Hello hello, once again. It's Friday! Hurrah! A really bad Thursday yesterday has pretty much resulted in not much energy or time to fit in the usual standard with this daily so I do genuinely apologise, but that is so yesterday. Today is Good Friday though so we're going to have a Good Friday with plenty of hot cross buns, agreed? Excellent! Although hot cross buns are basically scones with make up on... but they're still yummy...

  • It's been announced by Robert Kubica that he will soon be leaving his hospital and continuing with his recovery which is excellent news and always so very good to see positive developments in his return to Formula 1. The sooner we see his talented driving back on the grid the better but of course it's always worth appreciating he should take all the time he needs to return when ready. Lovely to hear from him though.
  • The legend that is Murray Walker has been talking about how the F1 season has gone for him so far, and it's always good to hear Murray's voice when it comes to Formula 1 or in general! Luckily the video is also available for non-UK based viewers here. He seems totally impressed by Petrov and quite right too. Petrov is awesome. Goodness, am I turning into a Petrov fan?
  • Now I understand why it's Good Friday, because we have a brand spanking new Aside with Joe to listen to and enjoy! Hurrah! The latest show was posted late last night so there's no excuse for you to download it, give it a listen and get involved in the comments! As Mr C says in the post - You do not want to miss it.
  • And this is really how not to celebrate a major cup victory at all, oh deary me. Real Madrid managed to overcome the mightily mighty Barcelona in the Cope Del Rey final in Spain, only to go and run over their cup with a bus during the open top bus celebrations. Can you imagine Sebastien Vettel becoming champion (bare with me, keep going) then going and dropping the trophy off the podium? Perhaps they would run over the trophy using these stewards.
  • Pat found this absolutely awesome set of photographs yesterday showing sequence photography and I just had to share it in the Daily. The skateboarding one is absolutely immense but the whole set kind of blows my mind a bit in general, just a very cool concept. The site seems pretty cool and browsing led me to this awesome little History in LEGO set, although I'm not so sure about Donald Trump apparently being Conan O'Brian.
  • Of course we are just a week away from the wedding of all weddings, Weddingmania 2, Four Weddings and a Wedding, Our Big Fat Royal Wedding! But why wait until then when you can just see the royal wedding as represented in The Sims 3? what made me laugh was the fact Harry seems to spend the entire wedding with no top on and Prince Charles has some smooth moves on him. Quite frankly the wedding must go the same as this or I shall be disappointed!

I should point out that next Friday there will be a spare Daily for some lucky person to have a go and write on the Thursday evening as I'll be away and unavailable to do so, so if you've always wanted to write the Daily pluck up that extra bit of courage and give it a go! It's great fun and you can come say hello in the comments too. Have a good Good good... Good Friday and I'll see you guys in those comments that can be much fun for all to get involved in!

405 responses

  • Sidepodcast Update21/04/2011 at 23:45
  • Mr C22/04/2011 at 00:43

    the official f1.com race edit is up for china, but no sign of the malaysian race edit. maybe we imagined it?

    crofty is in it though, so yay!

  • Mr C22/04/2011 at 00:48

    the official f1.com race edit is up for china, but no sign of the malaysian race edit. maybe we imagined it?

    crofty is in it though, so yay!

    i love the lighting mclaren have in their garage. looks like very powerful, pure white LED's. very cool.

  • Journeyer22/04/2011 at 00:58

    the official f1.com race edit is up for china, but no sign of the malaysian race edit. maybe we imagined it?

    cmcmckinleyf1 found it on YouTube, and it looks legit. No idea why it's not on their own site though - copyright issues with the song holding it up, maybe?

  • Journeyer22/04/2011 at 00:59

    Oops, meant cmckinley.

    Hi all.

  • Mr C22/04/2011 at 00:59

    Oops, meant cmckinley.

    good call: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aMr5PNrxAY&

  • Mr C22/04/2011 at 01:13

    lovely daily lukeh. yay for friday.

  • Sidepodcast Update22/04/2011 at 05:45
  • Martí Muñoz22/04/2011 at 06:33

    Good morning everyone :) Is there anybody awake?

    Nice daily Lukeh :D

  • Martí Muñoz22/04/2011 at 06:47

    I see some of you talked about the two Spanish GP earlier today.

    Economically, Barcelona's race is better, as the Circuit de Catalunya looses just a bit of money, but, Valencia's race is not sustainable. The race is paid with tax money, only tax money, and Valencia's government is suffering the consequences of the economical crisis.

    There are rumours that say that Valencia hasn't paid to Ecclestone what they had to pay to host the race, but that's a rumour...

