Another launch today, and this time it's the turn of BMW. They've been keeping us amused with teaser videos, but now it's time to see the real thing. Let's hope it's slightly better looking than the ones we have seen so far, as our recent admission that "the 2009 cars are not so bad" is looking a bit shaky.

  • The testing should continue at Portimão, assuming the weather holds off. It is quite amusing that Ferrari claimed to stay in Italy for the weather and then got rained out themselves. However, what is the real reason that they're keeping themselves to themselves? Why can't they just play nicely with all the others?
  • Meanwhile, top Renault figures have called KERS is both dangerous and expensive. They even use the words "potentially lethal". With Ferrari and Williams both undecided on whether to run their devices or not, what is the future of this new technology?
  • This weekend's Debrief show is now available as an mp3 on this site only. The rest (enhanced show and feeds) will follow before this day is out. It's an extra long show with lots of lovely callers, so take a listen and let us know what you think.
  • Elsewhere in the blogosphere, Ollie has written the second of his livery development posts. We already saw the way Toyota hasn't changed a bit, and now it's a look at how the Renault turned from a respectable blue to a blinding yellow.

That'll keep us going until we lay our eyes on the BMW. Those are all the launches for this week, so we'd better make the most of them... I guess. Anyway, feel free to discuss the above and much more in the comments.

393 responses

  • Dank20/01/2009 at 09:13

    Added some pics to drop.io

    The F1.09 looks like a Formula BMW car!

  • Christine20/01/2009 at 09:33

    The F1.09 looks like a Formula BMW car!

    So, I've been saying: That BMW they tested fooled us into thinking the new cars were going to be hideous.

    My mistake.

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)20/01/2009 at 09:45

    So, I’ve been saying: That BMW they tested fooled us into thinking the new cars were going to be hideous.

    My mistake.

    Next to the 2008 car it actually looks quite nice :-)

  • Scott Woodwiss20/01/2009 at 09:57

    Morning folks

    No surprises from BMW today, looks much like their interim car with a couple of new aero tweaks.

  • Scott Woodwiss20/01/2009 at 10:11

    I'm trying to upload a video onto drop.io, but the actual upload won't finish even though it's on 100% and says it's complete? Any ideas why?

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 11:09

    I’m trying to upload a video onto drop.io, but the actual upload won’t finish even though it’s on 100% and says it’s complete? Any ideas why?

    Maybe the video is still being converted? Not sure.

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 11:10

    On a non-F1 note, it's Obama's Inauguration today. It's gonna be an amazing, historical day.

  • me20/01/2009 at 11:24

    On a non-F1 note, it’s Obama’s Inauguration today. It’s gonna be an amazing, historical day.

    absolutely. they could've picked a warmer time of year though. everyone i've seen looks freezing.

  • Scott Woodwiss20/01/2009 at 11:33

    My video is up, an explanation of it is in the Daily thread from yesterday :)

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 11:47

    absolutely. they could’ve picked a warmer time of year though. everyone i’ve seen looks freezing.

    Well, they can't choose the date: it's mandated by the Constitution. And according to CNN, this is a relatively average inauguration weather-wise: they said it was MUCH colder during the Reagan inaugurations.

  • me20/01/2009 at 12:25

    Well, they can’t choose the date: it’s mandated by the Constitution. And according to CNN, this is a relatively average inauguration weather-wise: they said it was MUCH colder during the Reagan inaugurations.

    may i suggest a change to the constitution?

    or... they could move the ceremony around, like the olympics.

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)20/01/2009 at 12:27

    Well, they can’t choose the date: it’s mandated by the Constitution. And according to CNN, this is a relatively average inauguration weather-wise: they said it was MUCH colder during the Reagan inaugurations.

    It was theCold War ;-)

  • me20/01/2009 at 12:28

    It was theCold War

    aww, man!

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 12:46

    may i suggest a change to the constitution?

    I don't think they'd make an amendment just to move Inauguration Day. Besides, most of the crowd doesn't seem to care all that much.

    or… they could move the ceremony around, like the olympics.

    Obama has been a man of tradition when it comes to rites like this. Most people also wouldn't want Bush 43 to stick around any longer than he has to. And I think this has been the warmest day of the year so far in DC.

    Let me put today into perspective: today should've been the day the Oscars would announce their nominees for this year. But they moved their event to Thursday, because they knew there was no way they could compete with Obama.

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 13:15

    It was theCold War

    Oh. My. Goodness. Hahaha! :P

  • me20/01/2009 at 13:23

    just a follow up to ladysnowcat's comments yesterday. renault are proudly displaying a header which features a different nose on their blog today:

    when asked about it in the comments, rf1pp's response was:

    "The R29 at the top is a computer generated image and was prepared before the car was launched. That's why there is a difference."

    "The graphic designers were just creating a visual of the car's new livery, rather than trying to accurately replicate the car..."

    i trust everything rf1pp says, and therefore conclude the big nose that debuted on the car yesterday is completely intentional and nothing to do with a failed crash test.

    more here: http://my.ing-renaultf1.com/en/blog/911-Algarve-Testing-Day-2-20-01-2009.html

  • me20/01/2009 at 15:03

    don't know if anyone else is watching, but this seems like a handy place to follow the inauguration:

    http://edition.cnn.com/video/fb/facebook.html

    nice facebook integration, and works even if you don't have an account.

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 15:04

    don’t know if anyone else is watching, but this seems like a handy place to follow the inauguration:

    Looks like CNN is going all out in the techie department. They're talking about this new toy they have to create a 3D image of Obama'a oathtaking.

    But I'm watching it using my faithful widescreen TV, thank you very much. :)

    Anyone else watching?

  • me20/01/2009 at 15:08

    Looks like CNN is going all out in the techie department. They’re talking about this new toy they have to create a 3D image of Obama’a oathtaking.

    i have a sneaky suspicion the internet might just melt today.

  • Flibster20/01/2009 at 15:14

    i trust everything rf1pp says, and therefore conclude the big nose that debuted on the car yesterday is completely intentional and nothing to do with a failed crash test.

    I gather that the released car is the design that failed the crash test.

    It also hasn't passed the crash tests yet.

  • Flibster20/01/2009 at 15:15

    But I’m watching it using my faithful widescreen TV, thank you very much. Anyone else watching?

    I will be. BBC's coverage probably.

    Will give me an excuse to use the 60" plasma in my playroom again. :D

  • me20/01/2009 at 15:16

    It also hasn’t passed the crash tests yet.

    it will :)

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 15:20

    i have a sneaky suspicion the internet might just melt today.

    given how many people are streaming CNN's online feed (and we haven't even factored in BBC iPlayer yet), you might just be right.

  • me20/01/2009 at 15:22

    given how many people are streaming CNN’s online feed (and we haven’t even factored in BBC iPlayer yet), you might just be right.

    i have no idea what 'octoshape grid delivery' is. but we need some of it. no buffering at all.

  • Flibster20/01/2009 at 15:23

    Whats all this going round at the moment that says that Bernie wants to pay the teams less?

    So, Ferrari are going to get 80million less? ;)

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 15:23

    I will be. BBC’s coverage probably.

    Cool! I think your BBC coverage will be different from the BBC World coverage that we're getting now. The Beeb has always been good in the news department.

  • Alex Andronov20/01/2009 at 15:24

    i have a sneaky suspicion the internet might just melt today.

    Will give me an excuse to use the 60? plasma in my playroom again.

    Is Flibster going to melt the internet with his telly?

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 15:24

    i have no idea what ‘octoshape grid delivery‘ is. but we need some of it. no buffering at all.

    I KNOW! How the heck do they do that? No buffering is AMAZING!

  • Flibster20/01/2009 at 15:24

    Alex Andronov: 20/01/2009 at 15:24

    i have a sneaky suspicion the internet might just melt today.

    Will give me an excuse to use the 60? plasma in my playroom again.

    Is Flibster going to melt the internet with his telly?

    I'll try my best. :D

  • me20/01/2009 at 15:26

    Whats all this going round at the moment that says that Bernie wants to pay the teams less?

    twas in the FT today, i linked to it in yesterday's comments, but it requires a subscription.

    So, Ferrari are going to get 80million less?

    apparently not. the quote was swiftly followed up by "only ferrari matter".

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 15:26

    i have a sneaky suspicion the internet might just melt today.

    one of the facebook stats was wondering 'how long it'll be before the Internet is brought to its knees today'. Apparently, not everyone can get the CNN/Facebook page to load.

  • Alex Andronov20/01/2009 at 15:27

    i have no idea what ‘octoshape grid delivery‘ is. but we need some of it. no buffering at all.

    Imagine you had convinced all of your viewers to install some kind of player on their computer that copied and streamed your files around the internet. Almost all of them are online all of the time. borrow a bit of bandwith from all of them and you'll get some pretty amazing speed.

  • me20/01/2009 at 15:28

    Imagine you had convinced all of your viewers to install some kind of player on their computer that copied and streamed your files around the internet. Almost all of them are online all of the time. borrow a bit of bandwith from all of them and you’ll get some pretty amazing speed.

    so, peer-to-peer?

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)20/01/2009 at 15:28

    so, peer-to-peer?

    Torrenting?

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 15:29

    Torrenting?

    Sure sounds like it. Nice trick! :)

  • Flibster20/01/2009 at 15:30

    Cool! I think your BBC coverage will be different from the BBC World coverage that we’re getting now. The Beeb has always been good in the news department.

    Possibly. BBC News 24 is currently showing the warm up, I'll be switching over to BBCHD to run it in 1080 in 30 minutes or so.

    The BBC are one of the best news providers ever. They just almost total coverage of the globe.

    Just switched over to CNN.... Adverts.... :D

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 15:30

    Sure sounds like it. Nice trick!

