Christmas is slowly creeping closer and closer, and today it's the Sidepodcast Christmas Party, or the Sidepodparty, if you will. There's plenty of planning going on behind the scenes, but feel free to add your thoughts to the Wiki. There is little going on in the F1 world, but here's what we've been discussing:

  • Bernie and Ferrari seem to have fallen out and details about the deal keeping Ferrari in the sport are leaking out. We mostly know it all already, but actual figures are starting to appear. Is it fair that Ferrari are paid a retainer above all the other teams? Why don't they kick off about it?
  • Kimi Raikkonen is getting a new race engineer for 2009, as Chris Dyer is moving onwards and upwards. Will this affect the Iceman? You'd imagine that he gets on with anyone, but we've also seen with Massa that the right combination can really have an amazing effect.
  • ITV's swan-song show is on this morning, 10:45 GMT, and as a review of the year it is called: Lewis Hamilton - World Champion. What would you call a review programme if you were in charge?

That pretty much sums up things for today. We're hanging the tinsel and getting the party food together for tonight, but until then, I'll see you in the comments.

251 responses

  • R.G (Brill Bracket Braved Burger Beans Bacon but Baffled by Buns)21/12/2008 at 00:04

    Your hanging tinsel at 00:04?

  • me21/12/2008 at 00:06

    What would you call a review programme if you were in charge?

    the 2008 formula 1 season review.

  • me21/12/2008 at 00:07

    Your hanging tinsel at 00:04?

    ooh yes :)

  • R.G (Brill Bracket Braved Burger Beans Bacon but Baffled by Buns)21/12/2008 at 00:10

    What would you call a review programme if you were in charge?

    The R.G Show on Why It was actually a rubbish season and why to boycott the sport in 2010.

    I somehow don't think they will fit that in Radio Times.

  • lou21/12/2008 at 00:15

    the 2008 formula 1 season review.

    seconded :)

  • lou21/12/2008 at 00:17

    Your hanging tinsel at 00:04?

    ooh yes :)

    and i thought i was hanging lights in my room at this time of night.

  • Steven Roy21/12/2008 at 00:20

    What would you call a review programme if you were in charge?

    sidepodparty

  • me21/12/2008 at 01:15

    christine just pointed this out to me:

    http://f1store.formula1.com/stores/f1/products/product_details.aspx?pid=55297

    "An official product of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula One team. A full sized replica of Lewis Hamilton’s 2008 race helmet. A genuine Arai GP-5 helmet, hand-painted by Lewis’ helmet painter and fitted with a real Cara coat bullet-proof visor, which Lewis has personally signed."

    Price: £15,000.00

  • Jon Waldock21/12/2008 at 01:27

    “An official product of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula One team. A full sized replica of Lewis Hamilton’s 2008 race helmet. A genuine Arai GP-5 helmet, hand-painted by Lewis’ helmet painter and fitted with a real Cara coat bullet-proof visor, which Lewis has personally signed.”

    i nearly chocked on my caviar when i saw that :P

    they must be running at a seriously high profit.

    £800 for the helmet, roughly the same for the painting, im male so have no clue about the diamonds pricing. but still, thats expensive!!

  • me21/12/2008 at 01:34

    i nearly chocked on my caviar when i saw that

    they must be running at a seriously high profit.

    that's pretty much our operating budget for the rest of our lives :)

  • Scott in Italy (now with added Australianisms)21/12/2008 at 01:49

    ITV’s swan-song show is on this morning, 10:45 GMT, and as a review of the year it is called: Lewis Hamilton - World Champion. What would you call a review programme if you were in charge?

    The Last Corner.

  • me21/12/2008 at 01:51

    this is a bit mean:

    Kiwi A1GP racer Chris van der Drift was oh so close to his dream of a drive in a Formula One car.

    But his test drive with Honda (as part of his prize package for winning the Formula Master series in Europe) was swept away when Honda's bosses pulled the plug on their entire F1 campaign

    :(

    more: http://www.stuff.co.nz/4799883a1823.html

  • me21/12/2008 at 01:51

    The Last Corner.

    ahh yes, agreed.

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)21/12/2008 at 04:53

    me said:

    this is a bit mean:

    Kiwi A1GP racer Chris van der Drift was oh so close to his dream of a drive in a Formula One car.

    But his test drive with Honda (as part of his prize package for winning the Formula Master series in Europe) was swept away when Honda’s bosses pulled the plug on their entire F1 campaign

    :(

    more: http://www.stuff.co.nz/4799883a1823.html

    Yeah he said the other day that he was gutted 'coz he'd had the seat fitted and all... he also told us that he was a bit annoyed at how the GP2 Asia drive ended (it was a big crash apparently :-( ).

    But if you read the rest of the article it looks like he might get another go at A1GP in his home event. Taupo is a cool track too - I went to the first event there and I loved it - the old cars were really something special and it's as close as NZ will ever get to an F1 race :-)

    Kiwi's tend to have a tough time coming up through the ranks - NZ has decent junior formulae (up to the level of Formula Renault) but the easy route after that is Aussie V8's (which I can't stand - crap imitations of NASCAR). To do 'proper' single seaters they have to find the money to go to Europe or the States (which is mega expensive of course :-( ).

    We have got a few success stories - Chris (above), Scott Dixon, Earl Bamber, Jonny Reid to name a few, but as I said before, they tend to move to Aussie V8's as it's a little easier to get started over there.

    By the way, good on you for quoting stuff.co.nz :-D

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)21/12/2008 at 04:56

    Hey guys,

    My comment got moderated because I quoted the 'stuff' link. Could you post it for me please? :-)

  • lou21/12/2008 at 10:49

    remind me again why i'm watching this itv program? i think i thought it would be a good idea.... ah well... jenson might be in there somewhere... hmmm...

  • Christine21/12/2008 at 10:54

    ah well… jenson might be in there somewhere… hmmm…

    I admire your perseverence, Lou. I couldn't get past the title to even switch the TV on. Let us know if there's anything interesting in there.

  • Christine21/12/2008 at 10:55

    My comment got moderated because I quoted the ’stuff’ link. Could you post it for me please?

    Done.

  • lou21/12/2008 at 11:00

    I admire your perseverence, Lou. I couldn’t get past the title to even switch the TV on. Let us know if there’s anything interesting in there.

    well someone needs to watch it ;) it's almost worth it, cause watching them trying to critise some of Hamilton's moments aka Canada. lol I've also seen more shots of THAT woman than shots of Lewis. some of the footage is kinda ok.. i mean it's a good reminder of what happened and it's good to hear those engines again :)

  • lou21/12/2008 at 11:01

    oooo a little flash of a honda :) ahhh good times.. well not good times but you get my drift :)

  • lou21/12/2008 at 11:16

    aww i'm sad for Massa now :( poor guy.

    Yay! Rubens, Jenson! :D it's all been worth it :) well a 4 second interview (admittedly i have seen them before).

    Aww and a lovely DC tribute. oo and a Vettel win tribute, so it's not all about Lewis :)

  • lou21/12/2008 at 11:17

    humph, i've been moderated...no links or anything ;)

  • Christine21/12/2008 at 11:21

    humph, i’ve been moderated…no links or anything

    Got it.

  • lou21/12/2008 at 11:35

    Their compettion - Who came 2nd in the 2008 Drivers World Championship

    Vettel

    Massa

    Button (that's just mean! ;) )

    I'll stop live commenting it now.

  • Dank21/12/2008 at 11:56

    Just about tolerated ITV's Lewis-Loving this morning, need to get my F1 fix somehow during the off-season! Interesting to note there was no 'cheerio!' from Steve on behalf of ITV.

    Dave have a WRC 2008 review this afternoon at 16.00 for those that are interested. I estimate they'll show lots of Loeb, er Loeb, and er, more Loeb?

  • lou21/12/2008 at 12:00

    Just about tolerated ITV’s Lewis-Loving this morning, need to get my F1 fix somehow during the off-season! Interesting to note there was no ‘cheerio!’ from Steve on behalf of ITV.

    yeah i thought that. i'm kinda pleased the last 1/2 wasn't so Lewis dominated though. the closest thing that had to a 'Thank you for watching, goodbye' was them chatting about moving on and that Martin was still in the commentary box next year. ah well, bye Mr Ryder! i'd like to say it's been a pleasure to watch your presenting, but i don't like to lie :P

  • Dom21/12/2008 at 12:18

    Did I miss it?

