The weekend clearly took more out of us than we were expecting as the scheduled Debrief show was bumped to next week, in place of a special podcast from the karting. However, the weekend is behind us and we move on to a week of news, starting with the Ferrari launch.

  • The F2009 is due to be released into the wild today, and we're expecting pictures and interviews with the team and driver. This is our first official glimpse of a contender for this season, and we are all desperately waiting to find out what it's like and what is said.
  • It's not just Ferrari though, this week also sees the launch of the Toyota on Thursday, and the McLaren on Friday. This is all leading up to a week of testing in the Algarve starting next Monday. It's all kicking off now, the off-season is pretty much over, and F1 is back.
  • Davidson has been speaking at the trade show, and says that he was close to signing up at least as a test driver for Honda, but maybe even for a race seat, before the team pulled out. This raises all manner of questions. What of Wurz? Will Davidson still try for the new team? Can he really get a race seat again having failed so miserably previously?

Those should keep us going for the next 24 hours. Don't forget to vote for us in the 2008 Weblog Awards (links in the sidebar), if you still feel like doing so. There should be lots of news doing the rounds today, so I will see you in the comments.

276 responses

  • Jeremy12/01/2009 at 00:02

    It's must comment Monday people

  • me12/01/2009 at 00:02

    It’s must comment Monday people

    it sure is. tend to do mine closer to the end of the day. just so i don't miss anyone.

  • Jeremy12/01/2009 at 00:03

    It's easy when you only really read one blog... :-)

  • me12/01/2009 at 00:05

    It’s easy when you only really read one blog…

    hahaha.

    the idea of must comment monday, was to increase f1 blog participation as a whole. not just garner more input for ourselves!

  • littlepurplegoth12/01/2009 at 00:07

    Aw, spoilsport!

    Why would we want to comment elsewhere?

    Anyway, sleep hasn't happened yet, so not sure if it counts as Monday yet either.....

  • Alianora La Canta12/01/2009 at 00:09

    I never remember to do "must comment Monday", largely because I tend to comment a fair bit anyway.

  • me12/01/2009 at 00:12

    Why would we want to comment elsewhere?

    mostly because getting feedback on one's work, usually, with the exception of youtube, encourages more creativity. thus:

    more comments = more f1 blog posts = a better online f1 experience

    wisdom of crowds n'all that. in theory anyhow.

  • Scott Woodwiss12/01/2009 at 00:18

    Which reminds me, I really should do a new blog post. Trouble is, I'm stuck with what to write about. Hmm...

  • Andy Taylor - trying to break Lou's comment record one post at a time...12/01/2009 at 00:19

    Which reminds me, I really should do a new blog post. Trouble is, I’m stuck with what to write about. Hmm…

    How you managed to blow Mr C's cover ?

  • Scott Woodwiss12/01/2009 at 00:20

    How you managed to blow Mr C’s cover ?

    Yeah, you mind dropping that now cos it's kinda getting iritating.

  • Andy Taylor12/01/2009 at 00:21

    Yeah, you mind dropping that now cos it’s kinda getting iritating.

    Sorry. Won't mention it again.

  • me12/01/2009 at 00:24

    Which reminds me, I really should do a new blog post. Trouble is, I’m stuck with what to write about. Hmm…

    ok. here's a post i had planned, but thus far failed to find the time to write about. feel free to run with it and if you raise some interesting theories, i'll post a response to you.

    a couple of days ago zoe linked to this site:

    http://www.tf109-premiere.com/

    so the post is basically predictions about what might be in store for toyota on the 15th. will we finally see a new livery and why does the teaser look like the batman symbol?

    interested?

  • Scott Woodwiss12/01/2009 at 00:29

    me: 12/01/2009 at 00:24

    Which reminds me, I really should do a new blog post. Trouble is, I’m stuck with what to write about. Hmm…

    ok. here’s a post i had planned, but thus far failed to find the time to write about. feel free to run with it and if you raise some interesting theories, i’ll post a response to you.

    a couple of days ago zoe linked to this site:

    http://www.tf109-premiere.com/

    so the post is basically predictions about what might be in store for toyota on the 15th. will we finally see a new livery and why does the teaser look like the batman symbol?

    interested?

    Mission accepted. I'll run away now before it self-destructs in 5 seconds. ;)

  • me12/01/2009 at 00:30

    Mission accepted. I’ll run away now before it self-destructs in 5 seconds.

    ping your response when you're done :)

  • Scott Woodwiss12/01/2009 at 00:32

    me: 12/01/2009 at 00:30

    Mission accepted. I’ll run away now before it self-destructs in 5 seconds.

    ping your response when you’re done

    I'll have a crack at it later on this afternoon. ;)

  • Alianora La Canta12/01/2009 at 00:35

    I think we'll see a Batman-themed livery, possibly to tell the world there's another Batman film coming out soon... ...and then be disappointed when it has the normal Toyota one come Melbourne.

  • Scott Woodwiss12/01/2009 at 00:35

    I think I'll also write something about the new Ferrari and maybe some comparisons with the other teams' efforts.

  • Scott Woodwiss12/01/2009 at 00:36

    I think we’ll see a Batman-themed livery, possibly to tell the world there’s another Batman film coming out soon… …and then be disappointed when it has the normal Toyota one come Melbourne.

    I'd like them to become Lexus for a while and have a striking black and gold livery.

  • me12/01/2009 at 00:36

    I think I’ll also write something about the new Ferrari and maybe some comparisons with the other teams’ efforts.

    good stuff. just make sure you get them in by tomorrow for MCM.

    you could start now?

  • Andy Taylor (Mr C's real name is)12/01/2009 at 00:37

    I’d like them to become Lexus for a while and have a striking black and gold livery.

    Given that Lexus cars are basicaly expensive Toyotas, it makes sense that the most expensice Toyotas of all should be branded Lexus.

  • Scott Woodwiss12/01/2009 at 00:46

    you could start now?

    mm, bit late for that right now. As I said, tomorrow afternoon they will be done. :)

  • me12/01/2009 at 00:52

    mm, bit late for that right now. As I said, tomorrow afternoon they will be done.

    looking forward to it.

    on a different subject. 400 members now signed up to the facebook group:

    http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=22534566720

    :)

  • Andy Taylor12/01/2009 at 00:58

    Good news on the Facebook group :)

    Christine might want to check her email as I have sent one.

    Time I went to bed,

  • me12/01/2009 at 00:58

    it's official... people who listen to sidepodcast have great taste:

    well, better taste than us, anyhow.

    technically those results only derive data from a pool of 13 people. so if you haven't done so already, please sign up here:

    http://www.last.fm/group/sidepodcast

  • me12/01/2009 at 00:59

    Time I went to bed

    g'night trouble :)

  • Andy Taylor12/01/2009 at 01:00

    g’night trouble

    :D

  • lou12/01/2009 at 01:00

    it’s official… people who listen to sidepodcast have great taste:

    yay, coldplay are in the list! any idea how they work the top artists out? is it just the number of people who have listen to that artists that week?

  • me12/01/2009 at 01:02

    yay, coldplay are in the list! any idea how they work the top artists out? is it just the number of people who have listen to that artists that week?

    i wondered that too. here's the info from the official faq (a bit wordy):

    The way that overall charts work is that every “1” will represent a group member. For example, say there are 3 people in a group who listened to a certain artist in the last week, it’ll say “3” in the charts and this will mean that 3 members listened to that artist, and not the number of times that the artist was played by all group members.

