We're heading into the second day of testing now, and I think all the teams will be hoping for better weather - even those that escaped to the desert trying to avoid a lack of running. It's still quite annoying that we've got a 2008 car littered amongst the 2009 ones, but it's still fun trying to work out who's fast and who isn't. Yesterday we learnt:

  • Red Bull have pulled their car to a stop twice now as a precautionary measure because of gearbox issues. Whether they are the same thing, linked, or if it just happens to be a coincidence, I don't know. However, I do know that gearbox problems on a Red Bull sounds very familiar. Should we be worried?
  • Renault trailed around at the back of the field all day in Jerez, and only just managed to catch up to the times of the other 2009 cars towards the end. Do we think they are sandbagging, perhaps trying something out, or does it mean that their engine upgrade hasn't fixed the problems they were hoping it would?
  • Over in Bahrain, after the fog cleared, Glock led the way, but the three teams were scarily close together. I'm not used to testing timesheets looking like qualifying results. Is there something in the water, or perhaps the sand over there?

Elsewhere, we've got the continuing Character Cup, if you haven't voted yet, please do. Coming up later today, we've got the final heat of round 2, before we head into the semi-finals tomorrow. Vote for your favourites, and once you're done, I'll see you in the comments.

315 responses

  • Bassano Clapper11/02/2009 at 00:03

    Are Red Bull testing over the London Underground?

    Really am off to bed now!

  • me11/02/2009 at 00:04

    Do we think they are sandbagging, perhaps trying something out, or does it mean that their engine upgrade hasn’t fixed the problems they were hoping it would?

    according to rf1pp, they were testing kers... albeit very slowly.

  • me11/02/2009 at 00:04

    Are Red Bull testing over the London Underground?

    hehehe. night!

  • Andy Taylor11/02/2009 at 00:05

    NIght all.

  • me11/02/2009 at 00:06

    NIght all.

    night andy.

  • me11/02/2009 at 00:25

    a man walks into a bar and the bartender asks him what he would like, and the man says "i'll just ask the live comments", and the live comments they do say "elderflower spritzer! that sounds exotic". so the man doth order said drink and then sends an email to drop.io to prove it:

    yeah, i know this pic was featured on the other daily thread. but for some reason the madness of it all just hit me. thank you alex and bassano!

  • lou11/02/2009 at 00:34

    yeah, i know this pic was featured on the other daily thread. but for some reason the madness of it all just hit me. thank you alex and bassano!

    hang on.. the comments told Alex to get the elderflower! lol! i really should read back through the comments i missed. however bed first, comments in the morning. night x

  • me11/02/2009 at 00:40

    hang on.. the comments told Alex to get the elderflower! lol! i really should read back through the comments i missed. however bed first, comments in the morning. night x

    yup!

    http://www.sidepodcast.com/2009/02/10/daily-10th-february-2009/#comment-189268

    night lou.

  • me11/02/2009 at 01:45

    according to grandprix.com:

    "Although the Grand Prix Drivers' Association is advising its members not to agree to the new Superlicence charges, the campaigning will be undermined somewhat by the suggestion that three drivers have already paid up and applied for their licences."

    the question is though, have they really? and just how much effort would it take to divide this band of merry men?

    link: http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns21172.html

  • Kathi11/02/2009 at 01:50

    the question is though, have they really? and just how much effort would it take to divide this band of merry men?

    I'd imagine the drivers that aren't members of the GPDA have already paid,

  • Journeyer11/02/2009 at 02:04

    the question is though, have they really? and just how much effort would it take to divide this band of merry men?

    3 drivers, right? They didn't say members?

    How about Hamilton, Raikkonen, and Massa? That's the issue the GPDA is facing. Out of the big names, only Alonso is on their side, with the rest opting out. If Lewis, Kimi, and Felipe follow the new FIA prices, it'll put tons of pressure on the smaller names to fall in line.

  • me11/02/2009 at 02:34

    interestingly those three are some of the highest paid too.

    i'd imagine that those who have their fees paid by the teams aren't that fussed either. assuming that is the case.

  • me11/02/2009 at 03:09

    i'm missing something here:

    http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gLhvje6WjE-rlvUW6L2XVuhzc6Og

    the fia gave ron an award? and exactly how many contemporary films has he made in his lifetime? :)

  • Journeyer11/02/2009 at 03:19

    i’d imagine that those who have their fees paid by the teams aren’t that fussed either. assuming that is the case.

    I think it's the drivers themselves that pay for their Superlicenses. Otherwise, they wouldn't be complaining so much.

  • Bassano Clapper11/02/2009 at 04:57

    Really am off to bed now!

    Boo to 'Earlies' on a drink night :D

  • Bassano Clapper11/02/2009 at 05:13

    a man walks into a bar and the bartender asks him what he would like, and the man says “i’ll just ask the live comments”, and the live comments they do say “elderflower spritzer! that sounds exotic”. so the man doth order said drink and then sends an email to drop.io to prove it

    You know you're an F1 fan when...

  • Alex Andronov11/02/2009 at 05:35

    You know you’re an F1 fan when…

    :)

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)11/02/2009 at 07:12

    You know, it's hard to compare apples with apples when it comes to testing times. It's sometimes difficult to do this at a free practice session at a grand prix, so I wouldn't read too much into it.

    Remember the real test is how the car does over a grand prix distance. Is it consistently fast and will it last the distance?

  • me11/02/2009 at 09:48

    nelson's on duty in jerez again. although there's some minor controversy about the legality of the nose:

    http://www.f1technical.net/development/226

  • me11/02/2009 at 09:49

    testing times link again, in case anyone forgot in the past 24h:

    http://directo.thef1.es/tests/

  • me11/02/2009 at 09:53

    mclaren appear to be using flow vis paint to check aero:

    generally this is considered a bad thing. are macca in trouble or did they just fancy making heikki look daft?

    trying to dig more info out about it now.

  • me11/02/2009 at 09:56

    things aren't going so well in bahrain:

  • me11/02/2009 at 10:02

    it's all kicking off in testing today webber's back, yay!

    currently 3rd in the timesheets ahead of kaz and piquet.

  • Maverick11/02/2009 at 10:07

    things aren’t going so well in bahrain

    Is it only me who finds it amusing that they're supposed to be avoiding the poor weather?

  • me11/02/2009 at 10:07

    Is it only me who finds it amusing that they’re supposed to be avoiding the poor weather?

    it hadn't escaped me :D

  • me11/02/2009 at 10:10

    this isn't from today, but according to the autosport forums vettel had to jump to safety:

    some kind of precaution about kers. probably nothing to worry about, and unlikely that drivers will actually end up having to do that.

    however, right now kers implementations are looking to be a bit of a joke.

  • Maverick11/02/2009 at 10:12

    webber’s back... currently 3rd in the timesheets ahead of kaz and piquet

    Ahead of zuki is impressive but he could probably get around the track on his crutches quicker than in a Renault

  • me11/02/2009 at 10:14

    Ahead of zuki is impressive but he could probably get around the track on his crutches quicker than in a Renault

    6 laps and slowest of the day thus far :(

  • me11/02/2009 at 10:18

    another pic of heikki and i still say the right bank is bigger than the left:

    i'm amazed mclaren are happy to let the world see their aero secrets like this. the really must be in a heap of trouble?

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)11/02/2009 at 10:18

    things aren’t going so well in bahrain:

    So much for "We're going to the Desert because the Weather is better"!

    Also, won't there be loads of sand blown across the track, which the cars would need to clean off first before it can rubber in?

    Bernie must be looking at this photo and think "hmm, a grand prix on Mars... Lower gravity and thinner air means less aero and grip!"

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)11/02/2009 at 10:19

    it’s all kicking off in testing today webber’s back, yay!

    W00T!

  • Maverick11/02/2009 at 10:19

    vettel had to jump to safety

    "Vettel takes 'Red Bull Gives You Wings' literally"

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)11/02/2009 at 10:20

    this isn’t from today, but according to the autosport forums vettel had to jump to safety:

    What the? Is that so he doesn't touch the car and the ground at the same time, or did the shock jolt him through the air?"

    Steven Roy is gonna love this photo when he sees it later :-D

  • me11/02/2009 at 10:21

    What the? Is that so he doesn’t touch the car and the ground at the same time, or did the shock jolt him through the air?”

    just a precaution i think.

    Steven Roy is gonna love this photo when he sees it later

    :D

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)11/02/2009 at 10:21

    mclaren appear to be using flow vis paint to check aero:

    generally this is considered a bad thing. are macca in trouble or did they just fancy making heikki look daft?