  • Leigh O'Gorman22/04/2011 at 08:08

    Morning kids,

    No Turkey GP after this year? - http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/04/22/motor-racing-prix-turkey-idUKLDE73L01920110422?feedType=RSS&feedName=motorSportsNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+reuters/UKMotorSportsNews+%28News+/+UK+/+Motor+Sports+News%29

  • Amy22/04/2011 at 08:09

    I like that everyone is dealing in rumours and Joe is just like 'oh I'll just check public records'

    http://joesaward.wordpress.com/2011/04/22/team-lotus-principals-buy-caterham-confirmed/

  • Leigh O'Gorman22/04/2011 at 08:13

    I like that everyone is dealing in rumours and Joe is just like 'oh I'll just check public records'

    It was in Autosport this week in the whole "it might be happening" thing - should be interesting. Must check out the context.

  • MartíV822/04/2011 at 08:28

    Morning kids,

    Good morning everyone :)

  • MartíV822/04/2011 at 08:31

    No Turkey GP after this year? - uk.reuters.com/ar…or+Sports+News)

    Sad news :( The track is great, but the place where it is...

  • Leigh O'Gorman22/04/2011 at 08:34

    Sad news :( The track is great, but the place where it is...

    True - I'd imagine Bernie doubling the price is an easy way him to get the organisers to say "no way".

    Oh well, I suppose Austin is a-comin'

  • MartíV822/04/2011 at 08:37

    Oh well, I suppose Austin is a-comin'

    That's true.

    The Istanbul Park is sooo far away from the Istanbul city, so it's difficult for people to get there.

    Anyway, it seems Turkish people have not fallen in love with F1...

  • Leigh O'Gorman22/04/2011 at 08:42

    Anyway, it seems Turkish people have not fallen in love with F1...

    True... which sadly happens - not everyone will take to motor racing. There is also some lingering irritation following the 2006 podium debacle as well

  • Amy22/04/2011 at 09:29

    it's a chilly evening and I can't get pie off my mind. Must...make....pie.

    Alas the shops are closed and my flatmate is having a dinner party. Pie, you're on my list.

  • Pat W22/04/2011 at 09:54

    Morning. A sleep and a lie-in helped muchly. :)

    Anyway, it seems Turkish people have not fallen in love with F1...

    What surprises me is the lack of foreign visitors, I thought it would be a good destination.

  • Alison22/04/2011 at 10:10

    What surprises me is the lack of foreign visitors, I thought it would be a good destination.

    I'm not sure how accurate this is in reality but I probably wouldn't be happy travelling alone in Turkey tbh.

  • Pat W22/04/2011 at 10:19

    I'm not sure how accurate this is in reality but I probably wouldn't be happy travelling alone in Turkey tbh.

    Oh I don't know

  • Pat W22/04/2011 at 10:20

    I'm off out for a spot of golf, see you this afternoon. :)

    Just as I say that, Noble tweeted this about DRS not being run in Monaco: http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/90914

  • Christine22/04/2011 at 10:21

    Ping: http://mrschristine.com/2011/04/22/friday-five-sunscreen-advice/

  • Christine22/04/2011 at 10:22

    Just as I say that, Noble tweeted this about DRS not being run in Monaco: www.autosport.com…port.php/id/90914

    Because of safety... or because there's nowhere to run it :)

  • Pat W22/04/2011 at 10:23

    I'm not sure how accurate this is in reality but I probably wouldn't be happy travelling alone in Turkey tbh.

    Oh I don't know

    I will say I felt fine in Marmaris in 2002 but that's a holiday resort catering for lots of Brits and Germans.

  • Pat W22/04/2011 at 10:24

    Because of safety... or because there's nowhere to run it :)

    :)

    They could probably do the 1sec test before Rascasse and open it along the main straight.

  • Alison22/04/2011 at 10:26

    I will say I felt fine in Marmaris in 2002 but that's a holiday resort catering for lots of Brits and Germans.

    There's a problem for a woman travelling alone in a lot of Muslim countries though. Westerners often have a bit of a reputation and it can make it quite hard to impress that you really do want to be left alone.

  • Leigh O'Gorman22/04/2011 at 10:27

    They could probably do the 1sec test before Rascasse and open it along the main straight.

    ...or on the exit of the tunnel?

  • Pat W22/04/2011 at 10:34

    There's a problem for a woman travelling alone in a lot of Muslim countries though. Westerners often have a bit of a reputation and it can make it quite hard to impress that you really do want to be left alone.

    Don't go alone, go with people

  • Leigh O'Gorman22/04/2011 at 10:38

    ...or on the exit of the tunnel?

    Buxton just put me straight on that idea.

    @willbuxton:

    @TheF1Archive No way. They'd never put DRS in the tunnel. Closing speed plus low fence = carnage.

  • Alison22/04/2011 at 10:43

    Don't go alone, go with people

    I need a bit of space though. I nearly went with my parents to Istanbul when I was about 17 but I don't think they'd have been happy letting me go have a wander for an afternoon or whatever. There were still reports of abductions and things then though which I haven't heard for a while. Goodness knows if it still goes on.