    The “unique to this group” charts which you can choose to view on a group’s page emphasise what is unique about the music taste of that group's members, compared to the listening habits of all other Last.fm users.

    This means that these charts don’t just show you what a group’s members listen to like the overall group charts do, but what is special about their listening habits in comparison to what other users on Last.fm listen to (considering the average listener’s behaviour):

    For example if the members of a group listen to artist A much more often than others do, artist A will be more unique to their group as this will be special to their listening habits, compared to everyone else’s; if they listen to Artist B, but everyone else also listens to artist B a lot, then this will be less special and artist B will be less unique to their group.

  • Jackie12/01/2009 at 01:03

    Yikes Coldplay .. bit boring aren't they?

  • me12/01/2009 at 01:08

    Yikes Coldplay .. bit boring aren’t they?

    jackie, there's only one way to redress that balance...

    :)

  • Jackie12/01/2009 at 01:09

    Which is?

  • Scott Woodwiss12/01/2009 at 01:09

    Jackie: 12/01/2009 at 01:09

    Which is?

    FIIIIIIIGHT! :D

  • me12/01/2009 at 01:10

    Which is?

    join the group and listen to better / more varied / more interesting artists:

    http://www.last.fm/group/sidepodcast

  • me12/01/2009 at 01:10

    FIIIIIIIGHT!

    :D

  • Jackie12/01/2009 at 01:11

    googlefight?

    Coldplay versus Queen

    http://www.googlefight.com/index.php?lang=en_GB&word1=coldplay&word2=queen

  • Jackie12/01/2009 at 01:11

    .. another one bites the dust :P

  • lou12/01/2009 at 01:15

    Coldplay versus Queen

    omg that is really difficult, 2 of my favourite bands.

  • Jackie12/01/2009 at 01:20

    Sorry Lou .. I just never got into Coldplay, though I do like Rock .. what about Feeder?

    I think I've joined spc on the player thingy but not entirely sure as it asked me what group I wanted to join and then couldn't find sidepodcast

  • Steven Roy12/01/2009 at 01:22

    I think we’ll see a Batman-themed livery, possibly to tell the world there’s another Batman film coming out soon… …and then be disappointed when it has the normal Toyota one come Melbourne.

    There was a copy of the original 1960s batmobile in the Coy's auction at the show. I wonder if anyone from toyota bid on it.

  • me12/01/2009 at 01:23

    I think I’ve joined spc on the player thingy but not entirely sure as it asked me what group I wanted to join and then couldn’t find sidepodcast

    you certainly have, thank you.

    charts get regenerated sunday evenings (just like the proper charts). we'll have to see what next week offers :)

  • Steven Roy12/01/2009 at 01:25

    googlefight?

    I have never seen googlefight before. I am going to use it lots though.

  • lou12/01/2009 at 01:26

    Sorry Lou .. I just never got into Coldplay, though I do like Rock .. what about Feeder?

    lol it's fine, there are quiet a few people who don't like Coldplay :)

    Feeder are ok, i think i may have a few of their songs on my ipod, not many though. ;)

  • Jackie12/01/2009 at 01:26

    yay! googlefight is fun

  • me12/01/2009 at 01:27

    I have never seen googlefight before. I am going to use it lots though.

    we're gonna need to see those ;0

  • me12/01/2009 at 01:31

    yay! googlefight is fun

    http://drop.io/sidepodcast/asset/googlefight-spc-vs-f1m-png

  • Jackie12/01/2009 at 01:31

    We should start a facebook thread about the odd stuff you have on your ipod.

    I'll start:

    I have (blush) "startrekking" by Dr Domento http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=bzYXbmcM4uo

    and ...

    "dancing" the Ukraine entry for Eurovision 2007

    http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=eX_rNEPIgc8

  • Jackie12/01/2009 at 01:33

    Uh oh .. I've been naughty with links (sorry)

  • Steven Roy12/01/2009 at 01:35

    we’re gonna need to see those ;0

    Franck vs Le Seb http://www.googlefight.com/index.php?lang=en_GB&word1=montagny&word2=bourdais

    Max vs Bernie http://www.googlefight.com/index.php?lang=en_GB&word1=mosley&word2=ecclestone

    Silverstone vs donington http://www.googlefight.com/index.php?lang=en_GB&word1=silverstone&word2=donington

    Lewis vs Jenson http://www.googlefight.com/index.php?lang=en_GB&word1=Lewis&word2=Jenson

    One of those is a complete no contest. I think someone will not be happy

  • Steven Roy12/01/2009 at 01:35

    I just got moderated for putting 4 links in one post. How was I supposed to know that would happen.

  • lou12/01/2009 at 01:36

    We should start a facebook thread about the odd stuff you have on your ipod.

    i have the race of champions music/ theme tune on my ipod.

  • Jackie12/01/2009 at 01:36

    Think I've just blown the "great taste in music" rankings with those!

    In fairness I also have some good stuff, but those 2 always make me laugh if I'm having a bad day.

  • lou12/01/2009 at 01:36

    I just got moderated for putting 4 links in one post. How was I supposed to know that would happen.

    haha :)

  • me12/01/2009 at 01:36

    We should start a facebook thread about the odd stuff you have on your ipod.

    I’ll start:

    I have (blush) “startrekking” by Dr Domento http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=bzYXbmcM4uo

    and …

    “dancing” the Ukraine entry for Eurovision 2007

    http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=eX_rNEPIgc8

    blimey.

    gimmie a second.

  • Steven Roy12/01/2009 at 01:37

    Mr C vs Mrs C http://www.googlefight.com/index.php?lang=en_GB&word1=Mrs+C&word2=Mr+C

    A bit of a bloodbath

  • Steven Roy12/01/2009 at 01:37

    Mr C vs me http://www.googlefight.com/index.php?lang=en_GB&word1=me&word2=Mr+C

    Very odd result

  • me12/01/2009 at 01:38

    Mr C vs Mrs C http://www.googlefight.com/index.php?lang=en_GB&word1=Mrs+C&word2=Mr+C

    A bit of a bloodbath

    oh crikey.

    max vs bernie is a handy thing to know mind you.

  • lou12/01/2009 at 01:38

    In fairness I also have some good stuff, but those 2 always make me laugh if I’m having a bad day.

    oh and i have 'always look on the bright side of life' from monty python. :D

  • Jackie12/01/2009 at 01:39

    Uh oh .. started something now ;)

  • Steven Roy12/01/2009 at 01:39

    oh and i have ‘always look on the bright side of life’ from monty python.

    They should make that the national anthem

  • me12/01/2009 at 01:40

    oh and i have ‘always look on the bright side of life’ from monty python.

    how about:

    Tout dire by Jacques Villeneuve

  • Jackie12/01/2009 at 01:41

    how about:

    Tout dire by Jacques Villeneuve

    Think I may just pass on that. :D

  • Dom12/01/2009 at 01:42

    what about Feeder?

    CD player, player, player, player, player, player.

  • lou12/01/2009 at 01:43

    Lewis vs Jenson http://www.googlefight.com/index.php?lang=en_GB&word1=Lewis&word2=Jenson

    i did that one too, :( damn stupid media and Hamiltonmania!

