View Full Version : FIA Formula One Championship ~ 2014
StanleyB
30-01-2014, 20:47
It looks like Renault have still not mastered the art of making a reliable F1 turbo engine. The Red Bull looks less than impressive with the initial testing attempts. Imagine the recovery truck dong more laps than Vettel.
The McLaren car seems a lot more capable this time round compared to last year.
I reckon Renault's problems are around the ERS. Just as they were iffy with KERS. Turbos should be a walk in the park for Renault.
I agree the Renault engines are looking decidedly fragile. Newey was never a fan of KERS and consequently it was packaged in previous Red Bull cars almost as an afterthought, which I guess is why they failed so often. Mind you t0he majority of KERS failures occurred on Webbers car for some reason (call me Mr Cynical). I believe Button did the fastest lap around Jerez yesterday which I hope has boosted his confidence ;
StanleyB
30-01-2014, 21:47
I believe Button did the fastest lap around Jerez yesterday which I hope has boosted his confidence ;
You think so? McLaren newcomer Kevin Magnussen set the fastest time of the third day, which should bring Button back down to earth.
You think so? McLaren newcomer Kevin Magnussen set the fastest time of the third day, which should bring Button back down to earth.
Ah, well it was Button when I looked into it, Magnussen must have set his time later in the day. Good luck to him, although I'm sure Jenson will respond as he's a true pro... ;)
Just heard that Schumacher's Doctor's are slowly bringing him out of his induced coma . lets hope he makes a good recovery .
I will be preying for him and his family .
Paul
Yep, it looks like McLaren have a lead so far this year… wonder if it has anything to do with Ron Dennis being back at the helm? … Martin Whitmarsh was unfortunately quite a letdown after Ron!
Re Michael Schumacher, I really do hope he comes out of the induced coma ok… although from all I have read about head injuries of his magnitude, I have to say I think he'll be extremely lucky if he has no knock-on effects!
Paul.
Eric Boullier, previously of Renault, has stepped into Whitmarsh's shoes at McLaren whilst Dennis has assumed overall control of the team. Apparently Dennis has attempted to oust Whitmarsh on two previous occasions. I like Martin Whitmarsh as a person but it has to be said his record is not good. Renault are considering him as a replacement for Boullier amogst others.
Yep, it looks like McLaren have a lead so far this year… wonder if it has anything to do with Ron Dennis being back at the helm? … Martin Whitmarsh was unfortunately quite a letdown after Ron!
Martin W had a lot to do with the 2014 car whereas Ron D had nothing to do with it. Don't forget Ron was ousted due to his inept handling of Spygate. He can only come back as Bernie is in the merde and Max is long gone (thankfully).
[Merged] I thought I'd kick off the debate over this year's F1 championship. The new regulations have certainly mixed things up, with widely varied levels of success at the testing at Jerez.
It would seem that, of the three engine packages available, the Mercedes and Ferrari engines seem to be reliable and the Renault package is riddled with issues. The Ferrari cooling system seems to be particularly efficient while the Mercedes is the best tested and most reliable of all. Don't forget that Honda will be introducing an engine package next year, which McLaren will be using. The second area of debate is around the noses, with a structural element to satisfy the new requirement for body strength lower down, while the aero guys have attempted to keep the airflow optimal. The results are peculiar and, in some cases, laughable. From the Ferrari 'vacuum cleaner' to the Force India 'hard-on' and the McLaren 'finger' to the Caterham's truly hideous two-part nose, the cars look pretty ungainly compared with last year.
What is more fascinating is the combination of highly efficient 1.6l turbo engines with energy recovery, even driving the turbo spindle with a motor/generator, with a much lower fuel payload and maximum 100l consumption during the race. This will result in some cars running out of fuel if they push too hard for too long.
So - who thinks that Red Bull will recover from their unreliability and overheating woes to regain a high position in the championship? Who else is pleased to finally see Williams with a potentially race winning car? Who is looking forward to the first race of the season?
There will be unreliability at first and drivers will have to drive like nuns to save fuel when they've pushed hard for too long. I hope the early breakdowns don't spoil the spectacle. I hope for no one driver or team dominating so that means Red Bull to get to be fighting with the other teams and smaller teams doing well, eg Williams returning to the front.
Newey has produced stinkers of cars in the past though I'd be surprised if he would do this nowadays; it has to be said that his skills are in innovation, tight packaging and aero. It seems with the new regs Newey wasn't prepared to sacrifice any aero to gain engine and ERS cooling (KERS was always a downer with the RB anyway), the lack of cooling was short sighted or at least too ambitious as it's now being re-worked. The bigger issue is whether Renault can sort the issues out with the engine in time and with sparse resources. Also whilst the Merc and Ferrari engine (sorry, power units) look fine now there could well be teething problems as they are run harder in Bahrain. How the Renault engine will cope with the higher temps in Bahrain even with developments will be interesting to see.
mr sneff
03-02-2014, 13:22
I'm pretty sure that Red Bull will eventually get their act together, they're often stronger in the second half of the season, but at the moment it looks as if the double points for the last race might be badly needed :)
Martin,
I, for one, would be very pleased to see Williams back up at the sharp end of the grid. I have long been a fan and had the pleasant surprise of discovering that my wife is closely related to FW himself, resulting in quite a few weekends spent in Spa as their guest in the period 1992-1996. It would be great to see them recapture some of their form from their heydays.
Regards,
Alex
[Merged] I thought I'd kick off the debate over this year's F1 championship. The new regulations have certainly mixed things up, with widely varied levels of success at the testing at Jerez.
It would seem that, of the three engine packages available, the Mercedes and Ferrari engines seem to be reliable and the Renault package is riddled with issues. The Ferrari cooling system seems to be particularly efficient while the Mercedes is the best tested and most reliable of all. Don't forget that Honda will be introducing an engine package next year, which McLaren will be using. The second area of debate is around the noses, with a structural element to satisfy the new requirement for body strength lower down, while the aero guys have attempted to keep the airflow optimal. The results are peculiar and, in some cases, laughable. From the Ferrari 'vacuum cleaner' to the Force India 'hard-on' and the McLaren 'finger' to the Caterham's truly hideous two-part nose, the cars look pretty ungainly compared with last year.
What is more fascinating is the combination of highly efficient 1.6l turbo engines with energy recovery, even driving the turbo spindle with a motor/generator, with a much lower fuel payload and maximum 100l consumption during the race. This will result in some cars running out of fuel if they push too hard for too long.
So - who thinks that Red Bull will recover from their unreliability and overheating woes to regain a high position in the championship? Who else is pleased to finally see Williams with a potentially race winning car? Who is looking forward to the first race of the season?
Martin, the cars can carry more than 100 litres of fuel but the drivers are only allowed to use 100 litres during a race so we shouldn't see cars running out of fuel. There is a spy in the cockpit which monitors fuel usage then sends the telemetry directly to the pitwall and FIA personnel at each meeting. The cars need the extra fuel allowance over and above the 100 litres for the journey out to the grid and the subsequent parade lap leading up to the to the start as well as for the in lap at the end of the race. Immediately the lights go out the clock is ticking and monitoring begins. Monitoring ends once the car has passed the chequered flag at the end of the race. If during that period the car has used, let's say, 102 kilos of fuel then that result is null and void and any constructor or driver points earned are removed, thus disqualification results. I can see this happening a lot in the early stages of the season as the teams struggle to come to terms with the new regime and technology. This opens up a whole new window of strategic manoeuvrings as teams determine where in the race it might be best to push hard...
Agreed, Alex. Back when I worked for NEC I had a full tour of their facilities and was very impressed with the level of engineering on display. That was before their slide into the doldrums. It seems that they finally have a car and driver (Massa) to do some real grid climbing. Great timing by Maldonado - great for Williams, that is!
Martin, the cars can carry more than 100 litres of fuel but the drivers are only allowed to use 100 litres during a race so we shouldn't see cars running out of fuel.
Yes, sloppy phrasing by me. It's 100l of metered fuel, to be precise, from start line to chequered flag as Ted Kravitz put it.
I'm liking the new rules and regs very much as they have really shaken up the paddock, which is a good thing. Everyone is talking about Mercedes and McLaren at the moment however I have a sneaky feeling that Williams could be a dark horse this season. It's early days yet but the car is looking good and seems to be performing well so far. I don't think I've ever seen Massa looking so confident and focussed, the only thing missing being a surreptitious nod and wink :)
It would be great to see him do well. Frankly, it would be great to see anyone do well after Red Bull's dominance over the last few years.
I love the engine package, it's a superb bit of power/economy design and can, in time, be trickled down to road cars. This is where the thinking lies; after all, there was nothing about the old 2.4l V8s that were ever going to end up in a road car. The V6s don't sound half bad, either.
Exciting qualifying with rain throwing a spanner in the works. Well done Hamilton, both Mercedes look strong. However, Ricciardo was a pleasant surprise and shows that Red Bull have got the Renault power unit to work at last. Just wait until their aero is refined and they will be challenging for the top again. Great to see Williams fighting near the top, too. Not sure where Ferrari are, to be honest, but I'm looking forward to Alonso v Raikkonen all season.
Spectral Morn
16-03-2014, 15:00
Interesting race so far but sadly it looks - if I have picked things up right - that there will only be highlights coverage on the BBC this season, if so that's not good :(
Regards Neil
Isn't that the same as last year?
The coverage on Sky F1 is superb.
I believe they are showing six live races this season Neil. Even though I baulked at the highlights situation initially and I am still annoyed with the BBC, and Mark Thompson in particular, for rolling over to SKY so easily in giving away their full live coverage rights I am reasonably happy with the corporations highlights coverage so far. The HL shows are sympathetically edited to the point where I don't really feel that I am missing out on much at all, which is good because I'd lop off my right arm before giving SKY any of my money...
It was a good race today with some stunning performances from the new guys, especially Magnussun and Bottas. Kyvat gets an honorary mention here too and I feel we will be seeing much more of this guy as the season chugs along. Rosberg's Mercedes was in a different league to most of the other cars today although I wonder where Bottas would have finished had he not slapped the wall with his right rear early in the race, that Williams is quick plus it looks the dogs danglies in it's Martini Racing livery. It was a shame Massa was nerfed by Kobayashi coming into the first corner but hey, that's racing and then of course there's Hamilton's mechanical woes to consider. Such a shame as this issue robbed us of a terrific scrap up front involving the Silver Arrows pairing. Hat's off to Nico for a blinding start by the way and to Bottas for not spearing into the wall off the start after his car nerfed left due to uneven wheel spin, Williams might want to take a look at that diff... :eyebrows:
The Ferrari's were a bit of a disappointment for me and Raikkonen in particular appeared to be struggling with the set up on his car at various points during the race. Alonso probably had the same issues but managed them somewhat better. I thought Button had a good result considering he was languishing down in eleventh for the first quarter of the race, however his inspired lunge into the pits at the start of the safety car period allowed him to make up three places almost instantly which helped a lot. I'm becoming a little worried that he is seemingly reticent to overtake on the track just lately, something which he needs to address and quickly.
All in all it was an excellent GP however it wouldn't be F1 without a soupcon of Red Bull controversy, is the Renault engine in their car sipping too much fuel or are the FIA's fuel flow sensors at fault? Time will tell I guess, we will just have to wait for the appeal but in the meantime Ricciardo's suspension has taken the shine off the event a little, can't help feeling immensely sorry for young Mr Grin... ;)
p.s. Notice I didn't mention Vettel, this was deliberate... :D
I am still annoyed with the BBC, and Mark Thompson in particular, for rolling over to SKY so easily in giving away their full live coverage rights
Blame the BBC's inexplicable excesses in coverage of football and cricket <spit>. I would love to know what the audiences are for each. Tennis gets a poor deal too, outside of Wimbledon.
Audioman
17-03-2014, 12:10
Blame the BBC's inexplicable excesses in coverage of football and cricket <spit>. I would love to know what the audiences are for each. Tennis gets a poor deal too, outside of Wimbledon.
BBC show little live football. Highlights mainly late Saturday night is hardly excessive. They only show what they can afford and that means sharing with Sky. Remember absolutely no Cricket on Terrestrial now (except Ch 5 highlights). Grand Prix still does reasonably well. Exceptions are World Cup /Olympics and Wimbledon which I believe are still 'protected'. If you are seeing loads of live Football and Cricket must be glued to Sky which I won't donate to while Murdoch is still on this planet and charging rip off prices.
Blame the BBC's inexplicable excesses in coverage of football and cricket <spit>. I would love to know what the audiences are for each. Tennis gets a poor deal too, outside of Wimbledon.
Martin, other than brief highlights of the 2007, 2009 and 2011 Cricket World Cup finals, there has been NO cricket coverage (live or highlights) on any BBC TV channel since 1999 when Test Match broadcast rights were lost (initially to Channel 4, then Sky). The only cricket coverage across all terrestrial channels is a 45 minute daily highlights show of home Test Matches on C5 and coverage of the IPL (Indian Premier League) on ITV4. This is meagre coverage indeed of what is supposed to be England's national sport.