    It's a very public way to check airflow. Why couldn't they do this in a wind tunnel back home?

  • me11/02/2009 at 10:21

    “Vettel takes ‘Red Bull Gives You Wings’ literally”

    can i be the first to suggest this for ollie's caption competition.

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)11/02/2009 at 10:22

    i’m amazed mclaren are happy to let the world see their aero secrets like this. the really must be in a heap of trouble?

    Perhaps it's to show their diffuser is legal?

  • Maverick11/02/2009 at 10:23

    another pic of heikki and i still say the right bank is bigger than the left:

    The humps look angled on their rear faces therefore in the right one you're almost looking directly down the outlet whereas in the left one you're looking across it more. Would be the same explanation for yesterday's picture. What you need is a photo from the right-hand angle.

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)11/02/2009 at 10:23

    The humps look angled on their rear faces therefore in the right one you’re almost looking directly down the outlet whereas in the left one you’re looking across it more. Would be the same explanation for yesterday’s picture. What you need is a photo from the right-hand angle.

    That's what I was trying to say (very badly) yesterday...

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)11/02/2009 at 10:23

    just a precaution i think.

    On an electric train, if there is an emergency you are advised to jump from the train, being careful not to touch the train and the ground at the same time. Is that what you think is happening here?

  • me11/02/2009 at 10:24

    The humps look angled on their rear faces therefore in the right one you’re almost looking directly down the outlet whereas in the left one you’re looking across it more. Would be the same explanation for yesterday’s picture. What you need is a photo from the right-hand angle.

    i shall keep looking. the whole of the right-hand side just looks lumpier.

  • Maverick11/02/2009 at 10:25

    Oooh, Webber goes second fastest, he should break his leg more often...

  • Scott Woodwiss11/02/2009 at 10:34

    Morning all,

    Have to say, those pics of Heikki's car covered in paint look quite unusual. I could swear in the last one of his, the rear diffuser was green too. And that pic of Bahrain - that's some sandstorm! (if that's what it is.) Either that or the red mist is quite literally decending over someone's eyes.

  • me11/02/2009 at 10:39

    Have to say, those pics of Heikki’s car covered in paint look quite unusual. I could swear in the last one of his, the rear diffuser was green too. And that pic of Bahrain - that’s some sandstorm! (if that’s what it is.) Either that or the red mist is quite literally decending over someone’s eyes.

    flow vis was recently used by renault to diagnose problems with big nose. it's only one step up from honda attaching tufts of wool to the rear wing.

    don't think i've ever seen it used during a group test before, normally restricted to straightline private running. to go that public, this early is worrying.

  • me11/02/2009 at 10:40

    it is a sandstorm btw:

    http://f1.gpupdate.net/en/news/2009/02/11/sandstorm-hinders-f1-test-in-bahrain/

  • me11/02/2009 at 10:42

    times are falling in jerez and piquet's in front of kazuki... w00t!

  • Scott Woodwiss11/02/2009 at 10:43

    DC's at Jerez with Red Bull today

    http://f1.gpupdate.net/en/photolarge.php?photoID=118108&catID=3773

  • me11/02/2009 at 10:44

    DC’s at Jerez with Red Bull today

    http://f1.gpupdate.net/en/photolarge.php?photoID=118108&catID=3773

    that's webber??

  • me11/02/2009 at 10:45

    DC’s at Jerez with Red Bull today

    ahh, you're right he is there. might've been the wrong link ;)

  • me11/02/2009 at 10:48

    times are falling in jerez and piquet’s in front of kazuki… w00t!

    nelson now back in rightful position :(

  • me11/02/2009 at 10:50

    mclaren from the otherside:

    http://www.f1today.nl/fotos/rwzt4ate1.jpg

    not a great picture. i say the right side is fatter.

  • Dank11/02/2009 at 10:51

    My fave pic from yesterday: http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/4414/z1234283440nu4.jpg

    Is he crying or calling the AA?

  • me11/02/2009 at 10:52

    Is he crying or call the AA?

    a couple of seconds later he was seen kicking the rear tyre :)

  • Scott Woodwiss11/02/2009 at 10:53

    BAT game reminder

    http://batracer.com/-cj?&D&36956

    Password: bourdais ;)

  • me11/02/2009 at 10:55

    x1 grounded chopper:

    http://f1.gpupdate.net/en/photolarge.php?photoID=118088&catID=4045

    vasselon on testing in europe:

    - "For us testing in Bahrain is just the best value for money"

    - "There is a risk in Europe in the winter of spending your time in conditions that are totally irrelevant"

    - "For us it is just common sense to test in Bahrain."

    - "We would be ready to drop one of the two European test sessions to spend more time in Bahrain. It is the best value for money and the best preparation for the rest of the season."

    sound like we're in for a hell of a season :D

  • Scott Woodwiss11/02/2009 at 10:58

    - “For us testing in Bahrain is just the best value for money” - “There is a risk in Europe in the winter of spending your time in conditions that are totally irrelevant” - “For us it is just common sense to test in Bahrain.” - “We would be ready to drop one of the two European test sessions to spend more time in Bahrain. It is the best value for money and the best preparation for the rest of the season.”

    I reckon he's onto something there. By testing in hot conditions it should help them become stronger on the reliability front. Their car and engine will be more used to high temperatures and therefore probably less prone to failing under heat and stress. Wise choise, Pascal.

  • me11/02/2009 at 10:59

    Wise choise, Pascal.

    except for today ;)

  • Scott Woodwiss11/02/2009 at 10:59

    except for today

    Well this sandstorm was unexpected so it's not their fault on this occasion :P

  • Maverick11/02/2009 at 11:00

    Have to say, those pics of Heikki’s car covered in paint look quite unusual.

    I don't rate F1 Live at the best of times but when they are thinking that it might be a brake fluid overfill...

    Last time I remember a team using it was in the tests before Christmas - McLaren again.

  • me11/02/2009 at 11:01

    I don’t rate F1 Live at the best of times but when they are thinking that it might be a brake fluid overfill…

    what are they saying???

  • me11/02/2009 at 11:06

    what are they saying???

    ahh, have found it:

    http://en.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/090211110041.shtml

    so. on the one hand, it clearly is flow vis paint and they clearly aren't the brightest of people. however, i do take heart in this bit:

    "the team told us."

    that means f1-live just did something i've never seen them do before... they went and asked someone. that's a pretty big shift in approach from a site that used to rely entirely on GMM material.

    presumably they're not actually at the test, but at least the managed to find a telephone :)

    i (heart) f1 live... sorta.

  • Scott Woodwiss11/02/2009 at 11:10

    By the way, I'm just over half way through the Mind of a GP Driver book. Was reading about Perry McCarthy, who features every now and again in the book, probably every other chapter, and how he gave it everything he had in the Andrea Moda at Silverstone on a dry track with wet tyres on. He ended the lap with the tyres pretty much destroyed.

    Also, there was an occasion at the next race, Hockenheim, where he had to prequalify. He walked up the track to the first chicane I think, and Blundell, JJ Lehto and Julian Bailey were all standing by the track observing. Perry asked about the braking point, and Bailey said "just after the 100 metre board", because that's where he assumed all good cars braked, also knowing the Andrea Moda wasn't one of them. Perry actually took it literally and soon after he went out. Bailey described the car coming towards them as "that black Andrea Moda that goes whaaaaang" Bailey shouted to him "no, don't do it!" and Lehto put a finger to his forehead, the international sign for madness. But McCarthy still did it and made it round the corner. To this day Bailey still doesn't know how he managed to make the corner and thought he was going to kill himself trying.

  • Scott Woodwiss11/02/2009 at 11:14

    By the way, I’m just over half way through the Mind of a GP Driver book. Was reading about Perry McCarthy, who features every now and again in the book, probably every other chapter, and how he gave it everything he had in the Andrea Moda at Silverstone on a dry track with wet tyres on. He ended the lap with the tyres pretty much destroyed.

    I'll add to this that he went through Bridge sideways flat out and that he went round Woodcote on the grass and crossed the line still on it trying to get back on the track.

  • Maverick11/02/2009 at 11:16

    “the team told us.”

    Read as: we googled it

  • me11/02/2009 at 11:23

    Read as: we googled it

    or "read it on another forum".

    either way, at least someone's actually asking the question. which is a step up from - copy / paste / publish.

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)11/02/2009 at 11:26

    either way, at least someone’s actually asking the question. which is a step up from - copy / paste / publish.

    It still depends on the source though.

  • me11/02/2009 at 11:30

    It still depends on the source though.

    i guess. maybe i'm being too generous, but i don't recall them ever asking a question before.

