Having returned from an impromptu continuation of the Sidepodtour, we're spending the evening catching up with the comments and any news we might have missed. It looks like there are a couple of things to talk about, so let's get on with it:
- The ex-Honda team reckon things are well on the way for them getting a new buyer and being on the grid in Melbourne. Nick Fry is particularly optimistic, although doesn't mention the fact that they've clearly missed out on a good couple of weeks of testing. With no in-season testing, they might be even further behind than they were already. But being on the grid is the first thing they need to concentrate on, no doubt.
- Our visit to the Williams F1 factory has caused some consternation, as we believe some of the later models to be the most beautiful. Others can't stand the flip ups and wings. With 2009 going back to basics, are you going to miss the Dumbo-Flugel as much as I am? Or are we in a minority here?
- Toyota have said they're targeting a perfect reliability record in 2009. With the regulation changes, this seems an impossibility, but would this even have been likely if things had stayed the same? An entire season without a failure seems like a lot to ask, especially with the Trulliometer swinging wildly at times.
- We're getting pretty adept at poking around team factory innards, but want to hear what you guys have been up to. Have you ever been on a tour, which team, what did you find out? And which is better - free Red Bull or free Wifi?
That'll do for now. Don't forget there's a Sidepodparty on Sunday. We've got plenty to talk about, having missed a show, but if you've got any Christmas/F1 themed ideas, then leave your thoughts in the Wiki. Other than that, I'll see you in the comments.
quote from Coulthard about how Mark Webber will be fine after his leg break a month ago...
"Also, it's his right leg. If it was the left leg, where you really need the strength for braking, I would be a lot more concerned, but the right leg isn't a big deal."
read the story here
What time GMT? I'll have to do maths :) i still have jetlag so you might just see me, even if it is 4am local time.
I think it's 9 pm GMT. Which is 5 am my time, 8 am your time, Scott. Am I right?
They can't really say they're NOT confident, can they? But yeah, I think they'll find a buyer. It's just a matter of the details.
Oh, wait, didn't Super Aguri say that with Magma last year?
The double issue of Autosport has overhead shots of all the F1 teams' factories. It may help 'me' find the twilight zone that links the two Red Bull buildings.
I will definitely miss the beautiful sleek looks of the Formula 1 cars of 2008. Next year we hit the Stone Age once more. Let's just hope the overtaking and racing does get a sigificant boost!
Bernie Ecclestone hits back at Ferrari head by exposing the team’s ‘special deal’
“Ferrari get so much more money than everyone else,” he said. “They know exactly what they get, they are not that stupid, although they are not that bright, either. They get about $80 million (about £54 million) more. When they win the constructors’ championship, which they did this year, they got $80 million more than if McLaren had won it.”
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/formula_1/article5372488.ece
Delicious caffeinated goodness all the way! I managed to walk away with about £5 worth of the stuff from the Red Bull tour - but you didn't hear that from me... :-D
Stick that in your pipe Di Montezemolo and smoke it. Although, $80 million? Unbelievable.
If it is 9 pm GMT, then yeah I'll be on at 8am. I just have to remember :)
Provisional schedule for BBC's "Grand Prix Night"
Days of Thunder?
And I hope they're showing qualifying live as opposed to these repeats later on in the evening!
Better than anything ITV ever did.
Its good to get a bit of both, I'll just sky+ it and watch it in the morning ;)
I think from the full quote (see Bassano's post above) "they got $80 million more than if McLaren had won it." so I'm thinking that real amount might be just $40 million and so the $80 mil difference comes from McLaren NOT earning the 40 mil and Ferrari earning the 40 mil.
unless of course there actually is a special deal which sounds ridiculous (but not impossible with the FIA). how can one team get a different prize amount?
Still, nice money. a million here, a million there, and sooner or later it adds up to real money...
Nothing wrong with showing 'Days of Thunder' after a Grand Prix ...
I think the best way to start a season off is to watch a Motorsport Movie on the saturday after quallies ("Grand Prix" is the best by far :-) ) and then spend the rest of the time before the first GP watching season reviews and old F1 races :-D
What do you guys do?
While doing some light reading I've found out there are 6 places for tv cameras on next years F1 cars (see page 46). I was just looking to see if they mention prize money but not in the tech regulations i guess.
and according to the F1 sporting regs for 2009
so if it is already in the regs would the medal system be brought in for 2009 or 2010?
2010 I guess, seems way to late to change anything for 2009 now I think.
But, all the more reason to boycott F1 in 2010.
Given the first race is in Melbourne and normally I live in Italy... I normally just wake up early and perfectly time it so the cars are already on the grid and then sleep until the 2 seconds before somebody crashes..
Must have had little sleep that night then.
We've just been out and bought cake for the party. Lou's in charge of the mince pies. What are you bringing?
Oooh. What kind? :D
What to bring...? Hmmm... I'm not sure, to be honest. :)
they are separate buildings. how very odd.
sleep.
christmas cake.
goodness, i should make those sometime soon...