    :P

  • me12/01/2009 at 01:45

    Think I may just pass on that.

    Orinoco Flow by Enya

  • lou12/01/2009 at 01:45

    http://www.googlefight.com/index.php?lang=en_GB&word1=Fernando+Alonso&word2=Lewis+Hamilton

    wow that's a close one, go Fernando! :P

  • Jackie12/01/2009 at 01:45

    Spoof F1 songs:

    "Take a chance on me" Bruno Senna

    "Under pressure" Honda F1

  • Steven Roy12/01/2009 at 01:46

    http://www.googlefight.com/index.php?lang=en_GB&word1=Lewis+Hamilton&word2=Ayrton+Senna

    JA will be happy

  • Dom12/01/2009 at 01:48

    JA will be happy

    :(

  • me12/01/2009 at 01:48

    Spoof F1 songs:

    shoot! i just remembered we were gonna do that. sorry.

  • Steven Roy12/01/2009 at 01:48

    Spoof F1 songs:

    "I'm still standing" Max - Even though he said he wouldn't stand again

  • Jackie12/01/2009 at 01:51

    Right I'm off to bed. Catch you all later. Toodle-pip!

  • Dom12/01/2009 at 01:51

    They should make that the national anthem

    Oh wow. It's so obvious...

    Seeing an entire football stadium whistling is something that must happen.

  • lou12/01/2009 at 01:52

    shoot! i just remembered we were gonna do that. sorry.

    there is a discussion thread on facebook about it

    http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=22534566720&topic=6897

  • me12/01/2009 at 01:53

    Right I’m off to bed. Catch you all later. Toodle-pip!

    night jackie.

  • me12/01/2009 at 01:53

    there is a discussion thread on facebook about it

    http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=22534566720&topic=6897

    ahh yes. i'll have a think.

  • Aitch12/01/2009 at 01:54

    the odd stuff you have on your ipod.

    The New Zealand All Blacks performing the Haka.

  • me12/01/2009 at 01:58

    The New Zealand All Blacks performing the Haka.

    granted, that is odd. where'd you get that?

  • Aitch12/01/2009 at 01:59

    me: 12/01/2009 at 01:58

    The New Zealand All Blacks performing the Haka.

    granted, that is odd. where’d you get that?

    I got it off of Limewire.

  • lou12/01/2009 at 02:04

    the odd stuff you have on your ipod.

    i also have an f1 version of the popular christmas song 'the 12 days of christmas' :)

  • lou12/01/2009 at 02:06

    anyway, i should have gone to bed hours ago :s

    night everyone x

  • me12/01/2009 at 02:07

    i also have an f1 version of the popular christmas song ‘the 12 days of christmas’

    :D

  • me12/01/2009 at 02:07

    anyway, i should have gone to bed hours ago :s

    night everyone x

    see ya lou.

  • Steven Roy12/01/2009 at 02:13

    i also have an f1 version of the popular christmas song ‘the 12 days of christmas’

    Where did you get that? Does Bernie get royalties from it?

  • Dom12/01/2009 at 02:17

    Max - Should I Stay or Should I go (The Clash)

    Lewis - Red Light Spells Danger (Billy Ocean)

    Bernie - The Show Must Go On (Queen)

    Kimi - Ice, Ice, Baby (Mr Sue Me Quick!)

    I had another one for Max but... maybe not.

  • me12/01/2009 at 02:17

    Where did you get that? Does Bernie get royalties from it?

    on QI they said the only bit of the melody that wasn't in the public domain was:

    "fiiiiive gold rings"

    however, we conveniently got around that by re-writing the melody on the fly to read:

    "fiiiive massa spiiinns, spins, spins.... sss"

  • Steven Roy12/01/2009 at 02:19

    I saw that on QI and I saw the episode earlier in the week with Alan Davies's buzzer playing 'He's fallen in the water". It played a splash then someone climbing stairs before the punchline.

  • me12/01/2009 at 02:21

    I saw that on QI and I saw the episode earlier in the week with Alan Davies’s buzzer playing ‘He’s fallen in the water”. It played a splash then someone climbing stairs before the punchline.

    mr. fry does have a podcast...

    may have to draw the line at mark hughes though ;)

  • Aitch12/01/2009 at 02:22

    Bernie - Money (Pink Floyd)

  • Steven Roy12/01/2009 at 02:23

    Bernie - Money (Pink Floyd)

    I was going to put Bernie down for the whole album. He keeps dreaming new tracks up so why not on the dark side of the moon. Tilkedrones don't have any atmosphere anyway.

  • Dom12/01/2009 at 02:24

    Bernie - Money (Pink Floyd)

    -bangs head on table- :)

  • me12/01/2009 at 02:25

    I was going to put Bernie down for the whole album. He keeps dreaming new tracks up so why not on the dark side of the moon. Tilkedrones don’t have any atmosphere anyway.

    :D

  • me12/01/2009 at 02:29

    btw. is today the last day to vote? or can we get one more in tomorrow too?

  • Dom12/01/2009 at 02:37

    I was going to put Bernie down for the whole album. He keeps dreaming new tracks up so why not on the dark side of the moon. Tilkedrones don’t have any atmosphere anyway.

    haha.

    I wouldn't say it too loudly. If Bernie thinks points is a good idea, he'd jump at the chance to have a lunar night race.

  • Dom12/01/2009 at 02:39

    If Bernie thinks points is a good idea

    Ahem... Medals that is.

    Has he been brainwashing me?

  • me12/01/2009 at 02:41

    Has he been brainwashing me?

    hehe. subliminal bernie.

  • Dom12/01/2009 at 03:14

    I reckon it's probably a good idea to go to bed. I can still fit in a good 4 hours sleep after all...

    Urgh. Night.

  • Trig12/01/2009 at 09:17

    Hey guys, the new Ferrari has been launched. I'm pleasantly surprised by how it looks...

    http://en.f1-live.com/f1/en/photos/2009/index_teams.shtml

  • Christine12/01/2009 at 09:52

    Hey guys, the new Ferrari has been launched. I’m pleasantly surprised by how it looks…

    Could be worse, I suppose.

  • Scott Woodwiss12/01/2009 at 10:06

    Hmm, well to me it's just an F2008 with new wings and no shark fin.

  • Lukeh12/01/2009 at 10:08

    I'm glad there's no crazy design just going all over the places at the back of the car with silly wings, I hated those silly little addons.

    Looks alright actually, bit surprised. It;s RED! How shocking. :P

  • Flibster12/01/2009 at 10:12

    It looks ok from the side...

    Although they've stuck the mirrors outboard again with some elaborate flow conditioners as support.

    I'm ignoring the front view....

  • Lukeh12/01/2009 at 10:14

    Is it me or does the front pf the car, from the seat down to the nosecone, look really, really long?

  • Scott Woodwiss12/01/2009 at 10:26

    Lukeh: 12/01/2009 at 10:14

    Is it me or does the front pf the car, from the seat down to the nosecone, look really, really long?

    As I said, it looks like Ferrari went "Let's do a front wing and rear wing to comply with the rules", stuck them onto an F2008, called it a new car and went and had lunch.