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)11/02/2009 at 11:44

    i guess. maybe i’m being too generous, but i don’t recall them ever asking a question before.

    F1-Live is one of those sites that gives the impression that the page you are looking at is one big betting advert with some other ads thrown in for good measure - oh, and there might be a news story in there somewhere too ;-)

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)11/02/2009 at 11:54

    By the way, I bought SlotZ for my iPod - isn't it a fantastic game???

  • Maverick11/02/2009 at 11:57

    another pic of heikki and i still say the right bank is bigger than the left

    There is a picture on f1.com's gallery for the Jerez test that shows that quite clearly.

    www.formula1.com/gallery/testing/2009/376.html

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)11/02/2009 at 12:08

    There is a picture on f1.com’s gallery for the Jerez test that shows that quite clearly.

    I see it now. There's something funny about the rear of the car. The right bank is 'fatter' than the left, and the outlet has a larger diameter.

    Could it be the KERS System? I read somewhere that Mclaren are one of the teams putting the system in the Sidepod and not the base of the fuel tank...

  • Maverick11/02/2009 at 12:09

    There is a picture on f1.com’s gallery for the Jerez test that shows that quite clearly.

    Just noticed that in the same picture McLaren seem to be running an '08 rear wing - seems to be why we can suddenly see both banks clearly.

  • me11/02/2009 at 12:15

    Could it be the KERS System? I read somewhere that Mclaren are one of the teams putting the system in the Sidepod and not the base of the fuel tank…

    pretty much what i was thinking yesterday.

    ferrari ran with a similar "wonky" layout before christmas, so i guess both teams are putting it on the same side.

  • me11/02/2009 at 12:16

    By the way, I bought SlotZ for my iPod - isn’t it a fantastic game???

    best.game.ever :)

  • me11/02/2009 at 12:17

    Just noticed that in the same picture McLaren seem to be running an ‘08 rear wing - seems to be why we can suddenly see both banks clearly.

    they're having all kinds of problems then :(

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)11/02/2009 at 12:28

    best.game.ever

    Real Footbal 09 runs it pretty close though!

  • Maverick11/02/2009 at 12:28

    Just noticed that in the same picture McLaren seem to be running an ‘08 rear wing

    How is your Spanish? The impression I get is that they're running with a lot of rear wing - "como la de Mónaco". Any ideas as to why they want to test with so much downforce at the back suddenly?

  • RCC (aka Rocking Copse Corner)11/02/2009 at 12:45

    How much sandbagging do people think is going on? A bit worrying to see the Bahrain (Ferrari, BMW, Toyota) cars getting really close to last years lap time yet the Jerez (VMM, Williams, RBR, Renault) cars are miles off the pace in comparison to last years lap times. Is it just the circuit naunces or is they something more to it? ie the Jerez cars are just woefully behind in development?

  • Journeyer11/02/2009 at 12:59

    vettel had to jump to safety

    Vettel went into Power Rangers mode after Zordon called him on the radio.

  • Journeyer11/02/2009 at 13:02

    Is it just the circuit naunces or is they something more to it?

    The weather probably had something to do with the Jerez cars seemingly being slow. We'll see how they fare during the dry test days.

  • Maverick11/02/2009 at 13:09

    A bit worrying to see the Bahrain (Ferrari, BMW, Toyota) cars getting really close to last years lap time

    This time last year the best times in Bahrain were down to 1min30 (although Toyota was only managing 1min31) compared with 1min33.5s yesterday.

    In Jerez at the same time of year, best time was a 1min18 and they're approaching a 1min21 today.

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)11/02/2009 at 13:11

    Is it just the circuit naunces or is they something more to it?

    The weather probably had something to do with the Jerez cars seemingly being slow. We’ll see how they fare during the dry test days.

    A bit worrying to see the Bahrain (Ferrari, BMW, Toyota) cars getting really close to last years lap time.

    This time last year the best times in Bahrain were down to 1min30 (although Toyota was only managing 1min31) compared with 1min33.5s yesterday.

    This is exactly what I was saying earlier ... it is so hard looking at these testing times trying to compare apples with apples...

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)11/02/2009 at 13:14

    NASCAR men earning as well as most F1 drivers

    Well that's interesting - especially the way they get money from merchandising. I thought they earned a lot less than that.

  • me11/02/2009 at 13:17

    How much sandbagging do people think is going on?

    flo-vis isn't sandbagging, that's panic mode.

  • Maverick11/02/2009 at 13:21

    flo-vis isn’t sandbagging, that’s panic mode

    Talking of panic mode, F1Tech are reporting that Renault have cancelled attending next week's test in Barcelona

    www.f1technical.net/news/11579

  • me11/02/2009 at 13:21

    someone's hurting their rears:

    http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/vv316/MorganaF1/IMG_3688.jpg?t=1234355430

  • me11/02/2009 at 13:22

    Talking of panic mode, F1Tech are reporting that Renault have cancelled attending next week’s test in Barcelona

    http://www.f1technical.net/news/11579

    bugger.

  • Maverick11/02/2009 at 13:24

    someone’s hurting their rears:

    Do Renault have a larger opening on the left? No wonder the car is slow if they insist upon left-hand drive.

  • Kathi11/02/2009 at 13:32

    Is drp.io broken or is that my computer again?

    I can't upload anything

  • me11/02/2009 at 13:45

    Is drp.io broken or is that my computer again?

    seems fine to me, but you can upload to:

    [email protected]

  • me11/02/2009 at 13:46

    seems fine to me, but you can upload to:

    sorry, i meant you can email files to:

    [email protected]

  • Ian Lockwood11/02/2009 at 13:50

    I've read that Macca are really struggling to get any heat in their rear tyres - and its probably due to set-up rather than suspension geometry. This would perhaps explain why they are running the 2008 wing.

  • Kathi11/02/2009 at 13:52
  • Journeyer11/02/2009 at 13:53

    I’ve read that Macca are really struggling to get any heat in their rear tyres - and its probably due to set-up rather than suspension geometry. This would perhaps explain why they are running the 2008 wing.

    If it's a setup issue, then it's resolvable before Australia? I remember BMW had some serious issues in pre-season testing last year. Not that it affected their form at all in Australia, though. ;)

  • me11/02/2009 at 13:57

    i knew there was something missing from this livery:

    green!

  • Mattw11/02/2009 at 13:57

    How much sandbagging do people think is going on?

    More likly everyone is going for the glory laps to attract sponsors

  • Kris11/02/2009 at 13:59

    green!

    Oh God... My eyes!

  • Kathi11/02/2009 at 14:06

    seems fine to me

    Is there a size limit?

  • me11/02/2009 at 14:07

    Is there a size limit?

    not that i'm aware of. there's a couple of hour long videos up there.

    are you getting an error?

  • me11/02/2009 at 14:08

    Is there a size limit?

    actually, sorry yes there is:

    "The current limit on the size of individual files is 2gb."

    how big is your file?

  • Kathi11/02/2009 at 14:09

    how big is your file?

    bigger :)

  • me11/02/2009 at 14:10

    bigger

    woah!!

    ...

    seriously? what in the world is it and how long will that take to upload?

  • Maverick11/02/2009 at 14:14

    i knew there was something missing from this livery

    The site should carry a disclaimer before displaying anything like that!

  • Flibster11/02/2009 at 14:17

    i knew there was something missing from this livery:

    All it needs now is the carrott chunks and it's perfect...

  • Scott Woodwiss11/02/2009 at 14:19

    All it needs now is the carrott chunks and it’s perfect…

    :D

    I have the R29 as my wallpaper on my laptop and as such I've grown accustomed to it.

  • Flibster11/02/2009 at 14:21

    I have the R29 as my wallpaper on my laptop and as such I’ve grown accustomed to it.

    I suppose that one way to get work done - have to have lots open to cover it up. ;)

  • Steven Roy11/02/2009 at 14:24

    Could it be the KERS System? I read somewhere that Mclaren are one of the teams putting the system in the Sidepod and not the base of the fuel tank…

    Adrian Newey said that.

    ferrari ran with a similar “wonky” layout before christmas, so i guess both teams are putting it on the same side.

    Most circuits are clockwise so it makes sense to put it in the right pod as it is going to be on the inside of the vast majority of corners.

  • Steven Roy11/02/2009 at 14:27

    How much sandbagging do people think is going on? A bit worrying to see the Bahrain (Ferrari, BMW, Toyota) cars getting really close to last years lap time yet the Jerez (VMM, Williams, RBR, Renault) cars are miles off the pace in comparison to last years lap times. Is it just the circuit naunces or is they something more to it? ie the Jerez cars are just woefully behind in development?