    That said, the online feed has a lag of around 1 minute behind the TV feed.

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 15:31

    Possibly. BBC News 24 is currently showing the warm up, I’ll be switching over to BBCHD to run it in 1080 in 30 minutes or so.

    Darn it. We don't have that here. Daaaarn! :(

    Obama history in 1080 is heaven for a political junkie like me.

    My question, though: will the viewing figures for this beat the one for Diana's funeral back in 97?

  • me20/01/2009 at 15:32

    The BBC are one of the best news providers ever. They just almost total coverage of the globe.

    agreed. our licence fees are a bargain.

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 15:32

    agreed. our licence fees are a bargain.

    not to mention they cover a certain sport named F1 now, as well. :)

  • me20/01/2009 at 15:33

    My question, though: will the viewing figures for this beat the one for Diana’s funeral back in 97?

    worldwide or in the uk?

  • Flibster20/01/2009 at 15:34

    Darn it. We don’t have that here. Daaaarn! Obama history in 1080 is heaven for a political junkie like me.

    Will be recording it on the HD box... May be able to get a rip of it somehow.

    My question, though: will the viewing figures for this beat the one for Diana’s funeral back in 97?

    Who cares. I went shopping then. :D it was fantastic. City centre was deserted.

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 15:34

    worldwide or in the uk?

    Worldwide. I don't think it will beat the UK-only numbers (even though I think that might be VERY close), but how about worldwide?

  • Flibster20/01/2009 at 15:35

    agreed. our licence fees are a bargain.

    Absolutely. TV, Radio and interweb services for that little a year.

  • Alex Andronov20/01/2009 at 15:35

    http://www.octoshape.com/product/intro.asp

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)20/01/2009 at 15:35

    Possibly. BBC News 24 is currently showing the warm up, I’ll be switching over to BBCHD to run it in 1080 in 30 minutes or so.

    The BBC are one of the best news providers ever. They just almost total coverage of the globe.

    Just switched over to CNN…. Adverts…. :D

    I haven't had CNN for months ... only BBC News. I stayed at a hotel recently with CNN- and was shocked as to how little the news features on it and how much of a magazine it has become. The anchors are presented as superstars, for Pete's sake!

    Watch the BBC coverage, people!

  • me20/01/2009 at 15:35

    Worldwide. I don’t think it will beat the UK-only numbers (even though I think that might be VERY close), but how about worldwide?

    worldwide, almost certainly. the internet wasn't up to the task for the funeral. we've all become massively more connected since then.

  • Flibster20/01/2009 at 15:36

    I haven’t had CNN for months … only BBC News. I stayed at a hotel recently with CNN- and was shocked as to how little the news features on it and how much of a magazine it has become. The anchors are presented as superstars, for Pete’s sake!

    I switched back very quickly. :D So cheesy.

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 15:38

    I switched back very quickly. So cheesy.

    I'm sticking with the CNN feed, if only because it's 5 seconds ahead of the Beeb's.

    CNN International has more news than CNN US, BTW, so it's not as bad from where we are.

  • me20/01/2009 at 15:38

    I switched back very quickly. So cheesy.

    it's rubbish, really. but i love the facebook updates coming in.

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 15:39

    it’s rubbish, really. but i love the facebook updates coming in.

    Someone thinks the anchors are vapid. Hah!

  • Flibster20/01/2009 at 15:39

    There's already security threats?

    Bloody hell....

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 15:40

    There’s already security threats?

    And you're surprised because...?

    If anything, I'm pretty sure there was already a foiled threat of some sort against Obama that we'll never know about. :D

  • me20/01/2009 at 15:40

    i need this, plus facebook updates:

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/playlive/bbc_news24/

  • Flibster20/01/2009 at 15:41

    And you’re surprised because…?

    Ididn't think that redneck hicks were able to move that quickly. ;)

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)20/01/2009 at 15:42

    Ididn’t think that redneck hicks were able to move that quickly.

    They're not. They set off the day after he won the election ;-)

  • Flibster20/01/2009 at 15:43

    It's the Pimpmobile... ;)

  • Flibster20/01/2009 at 15:47

    Is it bad that I'm half expecting the presidential car to be a Stretched Hummer with kickin' bass bins and hydraulic suspension allowing it to bounce up and down? :D

    Below freezing? It looked chilly, but I didn't think it would be that low.

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 15:49

    It’s the Pimpmobile…

    Hahaha! Make no mistake, though, that car must be as close to invincible as a car can ever get.

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 15:49

    Is it bad that I’m half expecting the presidential car to be a Stretched Hummer with kickin’ bass bins and hydraulic suspension allowing it to bounce up and down?

    Below freezing? It looked chilly, but I didn’t think it would be that low.

    This is actually pretty average weather for Inauguration Day.

    The coldest ever was below 0 degrees Fahrenheit, I think. That was in 1985.

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 15:50

    Hahaha! Make no mistake, though, that car must be as close to invincible as a car can ever get.

    BTW, it's nicknamed "The Beast".

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 15:50

    All 4 limos en route to the US Capitol.

  • Flibster20/01/2009 at 15:52

    Is it bad that I’m half expecting the presidential car to be a Stretched Hummer with kickin’ bass bins and hydraulic suspension allowing it to bounce up and down?

    Disapointed. It does have huge chrome rims though. :D

    Hahaha! Make no mistake, though, that car must be as close to invincible as a car can ever get.

    It's surprising how serious they can make them. I had to be driven in one in a previous job abroad a few years ago. Had it's own air supply and was positive pressurised so if there was a toxic gas used it wouldn't get in...

    Glass was 3 inches thick - actually didn't make me feel any safer.

  • me20/01/2009 at 15:52

    All 4 limos en route to the US Capitol.

    and bush, he's not going back :)

  • Flibster20/01/2009 at 15:53

    and bush, he’s not going back

    hurrah!

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 15:54

    Glass was 3 inches thick - actually didn’t make me feel any safer.

    Limos like that were made for people likely to be attacked. Heh. :P

    and bush, he's not going back

    Thank heavens! He was there 8 years too long, if you ask me.

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)20/01/2009 at 15:54

    It’s surprising how serious they can make them. I had to be driven in one in a previous job abroad a few years ago. Had it’s own air supply and was positive pressurised so if there was a toxic gas used it wouldn’t get in…

    What kind of job was this???

  • Flibster20/01/2009 at 15:55

    What kind of job was this???

    I was working in motorsport at that time but was doing a project for a foreign contract.

    Most I can really say is - Middle East.

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 15:55

    What kind of job was this???

    Was it a Middle East job? I'm guessing it was - that's the only place where foreign expats are THAT protected.

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 15:56

    Most I can really say is - Middle East.

    Knew it. :D

  • Scott Woodwiss20/01/2009 at 15:57

    Do you think Obama's a racing fan? :P

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 15:58

    Do you think Obama’s a racing fan?

    Nope. He's more of a typical US sports fan - a diet of basketball, football, and baseball.

  • Flibster20/01/2009 at 15:58

    Was it a Middle East job? I’m guessing it was - that’s the only place where foreign expats are THAT protected.

    My first 2 days out there was spent with certain bodyguards learning how to load, fire and clear and clean their weapons incase anything bad happened.

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 15:58

    I just mentioned US sports and my comment gets moderated. I didn't even mention NASCAR! :P

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 15:59

    My first 2 days out there was spent with certain bodyguards learning how to load, fire and clear and clean their weapons incase anything bad happened.

    You know, this is reminding me a lot of Syriana, for some reason. :)

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 15:59

    Do you think Obama’s a racing fan?

    short answer: probably not. my more complete answer got moderated. :)

  • me20/01/2009 at 16:00

    short answer: probably not. my more complete answer got moderated.

    :)

    gimmie a min and i'll grab it. bet cnn don't have moderation issues.

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)20/01/2009 at 16:01

    I just mentioned US sports and my comment gets moderated. I didn’t even mention NASCAR!

    NASCAR is not a sport though...

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 16:01

    gimmie a min and i’ll grab it. bet cnn don’t have moderation issues.

    Did you see their election site during the 2008 campaign? That was an absolute mess - even after moderation!

  • Steven Roy20/01/2009 at 16:01

    don’t know if anyone else is watching, but this seems like a handy place to follow the inauguration:

    It's on BBC1

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 16:02

    NASCAR is not a sport though…

    If F1 is a sport, so is NASCAR - even if we're not too keen on it.

  • Flibster20/01/2009 at 16:02

    You know, this is reminding me a lot of Syriana, for some reason.

    Might have been.

    Might not have been.

    Those 3 weeks are still some of the strangest of my life to date. Completely different environment and lifestyle.

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 16:02

    Steven Roy: 20/01/2009 at 16:01

    don’t know if anyone else is watching, but this seems like a handy place to follow the inauguration:

    It’s on BBC1

    Which reminds me: isn't doctorvee a political junkie? I wonder what he thinks of all this.

  • me20/01/2009 at 16:03

    It’s on BBC1

    was following on news 24 too, but i'm not in front of a tv at the moment. online inauguration for me ;)

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)20/01/2009 at 16:03

    If F1 is a sport, so is NASCAR - even if we’re not too keen on it.

    NASCAR is racing entertainment. And I call myself a fan too :-)

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 16:03

    Might have been. Might not have been.

    Wow - was I closer to the truth than even I would've thought?

    Those 3 weeks are still some of the strangest of my life to date. Completely different environment and lifestyle.

    Yup, Syriana all right.

  • Steven Roy20/01/2009 at 16:04

    My question, though: will the viewing figures for this beat the one for Diana’s funeral back in 97?

    Worldwide yes UK no

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 16:05

    Worldwide yes UK no

    Yup, as I thought. But I think the UK numbers will be a close-run thing, thanks to the Internet.