    Oh no... How devastating...

  • Dank21/12/2008 at 12:20

    Speaking of that competition, if anyone wants to enter, go to: http://www.itv.com/Sport/formula1/F1Competition/Comp/default.html

    And the answer is B.

    The way ITV run their competitions probably means you stand more chance of winning the Lottery on Saturday, but hey ho!

  • Dank21/12/2008 at 12:22

    Richards interested in Honda deal: http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/72549

    Autosport also says:

    The Mail on Sunday reports that other interested parties in Honda include Greek shipping tycoon Achilleas Kallakis and Force India boss Vijay Mallya.

    Vijay did visit the factory the weekend after the news of Honda's withdrawal so this might hold some weight. Would he run two teams a la Dietrich Mateschitz you think?

  • lou21/12/2008 at 12:25

    Richards interested in Honda deal: http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/72549

    :o please oh please let him buy them!

  • shaun21/12/2008 at 12:38

    It was a great F1 fix for me to watch the 'Lewis Hamilton - World Champion' show/F1 2008 review.

    The program was more balanced than i thought it would be and after all Lewis is gonna get a big slice of the show because he is world champion. The interview with Lewis was the first interview i've seen on terrestial TV since he won the championship and he gave the impression of brimming with confidence by his honest approach to the questions...especially about the British GP. Lewis said 'he thought it funny, the other drivers skidding off the track', so did we Lewis, so did we...

    They had to show more or less the whole of the last three laps in Brazil - James Allan can always hold his head high after that, even though the BBC don't want him.

    To my surprise the program did focus on the whole season and not just Lewis...but if they did not mention Lewis more than anyone else...us 'hard to please' F1 fans would have been up in arms about that...the F1 2009 season preview will be on the BBC, lets see if they can do better...?

    S.

  • Alianora La Canta21/12/2008 at 12:47

    What would you call a review programme if you were in charge? {Christine - original entry}

    F1 2008. If they need a subtitle, it can be "Thrills & Spills". If they need to mention Hamilton in it for marketing purposes (and they probably do), it could be "The Hamilton & Massa Duel".

  • Alianora La Canta21/12/2008 at 12:48

    Kiwi A1GP racer Chris van der Drift was oh so close to his dream of a drive in a Formula One car.

    But his test drive with Honda (as part of his prize package for winning the Formula Master series in Europe) was swept away when Honda’s bosses pulled the plug on their entire F1 campaign {suff.co.nz quoted by me - 20 comments ago}

    Let's hope Honda's buyer honours the agreement.

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)21/12/2008 at 12:55

    lou said:

    Richards interested in Honda deal: http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/72549

    :o please oh please let him buy them!

    Just a question about Honda ... Supposing someone buys the team - what are they actually buying? Because I was wondering if any deal would include a 2009-spec car including an engine (which would be a Honda engine re-badged).

    Because if Honda don't agree to supply an engine (as the engine comes from Japan and is Honda IP), does that not wipe out all the hard work of preparing the 2009 car as any new engine would require a very late and not very thoroughly tested redesign?

  • Alianora La Canta21/12/2008 at 12:58

    Vijay did visit the factory the weekend after the news of Honda’s withdrawal so this might hold some weight. Would he run two teams a la Dietrich Mateschitz you think? {}

    I hope Mallya doesn't buy it. Much as some extra equipment and more staff for Force India would be nice, I fear that Vijay would either run his new team as a customer car operation or re-sell it at the first opportunity to whoever stumps up the cash. David Richards would be a better bet and Kallakis may well be too.

  • shaun21/12/2008 at 13:06

    lou said:

    Richards interested in Honda deal: http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/72549

    please oh please let him buy them!

    WE WANT RICHARDS!, WE WANT RICHARDS! he has got to be one of the smartest people in charge of a motor-sport team. His management organizational skills are second to none!.

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)21/12/2008 at 13:14

    On a lighter note... has anyone noticed that there is a range of F1-themed toiletries? They have names like "Accelerate", "Power" and "Performance" and the bottles have starter buttons on them :-D (More info here and here)

    Anyway, I was bored while grocery shopping yesterday and I wondered what we could call the 2009 range... and I had a couple of good ideas:

    (1) Introduce smaller bottles in light of the fact there may be less cars on the grid next year,

    (2) Speaking of the bottles, make the lids a really large box shape and make the base really small and stubby, so the bottle is out of proportion and ugly (just like a 2009 car :-D ) Add a feature so after shaking the bottle you can press a button to make the product shoot out the bottle faster (like KERS :-D )

    (3) Introduce 10 new fragrances with the names of the teams, but make them smell all the same (to honour all the standard engines and standard parts next year),

    (4) Introduce driver-themed fragrances.

    - For example, the Kimi fragrance would smell nice when you put it on, turn bad during the day and then smell nice again just before you go to bed.

    - Or the Jarno Trulli fragrance would smell like a post office queue, bank queue, motorway queue or any kind of queue really ;-)

    - Why not try the Lewis Hamilton fragrance - some days it smells like the best fragrance ever, some days it smells awful - and you can never predict when that would be :-(

    - Or maybe the Fernando fragrance - you know it should smell better than it does, but it annoyed too many people and they had to change the recipe :-)

    - Finally the Felipe Massa fragrance - smells great until it rains, then turns a bit sour :-D

    Guys, I'd love to hear your ideas for this one - I'll bet after reading mine, you'll be able to think of some much better ideas ;-)

  • Alianora La Canta21/12/2008 at 13:15

    Their compettion - Who came 2nd in the 2008 Drivers World Championship

    Vettel

    Massa

    Button (that’s just mean! ;) ) {lou - 12 comments ago}

    I assume that's for those people who haven't watched F1 since 2004. At least, unlike Vettel, Button has managed to be 2nd in the Championship at some point!

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)21/12/2008 at 13:16

    WE WANT RICHARDS!, WE WANT RICHARDS! he has got to be one of the smartest people in charge of a motor-sport team. His management organizational skills are second to none!.

    But he wasn't very successful at Benetton and BAR though ... he's very smart and all but I'm not sure he would be able to walk in like a Messiah. I suspect Honda pulled out because they knew 2009 would be very bad and the team a right mess under that idiot Nick Fry :-(

  • Alianora La Canta21/12/2008 at 13:17

    Supposing someone buys the team - what are they actually buying? {Gavin Brown - 4 comments ago}

    There'll be no Honda engine, and unless some behind-the-scenes negotiating has been going on, they're too late for Cosworth in 2010 as well. However, I did hear rumours that Ross Brawn had been negotiating with Ferrari, in which case the team could have a great engine unit for 2009.

  • Alianora La Canta21/12/2008 at 13:19

    does that not wipe out all the hard work of preparing the 2009 car as any new engine would require a very late and not very thoroughly tested redesign? {Gavin Brown - 5 comments ago}

    It will undo some of it because the engine will need different housing and (especially if they do take the Ferrari) more cooling. However, I still can't see them being any later than Force India when it comes to starting testing with the new car. So 2009 won't be a complete loss.

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)21/12/2008 at 13:51

    Alianora La Canta said:

    does that not wipe out all the hard work of preparing the 2009 car as any new engine would require a very late and not very thoroughly tested redesign? {Gavin Brown - 5 comments ago}

    It will undo some of it because the engine will need different housing and (especially if they do take the Ferrari) more cooling. However, I still can’t see them being any later than Force India when it comes to starting testing with the new car. So 2009 won’t be a complete loss.

    But it won't be the great leap forward we all expected either :-(

  • Flibster21/12/2008 at 13:53

    me: 21/12/2008 at 01:15

    christine just pointed this out to me:

    http://f1store.formula1.com/stores/f1/products/product_details.aspx?pid=55297

    “An official product of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula One team. A full sized replica of Lewis Hamilton’s 2008 race helmet. A genuine Arai GP-5 helmet, hand-painted by Lewis’ helmet painter and fitted with a real Cara coat bullet-proof visor, which Lewis has personally signed.”