    Jerez has always had a reputation as a twisty little circuit so needs a lot of downforce and the cut in downforce will have a big effect on times.

  • Mattw11/02/2009 at 14:42

    don’t think i’ve ever seen it used during a group test before, normally restricted to straightline private running. to go that public, this early is worrying.

    it does look bad - but then the first step in solving a problem is to understand the problem.

    So far times are comparable with the red Bull and Williams. Are McLaren running a lot lighter, or are the others in trouble as well?

  • Kathi11/02/2009 at 14:46

    how long will that take to upload?

    ehm...

  • me11/02/2009 at 14:47

    So far times are comparable with the red Bull and Williams. Are McLaren running a lot lighter, or are the others in trouble as well?

    surely mclaren has a performance advantage using last year's wing?

  • Kathi11/02/2009 at 14:51

    how long will that take to upload?

    ehm…

    11Min :)

  • me11/02/2009 at 14:52

    11Min

    11 minutes to upload 2GB?

    :(

  • Kathi11/02/2009 at 14:54

    11 minutes to upload 2GB?

    :(

    I ♥ Finland

  • RG11/02/2009 at 15:03

    My bus driver was Yuji Ide, or at least, in disguise. After turning up 10 minutes late, he showed clear incapability of using the brakes, or turning the corner without everyone flying to the other end of the bus. It's just amazing their was no Albers to flip this time, though he did almost go into the back of a van...

    things aren’t going so well in bahrain:

    It looks like the 2004 Williams car.

    I have the R29 as my wallpaper on my laptop and as such I’ve grown accustomed to it.

    I've got the new BMW one and I'm beginning to love the block front wings.

  • Stuart C11/02/2009 at 15:15

    according to the autosport forums

    Don't you mean "according to some goon who has cooked up a theory based on seeing this photo"?

  • Mattw11/02/2009 at 15:39

    surely mclaren has a performance advantage using last year’s wing?

    They are still using that? What is the point of running an aero test using a hybrid car?

    (unless they did a back to back test with the new wing too?)

    If the old wing gives more grip, then that will effect the car, and therfore the airflow through the corners.

  • Flibster11/02/2009 at 15:46

    Hurrah! My new car order has been confirmed! :D

    *does the happy dance*

    Oh and on a slightly related point. Apparently Ferrari have had their best year ever. 6'500 new cars sold. Thats a lot for a company that is a privateer. ;)

  • me11/02/2009 at 15:48

    Don’t you mean “according to some goon who has cooked up a theory based on seeing this photo”?

    sorry, yes :)

    although, if vettel wasn't specifically asked to exit the car in that manner (and maybe just did it for a laugh), he is officially my favourite person in the world, ever.

  • Maverick11/02/2009 at 15:48

    What is the point of running an aero test using a hybrid car?

    Perhaps they are using the 08 rear wing to give similar downforce levels to a diffuser redesign that they haven't fitted/made yet whilst concentrating on the front end aerodynamic testing? Something Toyota-esque in the pipeline?

  • me11/02/2009 at 15:49

    Thats a lot for a company that is a privateer

    heheeee :D

  • Flibster11/02/2009 at 15:53

    this isn’t from today, but according to the autosport forums vettel had to jump to safety:

    Now, this is kinda tasteless, but I would have laughed my arse off if he landed heavilly and broke his leg. :D

    As it is, it just makes him look like a massively excided little kid. :D Next we will see him with only the top button done up on his parker coat and it draped over him like a cloak pretending to be superman...

  • Flibster11/02/2009 at 15:54

    me: 11/02/2009 at 15:49

    Thats a lot for a company that is a privateer

    heheeee

    It's what they keep claiming. ;)

  • Scott Woodwiss11/02/2009 at 15:55

    Hurrah! My new car order has been confirmed! *does the happy dance*

    What you ordered, Flibster?

  • me11/02/2009 at 15:55

    As it is, it just makes him look like a massively excided little kid.

    and my new hero.

  • Flibster11/02/2009 at 15:56

    What you ordered, Flibster?

    Evora

  • Scott Woodwiss11/02/2009 at 15:57

    Evora

    NICE! :D

  • Flibster11/02/2009 at 15:59

    NICE!

    Yup. :D

    I was planning on getting a nice 80's Turbo Esprit, but I would have had to have a 'sensible' car as well. This way, I've got something that goes and something sensible.

    Have yet to decide on the full spec. Yet to decide on a colour too. I would like a Norfolk Mustard Yellow one, but the other half hates that colour. Could try to get a custom paint job. Lotus 25 or 72 style...

  • Scott Woodwiss11/02/2009 at 16:00

    I live in Wymondham now and at end of town there's a sign post to go to Lotus Cars. :D

  • Flibster11/02/2009 at 16:04

    Scott Woodwiss: 11/02/2009 at 16:00

    I live in Wymondham now and at end of town there’s a sign post to go to Lotus Cars.

    If you continue down that road towards Lotus, on the right before the entrance to the factory is Classic Team Lotus - they are in their original Hethal workshops again.

    Up until 2003 I used to live 2 miles from the factory and when they were in F1, used to hear the F1 cars having their shakedown runs around the Lotus track.

    The Lotus 102 with the Lambo V12 sounded great - it was a crap car, but sounded great.

  • Scott Woodwiss11/02/2009 at 16:06

    The Lotus 102 with the Lambo V12 sounded great - it was a crap car, but sounded great.

    Sweeeeeeeeet. My dad did some driving for Lotus once. He took some Norwich City football players around the test track in an Exige GT3 :D He said afterwards that it was just like a big go-kart with a sequential shifter :D

  • Scott Woodwiss11/02/2009 at 16:11

    If you continue down that road towards Lotus, on the right before the entrance to the factory is Classic Team Lotus - they are in their original Hethal workshops again.

    Is it open for anyone to look round?

  • Flibster11/02/2009 at 16:14

    Sweeeeeeeeet. My dad did some driving for Lotus once. He took some Norwich City football players around the test track in an Exige GT3 He said afterwards that it was just like a big go-kart with a sequential shifter

    That GT3 is a beautiful car. I've got pictures of Neweys racecar.

    They were planning to make a version of the GT3 available to buy. Don't think that ever happened though. :(

    Might have dropio'd it from the Lotus 60th party.

    Scott Woodwiss: 11/02/2009 at 16:11

    If you continue down that road towards Lotus, on the right before the entrance to the factory is Classic Team Lotus - they are in their original Hethal workshops again.

    Is it open for anyone to look round?

    Officially, kinda.

    Whenever I've bought stuff from them, I've actually gone and picked it up. Always got a good look around then. :D

    They do official tours too. http://www.classicteamlotus.co.uk/content/Lotus_F1_Works_Tour.pdf

  • Flibster11/02/2009 at 16:15

    Gaaaah... Moderated. :(

  • Flibster11/02/2009 at 16:21

    Is it open for anyone to look round?

    The link I used caused it to be moderated, but there are official tours available with info on their website - which I can't link to as I got moderated but googling Classic Team Lotus should bring it up.

    Sidepodcast group visit?

  • Scott Woodwiss11/02/2009 at 16:23

    Sidepodcast group visit?

    Now THAT I'd be able to go to! :D

  • me11/02/2009 at 16:23

    interesting read from dieter:

    http://www.autosport.com/features/article.php/id/1990

    and when i say interesting, i mean must. tantalisingly small image of the USF1 proposal too.

  • Journeyer11/02/2009 at 16:26

    and when i say interesting, i mean must.

    And it's... behind the subscription walls. Way to go... :(

  • Scott Woodwiss11/02/2009 at 16:27

    This might be of particular interest to everyone:

    "USF1 will launch officially – via Speed TV, of late Windsor's primary platform – on 24 February. "

  • Journeyer11/02/2009 at 16:28

    “USF1 will launch officially – via Speed TV, of late Windsor’s primary platform – on 24 February. “

    Source?

    Make or break time, then. Prodrive never got to launch their F1 effort officially, so this is crucial.

  • Steven Roy11/02/2009 at 16:31

    and when i say interesting, i mean must. tantalisingly small image of the USF1 proposal too.

    It's one of those subscription stories

  • me11/02/2009 at 16:31

    Source?

    this article:

    http://www.autosport.com/features/article.php/id/1990

  • Scott Woodwiss11/02/2009 at 16:31

    Source?

    The Autosport article Mr C just posted a link to. That's the last line of it.

  • me11/02/2009 at 16:33

    It’s one of those subscription stories

    ahh, sorry. logged in by default, forgot to check.