  • Flibster20/01/2009 at 16:06

    so is NASCAR - even if we’re not too keen on it.

    They're making a left turn!

    http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=oC1d4WXlhvE

  • me20/01/2009 at 16:07

    Yup, as I thought. But I think the UK numbers will be a close-run thing, thanks to the Internet.

    not sure. currently in a large office, and i'm the only one watching... or even showing any interest.

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 16:08

    not sure. currently in a large office, and i’m the only one watching… or even showing any interest.

    Really? Wow. But even so, there's increased interest over there. There are Inauguration parties in London, for crying out loud! :D

    CNN already guesstimating that this will be the most-watched event - ever. No surprise there, then.

  • Steven Roy20/01/2009 at 16:08

    Is it bad that I’m half expecting the presidential car to be a Stretched Hummer with kickin’ bass bins and hydraulic suspension allowing it to bounce up and down?

    If they change the rules and let Arnie run for President that's wgat you will get.

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 16:09

    They’re making a left turn!

    They DO have road courses too. :D

  • Steven Roy20/01/2009 at 16:11

    Which reminds me: isn’t doctorvee a political junkie? I wonder what he thinks of all this.

    He has a political blog

  • Alex Andronov20/01/2009 at 16:12

    not sure. currently in a large office, and i’m the only one watching… or even showing any interest.

    I'm the only one in my house and I'm not watching it yet! Grrr... Pesky Americans phoning me from the office. They're working! Why can't they take the time off?

  • Steven Roy20/01/2009 at 16:12

    Yup, as I thought. But I think the UK numbers will be a close-run thing, thanks to the Internet.

    I don't think so. A lot of the people who bought into the Diana myth will not see this as being remotely as important as her death. Sad but true.

  • me20/01/2009 at 16:14

    I’m the only one in my house and I’m not watching it yet! Grrr… Pesky Americans phoning me from the office. They’re working! Why can’t they take the time off?

    of all people!

  • Flibster20/01/2009 at 16:14

    Doesn't daddy Bush look wobbley now....

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 16:16

    I’m the only one in my house and I’m not watching it yet! Grrr… Pesky Americans phoning me from the office. They’re working! Why can’t they take the time off?

    Actually, most Americans ARE watching in the office and asking why they weren't given time off. Not all, I guess.

    Doesn’t daddy Bush look wobbley now….

    Yup. Quite a contrast to former President Carter.

    I don’t think so. A lot of the people who bought into the Diana myth will not see this as being remotely as important as her death. Sad but true.

    I don't think Diana's persona was a myth, but this is definitely much more significant than Diana's death, as it marks the beginning of an era, not the end of one.

  • Flibster20/01/2009 at 16:17

    And there's President Clinton and her husband Bill

  • me20/01/2009 at 16:17

    And there’s President Clinton and her husband Bill

    :D

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 16:18

    And there’s President Clinton and her husband Bill

    Hahahahaha! To think that that was the popular opinion this time last year.

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 16:19

    Former presidents now being introduced.

  • Alex Andronov20/01/2009 at 16:19

    And there’s President Clinton and her husband Bill

    Hasn't Obama hired her to be his secretary. That's quite a step down for her ;)

  • Flibster20/01/2009 at 16:19

    I still think she will become President if the money keeps coming in.

    This is interesting. Inauguration in numbers

    http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSTRE50J18720090120?virtualBrandChannel=10112

  • Steven Roy20/01/2009 at 16:19

    I don’t think Diana’s persona was a myth, but this is definitely much more significant than Diana’s death, as it marks the beginning of an era, not the end of one.

    The same week Diana died Mother Theresa of Calcutta died. One dedicated her life to doing good and the other had a public image for doing good.

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 16:21

    Saw the pan-out shot of the Mall. The crowd is just absolutely awesome.

    I still think she will become President if the money keeps coming in.

    In 2016, I guess. And God knows that's WAY off.

    The same week Diana died Mother Theresa of Calcutta died. One dedicated her life to doing good and the other had a public image for doing good.

    Still, both inspired many others to do good and serve others.

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 16:23

    This is interesting. Inauguration in numbers http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSTRE50J18720090120?virtualBrandChannel=10112

    More by the numbers:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hvXMuzCimk

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 16:23

    YouTube Inauguration by the Numbers link has been moderated.

  • Steven Roy20/01/2009 at 16:24

    In 2016, I guess. And God knows that’s WAY off.

    She will be about 70 years old by then

  • Flibster20/01/2009 at 16:25

    Saw the pan-out shot of the Mall. The crowd is just absolutely awesome.

    That was amazing. Looked great in HD. :D

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 16:26

    That was amazing. Looked great in HD.

    Arrgh. How I wish I had HD. Seeing another pan-out crowd shot. :)

  • Flibster20/01/2009 at 16:29

    Journeyer: 20/01/2009 at 16:26

    That was amazing. Looked great in HD.

    Arrgh. How I wish I had HD. Seeing another pan-out crowd shot.

    I'm sure it will be available a couple of hours after the event. ;)

    Look at the thickness of that bullet resistant glass around the podium. I seem to recall there was a cover over it to prevent them getting wet *cough* Whats the betting it's glazed with the same material.

  • Flibster20/01/2009 at 16:30

    It's going to be strange having a young president.

  • Steven Roy20/01/2009 at 16:30

    I’m sure it will be available a couple of hours after the event. Look at the thickness of that bullet resistant glass around the podium. I seem to recall there was a cover over it to prevent them getting wet *cough* Whats the betting it’s glazed with the same material.

    It probably has to be so thick in case of big hail stones

  • Flibster20/01/2009 at 16:31

    First Mother in Law... :D

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 16:31

    It probably has to be so thick in case of big hail stones

    That is SUPER thick.

    It’s going to be strange having a young president.

    Clinton was relatively young when he took office. Around the same age as Obama, methinks.

  • Flibster20/01/2009 at 16:33

    Clinton was relatively young when he took office. Around the same age as Obama, methinks.

    True.

  • Scott Woodwiss20/01/2009 at 16:34

    They're chanting Obama and they're going to get one. Just not the right one :P

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 16:35

    They’re chanting Obama and they’re going to get one. Just not the right one

    Not sure what you mean?

  • Steven Roy20/01/2009 at 16:35

    I wonder if Cheney's walking stick is loaded

  • Alex Andronov20/01/2009 at 16:36

    I wonder if Cheney’s walking stick is loaded

    :)

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 16:36

    I wonder if Cheney’s walking stick is loaded

    Hahaha! With Dick, you never know... :)

  • Flibster20/01/2009 at 16:36

    It also seems to streamed in HD quality...

    http://skynews.streaming.skysports.com/news/hd/index.html

  • Scott Woodwiss20/01/2009 at 16:36

    Not sure what you mean?

    The crowd was chanting "O-BA-MA" because they wanted Barack, but they got Michelle instead :P

  • Steven Roy20/01/2009 at 16:37

    Hahaha! With Dick, you never know…

    He will probably accidently shoot Bush

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 16:37

    The crowd was chanting “O-BA-MA” because they wanted Barack, but they got Michelle instead

    Not that they really cared. Hahaha! The crowd will go bonkers when he steps out.

  • Alex Andronov20/01/2009 at 16:38

    Not that they really cared. Hahaha! The crowd will go bonkers when he steps out.

    It's like when a roadie comes out at a gig!

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 16:38

    He will probably accidently shoot Bush

    Like that guy he accidentally shot on a hunting trip? Hah!

  • me20/01/2009 at 16:39

    It also seems to streamed in HD quality…

    pah, windows only.

  • me20/01/2009 at 16:39

    It’s like when a roadie comes out at a gig!

    :D

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 16:40

    pah, windows only.

    Oops. :D

  • Alex Andronov20/01/2009 at 16:40

    pah, windows only.

    You even get a mac in the office :(

  • Scott Woodwiss20/01/2009 at 16:40

    If anyone cares at the moment, BAT race at Magny Cours is done, Ferrari win again but Macca gets a 2-3 :P

  • me20/01/2009 at 16:40

    You even get a mac in the office

    imac baby!

  • Alex Andronov20/01/2009 at 16:40

    It’s like when a roadie comes out at a gig!

    Testing... 1... 2... 1.. 2...

  • Flibster20/01/2009 at 16:40

    me: 20/01/2009 at 16:39

    It also seems to streamed in HD quality…

    pah, windows only.

    Says windows or mac on the previous page.

  • Alex Andronov20/01/2009 at 16:42

    imac baby!

    Harrumph!

  • me20/01/2009 at 16:42

    Says windows or mac on the previous page.

    said IE was required when i got there, but i'll let you off ;)

  • Alex Andronov20/01/2009 at 16:43

    All of the other people introduced have been white and mainly men.

  • Steven Roy20/01/2009 at 16:43

    If anyone cares at the moment, BAT race at Magny Cours is done, Ferrari win again but Macca gets a 2-3

    We have to start beating them red cars

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 16:43

    Obama stepping out. Crowd going NUTS!

  • Alex Andronov20/01/2009 at 16:44

    All of the other people introduced have been white and mainly men.

    Not this one.

  • me20/01/2009 at 16:44

    Obama stepping out. Crowd going NUTS!

    wow!

  • Scott Woodwiss20/01/2009 at 16:44

    We have to start beating them red cars

    Well we can get one, it's just the other one that's the problem ;)

  • Scott Woodwiss20/01/2009 at 16:44

    THERE HE IS! :D

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 16:44

    Well we can get one, it’s just the other one that’s the problem

    Was this the race where Alia got pole? Where did she end up?

  • Scott Woodwiss20/01/2009 at 16:45

    Was this the race where Alia got pole? Where did she end up?