    Price: £15,000.00

    D'ya know what...

    I think I'll stick with my real Senna JPS era helmet ta. ;)

  • shaun21/12/2008 at 13:56

    But he wasn’t very successful at Benetton and BAR though

    Err, he [Dave Richards] was more successful than the previous manager Craig Pollock. Richards got rid of 'Jacques Joseph Charles Villeneuve' and kept Button on. His job there was to reorganise the management structure of the company. He did this very well; but, without him the company floundered...

    I'm sorry Gavin, but with all due respect you are wrong...in fact if you were a Mr Man : you would be 'Mr Wrong', lol.

    ;)

  • Bassano Clapper21/12/2008 at 13:58

    I think Dave Richards would be the most credible (and realistic) potential buyer out there

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)21/12/2008 at 14:05

    I’m sorry Gavin, but with all due respect you are wrong…in fact if you were a Mr Man : you would be ‘Mr Wrong’, lol.

    ;)

    Nice... we should put that in the Dictionary...

    From David Richards' Wikipedia entry:

    Benetton

    In 1997, when Flavio Briatore was fired as Director of the Benetton team, Richards replaced him. However, his tenure only lasted one year, as he could not agree a long term strategy with the team-owning Benetton family.

    BAR

    When the BAR team was restructuring after the departure of Craig Pollock in 2001, they brought in Prodrive to run the team with Richards as their Team Principal. Under his direction there was an improvement in BAR with the team taking second place in the 2004 Constructors Championship. Richards also brought Jenson Button to the team and made him lead driver providing the majority of their championship points in 2004. However, when Honda took over the team in late 2004, the Prodrive management contract was terminated and Richards stood down as Team Principal and was replaced by Prodrive's then Managing Director Nick Fry.[1]

    Ok Shaun, I accept that I certainly am 'Mr Wrong' in the sense that he wasn't fired... But, what do you call it when he disagrees with management on a long term strategy and leaves, or if the Prodrive management contract is terminated? He resigned from BAR and left Benetton because he couldn't run the team how he liked it.

    Disagreeing with Management and leaving the job is not much better than being fired in my opinion. But at least if he buys Honda he will be the guy in charge of the whole thing (and hopefully won't be disagreeing with himself) ;-)

    Err, he [Dave Richards] was more successful than the previous manager Craig Pollock. Richards got rid of ‘Jacques Joseph Charles Villeneuve’ and kept Button on.

    Any idiot after Pollock would have done that. Villleneuve was brought for the money and stayed for the money. He was past it and unmotivated - it was clear that the only feasible thing for him to do was to stick by his manager as he would never have sacked him. Sadly, Villeneuve was a waste of space in that car and it was clear his days were numbered once Pollock ran into trouble :-(

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)21/12/2008 at 14:09

    Guys, my comment got moderated ... please resurrect it :-(

  • shaun21/12/2008 at 14:13

    Disagreeing with Management and leaving the job is not much better than being fired in my opinion. But at least if he buys Honda he will be the guy in charge of the whole thing (and hopefully won’t be disagreeing with himself)

    Exactly, this is what i hope will happen. There's only one position for these guys : and that's the boss...

    Keep up the good discussion comments Gavin...your not always wrong, lol. ;)

    S.

  • Spikey21/12/2008 at 14:18

    It has to be Dave Richards.........after all, he has the time on his hands now Subaru have pulled out of WRC...

  • R.G (Brill Bracket Braved Burger Beans Bacon but Baffled by Buns)21/12/2008 at 14:19

    Afternoon all, injured my back playing football today, so no conga/dancing for me at the party.

  • Christine21/12/2008 at 14:33

    Guys, my comment got moderated … please resurrect it

    Dunno what's up with the mod queue today. Found it.

  • Lady Snowcat21/12/2008 at 14:36

    The program was more balanced than i thought it would be and after all Lewis is gonna get a big slice of the show because he is world champion.

    I would agree if it had been closer to the Kimi Raikkonen Show last year.... but it wasn't anywhere close.... indeed it was the Lewis show last year as well...

    ....and fitted with a real Cara coat bullet-proof visor....

    I know Lewis isn't universally loved but I didn't realise he needed to take it that far...

  • R.G (Brill Bracket Braved Burger Beans Bacon but Baffled by Buns)21/12/2008 at 14:50

    If anyone is interested, the WRC review is on Dave ar 4pm

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)21/12/2008 at 14:53

    me: 21/12/2008 at 01:15

    christine just pointed this out to me:

    “An official product of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula One team. A full sized replica of Lewis Hamilton’s 2008 race helmet. A genuine Arai GP-5 helmet, hand-painted by Lewis’ helmet painter and fitted with a real Cara coat bullet-proof visor, which Lewis has personally signed.”

    Price: £15,000.00

    This bit is interesting:

    and fitted with a real Cara coat bullet-proof visor, which Lewis has personally signed.”

    So you can't even wear it then?

    Reminds me of an old beer advert:

    "Jack, you know that football the England team gave you? Well I managed to get all that messy writing off!"

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)21/12/2008 at 15:06

    Christine said:

    Guys, my comment got moderated … please resurrect it

    Dunno what’s up with the mod queue today. Found it.

    Christine, if it helps, the original comment was accepted (and had a link in it), but when I edited it by adding the last quote and paragraph it moderated it :-(

  • Christine21/12/2008 at 15:10

    Christine, if it helps, the original comment was accepted (and had a link in it), but when I edited it by adding the last quote and paragraph it moderated it

    Ah, that explains it. I was confused why my Real Time Doohickey was showing the comment but it was in moderation. Thanks :)

  • Dirty Scarab21/12/2008 at 15:12

    If Richards does go to Brackley, just what role do you think he'll play there? I can kinda foresee a clash of egos between Brawn & Richards... They seem like chalk and cheese to me.

  • Christine21/12/2008 at 15:14

    If Richards does go to Brackley, just what role do you think he’ll play there? I can kinda foresee a clash of egos between Brawn & Richards… They seem like chalk and cheese to me.

    I imagine it's going to be difficult for Brawn whoever buys it. He was promised a certain role, and it's bound to change with new people on board.

  • Steven Roy21/12/2008 at 15:15

    Just a question about Honda … Supposing someone buys the team - what are they actually buying? Because I was wondering if any deal would include a 2009-spec car including an engine (which would be a Honda engine re-badged).

    Because if Honda don’t agree to supply an engine (as the engine comes from Japan and is Honda IP), does that not wipe out all the hard work of preparing the 2009 car as any new engine would require a very late and not very thoroughly tested redesign?

    What the deal includes will probably be the longest part of the negotiations. Rumour has it that DR has an agreement to use Ferrari engines if he buys the team. I read something by Gary Anderson where he said that because the engines are all so similar now a new engine can be integrated into a car in 3 or 4 weeks so it is not as big a deal as it used to be. Everyone has 2.4 litre V8s approximately the same size and shape and they all rev to the same level so its not like trying to fit a Ferrari flat 12 into the space of a BMW straight 4.

  • Steven Roy21/12/2008 at 15:16

    I hope Mallya doesn’t buy it. Much as some extra equipment and more staff for Force India would be nice, I fear that Vijay would either run his new team as a customer car operation or re-sell it at the first opportunity to whoever stumps up the cash. David Richards would be a better bet and Kallakis may well be too.

    I reckon Vijay was more interested in equipment and facilities and maybe people in the event that no buyer is found than actually buying a team.

  • shaun21/12/2008 at 15:19

    Villeneuve was a waste of space in that car and it was clear his days were numbered once Pollock ran into trouble

    In fact Villeneuve was such a 'waste of space'...if he were a Mr Man, he would be 'Mr Waste of space', lol!.

    :)

  • Steven Roy21/12/2008 at 15:25

    But it won’t be the great leap forward we all expected either

    If they use a Ferrari engine they may not be able to use the Honda KERS. They may be able to use it but it will harder to make it work on a different engine. However Honda's problems in the past couple of seasons have been nothing to do with engines. They have had bad cars so any improvement in the chassis and aero will still apply although it may lose a little due to extra cooling but that is minor.

