Our weekend has been ruined by the hunt for a mixer that actually works, and we are completely behind schedule. But that's no different from normal, really! Here's some of the things we're talking about at the moment:
- Dank's got all the info you need on testing. Who's turning up, when and where. With just a few teams in attendance, there's less room for comparison, but it looks like it's Brawn GP vs McLaren for a couple more days yet.
- Ferrari aren't at the test, and Domenicali is suggesting that their performance is exactly where they want it to be, the team are all in the right head space, it's just a matter of sorting out reliability. That will be their downfall, if any.
- Toyota have finally admitted that they were thinking about their future in F1, and that Panasonic's continued sponsorship was a major factor in them staying in the sport. Yamashina reckons F1 is good value, but they need to start winning now. We could have told him that!
That's it for today. Keep your fingers crossed for a podcast later today, as we continue to work through studio troubles. As we do, I'll see you in the comments.
Jerez tests this week are over five days with the following in attendance:
Brawn GP and Renault for three days.
McLaren for thee and a half days
Williams for five days
F1Today.nl translated into English for those wishing to follow it.
Alonso pranged his Renault early on this morning causing a red flag. Quite a hefty shunt into the barrier leading to a suspected suspension failure.
Rumour has it McLaren should be testing after lunch.
Barrichello in the Bee Gee Prix car seems to be going quick again and looks likely to topple the fastest time set in Jerez a fortnight ago by S. Vettel (1m19:055s)
Track temperature is currently 42c, considerably more than the last time teams visited Jerez, which might go some way to explain the quicker times?
And it's in white too!
Is their hospitality area going to be some kind of retro disco affair I wonder? Jenson should get a Mullet too!
If you were going to predict... And I don't want to tie you down. What sort of time would the podcast be?
Perhaps to avoid any kind of pinning are we talking afternoon or evening?
I get the feeling the afternoon podcasts don't really happen anymore.
We did shows in the afternoon? I don't remember but those were the days!
Standard show time seems to be 7ish sidepodtime.
Hitting barriers at speed is very likely to cause suspension issues. :D
I think so, but my brain is quite addled.
I was reading the translated report from F1today.nl and I must ask the following question:
Who is Hulk Mountain?
Hello, good afternoon.
It's the 15th today so I guess I'd best start using this thread .. even though most of the action seems to be on yesterday's daily.
indeed, and who is Rodger Barrichello
Can we start a Renault are having problems rumour .. Alonso is a good 1.5 secs off the pace of the Brawn
I laughed so much when I read that and I don't know why on the times, if anything Hulk Mountain is funnier.
So is the podcast the panel or the debrief?
They are both in the schedule.
I keep forgetting about the schedule.
http://directo.thef1.es/tests/
Rubens leading the way from Hulkenberg and Alonso. :)
McLaren are taking their sweet time aren't they?
Yep, sure looks like it. Well, there's no point testing if they don't have any solutions to their problems. They're probably getting that ready for tomorrow.
Apparently they will wait for new parts to arri e overnight and will not test till tomorrow
I feel sorry for the poor barrier. Imagine being hit by a nose like that.
Is it because their parts are broken or are they waiting for some kind of new super wing or something?
Probably the latter. No point working on parts that have a fundamental problem.
:D
Don't know, just saw on one of the sites that they were to sit out the rest of the day and wait for parts. Costly day for them to sit there and do nothing.
Agreed. Hopefully the new bits will provide some answers.
Whitmarsh will have them painting the floor and walls of the garage again just to prove he can kee things up to Ron's standard.
Just reserved my tickets for the science museum meetup :)
Paint? Usually they use Italian oil resistant tiles.
Same stuff I have in the garage in Norfolk. It's great - spill oil and it stays in a little puddle rather than spreading out. So easy to mop up then.
Oh, the engine block is is now a 70% complete engine - heads to complete should arrive tomorrow and then I can get the timing dune and stick it in the car. Then my mate owes me a huge favor. :D
You have to reserve the tickets?
train tickets I meant, was a bit vague...