Hahaha! I didn't know you could eat Christmas now. :P
What, for 24 hours? :-D
If we're not sleeping, we're podcasting :)
Aww you guys rock :-D
This stuff about Ferrari's "special" deal is surely extremely old news...
I remember when Ferrari were first to sign the last Concorde agreement for this extra dosh as it was the death knell to the suggested rival Manufacturers series.... which is why Bernie paid it....
The manufacturers knew that Ferrari were key to any effective supreme motor sport series which is why they had the bargaining power to do it...
It was mentioned in the 5Live radio talk in with EJ and other F1 guys just this week and all the teams realise it's a payment in appreciation of Ferrari's vital involvement... Bernie obviously knows this is a non issue and was the price he paid to keep the teams with him....
Not sure that Bernie's finances aren't a bit dodgy given the divorce proceedings... perhaps Luca should ask Slavica...
and that's why they've nominated the president that they have isn't it?
the best thing about the ferrari deal, is that it now comes out of bernie's pocket and not the pocket of rival teams. seems to be correct and fair, which is no doubt why bernie hates it so much.
im being a little bit stupid, so can someone explain to me why Ferrari a)got more money than the others and b) are stupid enough to tell us that they did??
In short: A) Because of their 'historical importance' and B) we already knew. As Lady Snowcat said, the latest chequered flag podcast (which was recorded before Bernie's response) has a full discussion about all this.
i shall listen to it then, i havent been on my itunes lately as i listen to all the sidepodcast-podcasts, i had around 100 podcasts unlistened too about 2 months ago, and i havent listened to them since!!
You're going to be a busy man, then :-D
i think thats an understatement :P
oh goodness and i thought the 30 odd i have was bad ;)
its 141 today, but thats only because i told it to only download f1 minute of the day i go on itunes, so seeing as i've missed 2 months, it should be around 210..... :P
wow, good luck finding the time to listen to all of them ;)
I assume Bernie is trying to split up McLaren and Ferrari. Ferrari have always had an unfair financial advantage. It really is scandalous that any team ever has a built in unfair advantage. How can anyone believe the FIA when they say the dodgy stewards decisions are not the result of bias when they already have a special deal in place with the team that gets the decisions.
and i know i wont get the time over christmas. fun.times
ahhhhhhh I love listening to mp3's in the car lol
and recently I have had nothing else to do *cries and looks for sympathy vote*
So where's this party then? I dont mind trying to drive! (might need help changing gear though!)
It's an online party. Podcast tomorrow night.
hey "me" dont get me wrong, I think the liveries are fantastic now, but there was just something about a nice clean looking car, with slicks and NO BLOODY GROOVED TYRES and a nice bright colour scheme. (except the old benetton that looked like a kid had been sick on it!)
(I thought that, Steven :) ) I think I am going stir crazy.......
bring a bottle. although if you drink a lot, bring several ;)
gah! christine's ruined my commenting by borrowing my machine :(
This party, it will also feature Diet Coke and Breadsticks won't it?
I was going to say, christine uses capital letters
That was yesterday! Ain't my fault if you haven't changed it back yet.
Wouldn't be a party without Diet Coke :)
and Breadsticks?
If we are getting breadsticks, might be best bet to get quite a few, a certain person with the name beginning with R likes them very much
erm, we didn't get breadsticks. you could bring some though?
i'll bring the sausages on sticks, i love those things!!
oooh, and pineapple.
hmmmmmm several bottles and finger food (well, breadsticks and Lou's mince pies!)
sounds like this will be quite a giggle! 9pm you say? I will have to stock up.....
I wonder if there shoudl be a feed for most outrageous suggestion? I still reckon that Slavica should buy the Honda team with her settlement :)
something like that. thread opens at 8pm for the early-comers.
I'm more of a fan of the cheese on sticks, don't like pineapple. I'll bring just cheese, and cheese and pineapple too :P
Yeah, but they might have been eaten before we get there...
RUMOUR TIME!!!!
Carphone Warehouse advertising company will paint the new Williams car for next season, this will be from blue felt tip and will be filmed to be put on a new Carphone Warehouse commercial. The livery is set to feature people talking on phones, including a comic Nico Rosberg in a F1 car on his F1 car
hahahahaaaaaa talking of ads, anyone remember Nige pulling up at a petrol station in his Indycar? "Almost forgot the wholemeal" HAHAHAHAHAHAAAA
Ah! I'll bring cookies. Hope that's a hit. Hahaha!
it is with me ;)
what type of cookies?
Chocolate!
ah yes, but maryland or own brand?
can't beat maryland cookies.
I wonder who'll be providing the pringles... :P
i'll provide the quiche that everyone shuns in favour of the sweet.
Seeing as we've conquered the world of cupcakes, how about Sidepodcast cookies?
cookies? HAS to be Boasters........ nice and chunky and whole hazelnuts..........yum!
will you be making that? :P
i want video evidence of him making that!!