Though not a football fan, I feel it worth mentioning that other than highlights (Match of the Day and The League Cup Show) the only live football shown on any BBC channel are Scotland international matches (show on BBC Scotland 1 & 2), some European Championships Final (every two years) matches and some World Cup Finals matches (every 4 years). BBC3 also showed some live Confererations Cup matches.
Tennis does quite well on the BBC - as well as Wimbledon, which gets a huge amount of live coverage with many 'red button' options as well as coverage on both BBC1 and BBC2, the Aeon Queen's Club championships are shown live in full and live coverage of the latter stages of the Australian Open are also shown live. Until recently, the French Open was also covered live (rights lost last year to ITV), but live BBC coverage continues of both the ATP World Finals and selected Davis Cup matches.
As for F1, any single penny of licence-payers' money given to Bernie Ecclestone's tedious circus is an outrage in my opinion ;)
BBC show little live football. Highlights mainly late Saturday night is hardly excessive. They only show what they can afford and that means sharing with Sky. Remember absolutely no Cricket on Terrestrial now (except Ch 5 highlights). Grand Prix still does reasonably well. Exceptions are World Cup /Olympics and Wimbledon which I believe are still 'protected'. If you are seeing loads of live Football and Cricket must be glued to Sky which I won't donate to while Murdoch is still on this planet and charging rip off prices.
We may lose F1 from the BBC altogether in 2017 in which case I will resort to downloading each race via a torrent site without feeling a shred of guilt, I detest the Murdoch's and all they stand for with a passion...
BBC show little live football.
The news is so plagued with football (might as well not call it sports news, but football news) that my brain automatically thought it represented general coverage too. I am indeed remembering the days of yore. Ditto cricket.
I've got to say that I enjoyed the first race of the year, and F1 2103-style has some promise. Add into the mix several teams experiencing an upswing in competitiveness (Mclaren, Williams (yay!!)), and some excellent skills being displayed by the rookies (Magnusson, Kyvat), and random changes in competitiveness up and down the field and I found it an enjoyable watch, with some good overtaking. It was also marvelous watching the drivers wrestling the cars and dealing with reduced downforce and excess torque - we saw quite a few saves from improbable angles!.
The only major negative is unreliability (which will persist), and the awfulness of the new exhaust notes.. I think an F1 car has to look good and sound awesome, and they sure sound nasty and the stupid looking appendage to meet the new side intrusion regulations look ridiculous. I noticed that a number of teams have coloured their anteater noses black as even they think they look stupid!. I do love the Williams new Martini racing colour scheme... that takes me back!.
Regards,
Alex
Just watched it on the iPlayer and I think my love affair with F1 is finally over :(
I have been a fan since the 60's and glued to the TV set since the late 70's when it was first broadcast, I also used to regularly go to both Brands and Silverstone. However, I lost quite a bit of interest last year when the beeb employed that appalling bint Suzi Perry as a broadcaster and now those cars just leave me totally non-plussed . . . F1 cars should not sound like tractors :nono:
I couldn't agree less - F1 was always supposed to be the pinnacle of technology and in recent years they just weren't any more. Now, with that complex power plant and energy efficiency (>700bhp from a 1.6), they are complex marvels to admire again. The reliability will come but, more to the point, they are a right handful for the drivers to master and true skill will reward with points or a podium. I haven't enjoyed a race so much in years.
Can't argue with the cutting edge engineering, but F1 to me has always been a visceral experience, the noise, the smell and the sexy nature of the whole thing. There's nothing sexy about this year so far and I just love the sound of a screaming race engine, so that was like watching paint dry in silence.
The engine note is certainly different, somewhat reminiscent of a tuned Ducati bike motor to my ears, but is it the worthy voice of F1? There have been major engine changes before in F1 and each time the exhaust note has differed and F1 fans have raised their arms in despair to the god of exhaust system acoustics. Who can forget the change from the gloriously melodic scream of the V10's to the harsh, metallic bark of the V8's? And yet those same people who mourned the dying echoes of the V10's now lament the loss of the raspy V8's. In time the new will become the norm and we will adopt the muted menace that is the war cry of the V6 and take it to our hearts. Walk quietly but carry a big stick... :cool:
I like the sound of a meaty/torquey engine and they are definitely more fun to drive than a screamer. Reminds me of the old turbo days with 1200bhp and chassis that couldn't contain it.
StanleyB
18-03-2014, 07:29
I like induction noises.
Gordon Steadman
18-03-2014, 07:45
I couldn't agree less - F1 was always supposed to be the pinnacle of technology and in recent years they just weren't any more. Now, with that complex power plant and energy efficiency (>700bhp from a 1.6), they are complex marvels to admire again. The reliability will come but, more to the point, they are a right handful for the drivers to master and true skill will reward with points or a podium. I haven't enjoyed a race so much in years.
:exactly: ..........I don't get to see or hear the races these days so couldn't comment on the sound. I see the Aussies are considering suing for breach of contract as the noise isn't exiting enough!!!
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w63/greatgig/mp4_zps75addff4.jpg (http://s173.photobucket.com/user/greatgig/media/mp4_zps75addff4.jpg.html)
Lest we forget, this to me is a racing car and a pinnacle statement of its time. Noisy, dangerous, powerful and sexy and epitomised what the sport was all about. Sunday's race to me was dull and drab . . . heck I wasn't even tired and found myself nodding off half way through, I really was bored with it. There was an article on the Radio4 'Today' show this morning which reported that the F1 community is up in arms about the cars and Bernie Ecclestone is "fuming and demanding they change the engine note"
I think the FIA have dropped the ball this year, too many radical changes at once, its a poor show that puts teams in such a position that they are coming to race one not having completed race distance test sessions and some not even being able to take advantage of what little testing they are allowed. IMO they have got this very, very wrong and I'm totally underwhelmed for the first time ever since I became a fan. Its been sanitised far too much and the thrill has gone for me at the moment.
Gordon Steadman
18-03-2014, 09:08
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w63/greatgig/mp4_zps75addff4.jpg (http://s173.photobucket.com/user/greatgig/media/mp4_zps75addff4.jpg.html)
Lest we forget, this to me is a racing car and a pinnacle statement of its time. Noisy, dangerous, powerful and sexy and epitomised what the sport was all about. Sunday's race to me was dull and drab . . . heck I wasn't even tired and found myself nodding off half way through, I really was bored with it. There was an article on the Radio4 'Today' show this morning which reported that the F1 community is up in arms about the cars and Bernie Ecclestone is "fuming and demanding they change the engine note"
I think the FIA have dropped the ball this year, too many radical changes at once, its a poor show that puts teams in such a position that they are coming to race one not having completed race distance test sessions and some not even being able to take advantage of what little testing they are allowed. IMO they have got this very, very wrong and I'm totally underwhelmed for the first time ever since I became a fan. Its been sanitised far too much and the thrill has gone for me at the moment.
Whilst I agree that the cars 'in my day' were more exciting and demanded more than a bit of bravery to get in let alone race, we have to face the fact that the times move on. The technology may well filter down into road cars but there is enough waste and profligacy and F1 is doing the right thing in limiting the over use of fuel etc.
There are a lot of things that don't seem as enjoyable as it were when I were a lad. Its a function of age.
The technology may well filter down into road cars but there is enough waste and profligacy and F1 is doing the right thing in limiting the over use of fuel etc.
I totally agree with that Gordon and applaud any change that helps conserve energy, but one of the most spectacular motor sports still has to be exciting and I didn't think it was on Sunday or threatens to be this year, with that car.
I totally agree with that Gordon and applaud any change that helps conserve energy, but one of the most spectacular motor sports still has to be exciting and I didn't think it was on Sunday or threatens to be this year, with that car.
You and I appear to have been watching completely different events Tim... :scratch:
I have been following F1 for forty years and I've witnessed many changes to both the cars and the rules during this period, yet ultimately none of these changes have dented my enthusiasm for watching the finest racing drivers in the world wrestle their steeds around the worlds most challenging race circuits. The tools of the trade may evolve but the spirit of competition lives on... :)
I have been following F1 for forty years and I've witnessed many changes to both the cars and the rules during this period, yet ultimately none of these changes have dented my enthusiasm for watching the finest racing drivers in the world wrestle their steeds around the worlds most challenging race circuits. The tools of the trade may evolve but the spirit of competition lives on... :)
+1
You and I appear to have been watching completely different events Tim... :scratch:
Maybe I dreamt it was so boring whilst I was asleep, it certainly was quiet enough! I'll watch the highlights again and see if it can rekindle my interest, but I doubt it ;)
I am liking the effect of the reduced downforce, and the increased torque. Overall grip levels are down considerably, and the cars are visibly more of a handful, which I like. I think the drivers like it too.
Maybe I dreamt it was so boring whilst I was asleep, it certainly was quiet enough! I'll watch the highlights again and see if it can rekindle my interest, but I doubt it ;)
:lol:
I am liking the effect of the reduced downforce, and the increased torque. Overall grip levels are down considerably, and the cars are visibly more of a handful, which I like. I think the drivers like it too.
That would appear to be the case from the driver interviews I've seen. So what if the cars are quieter? In fact there could be a silver lining to all this because the reduced noise output might pave the way for the F1 circus to return to Brands Hatch, now wouldn't that be grand? ;)
Audio Al
18-03-2014, 13:41
I think F1 has lost the plot :scratch:
How long before the drivers are surplus too requirements ?
I went and watched the grass grow half way through :)
I often find myself at odds with Bernie Ecclestone, but on this one I'm with him all the way;
Ecclestone said: "I was not horrified by the noise, I was horrified by the lack of it. And I was sorry to be proved right with what I've said all along; these cars don't sound like racing cars.
Bernie Ecclestone promises 'noisier' F1 cars as promoter of Australian Grand Prix could sue (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/10704361/Bernie-Ecclestone-promises-noisier-F1-cars-as-promoter-of-Australian-Grand-Prix-could-sue.html)
Gordon Steadman
18-03-2014, 14:53
I often find myself at odds with Bernie Ecclestone, but on this one I'm with him all the way;
Bernie Ecclestone promises 'noisier' F1 cars as promoter of Australian Grand Prix could sue (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/10704361/Bernie-Ecclestone-promises-noisier-F1-cars-as-promoter-of-Australian-Grand-Prix-could-sue.html)
Bernie has fixed ideas about most things. When he has a new idea its always crap - time to move on I think.
PaulStewart
18-03-2014, 15:23
<snip>The technology may well filter down into road cars but there is enough waste and profligacy and F1 is doing the right thing in limiting the over use of fuel.
Sorry but what we have is the trickle up of technology, forced by the bloody green lobby, we as F1 fans have been presented with the racing Prius and it's about as exciting. The amount of fuel used in F1 is minuscule compared to other industries and pollutes far less than bunker diesel used in lorries, trains and ships. I have been following motor sport since I was a kid and I have covered F1, rallying and other genres for national newspapers for years. After this I will follow touring cars and rallycross, this was just boring.
I may send in a suggestion for a new series to the BBC, Grumpy Old F1 Fans... :lol:
StanleyB
18-03-2014, 17:15
I think F1 has lost the plot :scratch:
How long before the drivers are surplus too requirements ?
I went and watched the grass grow half way through :)
You grow grass? What variety? Skunk, Sensi, Thai?
Audio Al
18-03-2014, 18:03
You grow grass? What variety? Skunk, Sensi, Thai?
:smoking::smoking::smoking::smoking::smoking:
Gordon Steadman
18-03-2014, 18:10
I may send in a suggestion for a new series to the BBC, Grumpy Old F1 Fans... :lol:
Yup, its amazing how good people are at trying to find the positive in everything:eyebrows:
How long before the drivers are surplus too requirements ?
Since the removal of traction control, launch control, high downforce etc., their raw driving skills are more needed than ever. An excess of torque and low downforce is a recipe for supreme driver control and general race excitement.
Maybe I dreamt it was so boring whilst I was asleep, it certainly was quiet enough! I'll watch the highlights again and see if it can rekindle my interest, but I doubt it ;)
Wake me up when there's a nice crash!!
Marco.
Wake me up when there's a nice crash!!
:lol: I'll try but I reckon you might be soundo fella.
Here's a thought that just occurred to me . . . I wonder if there is any difference in the audio presentation of the race. I'm pretty sure Martin watched it on Sky, so how did everyone else watch it, Sky or BBC? Just watched it again and found myself nodding off again around lap 40, dull. I reckon the boy racers in Westover Road, Bournemouth on a Saturday night have more interesting cars. I think the tinnitus in my left ear sounds louder than them there 'racing' cars! :wheniwasaboy:
PS Just looked at your avatar properly Marco, that looks like Moonie and Pete Townsend there?