    Out on lap 37 with electrics failure

  • Flibster20/01/2009 at 16:46

    Even HD doesn't have enough bandwidth to cope with all those flags waving. went a bit mental. :D

  • Steven Roy20/01/2009 at 16:46

    Was this the race where Alia got pole? Where did she end up?

    She retired on lap 37 but had dopped to about 12th by then. Maybe pit stops made her position look worse than it was. She deserved better for getting pole in a FIF1

  • Alex Andronov20/01/2009 at 16:49

    There's a guy in the top table audience at the top there with a Stetson on.

  • Steven Roy20/01/2009 at 16:49

    Seems a bit odd that the only thing above the glass is the bit someone would want to shoot at. Was the glass designed by the Renault nose and livery department

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 16:49

    Rick Warren giving his invocation. His selection caused a lot of grief among the liberals who are completely against his policies, especially when it comes to gay rights.

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 16:51

    Seems a bit odd that the only thing above the glass is the bit someone would want to shoot at. Was the glass designed by the Renault nose and livery department

    I guess protection above that glass is covered by the counter-snipers.

  • Flibster20/01/2009 at 16:52

    Alex Andronov: 20/01/2009 at 16:49

    There’s a guy in the top table audience at the top there with a Stetson on.

    I thought I was imagining it... :D

    Steven Roy: 20/01/2009 at 16:49

    Seems a bit odd that the only thing above the glass is the bit someone would want to shoot at. Was the glass designed by the Renault nose and livery department

    Some protection is better than none - protects them nicely from close up - but is someone really wants to kill someone else they will do it. It's the gettign away that s the hard bit.

  • Alex Andronov20/01/2009 at 16:53

    I thought I was imagining it…

    If anyone is the sniper it's the guy in the stetson...

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 16:53

    Some protection is better than none - protects them nicely from close up - but [if] someone really wants to kill someone else they will do it. It’s the [getting] away that s the hard bit.

    Surely they should be more concerned about stopping them at the killing part rather than the getting away part? :)

  • Flibster20/01/2009 at 16:53

    If anyone is the sniper it’s the guy in the stetson…

    Hiding by being obvious... 'Oh it won't he him' type

  • Flibster20/01/2009 at 16:54

    Now thats a hat!

  • Alex Andronov20/01/2009 at 16:54

    Hiding by being obvious… ‘Oh it won’t he him’ type

    Nobody remembers him. They just remember the hat.

  • Steven Roy20/01/2009 at 16:54

    If anyone is the sniper it’s the guy in the stetson…

    I would still bet on Cheney

  • me20/01/2009 at 16:55

    Now thats a hat!

    :D

  • Alex Andronov20/01/2009 at 16:55

    I would still bet on Cheney

    The penguin has left the building.

  • Flibster20/01/2009 at 16:56

    Surely they should be more concerned about stopping them at the killing part rather than the getting away part?

    If someone is that determined - you can't stop them. Most often they don't plan on escaping anyway.

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 16:57

    Time to swear Biden in.

  • Alex Andronov20/01/2009 at 16:57

    They are running out of time.

  • Steven Roy20/01/2009 at 16:58

    Just think had things gone differently we could be watching that insane woman being sworn in now

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 16:58

    If someone is that determined - you can’t stop them. Most often they don’t plan on escaping anyway.

    But if you're the Secret Service and you can't stop them, then you've failed. I mean, their job is to protect the President and foil all attempts on their lives, right?

    They are running out of time.

    Less than 2 minutes to go.

  • Flibster20/01/2009 at 16:58

    You can hear the presenters on BBC shivering.

    Biden looks like Clinton on 30 years...

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 16:59

    Just think had things gone differently we could be watching that insane woman being sworn in now

    Noooo... Purge that thought from your head! :)

  • Flibster20/01/2009 at 17:00

    John Williams? Star Wars theme or Indiana Jones theme?

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 17:00

    With less than a minute to go, Obama's swearing in will probably be 2-3 minutes late.

  • me20/01/2009 at 17:00

    With less than a minute to go, Obama’s swearing in will probably be 2-3 minutes late.

    sidepodtime!

  • Steven Roy20/01/2009 at 17:01

    But if you’re the Secret Service and you can’t stop them, then you’ve failed. I mean, their job is to protect the President and foil all attempts on their lives, right?

    Flibster is right though. If someone is determined and remotely intelliegent they cannot be stopped.

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 17:01

    sidepodtime!

    Hahaha! Nice to see it's popular with the President as well. :P

  • Steven Roy20/01/2009 at 17:01

    sidepodtime!

    Taking over the world a bit at a time

  • Alex Andronov20/01/2009 at 17:01

    Their poor fingers in this temperature.

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 17:01

    Obama just became president; the Constitution states his term begins at noon even without oath.

  • Flibster20/01/2009 at 17:01

    But if you’re the Secret Service and you can’t stop them, then you’ve failed. I mean, their job is to protect the President and foil all attempts on their lives, right?

    How do you stop a sniper from a mile away?

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 17:03

    How do you stop a sniper from a mile away?

    Snipe him before he can snipe Obama. From what I understand, Secret Service snipers always have partners with them, who act as spotters for potential danger.

  • Alex Andronov20/01/2009 at 17:03

    Obama just became president; the Constitution states his term begins at noon even without oath.

    Absolutely. Now he could just run off and rule without having taken the oath. Then he can invade the moon and switzerland and all that crazy stuff the oath probably says you can't do!

  • Steven Roy20/01/2009 at 17:03

    How do you stop a sniper from a mile away?

    Reagan was shot at point blank range. Fortunately the bullet hit his head so no real damage was done.

  • Alex Andronov20/01/2009 at 17:03

    Reagan was shot at point blank range. Fortunately the bullet hit his head so no real damage was done.

    :)

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 17:04

    Reagan was shot at point blank range. Fortunately the bullet hit his head so no real damage was done.

    Heh. But seriously, I guess they've figured out how to avoid that. That was the last known assassination attempt we've had. None have followed since.

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 17:05

    Crowd going nuts again. Here we go, folks.

  • Flibster20/01/2009 at 17:05

    Reagan was shot at point blank range. Fortunately the bullet hit his head so no real damage was done.

    IIRC, the president was pushed into the car by the secret service and the bullet that hit him had ricocheted off the armoured car... D'OH!

  • Scott Woodwiss20/01/2009 at 17:06

    This is it, people. History is about to me made before our very eyes.

  • Steven Roy20/01/2009 at 17:06

    Snipe him before he can snipe Obama. From what I understand, Secret Service snipers always have partners with them, who act as spotters for potential danger.

    I bet if you asked any ofthe secret service snipers if they thought that they could successfully shoot someone under the same circumstances tthey would all say yes.

  • Steven Roy20/01/2009 at 17:06

    IIRC, the president was pushed into the car by the secret service and the bullet that hit him had ricocheted off the armoured car… D’OH!

    I didn't know that

  • Flibster20/01/2009 at 17:06

    Sworn in. Kids sound like they are chattering away... :D

  • Alex Andronov20/01/2009 at 17:06

    Heh. But seriously, I guess they’ve figured out how to avoid that. That was the last known assassination attempt we’ve had. None have followed since.

    It was very lucky that the shoe throwing guy wasn't more trouble. He had time to take off his second shoe for goodness sake!

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 17:06

    This is it, people. History is about to me made before our very eyes.

    It's done. Crowd going nuts. Some even tossed their hats into the air. "Hail to the Chief" being played amidst a 21-gun salute.

  • Scott Woodwiss20/01/2009 at 17:07

    There we go. America now has its black president :)

  • Steven Roy20/01/2009 at 17:08

    Fellow citizens not fellow Americans??

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 17:08

    Polite applause for the now former president Dubya.

    Fellow citizens not fellow Americans??

    His speech is as much for the world as it is for America.

  • Alex Andronov20/01/2009 at 17:08

    Fellow citizens not fellow Americans??

    Absolutely crucial that! First I can remember!

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 17:09

    Absolutely crucial that! First I can remember!

    Really? Has it always been fellow Americans in the past?

  • R.G (One of them was facebooked on youtube)20/01/2009 at 17:10

    Evnin all.

    I'll be honest, is the news this bad that we are talking about the US inaguration

  • Steven Roy20/01/2009 at 17:10

    Really? Has it always been fellow Americans in the past?

    It is almost a standard phrase in all presidential speeches

  • me20/01/2009 at 17:10

    I’ll be honest, is the news this bad that we are talking about the US inaguration

    f1 will wait.

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 17:11

    It is almost a standard phrase in all presidential speeches

    I see. In that case, it's a subtle yet significant shift in stance and approach.

  • Alex Andronov20/01/2009 at 17:11

    It is almost a standard phrase in all presidential speeches

    You start with my fellow Americans and end with God bless America

  • Steven Roy20/01/2009 at 17:11

    I’ll be honest, is the news this bad that we are talking about the US inaguration

    This is a massively important historical event

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 17:12

    This is a massively important historical event

    That cannot be stated enough. MASSIVELY important. And now with this economic crisis, even more so.

  • Flibster20/01/2009 at 17:15

    It was very lucky that the shoe throwing guy wasn’t more trouble. He had time to take off his second shoe for goodness sake!

    He could have been a shoe bomber as well...

  • Flibster20/01/2009 at 17:16

    It's a damn good speech too.

  • Steven Roy20/01/2009 at 17:16

    It’s a damn good speech too.

    You can hear bits of Martin Luther King and JFK in the tone

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 17:17

    Flibster: 20/01/2009 at 17:16

    It’s a damn good speech too.

    VERY darn good. Meeting and exceeding expectations so far. We're around halfway through the speech.

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 17:18

    "We are ready to lead once more." Political punchline right there.

  • Steven Roy20/01/2009 at 17:20

    That sounded like a Martin Luther King impression

  • Flibster20/01/2009 at 17:20

    Covering pretty much all the religeous beliefs including 'nonbelievers'.