  • Mr C22/04/2011 at 11:20

    I like that everyone is dealing in rumours and Joe is just like 'oh I'll just check public records'

    joesaward.wordpre…terham-confirmed/

    hehe.

  • Mr C22/04/2011 at 11:24

    Economically, Barcelona's race is better, as the Circuit de Catalunya looses just a bit of money, but, Valencia's race is not sustainable. The race is paid with tax money, only tax money, and Valencia's government is suffering the consequences of the economical crisis.

    didn't know that. cheers.

  • Mr C22/04/2011 at 11:32

    what's with the gratuitous use of children in button's head and shoulders advert? he doesn't have kids... probably.

  • lou22/04/2011 at 11:33

    what's with the gratuitous use of children in button's head and shoulders advert? he doesn't have kids... probably.

    he has nephews though?

    hey all

  • Mr C22/04/2011 at 11:33

    headping?

    he has nephews though?

    ooooh, i might let him off then :)

  • lou22/04/2011 at 11:34

    headping?

    :D :D

  • Leigh O'Gorman22/04/2011 at 11:37

    What a glorious afternoon

  • lou22/04/2011 at 11:37

    i still haven't seen the english version of the head and shoulders advert yet.. but from everything that the french one is i don't think i want to.

  • lou22/04/2011 at 11:38

    What a glorious afternoon

    i wish i could go outside, but i seem to have developed hayfever today :(

  • Leigh O'Gorman22/04/2011 at 11:39

    i wish i could go outside, but i seem to have developed hayfever today :(

    Oh no

    :/

  • Mr C22/04/2011 at 11:39

    i still haven't seen the english version of the head and shoulders advert yet.. but from everything that the french one is i don't think i want to.

    it was almost funny, but they didn't take it far enough :(

  • Sidepodcast Update22/04/2011 at 11:45
  • lou22/04/2011 at 11:51

    Oh no

    have never really suffered with it before :/ the universe seems to be against me going outside this year :/

  • lou22/04/2011 at 11:51

    it was almost funny, but they didn't take it far enough :(

    from what my friends say it doesn't stop them laughing at Jenson tho :(

  • Amy22/04/2011 at 12:03

    I like when my flatmate has dinner parties. I swoop in for free food then swoop back out again :D

  • Christine22/04/2011 at 12:04

    Ping: http://sidepodcast.com/post/happy-anniversary-to-the-new-and-improved-daily-posts

  • Lukeh22/04/2011 at 12:33

    Afternoon guys :)

  • Christine22/04/2011 at 12:34

    Afternoon guys :)

    Hello Mr Lukeh.

  • Lukeh22/04/2011 at 12:36

    Hello Mr Lukeh.

    Would you like a Doctor Who thread for tomorrow or are you planning to write one yourself?

  • Christine22/04/2011 at 12:36

    Would you like a Doctor Who thread for tomorrow or are you planning to write one yourself?

    Ooh, if you want to write one, that would be fabbo.

  • Lukeh22/04/2011 at 12:36

    Oh and afternoon mrs c, how rude. Where are my manners? Perhaps under the till I was using..

  • Lukeh22/04/2011 at 12:39

    Ooh, if you want to write one, that would be fabbo.

    Awesome, will save one on the post dashy thingy as a draft when I'm done later just so you can make sure it's all alright for a live thread :)

    Today I even got people talking about the show in work who have never watched it before #hugesuccess

  • Christine22/04/2011 at 12:40

    Today I even got people talking about the show in work who have never watched it before #hugesuccess

    Cool! As ever, I'm worried it's been built up too much but I trust Mr Moffatt.

  • Lukeh22/04/2011 at 12:41

    Cool! As ever, I'm worried it's been built up too much but I trust Mr Moffatt.

    It looks rather different to most opening episodes but in Moffat we trust :)

  • Mr C22/04/2011 at 12:43

    perfectly good use of my afternoon: http://sidepodcast.posterous.com/origins-of-the-finger

  • Lukeh22/04/2011 at 12:44

    perfectly good use of my afternoon: sidepodcast.poste…ins-of-the-finger

    Hahahaha!!

    Millenium prayer for the next Vettel speech.

  • Christine22/04/2011 at 12:52

    perfectly good use of my afternoon: sidepodcast.poste…ins-of-the-finger

    :D

  • Amy22/04/2011 at 13:00

    perfectly good use of my afternoon: sidepodcast.poste…ins-of-the-finger

    oh nooooo

  • Amy22/04/2011 at 13:23

    I didn't see it mentioned in all my trawling but apologies if it was, in a slight twist on the '100 best F1 drivers ever' that pops up at least once a year, McLaren are doing a top 50 countdown of their drivers. But no current ones so Heikki can't be #1 ;)

    They'll be doing it all year so no doubt I'll lose my attention span. Wake me up when they get to Mika :)

  • Lukeh22/04/2011 at 13:24

    They'll be doing it all year so no doubt I'll lose my attention span. Wake me up when they get to Mika :)

    somewhere David Coulthard is reading that telling someone 'This is my year'