Sidepodcookies :)
Apparantly I'm gonna be the one who complains about the pronounciation.
Qwee-shh
I really want quiche now!!
A quiche?? I value my kitchen too much for that.
Yay, more for everyone!
Yep, Chocolate-chip, in special mini-size too!
yuuuuum! :D
how about a mini quiche? ;)
I just posted in the wrong thread but according to The Sun, Ferrari wouldn't swap Massa for Hamilton...
oh my - now that would be a christmas special....
"me" cooks a quiche on webcam......looking like The Stig to keep the mystery alive!
You can't make a quiche without breaking eggs ;)
I'd be far more surprised if they said they would. :P
i think it says alot about your trust in "me" that you didnt let him make the sidepodcupcake from scratch!!
What are the chances he remembers how to do that though?
Christine said:
You can’t make a quiche without breaking eggs
What are the chances he remembers how to do that though?
dont forget the complexities of blind baking..........got your beans handy?
I think I have watched far too much daytime telly recently....
If I was Anthony Hamilton I would phone Ferrari and say that Lewis and Ron just had a barney and never wanted to drive for McLaren again. It would be interesting to see how long it took them to change their minds. I think I would also have a friendly journalist in the room when I made the call. That would ruin boosting of Massa's ego that the press release was designed to do.
Not as much as me reading a tabloid for rumours.
A close source of mine reckons that 'me' will become the new cateror for the Williams team next season, since Williams need to cut costs in the minor departments, 'Me' is being asked to serve healthy meals such as 'Veggie Cup Cakes' and 'Super Low Fat Pasta'. Thankfully these contain few ingrediants. Nico Rosberg is however planning to go on strike and join BMW as a tester if this does happen.
:) Trouble is, Ron might find out and get cross for real.
I boiled an egg for half an hour once and the bloody thing was still hard...
easter egg?
Good news everyone, I've got a football match in the morning so I'll miss the Lewis Hamilton Show, or whatever that ITV thing is called.
Yipee.
Watch it get called off now :(
hollyoaks is on at the same time, i may live comment that by mistake.
Aw crap, I've just looked outside, I hope I get taken shopping
please tell me you don't watch hollyoaks.....
no it gets worse....sunday isn't just hollyoaks...its the hollyoaks omnibus....
haha speaking of the review show, i love that they have actually called it 'Lewis Hamilton- World Champion' the title in itself is a review of their coverage for the past season. lol
Is this how you spend your sundays, me?
Ah - now you're just getting lines of patter from the 'patter book for big boys'
(rolls eyes)
So what, baking wise, is missing from the list thus far?
(and andy can actually cook... he doesn't often, but he can. Its just that most of what he cooks well, only two people in the house generally eat, rofl)
It's not according to the Sun it's from a speech given by Luca at the Ferrari Christmas party and published in the Italian media I think...
It was reported on autosport.com etc...
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/72513
And as for party food has anyone heard about the seizure by Italian customs of Beluga caviare... they are giving to various good causes like homeless shelters etc...
Anyone a deserving cause here who fancies a trip to Milan...
isn't it dark outside?
Yes, but I can see the rain coming down next to the lamppost.
Ah yes, the Sidepodcharity is involved I believe.
Anyone know if last years was called 'Lewis Hamilton - Runner Up'?
The Lewis Hamilton show rather than an unbiased review of the season... at least ITV are finally being honest about their biased coverage...
I wonder if they'll airbrush out bits like Montreal?.. I won't find out as Crimbo shopping awaits...
ooooooooooooooooooooo V for Vendetta is on the telly!
Wasn't one of the last things Steve said at Brazil 'No appoligies for our slightly biased coverage of the build up today' or something like that?
Lewis Hamilton - Close but no cigar.
Previous years include;
Lewis Hamilton - I'm not in Formula 1
Lewis Hamilton - I'm still in Formula Renault
Lewis Hamilton - I'm not even alive yet...
Oh dear...
:D
By the way, i doubt that actually is last years. Although i really hope it is!!
:D
Any suggestions for next year on the BBC?
2009 - The Season That Rocked, with them new wings
If BBC make it the "Formula 1 only exists because Lewis is so great Show" I will ...................................
or James Allens favourite....
"Lewis Hamilton - Senna"
Apparently the FIA's favourite too.
"F1 09 - The Top Gear gate-crash"
"Lewis Hamilton - More Senna Like Than Senna Himself"
or my personal favourite
"Lewis Hamilton - Ayrtons REAL nephew"
Only if the Stig gets a drive...
Perhaps Top Gear should buy Honda just to organise it....
Marketing Management 101 by Jeremy Clarkson
"PPPPPOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWEEEEEEERRRRR"
hmmmmmmm it's all stopped
well as everyone has digital laryngitis, methinks it's time for beddybyes.
goodnight all, and hope to see you all at the party tomorrow :)
see ya spikey.