  • RCC (aka RockingCopseCorner)20/01/2009 at 17:20

    Is he the president or the new messiah? The beeb seems to think he's the second coming.

  • Alex Andronov20/01/2009 at 17:21

    “We are ready to lead once more.” Political punchline right there.

    Your people will judge you on what you build rather than what you destroy.

  • Flibster20/01/2009 at 17:21

    Steven Roy: 20/01/2009 at 17:20

    That sounded like a Martin Luther King impression

    Definately sounds like an influence.

  • Jon Waldock20/01/2009 at 17:21

    anyone know who BMW's test driver is?

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 17:22

    Steven Roy: 20/01/2009 at 17:20

    That sounded like a Martin Luther King impression

    VERY much so. Much of his speech is centering on unity in times of adversity.

    Covering pretty much all the religeous beliefs including ‘nonbelievers’.

    Indeed.

    Is he the president or the new messiah? The beeb seems to think he’s the second coming.

    To be fair, after Bush 43, there's no way to go but up.

  • Steven Roy20/01/2009 at 17:22

    anyone know who BMW’s test driver is?

    Klien?

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 17:23

    Steven Roy: 20/01/2009 at 17:22

    anyone know who BMW’s test driver is?

    Klien?

    Yup, it's Klien, methinks, unless something changed. Why?

  • Scott Woodwiss20/01/2009 at 17:23

    Klien?

    Yeah, Klien it is.

  • me20/01/2009 at 17:24

    Yeah, Klien it is.

    https://www.press.bmw-motorsport.com/pcmot/p/photo.htm?docNo=P90044767

  • Jon Waldock20/01/2009 at 17:24

    Yup, it’s Klien, methinks, unless something changed. Why?

    nothings changed, i just wasnt sure who the guy in the picture was

  • me20/01/2009 at 17:25

    Your people will judge you on what you build rather than what you destroy.

    fantastic.

  • Scott Woodwiss20/01/2009 at 17:25

    HAHA! I just heard someone's phone go off in the crowd :D

  • Steven Roy20/01/2009 at 17:26

    Great speech.

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 17:27

    Not the most stunning of endings (I think the one post-election was more stunning), but still very emotional. On balance, still probably one of his best speeches yet.

  • Scott Woodwiss20/01/2009 at 17:27

    Great speech.

    Seconded.

  • me20/01/2009 at 17:27

    Great speech.

    awesome speech.

  • Alex Andronov20/01/2009 at 17:28

    HAHA! I just heard someone’s phone go off in the crowd

    HELLO! I'm at the inauguration.

  • Steven Roy20/01/2009 at 17:28

    His daughter just said "great speech".

    She was with him at the Lincoln memorial a few days ago reading the speeches on it and she turned to him and told him that he had beeter make a great speech today.

  • lou20/01/2009 at 17:28

    wow, incredible speech from Obama.

  • Flibster20/01/2009 at 17:28

    me: 20/01/2009 at 17:27

    Great speech.

    awesome speech.

    Yup.

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 17:29

    me: 20/01/2009 at 17:27

    Great speech.

    awesome speech.

    wow, incredible speech from Obama.

    Agreed. Just... wow.

  • lou20/01/2009 at 17:29

    She was with him at the Lincoln memorial a few days ago reading the speeches on it and she turned to him and told him that he had beeter make a great speech today.

    aww :)

  • Alex Andronov20/01/2009 at 17:29

    Not the most stunning of endings (I think the one post-election was more stunning), but still very emotional. On balance, still probably one of his best speeches yet.

    I think the BBC chap had it right. He had the sense of hope, but he also mentioned GDP. He needed to make some of it very businesslike.

  • Alex Andronov20/01/2009 at 17:30

    I think the BBC chap had it right. He had the sense of hope, but he also mentioned GDP. He needed to make some of it very businesslike.

    The balance was incredible.

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 17:31

    Alex Andronov: 20/01/2009 at 17:30

    I think the BBC chap had it right. He had the sense of hope, but he also mentioned GDP. He needed to make some of it very businesslike.

    The balance was incredible.

    Indeed. The specifics were there, but the emotional tone was still very much there.

  • Lukeh20/01/2009 at 17:32

    Agreed. Just… wow.

    Agreed, so much more promsie form Obama than we had from Bush 8 years ago

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 17:34

    Agreed, so much more [promise from] Obama than we had from Bush 8 years ago

    Tons more promise. I think Cheney being on a wheelchair today sums up the Bush presidency rather nicely.

  • Dom20/01/2009 at 17:34

    awesome speech.

    Don't tell me I've just missed it!

    Grrr...

  • Flibster20/01/2009 at 17:34

    Agreed, so much more promsie form Obama than we had from Bush 8 years ago

    he now has the problems of living up to the expectations.

  • Lukeh20/01/2009 at 17:35

    Apologies for my awful spelling there :P

  • Jon Waldock20/01/2009 at 17:37

    Love this guy lol

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 17:37

    Don’t tell me I’ve just missed it!

    Alas, you just did. Well, you can YouTube it in an hour or so, I'm sure.

    he now has the problems of living up to the expectations.

    Well, most people are actually giving Obama the benefit of the doubt, agreeing that he will need years to solve these problems. At least that's what most surveys are saying.

  • Steven Roy20/01/2009 at 17:37

    I think he knows how to work a crowd

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 17:38

    Love this guy lol

    Nice end there. VERY nice. :) Most people rushing off the Mall to the parade route now.

  • Lukeh20/01/2009 at 17:38

    Love this guy lol

    I loved the ending to his speech ^_^

  • Dom20/01/2009 at 17:39

    Alas, you just did. Well, you can YouTube it in an hour or so, I’m sure.

    iPlayer?

  • lou20/01/2009 at 17:40

    iPlayer?

    yep it will be on their too :)

  • Steven Roy20/01/2009 at 17:40

    iPlayer?

    It has been live on BBC1 so you should get it on iplayer

  • Flibster20/01/2009 at 17:41

    That was a great ending to a speech.

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 17:42

    That was a great ending to a speech.

    Very much so. I wonder what line the media will single out though and quote for decades to come?

  • Flibster20/01/2009 at 17:42

    Is Hilary Clinton almost as scary as that vice president loony bint?

    Every time she smiles, her mouth and eyes open wide... Creepy...

  • Flibster20/01/2009 at 17:43

    Very much so. I wonder what line the media will single out though and quote for decades to come?

    Many to choose from.

    Look at everyone rushing off to starbucks to get a hot drink. ;)

  • Alex Andronov20/01/2009 at 17:43

    I think it was this: "Your people will judge you on what you build rather than what you destroy."

  • Steven Roy20/01/2009 at 17:45

    Is Hilary Clinton almost as scary as that vice president loony bint?

    I don't think anyone is as scary as Sarah Palin apart from McCann who decided she would be his running mate after meeting her once. You have to question the judgement of anyone who thinks that you can give a job like that to someone he has only ever met once. Doesn't say much fro the people he has worked with throughout his career.

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 17:45

    Look at everyone rushing off to starbucks to get a hot drink.

    Haha! No, they're rushing off to the Parade Route to see Obama close-up.

    I think it was this: “Your people will judge you on what you build rather than what you destroy.”

    Sounds good! But I wonder if they'll pick a line closer to a call for action?

  • R.G (One of them was facebooked on youtube)20/01/2009 at 17:46

    As always, boston.com has some brilliant pics of the preps.

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

    I love the lego one.

  • Flibster20/01/2009 at 17:47

    The chap the BBC are now interviewing from Georgia has nailed it. Why did he have to be ther? History is being made.

  • Steven Roy20/01/2009 at 17:48

    I thought the way he weaved the stories of the slaves and the white population was very clever. Talking about how we struggled to settle the west and suffered the lash of the whip. It was almost like saying we were all fighting to get to here and whatever we did to get here should not be used to seprate us but we should be united in doing the best we can together in the future. Very cleverly constructed

  • Alex Andronov20/01/2009 at 17:51

    Sounds good! But I wonder if they’ll pick a line closer to a call for action?

    America is prepared to lead again.

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 17:53

    I love the lego one.

    Funny, though. They re-enacted the OLD setup, which is on the East Front of the Capitol. All inaugurations since Reagan's have used the NEW setup, which is on the West Front of the Capitol (the one facing the Mall).

    America is prepared to lead again.

    Yup, that's the one I personally like. :D

  • Andy Taylor20/01/2009 at 17:53

    Who cares. I went shopping then. :D it was fantastic. City centre was deserted.

    I can't remember what we did, but we certainly didn't watch the funeral.

    I couldn't understand the fuss over a woman too stupid to wear a seatbelt in a fast car.

  • Flibster20/01/2009 at 17:54

    Bye bye bush... Don't let the door of the chopper hit you on the bum on the way out!

  • Steven Roy20/01/2009 at 17:55

    I couldn’t understand the fuss over a woman too stupid to wear a seatbelt in a fast car.

    You can't believe the amount of grief i have had for using that line.

  • Flibster20/01/2009 at 17:55

    Steven Roy: 20/01/2009 at 17:55

    I couldn’t understand the fuss over a woman too stupid to wear a seatbelt in a fast car.

    You can’t believe the amount of grief i have had for using that line.

    I've said worse... ;)

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 17:56

    Steven Roy: 20/01/2009 at 17:55

    I couldn’t understand the fuss over a woman too stupid to wear a seatbelt in a fast car.

    You can’t believe the amount of grief i have had for using that line.

    Well, I wouldn't want to hit on someone who died, regardless of whether it was her fault or not. And although she didn't wear the seatbelt, the main fault wasn't with her anyway.