  • sam12/01/2009 at 10:28

    I’m ignoring the front view….

    me too.

    i don't really like the nose but it's early in the development. let's hope these things grow on us. it looks very retro and i kinda like it. although i LOVED the percise, detailed look from the last couple of years. this sucks

    suddenly i'm thinking that BMW planned to make their car look that bad so come the launch of the cars, we'll be glad with anything!!

    the only thing that devastates the whole thing for me is that rear wing. it's just sick and wrong.

  • Flibster12/01/2009 at 10:31

    Lukeh: 12/01/2009 at 10:14

    Is it me or does the front pf the car, from the seat down to the nosecone, look really, really long?

    The seat is further back in the f2008 - it's just without all the ugly aero crap it looks longer.

    I've made a couple of images I'll be sticking on drop.io shortly with the cars aligned to show differences.

  • Flibster12/01/2009 at 11:03

    3 Ferrari images uploaded.

    Comparison 1 - top view - with lengths of cars adusted to match.

    Comparison 2 - front view *yuch* with height of car adjusted to match

    Comparison 3 - top view again with wheelbases adjusted to match *roughly anyway*

    Still not sure I like it...

  • Scott Woodwiss12/01/2009 at 11:15

    Is it me, or from that top view are the do the front wheels have a wider track than the rear?

  • Scott Woodwiss12/01/2009 at 11:16

    *Not the comparison images from Flibster, the overhead shot of the F60/F2009.

  • Flibster12/01/2009 at 11:20

    Scott Woodwiss: 12/01/2009 at 11:15

    Is it me, or from that top view are the do the front wheels have a wider track than the rear?

    the new car is wider than the old one

  • Scott Woodwiss12/01/2009 at 11:25

    the new car is wider than the old one

    No I know that, I meant if you look at the overhead shot of the whole new car, the track on the front wheel somehow looks wider than the rear.

  • Flibster12/01/2009 at 11:27

    I did find out when trying to align them that the shots wern't straight - had to rotate it slightly.

    It may be that the front of the car was closer to camera making it look bigger, but it could also be that the front is wider than the rear. Strange if it is.

  • Scott Woodwiss12/01/2009 at 12:49

    Well to round off a rubbish RLB race weekend at Belle Isle, I got punted out of the race with less than 10 laps to go.

    Good news is that we've got an engine upgrade from Honda at last.

  • me12/01/2009 at 12:55

    bad news for honda:

    "Ferrari have all but ruled out supplying engines to Honda Racing in 2009, should the Japanese manufacturer find a buyer to save the team."

    http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/72738

  • Lukeh12/01/2009 at 13:03

    shame. :(

  • Steven Roy12/01/2009 at 15:43

    Is it me or does the front pf the car, from the seat down to the nosecone, look really, really long?

    That was my first thought nut i think that is because all the bargeboards etc have been removed so without all the clutter we normally see in that area it looks longer than it really is.

  • Steven Roy12/01/2009 at 15:44

    3 Ferrari images uploaded.

    I love those pics Flibster.

  • Steven Roy12/01/2009 at 15:46

    Is it me, or from that top view are the do the front wheels have a wider track than the rear?

    I wouldn't have thought that was possible without screwing the handling up very badly. I thought it was one of these fundamental rules of race car physics that the rear had to be wider than the front except in front wheel drive.

  • Alex Andronov12/01/2009 at 15:47

    On the BATracer front I like this message which comes up when you copy a team mate's settings:

    "This may not necessarily be the one they done their last run with"

  • Steven Roy12/01/2009 at 16:14

    sidepodspace update

    The shuttle Discovery is in the Vehicle Assembly building having its solid rocket boosters and external fuel tank fitted. It is due to be rolled out to the launch pad on Wednesday in preparation for its launch to the ISS on Fwbruary 12th. This mission was scheduled to launch a couple of years ago before the found the problems with the rotary joints that control the solar panels. Now that has been sorted out they can fit the final set of large solar panels and the associated upgrades to the station's power supply.

  • Steven Roy12/01/2009 at 16:16

    20 minutes till BAT racer results. If you haven't done your warm up it is time to panic

  • Steven Roy12/01/2009 at 16:45

    I start from pole and get jumped at the start again. Fortunately i only dropped to second and stayed there until I took the lead when the leader pitted in the middle of the race. After my second pit stop I came out just in the lead and managed to hang on to record my first ever BAT racer win. Unless MrC nicked my car and he won instead.

  • Christine12/01/2009 at 16:45

    Unless MrC nicked my car and he won instead.

    :D

  • R.G (Je ne peux pas aller dormir, pourquoi, pourquoi, pourquoi ?)12/01/2009 at 16:49

    it’s official… people who listen to sidepodcast have great taste:

    This group. What on earth is that? Where's the Bon Jovi and the Queen?

    Tut tut ;)

    Evenin all. I survived the French, thank the lord.

    20 minutes till BAT racer results. If you haven’t done your warm up it is time to panic

    Happy face is not on. Someone stalled that car on purpose. I don't think it was me anywho.

    At least I finished ahead of Mr and Mrs C.

  • Dom12/01/2009 at 16:55

    FIFTH! P5! Hahaha! I'm absolutely delighted. :D

  • R.G (Je ne peux pas aller dormir, pourquoi, pourquoi, pourquoi ?)12/01/2009 at 16:59

    FIFTH! P5! Hahaha! I’m absolutely delighted.

    I have a plan, start 22nd in qualifying, I don't know, slash the tyres and blame it on someone. Then I'll fly up the grid and get a podium. Cos if I qualify well, I do crap in the race.

  • Selidor12/01/2009 at 17:09

    Cos if I qualify well, I do crap in the race.

    Murpheys law isnt it.

    Im pretty satisfied with 3rd, Ferrari just did not have the pace in spain.

  • Steven Roy12/01/2009 at 17:11

    Looking at the race I think Alex gets driver of the day.

  • Al12/01/2009 at 17:11

    I have a plan, start 22nd in qualifying, I don’t know, slash the tyres and blame it on someone. Then I’ll fly up the grid and get a podium. Cos if I qualify well, I do crap in the race.

    SECOND in a Torro Rosso and yet I'm really disappointed. Can I blame it on Steven Roy?

  • Alex Andronov12/01/2009 at 17:11

    Looking at the race I think Alex gets driver of the day.

    It was quite eventful for me!

  • Steven Roy12/01/2009 at 17:12

    SECOND in a Torro Rosso and yet I’m really disappointed. Can I blame it on Steven Roy?

    Absolutely. I watched the race lap by lap and I thought you were going to be first for a lot of the race. i think if I had mad my second stop a couple of laps earlier you would have won.

  • Dom12/01/2009 at 17:13

    Can I blame it on Steven Roy?

    I suppose you should. :D

  • Steven Roy12/01/2009 at 17:13

    http://www.justin.tv/mc_kik

    For anyone having withdrawal symptoms this site seems to constantly show old racing vids

  • R.G (Je ne peux pas aller dormir, pourquoi, pourquoi, pourquoi ?)12/01/2009 at 17:15

    For anyone having withdrawal symptoms this site seems to constantly show old racing vids

    Ooh, cheers.

  • Scott Woodwiss12/01/2009 at 17:26

    Been out into Norwich today and picked up the 2008 season review DVD for £9.99 reduced from £14.99. Just started watching now.