Yeah, baby! Check out the speakaz lined up at the back, too! ;)
Marco.
PaulStewart
18-03-2014, 19:40
Tannoy?
Lockwood Majors, the UK de facto standard for studios in those days developed from the BBC LS/10 and made my Lockwood. The Who had three pairs, two with Monitor Reds and one with Golds....... I really must get out more :lol:
StanleyB
18-03-2014, 19:41
When the exhaust note from super cars changed from very loud to acceptable in the 80's (or was it the 90's?) few complained. So the new F1 car exhaust note will grow on us over the season. Bernie of probably deaf by now. So his complaint should fall on deaf ears.
Tannoy?
Yup, Lockwood Majors, as used in certain world famous recording studios! ;)
Anyway, we're drifiting wildly off-topic.... For 'thrills & spills', I'll go back to watching some stock car racing!! :D
Marco.
stopped watching F1 years ago... to boring; no overtakings... unless someone f***** up during pit stop
Yeah, baby! Check out the speakaz lined up at the back, too! ;)
Marco.
Thought they were a row of cupboards!
I reckon the boy racers in Westover Road, Bournemouth on a Saturday night have more interesting cars.
The missus nearly choked on her cornflakes when she read this Tim... :lol:
In light of Red Bulls pending appeal against Daniel Ricciardo's disqualification from the Australian GP which is due to be heard on April 14th, information has since come to light that the FIA informed Red Bull during the race that Ricciardo's car was supping more than the allowed 100kg/h but that the team ignored the message. Red Bull cites discrepancies in the accuracy of data obtained from fuel flow sensors supplied by Hampshire based Gill Sensors as the reason why they ignored the FIA's advisory. Is this another example of 'gamesmanship' from a team which is reknowned for bending the rules or do they have a point?
In a post race interview Christian Horner cast doubt on the accuracy of data supplied by the flow sensors and he suggested that other teams had also experienced issues and worse, that a few cars had completed the GP with inoperable sensors. If true one would expect the affected teams to stand shoulder to shoulder with RB and Ricciardo in particular, who is universally popular in the pit lane. As yet not a single team has supported Horner's hypothesis. If Red Bull lose the appeal I hope Ricciardo takes his team to task over this as they will have essentially cheated him out of a second place result at his home GP.
StanleyB
24-03-2014, 09:03
I heard what Horner said, and it came across as if Red Bull thinks it is above the rules. If the rules clearly state which sensors should be fitted, then that's how it has to be. Imagine if teams started to use different brand of tyres because of the uncertain reliability of the current ones.
I hope Ricciardo takes his team to task over this as they will have essentially cheated him out of a second place result at his home GP.
Except that there is the question of how well he would have performed had he been required to be more frugal with his fuel, rather than using an illegal amount.
Except that there is the question of how well he would have performed had he been required to be more frugal with his fuel, rather than using an illegal amount.
This is true, however had Ricciardo been aware of all the facts he may well have been able to adjust his strategy to counter it... ;)
This is true, however had Ricciardo been aware of all the facts he may well have been able to adjust his strategy to counter it... ;)
It is quite normal for the team to tell their drivers to save fuel if they think there will be a problem getting to the finish, and this was previously based on the telemetry available to them. I presume that under the new regime they also get fuel flow readings from the FIA flow meter via the FIA ECU, and that the regulations mean that they have to satisfy both requirements simultaneously - i.e. 100Kg of fuel for the race, and 100Kg/hr maximum flow rate.
I think it is quite disingenuous of Red Bull to claim that they are effectively exempt from one of the constraints because the FIA flow meter readings were 'unreliable'. As I understand the grounds of their appeal, they have another metric (Injector flows from fuel pressure/injector timing data, and their own 'accurate' fuel flow sensor) that proves this. Although this may or may not be true, it is irrelevent as the measure is the FIA homologated fuel flow sensor, not other data sources. it would be a bit like trading standards loosing an appeal on weights and measures because a trader has their own set of scales that showed they weren't providing short measures!.
The FIA notified them several times over the race weekend that they needed to reduce fuel flow, and they chose to disregard the advice and run their car based on their own fuel flow readings. As fuel flow dictates engine performance, this could potentially give them an unfair engine performance advantage (which they seem to need compared to Mercedes!) was never going to result in anything other than an exclusion from the results. It also shows more than a little arrogance from Red Bull - that comes as no suprise does it really?.
Regards,
Alex
It is quite normal for the team to tell their drivers to save fuel if they think there will be a problem getting to the finish, and this was previously based on the telemetry available to them. I presume that under the new regime they also get fuel flow readings from the FIA flow meter via the FIA ECU, and that the regulations mean that they have to satisfy both requirements simultaneously - i.e. 100Kg of fuel for the race, and 100Kg/hr maximum flow rate.
I think it is quite disingenuous of Red Bull to claim that they are effectively exempt from one of the constraints because the FIA flow meter readings were 'unreliable'. As I understand the grounds of their appeal, they have another metric (Injector flows from fuel pressure/injector timing data, and their own 'accurate' fuel flow sensor) that proves this. Although this may or may not be true, it is irrelevent as the measure is the FIA homologated fuel flow sensor, not other data sources. it would be a bit like trading standards loosing an appeal on weights and measures because a trader has their own set of scales that showed they weren't providing short measures!.
The FIA notified them several times over the race weekend that they needed to reduce fuel flow, and they chose to disregard the advice and run their car based on their own fuel flow readings. As fuel flow dictates engine performance, this could potentially give them an unfair engine performance advantage (which they seem to need compared to Mercedes!) was never going to result in anything other than an exclusion from the results. It also shows more than a little arrogance from Red Bull - that comes as no suprise does it really?.
Regards,
Alex
Exactly Alex. 'Arrogant' about sums up the team as a whole to be honest and I can't see Ricciardo fitting in well there as he appears to be an honest chap who tells it as it is, I worry that he could suffer the same fate as Mark Webber unless he conforms to Red Bulls modus operandi. RB remind me so much of a certain Italian team in the manner in which they exceed the boundaries of the rule system, although I admit that since
Domenicalli took over as team principle of Ferrari things have improved a hundred fold on that score.
Red Bull knew the score. Their real beef had little to do with what happened during the race as they've known all along of the constraints on tolerance/accuracy of the newly specified meters and they may well have developed what they consider to be a more reliable way of metering fuel to squeeze out the last bit of performance, but every other team has adhered to the FIA's new rules except for RBR. They have made their point and whether they are right or wrong, technically speaking, isn't the issue. The issue is that everyone bar RBR adhered to the rules and ran a fair race; except for them. I feel for Ricciardo, as he may well have run 2nd place even with RBR adhering to the rules, but we'lll never know now. I suspect both he and RBR know if they had a performance gain because they have tested with these meters in place. The tolerances could have swung the other way for them so they really have shot themselves in the foot. Perhaps it takes something like this to humble them a bit. They need it, great team though they are. If there is a genuine issue here which could consistently see an unfair advantage (or disadvantage), then the teams need to take this up with the FIA collectively. I'm sure if it were a serious enough an issue, they will.
Stolen from the PFM F1 thread: http://184.106.145.74/f1-championship/f1-2014/f1-2014-01/Formula%20One%20Australian%20Grand%20Prix%202014%2 0Document%20-%2056.pdf
Thanks Neal, I already saw that. It's pretty comprehensive and I fail to see how Red Bull could wriggle out of it.
RobbieGong
24-03-2014, 20:45
At the end of the day, rules are rules and apply to ALL participants.
Stolen from the PFM F1 thread: http://184.106.145.74/f1-championship/f1-2014/f1-2014-01/Formula%20One%20Australian%20Grand%20Prix%202014%2 0Document%20-%2056.pdf
Seems pretty cut and dried to me, RB won't be winning this one...
Dietrich Mateschitz threatens to pull RBR out of F1...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula-one/26721387
archiesdad
25-03-2014, 19:31
Seems a bit huffy to me, I'd let him take his ball and go play elsewhere.
Great win for Lewis today and another exciting race going on behind him. Those cars really look a handful and I have the greatest of respect for the drivers just keeping them on the track, especially in the wet.
Anyone care to guess on the quality of the debriefing between Massa and Bottas? :lol:
Great win for Lewis today and another exciting race going on behind him. Those cars really look a handful and I have the greatest of respect for the drivers just keeping them on the track, especially in the wet.
Anyone care to guess on the quality of the debriefing between Massa and Bottas? :lol:
Must admit, I've seem more close racing in the last two races than I did in the whole of last year's processional races (dull, dull, dull). Mr Mateschtiz may have a few points, but sounds mostly like sour grapes. Fact is, the cars are as quick or quicker in a straight line than they were last year and the only reason for slower lap times are the restrictions to downforce and the new tyres perhaps. At least without as many driver aids and lower downforce, we're seeing some racing at long last. The teams eventually will sort their hybrid systems so I don't expect to see Mercedes carry on their dominance...RBR will be breathing down their necks within a few races, and if not, they may have chucked this year's hopes away (hence the sour grapes?). It would be a shame if they threw toys out of the pram and wandered off. The teams need to band together and approach the FIA over these fuel flow meters. Collective pressure may force a change but there are bound to be teething issues (didn't one pack in totally during the race yesterday?). Mercedes have stolen a leap on the other teams through better preparation and a well deserved win for Lewis who looked supreme and a lot smoother than his team mate.
I can't understand all the nonsense about the engine sound. They sound very purposeful to me, grunty and full of character (those turbos are awesome, especially during down-changes). They are supremely high-tech and produce power per litre that is simply eye-watering. That kind of efficiency appeals to me, and I like hearing the tyre-squealing and other sounds that were previously obscured, as well as the different nature of each of the three engines.
I can't understand all the nonsense about the engine sound.
I wish I felt the same way Martin, I'm envious of people who have taken to the new cars, but for me (and its not something I ever thought about before), the engine note is obviously very important. I just don't enjoy watching it anymore, hard to explain but they just don't seem like racing cars anymore and there is no excitement. I turned it off halfway through again last night and went to bed :(
Still looking on the bright side, F1 was one of the quandaries I was in whilst making the decision whether or not to renew my television licence, now its a no brainer :)
there is no excitement
I guess we'll have to differ, Tim, as I find cars with lots of torque and less grip very exciting to watch as the drivers grapple with them, constantly on the limits of adhesion. This harks back to the turbo nutter cars of the 1980s, which I also enjoyed watching.
As the only F1 fan in the house, I for one am delighted by the quieter engines. Although I enjoyed the sound of last year's cars, the rest of the family most certainly did not. This year, I can watch the race and hear the commentary without driving everyone else up the wall. Result!
Anyone care to guess on the quality of the debriefing between Massa and Bottas? :lol:
"Philipé, Valteri is faster than you..." Meanwhile the fans reflect on why there is smoke boiling from Massa's cockpit... :lol:
I guess we'll have to differ, Tim
Indeed Martin and I accept its a totally irrational reaction, I can't fathom it at all but I find watching it a completely dead and lifeless experience for some reason. I would perhaps have thought I was going mad reading the posts here, but its clear I'm not alone in experiencing this reaction. I used to always plumb F1 races through my Hi-Fi in the past and turn the volume up, so I guess for me the noise was an integral part of the enjoyment. Maybe I was trying to recreate the excitement of attending a Grand Prix . . I didn't get any engine oil out to sniff mind you!
Its funny how our brains work and how our emotions are stirred :scratch:
Gordon Steadman
05-04-2014, 07:29
In case there are some fans who don't follow Joe Saward, I am pasting his latest blog entry that makes a bit of sense to me.
Top of the Flops (http://joesaward.wordpress.com/2014/04/05/top-of-the-flops/)by Joe Saward (http://joesaward.wordpress.com/author/joesaward/)
A while ago now, in the UK, there was a popular music chart television programme, made by the BBC, called Top of the Pops. It ran for 42 years. It was a countdown to find out what was the Number One that week. It drew a vast audience and every singer and every band wanted to be on it. Looking back now, in the age of whizzbangs and wonderment, it was all rather tame - and the clothing and hairdos were giggle-inducing - but it worked wonders for the pop music industry and kept the toothsome DJs amused with a constant stream of teenage girls, wanting to be in the audience, and willing to do whatever it took to get there... It worked because there was a structure, suspense and if some of the groups were awful (cue: The Bay City Rollers), there was always someone you liked. It was a win-win deal for all concerned.
Formula 1 used to be like that but in recent times it has all been getting rather confused and today, rather than everyone doing what they are told and singing in beautiful harmonies, we have Luca and the High Horses doing "Paint it Black", Bernie & The Asset Strippers singing "Money, money, money", Dietrich and the Untermensch warbling "My way", Jean Todt and the Blazers doing "We are the champions" (without the sequins), the other teams singing "Ain't no sunshine" and the media doing "Dancing in the Dark" all at the same time. It is a right old cacophony. A lot of noise.