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 17:57

    Flibster: 20/01/2009 at 17:54

    Bye bye bush… Don’t let the door of the chopper hit you on the bum on the way out!

    Adios, Bush. :P

  • Steven Roy20/01/2009 at 18:00

    Well, I wouldn’t want to hit on someone who died, regardless of whether it was her fault or not. And although she didn’t wear the seatbelt, the main fault wasn’t with her anyway.

    She chose to get in a car with a driver who was drunk and didn't have the sense to wear a seatbelt even when the guy was driving to fast. At the very least that is contributory negligence.

    I hate that she has been eulogised since she died. In the months before she died the newspapers were tearing her apart. The standard comment was along the lines of "Is this woman capable of doing anything other than taking holidays?" The second shed died she became Saint Diana who had done such wonderful things.

  • R.G (One of them was facebooked on youtube)20/01/2009 at 18:01

    Adios, Bush.

    Cheerio Mister Bush, hello brighter future.

    I hope.

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 18:02

    She chose to get in a car with a driver who was drunk and didn’t have the sense to wear a seatbelt even when the guy was driving to fast. At the very least that is contributory negligence.

    But I don't think she knew he was drunk, right?

    I hate that she has been eulogised since she died. In the months before she died the newspapers were tearing her apart. The standard comment was along the lines of “Is this woman capable of doing anything other than taking holidays?” The second shed died she became Saint Diana who had done such wonderful things.

    I guess the press felt guilty. Remember, it was the paparazzi chasing her to her death. The press overstepped their boundaries there.

  • Flibster20/01/2009 at 18:05

    Back to F1 for a moment.

    Just seen an article stating that the F60 in it's current form is not compliant with the 2009 regs.

    The exhausts aren't covered as required. Cooling issues again?

  • Alex Andronov20/01/2009 at 18:08

    I guess the press felt guilty. Remember, it was the paparazzi chasing her to her death. The press overstepped their boundaries there.

    I think Private Eye said it best (at the time):

    http://www.private-eye.co.uk/pictures/covers/full/932_big.jpg

  • Steven Roy20/01/2009 at 18:09

    I just noticed Lou got 4th in a Honda.

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 18:09

    Flibster: 20/01/2009 at 18:05

    Back to F1 for a moment.

    Just seen an article stating that the F60 in it’s current form is not compliant with the 2009 regs.

    The exhausts aren’t covered as required. Cooling issues again?

    More probably their way of interpreting the rules. BMW's exhausts are also not fully covered.

  • Steven Roy20/01/2009 at 18:09

    Just seen an article stating that the F60 in it’s current form is not compliant with the 2009 regs.

    I saw that yesterday. It was rumoured that the exhausts were the real reason for Ferrari switching to Mugello

  • Journeyer20/01/2009 at 18:11

    Steven Roy: 20/01/2009 at 18:09

    I just noticed Lou got 4th in a Honda.

    Well done, Lou! :)

  • lou20/01/2009 at 18:11

    I just noticed Lou got 4th in a Honda.

    I DID?! :| *goes to check*

  • Andy Taylor20/01/2009 at 18:18

    I think Private Eye said it best (at the time)

    I had so much trouble getting that issue, I started subscribing again.

    I know Diana wasn't in control of the situation, but remember of the 4 occupants of the car, the only survivor was wearing a seatbelt.

  • Alex Andronov20/01/2009 at 18:23

    I've had a lot of trouble with the doohicky today. I've also had lot of trouble with my internet connection being slow and timing out. Co-incidence? I doubt it.

    Could it be that when the doohicky can't find the server once it doesn't work again?

  • R.G (One of them was facebooked on youtube)20/01/2009 at 18:25

    Could it be that when the doohicky can’t find the server once it doesn’t work again?

    Lclt is being awkward as well, need refreshing a bit and posts not coming up (as in not working when I click the Post Comment button)

  • Scott Woodwiss20/01/2009 at 18:34

    Has anyone watched my video on drop.io? :)

  • me20/01/2009 at 18:34

    Could it be that when the doohicky can’t find the server once it doesn’t work again?

    correct. as with lclt.

    am working on fixes though, because 3g connections can be flaky, and they do that a lot.

  • me20/01/2009 at 18:34

    Has anyone watched my video on drop.io?

    it was a bit green?

  • Scott Woodwiss20/01/2009 at 18:35

    it was a bit green?

    I know, I've no idea why it did that :(

  • lou20/01/2009 at 18:36

    I DID?! *goes to check*

    i didn't... apparently, it tells me i was 11th? :(

  • Steven Roy20/01/2009 at 18:38

    I’ve had a lot of trouble with the doohicky today. I’ve also had lot of trouble with my internet connection being slow and timing out. Co-incidence? I doubt it.

    I have had a few problems with the doohickey too. It seems to stop polling every 20 minutes

  • R.G (One of them was facebooked on youtube)20/01/2009 at 18:39

    i didn’t… apparently, it tells me i was 11th?

    I get Trig 4th.

    4th fasted lap though, might be what whoever meant.

  • R.G (One of them was facebooked on youtube)20/01/2009 at 18:40

    I have had a few problems with the doohickey too. It seems to stop polling every 20 minutes

    I might go all retro back to 'Ye Ol Commenting'

  • Steven Roy20/01/2009 at 18:41

    4th fasted lap though, might be what whoever meant.

    Sorry Lou. It was the fastest lap page I was looking at. Still quite an achievement

  • me20/01/2009 at 18:42

    I know, I’ve no idea why it did that

    i'll look into it. couldn't do much today. was it fine before you uploaded?

  • me20/01/2009 at 18:43

    I have had a few problems with the doohickey too. It seems to stop polling every 20 minutes

    i think the problems are posting related. christine and i both had it running for 3 hours during the show on sunday. soon as she typed a response it stopped.

  • lou20/01/2009 at 18:44

    Sorry Lou. It was the fastest lap page I was looking at. Still quite an achievement

    lol tis fine. ;)

  • Alex Andronov20/01/2009 at 18:45

    i think the problems are posting related. christine and i both had it running for 3 hours during the show on sunday. soon as she typed a response it stopped.

    Ah that sounds like it might have been possible.

  • Scott Woodwiss20/01/2009 at 18:49

    i’ll look into it. couldn’t do much today. was it fine before you uploaded?

    no it was like that when i first published it. It's nothing to do with drop.io. I've never found out why it published like that. :/

  • Steven Roy20/01/2009 at 18:50

    Alianora now has two posts covering the changes to the technical regs on her blog. I know a lot of people read her post on the sporting regs so they may find these interesting.

    http://formula1home.com/forum/weblog.php?w=5

  • me20/01/2009 at 18:50

    Alianora now has two posts covering the changes to the technical regs on her blog. I know a lot of people read her post on the sporting regs so they may find these interesting.

    ace. on my way there now.

  • Scott Woodwiss20/01/2009 at 19:04

    Steven - BAT runs are done, setup is converted :)

  • Steven Roy20/01/2009 at 19:16

    Steven - BAT runs are done, setup is converted

    Thanks Scott

  • Lukeh20/01/2009 at 19:18

    Richard Hammond has fallen off a horse.

    http://entertainment.uk.msn.com/tv/news/Article.aspx?cp-documentid=13026542&GT1=61503

  • Scott Woodwiss20/01/2009 at 19:33

    Richard Hammond has fallen off a horse.

    LMFAO! Sorry, but seeing something as random as that just made me laugh! :D

    I hope he's OK though, of course :)

  • Scott Woodwiss20/01/2009 at 19:51

    Richard Hammond has fallen off a horse.

    Seeing that makes me imagine Clarkson saying it:

    Clarkson: "Now, while we were off the air, Richard had ANOTHER accident"

    *Audience goes ooooh*

    Clarkson: Mmmm, now Richard - what kind of accident DID you have?

    Hammond: Erm, well, I was at home and I was riding and...I kinda...

    Clarkson: You fell off

    Hammond: Ah yes well...

    Clarkson: Richard Hammond has fallen off a horse

    *Audience laughs*

  • Flibster20/01/2009 at 19:55

    Oh dear - Ted Kennedy has collapsed at the presidential dinner

  • lou20/01/2009 at 20:04

    Oh dear - Ted Kennedy has collapsed at the presidential dinner

    so has Senator Robert Byrd apparently...

  • Scott Woodwiss20/01/2009 at 20:08

    lou: 20/01/2009 at 20:04

    Oh dear - Ted Kennedy has collapsed at the presidential dinner

    so has Senator Robert Byrd apparently…

    Are they OK?

  • R.G (One of them was facebooked on youtube)20/01/2009 at 20:08

    so has Senator Robert Byrd apparently…

    gawd. Two within the same dinner, shocking, really shocking.

  • Steven Roy20/01/2009 at 20:10

    http://livenews.com.au/Articles/2008/05/21/Brain_tumour_caused_Ted_Kennedys_collapse_?=

    It looks like Kennedy has a habit of collapsing

  • Steven Roy20/01/2009 at 20:11

    Just got moderated for the first time in weeks

  • R.G (One of them was facebooked on youtube)20/01/2009 at 20:13

    Are they OK?

    Report here

    http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7841151.stm

  • lou20/01/2009 at 20:13

    Are they OK?

    apparently Ted Kennedy has been suffering with a brain tumour and has been receiving treatment for it recently, but no comments on how he is, nothing on Byrd's condition either.

  • Steven Roy20/01/2009 at 20:17

    apparently Ted Kennedy has been suffering with a brain tumour and has been receiving treatment for it recently, but no comments on how he is, nothing on Byrd’s condition either.

    I posted a link to the story about his brain tumour but the lclt didn't like it. He has apparently collapsed before because of it.