  • Scott Woodwiss12/01/2009 at 17:27

    Also, I will get onto those blog posts in a bit as well. But first, the 2008 DVD :P

  • Scott Woodwiss12/01/2009 at 17:30

    Using a device called VLC Media Player, and I have just enabled 5.1 surround sound into my headphones :D

  • me12/01/2009 at 17:42

    Using a device called VLC Media Player, and I have just enabled 5.1 surround sound into my headphones

    you only have two ears?

  • me12/01/2009 at 17:42

    Evenin all. I survived the French, thank the lord.

    well done r.g. :)

  • R.G (Je ne peux pas aller dormir, pourquoi, pourquoi, pourquoi ?)12/01/2009 at 17:46

    well done r.g.

    Now I've gotta hope I passed it.

  • Scott Woodwiss12/01/2009 at 17:46

    me: 12/01/2009 at 17:42

    Using a device called VLC Media Player, and I have just enabled 5.1 surround sound into my headphones

    you only have two ears?

    Still works just as well ;)

  • Scott Woodwiss12/01/2009 at 17:47

    Congratulations to Steven too who won another race for McLaren. Well done buddy, great job :)

  • Steven Roy12/01/2009 at 17:48

    Congratulations to Steven too who won another race for McLaren. Well done buddy, great job

    Thanks Scott. I thought when I lost a place atthe start I was going to have another awful race but it worked out OK.

  • Scott Woodwiss12/01/2009 at 17:51

    Thanks Scott. I thought when I lost a place atthe start I was going to have another awful race but it worked out OK.

    I was trying out a new strategy in that race and while I had my doubts about it in the first few laps, it all came good in the end with another 4th place. I now share my lead in the championship with one of the Ferraris, 30 points each :)

  • me12/01/2009 at 18:05

    dakar rally featured on the big pic:

    http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/01/the_2009_dakar_rally.html

    they're all predictably stunning, but i think no#20 is me favourite.

  • Steven Roy12/01/2009 at 18:16

    they’re all predictably stunning, but i think no#20 is me favourite.

    I like number 5 but I have always loved looking down on clouds.

    20 is my favourite closely followed by 27.

  • lou12/01/2009 at 18:20

    bad news for honda:

    “Ferrari have all but ruled out supplying engines to Honda Racing in 2009, should the Japanese manufacturer find a buyer to save the team.”

    what? but Brawn said....

    egh You have no idea how much my heart sank when i read that. :(

  • Dom12/01/2009 at 18:29

    You have no idea how much my heart sank when i read that.

    Mega-disappointment. After all Ross did for them!

  • Lukeh12/01/2009 at 18:34

    egh You have no idea how much my heart sank when i read that.

    like I've said to you before, I blame that Luca Di moasnztzteldeozmzo guy. I don't like his shfty eyes.. and he remonds me of Bill Nighy as a zombie in Shaun of the Dead...

    *shudders*

  • me12/01/2009 at 18:35

    Mega-disappointment. After all Ross did for them!

    not wishing to defend the indefensible, but it's too almost certainly too late into the season to start supplying another team. these things should ideally be sorted december at the latest.

    when did mallya announce his deal with macca? that was cutting it fine if i recall.

  • lou12/01/2009 at 18:38

    not wishing to defend the indefensible, but it’s too almost certainly too late into the season to start supplying another team. these things should ideally be sorted december at the latest.

    the ex honda team wont be on the grid next year will they :( i just know it.

    am gonna need an injection of optimism me thinks. :(

  • me12/01/2009 at 18:39

    am gonna need an injection of optimism me thinks.

    ok...

    the fia have left the door open for them:

    http://fia.com/en-GB/mediacentre/pressreleases/f1releases/2009/Pages/f1_entry09.aspx

  • R.G (Je ne peux pas aller dormir, pourquoi, pourquoi, pourquoi ?)12/01/2009 at 18:40

    Official entry list

    http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/72743

    Intresting Raikkonen gets 3 rather than Massa

  • R.G (Je ne peux pas aller dormir, pourquoi, pourquoi, pourquoi ?)12/01/2009 at 18:40

    How could you Mr C? Nicked me by a matter of seconds.

  • lou12/01/2009 at 18:41

    the fia have left the door open for them:

    hmm, i suppose that's good.

  • me12/01/2009 at 18:43

    How could you Mr C? Nicked me by a matter of seconds.

    the realtime telepathy system is still under development r.g. sorry. i'll add it to me bug list!

  • R.G (Je ne peux pas aller dormir, pourquoi, pourquoi, pourquoi ?)12/01/2009 at 18:44

    the realtime telepathy system is still under development r.g. sorry. i’ll add it to me bug list!

    :D

  • Steven Roy12/01/2009 at 18:45

    the ex honda team wont be on the grid next year will they i just know it.

    am gonna need an injection of optimism me thinks.

    They will be on the grid because Bernie can't afford for them not to be. I would now say that there will be a management buyout with Fry and Brawn taking over the team.

  • me12/01/2009 at 18:46

    hmm, i suppose that’s good.

    any idea why kimi is ranked higher than massa in that official entry list?

  • R.G (Je ne peux pas aller dormir, pourquoi, pourquoi, pourquoi ?)12/01/2009 at 18:48

    any idea why kimi is ranked higher than massa in that official entry list?

    Pass. Ferrari despise Massa for coming close to winning the WDC when they had a lot of money on Hamilton winning the championship?

  • me12/01/2009 at 18:49

    Pass. Ferrari despise Massa for coming close to winning the WDC when they had a lot of money on Hamilton winning the championship?

    :)

    everyone else seems to be where you'd expect them to be, 'cept for him.

  • R.G (Je ne peux pas aller dormir, pourquoi, pourquoi, pourquoi ?)12/01/2009 at 18:50

    everyone else seems to be where you’d expect them to be, ‘cept for him.

    Aye, didn't realise Honda were technically still in the championship.

  • Steven Roy12/01/2009 at 18:51

    any idea why kimi is ranked higher than massa in that official entry list?

    Maybe it's in his contract.

  • Lukeh12/01/2009 at 18:51

    I can't understand that at all about Kimi and Massa's numbers... I'm not a huge ferrari fan anyways but that's just stupid imo.

  • Steven Roy12/01/2009 at 18:52

    R.G (Je ne peux pas aller dormir, pourquoi, pourquoi, pourquoi ?): 12/01/2009 at 18:50

    I think it should be "Je ne peux pas dormir etc. I don't think aller should be in their.

  • Scott Woodwiss12/01/2009 at 18:54

    AND why is Vettel a lower number than Webber when I'm pretty sure he finished ahead of him in the championship.

  • Scott Woodwiss12/01/2009 at 18:55

    Where Silverstone loses F1 in 2010 (or so we think), it gains....

    http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/72744

    Should be interesting to see how they handle the Hangar Straight. That will be awesome.

  • R.G (Je ne peux pas aller dormir, pourquoi, pourquoi, pourquoi ?)12/01/2009 at 18:57

    I think it should be “Je ne peux pas dormir etc. I don’t think aller should be in their.

    I was tired when I wrote it, my mistake.

  • R.G (Je ne peux pas aller dormir, pourquoi, pourquoi, pourquoi ?)12/01/2009 at 18:58

    AND why is Vettel a lower number than Webber when I’m pretty sure he finished ahead of him in the championship.