Yesterday I read a Ferrari press release announcing that 83 percent of the fans do not like Formula 1. Fabulous! The team that gains the most from the sport, saying that the sport is rubbish.
Did they teach that one in PR school?
I read with fascination, it was like a chapter from Suicide 101, explaining how to load a pistol and point it at one's head. I even went to ask the Ferrari PR man if there was any possible logical positive strategy for such a ridiculous release. His argument was not convincing.
Formula 1 is in the process of a brilliant technical revolution that has a real value to the world at large and the people in the sport are all whining and griping and trying to get things changed, because they have other agendas. It is incredibly depressing that the sport is delivering such a poor message to the public at a time when there is such a positive story to be told: the F1 cars of 2014 cover the same distance at the same sort of speed as the cars of 2013, but they do it using 35 percent less fuel. That's impressive. But where is this great story being broadcast? Why can no-one remember the word HYBRID? The teams are squabbling as ever, the Formula One group does not do promotion (an odd stance for a promoter) and the FIA's idea about communication is about as useful as a Trappist Debating Society.
It is as if everyone is working to bring down the value of the sport. Some may be, some may wish to drive away the investors so that they can buy the shares. The investors are, sadly, completely clueless. They look only at the bottom line and do not care how it is arrived at. And they don't have the nous (nor the balls) to run the business as it could (and should) be run and they just don't care whether the sport spins off into a wall and catches fire, so long as they have their pockets bulging with fivers when they depart. If they had any clue they would realise that there is still plenty of milk left inside this old cash cow.
What happened to the sport that we love? Why are the teams trying to get rules they like rather than buckling down and building better racing cars as racers do? The culprit today is Ferrari, and it is clear that the folk in Maranello have not mastered the new engines as successfully as Mercedes-Benz (major ooops). Yesterday it was Red Bull. They are not winning, so they are whingeing instead. They are trying to change the rules as Red Bull did last year.
They have no respect for the sport.
Well, as a fan of F1, my view is very simple: if you don't like it, go away. There will always be other racers who will step in to replace these prima donnas. It is just a question of money. If we wish to see the sport destroy itself then we need to let everyone spend as much as they like. The dinosaurs can have a final party, but if we want to go forward, we need to do so with rules that restrict money and ego, just as they restrict wing size and tyre width.
Goodness me, I sound angry.
Very interesting blog post Gordon - thanks.
I liked Andrew Benson's take as well:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/26666624
What an absolutely fantastic race! Incredible across the field. I thoroughly enjoyed it and my heart was in danger of bursting at several points. Well done Lewis, but really well done all the drivers for RACING.
To quote Niki Lauda "If anybody thinks that was a boring race, he's an idiot".
In case there are some fans who don't follow Joe Saward, I am pasting his latest blog entry that makes a bit of sense to me.
Top of the Flops (http://joesaward.wordpress.com/2014/04/05/top-of-the-flops/)by Joe Saward (http://joesaward.wordpress.com/author/joesaward/)
A while ago now, in the UK, there was a popular music chart television programme, made by the BBC, called Top of the Pops. It ran for 42 years. It was a countdown to find out what was the Number One that week. It drew a vast audience and every singer and every band wanted to be on it. Looking back now, in the age of whizzbangs and wonderment, it was all rather tame - and the clothing and hairdos were giggle-inducing - but it worked wonders for the pop music industry and kept the toothsome DJs amused with a constant stream of teenage girls, wanting to be in the audience, and willing to do whatever it took to get there... It worked because there was a structure, suspense and if some of the groups were awful (cue: The Bay City Rollers), there was always someone you liked. It was a win-win deal for all concerned.
Formula 1 used to be like that but in recent times it has all been getting rather confused and today, rather than everyone doing what they are told and singing in beautiful harmonies, we have Luca and the High Horses doing "Paint it Black", Bernie & The Asset Strippers singing "Money, money, money", Dietrich and the Untermensch warbling "My way", Jean Todt and the Blazers doing "We are the champions" (without the sequins), the other teams singing "Ain't no sunshine" and the media doing "Dancing in the Dark" all at the same time. It is a right old cacophony. A lot of noise.
Yesterday I read a Ferrari press release announcing that 83 percent of the fans do not like Formula 1. Fabulous! The team that gains the most from the sport, saying that the sport is rubbish.
Did they teach that one in PR school?
I read with fascination, it was like a chapter from Suicide 101, explaining how to load a pistol and point it at one's head. I even went to ask the Ferrari PR man if there was any possible logical positive strategy for such a ridiculous release. His argument was not convincing.
Formula 1 is in the process of a brilliant technical revolution that has a real value to the world at large and the people in the sport are all whining and griping and trying to get things changed, because they have other agendas. It is incredibly depressing that the sport is delivering such a poor message to the public at a time when there is such a positive story to be told: the F1 cars of 2014 cover the same distance at the same sort of speed as the cars of 2013, but they do it using 35 percent less fuel. That's impressive. But where is this great story being broadcast? Why can no-one remember the word HYBRID? The teams are squabbling as ever, the Formula One group does not do promotion (an odd stance for a promoter) and the FIA's idea about communication is about as useful as a Trappist Debating Society.
It is as if everyone is working to bring down the value of the sport. Some may be, some may wish to drive away the investors so that they can buy the shares. The investors are, sadly, completely clueless. They look only at the bottom line and do not care how it is arrived at. And they don't have the nous (nor the balls) to run the business as it could (and should) be run and they just don't care whether the sport spins off into a wall and catches fire, so long as they have their pockets bulging with fivers when they depart. If they had any clue they would realise that there is still plenty of milk left inside this old cash cow.
What happened to the sport that we love? Why are the teams trying to get rules they like rather than buckling down and building better racing cars as racers do? The culprit today is Ferrari, and it is clear that the folk in Maranello have not mastered the new engines as successfully as Mercedes-Benz (major ooops). Yesterday it was Red Bull. They are not winning, so they are whingeing instead. They are trying to change the rules as Red Bull did last year.
They have no respect for the sport.
Well, as a fan of F1, my view is very simple: if you don't like it, go away. There will always be other racers who will step in to replace these prima donnas. It is just a question of money. If we wish to see the sport destroy itself then we need to let everyone spend as much as they like. The dinosaurs can have a final party, but if we want to go forward, we need to do so with rules that restrict money and ego, just as they restrict wing size and tyre width.
Goodness me, I sound angry.
Hear hear!!! :clap:
twickers
06-04-2014, 22:16
What an absolutely fantastic race! Incredible across the field. I thoroughly enjoyed it and my heart was in danger of bursting at several points. Well done Lewis, but really well done all the drivers for RACING.
To quote Niki Lauda "If anybody thinks that was a boring race, he's an idiot".
Totally agree Martin!! Unfortunately only able to watch the highlights but what a cracker. Total racing throughout the grid
until the last lap.
RobbieGong
06-04-2014, 22:17
Just seen the race - absolutely chuffed out of my brain for Lewis, brilliant drive and under tons of unrelenting pressure from Rosberg !! If any one wanted an exciting race they got it. Racing and challenges throughout the field. I was praying Hamilton didn't get overtaken - gosh I'm knackered !! :eek:
I tried to hail a taxi in Bahrain today, unfortunately they were too busy racing.... :D
What a cracking GP, it had it all: Wheel to wheel action, barrel-rolling Sauber's and two Silver Arrows fighting for bragging rights. Ricciardo, showing Seb the way once again, drove a fine race to finish fourth but unfortunately Danny didn't quite have the pace to overhaul 'Checo' in his Force India, who just pipped him to third place and a much deserved final spot on the podium.
Congratulations should go to Paddy Lowe and Toto Wolff at Mercedes for allowing their boys to race thus giving us a wonderful opportunity to see exactly what Lewis and Nico are made of. Either of them might have taken the top spot depending on which way lady luck happened to glance, however Hamilton wanted it more ultimately but he had to delve deep into his skill set to keep hard charging Rosberg, who was on grippier rubber, behind him. This resulted in some of the fairest and best racing between team mates I have ever witnessed in F1.
I am thoroughly exhausted after watching that but the old adrenaline is really pumping. I need a drink or three... :D
Indeed, I was glued to the screen. I think Ruth said something to me a few times during the race, but I can't remember anything else!
Indeed, I was glued to the screen. I think Ruth said something to me a few times during the race, but I can't remember anything else!
Hahaha... Jo is a big fan too and normally we would discus the various moves, strategy decisions and incidents as the race progresses but not yesterday, the air was full of 'WOOPS' and WOWS!!! plus a few choice expletives... :lol:
Superb race, superb track, superb sportsmanship (mostly) all round. One of the best Formula 1 races I think I've watched in years. Hamilton deserved that win. He showed everything needed from a champ: consistency, few (if any) mistakes, controlled aggression, skill and fair play. The one tough pass on the inside upset Rosberg but it's not the cub scouts, it's F1 racing and should be tough. It was a fair pass and not as if Nico hadn't seen Lewis. Nico should watch more WSB races if he really wants a taste of what tough passing involves! He also drove very well and I hope that the rivalry between the two stays friendly for the sake of the team and each of the drivers.
RBR...well, it isn't all down to a slow car, so for Seb to keep moaning about how slow his car is...welcome to how the rest of the field felt last year Seb. I didn't hear Ricciardo complaining and he seems to be pushing harder than Seb and certainly able to get more out of the car. They'll catch up on power development later in the season and some tracks will suit them better so it's not over just yet.
Brilliant to see the Silverstone based Force India doing so well. A shame for Paul that he wasn't able to secure a seat with them this year (anyone know what happened to him?).
The new rules seem to be having the desired effect...more wheel to wheel racing, and with the possible exception of Mercedes' power advantage, a more level playing field for the drivers which allows us at least to see more of the driver skill coming into play. Love it.
Just to reiterate what the rest of you have said, what a fantastic race! I used to be an F1 addict, but have not really followed it for years now, every race I watched was just too boring. Malaysia was very enjoyable and encouraged me to watch Bahrain. My god, what an absolute treat. I was on the edge of my seat right from start to finish. If it wasn't for the safety car I wouldn't even have been able to make a cup of tea during it!
If the rest of the season is only half as exciting, it'll be the best season for years :)
Val
Hmmm, perhaps the cars are now so quiet drivers can sneak up on their opponents undetected... :D
Well that was a race (finally) . . edge of the seat stuff from Lewis and Nico, shame it was mostly just a two horse race, but nonetheless, absolutely gripping. Maybe I'm getting used to being deaf whilst watching it . . .
StanleyB
08-04-2014, 05:38
Well that was a race (finally) . . edge of the seat stuff from Lewis and Nico, shame it was mostly just a two horse race, but nonetheless, absolutely gripping.
What's wrong with a two horse race?? In the previous four seasons we had to endure a single Red Bull race. Surely that was far less enjoyable than the current situation.
shame it was mostly just a two horse race
Not just one but many two-horse races, which made it exciting to watch all the way down the field. I suspect that Mercedes allowing their drivers to race will percolate through the teams and they will be reluctant to give any further coded team orders as with Williams at the last race. Also - don't be in any doubt that Red Bull are coming, Ricciardo especially. He is becoming a fantastic driver.
As for engines, my prediction is that when McLaren switch to their Honda engine next year, RB will scrabble to grab the Mercedes engine going for grabs.
Any bets on Ross Brawn going back to Ferrari?
http://www.planetf1.com/news/3213/9265401/Domenicali-Pays-For-Ferrari-s-Failure
Red Bull lost their appeal today. Thank goodness, as otherwise the entire sport would have been brought into disrepute by that team. Now they will use the same fuel flow sensor as everyone else and not flagrantly abuse the rules by turning the flow up when they have been specifically told to turn it down, because their driver is falling back.
Gordon Steadman
15-04-2014, 15:16
Red Bull lost their appeal today. Thank goodness, as otherwise the entire sport would have been brought into disrepute by that team. Now they will use the same fuel flow sensor as everyone else and not flagrantly abuse the rules by turning the flow up when they have been specifically told to turn it down, because their driver is falling back.
Indeed, relieved to see that common sense prevailed. It will be interesting to see if the sugar merchant that owns the team starts saying he will pull out again.
Red Bull lost their appeal today. Thank goodness. . .
+1
I am intrigued to see what the 'new boy' at Ferrari will bring to the party too - tough, tough job he's landed, I hope he has thick skin :scratch:
Unless he can effect an immediate turnaround - which as you say will be a monumental task - his life as team manager will be a lot shorter than Domenicali's.
Unless he can effect an immediate turnaround - which as you say will be a monumental task - his life as team manager will be a lot shorter than Domenicali's.
I wouldn't be surprised to see Brawn back at Ferrari next season, maybe sooner if the new fella fails to stop the rot...
It would be good to see Brawn back in play.