  • Amy22/04/2011 at 13:26

    somewhere David Coulthard is reading that telling someone 'This is my year'

    :D

  • lou22/04/2011 at 13:29

    somewhere David Coulthard is reading that telling someone 'This is my year'

    oh dear i read that as 'David Croft' :D

  • Lukeh22/04/2011 at 13:30

    oh dear i read that as 'David Croft' :D

    Hehehe :)

  • Alison22/04/2011 at 13:35

    This just came up as a recommended link on youtube. I can see it's not new but I hadn't seen it before

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6706Xz6xYPY

  • Mr C22/04/2011 at 13:40

    This just came up as a recommended link on youtube. I can see it's not new but I hadn't seen it before

    ooh, meant to share this yesterday: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kav0FEhtLug

    i assume it's been commented or dailed already, but was new to me.

  • Alison22/04/2011 at 13:44

    i assume it's been commented or dailed already, but was new to me.

    Hahahaha what on earth...

    "One's life is for sharing"

  • jpancoast22/04/2011 at 14:04

    i assume it's been commented or dailed already, but was new to me.

    Hahahaha what on earth...

    "One's life is for sharing"

    This one is much better, 'cause it's from a real wedding :)

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-94JhLEiN0

  • Mr C22/04/2011 at 14:06

    This one is much better, 'cause it's from a real wedding :)

    ah-ha, that's where the got the idea from then.

  • Alison22/04/2011 at 14:07

    This one is much better, 'cause it's from a real wedding :)

    Is that Bassano?? :D

  • Amy22/04/2011 at 14:07

    This one is much better, 'cause it's from a real wedding :)

    my friend suggested that for her wedding and I told her if she even remotely considered it I wasn't going to come.

  • jpancoast22/04/2011 at 14:09

    ah-ha, that's where the got the idea from then.

    Unfortunately the guy that sings the song (Chris Brown) likes to beat women, which is why the couple have put up a link to donate to a violence prevention place.

  • Alison22/04/2011 at 14:11

    my friend suggested that for her wedding and I told her if she even remotely considered it I wasn't going to come.

    Yeah it's not my cup of tea particularly... She wanted you to dance??

  • Amy22/04/2011 at 14:15

    Yeah it's not my cup of tea particularly... She wanted you to dance??

    yes. I still haven't worked out if she was kidding :D

  • jpancoast22/04/2011 at 14:27

    yes. I still haven't worked out if she was kidding :D

    Heikki would want you to dance.

  • Amy22/04/2011 at 14:30

    Heikki would want you to dance.

    im not that daft!

  • Mr C22/04/2011 at 14:30

    did you see homepage heikki btw?

  • Amy22/04/2011 at 14:33

    did you see homepage heikki btw?

    my favourite kind of homepage. We just have to keep Lotus at the top of the rankings. Although, you could use a Jarno picture next time.

  • Mr C22/04/2011 at 14:36

    Although, you could use a Jarno picture next time.

    as if ;)

  • Amy22/04/2011 at 14:44

    as if ;)

  • Eric the baker22/04/2011 at 14:46

    I need an opinion from folks who might actually have one. :)

    Amazon has Football Manager 2011 on sale today. I played and LOVED *Championship* Manger years ago. I think the last version I played was 2004 or so. So, in your opinion, how does FM2011 hold up for someone who hasn't touched these games in years?

    http://www.amazon.com/Football-Manager-2011-Linux/dp/B00486F0GG

  • Bassano22/04/2011 at 14:55

    Hello all,

    Thank Crunchie it's Friday! I hear it's a good one. My weekend starts now :D

  • Kai22/04/2011 at 14:57

    Hello all,

    Hey Bassano,

    Apparently this is a good Friday. Sometimes they can be mediocre, I guess.

  • Bassano22/04/2011 at 14:58

    ooh, meant to share this yesterday: www.youtube.com/w…tch?v=Kav0FEhtLug

    I saw that via twitter, cheesey nonsense but I guess some will find it amusing

  • Kai22/04/2011 at 14:58

    I saw that via twitter, cheesey nonsense but I guess some will find it amusing

    I like it. I just wish they would do that. hehe

  • Bassano22/04/2011 at 15:01

    This one is much better, 'cause it's from a real wedding :)

    Is that Bassano?? :D

    :lol:

    Heavily disguised

  • Kai22/04/2011 at 15:02

    The good thing about being home on a weekday is I get to hear John in the Morning on KEXP in Seattle, online streaming.

    http://kexp.org/playlist/playlist.aspx

  • Bassano22/04/2011 at 15:04

    This one is much better, 'cause it's from a real wedding :)

    Is that Bassano?? :D

    Oh wow! I've just seen that bit, damn cameras

  • Kai22/04/2011 at 15:05

    Oh wow! I've just seen that bit, damn cameras

    But the absence of the swan dive makes me think it wasn't you.