  • R.G (One of them was facebooked on youtube)20/01/2009 at 20:46

    Times for testing at the Algarve

    Pos Driver Team Time Laps 1. Buemi Toro Rosso-Ferrari (B) 1:34.429 48 2. de la Rosa McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:37.512 62 3. Trulli Toyota (B) 1:42.399 30 4. Piquet Renault (B) 1:45.860 9 5. Rosberg Williams-Toyota (B) 1:51.580 31

  • Lukeh20/01/2009 at 20:46

    *shudders*

    Hearing people collapsing scares me so much. Personal experience with family members I suppose.

  • lou20/01/2009 at 20:50

    Times for testing at the Algarve

    ooooh yeah, i forgot there was testing today. lol

  • Flibster20/01/2009 at 20:52

    Something to be aware of with the testing:

    Toro Rosso was a 2008 car

    McLaren was a 2009 car with a 2008 rear wing

    Others were 2009 cars

  • Lukeh20/01/2009 at 20:53

    ooooh yeah, i forgot there was testing today. lol

    yeah I kinda get a feeling that testing wasn't on most people's minds today :P

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)20/01/2009 at 21:42

    I can tell you it's not a nice feeling... :-(

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)20/01/2009 at 21:42

    I can tell you it’s not a nice feeling…

    Collapsing, I mean :-(

  • Scott Woodwiss20/01/2009 at 21:48

    Gavin Brown (RubberGoat): 20/01/2009 at 21:42

    I can tell you it’s not a nice feeling…

    Collapsing, I mean

    Have you had your doctor's appointment yet?

  • Steven Roy20/01/2009 at 22:13

    http://sidepodcast.wetpaint.com/page/Sidepodchat

    Only 3 people signed up for sidepodchat. Where is all that enthusiasm that was in the comments on Sunday night?

  • me20/01/2009 at 22:15

    Only 3 people signed up for sidepodchat. Where is all that enthusiasm that was in the comments on Sunday night?

    does it need more promotion?

  • lou20/01/2009 at 22:15

    Only 3 people signed up for sidepodchat. Where is all that enthusiasm that was in the comments on Sunday night?

    i was/am enthusiastic, never said i'd sign up though :P

  • Christine20/01/2009 at 22:17

    Only 3 people signed up for sidepodchat. Where is all that enthusiasm that was in the comments on Sunday night?

    Quite often people just turn up on the night, as well.

  • R.G (One of them was facebooked on youtube)20/01/2009 at 22:18

    Quite often people just turn up on the night, as well.

    The good ol fashioned way of doing it.

  • Steven Roy20/01/2009 at 22:20

    Quite often people just turn up on the night, as well.

    I am sure that will happen but I think enough people expressed interest on Sunday and i would assume that the only reason they have not signed up is because they missed the previous comment about that page of the Wiki.

    One thing that keeps happening on sidepodcast is every time something new happens new people appear out of the ether so I would not be surprised if we get one or two new people for the new show.

  • Jackie20/01/2009 at 22:22

    Only 3 people signed up for sidepodchat. Where is all that enthusiasm that was in the comments on Sunday night?

    Ah go on go on .. I'm in whatever it is :D

  • me20/01/2009 at 22:26

    Ah go on go on .. I’m in whatever it is

    that's the spirit :D

  • Jackie20/01/2009 at 22:28

    I'm just looking at google reader .. Christine's been busy tonight, 7 new stories to catch up on in F1 minute :)

  • me20/01/2009 at 22:29

    I’m just looking at google reader .. Christine’s been busy tonight, 7 new stories to catch up on in F1 minute

    it never stops :)

  • me20/01/2009 at 22:30

    I’m just looking at google reader .. Christine’s been busy tonight, 7 new stories to catch up on in F1 minute

    although most of those are just press releases used as source material for f1 minute.

  • Steven Roy20/01/2009 at 22:32

    Ah go on go on .. I’m in whatever it is

    Best not to ask too many questions up front. Although to be fair right now I don't think anyone has the slightest idea what the show will be like.

  • me20/01/2009 at 22:34

    Best not to ask too many questions up front. Although to be fair right now I don’t think anyone has the slightest idea what the show will be like.

    not a clue!

  • Flibster20/01/2009 at 22:36

    Christine: 20/01/2009 at 22:17

    Only 3 people signed up for sidepodchat. Where is all that enthusiasm that was in the comments on Sunday night?

    Quite often people just turn up on the night, as well.

    I'll be a maybe...

    Depends on the other half to be fair - she wants me decorating....

    :(

  • Steven Roy20/01/2009 at 22:40

    http://uk.news.yahoo.com/4/20090120/twl-ted-kennedy-collapses-41f21e0.html

    According to his son Ted Kennedy is awake, talking and is going to be fine.

  • Andy Taylor20/01/2009 at 22:41

    Ah go on go on .. I’m in whatever it is

    Just added myself to the list.

  • me20/01/2009 at 22:49

    Just added myself to the list.

    groovy :)

  • Lukeh20/01/2009 at 22:53

    I'll see how I'm feeling closer to the day.

  • Jackie20/01/2009 at 22:55

    How do I get to be blue in the wiki?

  • Steven Roy20/01/2009 at 22:56

    How do I get to be blue in the wiki?

    You need to create a link using the little link symbol at the right hand side of the edit tools thing

  • Steven Roy20/01/2009 at 22:57

    You need to create a link using the little link symbol at the right hand side of the edit tools thing

    Just checked it isn't on the right it is 5 in from the left in the second row.

  • Jackie20/01/2009 at 22:57

    Thanks Steven :)

  • me20/01/2009 at 22:58

    You need to create a link using the little link symbol at the right hand side of the edit tools thing

    think you'll also need to create a page for yourself here:

    http://sidepodcast.wetpaint.com/page/SPC+Regulars

    mind you, don't listen to me. wiki's confuse me :)

  • Jackie20/01/2009 at 23:05

    Yay, I'm blue daba dee daba doo, dabba dee dabba doo etc LOL

  • me20/01/2009 at 23:07

    Yay, I’m blue daba dee daba doo, dabba dee dabba doo etc LOL

    :D

  • Steven Roy20/01/2009 at 23:09

    Yay, I’m blue daba dee daba doo, dabba dee dabba doo etc LOL

    When someone posts a phrase like that there is usually someone close behind suggesting that it goes in the dictionary. I wouldn't do that though.

  • me20/01/2009 at 23:11

    I wouldn’t do that though.

    then some bright spark suggests it would make a good name for a team...

  • Jackie20/01/2009 at 23:14

    Well, if "I'm blue daba dee daba doo racing" makes an appearance on fantasy racers we'll all blame ...... ...

  • Andy Taylor20/01/2009 at 23:15

    then some bright spark suggests it would make a good name for a team…

    :D

  • Steven Roy20/01/2009 at 23:19

    Well, if “I’m blue daba dee daba doo racing” makes an appearance on fantasy racers we’ll all blame …… …

    Makes as much sense as wigglywigglywigglywoshswoosh

  • Steven Roy20/01/2009 at 23:19

    Makes as much sense as wigglywigglywigglywoshswoosh

    wigglywigglywigglywooshswoosh

    Can't believe I spelt it wrong.

  • lou20/01/2009 at 23:23

    then some bright spark suggests it would make a good name for a team…

    hehe :D

    are you gonna be reading out all of the teams next week or just the new ones? can't wait to see how many times in the season you are gonna be saying 'wigglywigglywigglywooshswoosh' :P

  • Andy Taylor20/01/2009 at 23:28

    hehe

    are you gonna be reading out all of the teams next week or just the new ones? can’t wait to see how many times in the season you are gonna be saying ‘wigglywigglywigglywooshswoosh’

    My advice for Christine is to pre-record them all and then just play back using the pinger or the Mac based equivalent.

  • me20/01/2009 at 23:29

    hehe

    are you gonna be reading out all of the teams next week or just the new ones?

    only the new ones. and probs not every week, just when there's a healthy amount to cover :)

  • Flibster20/01/2009 at 23:29

    Who's going to have RedLorryYellowLorry as their team name then? ;)

  • me20/01/2009 at 23:29

    My advice for Christine is to pre-record them all and then just play back using the pinger or the Mac based equivalent.

    oooh. that could very well work.

  • Jackie20/01/2009 at 23:32

    Hope nobody wants the "I'm not a pheasant plucker I'm a pheasant pluckers son team" ;)

  • me20/01/2009 at 23:33

    Hope nobody wants the “I’m not a pheasant plucker I’m a pheasant pluckers son team”

    thus far there's one team name we're not reading out. that could very well be a second :)

  • Jackie20/01/2009 at 23:35

    whoops, blush :( .. runs and hides!

  • Jackie20/01/2009 at 23:45

    Well now that I seem to have scared everyone off for the night I think I'll head off to bed. Night all :)

  • me20/01/2009 at 23:46

    Well now that I seem to have scared everyone off for the night I think I’ll head off to bed. Night all

    night jackie.

  • me20/01/2009 at 23:47

    you're going to need to download this one and zoom in to see anything, but:

    http://drop.io/sidepodcast/asset/inauguration1-jpg

    a view from a very long way above. sidepodspace meets sidepodinauguration.

  • Andy Taylor20/01/2009 at 23:58

    you’re going to need to download this one and zoom in to see anything, but:

    Wow. Just Wow.

  • Journeyer21/01/2009 at 00:03

    Andy Taylor: 20/01/2009 at 23:58

    you’re going to need to download this one and zoom in to see anything, but:

    Wow. Just Wow.

    And to think this was probably NOT during the peak of that ceremony, because I see lots of grass. During the inauguration proper, grass was nowhere to be seen. :)

  • me21/01/2009 at 00:05

    And to think this was probably NOT during the peak of that ceremony, because I see lots of grass. During the inauguration proper, grass was nowhere to be seen.

    the file name had a number one tabbed on the end of it. i'm hoping that means there's more to come.