    Not necisarily, drivers can be given whatever number between the two. IE Barrichello a few years back wanted 11 as it was his lucky number though Button finished higher previously. Not matter much, most like to go by who finished higher. Perhaps Vettel is lower as he is new to the team?

  • Steven Roy12/01/2009 at 18:58

    Shocking result in googlefight http://www.googlefight.com/index.php?lang=en_GB&word1=red+bull+&word2=toro+rosso

  • me12/01/2009 at 18:59

    Shocking result in googlefight http://www.googlefight.com/index.php?lang=en_GB&word1=red+bull+&word2=toro+rosso

    shades of 2008 all over again.

  • Alianora La Canta12/01/2009 at 19:02

    This group. What on earth is that? Where’s the Bon Jovi and the Queen?

    It would be on my computer, except that I can't be bothered to join last.fm.

  • R.G (Je ne peux pas aller dormir, pourquoi, pourquoi, pourquoi ?)12/01/2009 at 19:03

    Shocking result in googlefight http://www.googlefight.com/index.php?lang=en_GB&word1=red+bull+&word2=toro+rosso

    http://www.googlefight.com/index.php?lang=en_GB&word1=Nick+Heidfeld&word2=Robert+Kubica

    Knowing our policy, am surprised it aint equal

  • R.G (Je ne peux pas aller dormir, pourquoi, pourquoi, pourquoi ?)12/01/2009 at 19:06

    It would be on my computer, except that I can’t be bothered to join last.fm.

    Pretty much same here ;) Lazy little kid I am.

  • Scott Woodwiss12/01/2009 at 19:09

    Just finished watching the first disc of the 2008 review, I think it's very good so far. Now on to Part 2 :P

  • R.G (Je ne peux pas aller dormir, pourquoi, pourquoi, pourquoi ?)12/01/2009 at 19:12

    Just finished watching the first disc of the 2008 review, I think it’s very good so far. Now on to Part 2

    Problem 1 : 2 discs

  • me12/01/2009 at 19:14

    maybe this'll make lou happy:

    http://www.crash.net/motorsport/f1/news/173135-0/property_magnate_in_serious_honda_f1_bid.html

    good news: no sign of the initials GMM.

    bad news: crash would believe the moons made of cheese if you whispered it quietly enough.

    lashings of salt all round i say.

  • lou12/01/2009 at 19:21

    any idea why kimi is ranked higher than massa in that official entry list?

    cause, erm Ferrari are blind and still favour Kimi even after his shocking season.

  • lou12/01/2009 at 19:21

    They will be on the grid because Bernie can’t afford for them not to be. I would now say that there will be a management buyout with Fry and Brawn taking over the team.

    lets hope so, i just wonder who is gonna give them engines. you would have thought if anyone was going to it would be ferrari, given Brawns connection with the team.

  • Alex Andronov12/01/2009 at 19:21

    lets hope so, i just wonder who is gonna give them engines. you would have thought if anyone was going to it would be ferrari, given Brawns connection with the team.

    Cosworth?

  • Jon Waldock12/01/2009 at 19:26

    lets hope so, i just wonder who is gonna give them engines. you would have thought if anyone was going to it would be ferrari, given Brawns connection with the team.

    is there a reason honda cant? if the whole team comes back then cant the engine guys keep building?

  • lou12/01/2009 at 19:27

    maybe this’ll make lou happy:

    hmm... well it's good there are serious bidders, but i can't see that being one of them. well hopefully January will pass quickly and we will find out then if they have a buyer or not, and if Jenson will be driving next year. *crosses fingers in hope*

  • me12/01/2009 at 19:27

    Cosworth?

    possibly. here's my take.

    brawn and fry are going full on for a management buyout and want to put as many people off as possible. therefore they say honda won't supply engines at all.

    a team with no engine is no use, and on cue ferrari say they're not interested. so...

    i'm guessing honda will supply the power for the next 12 months and no additional work needs to be done to the chassis.

    question is, why wouldn't honda come out and say they *will* be providing engines, unless they think brawn is the best man for the job too?

  • Alianora La Canta12/01/2009 at 19:36

    any idea why kimi is ranked higher than massa in that official entry list? {me - 14 comments ago}

    Because whoever was responsible for sending in the paperwork listed Raikkonen before Massa. Convention says the driver with the highest point count gets the lower number, but a team can use whatever criteria they like to issue numbers, so long as they are the two numbers that they have been permitted to use by the FIA.

  • Scott Woodwiss12/01/2009 at 19:36

    I'm just waiting for the day Fry gets the heave-ho from that team. For me, since he took over from David Richards, Honda have been on that downward spiral. Thinking about it now, Brawn could take Fry's place and someone like Mike Gascoygne could come in. Brawn and Gascoygne would be an excellent partnership in my opinion, provided it would work.

  • me12/01/2009 at 19:38

    Because whoever was responsible for sending in the paperwork listed Raikkonen before Massa. Convention says the driver with the highest point count gets the lower number, but a team can use whatever criteria they like to issue numbers, so long as they are the two numbers that they have been permitted to use by the FIA.

    looking at the shots of massa driving today. he's carrying the number 3. my bet is the fia have messed up?

  • Dom12/01/2009 at 19:43

    the ex honda team wont be on the grid next year will they :( i just know it.

    No! Don't give up! These things take time...

  • Scott Woodwiss12/01/2009 at 19:48

    Toyota post is up on my blog now :)

  • me12/01/2009 at 19:51

    just wanted to say for the record that autosport's homepage redesign is bloomin' annoying.

    i liked it at first, but now i'm seeing the same story in three places and they've just mingled a story about those bike-things in with the f1 stuff.

    next they'll be mixing in f3 news.

  • me12/01/2009 at 19:52

    Toyota post is up on my blog now

    give us a link sir.

    a) because i'm lazy

    b) because it's good promotion

    c) because i'd like to test the spam thingy

  • Dom12/01/2009 at 19:52

    looking at the shots of massa driving today. he’s carrying the number 3. my bet is the fia have messed up?

    Ah, the annual entry list problems...

  • me12/01/2009 at 19:55

    Ah, the annual entry list problems…

    don't know what you mean...

    http://www.sidepodcast.com/2008/03/14/the-number-23-car/

    please not again :)

  • Scott Woodwiss12/01/2009 at 19:56

    give us a link sir.

    Sure thing

    http://zerodownforce.blogspot.com

  • lou12/01/2009 at 19:56

    No! Don’t give up! These things take time…

    i'm not giving up on them, i'm just feeling a little disheartened and not so optimistic today.

  • me12/01/2009 at 19:56

    Sure thing

    that worked. do you have a permalink too?

  • Scott Woodwiss12/01/2009 at 19:58

    that worked. do you have a permalink too?

    You mean this?

    http://zerodownforce.blogspot.com/2009/01/holy-smokestoyota.html

  • R.G (Bracket reduced due to testing restrictions)12/01/2009 at 19:58

    please not again

    You called Ron Dennis a liar.

    Well done sir/madam, very good by you

  • me12/01/2009 at 19:58

    You mean this?

    http://zerodownforce.blogspot.com/2009/01/holy-smokestoyota.html

    i do. and that passed too.

    can you do me one more favour and link to youtube pls?