Ah, that reminds me I must look up the underground, see where I can park on the outskirts of London and get the train in for the last bit. That way, if we do go for pizza, I'm not stuck with a specific train back home and worried that I'd miss it.
That's what I've done, just done an open return so i'm free to choose a train than stress about making a certain one. Plus it has a travelcard to get around the undergeround which is mega handy and the 16-25 railcard knocked a fair bit of the price off. Haven't been on the undergrounf by myself or for years in general so I'm bricking that bit a little bit but I'm sure it'll be fine :)
What kind of engine is it?
Tell ya something, in the rugby, we are absolutley murdering the French.
:D
3.1 litre Essex V6 for a 1974 Ford Capri that he's owned from new. :D
He's had the block and bottom end for years as it's quite a rare engine apparently. Just regularly coated it in old engine oil to preserve it.
Saturday - steam cleaned it and then stuck in the bath to degrease it properly and today hauled it out and started to build it back using the parts he bought.
I can't remember the last time I heard of an Essex engine.
I take it you're not married - my wife would have a fit if I put an engine in the bath :D
They're not common. When Cosworth tuned they were converted to 3.4 litres and 400odd hp. This one will be around 150bhp.
I don't know what he's doing with the original engine though. Think it's a V4
Not married - living with girlfriend
She happens to have left for India on friday. ;)
Testing has finished now, Barrichello then Alonso, then Hulkenberg.
Not to mention DEFRA! ;)
I am sure Ford had a V4 in a Corsair or something in the 60s. Maybe he thinks it's one of them.
Some snazzy bits at the front - http://drop.io/sidepodcast/asset/brawnfrontwingdetail-jpg
That livery! - http://drop.io/sidepodcast/asset/liveryinthesun-jpg
Looks much better like this - http://drop.io/sidepodcast/asset/renaultonacrane-jpg
Loving the blue and yellow :D
I still don't mind the livery on the Renault
Now if only they could keep that cover on the car then I'll be happy.
I still like the new Renault, even if I am massively in the minority!
Corporate Recovery Colours :D
I love the 09 cars and I still think thats bad.
I prefer it to last year's but it's still a lot to take in!
If the Renault was made of aluminium I would suggest it had been panel beaten using mallets made from the wood of the ugly tree.
Then to distract from the ugliness of the shape they painted it like a Creme Egg.
The livery I like, the shape of the car...
That's another story. Will hold judgement till race day
It is a bit much on the eyes. I love the shape regardless though.
The previous BMW Sauber/Kubica netbook has been removed (sold or pulled?) but there is one showing on the German Ebay starting at 5,000 Euro
I prefer this one http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44014000/jpg/_44014064_hamilton416.jpg
:)
Some nice shots here, FIA been testing the onboard photo function.
http://drop.io/sidepodcast/asset/rosbergcam-jpg
http://drop.io/sidepodcast/asset/glockcam-jpg
Got some stuff stuck in the mod queue.
not doohickeying today?
Giving the lclt some love.
sidepodspace update
THe external fuel tank is now full and there is no leak from the vent that failed at the last attempt. The launch should happen tonight unless the weather intervenes or NASA can find a new way to fail.
If anyone can, NASA can
How's the sound mixing conundrum coming along?
Any updates as to if and when you are going to do the live show today?
I think it depends on whether RG has perfected YMCA. But the plan according toChristine a couple of hours ago was 7pm UK time
I'm getting there, its just the third line of the first verse thats catching me out
Am so looking forward to RG's rendition
And I think 7 is the plan for the Debrief show, followed by a SidePodPanel
(Sound Mixer permitting)
I think the panelists could join in and help you out ;)
i would agree, mainly because im not taking part in it :P
Followed by a Panel. Could be a problem depending on timing. I've school tomorrow.
I might have to catch the show later or tomorrow, got far too much uni work and my friend's having relationship stuffs and in a bit of a panic so its a balancing act at the moment. :(
How apt...
"Young man, there's no need to feel down.
I said, young man, pick yourself off the ground.
I said, young man, 'cause you're in a new town
There's no need to be unhappy"
What a brilliant idea.
