingly enough, Massa is looking at Toyota. Check out formula1.com. The reason behind that is because Ferrari is reportedly looking at Alonso.



Mika

[Mark #2]

Are we watching now?
Got to love rain races.

[dboat]

just woke up, going back to bed... got it on dvr... sleepy sleepy.. but I need to know who is taking over as the "best mudder" from Michael S.

[dboat]

wow, what a race and change in circumstances.. I really feel for Vettel.. having a chance to podium and then take out a fellow team member.. he was really feeling down about it..

Mika, two Finns on the podium:tu::tu:, first time in F1 history.. also, only 4th time that the start of a race was behind the safety car.. CrashCar style..

Hamilton just about has it sewn up.. looks like he will have a new contract with McL for $110M for 5 yrs.. not bad money when you can get it, eh?

Rumor is that Massa may go to Toyota, since he isnt #1 at Ferrari.. that would be a bad move for him.

Vettel and Bourdais at Red Bull.. Team Sebastian.. should be a good pair to have together.. that Vettel kid looks to be something special too..

Rumor is that Ferrari is talking to Alonso to move to their team next year.. I could see that one being trouble.. but if they could pick up Kovaleinin (sp?) they could have Flying Finns and Ferrari's on the same team.. that would be nice..

Two more races, China this next weekend may be the real season ender.. lets see what happens..

Dana

[Mika]

Lewis pretty much has it cinched up. Barring any interferenece from Alonso(which I wouldn't put past him at all) or mechanical issues, he'll take it.

Glad to see those flags flyin' high. Wish they were 1-2 instead, but hey, makes me proud of my heritage:).

I wouldn't be surprised if Alonso came to Ferrari. I heard them say during the telecast that Lewis doesn't want him as a teammate. Ferrari would take Alonso probably before Kovalainen. Alonso and Ferrari would make a better fit too. Both do what they want and have no regard for rules/regulations.

Massa had one heck of a battle with Kubica the last half lap! I agree that Massa wouldn't do well at Toyota. I hate to say it, but Toyota seems to make all the wrong moves. It all started with letting Salo and McNish go back in '03? or so. They could have kept good experienced drivers, but they wanted some young guns. And they got 'em.



Mika

[dboat]

I was ok with your post until you said...



Alonso and Ferrari would make a better fit too. Both do what they want and have no regard for rules/regulations.

Mika

you know I wouldnt agree with that one.. I think they are as aggressive as they come but NO REGARD?? I just have to take issue with that one.. although starting on intermediates today probably did cost them points in the long run..

Dana

[Mika]

I was ok with your post until you said...

you know I wouldnt agree with that one.. I think they are as aggressive as they come but NO REGARD?? I just have to take issue with that one.. although starting on intermediates today probably did cost them points in the long run..

Dana

FIA tends to look the other way when it comes to Ferrari's infractions, so they take advantage of that. Alonso more or less blackmailed Dennis into having Lewis "back off" for a few races. I have lost a lot of respect for Alonso this season. Good driver, but cares only for himself.

Ferrari told the media that the "race stewards were late" in giving the info for the full wets, that they got the message after the start of the race. I have a feeling that any other team would have gotten a drive through penalty for not following orders.

I am glad to see Kimi in the hunt for DC. Although it is a longshot, he's still in it. Unfortunately, the team that he drives for is known to stretch the rules in their favor. All teams stretch the rules, it just seems that Ferrari seem to get away with the most(FIA's pockets lined w/ red money).


Mika

[dboat]

Well, I got up and watched about the last 44 laps of this race this morning.. another rain race but not nearly as wet as Japan.. I am wondering if Hamilton is thinking he might be jinxed because of the inquiry on him by the FIA this week, and how he dnf'd this race.. he has been cleared in the inquiry but what a sad way to go on this race.. however, only 7 points separate the top three drivers with one race to go in Brazil. At least the race should be on tv at a decent hour..

Kimi really looked good today, just wish that Massa would have taken the fight to Alonso more than what he did.. "pantywaist"..

and what about 20 yr old Sebastien Vettel? 4th place.. in a Toro Rosso.. dang that kid can drive... kind of made up for last week, althoug not entirely.

Dana

Mika, I am really pulling for Kimi at this point..

[Tex Arcana]

gah, so much has happened, and not a peep out of me? This is what a real job does to ya... :(

Fuji: day-um, what a race!! Hammy wins convincingly, F*cktardo Alonso gets what he deserves after backstabbing his own team, and Vettel gets drug thru the mud because BigButt Weber did a brake check on him. :rolleyes: Outside that, awesome race, and Hammy is now the undisputed king of wet-weather racing.

China: aw, carp, F*cktardo throws the entire TEAM under the bus with his innuendo; Vettel gets cleared of charges, then gets nailed for holding up Kovaleinen (talk about threatening Wreckonen for the title of "Top Finn"); Hammy gets the pole, then blows the tire and manages to get stuck in the kitty litter in pit entrance; Kimi wins, F*cktardo somehow evades the lightning bolts of the gawds and makes second, Massa ends up third. Damn, this is going to give me a heart attack in two weeks, mark my words. This race was very exciting, overall, despite the darma and F*cktardo and his machinations. I loved hearing that there was rumor that he'd've gotten axed if hammy clinched today, and there's no way anyone can say that F*cktardo managed to sabotage Hammy's car. Actually, I'm surprised someone in the field didn't take him out for general principle... then again, who want's Wreckonnen to win the DC(besides Mika :p)??