  • me12/01/2009 at 19:59

    You called Ron Dennis a liar.

    Well done sir/madam, very good by you

    oh, but didn't i get grief for it?

  • Scott Woodwiss12/01/2009 at 20:00

    can you do me one more favour and link to youtube pls?

    http://www.youtube.com

  • me12/01/2009 at 20:02

    http://www.youtube.com

    we might be onto something here :)

  • Dom12/01/2009 at 20:06

    don’t know what you mean…

    I must be mistaken...

    http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/64526

    :P

  • Dom12/01/2009 at 20:13

    just wanted to say for the record that autosport’s homepage redesign is bloomin’ annoying.

    I know you guys have brought it up before, but all this 'getting as much out of one news story' nonsense is going beyond silly.

  • R.G (Bracket reduced due to testing restrictions)12/01/2009 at 20:15

    I know you guys have brought it up before, but all this ‘getting as much out of one news story’ nonsense is going beyond silly.

    Jebus, whats wrong with 1?

  • me12/01/2009 at 20:18

    I know you guys have brought it up before, but all this ‘getting as much out of one news story’ nonsense is going beyond silly.

    it's impressive innit?

    they had gotten better recently. i guess it's a new years resolution?

    http://www.sidepodcast.com/2008/03/08/mountains-and-molehills/

    that's a post about it from march '08. i wonder if it happens more in the off-season?

  • Steven Roy12/01/2009 at 20:19

    maybe this’ll make lou happy:

    I thought he was a shipping magnate not a property magnate.

  • Dom12/01/2009 at 20:20

    Jebus, whats wrong with 1?

    It's their style. :P

    I remember when they asked Lewis whether he thought he'd get a bad reception in Spain, and he said "no". They made a long, unnecessary 'top' story out of that...

  • me12/01/2009 at 20:21

    I thought he was a shipping magnate not a property magnate.

    maybe they're house boats?

  • Steven Roy12/01/2009 at 20:22

    question is, why wouldn’t honda come out and say they *will* be providing engines, unless they think brawn is the best man for the job too?

    Because if they sell the company commercially there will be due diligence and people will find out what a mess it has been and will probably end up slagging off Honda. Fry and Brawn can't do that because they were on the inside and will be seen as culpable.

  • Steven Roy12/01/2009 at 20:23

    looking at the shots of massa driving today. he’s carrying the number 3. my bet is the fia have messed up?

    Both drivers names were on the car.

  • Dom12/01/2009 at 20:24

    they had gotten better recently. i guess it’s a new years resolution?

    Really? I haven't noticed much change...

  • me12/01/2009 at 20:24

    Both drivers names were on the car.

    bugger.

    ok, tell me who you think'll be number three and if you get it wrong i'll call you a liar too :)

  • R.G (Bracket reduced due to testing restrictions)12/01/2009 at 20:26

    ok, tell me who you think’ll be number three and if you get it wrong i’ll call you a liar too

    It'll be either Raikkonen or Massa

    ;)

  • Steven Roy12/01/2009 at 20:26

    maybe they’re house boats?

    :D

  • Steven Roy12/01/2009 at 20:27

    ok, tell me who you think’ll be number three and if you get it wrong i’ll call you a liar too

    I bet if you phone Diario AS they will tell you that Alonso will be number 3

  • Jon Waldock12/01/2009 at 20:28

    I know you guys have brought it up before, but all this ‘getting as much out of one news story’ nonsense is going beyond silly.

    you can tell theres been a slow news week cant you

  • me12/01/2009 at 20:29

    I bet if you phone Diario AS they will tell you that Alonso will be number 3

    :D

    :D

  • me12/01/2009 at 20:30

    bit of heads up for ya. if we can make it happen by next weekend, we may have a new wall picture for the live show:

    http://flickr.com/photos/sidepodcast/3191525395/

    as you can imagine, christine didn't take a lot of convincing.

  • Andy Taylor12/01/2009 at 20:30

    Because if they sell the company commercially there will be due diligence and people will find out what a mess it has been and will probably end up slagging off Honda. Fry and Brawn can’t do that because they were on the inside and will be seen as culpable.

    Honda took their engines home when they split with Williams, why would they leave them behind this time? They probably need them for an advert in any case.

    http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=OxZbI9S9aR8

  • Andy Taylor12/01/2009 at 20:31

    as you can imagine, christine didn’t take a lot of convincing.

    :D

  • R.G (Bracket reduced due to testing restrictions)12/01/2009 at 20:31

    as you can imagine, christine didn’t take a lot of convincing.

    Going alongside the autograph?

  • lou12/01/2009 at 20:31

    bit of heads up for ya. if we can make it happen by next weekend, we may have a new wall picture for the live show:

    ooooo nice pic :D

  • me12/01/2009 at 20:32

    Honda took their engines home when they split with Williams, why would they leave them behind this time? They probably need them for an advert in any case.

    that advert totally ripped off pixar didn't it?

    http://www.pixar.com/shorts/bdn/index.html

  • me12/01/2009 at 20:33

    Going alongside the autograph?

    oh ffs, he's still in the car!

    she for.got.

  • Scott Woodwiss12/01/2009 at 20:34

    I'll have my finger hovering over the Print Screen button in case I can capture a shot of Christine gazing longingly at Franck on the wall :P

  • Christine12/01/2009 at 20:34

    she for.got.

    I'm on it!!

  • lou12/01/2009 at 20:34

    she for.got.

    really?! wow. first she forgot his birthday, now he signs something for her and she forgets about it :P

  • lou12/01/2009 at 20:35

    I’m on it!!

    :D lol

  • me12/01/2009 at 20:36

    really?! wow. first she forgot his birthday, now he signs something for her and she forgets about it

    in fairness i did too. it's been a tiring few days.

  • R.G (Bracket reduced due to testing restrictions)12/01/2009 at 20:36

    really?! wow. first she forgot his birthday, now he signs something for her and she forgets about it

    I'm questioning the true crush here, surely you'd remember all of this.

  • lou12/01/2009 at 20:37

    in fairness i did too. it’s been a tiring few days.

    how are you aches and pains today btw? any better?

  • Andy Taylor12/01/2009 at 20:37

    I’m questioning the true crush here, surely you’d remember all of this.

    Yeah, if Christine were a true stalker she'd know EVERYTHING about Franck, birthday, inside leg measurement, shoe size (European and UK)...

  • Christine12/01/2009 at 20:37

    I’m questioning the true crush here, surely you’d remember all of this.

    Never been bothered about autographs really.

  • me12/01/2009 at 20:37

    how are you aches and pains today btw? any better?

    all good now, except twinges in my back. but a 99% recovery.

  • Steven Roy12/01/2009 at 20:39

    in fairness i did too. it’s been a tiring few days.

    & painful.

    As a result of sitting in front of a computer for the past few hours I can now add a sore neck to my list of sporting injuries. Must remember to move my head occasionally and not sit in the one position too long. I don't remember karting being this painful.

  • Scott Woodwiss12/01/2009 at 20:39

    Never been bothered about autographs really.

    Except this one ;)

  • lou12/01/2009 at 20:40

    all good now, except twinges in my back. but a 99% recovery.

    :) that's good.

  • Andy Taylor12/01/2009 at 20:41

    all good now, except twinges in my back. but a 99% recovery.