Though I doubt none of the nominees are stupid enough to promise it... :)
I could be wrong
How fun. Well, the replay will be up by tonight so I guess you can watch it in its full glory
Do you have a backing track sorted?
Backing Track? You assume I'm organised? ;)
Is that definite then?
Good of you to volunteer.
This is sidepodcast
I'll sing from my sofa .. but I'n not a panelist tonight
Anyone else think of 300 then?
Sorry I'll rephrase that! ;-)
Is it the plan to have a debrief and then a panel?
No idea
Why?
THIS, IS, SIDEPODCAST!
So the schedule says, not sure what the latest is in the mixer fiasco though
Here's hoping the old equipment is still serviceable
hi all. sorry, been having an exciting evening. super-duper special coming soon.
right now have to prepare studio for debrief, followed by panel. mixer, hanging in there.
Yup
How long dya think debrief will last for?
aiming to start panel at 8:15ish.
Should be able to do it then.
fanx buddy ;)
Just found this. Last night we were discussing whether or not Toyota will pull out at the end of this year. Looks like it was touch and go as to whether they would start the season.
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/73709
It's fun to stay at the y-m-c-a :D
That's the article that started it all :-)
Was reading that earlier. Bet there were a lot conversations in boardrooms at the end of last year like that one
"I have a sentimental weakness for my children and I spoil them as you can see. They talk when they should listen" I know that's not SPC or F1 related but I thought I would mention that quote today, it's not the most obvious line from the movie but where would the fun be in that.
I know it so will remain silent
That's what I get for scanning comments rather than reading them properly. I really wish people wouldn't comment so much so that I had less reading to do.
:D
Like, you guys can not test out your studio equippment early so that a live show can start on time???? :P
One of the reasons I comment less nowadays is I spend so much time trying to read through all the comments.
Ah, but when you find out what we've been doing for the last hour, it'll make much more sense.
I have sent 2 e-mails... Hope you got them :)
Making Cupcakes!
in the words of pitpass... where should we send your refund?
:D :D
Seeing that there is an ocean between us I will not hear the explosion until three to four hours into the show... :P ...
Alex, we love you.
There is a saying that they have at Arsenal (a football club) which is Arsène knows. Don't question the management. They know what they are doing :)
Aw shucks :)
They do?
(Couldn't resist)
Isn't it "In Arsene we Trust"?
Practicing YMCA
Ah, I don't know much about football. But I sit next to a gooner. I think it's both.
I believe they are claiming he made the signing of the century? But as I say I don't know.
Must be some emails! :)
They must trust him though, they're playing like crap this year! ;-)
In panda suits?
Oh. God. No!
That could possibly require a fair bit of practice
And paramedics on standby...
Detailing where they can get a better mixer at a reasonable price...
I don't know what kind of response that would have got!
Of course I can't say.
Or one that works?
NASA just sent a crew out to the launch platform to manually adjust a helium pressure valve. I thought this was rocket science and had remotely adjustable valves. Looks like NASA is not at the forefront of technology either.
It is rocket science, it just hails from the 1970's :D
Live post is ready and waiting... we are not!!
http://www.sidepodcast.com/2009/03/15/live-weve-moved-heaven-and-earth-to-make-this-show/
Very soon though.
Woo hoo!
oh no rush then .. christmas party will be fine :P
I am given to understand that NASA is quite like the olympics. At the olympics they run a shaddow op using new technology at each event, then they use it in one opposite season event (eg. winter if the technology was tested in summer) and then it gets used properly.
They got complaints that they were way behind on blackberrys and the CTO said something along the lines of: "we don't want anyone to ever write a technology story about the olympics, it's about something else, they'll only write a technology story when something goes wrong". My guess is that it's the same deal with NASA.
Good old American know how...
From good old Americans - Like Dr Wernher von Braun. ;)
When they ran into problems with a previous launch the director was getting grief in a press conference so he stood up told them that they had to remember this IS rock science.
Rocket science? This may be true, but rocket science isn't that hard.
Apparently the recovery truck took the car back to the pits, and the McLaren recorded it's quickest lap of the day.
I'll get my coat.