  • Flibster11/02/2009 at 16:34

    Scott Woodwiss: 11/02/2009 at 16:23

    Sidepodcast group visit?

    Now THAT I’d be able to go to!

    Classic Team Lotus is pleased to offer the opportunity for a privileged insight of everything that went into creating the Team Lotus Legend

    This will include:

    •Welcome by Clive Chapman

    •Tour of the Classic Team Lotus race shop

    •Pit stop wheel change challenge

    •History and technical significance of cars displayed

    •The Team Lotus archive

    •Video presentation of a slice of Team Lotus history

    Visitors will be provided with:

    • Group photo opportunity with an F1 car

    • In car photo for selected visitors

    • Prize for pit stop wheel change winners

    • Complimentary Classic Team Lotus prints presenting all of the Team Lotus single seat racing

    cars (signed by Clive Chapman, if requested) and complimentary team issue hats

  • me11/02/2009 at 16:35

    Classic Team Lotus is pleased to offer the opportunity for a privileged insight of everything that went into creating the Team Lotus Legend

    lets do it!

  • Flibster11/02/2009 at 16:36

    Details are on Classic Team Lotussusses *Lotii?* web site under Works Visit. I have no idea how much it costs though.

  • Steven Roy11/02/2009 at 16:36

    I guess we need to get all our rumours and conspiracy theories in place before the launch. I think a little unofficial sidepodcomp is called for.

    So who do you think will do what job at USF1? What engine, fuel etc will they use? What existing team will they share technology with?

  • Flibster11/02/2009 at 16:36

    They do recommend groups of 10-15 people.

  • Scott Woodwiss11/02/2009 at 16:37

    lets do it!

    YAY! :D

  • Scott Woodwiss11/02/2009 at 16:38

    So who do you think will do what job at USF1? What engine, fuel etc will they use? What existing team will they share technology with?

    I reckon going by the picture in that article, they'll go down the Cosworth route. Champ Car used Cosworths when it was a spec series right until its final race last year at Long Beach. As for fuel? I'd like to see Sunoco take the plunge :D

  • me11/02/2009 at 16:42

    I reckon going by the picture in that article, they’ll go down the Cosworth route. Champ Car used Cosworths when it was a spec series right until its final race last year at Long Beach. As for fuel? I’d like to see Sunoco take the plunge

    i'm gonna say bmw are more likely, or macca as seem able to supply everybody without breaking a sweat.

  • Dom11/02/2009 at 16:43

    vettel had to jump to safety

    Looks like there's been plenty of unusual pictures today...

  • Scott Woodwiss11/02/2009 at 16:46

    i’m gonna say bmw are more likely, or macca as seem able to supply everybody without breaking a sweat.

    I dunno about that. USF1 will probably want to use the single seater links they already have in terms of their series over there. So I think they'll get Panoz to help design the chassis and either Honda or Cosworth to supply engines. That is, if Honda would be able to at all...

  • me11/02/2009 at 16:48

    I dunno about that. USF1 will probably want to use the single seater links they already have in terms of their series over there. So I think they’ll get Panoz to help design the chassis and either Honda or Cosworth to supply engines. That is, if Honda would be able to at all…

    honda??

  • Journeyer11/02/2009 at 16:48

    So who do you think will do what job at USF1? What engine, fuel etc will they use? What existing team will they share technology with?

    As many people have mentioned, Mike Gascoyne will be employed in some capacity, probably as technical director.

    They'll be powered by Cosworth engines, but no Ford badges for them - I don't think Ford is connected to Cosworth anymore. I'm iffy with their fuel, but I'm guessing Chevron.

    Will they partner with an existing team? TBH, I don't see it happening. It will take away from their 'Made in America' image. But if they REALLY need to, they'll probably talk to BMW or Ferrari - McLaren already have too many clients.

  • Journeyer11/02/2009 at 16:49

    honda??

    Honda have already said that they will not produce any F1 engines for anyone anytime soon.

  • Scott Woodwiss11/02/2009 at 16:49

    honda??

    They supply engines to the IndyCar Series don't they? I'm sure their American division could help USF1 out in some way if they wanted to. Maybe.

  • me11/02/2009 at 16:50

    Honda have already said that they will not produce any F1 engines for anyone anytime soon.

    no kidding.

  • me11/02/2009 at 16:51

    As many people have mentioned, Mike Gascoyne will be employed in some capacity, probably as technical director.

    for approximately 12-18 months :)

  • Journeyer11/02/2009 at 16:51

    They supply engines to the IndyCar Series don’t they? I’m sure their American division could help USF1 out in some way if they wanted to. Maybe.

    The embargo on F1 came straight from Japan. Nothing Honda US can do about that.

  • Flibster11/02/2009 at 16:55

    They’ll be powered by Cosworth engines, but no Ford badges for them - I don’t think Ford is connected to Cosworth anymore. I’m iffy with their fuel, but I’m guessing Chevron.

    Cosworth Racing was sold to the guys who owned the Champ Car World Series.

  • Steven Roy11/02/2009 at 16:56

    I am sticking with my Steve Nichols / Paul di Resta / McLaren Mercedes conspiracy theory. I suppose you could extend that to say that di Resta is Dario Franchitti's cousin and Dario once was a Mercedes DTM driver after he won the McLaren test drive so if he was going to be one of the race drivers due to his US profile then who better than his cousin who he rates highly to do the testing.

    I just can't see any other possibility. It all makes so much sense. :D

  • Steven Roy11/02/2009 at 16:57

    Cosworth Racing was sold to the guys who owned the Champ Car World Series.

    Forsyth and Kalkoven

  • Journeyer11/02/2009 at 16:58

    I just can’t see any other possibility. It all makes so much sense.

    I'm sorry, but I'll go for the more obvious: USF1 will get Marco and Dario/Danica. di Resta will race a Force India-Merc in 2010 alongside Chandhok/Sutil.

  • Bassano Clapper11/02/2009 at 17:32

    Details are on Classic Team Lotussusses *Lotii?* web site under Works Visit. I have no idea how much it costs though.

    Sounds interesting, anyone fancy obtaining a quote with an industry discount for SPC? :D

  • Steven Roy11/02/2009 at 17:37

    Sounds interesting, anyone fancy obtaining a quote with an industry discount for SPC?

    I would love to go as I have always been a huge Lotus fan but it is so far from civilisation.

  • me11/02/2009 at 17:45

    the man gets waaay to much link action around these parts, but:

    http://blogf1.co.uk/2009/02/11/is-playing-the-weighting-game-sending-out-the-wrong-message/

    promise no subscription req. this time :)

  • me11/02/2009 at 17:49

    also, scott has an answer to sunday's question:

    http://www.f1break.com/2009/02/11/fortec-motorsport-to-enter-formula-one

  • Chris Harland11/02/2009 at 17:52

    this isn’t from today, but according to the autosport forums vettel had to jump to safety:

    Just a quick point on this whole Vettel jumping from the car thing... If he was indeed instructed to jump from the car, what the hell is Webber going to do if he needs to get out like that???

  • me11/02/2009 at 17:54

    Just a quick point on this whole Vettel jumping from the car thing… If he was indeed instructed to jump from the car, what the hell is Webber going to do if he needs to get out like that???

    land on his backside :)

    good point, although they can't be leaping out of f1 cars like that during a race, what happens at monaco? you have to clear the barriers too? that'll be fun at the swimming pool.

  • Steven Roy11/02/2009 at 18:02

    the man gets waaay to much link action around these parts, but:

    I have just been there and posted the longest comment I have ever posted on his site.

  • Steven Roy11/02/2009 at 18:03

    Just a quick point on this whole Vettel jumping from the car thing… If he was indeed instructed to jump from the car, what the hell is Webber going to do if he needs to get out like that???

    Hopefully remember to land on his left foot.

  • Flibster11/02/2009 at 18:12

    Steven Roy: 11/02/2009 at 17:37

    Sounds interesting, anyone fancy obtaining a quote with an industry discount for SPC?

    I would love to go as I have always been a huge Lotus fan but it is so far from civilisation.

    Norfolk?

    Far from civilisation?!?!!

    Oh yeah...I see your point. ;)

  • me11/02/2009 at 18:13

    I have just been there and posted the longest comment I have ever posted on his site.

    did you take his website down at the same time?

  • Steven Roy11/02/2009 at 18:20

    did you take his website down at the same time?

    Nope. It is still working

  • Steven Roy11/02/2009 at 18:21

    Nope. It is still working

    Although it does seem to take an interminable amount of time from clicking the post comment button till it actually posts.