  • Bassano22/04/2011 at 15:06

    But the absence of the swan dive makes me think it wasn't you.

    This is true, and I can throw shapes a damn sight better than that!

  • Kai22/04/2011 at 15:06

    This is true, and I can throw shapes a damn sight better than that!

    Yeah, he's clearly a wannabe Bassano.

  • Bassano22/04/2011 at 15:07

    Yeah, he's clearly a wannabe Bassano.

    I get that a lot ;)

  • Kai22/04/2011 at 15:07

    I get that a lot ;)

    :lol:

  • Eric the baker22/04/2011 at 15:09

    I'm thinking that before long there will be Bassano impersonators in Las Vegas :)

  • Bassano22/04/2011 at 15:09

    I'm thinking that before long there will be Bassano impersonators in Las Vegas :)

    I'm waiting for the right price, in the meantime Elton's coming back

  • Kai22/04/2011 at 15:11

    The good thing about being home on a weekday is I get to hear John in the Morning on KEXP in Seattle, online streaming.

    Until he plays some awful crap like what's on right now. I guess I'm not a fan of The Black Angels, whoever they are.

  • Kai22/04/2011 at 15:13

    Okay, so who wants to buy my camera with your powerful pounds sterling?

    http://www.nikonusa.com/Nikon-Products/Product/Compact-Digital-Cameras/26212/COOLPIX-P100.html

  • Bassano22/04/2011 at 15:13

    Okay, so who wants to buy my camera with your powerful pounds sterling?

    www.nikonusa.com/…COOLPIX-P100.html

    What do you think you'll get as a replacement?

  • Amy22/04/2011 at 15:13

    Okay, so who wants to buy my camera with your powerful pounds sterling?

    $1 AU is now $1.07 US. Spending spree time!

  • Kai22/04/2011 at 15:14

    What do you think you'll get as a replacement?

    Whatever you have. You told me, but I didn't write it down.

  • Kai22/04/2011 at 15:14

    $1 AU is now $1.07 US. Spending spree time!

    woo hoo! :)

  • Amy22/04/2011 at 15:14

    woo hoo! :)

    not your camera though, i already have two :D

  • Kai22/04/2011 at 15:15

    not your camera though, i already have two :D

    Well, must save for Korea spending money anyway.

  • Bassano22/04/2011 at 15:15

    Whatever you have. You told me, but I didn't write it down.

    Nikon D40 with standard 18-55mm lens that was.

    If buying second hand [which you'll have to] look for shutter count [how many times used] though I've no idea what's considered bad, an unscratched lens. Spare batteries are cheap enough on ebay

  • Eric the baker22/04/2011 at 15:15

    $1 AU is now $1.07 US. Spending spree time!

    Nice for you, but, from my point of view it means that my intended purchase of a Drizabone duster is going to be put off, yet again.

  • Kai22/04/2011 at 15:16

    Nice for you, but, from my point of view it means that my intended purchase of a Drizabone duster is going to be put off, yet again.

    Hi Eric,

    Thanks to Janna I now know what a Drizabone is.

    #educated

  • Bassano22/04/2011 at 15:16

    Nikon D40 with standard 18-55mm lens that was.

    But look into the entry level of Nikon's DSLR range, you might find a decent newer model

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Nikon_DSLR_cameras

  • Eric the baker22/04/2011 at 15:17

    Hi Kai :)

  • Amy22/04/2011 at 15:17

    Well, must save for Korea spending money anyway.

    indeed. theres never enough money!

  • Kai22/04/2011 at 15:17

    Nikon D40 with standard 18-55mm lens that was.

    Thanks, I made a note of is this time.

    I was hasty in my decision and my camera has gotten very little use, I just want to get one with the kind of picture I was seeing in my head. Buying used is what I need to do.

  • Amy22/04/2011 at 15:18

    Nice for you, but, from my point of view it means that my intended purchase of a Drizabone duster is going to be put off, yet again.

    ah yes, sadly when its good one way its always bad the other :D

  • Kai22/04/2011 at 15:18

    But look into the entry level of Nikon's DSLR range, you might find a decent newer model

    Will do. Thanks.

  • Kai22/04/2011 at 15:24

    Hi Kai :)

    How have you been? missed you around these parts, or I've been away when you've been here...

  • Kai22/04/2011 at 15:26

    I just saw Guille on twitter said it was snowing! wow. We don't even have snow right now, even though it's chilly.

    *waves to Kathi who may be here* :)

  • Eric the baker22/04/2011 at 15:27

    How have you been? missed you around these parts, or I've been away when you've been here...

    I've been well. I haven't been around these parts recently. Work has been kicking my butt the last two months or so. Worked 11 hours last night/this morning. The end is in sight though, 7 May is graduation, then things quiet down.