Gordon Steadman
17-04-2014, 11:04
Another interesting post from Joe Saward:
A very smart view (http://joesaward.wordpress.com/2014/04/17/a-very-smart-view/)by Joe Saward (http://joesaward.wordpress.com/author/joesaward/)
I don't know John Leicester, but I do know that he is what we call "an agency man", with more than 20 years experience with the Associated Press, a venerable institution that is generally trustworthy. For the last five years Leicester has been a sports columnist and he has just produced a very good column called "Fuel-careful F1 less of a guilty pleasure". I think it is something that all F1 fans should read and so I am reproducing it, in full below.
"As Earth's atmosphere warms alarmingly and fills with heat-trapping gases, and the writing on the wall - "People, we're in trouble!" - looms ever larger, Formula One has steadily become a guilty pleasure, the motorsport equivalent of blue whale burger or wearing panda fur. All that precious fuel going up in smoke, speed, and outrageous noise. Unsustainable and increasingly unjustifiable. So F1 deserves a pat on the back for now doing its little bit for the planet. Let's not kid ourselves: Strapping drivers into combustion engines can never be a "green" sport. Polar bears on retreating ice sheets shouldn't dance with joy -"We're saved!" - simply because F1 downgraded this season from monster 2.4-liter, V8 engines to somewhat less viciously thirsty 1.6-liter, V6 turbo hybrid engines. But it is something. More than that, it recognizes that if we are to have much of a collective future, then everyone must make and accept compromises, eke out and protect resources and learn to do more with less. To cover a meager 190 miles, the length of all F1 races except the shorter Monaco Grand Prix, the V8s guzzled around 50 gallons of fuel - sometimes a bit more, sometimes less, depending on the track and conditions. That was just on race day. Now add practice and qualifying sessions, and multiply all this by 19 races a season, for a truly staggering fuel bill. In the real world, a midsize Toyota Prius hybrid might cover about 2,500 miles on those same 50 gallons, almost enough to cross the United States from Washington DC to Los Angeles, according to fuel economy figures for that model from the U.S. government's Environmental Protection Agency. F1 wouldn't be F1 without excess. Fans worldwide wouldn't tune in for World Champion Sebastian Vettel driving a Prius. F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone got fabulously rich with the sales pitch of bigger, faster, costlier, noisier equals vroooom. "Rush," director Ron Howard's glorification of 1976 world champion James Hunt has the notorious bad boy of F1 mouth-rinsing with champagne and puffing on an illegal-looking cigarette before races in his early Formula Three days. Swap the risk and glamour of F1 for quiet-as-a-mouse electric engines and showers of dandelion tea on the podium and you can be sure that petrol-heads would walk away. But as road cars become more fuel efficient, with electric and hybrid-engine technology making increasing inroads, F1 needed to reconnect with its time or risk becoming an anachronism, racing on regardless the costs to the environment. This season's switch to fantastically complex hybrid engines puts F1 back ahead of the technological curve. That is exactly where the sport must be to retain fans and stay relevant in today's energy-challenged world. The engines still generate most of their power from burning fuel but also recuperate and reuse far more energy from braking and exhaust gases than the previous V8 cars and their KERS energy-recovery systems. New rules slash by about one-third the amount of fuel that teams use in the cars and also limit the rate at which they burn it. Again, that doesn't make them anywhere near green. The 100-kilogram-per-race allotment of fuel would still get a Prius from Paris to Moscow. But at least F1 can now argue that it is going in the right direction. If improvements in fuel economy, engine technology, energy recovery and hybrid-power know-how also bleed over into future road cars, F1 will be able to stick that feather in its cap, too. Critics who loved the fiery crackle of throaty V8s complain that the new engines are too quiet. But that nostalgia over-plays the supposed link between engine noise and the appeal of F1. The V6s certainly sound different, with a top-end squeal like a dentist's drill. That will take getting used to. Ultimately, however, what makes F1 watchable - or not - isn't noise but the quality and closeness of the racing. V8 races may have been loud. But many of them were boring, too. Also misleading is the argument that F1 drivers shouldn't need to economize fuel or tires and instead should be able to race flat-out from first lap to last. Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo is in this camp - itself a good indicator of how poorly his team has adapted to the new regime. But not every race needs non-stop wheel-to-wheel action to be interesting. In fact, you'd be naive and sorely disappointed if you expect that. The unfolding chess game during races of teams balancing the need for speed with the need to make tires and fuel last, the strategies they employ and adapt to squeeze the most out of those resources, make F1 a more cerebral sport. Fuel economy isn't beside the point - for F1 or for any of us. It is the point. It must be.
Another excellent article, thanks for posting it Gordon :)
If the excellent race in Bahrain couldn't silence the critics then I doubt anything will, perhaps they should take up knitting? :D
Gordon Steadman
17-04-2014, 12:18
Another excellent article, thanks for posting it Gordon :)
If the excellent race in Bahrain couldn't silence the critics then I doubt anything will, perhaps they should take up knitting? :D
It may be a coincidence but the two making the loudest noises (ha!) are also two of the oldest and least likely to want change. I speak as a 67 year old who finds such closed minds laughable. Unless that is, it relates to the obvious rubbish involved around hi-fi!!:lol:
I don't get to see races any more as I have no TV but my memory stretches back quite a way and every time there has been a change there was always someone predicting doom and gloom for the sport - usually those who failed to take advantage of the changes quickly enough of course.
Watch the knitting comments. My wife spends more doing that than motor racing these days (she used to drive a Lotus 7 BDA and be a marshall at Brands). The muscles in her hands and arms are well developed through both knitting and gardening so just hope you never meet her to have to defend your comment.
It may be a coincidence but the two making the loudest noises (ha!) are also two of the oldest and least likely to want change. I speak as a 67 year old who finds such closed minds laughable. Unless that is, it relates to the obvious rubbish involved around hi-fi!!:lol:
I don't get to see races any more as I have no TV but my memory stretches back quite a way and every time there has been a change there was always someone predicting doom and gloom for the sport - usually those who failed to take advantage of the changes quickly enough of course.
Watch the knitting comments. My wife spends more doing that than motor racing these days (she used to drive a Lotus 7 BDA and be a marshall at Brands). The muscles in her hands and arms are well developed through both knitting and gardening so just hope you never meet her to have to defend your comment.
Tell your other half that I've already had a comedy slap from Jo (she's an avid manipulator of all things textile) :D
You can watch GP's on BBC iPlayer via your computer if you so desire Gordon and for the moment at least, as long as you do so via the catch up service rather than watching it live, it doesn't require a TV licence to view (although that particular loophole is due to be closed in the future IIRC) ;)
RobbieGong
19-04-2014, 19:36
Pole's the way to go Lewis ! :thumbsup:
Gordon Steadman
19-04-2014, 19:49
Tell your other half that I've already had a comedy slap from Jo (she's an avid manipulator of all things textile) :D
You can watch GP's on BBC iPlayer via your computer if you so desire Gordon and for the moment at least, as long as you do so via the catch up service rather than watching it live, it doesn't require a TV licence to view (although that particular loophole is due to be closed in the future IIRC) ;)
Sadly iPlayer is not available over here unless you have a VPN to go through. I might look into that as F1 actually looks as though its worth watching this year.
Pole's the way to go Lewis ! :thumbsup:
That was a lesson in controlled driving. Tomorrow is going to be fascinating, however it turns out.
Lewis was in sublime driving mode today, great win... Oh and what's Vettel upto at the moment, he's getting trounced by his team mate... Although I have never been a great fan of his!
I thought that Alonso drove a superb race given the speed disadvantage he has; Kimi is surprisingly not up to his team mate's level for whatever reason at the minute; Lewis drove a controlled race, and really never had to break into a sweat. Being at the front and avoiding doing battle meant that he could conserve more fuel and his tyres too, but hats off for a great win. Vettel showed his true colours with his "tough luck" remark, something that won't endear him to his new team mate. In fact few drivers, when pushed under interview, seem to like him at all. His attitude isn't conducive to friendly relations with his fellow drivers, and Mark Webber summed it up pretty well in several interviews last year. Drivers may not be there to make friends, but disobeying team orders, potentially disadvantaging the team in the process and being a selfish t*at isn't really playing the team game. The foot was on the other shoe plenty of times during the past few years and Mark usually deferred. Vettel still threw his toys out of the pram at every opportunity like an ill tempered spoilt child and but put on a different face for the cameras. At least Ricciardo seems laid back and grown up enough to take it in his stride. I hope that he wipes the floor with Vettel this season.
Gordon Steadman
21-04-2014, 14:33
I hope that he wipes the floor with Vettel this season.
He appears to have made a very good start:)
It will be interesting watching both Vettel and Rosberg as they have both been destabilised somewhat. Did you see the expression on Rosberg's face - and he came second!
Rosberg seems more stressed than Lewis and doesn't seem to perform as well under pressure, making a few more mistakes when pushed hard. He's a talented driver but I wonder whether he has the composure and consistency to take nr 1 spot...I have my doubts. It's early days yet though and I suspect that there's more to come from Rosberg and Ricciardo. Vettel has simply been out classed by his team-mate (so far).
Rosberg may have peaked (and I agree, I don't think he's got world championship potential), but I suspect we're going to see much more of Ricciardo. Nice chap, too.
-- DAY OF REMEMBRANCE --
Today is the 20th anniversary of Ayrton Senna's death which was announced at 5:05PM BST in 1994. Fans around the world will be observing a 5 minute silence. I will be too..
What are your memories of that day?
Mine are quite clear to me, sitting on my bedroom floor up leaning up against the bed where I was watching the Grand Prix from.
I was already upset and worried from the moment the crash looked serious, but as soon as Murray Walker came on and announced through tears Aryton's death I was just sat sobbing on the floor, couldn't move. I would have been 17 at the time.
There was something about his personality and passion which reached me - Ive never really had any heros, sporting or otherwise I only warm to these kinds of people when you can get a sense of their soul, their humanity (or animal essence).
I wonder if anyone caring for Schumacher will be whispering anything in his ear, whether he will be aware on any level..
It took me a while to warm to Senna, and it was my support of Mansell and his growing friendship with Ayrton which brought me round. Looking back, it's easy to see how masterful he was both in and out of the car. I too watched that final race with a growing sense of dread.
RobbieGong
24-05-2014, 16:58
Rosberg has pipped Hamilton to pole for the Monaco Grand Prix. Should make for an interesting race as no doubt Hamilton will look to snatch it back from start or will be hard up him throughout, looking for any chance to get past. Does anyone know what the Monaco track is like in terms of passing opportunities ?
Gordon Steadman
24-05-2014, 17:23
Does anyone know what the Monaco track is like in terms of passing opportunities ?
Not a lot:lol:
In fact none if the driver in front knows what he's doing. Senna against Mansell with Mansell all over him for lap after lap after lap. Senna won in the slower car.
RobbieGong
24-05-2014, 19:43
Not a lot:lol:
In fact none if the driver in front knows what he's doing. Senna against Mansell with Mansell all over him for lap after lap after lap. Senna won in the slower car.
Ah well, It's a great move from start or second place by the sound of things..
Yes, despite there being a cloud over Rosberg and whether he deliberately triggered the yellow flags, having Hamilton start from second is going to make for an edge-of-the-seat race tomorrow.
StanleyB
24-05-2014, 22:29
Kind of funny situation after Keke Rosberg suggested that Schumacher should have been kicked out of F1 for the incident in 2006.
Ammonite Audio
25-05-2014, 08:50
Leaving aside whatever may or may not have happened in qualifying yesterday, I do feel that Nico Rosberg needs to take some lessons in general sportsmanship, perhaps from Daniel Ricciardo.
Gordon Steadman
25-05-2014, 09:17
It would be interesting to see the telemetry. When I was watching, I couldn't understand why he 'lost' it the way he did and I thought he twitched the wheel before it all went wrong.
Whatever the truth is, the first corner is certainly going to be interesting, especially after Hamilton's comment about having learned from Senna's example:eek:
mr sneff
25-05-2014, 09:32
What I can't understand is, OK I can believe he may have lost control and went up the exit road, why he then reversed back onto the track effectively scuppering the lap of those behind him?
RobbieGong
25-05-2014, 21:27
Whilst I'm a big fan of Hamilton and despite the fact I want him to win the title this year, there is something about Rosberg I just don't like. That said it is clear that if Hamilton is to win the title it's gonna be VERY hard fought all the way.
RobbieGong
07-06-2014, 20:58
Damn!! Rosberg's got pole ! :(
RobbieGong
06-07-2014, 20:59
Well done Lewis !!! :thumbsup:
Techno Commander
06-07-2014, 23:47
Indeed. After Lewis' second pit stop, he was driving like a man possessed and there was the makings for a serious scrap between him and Nico. Shame it didnt happen, but the results a goodun. :)
RobbieGong
26-07-2014, 15:22
I feel for Hamilton :(
Gordon Steadman
26-07-2014, 15:46
I feel for Hamilton :(
It might be tempting for him to start asking questions of his mechanics!! Like "how much is Nico paying you?"