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)21/12/2008 at 15:25

    What the deal includes will probably be the longest part of the negotiations. Rumour has it that DR has an agreement to use Ferrari engines if he buys the team. I read something by Gary Anderson where he said that because the engines are all so similar now a new engine can be integrated into a car in 3 or 4 weeks so it is not as big a deal as it used to be. Everyone has 2.4 litre V8s approximately the same size and shape and they all rev to the same level so its not like trying to fit a Ferrari flat 12 into the space of a BMW straight 4.

    That is certainly true ... but remember it took a lot longer than 4 weeks for Toro Rosso to get the new Red Bull with the Ferrari shoehorned into it this year...

    We are also assuming the weight distribution, cooling, torque and KERS usage are equal for all engines, when we have seen in 2008 that there are clear and measurable differences in how the engines operate. Under the new regulations (and especially concerning KERS) this difference may or may not increase...

    The question is, how do these differences affect the overall package and how much of the car is designed around a certain engine?

    Steven Roy:

    If they use a Ferrari engine they may not be able to use the Honda KERS. They may be able to use it but it will harder to make it work on a different engine. However Honda’s problems in the past couple of seasons have been nothing to do with engines. They have had bad cars so any improvement in the chassis and aero will still apply although it may lose a little due to extra cooling but that is minor.

    Really the engine part is the crux of the deal - a good engine that is easily shoehorned into the chassis and successfully tested will go a long way to negate the lost time between losing Honda and gaining a buyer.

    A bad experience? Well, the new buyer may sell the team before the end of the year. It has happened before...

  • Steven Roy21/12/2008 at 15:26

    Err, he [Dave Richards] was more successful than the previous manager Craig Pollock. Richards got rid of ‘Jacques Joseph Charles Villeneuve’ and kept Button on. His job there was to reorganise the management structure of the company. He did this very well; but, without him the company floundered…

    Honda have sunk without trace since he left as well.

  • me21/12/2008 at 15:26

    However Honda’s problems in the past couple of seasons have been nothing to do with engines

    oh they really have. 'scuffing of the bore' anyone?

  • Steven Roy21/12/2008 at 15:28

    Ok Shaun, I accept that I certainly am ‘Mr Wrong’ in the sense that he wasn’t fired… But, what do you call it when he disagrees with management on a long term strategy and leaves, or if the Prodrive management contract is terminated? He resigned from BAR and left Benetton because he couldn’t run the team how he liked it.

    It means he was right and they were wrong and he refused to do things the wrong way.

  • Steven Roy21/12/2008 at 15:30

    So you can’t even wear it then?

    You cab take the visor off by undoing two screws and put another one on. Although with a lot of these collectors helmets certain 'vital' things like straps are not fitted to prevent people wearing them.

  • shaun21/12/2008 at 15:31

    It means he was right and they were wrong and he refused to do things the wrong way.

    yep... :)

  • lou21/12/2008 at 15:33

    However Honda’s problems in the past couple of seasons have been nothing to do with engines

    oh how i wish that was true. Didn't people used to say that the Honda sounded awful compared to the other cars on the grid?

  • Steven Roy21/12/2008 at 15:33

    That is certainly true … but remember it took a lot longer than 4 weeks for Toro Rosso to get the new Red Bull with the Ferrari shoehorned into it this year…

    I think that was because the people doing that work were still upgrading the Red Bull car at the same time and STR was considered less important. With new Honda they will be focused only on one car so should be able to speed things up.

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)21/12/2008 at 15:34

    It means he was right and they were wrong and he refused to do things the wrong way.

    So he left... and therefore was not successful. Not really much better than being fired :-(

  • Steven Roy21/12/2008 at 15:35

    oh how i wish that was true. Didn’t people used to say that the Honda sounded awful compared to the other cars on the grid?

    Look at what Super Aguri did with the older car and the same engine last season. That tellsyou the big problems were chassis and aero. If the car was OK and the engine was the problem Honda with the newer car would have been ahead of Super Aguri.

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)21/12/2008 at 15:35

    think that was because the people doing that work were still upgrading the Red Bull car at the same time and STR was considered less important. With new Honda they will be focused only on one car so should be able to speed things up.

    True, but 3-4 weeks? That would be barely enough time to redesign/reconfigure the rear end of the car, yet alone test, tune and develop it to the level of the car with a Honda engine in it.

    There's no way the 'Honda' team will be 100% ready by Melbourne!

  • me21/12/2008 at 15:36

    There’s no way the ‘Honda’ team will be 100% ready by Melbourne!

    define ready. they'll be on the grid, and probably be in a similar position as the car was last year.

  • Steven Roy21/12/2008 at 15:38

    So he left… and therefore was not successful. Not really much better than being fired

    I disagree. If the owners of the team will not let you run the team the way you want what are you supposed to do? You can argue that his negotiating skills were not up to the job but there is a world of difference between being fired for being as hopeless as Nick Fry and resigning because the owners are too stupid to let the guy they hired to run the team do his job. Makes you wonder who is really calling the shots when Flavio is in charge of a team.

  • Steven Roy21/12/2008 at 15:39

    There’s no way the ‘Honda’ team will be 100% ready by Melbourne!

    The only thing they need to achieve by Melbourne is to be on the grid so that they are not in breach of any rules and their sponsors can see that they are there.

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)21/12/2008 at 15:40

    me said:

    There’s no way the ‘Honda’ team will be 100% ready by Melbourne!

    define ready. they’ll be on the grid, and probably be in a similar position as the car was last year.

    Yeah, at the back of the grid... so no 'great leap forward' and surely further back than even the most pessimistic of us expected...

  • lou21/12/2008 at 15:42

    Yeah, at the back of the grid… so no ‘great leap forward’ and surely further back than even the most pessimistic of us expected…

    tbh as long as they are on the grid that's a good thing. they can try to improve the car throughout the season, ok it's gonna be tricky without testing and it's not ideal but it's better than not even existing.

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)21/12/2008 at 15:42

    I disagree. If the owners of the team will not let you run the team the way you want what are you supposed to do? You can argue that his negotiating skills were not up to the job but there is a world of difference between being fired for being as hopeless as Nick Fry and resigning because the owners are too stupid to let the guy they hired to run the team do his job. Makes you wonder who is really calling the shots when Flavio is in charge of a team.

    OK... so if you were in charge of a project, disagreed with the boss who decided that he/she knew better than you and made you do things their way, then walked out... Was the project a success? Were you a success? The answer is 'no' and 'no' and you have no job to boot - so what if you made a stand on principle? You got nowhere in the end :-(

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)21/12/2008 at 15:44

    tbh as long as they are on the grid that’s a good thing. they can try to improve the car throughout the season, ok it’s gonna be tricky without testing and it’s not ideal but it’s better than not even existing.

    Absolutely. Roll on 'Super Aguri Mark II'! :-D

  • me21/12/2008 at 15:46

    Absolutely. Roll on ‘Super Aguri Mark II’!

    question. and i ask only cause i can't be arsed to research. who was in charge during fuel-tank gate? was that under richards' watch or had he gone by then?

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)21/12/2008 at 15:50

    question. and i ask only cause i can’t be arsed to research. who was in charge during fuel-tank gate? was that under richards’ watch or had he gone by then?

    Nick Fry was in charge (David Richards left at the end of 2004). But if I remember correctly, the whistle was blown by former BAR employees so one could assume that they were running the system before 2005 and therefore under David Richards' tenure...

  • me21/12/2008 at 15:51

    Nick Fry was in charge (David Richards left at the end of 2004). But if I remember correctly, the whistle was blown by former BAR employees so one could assume that they were running the system before 2005 and therefore under David Richards’ tenure…

    was it dave who blew the whistle?

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)21/12/2008 at 15:51

    was it dave who blew the whistle?

    He's not the vindictive type, surely? :-o

  • me21/12/2008 at 15:53

    He’s not the vindictive type, surely?

    dunno.

    just thinking that the honda people might be less inclined to sell the team to dave, especially if there are other options.

  • Steven Roy21/12/2008 at 15:54

    OK… so if you were in charge of a project, disagreed with the boss who decided that he/she knew better than you and made you do things their way, then walked out… Was the project a success? Were you a success? The answer is ‘no’ and ‘no’ and you have no job to boot - so what if you made a stand on principle? You got nowhere in the end

    So he should have let a buch of knotwear people tell him how to do the job and have his reputation trashed when it failed?