  • me11/02/2009 at 18:25

    Although it does seem to take an interminable amount of time from clicking the post comment button till it actually posts.

    have manage to post now. that's a flippin' big comment you have there!

  • Steven Roy11/02/2009 at 18:32

    have manage to post now. that’s a flippin’ big comment you have there!

    I seem to have been discussing that subject on a few sites over the past few weeks and I think I have finally done a half decent job of getting my point across. I think starting in the fifties and coming forward got me into a flow. I was going to start in the thirties since Olli mentioned the maximum weight limit but that would have been too much and I would have drifted off to talk about the weight of paint.

  • me11/02/2009 at 18:34

    I seem to have been discussing that subject on a few sites over the past few weeks and I think I have finally done a half decent job of getting my point across. I think starting in the fifties and coming forward got me into a flow. I was going to start in the thirties since Olli mentioned the maximum weight limit but that would have been too much and I would have drifted off to talk about the weight of paint.

    you know if you had a blog... you'd only have to say it once :)

    valid arguments though. and as soon as an ultra-light alonso / vettel / whoever wins a race, it'll all kick off again.

  • Steven Roy11/02/2009 at 18:43

    you know if you had a blog… you’d only have to say it once

    valid arguments though. and as soon as an ultra-light alonso / vettel / whoever wins a race, it’ll all kick off again.

    Anyone would think that you are trying to get rid of me.

  • me11/02/2009 at 18:54

    Anyone would think that you are trying to get rid of me.

    noooooo! never. for starters, if you went away everything would likely be my fault again ;)

  • Kathi11/02/2009 at 19:00

    Nick was just on TV. He sounded as if he has a cold.:(

  • me11/02/2009 at 19:09

    Nick was just on TV. He sounded as if he has a cold.:(

    awww.

    good timing or poor timing?

  • Scott Woodwiss11/02/2009 at 19:11

    Just an observation for our BAT 1986 game - after watching the FIA official review of the 86 season on YouTube, it was very common for drivers to go for 2 stops. Only occasionally did one of the top drivers, Mansell, ran the whole race without stopping. Berger did the same at Mexico and on both occasions for both drivers, they won the race. So really it's a toss up of either a) running on the soft tyres with 2 stops to run the quickest, but with the most time in the pits, b) 1 stop on softs, but easing off on the tyre usage or c) no stops on the hard tyres, but being super conservative on the tyre usage, yet bypassing the need for pitting and thus saving time.

  • Scott Woodwiss11/02/2009 at 19:12

    me: 11/02/2009 at 17:49

    also, scott has an answer to sunday’s question:

    http://www.f1break.com/2009/02/11/fortec-motorsport-to-enter-formula-one

    Cool! Bring on Fortec! :D

  • me11/02/2009 at 19:21

    did the circuit in bahrain not open again all day?

    "The track closed after a few laps were run in the morning. Robert Kubica managed a total of 22 laps, Felipe Massa 17 and Timo Glock 14."

    i'd totally forgotten they were out there :)

    source: http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns21174.html

  • RG11/02/2009 at 19:23

    i’d totally forgotten they were out there

    source: http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns21174.html

    Do you think they were like, 'Hello, were still here y'know, anyone? Hello, Hello?"

  • me11/02/2009 at 19:24

    Do you think they were like, ‘Hello, were still here y’know, anyone? Hello, Hello?”

    :D

    what an expensive waste of time.

  • me11/02/2009 at 19:38

    schumi fell off:

    http://www.pitpass.com/fes_php/pitpass_news_item.php?fes_art_id=37007

  • me11/02/2009 at 19:43

    schumi fell off:

    autosport say no harm done:

    http://www.autosport.com/news/grapevine.php/id/73229

  • RG11/02/2009 at 19:49

    autosport say no harm done:

    Sky Sports News says the same, but remaining under observation in hospital.

  • Jon Waldock11/02/2009 at 19:57

    schumi fell off:

    i do hate storys like this, anyone whos been to a bike test know people fall off all the time.

    in a car you run wide if your going fast, but if your going fast on a bike and leaning over into a corner then when you run wide you fall off. the best moto gp riders do it all the time!!

  • Christine11/02/2009 at 19:59

    You know things are bad when you keep typing "Webber returns after braking his leg."

    Clearly I write too much about cars.

  • Stuart C11/02/2009 at 20:00

    I seem to have been discussing that subject on a few sites over the past few weeks and I think I have finally done a half decent job of getting my point across.

    Very good post, that.

  • RG11/02/2009 at 20:20

    Shameless plug alert

    RG on Croft

    http://thef1waffler.blogspot.com/2009/02/crisis-at-croft.html

  • me11/02/2009 at 20:22

    RG on Croft

    cheers buddy.

    you quizzing this week?

  • RG11/02/2009 at 20:25

    you quizzing this week?

    Wha?

  • me11/02/2009 at 20:26

    Wha?

    pitlanef weekly quiz:

    http://www.pitlanefanatic.com/chat.php

  • RG11/02/2009 at 20:27

    pitlanef weekly quiz:

    I am now ;)

  • me11/02/2009 at 20:28

    I am now

    yay. christine's bailed / is busy.

  • Steven Roy11/02/2009 at 20:34

    Very good post, that.

    Thanks Stuart. Try and ignore the typos.

  • Dom11/02/2009 at 20:35

    You know things are bad when you keep typing “Webber returns after braking his leg.”

    hehe :)

  • Steven Roy11/02/2009 at 20:44

    pitlanef weekly quiz:

    Next week I am going to be organised to take part but now I have to eat.

  • me11/02/2009 at 20:45

    Next week I am going to be organised to take part but now I have to eat.

    no worries. and by eat, do you mean "answer the questions on identi.ca"?

    :)

  • Steven Roy11/02/2009 at 20:46

    no worries. and by eat, do you mean “answer the questions on identi.ca”?

    I thought you couldn't do two things at once

  • me11/02/2009 at 20:47

    I thought you couldn’t do two things at once

    :D

    :D

  • RCC (aka rockingcopsecorner)11/02/2009 at 21:25

    Hi everyone

    Mr Me:

    Did you get those audio samples?

  • me11/02/2009 at 21:28

    Did you get those audio samples?

    certainly did rcc. did we not reply? sorry.

    they're wonderful and will be used. will let you know as and when. cheers.

  • RCC (aka rockingcopsecorner)11/02/2009 at 21:36

    209 - me said:

    Did you get those audio samples?

    certainly did rcc. did we not reply? sorry.

    they’re wonderful and will be used. will let you know as and when. cheers.

    No worries

    Glad to know you liked! Was a bit worried i'd sent them to the wrong address or they were rubbish lol

    What you think of them? guitar all good? :-)

  • Scott Woodwiss11/02/2009 at 21:39

    http://pow.ftlog.com/$23/1P1/-ft?3#j :)

  • me11/02/2009 at 21:47

    What you think of them? guitar all good?

    perfect sir. should make ideal intro's for a mini series or various promos. much appreciated.

  • RCC (aka rockingcopsecorner)11/02/2009 at 21:51

    Cool

    Glad to be a help

    Has anyone seen some of the pics from Bahrain today? I wonder if those teams feel a little sheepish now flying all that way for a sandstorm lol

  • Jackie11/02/2009 at 21:53

    Yeah, there are some good ones on the official site. It's just the sod factor that testing is really cut back and then they can't get testing! .. maybe Force India nd "Honda" won't be at such a disadvantage after all

  • me11/02/2009 at 21:56

    Has anyone seen some of the pics from Bahrain today? I wonder if those teams feel a little sheepish now flying all that way for a sandstorm lol

    hehehe. posted some earlier. surprisingly no more were taken in the afternoon :D

  • RCC (aka rockingcopsecorner)11/02/2009 at 21:59

    Surely there's a case for allowing in season testing? Aren't they on group test 2 with another group test to go and a private one left? So potentially around 10 days left of track time?

  • RG11/02/2009 at 21:59

    no worries. and by eat, do you mean “answer the questions on identi.ca”?

    Obviously not then ;)

  • Jackie11/02/2009 at 22:00

    hehehe. posted some earlier. surprisingly no more were taken in the afternoon

    That is the downside of the doohickey, you don't get to see the front page and all the nice piccies

  • Jon Waldock11/02/2009 at 22:00

    Surely there’s a case for allowing in season testing? Aren’t they on group test 2 with another group test to go and a private one left? So potentially around 10 days left of track time?

    Is it a km limit?? Or a day limit?

  • me11/02/2009 at 22:00

    Obviously not then

    oi!!