    As for the races, they've all been the middle of the night for us, and right in the middle of my work day and week. So I've been enjoying them Monday

  • Kai22/04/2011 at 15:29

    As for the races, they've all been the middle of the night for us, and right in the middle of my work day and week. So I've been enjoying them Monday

    Yeah, I couldn't watch the first 2 but stayed up for China 'cause it worked into my schedule. A 2:30am start is interesting, for sure.

  • Kai22/04/2011 at 15:29

    Yeah, I couldn't watch the first 2 but stayed up for China 'cause it worked into my schedule. A 2:30am start is interesting, for sure.

    But my DVR is my best friend, definitely.

  • Eric the baker22/04/2011 at 15:32

    But my DVR is my best friend, definitely.

    Personally. I haven't even been bothering with recording the SPEED TV feed. The BBC coverage has been posted in the usual (dubious legality) Internet sites fast enough that by the time I'm ready to sit down for it on Monday after work, I have it ready.

  • Kai22/04/2011 at 15:34

    Personally. I haven't even been bothering with recording the SPEED TV feed. The BBC coverage has been posted in the usual (dubious legality) Internet sites fast enough that by the time I'm ready to sit down for it on Monday after work, I have it ready.

    Speed seems particularly bad this year. Hobbs just talks over everyone all the time now, doesn't know which drivers are which, and keeps saying 'clag'. It's awful. I need to get things set up. Scott told me what to do, I just have to do it before the next race.

  • Bassano22/04/2011 at 15:42

    Am off out to join the people who seem to have been in the garden all afternoon. Later peeps

    Kai, I'll respond to your email later on, if that's ok

  • Mr C22/04/2011 at 15:43

    *waves to Kathi who may be here* :)

    hehe!

  • Eric the baker22/04/2011 at 15:43

    I need to get things set up. Scott told me what to do, I just have to do it before the next race.

    There are a few different "paths" you can take too. Feel free to DM me on twitter and we can swap email on that, if you want me to give any help.

    and keeps saying 'clag'. It's awful.

    I've heard that term a lot on NASCAR coverage, I bet he picked it up from there.

  • Kai22/04/2011 at 15:45

    Am off out to join the people who seem to have been in the garden all afternoon. Later peeps

    Kai, I'll respond to your email later on, if that's ok

    Have fun

    Kai, I'll respond to your email later on, if that's ok

    Sure, thanks.

  • Kai22/04/2011 at 15:47

    I've heard that term a lot on NASCAR coverage, I bet he picked it up from there.

    Steve Matchett is excellent and is the only glimmer of light there.

  • Pat W22/04/2011 at 16:00

    Hello, home from fun on the golf course. Lovely and warm out.

  • Kai22/04/2011 at 16:03

    Hello, home from fun on the golf course. Lovely and warm out.

    Sounds great.

  • Pat W22/04/2011 at 16:04

    Sounds great.

    Yes I hit a personal best and then had a pint. Oh you meant the weather... ;)

  • Kai22/04/2011 at 16:04

    Yes I hit a personal best and then had a pint. Oh you meant the weather... ;)

    hehe

    It just gets better!

  • Pat W22/04/2011 at 16:05

    There are a few different "paths" you can take too. Feel free to DM me on twitter and we can swap email on that, if you want me to give any help.

    There are certainly different options, sadly I've run out of invites on the download thing I use for non-F1 stuff (which has tons of F1)

  • Kai22/04/2011 at 16:08

    There are certainly different options, sadly I've run out of invites on the download thing I use for non-F1 stuff (which has tons of F1)

    I think I've got a direction set up with Eric, but thank you. I need to stop this Speed watching nonsense.

  • Eric the baker22/04/2011 at 16:23

    Later all. It's off to bed and more work for Easter weekend when I wake up, for me.

  • Pat W22/04/2011 at 16:23

    Later all. It's off to bed and more work for Easter weekend when I wake up, for me.

    See ya Eric

  • Kai22/04/2011 at 16:30

    Later all. It's off to bed and more work for Easter weekend when I wake up, for me.

    Take care, see you later.

  • Alianora La Canta22/04/2011 at 17:14

    It's been announced by Robert Kubica that he will soon be leaving his hospital and continuing with his recovery {Original entry}

    Yippee! :D

  • Sidepodcast Update22/04/2011 at 17:45
  • Alianora La Canta22/04/2011 at 18:00

    Force India appears to think it's racing in China again today. One day I'll understand how their TARDIS works...

    Also, one of my friends, @AilishCatherine, has just finished a week of work experience at Force India. She's tweeted a bit about what she's done there (looking through her timeline, she's been in the ultra-secret Brackley windtunnel, made a model front wing and tried to do a CFD piston, among other things).

    #points

  • Alianora La Canta22/04/2011 at 18:02

    Hobbs just talks over everyone all the time now, doesn't know which drivers are which, and keeps saying 'clag'.

    He's not alone - apparently Force India hasn't worked out which of their drivers is German yet...