  • lou21/12/2008 at 15:55

    just thinking that the honda people might be less inclined to sell the team to dave, especially if there are other options.

    i think they might put it behind them, surely if Dave is offering them the money and a good deal they are gonna take it, given his experience etc. plus he is not gonna do that kinda thing again to them is he? given that it would be his team ;)

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)21/12/2008 at 15:56

    just thinking that the honda people might be less inclined to sell the team to dave, especially if there are other options.

    I would have thought all Honda car about is offloading the team quickly to save face and avoid embarassment. I wonder how much of a factor Honda being a traditional Japanese Company has to do with the whole affair?

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)21/12/2008 at 15:58

    So he should have let a buch of knotwear people tell him how to do the job and have his reputation trashed when it failed?

    Not at all... it is a lose-lose situation really isn't it? You either fail as above or you leave before your contract ends and either way, you lose and the project fails :-(

    I would have thought a man like David Richards would be tougher than that and stand his ground, mind...

  • Lady Snowcat21/12/2008 at 16:07

    Don't forget that Ross has said that they were in advance of many teams on KERS etc as they ignored 2008 (and we know that, at least, is true)and worked towards 2009 for all of last year... if he's right then they could still do OK early in 2009... after all last year's benchmark didn't exactly set a "high bar" (or should that be BAR) ...

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)21/12/2008 at 16:15

    Don’t forget that Ross has said that they were in advance of many teams on KERS etc as they ignored 2008 (and we know that, at least, is true)and worked towards 2009 for all of last year… if he’s right then they could still do OK early in 2009… after all last year’s benchmark didn’t exactly set a “high bar” (or should that be BAR) …

    True, but again, we are assuming any changes will be all sweet and lovely and completely seamless - and the new engine will run perfectly and the KERS won't need redesigning...

    I think as lou and Steven said, making it to the grid in Melbourne may be the best we can hope for at this point :-(

  • me21/12/2008 at 16:29

    re: the 12 days of f1 christmas:

    http://sidepodcast.wetpaint.com/page/The+12+Days+of+F1+Christmas

    are we all happy with the list, any late changes or additions?

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)21/12/2008 at 16:31

    me said:

    re: the 12 days of f1 christmas:

    http://sidepodcast.wetpaint.com/page/The+12+Days+of+F1+Christmas

    are we all happy with the list, any late changes or additions?

    When was this done?

  • me21/12/2008 at 16:32

    When was this done?

    you may have been 'in transit'. we're planning to sign it live (via skype) tonight.

  • me21/12/2008 at 16:32

    you may have been ‘in transit’. we’re planning to sign it live (via skype) tonight.

    or sing it :)

  • lou21/12/2008 at 16:33

    are we all happy with the list, any late changes or additions?

    if we are having to call in and say them i may have a problem... my skype seems to be dying. it doesn't like my speaking at all... so yeah.. someone may have to do my bit, or something...

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)21/12/2008 at 16:34

    me said:

    you may have been ‘in transit’. we’re planning to sign it live (via skype) tonight.

    or sing it :)

    Sounds like a good list - but what about 'Two teams a-leavin'?

  • me21/12/2008 at 16:35

    Sounds like a good list - but what about ‘Two teams a-leavin’?

    feel free to edit. the only one i was dubious about was number 8, just because that was also true in '07, the rest are all 2008 facts.

  • me21/12/2008 at 16:35

    if we are having to call in and say them i may have a problem… my skype seems to be dying. it doesn’t like my speaking at all… so yeah.. someone may have to do my bit, or something…

    mobly?

  • lou21/12/2008 at 16:36

    mobly?

    you can ring me if you like.. but you've rung me a few times and it must cost you lots of money in the end. i'm happy for someone else to do my bit for me ;)

  • me21/12/2008 at 16:37

    you can ring me if you like.. but you’ve rung me a few times and it must cost you lots of money in the end. i’m happy for someone else to do my bit for me

    tis fine. it'll be a short call, there's only 12 items, what can possibly go wrong :D

  • R.G (Brill Bracket Braved Burger Beans Bacon but Baffled by Buns)21/12/2008 at 16:37

    are we all happy with the list, any late changes or additions?

    I#m happy with my 4 Heidfeld podiums. When abouts are you planning on doing this, cos I can't do it after 10

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)21/12/2008 at 16:38

    me said:

    Sounds like a good list - but what about ‘Two teams a-leavin’?

    feel free to edit. the only one i was dubious about was number 8, just because that was also true in ‘07, the rest are all 2008 facts.

    Well it's up to you guys I suppose ... Christine, it looks like you had number two already - what do you think?

  • me21/12/2008 at 16:39

    I#m happy with my 4 Heidfeld podiums. When abouts are you planning on doing this, cos I can’t do it after 10

    about 10 actually :D

    i though you were staying up till midnight most nights this week?

  • lou21/12/2008 at 16:39

    tis fine. it’ll be a short call, there’s only 12 items, what can possibly go wrong

    lol if your sure... but do i really need to sing?

  • me21/12/2008 at 16:39

    Well it’s up to you guys I suppose … Christine, it looks like you had number two already - what do you think?

    she's not here :)

  • me21/12/2008 at 16:39

    lol if your sure… but do i really need to sing?

    ooooh, yes.

  • me21/12/2008 at 16:40

    she’s not here

    throw it in the wiki, am sure she can do number 5 instead ;)

  • lou21/12/2008 at 16:41

    ooooh, yes.

    but but.....*grumble grumble* fine...

    ;)

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)21/12/2008 at 16:44

    me said:

    she’s not here

    throw it in the wiki, am sure she can do number 5 instead ;)

    I don't plan on singing it mind as I may not be here (have a friend over for dinner), so if the assumption is that the person who adds it sings it, then maybe we shouldn't change it... ;-)

  • Steven Roy21/12/2008 at 16:44

    you may have been ‘in transit’. we’re planning to sign it live (via skype) tonight.

    I thought you were planning a podcast for the deaf when you said it would be signed

  • R.G (Brill Bracket Braved Burger Beans Bacon but Baffled by Buns)21/12/2008 at 16:45

    about 10 actually i though you were staying up till midnight most nights this week?

    Dang, there goes my excuse for not singing.

    Yeah, I'll do it, unless my back gets worse and cant sing, christmas holidays for the next two weeks.

  • me21/12/2008 at 16:45

    I don’t plan on singing it mind as I may not be here (have a friend over for dinner), so if the assumption is that the person who adds it sings it, then maybe we shouldn’t change it…

    ok, nuff said.

  • me21/12/2008 at 16:45

    I thought you were planning a podcast for the deaf when you said it would be signed

    :D

  • lou21/12/2008 at 16:48

    me, a question. We are just singing the bit we added right? not the whole thing?

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)21/12/2008 at 16:49

    How about 'Five Guards a-spanking'? :-D

  • me21/12/2008 at 16:53

    me, a question. We are just singing the bit we added right? not the whole thing?

    correct. although, maybe everyone should chime in on number one.

  • lou21/12/2008 at 16:54

    correct. although, maybe everyone should chime in on number one.

    ah ok.. that; i can cope with.... and do we have to sing the 'on the ? day of f1 christmas, Bernie sent to me...' bit? lol

  • me21/12/2008 at 16:55

    ah ok.. that; i can cope with…. and do we have to sing the ‘on the ? day of f1 christmas, Bernie sent to me…’ bit? lol

    yeah :)

  • R.G (Brill Bracket Braved Burger Beans Bacon but Baffled by Buns)21/12/2008 at 16:56

    correct. although, maybe everyone should chime in on number one.

    I thought that was the plan from the start.

    Though something else would be nicer, like, one Kubica win.

    That may be a problem, we get people saying Koo-bee-ka and others saying Koo-bi-sa

  • me21/12/2008 at 16:57

    Though something else would be nicer, like, one Kubica win.

    uh-oh, controversy already.

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)21/12/2008 at 16:58

    R.G (Brill Bracket Braved Burger Beans Bacon but Baffled by Buns) said:

    correct. although, maybe everyone should chime in on number one.