Personally, I still think FIA has turned into ASSCAR:Yurrup, with their little kangaroo court and idiotic conclusions based on the word of a traitor--or would that be two?? de la rosa is a Spaniard, and he was the recipient of the "emails", sounds alot like collusion to me. Dennins needs to fire them both, pull Kovaleinen or Kubica into the fold (hell, for that matter, even Rosberg), and then hire Wurz for testing. Nice, deep, winning team arrangement there. Oh, and let's not forget hauling FIA into a REAL court of law and overturning their kangaroo decision. :rolleyes:

Ah, the hoomanatee. :shrug:

[dboat]

Tex,

I would like to see Kimi win it all at this point.. I would also say that Kimi has shown some pretty good talent in the wet as well.. Massa on the other hand has not shown any aptitude in the wet.. Alsono wasnt too bad, but I have such a bad feeling about that guy. And to think that Ferrari is talking to him..I would rather have Ferrari look at a kid like Vettel for grooming to move into their #1 spot in the next few years, after Kimi retires.

The Brazil race looks to be really really interesting..

I am just waiting to see what Mika, Mark and Dennis have to say at this point.

Dana

[Mika]

I missed the race this weekend:(. I was down in Goliad at the Texas Mile. Saw a guy with a red Lightning hit 163 mph, which is quite a feat considering how aerodynamic the L's are.

I think it's one of those "too little, too late" for Kimi this year. He had a chance earlier this season(mid-season) to gain points, but didn't. Now he's playing catch up with 1 race to go. I don't see him taking the title. Would I like to see him take it? Sure. Do I expect him to? No.

I expect Alonso's backstabbing to continue. Now he is showing his true colors, being beaten this season by a rookie(a true talent). I think he's scum, and I am curious to hear what he said during this weekend.


Mika

[Tex Arcana]

sorry, guys, I just can't pull for wreckkonen, he's left one hella bad taste in my mouth. I will give him this, tho: he's learned to drive the car within its limits and bring it home intact, and he seems to have learned to play nice with the people who are really behind his success so far. I'm still a fan of Massa, because he is very talented, despite his wet driving deficiencies, so him winning it all would be ever so cool, imho. F*cktardo can go suck on a collapsed diseased cancerous lung as far as I'm concerned, if he never drove in another race, it'd be just desserts.

And we all know how I feel about Hamilton. :rolleyes:

Last race, in a week: it's gonna be a nailbiter! :eek2:

[Mika]

Is it possible? Dare I say that Tex and I agree on something? NO WAI!:) Alonso=scum

I seriously hope Ferrari would keep Massa, and pass on Alonso. But I wouldn't be surprised if they scooped up Alonso and tossed Massa to the side.

This season, Hamilton has deserved it the most. He has been the most consistent driver out of the top 3. The last race should be interesting to say the least.



Mika

[dboat]

With all the rumors that have been floating around, this one is dispelled.

Massa has signed with Ferrari through 2010.. I am glad he did it and Ferrari too. He is a good guy for the team.. He knows a good ride when he has it and he may be a #2 guy on the team, but I bet he gets paid well.

This also means that Alonso WONT be going to Ferrari.. thank goodness :tu:because had he gone, I might have had to change teams. :nono:

Now for the exciting conclusion to the season this weekend.. Go Kimi Go!!:burnout:


Dana

[dboat]

This is the last race of the year. There are three possible champions.

Who do you WANT to win?

Lewis H?

Fernando A?

Kimi R?


I want Kimi to win it all.. FA is just a jerk.. and Lewis H will have his whole career ahead of him..

Dana

[Mika]

Glad to see that Massa is sticking around Ferrari. Bringing Alonso over to team red would cause chaos and turmoil. I'd want Kimi to win it all(go figure), but I know that Lewis deserves it. If he gets 4 points, it's all over. So he needs to place 5th or better, and he'll take DC. The only way I see him losing DC is if Alonso took him out or unless he had some kind of catastrophic failure.



Mika

[dboat]

The only way I see him losing DC is if Alonso took him out or unless he had some kind of catastrophic failure.
Mika

Funny thing is, cant you see that happening? I could, not necessarily on purpose, but I could really see that happen.

Oh the drama, the drama... :evil

[Mika]

I could definitely see Alonso taking Lewis out, no doubt. :lol: I do think McLaren will tone down the engine for longevity, to make sure that he'll get enough points to win.



Mika

[Mika]

Kimi did it. He did what was needed, and he had some luck fall his way(for a change). The best Hamilton could muster is 7th, which is really rare. Massa helped out by keeping Alonso off Kimi's back. Good stuff:).

The only question I have is does Kimi want another DC, or is his thirst quenched?