  • Alison22/04/2011 at 18:04

    Oooh my friend John on the tv :D

  • Alianora La Canta22/04/2011 at 18:21

    What surprises me is the lack of foreign visitors, I thought it would be a good destination.

    It is if you can get a convenient flight and reliable transport in the country (the track is not exactly walking distance, the taxi drivers are of variable quality and the traffic jams can be... ...large). I wanted to go but never got the money to overcome the transport issue.

  • Alianora La Canta22/04/2011 at 18:23

    There are rumours that say that Valencia hasn't paid to Ecclestone what they had to pay to host the race, but that's a rumour...

    Oh dear. I won't miss the race if it goes but it's never good when a circuit can't even pay to complete its contracts.

  • jpancoast22/04/2011 at 18:29

    Speed seems particularly bad this year. Hobbs just talks over everyone all the time now, doesn't know which drivers are which, and keeps saying 'clag'. It's awful. I need to get things set up. Scott told me what to do, I just have to do it before the next race.

    I honestly don't get the problems people on here seem to have with the Speed TV coverage. I watched the BBC coverage of Korea last year and the race coverage was the definition of awful. Pre and Post race coverage is better on the BBC, but as far as race coverage goes I'm Speed all the way.

  • Kai22/04/2011 at 18:35

    I honestly don't get the problems people on here seem to have with the Speed TV coverage. I watched the BBC coverage of Korea last year and the race coverage was the definition of awful. Pre and Post race coverage is better on the BBC, but as far as race coverage goes I'm Speed all the way.

    Sorry jpan, I don't mean to offend, I just really don't like David Hobbs and Bob Varsha, it's just me. I just want something else. I don't know what happened either, because I watched them for years and enjoyed it.

  • jpancoast22/04/2011 at 18:47

    Sorry jpan, I don't mean to offend, I just really don't like David Hobbs and Bob Varsha, it's just me. I just want something else. I don't know what happened either, because I watched them for years and enjoyed it.

    no offense taken.

    I think what happened was you came in here and started talking to us ;)

  • Kai22/04/2011 at 18:49

    I think what happened was you came in here and started talking to us ;)

    hehe I agree. And I got to hear pieces of BBC coverage and I liked it better. No harm, no foul (and no access, but I'm working on that).

    Gotta run, I have a date with a certain gluten free bakery I love!

    See you guys later on.

  • Mr C22/04/2011 at 18:50

    I think what happened was you came in here and started talking to us ;)

    :)

  • Lukeh22/04/2011 at 21:23

    I has been writing about F1 and the Twitters: http://gridwalktalk.wordpress.com/2011/04/22/the-new-social-sport/

  • Pat W22/04/2011 at 21:37

    Ping - Friday Favourites 22 April 2011

    http://toomuchracing.com/2011/04/22/friday-favourites-22-april-2011/

  • Mr C22/04/2011 at 21:48

    actual conversation with christine on the subject of scaring me with a tiger...

    me: "do they have tigers at longleat?"

    christine: "i know they have white ones. but i'm not sure about real ones."

    you heard here first, white tigers are just big fakers.

  • Alison22/04/2011 at 21:50

    Hehehe one time when I was driving at night with my sister in the car

    sister: those are big moths

    me: they're bats

    sister: you don't get those in real life

  • Lukeh22/04/2011 at 21:50

    christine: "i know they have white ones. but i'm not sure about real ones."

    :D

    I have seen orange ones on the programme on BBC2 before if it helps! Also, lions and giraffes and the scariest of all the animals at longleat - Lord Bath.

  • Pat W22/04/2011 at 21:50

    you heard here first, white tigers are just big fakers.

    :D

  • Pat W22/04/2011 at 21:51

    sister: you don't get those in real life

    haha

  • Mr C22/04/2011 at 21:51

    sister: you don't get those in real life

    :) :) :)

  • Lukeh22/04/2011 at 21:52

    You should go to the West Midland safari park. You don't need to worry about the tigers there, it's the monkeys you should be scared off :)

    Memories of a coach having monkeys running along the top!

  • Mr C22/04/2011 at 21:54

    You should go to the West Midland safari park. You don't need to worry about the tigers there, it's the monkeys you should be scared off :)

    is that the one we went too when i had a hissy fit about schumi returning?

  • Lukeh22/04/2011 at 21:55

    is that the one we went too when i had a hissy fit about schumi returning?

    Ohhh, it may have been now you mention it...

    *secretly runs off to the archives*

  • Steven Roy22/04/2011 at 21:55

    christine: "i know they have white ones. but i'm not sure about real ones."

    sister: you don't get those in real life

    Looks like I got here just in time to restore sanity

  • Lukeh22/04/2011 at 21:56

    Ohhh, it may have been now you mention it...

    Aha!

    http://sidepodcast.com/post/daily-30th-october-2010/comments#comment-943662

    #superdupersearch

  • startledbunny22/04/2011 at 21:56

    you heard here first, white tigers are just big fakers.