    The bruise on my back still hurts.

  • Christine12/01/2009 at 20:41

    I’m on it!!

    I got it!!

  • me12/01/2009 at 20:42

    The bruise on my back still hurts.

    i wish it were a proper bruise. what use is a war wound no-one can see?

  • Scott Woodwiss12/01/2009 at 20:42

    Christine: 12/01/2009 at 20:41

    I’m on it!!

    I got it!!

    I'm expecting it on drop.io in about, ooh, 5 minutes? :D

  • Christine12/01/2009 at 20:42

    i wish it were a proper bruise. what use is a war wound no-one can see?

    I feigned sympathy. What more do you want?

  • Alianora La Canta12/01/2009 at 20:43

    looking at the shots of massa driving today. he’s carrying the number 3. my bet is the fia have messed up? {me - 54 comments ago}

    Either the FIA have messed up or Ferrari have - though Steven Roy's observation that both names were on the car suggests that Ferrari messed up on purpose.

  • Andy Taylor12/01/2009 at 20:43

    i wish it were a proper bruise. what use is a war wound no-one can see?

    LPG can see mine. Apparently it is still purple, and it hurts to the touch. Ow.

  • Andy Taylor12/01/2009 at 20:44

    I feigned sympathy. What more do you want?

    :D

  • Alex Andronov12/01/2009 at 20:45

    I feigned sympathy. What more do you want?

    :)

  • Alex Andronov12/01/2009 at 20:45

    LPG can see mine. Apparently it is still purple, and it hurts to the touch. Ow.

    Little Purple Bruise :(

  • lou12/01/2009 at 20:46

    The bruise on my back still hurts.

    :( it never even crossed my mind karting could be painful afterwards. hope you all get ride of your painful bruises soon ;)

  • Scott Woodwiss12/01/2009 at 20:46

    I'm now on the final race on the 2008 F1 DVD :D

  • R.G (Bracket reduced due to testing restrictions)12/01/2009 at 20:46

    i wish it were a proper bruise. what use is a war wound no-one can see?

    The only one I can think where people can see is the head or hands. Most of mine end up on the knee, hence the probable explanation for my knee problems

  • Alianora La Canta12/01/2009 at 20:48

    I'm now fully recovered, apart from the insides of my knees still being an interesting mixtures of greys, blacks, reds and blues.

    Luckily I am not a professional supermodel.

  • Steven Roy12/01/2009 at 20:49

    it never even crossed my mind karting could be painful afterwards. hope you all get ride of your painful bruises soon

    Karting seats always cause bruising because they are so low. Add in the bumpiest kart track in the world and the bruises are bigger and sorer than normal. If you kert regularly you get used to it and don't een notice the pain.

  • Alex Andronov12/01/2009 at 20:49

    The only one I can think where people can see is the head or hands. Most of mine end up on the knee, hence the probable explanation for my knee problems

    Are you not still in short trousers?

    I don't think they do that any more.

  • Steven Roy12/01/2009 at 20:51

    I’m now fully recovered, apart from the insides of my knees still being an interesting mixtures of greys, blacks, reds and blues.

    I am fine apart from my back, my right knee, my thighs and arms and now my neck. I think my arms and thighs hurt from being right out of the seat to get the throttle on the floor on a couple of the karts because they have never hurt before after karting.

  • R.G (Bracket reduced due to testing restrictions)12/01/2009 at 20:52

    I don’t think they do that any more.

    What? Kick you in the knee? Or the short trousers thingy, erm, no idea what your on about to be fair.

  • Jon Waldock12/01/2009 at 20:54

    If you kart regularly you get used to it and don’t een notice the pain.

    most have rib protectors too which gives you a bit more cushioning and proper race suits are a bit thicker too

  • Alex Andronov12/01/2009 at 20:55

    What? Kick you in the knee? Or the short trousers thingy, erm, no idea what your on about to be fair.

    I meant that if you had a bruise on your knee and you were wearing shorts then people would see it like they would on your head or hands.

    And being "in short trousers" is a phrase that means, I guess, "being young".

  • Alianora La Canta12/01/2009 at 20:57

    Suffice to say I now understand why F1 drivers often have knee protectors when racing...

  • R.G (Bracket reduced due to testing restrictions)12/01/2009 at 21:01

    I meant that if you had a bruise on your knee and you were wearing shorts then people would see it like they would on your head or hands.

    True that, but I only wear shorts for Football (only keeper I've seen do that, bunch of wimps)

  • Steven Roy12/01/2009 at 21:40

    Scott,

    I have completed my practise runs in Istanbul. Fry practise and wet quali could get messy.

  • Steven Roy12/01/2009 at 21:45

    I have completed my practise runs in Istanbul. Fry practise and wet quali could get messy.

    Dry practise nothing to do with the hopeless ex-Honda failure.

  • Scott Woodwiss12/01/2009 at 21:49

    I have completed my practise runs in Istanbul. Fry practise and wet quali could get messy.

    Don't worry, I'll convert the setup accordingly ;)

  • Scott Woodwiss12/01/2009 at 21:53

    My runs are done, setup is converted. Inters for qually.

  • Scott Woodwiss12/01/2009 at 22:48

    It's gone quiet again :P

  • me12/01/2009 at 22:49

    It’s gone quiet again

    soz. just catching up with mcm.

    i could seriously do without headlines like these though:

    "Donington Park disappointed at losing British GP"

    http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/sport/sportresults/mcn/2009/January/12-18/jan1209-donington-park-disappointed/?R=EPI-105451

  • me12/01/2009 at 22:50

    mind you, that is vaguely f1 related. silverstone's fighting back!

  • Jon Waldock12/01/2009 at 22:57

    “Donington Park disappointed at losing British GP”

    i saw that too, nearly died.

  • Andy Taylor12/01/2009 at 22:59

    i saw that too, nearly died.

    That's one heck of a misleading headline.

  • lou12/01/2009 at 22:59

    i saw that too, nearly died.

    same here. lol

  • Jon Waldock12/01/2009 at 23:01

    mind you, that is vaguely f1 related. silverstone’s fighting back!

    its a fight they can win though, bernie is a whole different kettle of fish.

  • Jon Waldock12/01/2009 at 23:02

    from what i hear, motogp hated donnington, so it was an easy switch

  • me12/01/2009 at 23:03

    from what i hear, motogp hated donnington, so it was an easy switch

    poor timing though eh? almost as bad as bernie's switch on silverstone.

    just enough time for the champagne to stop flowing and the hangovers to kick in... then boom!

  • me12/01/2009 at 23:04

    That’s one heck of a misleading headline.

    yup. confused google news too. has it listed beside a bunch of f1 articles.

  • Dom12/01/2009 at 23:14

    “Silverstone wins British GP from 2010”

    Bernie: "WHAAAAT?!?"

  • Andy Taylor12/01/2009 at 23:16

    Bernie: “WHAAAAT?!?”

    That kind of a shock could do serious damage to his health.

  • Dom12/01/2009 at 23:20

    That kind of a shock could do serious damage to his health.

    Hmmm. I wonder if Max has got an April fools prank planned?

  • Alenyaa12/01/2009 at 23:22

    That kind of a shock could do serious damage to his health.

    *Lightbulb appears above head*