    I thought that was the plan from the start.

    Though something else would be nicer, like, one Kubica win.

    That may be a problem, we get people saying Koo-bee-ka and others saying Koo-bi-sa

    Will nobody say Koo-bitz-ah? I thought that was how it was said (My Polish friend is currently offshore so I can't check with him :-( )

  • lou21/12/2008 at 16:59

    yeah

    ooh :( ok....

    hehe so your hoping a confirence call with about 10 people in it is gonna be fine :) hehe this should be fun ;)

  • lou21/12/2008 at 17:05

    oh dear, another comment into moderation today... :(

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)21/12/2008 at 17:06

    oh dear, another comment into moderation today... :-(

    How many? I think I have had three... we must all be very naughty today ;-)

  • me21/12/2008 at 17:07

    ooh ok….

    hehe so your hoping a confirence call with about 10 people in it is gonna be fine hehe this should be fun

    am assuming that everybody is gonna be on the call anyhow :)

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)21/12/2008 at 17:08

    ooh :( ok….

    hehe so your hoping a confirence call with about 10 people in it is gonna be fine :) hehe this should be fun ;)

    Conference call... skype... :-O

    Hmm... with all the connection problems it might take until the end of the 12 days of Christmas to get the song finished :-D

  • me21/12/2008 at 17:08

    How many? I think I have had three… we must all be very naughty today

    i wish i knew why?

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)21/12/2008 at 17:08

    comment in moderation (again :-( )

  • Lady Snowcat21/12/2008 at 17:10

    the only one i was dubious about was number 8, just because that was also true in ‘07, the rest are all 2008 facts.

    I like 8 points positions as it scans...

    If you are desperate to have a number 8 for this year it's ...

    8 points for DC.... but that's a bit similar to 10 points for Rubens...

    I still think if you are singing it you'll need to change 10 to 10 Kimi fast laps or 10 Kimi quickest... or similar...

    And as you start with the first day and build up that means singing about Lewis TWELVE times... I can't do that!!...

  • lou21/12/2008 at 17:10

    How many? I think I have had three… we must all be very naughty today

    more than normal i think maybe 2 or 3 now... one did contain a link but the others didn't..

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)21/12/2008 at 17:11

    And as you start with the first day and build up that means singing about Lewis TWELVE times… I can’t do that!!…

    So you are saying it's the ITV Version of the '12 days of F1 Christmas' then? :-D

  • me21/12/2008 at 17:11

    And as you start with the first day and build up that means singing about Lewis TWELVE times… I can’t do that!!…

    ok, then you need to offer a better number one :)

    where did that come from btw? journeyer?

  • lou21/12/2008 at 17:12

    And as you start with the first day and build up that means singing about Lewis TWELVE times… I can’t do that!!…

    oh goodness... couldn't we all sing number 5 instead? :P

  • me21/12/2008 at 17:12

    So you are saying it’s the ITV Version of the ‘12 days of F1 Christmas’ then?

    :D

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)21/12/2008 at 17:12

    me said:

    And as you start with the first day and build up that means singing about Lewis TWELVE times… I can’t do that!!…

    ok, then you need to offer a better number one :)

    where did that come from btw? journeyer?

    '1 comment in moderation'? Seems to be the theme of the day!

  • R.G (Brill Bracket Braved Burger Beans Bacon but Baffled by Buns)21/12/2008 at 17:13

    How many? I think I have had three… we must all be very naughty today

    I've been a good little boy ;)

    I still think if you are singing it you’ll need to change 10 to 10 Kimi fast laps or 10 Kimi quickest… or similar…

    Works.

    8 points for DC…. but that’s a bit similar to 10 points for Rubens…

    8 Ferrari Poles? 8 Super Aguri Starts?

  • Lady Snowcat21/12/2008 at 17:22

    where did that come from btw?

    Errr...

    It came from me...

  • me21/12/2008 at 17:24

    It came from me…

    hahahahahaha!

    ooops.

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)21/12/2008 at 17:25

    Lady Snowcat said:

    where did that come from btw?

    Errr…

    It came from me…

    When you say me... do you mean 'me' as in you, or 'me' as in Mr. Christine? (God I hate Pseudonyms... :-( )

  • lou21/12/2008 at 17:26

    ok, then you need to offer a better number one

    where did that come from btw? journeyer?

    what about - the birth of a baby DC? sounds a little strange... maybe not...

  • me21/12/2008 at 17:27

    When you say me… do you mean ‘me’ as in you, or ‘me’ as in Mr. Christine? (God I hate Pseudonyms… )

    i wasn't me. i blame steven.

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)21/12/2008 at 17:27

    what about - the birth of a baby DC? sounds a little strange… maybe not…

    'And the birth of a little DC...'

    That could work...? We should give DC a nice send-off seeing as he's retiring ;-)

  • me21/12/2008 at 17:28

    ‘And the birth of a little DC…’

    :D

    okay, that it rather cute.

  • me21/12/2008 at 17:29

    okay, that it rather cute.

    although, if you say the introduction (about bernie), it sounds very wrong.

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)21/12/2008 at 17:29

    '6 Sidepod panels' ?

  • lou21/12/2008 at 17:30

    although, if you say the introduction (about bernie), it sounds very wrong.

    haha lol ok maybe not then. it was all i could come up with...

  • R.G (Brill Bracket Braved Burger Beans Bacon but Baffled by Buns)21/12/2008 at 17:30

    me: 21/12/2008 at 17:29

    okay, that it rather cute.

    although, if you say the introduction (about bernie), it sounds very wrong.

    I still like my 8 Super Aguri Starts

  • Dom21/12/2008 at 17:30

    although, if you say the introduction (about bernie), it sounds very wrong.

    Lovely thought to arrive on, that. :P

  • me21/12/2008 at 17:31

    I still like my 8 Super Aguri Starts

    "8 aguri starts", fits. i can't get "super" in there though?

  • me21/12/2008 at 17:31

    Lovely thought to arrive on, that.

    afternoon ;)

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)21/12/2008 at 17:31

    me said:

    okay, that it rather cute.

    although, if you say the introduction (about bernie), it sounds very wrong.

    As opposed to singing a Christmas song about F1 and replacing the words 'my true love sent to me' with 'Bernie sent to me' - implying we are all in love with a 5-foot-tall 78 year old meddling mophead? :-D

  • me21/12/2008 at 17:32

    As opposed to singing a Christmas song about F1 and replacing the words ‘my true love sent to me’ with ‘Bernie sent to me’ - implying we are all in love with a 5-foot-tall 78 year old meddling mophead?

    point taken.

  • lou21/12/2008 at 17:32

    As opposed to singing a Christmas song about F1 and replacing the words ‘my true love sent to me’ with ‘Bernie sent to me’ - implying we are all in love with a 5-foot-tall 78 year old meddling mophead?

    haha XD

  • R.G (Brill Bracket Braved Burger Beans Bacon but Baffled by Buns)21/12/2008 at 17:33

    “8 aguri starts”, fits. i can’t get “super” in there though?

    That works well

    When you say me… do you mean ‘me’ as in you, or ‘me’ as in Mr. Christine? (God I hate Pseudonyms… )

    Call 'me' Mr C and everyones happy.

  • Dom21/12/2008 at 17:34

    As opposed to singing a Christmas song about F1 and replacing the words ‘my true love sent to me’ with ‘Bernie sent to me’ - implying we are all in love with a 5-foot-tall 78 year old meddling mophead?

    Meddling! How appropriate... ;)

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)21/12/2008 at 17:37

    OK guys, my friend is over for dinner. Hopefully I'll see you at the party but if not, have a good one and I'll toast a drink to you later ;-)

  • Dom21/12/2008 at 17:38

    How to tell if it's a slow news day:

    http://www.f1technical.net/news/11337

  • me21/12/2008 at 17:41

    OK guys, my friend is over for dinner. Hopefully I’ll see you at the party but if not, have a good one and I’ll toast a drink to you later

    cheers gavin.

  • me21/12/2008 at 17:42

    How to tell if it’s a slow news day:

    so, he makes his money in f1 and gives it all to football?

  • lou21/12/2008 at 17:43

    How to tell if it’s a slow news day:

    aww that's nice of him. :)

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)21/12/2008 at 17:44

    so, he makes his money in f1 and gives it all to football?