Not a serious suggestion but it must be starting to seem that somebody somewhere is out to nobble him:(
Techno Commander
26-07-2014, 18:02
But if he drives like he did last race, hopefully should see him romp through the field.
But if he drives like he did last race, hopefully should see him romp through the field.
Lewis will have to drive like a madman as it is so difficult to overtake at the Hungaroring
mr sneff
26-07-2014, 19:01
Lewis will have to drive like a madman as it is so difficult to overtake at the Hungaroring
If the forecast rain materialises anything could happen.
RobbieGong
26-07-2014, 19:34
It might be tempting for him to start asking questions of his mechanics!! Like "how much is Nico paying you?"
Not a serious suggestion but it must be starting to seem that somebody somewhere is out to nobble him:(
I know what you mean ! As I say, I do feel for him.
StanleyB
26-07-2014, 19:42
If it rains then Bottas, Button, and Hamilton for a podium finish. Turbo cars drive completely different in the rain and cold weather. I have been driving turbo cars for nearly twenty years now and noticed that after a while. And those three guys are probably the best rain drivers in f1 right now.
I'd add Alonso to that list too Stan ;)
StanleyB
26-07-2014, 20:03
The Ferrari engine is not as good as Alonso.
The Ferrari engine is not as good as Alonso.
True, but in the wet the power advantage of the Mercedes engine will not be such a factor...
StanleyB
26-07-2014, 20:20
It's not so much the power, as the power band from the turbo design of each of them. The Merc design has a slightly quicker pick up response coming out of corners.
If it rains, Rosberg is likely to crash. He isn't brilliant in the wet going round bends.
Let's hope so, eh? It's looking as if reliability could be an issue for some tomorrow too which may lead to an unconventional podium, nothing unusual for the Hungarian GP...
Techno Commander
27-07-2014, 17:19
Cant argue with Hamilton's effort there. Pit lane to third place and a slap round the face to Rosberg. :)
RobbieGong
27-07-2014, 17:50
Cant argue with Hamilton's effort there. Pit lane to third place and a slap round the face to Rosberg. :)
Spot on Andy, The boy is a serious fighter, how does he do it ?? He just needs better luck than he's having going forward - No one can say he's had it easy ! And oh yes, one in da face for Mr Rosberg ;)
RobbieGong
27-07-2014, 17:53
Big up Ricciardo, What a lovely guy !
Damned fine effort by Hamilton and a great, well deserved result for him. Alonso...well, it's not the first or even the second time this season that when under pressure, he "accidentally" goes off circuit, gains an advantage, and holds the place. Dirty tricks? Maybe, maybe not but I thought that the race stewards would at least have instructed the team to tell him to bring back the gap immediately to what it was (ie nothing), but no.
Rossberg bitching about Hamilton not letting him past? They were on different strategies but both anticipated being there or thereabouts by race end, so what gives? Hamilton did right in telling them (effectively) to stuff it. Rossberg would have gained an unfair advantage after all the pit stops were shaken out and its not as if Mercedes were being challenged by another team on points so an overtly disgusting display of Rossberg favouritism by the team management. It won't do much for the team harmony and I'd be surprised if things dont get worse now between the drivers. So incredibly poor team management judgement going on, not least because Lewis won't now feel that he has team support from the top. There may well be over 300 Brits working for Mercedes but the signal's now loud and clear that they want a German world champ for the team. Politics has no place in sport. Lets hope Lewis keeps his head; the guy deserves equal treatment, nothing less.
A worthy win for Ricciardo...what a star and al round nice guy.
Spectral Morn
27-07-2014, 18:06
Great race :)
Regards Neil
RobbieGong
27-07-2014, 18:13
Well expressed Paul. Obviously we dont know the facts but your thoughts mirror those of myself and a number of people I've chatted with today and a while back. Something doesn't sit right. Lewis as ever is trying to be the nice guy about it but you can tell deep down he's beginning to see certain things. I'm just praying he gets through and lifts the title for himself and Great Britain.
Gordon Steadman
27-07-2014, 18:30
I see that Nikki Lauder says Lewis was right. And so he was. They are racing drivers. If you want to get past - overtake.
Well expressed Paul. Obviously we dont know the facts but your thoughts mirror those of myself and a number of people I've chatted with today and a while back. Something doesn't sit right. Lewis as ever is trying to be the nice guy about it but you can tell deep down he's beginning to see certain things. I'm just praying he gets through and lifts the title for himself and Great Britain.
It just seems Robert, to be poor judgement by Mercedes. The party line will always be that they made the right call, because the team may have thought that Rosberg could podium 1st or 2nd, and Hamilton was expected to podium perhaps 2nd or 3rd, so the team will probably say something like "in refusing to allow Nico through, Hamilton has cost Mercedes points". Anyone with intelligence can see that Mercedes are unlikely to be challenged this year for the constructors championship, so using the points card is a load of old bull. At least, it's both unlikely and improbable that even if challenged, the constructors' would go down to the wire. My view is that by putting pressure on Lewis at that crucial time for two or three laps, he was unnecessarily forced defensive (as Nico was going to pit anyway) and that potentially cost him the overtake on Alonso with fresher tyres. Who knows, it's just that I hate to see unfair play, wherever that occurs.
It will be interesting to see the outcome of the team talk and I'd be surprised if Rosberg will be able to contain himself (did you see the guy's face after the race?). I can't see Lewis staying with the team he helped up from the doldrums. Imho, he's the better racer. From adversity, a few "DNF's", some appalling luck qualifying (including the Nico incident that cost him in Monaco) the guy still manages to be only 11 points behind his team mate. He may be a bit of a diva behind the scenes (so say) but the guy has the x-factor when it comes to aggressive, gutsy and skilled driving. So does Ricciardo. Now Hamilton and Ricciardo as team mates, that would be interesting! They'd mop up given a decent package.
Hamilton could do a lot worse than re-join McLaren next year. Historically McLaren powered by a Honda engine has always been a package to beat and the team have publicly declared they want him back. You can bet that Honda have been making the most of the extra year of development and what is even more significant is that they are able to observe the performance of their competitors current engines and use the data to gauge their own engines performance. Of course another advantage is that Honda do not have a 2014 engine program to support which enables them to concentrate their entire resources on next years engine. This could reap huge benefits.
As for todays race, what an absolute cracker! It really did have it all, incidents and accidents, bravery and ill fortune, controversy and balls out defiance. The big question being; have Mercedes allowed national pride to cloud their judgement? Only time will tell...
Hamilton could do a lot worse than re-join McLaren next year. Historically McLaren powered by a Honda engine has always been a package to beat and the team have publicly declared they want him back. You can bet that Honda have been making the most of the extra year of development and what is even more significant is that they are able to observe the performance of their competitors current engines and use the data to gauge their own engines performance. Of course another advantage is that Honda do not have a 2014 engine program to support which enables them to concentrate their entire resources on next years engine. This could reap huge benefits.
As for todays race, what an absolute cracker! It really did have it all, incidents and accidents, bravery and ill fortune, controversy and balls out defiance. The big question being; have Mercedes allowed national pride to cloud their judgement? Only time will tell...
Yes. They've nailed their colours to the mast. A gross error of judgement performed very publicly. They also seem to be performing at some levels like headless chickens in the senior technical management group. This far into the season, one would have expected less errors, and better consistency. It's also baffling how Lewis's techys are so consistently poor on the pit stops. Earlier in the season, it was partly down to Lewis failing to hit the proper mark every time and this costs time, but he has been practising and so say has nailed his consistency in this respect, but his pit crew still seem to behave like rookies with so many poor pit stops. Little things but they all add up at the end of the year where points matter. It's very frustrating to watch so heaven alone knows how Lewis is feeling, especially now that the senior management team have made it so public that they want a German world Champion. They are even willing, it seems, to give direct orders to Lewis to have him hand that on a platter to his erstwhile team mate who is now acting like a spoilt brat.
Ammonite Audio
28-07-2014, 11:51
Wouldn't it be lovely if the championship was decided out on the track, rather than in the pits, or behind a safety car?
That aside, both Hamilton and Rosberg seem to have a problem dealing with each other's success. In the last few weeks I thought that Rosberg came across as a reasonable and likeable sportsman, but clearly that only applied when he was winning. Similarly, Hamilton could do better in my eyes if he did a bit more smiling, shoulder-shrugging and a lot less of the petulant brat stuff (fewer diamond ear studs, too, would be nice).
I hope that Mercedes have been stung by the media and public reaction to this business - there is plenty of season left and plenty of points available. The points difference now is insignificant and Hamilton needs to accept that and to simply get on with what he really does do best - really good, tactical driving. I don't think for a moment that there is an internal Mercedes bias towards Rosberg: they are both capable of winning the championship at the end of the year, but clearly they cannot both take the trophy home.
It's interesting that Mercedes GP is seen as a German team. Certainly, it has German name and German capital behind it, some key management team members are Germans too, but the team itself is resolutely British. The cars and engines are designed and built in Britain and we should be proud of that.
The rest of the season may prove to be more interesting as Red Bull are clearly getting better and it's really heartening to see Williams doing well too. Their successes might just focus some minds at Mercedes and make the management and drivers realise that this is supposed to be a sport, and that they should behave like sportsmen. Behave like Ricciardo, in fact.
Yes. They've nailed their colours to the mast. A gross error of judgement performed very publicly. They also seem to be performing at some levels like headless chickens in the senior technical management group. This far into the season, one would have expected less errors, and better consistency. It's also baffling how Lewis's techys are so consistently poor on the pit stops. Earlier in the season, it was partly down to Lewis failing to hit the proper mark every time and this costs time, but he has been practising and so say has nailed his consistency in this respect, but his pit crew still seem to behave like rookies with so many poor pit stops. Little things but they all add up at the end of the year where points matter. It's very frustrating to watch so heaven alone knows how Lewis is feeling, especially now that the senior management team have made it so public that they want a German world Champion. They are even willing, it seems, to give direct orders to Lewis to have him hand that on a platter to his erstwhile team mate who is now acting like a spoilt brat.
Perhaps they clone and mature them in Vettel Vats (c) :D
Of course this would never have happened with Ross Brawn in charge, hence why the pushed him out...
StanleyB
28-07-2014, 12:18
Similarly, Hamilton could do better in my eyes if he did a bit more smiling, shoulder-shrugging and a lot less of the petulant brat stuff (fewer diamond ear studs, too, would be nice).
I have a problem with people who are of such opinion. It is not up to any of us to mould him into an image that suits our perception. We don't ask film or music celebrities to do the same, so why single out a F1 driver for such transformation?
Ammonite Audio
28-07-2014, 12:53
I have a problem with people who are of such opinion. It is not up to any of us to mould him into an image that suits our perception. We don't ask film or music celebrities to do the same, so why single out a F1 driver for such transformation?
I would :)
My main beef with Hamilton is his apparent inability to accept that things don't always go his way - that's sport and a true sportsman shrugs off adversity and just redoubles his/her efforts. Rosberg has the same problem, it seems. Both are clearly talented - Hamilton more so and in different cars the ability gap would probably be much clearer.
StanleyB
28-07-2014, 13:09
Both are clearly talented - Hamilton more so and in different cars the ability gap would probably be much clearer.
I beg to differ. Hamilton clearly stated in the last few laps over his radio to the team that his tyres were shot, whilst Nico had brand new tyres and still couldn't pass Hamilton. Nico ended up from first on the grid to 4th, whilst Hamilton ended up from the pitlane and a skid off track to 3rd. He did the same to Nico on worn tyres versus fresh tyres in Bahrain.
You don't have to be talented to go from 1st to 4th, but you do have to have bucket loads of talent to go from pitlane to 3rd. And it wasn't a fluke. Hamilton a near carbon copy of the same last week. When Nico can master the same feat I'll consider him talented.
I would :)
My main beef with Hamilton is his apparent inability to accept that things don't always go his way - that's sport and a true sportsman shrugs off adversity and just redoubles his/her efforts. Rosberg has the same problem, it seems. Both are clearly talented - Hamilton more so and in different cars the ability gap would probably be much clearer.
That's a little rough on Lewis. Far from being unable to accept things not going his way, he is on record as saying that he doesn't need or want good luck, just a fair shout at driving without all the mechanical stuff happening every week. He wants to race on equal terms with everyone else, and far from being miffed with other individuals, he is usually more miffed at himself when he doesn't deliver. Like a lot of champs, he is utterly focussed on winning (why shouldn't he be? They're not doing this just to drive fast round a track for fun) and knows that to win the title, he needs consistency, both from a mechanical reliability viewpoint and from his driving. A true sportsman behaves with dignity, but in the heat of the moment and with so many cameras on all the drivers, to see a human side to them now and again is entirely predictable and expected. Hamilton gives respect to those who've earned it (like Jenson). If jumping out of a burning car during qualifying, then finishing 3rd from the pit lane isn't shrugging off adversity and just redoubling his efforts, then what is?