  • me11/02/2009 at 22:00

    That is the downside of the doohickey, you don’t get to see the front page and all the nice piccies

    tis true :(

  • Steven Roy11/02/2009 at 22:01

    Obviously not then

    Well I did ask what the answer to one of the questions was?

  • RG11/02/2009 at 22:01

    oi!!

    :D

    It was only be 3 points I suppose.

  • Jackie11/02/2009 at 22:01

    I believe its a kilometer linit

  • Steven Roy11/02/2009 at 22:01

    So what was the answer to number 11?

  • me11/02/2009 at 22:01

    Well I did ask what the answer to one of the questions was?

    how does that help?

    ;)

  • Steven Roy11/02/2009 at 22:02

    how does that help?

    Saves me worrying about my ignorance

  • RG11/02/2009 at 22:02

    So what was the answer to number 11?

    I believe it is that they both have tracks named after them in Brazil

  • Steven Roy11/02/2009 at 22:03

    Can someone plug the quiz on Tuesday next week so that I remember. Might drum up a few more people too.

  • Steven Roy11/02/2009 at 22:03

    I believe it is that they both have tracks named after them in Brazil

    But it said unique. Villeneuve has a track named after him so do the Rodriguez brothers.

  • Jackie11/02/2009 at 22:03

    Can someone plug the quiz on Tuesday next week so that I remember. Might drum up a few more people too.

    I'll remind you on ident.ca next week :)

  • RG11/02/2009 at 22:05

    But it said unique. Villeneuve has a track named after him so do the Rodriguez brothers.

    Nope, I was right. Answers here

    http://www.pitlanefanatic.com/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=621

  • Steven Roy11/02/2009 at 22:05

    I’ll remind you on ident.ca next week

    You should plug it on the site I am sure Scott would be up for joining in and a few others too

  • Flibster11/02/2009 at 22:06

    me: 11/02/2009 at 19:38

    schumi fell off:

    Again.....

  • RCC (aka rockingcopsecorner)11/02/2009 at 22:06

    They've got a Km testing limit so cancelled track time shouldn't make a difference in theory but with the season rapidly approaching and the brick wall of no in-season testing they seem to be really running tight.

  • me11/02/2009 at 22:08

    Again…..

    :D

  • me11/02/2009 at 22:09

    You should plug it on the site I am sure Scott would be up for joining in and a few others too

    good plan, will do a post.

    can you remind me to do a post?

  • me11/02/2009 at 22:10

    They’ve got a Km testing limit so cancelled track time shouldn’t make a difference in theory but with the season rapidly approaching and the brick wall of no in-season testing they seem to be really running tight.

    not exactly cost cutting though. flying out to a dust bowl, flying back again.

  • RG11/02/2009 at 22:10

    can you remind me to do a post?

    I forgot when there was 3 minutes to go and you remembered, so you got more hope than me.

  • Jon Waldock11/02/2009 at 22:11

    Again…..

    Give the man a break!

  • Jackie11/02/2009 at 22:11

    Give the man a break!

    Or two .. believe he broke or cracked two ribs ouch!

  • Steven Roy11/02/2009 at 22:13

    Nope, I was right. Answers here

    I would dispute Q21. His contract was not renewed for the following season which is not the same as being released

  • Steven Roy11/02/2009 at 22:14

    can you remind me to do a post?

    Can someone remind me to remind him?

  • me11/02/2009 at 22:15

    Can someone remind me to remind him?

    i will.

  • Steven Roy11/02/2009 at 22:15

    i will.

    We have that covered then :D

  • Jackie11/02/2009 at 22:15

    Can someone remind me to remind him?

    ..and if they don't .. we can always blame Steven ;)

  • RCC (aka rockingcopsecorner)11/02/2009 at 22:17

    not exactly cost cutting though. flying out to a dust bowl, flying back again.

    Wonder if Max feels a little sheepish now with all his spiel about cutting costs.....

    Really enjoyed the KERS podcast this week, listened to it today while stuck in a traffic jam, i was so clued up after listening I managed to design my own KERS for my car until the car beeped behind me to move and I realised I aint Adrian Newey.....

  • Steven Roy11/02/2009 at 22:19

    ..and if they don’t .. we can always blame Steven

    :D

  • Jon Waldock11/02/2009 at 22:20

    Or two .. believe he broke or cracked two ribs ouch!

    thats normal bike injury lol

    slide across tarmac on your bum at 100mph and your the only one to blame :P

  • me11/02/2009 at 22:20

    Really enjoyed the KERS podcast this week, listened to it today while stuck in a traffic jam, i was so clued up after listening I managed to design my own KERS for my car until the car beeped behind me to and I realised I aint Adrian Newey…..

    HA!

    glad to be of assistance. may have used up a year's worth of podcast geekiness in one show there though.

  • jolly11/02/2009 at 22:22

    for me and RG http://www.mclaren.com/latestnews/mclaren-news.php?article=231

  • Jon Waldock11/02/2009 at 22:22
  • Andy Taylor11/02/2009 at 22:23

    for me and RG http://www.mclaren.com/latestnews/mclaren-news.php?article=231

    They're giving them out to anyone these days.

  • RG11/02/2009 at 22:23

    for me and RG http://www.mclaren.com/latestnews/mclaren-news.php?article=231

    I don't watch Blue Peter anymore, but replace mclaren with BMW Sauber and Hamilton with Heidfeld, one may consider it ;)

  • Flibster11/02/2009 at 22:25

    The git...

    World Champion AND Blue Peter badge holder! *Grrrrr....*

  • Jon Waldock11/02/2009 at 22:27

    World Champion AND Blue Peter badge holder! *Grrrrr….*

    Just invent a sport and then win it on an international scale and you'll get one!! SORTED!

  • RG11/02/2009 at 22:28

    Just invent a sport and then win it on an international scale and you’ll get one!! SORTED!

    Sidepodslalom, post as quick as you can whilst avoiding the blame for everything?

  • Jon Waldock11/02/2009 at 22:29

    Sidepodslalom, post as quick as you can whilst avoiding the blame for everything?

    That easy....unless your name happens to be steven :P

  • Flibster11/02/2009 at 22:29

    Starts 15:45 in.

    Also... What has happened to Blue Peter? Where's the sticky backed plastic? Wheres the Washing up liquid bottles?

  • Dom11/02/2009 at 22:29

    Sidepodslalom, post as quick as you can whilst avoiding the blame for everything?

    I blame RG for this sport!

  • jolly11/02/2009 at 22:30

    Sidepodslalom, post as quick as you can whilst avoiding the blame for everything?

    :-D

  • RG11/02/2009 at 22:30

    I blame RG for this sport!

    Damn, looks like I've lost the skis then.

  • Andy Taylor11/02/2009 at 22:32

    Also… What has happened to Blue Peter? Where’s the sticky backed plastic? Wheres the Washing up liquid bottles?

    What happened is we grew up.

  • me11/02/2009 at 22:32

    Damn, looks like I’ve lost the skis then.

    :D

  • me11/02/2009 at 22:33

    What happened is we grew up.

    all of us?

    :(

  • Flibster11/02/2009 at 22:33

    Andy Taylor: 11/02/2009 at 22:32

    Also… What has happened to Blue Peter? Where’s the sticky backed plastic? Wheres the Washing up liquid bottles?

    What happened is we grew up.

    I've got older....

    I refuse to grow up. :D

  • RCC (aka rockingcopsecorner)11/02/2009 at 22:34

    glad to be of assistance. may have used up a year’s worth of podcast geekiness in one show there though.

    Nowhere near enough geekiness yet, there's never enough proper technical info out there and it's nice to know others want to go that deep.

    Could you do one on diffusers! That's one area i've never fully understood and it seems to be one of the biggest technical areas that can make or break a car...

    I saw a pic a of a Mclaren earlier with loads of green spray paint down the front right side of the monocoque, and idea what that's for? Here's a link to show the new tourquoise tyre strip they've been testing for telling apart soft and hard compounds. I thought for split sec it was another eco thing then I though James Allen would relish telling us all about this new change.

    http://forum.planet-f1.com/index.php?t=msg&th=72867&start=0&

  • jolly11/02/2009 at 22:36

    I’ve got older….

    I refuse to grow up. :D

    Hear Hear :-D

  • RG11/02/2009 at 22:36

    all of us?

    Aye, who are those presenters? Where are the Simon Thomases and the other one. And I could swear the girl one also does the weather for Look North.

  • lou11/02/2009 at 22:36

    Little bit of Brackley F1 gossip for anyone interested. JB says that hopefully in the next few weeks they will have some good news for the fans. Plus as you'd imagine he is hoping to be on the grid in Melbourne, and is keeping up with training.