    Better than sending it all to QPR I suppose :-)

  • me21/12/2008 at 17:45

    Better than sending it all to QPR I suppose

    your not here btw ;)

  • R.G (Brill Bracket Braved Burger Beans Bacon but Baffled by Buns)21/12/2008 at 17:45

    Better than sending it all to QPR I suppose

    Well they need the money.

  • me21/12/2008 at 17:49

    Well they need the money.

    the team that bernie / flav / the rest of em, own is in need of money?

  • R.G (Brill Bracket Braved Burger Beans Bacon but Baffled by Buns)21/12/2008 at 17:51

    the team that bernie / flav / the rest of em, own is in need of money?

    Yes, they weren't very good withot it.

  • Dank21/12/2008 at 17:51

    How to tell if it’s a slow news day:

    And...

    Dec 19th: Vettel tells F1.com about his KERS safety fears.

    Dec 19th: ITV F1 pick up on it

    (two days later)

    Dec 21st: Autosport decide to write about it...

    Dec 21st: ...which seems to spur Planet F1 into life...

    Dec 21st: ...and finally F1 Technical

    Conclusion? Nobody really ever gets their own news stories any more and relies on F1.com and Autosport!

  • Dank21/12/2008 at 17:52

    Woo! I've been moderated by ED209 for the first time!

    Admittedly, my post did have a number of links in it. :-D

  • me21/12/2008 at 17:52

    Yes, they weren’t very good withot it.

    but these guys must be pouring millions into the club? otherwise what would be the point of buying it?

  • me21/12/2008 at 17:53

    Woo! I’ve been moderated by ED209 for the first time!

    you guys are playing fast and loose today aren't ya?

    am on it...

  • me21/12/2008 at 17:54

    Conclusion? Nobody really ever gets their own news stories any more and relies on F1.com and Autosport!

    completely. hence our hatred of gmm. they have so many sites on their books these days that every site is exactly the same... and often wrong.

    where do gmm get their words? autosport clearly.

  • Lady Snowcat21/12/2008 at 17:59

    I think it should be...

    On the first day of Christmas "Sidepodcast" gave to me....

  • Alianora La Canta21/12/2008 at 18:02

    Flavio must have been listening to the complaints that all the money in F1 goes out of the sport. OK, he may have missed the "the", but the principle is there...

  • me21/12/2008 at 18:03

    On the first day of Christmas “Sidepodcast” gave to me….

    ahh, interesting.

  • Alianora La Canta21/12/2008 at 18:05

    Also, I don't think I'll be able to sing my part in the Christmas song. I can't get Skype working on my PDA and my desktop computer doesn't appear to like having microphones plugged into it (perhaps a jumper's jumped out of line?).

  • me21/12/2008 at 18:05

    Also, I don’t think I’ll be able to sing my part in the Christmas song. I can’t get Skype working on my PDA and my desktop computer doesn’t appear to like having microphones plugged into it (perhaps a jumper’s jumped out of line?).

    mobly?

  • Steven Roy21/12/2008 at 18:05

    so, he makes his money in f1 and gives it all to football?

    He can hardly give the local footbal team crash helmets and karts :D

  • me21/12/2008 at 18:06

    He can hardly give the local footbal team crash helmets and karts

    :D

  • Alianora La Canta21/12/2008 at 18:10

    mobly? {me - 3 comments ago}

    Could you please elabourate? I don't know what "mobly" means...

  • me21/12/2008 at 18:12

    Could you please elabourate? I don’t know what “mobly” means…

    mobile phone, or landline, or telephone box up the road. we'll call you anywhere :)

  • me21/12/2008 at 18:13

    just to let you know, we may well break the 100,000 comment mark this evening:

    which isn't bad going for a site that's less than 2 years old.

    not sure we say it enough, but you guys are all awesome.

  • Christine21/12/2008 at 18:15

    not sure we say it enough, but you guys are all awesome.

    Oh god, he's started already. Group hug :)

  • lou21/12/2008 at 18:16

    just to let you know, we may well break the 100,000 comment mark this evening:

    ooo, it's gonna turn into who can get the 100,000th comment isn't it? :P

  • Dom21/12/2008 at 18:17

    just to let you know, we may well break the 100,000 comment mark this evening:

    :o

  • Alianora La Canta21/12/2008 at 18:17

    mobile phone, or landline, or telephone box up the road. we’ll call you anywhere {me - 2 comments ago}

    Sounds good. I'll email you with the number.

  • lou21/12/2008 at 18:17

    Oh god, he’s started already. Group hug </blockquote

    XD

  • Andy Taylor21/12/2008 at 18:17

    I was going to say instead of the line mentioning Lewis:

    "A last corner Championship win."

    8 Points Positions might not be new, but it does scan :)

    Oh, and good evening everybody.

  • me21/12/2008 at 18:17

    Sounds good. I’ll email you with the number.

    thanks you.

  • me21/12/2008 at 18:18

    “A last corner Championship win.”

    ahh, wonderful.

  • lou21/12/2008 at 18:18

    Oh, and good evening everybody.

    evening :) and great suggestion :)

  • Lady Snowcat21/12/2008 at 18:20

    And of course...

    "A last corner championship failure" doesn't scan so I guess we are lucky...

    I like the suggestion though... it's great and very very 2008....

  • lou21/12/2008 at 18:20

    Oh god, he’s started already. Group hug </blockquote

    XD

    why does it always do that to me? :(

  • Steven Roy21/12/2008 at 18:20

    ooo, it’s gonna turn into who can get the 100,000th comment isn’t it?

    So is there an alert system with online fireworks when the 100,000th comment is made.

  • Alianora La Canta21/12/2008 at 18:21

    Number emailed.

  • me21/12/2008 at 18:21

    why does it always do that to me?

    doohickey or lclt?

  • Andy Taylor21/12/2008 at 18:21

    “A last corner championship failure” doesn’t scan so I guess we are lucky…

    At least I've removed his name from the song :D

  • lou21/12/2008 at 18:22

    doohickey or lclt?

    doohickey

  • me21/12/2008 at 18:22

    So is there an alert system with online fireworks when the 100,000th comment is made.

    oh, balls.

  • Lady Snowcat21/12/2008 at 18:22

    And for that Andy, I salute you...

  • me21/12/2008 at 18:22

    doohickey

    and the browser be?

  • Andy Taylor21/12/2008 at 18:24

    And for that Andy, I salute you…

    Thanks. No hint of bias here (says the anyone but Ferrari fan) ;)

  • me21/12/2008 at 18:24

    Number emailed.

    got it and added. thanks you v.much.

  • lou21/12/2008 at 18:25

    and the browser be?</blockquote

    chrome. it only does it occasionally though, tis very strange.

  • R.G (Brill Bracket Braved Burger Beans Bacon but Baffled by Buns)21/12/2008 at 18:25

    just to let you know, we may well break the 100,000 comment mark this evening:

    The intresting bit is

    0 spam

    Number emailed.

    You still got mine?

  • me21/12/2008 at 18:25

    cheers lou. i'll investigate tomorrow.

  • lou21/12/2008 at 18:26

    and the browser be?</blockquote

    chrome. it only does it occasionally though, tis very strange.

    ah dammit!

  • me21/12/2008 at 18:26

    0 spam

    we delete 'em hourly.

    You still got mine?

    just looking.

  • lou21/12/2008 at 18:27

    cheers lou. i’ll investigate tomorrow.

    k, it's not urgent i don't really mind tbh.

  • Lady Snowcat21/12/2008 at 18:28

    Thanks. No hint of bias here (says the anyone but Ferrari fan)

    Well as I am the "Anyone as long as it's Kimi and I don't care who he drives for" fan I won't complain...

  • me21/12/2008 at 18:29

    You still got mine?

    we have your number, thanks r.g.

  • lou21/12/2008 at 18:44

    hmmm my first mince pie of the year :)

  • Christine21/12/2008 at 18:44

    hmmm my first mince pie of the year

    Did you make it?

  • me21/12/2008 at 18:53

    just to get ya in the party mood:

    first time we've ever done a technical test, prior to going live. we ought do that more often.