  • Flibster21/01/2009 at 00:22

    7800x8100 image. :D

    Niiiiiice. Wonder what flew over to take that picture? It's not a commercial satellite. Could well be one of the military aircraft in the area had a camera pod on he bottom.

  • me21/01/2009 at 00:35

    7800×8100 image.

    Niiiiiice. Wonder what flew over to take that picture? It’s not a commercial satellite. Could well be one of the military aircraft in the area had a camera pod on he bottom.

    orig piccy found here:

    http://www.geoeye.com/CorpSite/gallery/Default.aspx

    means nothing to me!

  • Journeyer21/01/2009 at 00:35

    7800×8100 image. Niiiiiice. Wonder what flew over to take that picture? It’s not a commercial satellite. Could well be one of the military aircraft in the area had a camera pod on he bottom.

    CNN said it's a GPS satellite that took the pic.

  • Flibster21/01/2009 at 00:47

    CNN said it’s a GPS satellite that took the pic.

    A shot like that from a height of 20'000km?

    Also, why would a GPS satellite have a camera that powerful? ;)

  • Flibster21/01/2009 at 00:51

    It appears that it is from a commercial satellite.

    GeoEye1 - The Googlesat - altitude of around 680km

    40cm resolution. Pretty impressive, but thats only available to the US Goverment. Plebs like us get 50cm resolution.

  • SteveintheUK21/01/2009 at 04:18

    Hi Christine and Me, First of Thanks for posting all those links to pictures of the new cars, should keep my dad happy on Thursday if I remember to download them all and put them on a memory stick for him.

    Not sure if this is the right place to post this, but where you aware that not only have you already written 50 post so far this month/year, but you have also already had, or will have by the time you read this, 10,000 comments. As of 4.09am you had 9,993 excluding this one.

    spreadsheets.google.com

    My money is on you breaking 250,000 comments for this year alone, just hope your server will be able to cope. Finally count for 2008 was 102,716 plus what every you pulled out of moderation after I had finished that month.

    Oh, and sorry if I have missed this posted somewhere already, but is there a final list of who's driving for whom, and with what engine? Need to pick my team for Fantasy Racers, or are some drivers still likely to change due to the mess that was Honda? Thanks

  • Journeyer21/01/2009 at 04:25

    Well done on the comments, Mr and Mrs C!

    Oh, and sorry if I have missed this posted somewhere already, but is there a final list of who’s driving for whom, and with what engine? Need to pick my team for Fantasy Racers, or are some drivers still likely to change due to the mess that was Honda? Thanks

    There is a tentative list from the FIA, based on drivers that have been confirmed. besides the 2 ex-Honda seats, there is still 1 unconfirmed seat at STR (beside Buemi). It looks like that seat won't be confirmed until ex-Honda's fate is confirmed, as STR have expressed interest in Button if he becomes available.

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)21/01/2009 at 06:49

    Scott Woodwiss:

    Have you had your doctor’s appointment yet?

    Nope, I don't know when it will be, but right now I feel fine. I've been playing Wii Sports and yesterday went ice skating for the very first time.

    I managed to get the hang of it (my friend is a great teacher) :-) and the best news is that I feel 'normal' again - no ill effects whatsoever ;-)

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)21/01/2009 at 06:52

    British GP2 driver Mike Conway switches to IndyCar

    Interesting - clearly he had no chance of an F1 drive but IndyCars is a bit of a dead end...

    Unless - he's trying to get into sportscars by making a name for himself over there and waiting for an LMP1/2 drive in the ALMS..?

  • Journeyer21/01/2009 at 08:20

    Unless - he’s trying to get into sportscars by making a name for himself over there and waiting for an LMP1/2 drive in the ALMS..?

    Good guess, Gavin. I wouldn't be surprised if that were the case. Most of the major IndyCar teams run ALMS programs (Ganassi, Penske, and AGR all have teams), and it's the fastest way to get to Le Mans.

    But is it the best route? I'm not so sure. The regular front-runners Audi and Peugeot get European-based drivers, so it might be better for Mike to try out his luck on the Continent instead.

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)21/01/2009 at 08:35

    But is it the best route? I’m not so sure. The regular front-runners Audi and Peugeot get European-based drivers, so it might be better for Mike to try out his luck on the Continent instead.

    True. But the ALMS is considered the better series in terms of skill and teams. Mike would have a better season (as there are more races), better opportunities (as there are more teams) and probably more money if he got into the ALMS rather than the LMS in Europe.

  • me21/01/2009 at 10:28

    Not sure if this is the right place to post this, but where you aware that not only have you already written 50 post so far this month/year, but you have also already had, or will have by the time you read this, 10,000 comments. As of 4.09am you had 9,993 excluding this one.

    nope, not in the slightest. thank you :)

    just hope your server will be able to cope.

    not a chance!

  • Jackie21/01/2009 at 10:35

    Congratulations on the comments :)

    Talking of servers, can you recommend a good one? ours has gone down again :(

  • me21/01/2009 at 10:48

    Talking of servers, can you recommend a good one? ours has gone down again

    nope. all hosting companies suck.

    well, those who charge a sensible amount do anyhow :(

  • Jackie21/01/2009 at 10:52

    Thanks .. hmm now what to do! LOL

  • me21/01/2009 at 10:54

    Thanks .. hmm now what to do! LOL

    i can tell you who to avoid?

    - media temple

    - fasthosts

    - 1and1

    f1 minute is currently hosted on http://www.slicehost.com/ and they've been pretty good thus far. you'll need linux experience though.

  • Alianora La Canta21/01/2009 at 12:02

    Was this the race where Alia got pole? Where did she end up? {Journeyer}

    Not anywhere particularly great. The irony is that my mechanical sympathy score is 4, so I should be getting hardly any techncial failures.

  • Alianora La Canta21/01/2009 at 12:04

    She retired on lap 37 but had dopped to about 12th by then. Maybe pit stops made her position look worse than it was. {Steven Roy}

    I fell to 18th after making an exceptionally bad start. By lap 6 I'd risen to 16th. In fact, I hadn't pitted at that point, so my position was better than it should have been at the time of retirement.

  • Alianora La Canta21/01/2009 at 12:10

    The exhausts aren’t covered as required. Cooling issues again? {Flibster}

    I can't find anything in the regulations requiring any part of the exhausts to be covered.

  • Journeyer21/01/2009 at 12:27

    I fell to 18th after making an exceptionally bad start.

    Was it a technical issue, or was it a driver error of fluffing the start?

  • Kathi21/01/2009 at 12:40

    I can’t find anything in the regulations requiring any part of the exhausts to be covered.

    RTL said Artikel 3.8.4. des Technischen Reglements besagt, dass kein Teil der Verkleidung einen Radius aufweisen darf, der kleiner als 75 Millimeter ist

    I tried to translate but I don't know how :)

    Basically it talks about radius and that it has to be smaller than 75mm. And Ferrari's exhaust doesn't follow the rule somehow. You can probably make more sense out of that than I.

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)21/01/2009 at 12:48

    I tried to translate but I don’t know how

    Something about Article 3.8.4 of the Technical Regulations says, the only restriction on the radius of the exhaust pipe is smaller than 75mm?

    I don't speak German though so somebody else better have a go... ;-)

  • me21/01/2009 at 12:52

    Something about Article 3.8.4 of the Technical Regulations says, the only restriction on the radius of the exhaust pipe is smaller than 75mm?

    sounds about right. they can make it smaller right?

    here's my take... ferrari have a revolutionary cooling package coming in melbourne. they don't want anyone to see it, so they're running with different aero kit at the moment.

    because the cooling is less efficient on this one, it requires bigger exhaust outlets. but they're temporary.

    i am of course making all of this up, but who knows?

  • Kathi21/01/2009 at 12:53

    Something about Article 3.8.4 of the Technical Regulations says, the only restriction on the radius of the exhaust pipe is smaller than 75mm?

    No it doesn't say that at all. The exhaust is not mentioned. I'm trying to find the original.

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)21/01/2009 at 12:58

    No it doesn’t say that at all. The exhaust is not mentioned. I’m trying to find the original.

    My wife (who does speak German) reckons it is:

    Article 3.8.4 of the Technical Regulations says that no part of the cover can have a radius larger than 75mm

    'Verkleidung' means 'clothing' - so it must mean 'to cover' in this case...?

  • Kathi21/01/2009 at 13:00

    3.8.4. With the rear wheels removed and when viewed from above, no bodywork more than 500mm from the car centre line may lie between the rear wheel centre line and a point 425mm forward of it. Any bodywork forming the forward inner corner of these areas may have a radius no greater than 140mm.

  • Kathi21/01/2009 at 13:01

    My interpretation: Since the exhausts count as part of the 'cover' they stck out too much at the Ferrari, so it won't help to cover them, they have to cut them off?

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)21/01/2009 at 13:03

    My interpretation: Since the exhausts count as part of the ‘cover’ they out too much at the Ferrari, so it won’t help to cover them, they have to cut them off?

    I'll go with what Mr.C. said - FOTA will make the exhausts legal 'cause Luca is in charge...

  • Steven Roy21/01/2009 at 15:50

    But is it the best route? I’m not so sure. The regular front-runners Audi and Peugeot get European-based drivers, so it might be better for Mike to try out his luck on the Continent instead.

    I think if he wanted to get into sportscars he would go there directly. My guess is that he has not got single seaters out of his system yet and IRL is the only place he can get paid to drive them. He may also be looking on this as a back door to F1. Shame he never got a break as he is better than many drivers with good reputations.

  • Alianora La Canta21/01/2009 at 23:52

    Was it a technical issue, or was it a driver error of fluffing the start? {Journeyer - 10 comments ago}

    Sadly it was driver error :(