  • Jon Waldock11/02/2009 at 22:37

    Aye, who are those presenters? Where are the Simon Thomases and the other one. And I could swear the girl one also does the weather for Look North.

    Don't they all end up taking drugs?! All the ones i remember leaving have left because of that!

  • Steven Roy11/02/2009 at 22:37

    all of us?

    I have been 27 for years and I refuse to get any older.

  • Dank11/02/2009 at 22:38

    all of us?

    Says the man who scoffed at me earlier in the week for liking beverages which tasted like kiddies sweets and Mr. Frosty.

  • jolly11/02/2009 at 22:39

    Sidepodcast could arrange a Blue Peter style make your own Formula 1 car competition :-)

  • Steven Roy11/02/2009 at 22:39

    Little bit of Brackley F1 gossip for anyone interested. JB says that hopefully in the next few weeks they will have some good news for the fans. Plus as you’d imagine he is hoping to be on the grid in Melbourne, and is keeping up with training.

    We are nearly two weeks after the deadline and Honda have not announced they are closing. They must have someone who is close to buying. I think ex-Honda is going to be OK.

  • Steven Roy11/02/2009 at 22:40

    Sidepodcast could arrange a Blue Peter style make your own Formula 1 car competition

    And the winner gets a gold sidepodbadge

  • Flibster11/02/2009 at 22:40

    Little bit of Brackley F1 gossip for anyone interested. JB says that hopefully in the next few weeks they will have some good news for the fans. Plus as you’d imagine he is hoping to be on the grid in Melbourne, and is keeping up with training.

    In the next few weeks?

    The teams equipment effectively has to leave in 30 days...

    That gives them...well... 3 weeks at the most? In that time they need to get the crash tests done, cars assembled, engine deal done, gearbox and chassis modified to carry that engine, not to mention all the engine ancilleries....

    What happened to the By Christmas deadline anyway?

  • RG11/02/2009 at 22:41

    And the winner gets a gold sidepodbadge

    I declare my teams one. Which is somewhere on drop.io

  • me11/02/2009 at 22:41

    Says the man who scoffed at me earlier in the week for liking beverages which tasted like kiddies sweets and Mr. Frosty.

    guilty.

  • lou11/02/2009 at 22:41

    We are nearly two weeks after the deadline and Honda have not announced they are closing. They must have someone who is close to buying. I think ex-Honda is going to be OK.

    Jenson seems very positive in the video, so i'm taking some comfort in that.

  • RG11/02/2009 at 22:42

    What happened to the By Christmas deadline anyway?

    I suspect the deal has already been done, however either

    A) They are getting a closed gob

    B) Some problems in contract/compensation in firing Nick Fry

  • Scott Woodwiss11/02/2009 at 22:42

    Am watching today's Blue Peter on iPlayer right now.

  • Flibster11/02/2009 at 22:43

    ...firing Nick Fry

    I know someone with a cannon? Think it'd help?

  • Dom11/02/2009 at 22:43

    Little bit of Brackley F1 gossip for anyone interested. JB says that hopefully in the next few weeks they will have some good news for the fans. Plus as you’d imagine he is hoping to be on the grid in Melbourne, and is keeping up with training.

    Just seen the new video on his site.

  • Steven Roy11/02/2009 at 22:43

    I don't know why Honda don't just auction off all their cogs. They would make a fortune.

  • Jon Waldock11/02/2009 at 22:44

    I don’t know why Honda don’t just auction off all their cogs. They would make a fortune.

    I'm sure 'me' would buy one, add to his collection!

  • RG11/02/2009 at 22:44

    I know someone with a cannon? Think it’d help?

    Can it fire into the Atlantic/Arctic/Maranello?

  • Andy Taylor11/02/2009 at 22:45

    I don’t know why Honda don’t just auction off all their cogs. They would make a fortune.

    Williams might buy them to give to their fan club members.

  • lou11/02/2009 at 22:45

    What happened to the By Christmas deadline anyway?

    selling an f1 team in 3 weeks was never going to happen really was it. however the fact that they passed the January deadline is a very good sign, possibly the deal was all but signed/ is now all but signed. who knows, they will tell us soon i hope. until then we have to wait (look at me sounding all patient - yeah it won't last).

  • lou11/02/2009 at 22:46

    Just seen the new video on his site.

    :)

  • Dank11/02/2009 at 22:46

    Jenson seems very positive in the video, so i’m taking some comfort in that.

    I'm thinking with £20m in the bank and this keeping him busy, I'm sure I would be quite perky at the moment as well!

  • RCC (aka rockingcopsecorner)11/02/2009 at 22:47

    oh dear 2-0 to spain now

  • Dom11/02/2009 at 22:48

    oh dear 2-0 to spain now

    At least something happened... ;)

  • RG11/02/2009 at 22:49

    At least something happened…

    Ah boo hoo, we've been poor anyway. Load of etc. etc. etc.

  • Dom11/02/2009 at 22:51

    Ah boo hoo, we’ve been poor anyway. Load of etc. etc. etc.

    You noticed how much better the ITV coverage gets if you put the TV on mute? :P

  • RG11/02/2009 at 22:53

    You noticed how much better the ITV coverage gets if you put the TV on mute?

    I like ITV coverage with 5 live commentry. Or when you make up your own commentry

    'I tell you R, Ashley Cole is rubbish'

    'Indeed he is G, as with half the team out there'

  • Andy Taylor11/02/2009 at 22:53

    You noticed how much better the ITV coverage gets if you put the TV on mute?

    Is James Allen commentating on football now?

  • Jon Waldock11/02/2009 at 22:53

    You noticed how much better the ITV coverage gets if you put the TV on mute?

    LOL :p

  • me11/02/2009 at 22:53

    Is James Allen commentating on football now?

    :D

  • Jackie11/02/2009 at 22:53

    Goodnight all, it's been fun as always :D

  • RCC (aka rockingcopsecorner)11/02/2009 at 22:54

    Wow England actually did something, nearly scored then!!

  • Dom11/02/2009 at 22:54

    Is James Allen commentating on football now?

    Worse. Steve Ryder is there.

  • RG11/02/2009 at 22:54

    Apparantly I have this thing called 'school' tomorrow, so I need to go to the so called 'bed' to listen to these 'podcasts' from a strange place called 'Sidepodcast'.

  • me11/02/2009 at 22:55

    Goodnight all, it’s been fun as always

    night jackie.

  • Dom11/02/2009 at 22:55

    Wow England actually did something, nearly scored then!!

    Bloomin' Spanish... ;)

  • me11/02/2009 at 22:55

    Apparantly I have this thing called ’school’ tomorrow, so I need to go to the so called ‘bed’ to listen to these ‘podcasts’ from a strange place called ‘Sidepodcast’.

    you mean you can't comment in your sleep?

  • RCC (aka rockingcopsecorner)11/02/2009 at 22:55

    Is James Allen commentating on football now?

    Come on what is it with James Allen you all hate??! Dare I say I liked him (ducks for cover quickly)....

  • RG11/02/2009 at 22:56

    you mean you can’t comment in your sleep?

    The 'laptop' is usually turned off and my eyes tend to be 'shut' ;)

  • me11/02/2009 at 22:56

    Come on what is it with James Allen you all hate??! Dare I say I liked him (ducks for cover quickly)….

    speaking?

  • me11/02/2009 at 22:56

    The ‘laptop’ is usually turned off and my eyes tend to be ’shut’

    i'll add it to me list...

  • Dom11/02/2009 at 22:57

    The ‘laptop’ is usually turned off and my eyes tend to be ’shut’

    Don't let that hold you back!

  • RCC (aka rockingcopsecorner)11/02/2009 at 22:58

    Is James Allen commentating on football now?

    Worse. Steve Ryder is there.

    My girlfriend works at Vodafone HQ and the tuesday following Lewis winning the WDC in Brazil Mclaren put on a meet and greet Q&A for the staff. She goes along and who introduces Lewis on stage?.....Steve Ryder!!! She said he looked like he's straight out the suitcase and Lewis gets him out at his beck and call!

  • RCC (aka rockingcopsecorner)11/02/2009 at 23:01

    Come on what is it with James Allen you all hate??! Dare I say I liked him (ducks for cover quickly)….

    speaking?

    Was it really that bad lol

    You'll all miss him when Legard sends you to the land of nod! At least Ted's there though..

  • Bassano Clapper11/02/2009 at 23:01

    i’ll add it to me list…

    :D

  • jolly11/02/2009 at 23:23

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wif3Kr0y5js&feature=related