As for Hamilton and Rosberg having trouble with each others success, I think that in isolation simply isn't true. Hamilton clearly had a problem with being forced off his flying qualifying lap at Monaco by his team mate's actions, which were dubious at best (despite what anyone claims). He threw a tantrum which was unbecoming, granted, but Rosberg was unrepentant and ever since then their relationship has broken down. Hamilton clearly wanted to patch things up between them, and both of them I think do enjoy racing one another, but Rosberg is clearly unwilling to bury the hatchet, so Hamilton drives out of his skin, as he's paid to do, in order to win. Mercedes team may well employ hundreds of Brits, but that's largely irrelevant to the backers who clearly want to see a German on the winning rostrum. Why else would yesterday's team orders have been blurted out so embarrassingly and awkwardly when they simply don't need the points for a constructors title?
Techno Commander
28-07-2014, 16:35
Got to admit I feel a bit for Lewis' race engineer. Personally he shouldn't have had to make that radio call, but deferred it to management. At least, thats what I would have done in his place.
What I don't understand was why given that Rosberg was going to have to come in again for new tires, and the team thought that was the best way for him to win the race, why did they not bring Hamilton in as well and switch him onto the same strategy. Remember he had some new tires available as he had not used them in qualifying. They could have done that before Nico caught up, and everyone would have been happy.
End of the day Hamilton saw through the nonsense, it wasn't a "team" decision to extend the constructors' lead it was to give Rosberg a bigger lead...
PaulStewart
05-08-2014, 19:38
On a side bar, I see that today in order to end the F1 bribery scandal/trial Ecclestone has offered a £50 Million err..... Bribe :lol: No change there then.
RobbieGong
05-08-2014, 22:15
Copied from my AOL news ... The Mercedes team boss has now implemented a new 'code of conduct' as a result of the last race where Hamilton (rightly in my view) chose not to let Rosberg past. Make of it what you will .......
Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff has implemented a new code of conduct with regard to team orders for drivers Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg.
Wolff was forced to act following events that unfolded during the Hungarian Grand Prix at the end of last month when Hamilton was surprisingly told to allow Rosberg by.
Running third and fourth at the time, and with 20 laps of the race remaining, the differing strategies of the duo forced the pit wall crew at Mercedes into what non-executive chairman Niki Lauda later described as "a panic".
Starting from pole position, early crashes and safety car periods had resulted in Mercedes opting for an aggressive three-stop plan with Rosberg in a bid to ensure he took the chequered flag.
Starting from the pit lane and last on track at the end of lap one, those same crashes and safety cars played its part in propelling Hamilton into a fight for a podium, potentially even the win, and so two stops was preferred.
Hamilton, however, declined to let Rosberg past when told to do so, citing the fact the German was never close enough to make an overtaking manoeuvre.
The duo eventually finished third and fourth in the race, allowing Hamilton to close the gap on a disgruntled Rosberg in the drivers' standings to 11 points.
In clearing the air with both men, Wolff now maintains the drivers will continue to be free to race over the closing eight grands prix, but with a new directive should circumstances arise.
Speaking to German newspaper Bild, Wolff said: "We will augment our team agreement before the season that the driver behind must clearly show he is faster before a passing manoeuvre can be instructed."
Wolff appreciates if Hamilton had lost momentum in pulling to one side for Rosberg it would have compromised his chances of a strong result.
"No one should have to go off the gas," added Wolff.
"Our drivers are allowed to freely compete against each other for the rest of the season when it comes to the victory."
Firebottle
06-08-2014, 06:04
Common sense - hooray, there's not enough of it about.
:cool: Alan
PS Go Lewis!
We will augment our team agreement before the season that the driver behind must clearly show he is faster before a passing manoeuvre can be instructed.
Not sure it changes anything, Rosberg would claim in the last race that he was clearly faster as he caught up to the back of Hamleton, so we are back to where we were. The new directive only mentions when a manoeuvre can be instructed, not what to do if the driver in front ignores it.
Wolff appreciates if Hamilton had lost momentum in pulling to one side for Rosberg it would have compromised his chances of a strong result.
"No one should have to go off the gas," added Wolff.
Sort of ignores the point that as far as Hamleton is concerned, the best result is one where he is in front of Rosberg, thats more important than where the two are compared to the rest of the field.
StanleyB
06-08-2014, 07:41
Not sure it changes anything, Rosberg would claim in the last race that he was clearly faster as he caught up to the back of Hamilton, so we are back to where we were.
Rosberg is unable to claim that. Had they not been team members, no orders would ever have been issued for one driver to make way for another. The driver at the back would have to pass the driver at the front, using his own skills and car performance. As it happens, Rosberg with his fresh tyres could not catch up and pass Hamilton with his dead tyres. As Hamilton himself had said, if Rosberg can catch up he can pass. Hamilton did not make any manoeuvre or blocking tactics to ward off Rosberg. It was a straight case of Rosberg not being technically capable of passing.
Yes, I agree Stan it was clear he could not get past, but the missive says "the driver behind must clearly show he is faster", not that he could get past, if he could show that they would not need the instruction to the other driver. In free air Rosberg was clearly faster than Hamelton, as he came from a number of seconds behind when leaving the pits with new tires to within DRS range, so he could make the argument he was faster.
I am not suggesting he should have been let past, but that the new instructions are no clearer.
Gordon Steadman
06-08-2014, 18:53
I believe it was Murray Walker who said "catching is one thing, passing is quite another"
We are talking 'racing' here. If Rosberg was that much quicker, why couldn't he overtake? Once it was clear that Hamilton (with an I) wasn't going to let him past, he should have overtaken him - if he could.
So, is Mercedes responsible for Rosberg's and Hamilton's coming together on lap two at Spa? Partly in my opinion as they should be giving their drivers clear instructions not to tangle at the start of a GP especially as the entire team has so much to lose. Having said that Rosberg is well aware that Hamilton is a fighter, after all he has been racing the guy for his entire career, therefore he should have anticipated that Lewis was not going to just roll over and let him through, especially as Lewis had the racing line.
I've not seen Toto Wolff looking so angry during a post race interview as he did today and to his credit he did not mince his words, laying the blame squarely at Nico's door as did Lauda. What happens now then? That's a difficult one because regardless of the circumstances Rosberg scored good points for the team today. I suppose the sixty four million dollar question is, how many more would Merecedes have harvested had Nico not been so reckless?
The worst that could happen is that the team fines Nico for his indiscretion. The danger here is that this incident may spur the team into changing their policy on team orders, which as it stands can only benefit Rosberg.
Firebottle
24-08-2014, 15:59
Racing incident? Yes lets be generous and say it was.
I really feel for Lewis, you could say bad luck but for it to be your team mate :mad:
I can't understand how Eddy Jordan could be so pompous and dogmatic, and frankly quite dim. Coultard seemed to turn incandescent with Jordan's inane ramblings but he kept his cool. Whilst Mercedes has had a few management issues to allow things to have gotten get so out of hand (and I believe for the rather skewed technical support of Nico V's Lewis, although some won't agree with this), the racers are two grown men who both know the score.
I agree with Hamilton on this one. A racing incident occurs between racers where they're fighting for the chequered flag or championship and where there is no malice of forethought or ineptitude. Emotions can run strong, so mistakes are inevitably made but NOT on lap 2 between team mates. Drivers are only too aware of what's at stake, so Rossberg should NOT have been there cutting up Lewis's racing line on lap two. That was not just a rooky error (or made to look like one) it was unforgivable given the damage to the team, and if people still think it was an accident, then perhaps this sheds a little more light on things: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/28921431
Incredible as it seems, Nico has admitted that he did it on purpose. Personally, I think that he should be booted out of Mercedes now but that won't happen. He is undeserving of the title "world champion" and if he goes on to win, my guess is that he will be the most unpopular champion the sport has seen for decades. Lewis has made errors of judgement too but never in a deliberate attempt where he knows that the team would be the loser. He was obviously as gutted for the team as he was for himself. Rosberg couldn't really have given a fig because a DNF for lewis wont really do anything other than strengthen his own position. This makes controlling the drivers for the rest of the season interesting to say the least. If there was no love lost before, it will be interesting to see what happens on track but I predict that as long as Lewis's car can stay reliable, it will be a very close result end of season.
One thing's for sure, there won't be many drivers that will want to race with Rosberg as a team mate next season. If some had given him the benefit of the doubt after Monaco, perhaps this will change their minds.
Ammonite Audio
25-08-2014, 09:13
If Rosberg has admitted that he could have avoided the collision, but chose not to, then the FIA must act. I have mentioned "sportsmanship" before, but there is a distinct lack of it in that team (Hamilton included). Isn't it a shame that winning, rather than the taking part, is all that matters to many current F1 drivers? Anyway, I hope the FIA strip Rosberg of his points for Spa and impose a back-of-the-grid starting penalty at the next race. I don't believe anything else is likely to focus his mind on correcting such appalling behaviour, which is damaging not only to the sport, but also Mercedes and its sponsors.
While all this squabbling is going on, it's rather heartening to see Williams and Red Bull quietly getting on with improving their performance. If either of those can take the race to Mercedes for the last part of the season, that can only be good for the sport and fans. Wouldn't it be great to see Ricciardo and his Cheshire Cat grin holding up the trophy at the end of the year? Unlikely, but at least mathematically possible.
Toto Wolff is now backtracking on his previous statement that Hamilton's remarks were 'broadly accurate" regarding Romberg's comments at the teams post race meeting. It would be interesting to hear Paddy Lowes thoughts on this.
The problem as I see it is that there is an apparent lack of focus and consistency from the Mercedes management team. You cannot run an F1 team by committee and in essence that is effectively how Mercedes F! is being managed. The seeds of this situation germinated with the unceremonious ousting of Ross Braun as team principle, there can be no doubt that this situation is unlikely to have occurred under Braun's tutalage. Mercedes has no allocated helmsman and it will continue to lurch from crisis to crisis until someone in management has the balls to grasp the wheel and steer the vessel away from peril. It will need to happen soon because currently their two drivers are fighting over the wheel and the rocks draw ever closer.
Toto Wolff is now backtracking on his previous statement that Hamilton's remarks were 'broadly accurate" regarding Romberg's comments at the teams post race meeting. It would be interesting to hear Paddy Lowes thoughts on this.
The problem as I see it is that there is an apparent lack of focus and consistency from the Mercedes management team. You cannot run an F1 team by committee and in essence that is effectively how Mercedes F! is being managed. The seeds of this situation germinated with the unceremonious ousting of Ross Braun as team principle, there can be no doubt that this situation is unlikely to have occurred under Braun's tutalage. Mercedes has no allocated helmsman and it will continue to lurch from crisis to crisis until someone in management has the balls to grasp the wheel and steer the vessel away from peril. It will need to happen soon because currently their two drivers are fighting over the wheel and the rocks draw ever closer.
Hamilton was bang-on in his post race interview when he predicted that management would be ineffective. The back tracking went as far as to say that Rosberg admitted fault but not that it was deliberate. However, he earlier endorsed what Hamilton had said, in so far is it was avoidable but Rosberg chose not to avoid it. Alsonso managed to avoid a collision when in a very similar position with Magnussen, and worse still, he was being crowded out when that happened so we all know that Rosberg knew what he was up to.
Truth is, Mercedes management could do nothing else because they don't want an FIA investigation with possible fines and points deducted for the team. They had to come out neutral. Hamilton knows the score in that team. Yes, they are a tillerless ship and Wolff needs to get a grip and stop this feuding by setting strict rules and enforcing them. Since Braun was ousted, the team don't seem to have had focus or any form of leadership other than reactive waffle. Eddy Jordan has a point there but Rosberg has also cooked his goose. He's now seen as a driver who can't compete on equal terms and who is willing to bring a team down for his own ends. He'll need luck or the championship to regain a new contract. Or he could continue to play dirty tricks to get his luck and secure the championship.
He'll need luck or the championship to regain a new contract. Or he could continue to play dirty tricks to get his luck and secure the championship.
He doesn't really have much choice now as I see it, the die is cast. If Rosberg backs off under similar conditions from here on in, Lewis will simply take him apart on track. I'm surprised Nico's old man hasn't taken him to one side to give him a metaphorical clip around the ear...
He doesn't really have much choice now as I see it, the die is cast. If Rosberg backs off under similar conditions from here on in, Lewis will simply take him apart on track. I'm surprised Nico's old man hasn't taken him to one side to give him a metaphorical clip around the ear...
He needs more than a "metaphorical" clip around the ear ;)
He can't hep himself..he's still insisting that he had an opportunity and saw that there was no risk so took it. No risk to whom? Clearly no risk to him...what an arrogant pup.
He needs more than a "metaphorical" clip around the ear ;)
He can't hep himself..he's still insisting that he had an opportunity and saw that there was no risk so took it. No risk to whom? Clearly no risk to him...what an arrogant pup.