Mika

[dboat]

KIMI WINS KIMI WINS KIMI WINS


Ferrari Wins Too

I bet Tex is comtemplating suicide about now..



another reason for running the race, because it isnt over until its over.


Dana

Mika, you are being too gracious in your last post..

[dboat]

The only question I have is does Kimi want another DC, or is his thirst quenched?

Mika

Good Point, time will tell if he has the same fire as MS to want to make a place in history for himself..

[Mika]

I knew Kimi winning the DC was a long shot, especially looking at Lewis's consistency. It really boggled my mind that he got 7th. He needed 6th to tie, but got 7th.

I'm not sure about Kimi next year. He very well may be content, but at the same time, he may have liked winning DC so much that he may come back with even more focus. Right after he celebrates, of course:)

To keep you happy, Dana...

KIMI TAKES THE DC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Mika

[dboat]

I knew Kimi winning the DC was a long shot, especially looking at Lewis's consistency. It really boggled my mind that he got 7th. He needed 6th to tie, but got 7th.

I'm not sure about Kimi next year. He very well may be content, but at the same time, he may have liked winning DC so much that he may come back with even more focus. Right after he celebrates, of course:)

To keep you happy, Dana...

KIMI TAKES THE DC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Mika

:tu::tu::tu:

[Mika]

The season's over...or is it??!?!??!

http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2007/10/7023.html

"The enquiries relate to fuel temperature, which under Formula One racing’s technical regulations are not allowed to fall more than 10 degrees Celsius below ambient air temperature at any time. According to FIA data, Williams and BMW Sauber exceeded this range."

IF Williams and BMW are kicked out, Lewis would jump up to 4th, giving him enough points to win DC. Ugh, I'm just about done with FIA. If they take the DC from Kimi, it'll be BS.



Mika

[dboat]

The season's over...or is it??!?!??!

http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2007/10/7023.html

"The enquiries relate to fuel temperature, which under Formula One racing’s technical regulations are not allowed to fall more than 10 degrees Celsius below ambient air temperature at any time. According to FIA data, Williams and BMW Sauber exceeded this range."

IF Williams and BMW are kicked out, Lewis would jump up to 4th, giving him enough points to win DC. Ugh, I'm just about done with FIA. If they take the DC from Kimi, it'll be BS.



Mika

That just aint right.. I agree, if they take it from Kimi, it will be :Bulldookie

Dana

[dboat]

142 days and counting until the next race season starts!!!

Dana

[Mark #2]

142 days and counting until the next race season starts!!!

Dana

Are we sure we know who this year's champion is?
http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2007/10/7032.html

[dboat]

Are we sure we know who this year's champion is?
http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2007/10/7032.html

I would think that given what I have seen posted about all this, is that the chance of having the last race results overturned are pretty small and approaching -1. If there was some real issue there, it would have been dealt with by now.. esp on fuel temperatures. I think McLaren is just trying to make a small point and show that they are standing up for their driver, and to make F1 say something that maybe somebody else but them had an irregularity.

Dana

[dboat]

Alonso has parted company with McLaren... duh... and they would keep him around after this last year because why???

on another note, Max Moseley said that McLaren can go through the process of having the fuel issue reviewed but the championship has been decided.. so there wont be anything changing in mid November when this issue is reviewed.

So now the question will be,,, who will hire Alonso? if anyone will..


of course, someone will, he is a good driver and teams need good drivers. But after he threw his own team under the bus, who wants to trust him? maybe he will join Jacques Villeneuve in the Nascar Truck Series? :evil

Dana

[L8 APEX]

10,999 bitches!:icon_eek:

[dboat]

100 days and counting... :nana2

[dboat]

As reported on Formula1.com


McLaren have confirmed that Heikki Kovalainen is to become Lewis Hamilton’s team mate for the 2008 season. Spaniard Pedro de la Rosa will remain as McLaren’s third driver, while Gary Paffett will assist with the team’s testing programme when required.


This has got to be music to Mika's ears.. a Finn driving on his favorite team..
I will say that this will make this team on par with Ferrari from a drivers standpoint. However, with the penalties and oversight delaying things for McL, they might be a half step behind the boys in red this next year.

Dana

[Mika]

Heikki did well in GP2, IIRC. I'm not sure if I see him as a contender right away, but time will tell. I do agree that with the penalties and such that McLaren will have to fight hard to get back up there.

Next year it's going to be Massa, Alonso and Kimi in for the fight. Hamilton may be there, but that mainly depends on how his car is.

At least Heikki's saying the right things. He said that it's an honor to follow suit to other Finns in Hakk and Kimi. I think Ron just likes to pick on those Scandanavian dudes;).



Mika

[dboat]

Have any of you guys been over on formula1.com recently? Read the interview with Seb Bourdais, the recent 4 time winner in Champ Car. I am not sure that he will last long with Red Bull/Toro Rosso.. if this guys doesnt think that the heat will be on him to win from the get go, then he really doesnt get it.. his personal expectations are way too low.. I was really surprised to read this thing.. but then again he is French

Dana