  • Christine21/12/2008 at 18:55

    we ought do that more often.

    I only know the Agadoo moves.

  • me21/12/2008 at 18:55

    I only know the Agadoo moves.

    macarena?

  • lou21/12/2008 at 18:57

    Did you make it?

    yep :)

  • Flibster21/12/2008 at 18:57

    first time we’ve ever done a technical test, prior to going live. we ought do that more often.

    But..but but that means... Organisation...

    Can't have that! ;)

  • R.G (Brill Bracket Braved Burger Beans Bacon but Baffled by Buns)21/12/2008 at 19:00

    first time we’ve ever done a technical test, prior to going live. we ought do that more often.

    Oh sweet god

    I only know the Agadoo moves.

    Oh sweeter god

    But..but but that means… Organisation…

    Oh sweetest god

  • lou21/12/2008 at 19:04

    first time we’ve ever done a technical test, prior to going live. we ought do that more often.

    you very nearly got your face in that video 'me' lol

    i can't wait for tonight now :)

  • R.G (Who do you think you are kidding Mr Bernie, thinking teams are on the run?)21/12/2008 at 19:07

    you very nearly got your face in that video ‘me’ lol i can’t wait for tonight now

    We got half of Mr C.

  • Christine21/12/2008 at 19:09

    you very nearly got your face in that video ‘me’ lol

    i can’t wait for tonight now

    So excited by the party, he almost lost his secret identity!! Tut tut.

  • Jon Waldock21/12/2008 at 19:21

    Riiiight all :) i'm here. had an amazing day and am looking forward to an awesome evening!!

    hows everyone doing? missed anything?

  • me21/12/2008 at 19:21

    Riiiight all i’m here. had an amazing day and am looking forward to an awesome evening!!

    what happened?

  • Jon Waldock21/12/2008 at 19:22

    what happened?

    spent the day with my girlfriend and her family, nothing special happened, it was just a great day :)

  • Christine21/12/2008 at 19:23

    spent the day with my girlfriend and her family, nothing special happened, it was just a great day

    We're never going to be able to live up to it!

  • R.G (Who do you think you are kidding Mr Bernie, thinking teams are on the run?)21/12/2008 at 19:24

    hows everyone doing? missed anything?

    Well, go to the video just up, skip to around 1:04/1:05, and you get to see half of Mr C

  • R.G (Who do you think you are kidding Mr Bernie, thinking teams are on the run?)21/12/2008 at 19:25

    Christine: 21/12/2008 at 19:23

    spent the day with my girlfriend and her family, nothing special happened, it was just a great day

    We’re never going to be able to live up to it!

    Warning, in practice for my line in the song, i have been 'warming up' by singing Bon Jovi songs, so my voice may have gone.

  • Christine21/12/2008 at 19:25

    Warning, in practice for my line in the song, i have been ‘warming up’ by singing Bon Jovi songs, so my voice may have gone.

    Livin on a Prayer?

  • Jon Waldock21/12/2008 at 19:25

    Warning, in practice for my line in the song, i have been ‘warming up’ by singing Bon Jovi songs, so my voice may have gone.

    "the song"??

    im concerned....

  • Jordan Allen ()21/12/2008 at 19:26

    Kimi Raikkonen is getting a new race engineer for 2009, as Chris Dyer is moving onwards and upwards. Will this affect the Iceman? You’d imagine that he gets on with anyone, but we’ve also seen with Massa that the right combination can really have an amazing effect

    I do not know about the whole buddy-buddy idea with race engineers and drivers. Is there enough liquor in the world to supply the right combination of Kimi and his "right" race engineer?

    Personally, getting Steven to set track records is as easy as telling him that Pironi can do a better job with the lap time... Course, having Lou between us when Steven gets out of of the car helps too.

  • me21/12/2008 at 19:26

    We’re never going to be able to live up to it!

    the pressure is building:

    http://formula1home.com/forum/weblog_entry.php?e=595

  • R.G (Who do you think you are kidding Mr Bernie, thinking teams are on the run?)21/12/2008 at 19:26

    Livin on a Prayer?

    With others

    im concerned….

    As you should be

  • R.G (Who do you think you are kidding Mr Bernie, thinking teams are on the run?)21/12/2008 at 19:27

    the pressure is building:

    Is there gonna be a red carpet with hollywood reporters?

  • Steven Roy21/12/2008 at 19:28

    Personally, getting Steven to set track records is as easy as telling him that Pironi can do a better job with the lap time… Course, having Lou between us when Steven gets out of of the car helps too.

    :D

  • me21/12/2008 at 19:29

    steven asked earlier in the week if the live show takes longer than a normal podcast. today, it's already taken 5 hours longer :)

  • Steven Roy21/12/2008 at 19:30

    steven asked earlier in the week if the live show takes longer than a normal podcast. today, it’s already taken 5 hours longer

    yes but for a normal show you don't practise Agadoo

  • Jordan Allen ()21/12/2008 at 19:31

    ITV’s swan-song show is on this morning, 10:45 GMT, and as a review of the year it is called: Lewis Hamilton - World Champion. What would you call a review programme if you were in charge?

    "The Lewis Hamilton Love-In Show, sponoured by ITV, starring James Allen"

  • lou21/12/2008 at 19:32

    Personally, getting Steven to set track records is as easy as telling him that Pironi can do a better job with the lap time… Course, having Lou between us when Steven gets out of of the car helps too.

    lol

  • Jon Waldock21/12/2008 at 19:36

    We’re never going to be able to live up to it!

    Nah its cool, it'll be fun :)

  • Andy Taylor21/12/2008 at 19:49

    hmmm my first mince pie of the year

    Oi! No starting without the rest of us! ;)

  • lou21/12/2008 at 19:50

    Oi! No starting without the rest of us!

    i only had one :P they smelt nice as they came out of the oven ;)

  • Christine21/12/2008 at 19:51

    yes but for a normal show you don’t practise Agadoo

    You don't know that.

  • R.G (Who do you think you are kidding Mr Bernie, thinking teams are on the run?)21/12/2008 at 19:51

    i only had one they smelt nice as they came out of the oven

    It starts with one, but you ask for two, then three and four, and before you know it, they are all gone

  • Jon Waldock21/12/2008 at 19:52

    i only had one they smelt nice as they came out of the oven

    i made my own last week, i was very proud. pastry was a tad thick though.

    my brother gets home tommorrow and we're going to make a gingerbread house from scratch :D we did it last year too, it was amazing!

  • Steven Roy21/12/2008 at 19:52

    You don’t know that.

    :)

  • lou21/12/2008 at 19:54

    i made my own last week, i was very proud. pastry was a tad thick though.

    yeah the pastry on mine is a bit thicker than i would like, and they don't look too great, but they taste nice ;) i'll post a pic into drop.io later ;)

  • Jon Waldock21/12/2008 at 19:56

    yeah the pastry on mine is a bit thicker than i would like, and they don’t look too great, but they taste nice i’ll post a pic into drop.io later

    the recipe i had said make it 3mm thick, but in reality you really need to make it 1-2mm

  • Christine21/12/2008 at 19:58

    Thread is open:

    http://www.sidepodcast.com/2008/12/21/live-there-aint-no-party-like-a-sidepodparty/

    As mentioned earlier, no starting time promised ;)

  • Jordan Allen ()21/12/2008 at 20:00

    lou said:

    Yeah, at the back of the grid… so no ‘great leap forward’ and surely further back than even the most pessimistic of us expected…

    tbh as long as they are on the grid that’s a good thing. they can try to improve the car throughout the season, ok it’s gonna be tricky without testing and it’s not ideal but it’s better than not even existing.

    There comes a time when it is better to pull the plug on the patient than to let him vegetate, for Honda that was a long time ago...

  • lou21/12/2008 at 20:01

    There comes a time when it is better to pull the plug on the patient than to let him vegetate, for Honda that was a long time ago…

    don't spoil my evening ;) let me live in ignorance and happiness;)

  • Jordan Allen ()21/12/2008 at 20:16

    me said:

    I still like my 8 Super Aguri Starts

    “8 aguri starts”, fits. i can’t get “super” in there though?

    Do not worry about that, me, neither could Team Aguri.... :P