One appropriate punishment might be to make Rosberg drive a Caterham for the remainder of the season, now that may focus his mind... :lol:
Techno Commander
25-08-2014, 22:59
Personally, I think he Nico needs a swift boot to the plums. That's bound to get this attention.
Jenson button agrees:
http://www1.skysports.com/f1/report/24180/9440776/jenson-button-says-nico-rosberg8217-s-move-on-lewis-hamilton-at-spa-was-8216-unbelievable8217-
The team say Nico was in the wrong. It seems he still had a grudge over the team order issue from Hungary. Yes the incident was minor but it has huge implications. There can be no winners here. Lewis looses out massively in term of points.....Nico could be "rested" for Monza to give a Lewis a chance to even up the points. But this would be a massive slap in the face for Nico and Lewis would break down at Monza anyway! Merc need to come up with something as I fear it will now be war.
archiesdad
26-08-2014, 19:08
How many people here (and on other forums I frequent) would be so angry/concerned if it hadn't been Hamilton that Nico had tangled with I wonder?
How many people here (and on other forums I frequent) would be so angry/concerned if it hadn't been Hamilton that Nico had tangled with I wonder?
It would have been just as unforgivable whoever it was because the move simply wasn't on and Rosberg knew that well enough. Had it been anyone else, the FIA would have more than likely intervened, especially given his later admission. It makes it doubly unsportsmanlike to take out the other main contender for the driver's championship. He has however under estimated both Hamilton and Ricciardo. However you cut it, he did wrong and is carrying way too much anger baggage. His mental state is not what it ought to be for n F1 driver and he is now a danger to himself and everyone else on the track.
It would have been just as unforgivable whoever it was because the move simply wasn't on and Rosberg knew that well enough. Had it been anyone else, the FIA would have more than likely intervened, especially given his later admission. It makes it doubly unsportsmanlike to take out the other main contender for the driver's championship. He has however under estimated both Hamilton and Ricciardo. However you cut it, he did wrong and is carrying way too much anger baggage. His mental state is not what it ought to be for n F1 driver and he is now a danger to himself and everyone else on the track.
+1 :thumbsup:
If Lewis had done the same to Nico my stance would have been exactly the same, it's about fair play and respecting ones team, team mate and title challenger...
What we have with Nico is someone who doesn't normally act emotionally. With Lewis you find him seething or fed up after an incident but mostly he picks himself up the next day to focus on the job (ie a quick up and down type of person). Nico is still seething following the Hungary team order debacle....4 weeks later. He let what became a deep seated anger spill over onto the track. He isn't used to having to control his emotions and it seems he isn't good at doing it - this could make his reactions very unpredictable (to us).
RobbieGong
27-08-2014, 12:07
Been on hols in Egypt past couple of weeks, got back last night so good to be back to AOS. Most of the above posts are spot on IMO. Lewis is an extremely natural talent and doesnt try to play chess, that's just not him. He comes across as a pretty genuine guy. He clearly wants the tittle badly but wont 'mug' you for it. Rosberg on the other hand appears a little cold and underhanded and is showing the world that for him it's the title and nothing but the title, how it is attained does not matter as much as it being attained, period. Going back, Rosbergs 'failed' qualifying lap was the oddest thing i've ever seen and i've been into F1 since the Lauda, Hunt days. The writing was on the wall in bold fluorescent from then. Lewis has to completely and utterly focused now on getting the job done pole pole pole and win win win. There's no other way when you are up against a Dick Dastardly type character like Rosberg. Lewis more than has the tools to do it but needs to start and stay in front somehow as Rosberg has made it more than clear what will happen if Hamilton ever tries to get past or round him :rolleyes:
Been on hols in Egypt past couple of weeks, got back last night so good to be back to AOS. Most of the above posts are spot on IMO. Lewis is an extremely natural talent and doesnt try to play chess, that's just not him. He comes across as a pretty genuine guy. He clearly wants the tittle badly but wont 'mug' you for it. Rosberg on the other hand appears a little cold and underhanded and is showing the world that for him it's the title and nothing but the title, how it is attained does not matter as much as it being attained, period. Going back, Rosbergs 'failed' qualifying lap was the oddest thing i've ever seen and i've been into F1 since the Lauda, Hunt days. The writing was on the wall in bold fluorescent from then. Lewis has to completely and utterly focused now on getting the job done pole pole pole and win win win. There's no other way when you are up against a Dick Dastardly type character like Rosberg. Lewis more than has the tools to do it but needs to start and stay in front somehow as Rosberg has made it more than clear what will happen if Hamilton ever tries to get past or round him :rolleyes:
If Rosberg is Dick Dastardly who is his sidekick, Mutley? Vettel is The Red Max - Ricciardo is most definitely Peter Perfect - Pastor (Maldonado) & Checo (Perez) are the Slag Brothers - Jenson = Professor Pat Pending... :lol:
I'll leave the rest to you guys... :D
I'll be interested to learn who Penelope Pitstop is :)
Canetoad
28-08-2014, 07:51
Jorge Lorenzo. Oh, sorry, wrong race series. :rolleyes:
Well, the FIA have successfully ducked the Rosberg issue:
"The FIA will not intervene in this issue. Only a 'new element' that would have appeared after the results became final could justify us opening an investigation. A comment alleged to have been made in an internal briefing and later denied by the team itself does not constitute such a 'new element'."
RobbieGong
06-09-2014, 14:16
Well done Lewis - pole secured. Hopefully a win and no mechanical issues tomorrow. Hamilton is fast and so is the track so a great opportunity. Even better points wise if Rosberg isnt right behind in second.
RobbieGong
07-09-2014, 15:12
Good race and result for Lewis but with Rosberg in second it's the gap down from 29 to 22 points. Rosberg seemed humble enough, but even as a Lewis fan, I don't think the continuation of the booing Rosberg received is necessary.
RobbieGong
21-09-2014, 15:04
Feels like I'm posting by myself these days but hey ho !!! Proper made up for Hamilton. 29 points behind the other day and now in front. He's had his fare share of bad luck but has always picked himself up by doin' what had to be done when it mattered. Secured poles, avoided trouble, charged to victory - Turnaround achieved. It aint over yet but no one could ask a thing more of him at this stage. Quality ! :)
StanleyB
21-09-2014, 16:20
Let's not forget Vettel. He had to pull off a podium finish in order to finally finish in front of Ricciardo.
Gordon Steadman
21-09-2014, 16:29
More real racing. This year was going to be a disaster of course. Bernie said so. Most of the cars won't reach the end and we will lose our audience because of that and the sound of the engines. Wrong about that as about just about everything else.
I've watched this year for the first time for ten years. Its been great.
Nice to see the championship just about equal again so its all down to the last few races. But it makes a mockery of this stupid double points at the last. Some bugger can come from way back and still win if the other guy has mechanical problems.
Great drive from Lewis even if he did still have the quickest car.
OK Lewis, you need to gain 3 seconds a lap over Sebastian for the next 20 laps on worn tyres.
So he did.
Amazing.
RobbieGong
21-09-2014, 18:53
More real racing. This year was going to be a disaster of course. Bernie said so. Most of the cars won't reach the end and we will lose our audience because of that and the sound of the engines. Wrong about that as about just about everything else.
I've watched this year for the first time for ten years. Its been great.
Nice to see the championship just about equal again so its all down to the last few races. But it makes a mockery of this stupid double points at the last. Some bugger can come from way back and still win if the other guy has mechanical problems.
Great drive from Lewis even if he did still have the quickest car.
I know what you mean, I'm not feeling the double points at all. I dont see the point in it. They may say it makes it all more interesting but so would asking them to drive the last race backwards. As I say, no real point to it really.
RobbieGong
04-10-2014, 12:52
So, in terms of tomorrow it's advantage Rosberg as he's secured pole. Hamilton's crash in qualifying at turn one didnt help his chances of securing pole so 2nd on the grid it is. The Japanese track is one of the most demanding, lots of twists n turns so passes wont exactly be easy. Add a wet track to the mix as well as a typhoon en route, oh! and not forgetting Hamilton will be unrelenting up Rosbergs rear searching for even the smallest chance to get round (lets hope they dont shunt !), It's potentially gonna be some race.
...... Vettels off to Ferrari, Alonso looks like he's off to McLaren...................... ;)
Spectral Morn
05-10-2014, 08:56
Jules Bianchi injured during Japanese F1 :( I hope he makes a full recovery. No news as to how serious his situation is.
It looks like Bianchi crashed into the recovery crane being used to remove Adrian Sutil's car which had crashed earlier due to rain. With worsening conditions and the new accident the race was stopped - right decision.
http://www1.skysports.com/f1/news/28593/9504602/an-unconscious-jules-bianchi-is-being-transferred-to-hospital-by-ambulance
Regards Neil
RobbieGong
05-10-2014, 09:33
Yes, Really hope Bianchi is ok, Rosberg commented that it was very very serious :( Sounded like it was pretty dificult with the water out there as well as poor visibility. Sutil had just aquaplaned in the same spot, just different outcome unfortunately. Glad the right decision was made to stop it in the end. We pray a full recovery for Bianchi.
Spectral Morn
05-10-2014, 11:15
Yes, Really hope Bianchi is ok, Rosberg commented that it was very very serious :( Sounded like it was pretty dificult with the water out there as well as poor visibility. Sutil had just aquaplaned in the same spot, just different outcome unfortunately. Glad the right decision was made to stop it in the end. We pray a full recovery for Bianchi.
Sky news saying his condition is very serious but not much more than that :( and he was injured seriously. Folks anyone of faith now would be a good time to pray for Jules and his family. The fact the accident wasn't shown on the BBC coverage earlier worried me.
Edit
BBC News saying Jules has very serious head injuries.
Regards Neil
StanleyB
09-10-2014, 18:46
Didn't Bernie say recently that he wished it would rain every time at a race since it made things more exciting?
I haven't seen or heard Bernie since the accident. That's most unusual for him to disappear like that, especially since he gets so much capital from each race. I wonder why he is in hiding.
Spectral Morn
09-10-2014, 20:18
Didn't Bernie say recently that he wished it would rain every time at a race since it made things more exciting?
I haven't seen or heard Bernie since the accident. That's most unusual for him to disappear like that, especially since he gets so much capital from each race. I wonder why he is in hiding.
Indeed
Footage of the accident - it will take your breath away, no F1 car is designed to handle this kind of crash.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/11145265/Jules-Bianchi-crash-shocking-video-emerges-of-Japanese-Grand-Prix-accident.html
Regards Neil
RobbieGong
09-10-2014, 21:23
Yes Neil, Watched YouTube footage a few mornings back with a work colleague, really wished I hadnt afterwards - shockin' !
RobbieGong
11-10-2014, 13:51
Lewis in pole !! Bottas brilliant and could have had pole. Gonna be a great race tomorrow. Our thoughts and prayers remain with Jules Bianchi.
RobbieGong
22-11-2014, 22:38
Feels like we dont have any F1 fans round here :scratch: Anyway, hope it all works out Lewis, I for one will be rooting for you :thumbsup:
I have been going to F1 races for over 40 years but the recent disgraceful events at Japan, Bernie's constant shenanigans and the lack of competition has left me bored
with the F1 pantomime. Also I have tried to like Lewis but can find nothing endearing in his manner or Character.
RobbieGong
22-11-2014, 23:15
I have been going to F1 races for over 40 years but the recent disgraceful events at Japan, Bernie's constant shenanigans and the lack of competition has left me bored
with the F1 pantomime. Also I have tried to like Lewis but can find nothing endearing in his manner or Character.
Thats fine. Personally I think he comes across as a pretty cool and genuine guy. I dont really see anything not to like about him.
What about his Shirley Bassey earrings and puff dddy gold chain:eyebrows:
petty I know but hey ho, I still wish him well for tomorrow he probably deserves a second :)
StanleyB
23-11-2014, 16:17
Get in there Lewis!
Techno Commander
23-11-2014, 18:04
Awesome result. He totally monstered the start of the race and had enough lead to keep Rosberg behind him. Shame about Rosberg's engine trouble, but it appears the pendulum of reliability finally found equilibrium.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B3I3jhjCAAAhe4Q.jpg
RobbieGong
23-11-2014, 18:19
SUPERB !!!!! Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton - MBE, FIA Formula 1 World Champion 2008 & 2014 :dance: :yesbruv: That start and under pressure was from the master class. Well chuffed for the guy. Glad he acknowledged that Rosberg had given him a hard fight throughout. Glad Rosberg acknowledged Lewis deserved and earned the title. Goin' forward......... I feel for Button big time. Williams have looked good and will prepare for 2015 season on a positive knowing they can push Mercedes even harder. Rickiardo has a bright future. Lets hope they ditch the double points... no one wants it, neither the fans nor the drivers. Finally, prayers still with Bianchi and his family.
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