    Siegfried and Roy would disagree....

  • Alison22/04/2011 at 21:56

    Looks like I got here just in time to restore sanity

    :D I know what she meant. Obviously they exist, she just didn't know you got them commonly in this country. I think she's a bit more wary of going anywhere at night now :P

  • Mr C22/04/2011 at 21:57

    #superdupersearch

    i'll raise you: http://mrschristine.com/2009/08/03/walk-with-the-animals-well-drive-actually/

    #withhelpfromchristine

  • Steven Roy22/04/2011 at 21:57

    Aha!

    Lions are always asleep. I think they get other animals to do their hunting

  • Steven Roy22/04/2011 at 21:57

    Siegfried and Roy would disagree....

    :D

  • Steven Roy22/04/2011 at 21:57

    :D I know what she meant. Obviously they exist, she just didn't know you got them commonly in this country. I think she's a bit more wary of going anywhere at night now :P

    OK so she thought you only got them in Transylvania

  • Lukeh22/04/2011 at 21:58

    #withhelpfromchristine

    :)

  • Alison22/04/2011 at 21:58

    OK so she thought you only got them in Transylvania

    Hehehe "elsewhere"....

    That is what she said though. Alphonso nearly hit a hedge I was laughing that much.

  • Steven Roy22/04/2011 at 22:00

    How can a serious championship have some races with different rules? This is becoming farcical

  • Alison22/04/2011 at 22:01

    How can a serious championship have some races with different rules? This is becoming farcical

    What are you talking about? Monaco?

  • Lukeh22/04/2011 at 22:01

    How can a serious championship have some races with different rules? This is becoming farcical

    I'll have you find that Wacky Races took their races very seriously despite the announcer seemingly setting new rules here and there. Perhaps Jean is that announcer

  • Alianora La Canta22/04/2011 at 22:03

    How can a serious championship have some races with different rules? This is becoming farcical

    Are we talking about BTCC here? That seems to have different rules every race and it's becoming more like glorified dodgems every year...

  • Lukeh22/04/2011 at 22:04

    Are we talking about BTCC here? That seems to have different rules every race and it's becoming more like glorified dodgems every year...

    I'm assuming Steven is actually referring to Monaco and the DRS rules as Alison suggested

  • Steven Roy22/04/2011 at 22:04

    What are you talking about? Monaco?

    http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/90914

    The link was coming.

  • Pat W22/04/2011 at 22:04

    How can a serious championship have some races with different rules? This is becoming farcical

    They said DRS would be modified through the year, I don't see a problem with it.

  • Alison22/04/2011 at 22:04

    The link was coming.

    No dice.

  • Alianora La Canta22/04/2011 at 22:05

    I'm assuming Steven is actually referring to Monaco and the DRS rules as Alison suggested

    Ah, OK. So what fairground ride is F1 becoming a giant version of?

  • Alianora La Canta22/04/2011 at 22:06

    They said DRS would be modified through the year, I don't see a problem with it.

    My problem is that the FIA should have properly thought through DRS before applying it, instead of sticking it on like an auto-updating software patch.

  • Lukeh22/04/2011 at 22:06

    They said DRS would be modified through the year, I don't see a problem with it.

    I can't say I'm too bothered by it either

  • Steven Roy22/04/2011 at 22:06

    Are we talking about BTCC here? That seems to have different rules every race and it's becoming more like glorified dodgems every year...

    I gave up on that a long time ago. Even with a Scottish race winner now I still have no inclination to watch it

  • Alianora La Canta22/04/2011 at 22:07

    I gave up on that a long time ago. Even with a Scottish race winner now I still have no inclination to watch it

    I saw my first race in a while this evening and while fun, it's becoming a caricature of itself...

  • Mr C22/04/2011 at 22:08

    How can a serious championship have some races with different rules? This is becoming farcical

    i think it's pretty bad for monaco actually. unfit for modern racing?

  • Alison22/04/2011 at 22:08

    They said DRS would be modified through the year, I don't see a problem with it.

    Well it's oft been said that it's fair because although you may be overtaken when you wouldn't have been by a competitor, in the same situation at a later date you can have the advantage back. If you're not allowed to run it at an FIA whim, obviously you can't have that.

    Also I do think it's weird to be allowed to alter regulations once some results have already been declared. It just seems like meddling.

  • Steven Roy22/04/2011 at 22:08

    They said DRS would be modified through the year, I don't see a problem with it.

    They can't have tech/sporting regs that just don't apply at some events. The one race where drivers really need help to overtake and it is banned. Webber does a lousy job of quali in China but gets to use the DRS someone does the same in Monaco but can't. How is that fair?

  • Steven Roy22/04/2011 at 22:08

    No dice.

    :D

  • Pat W22/04/2011 at 22:08

    i think it's pretty bad for monaco actually. unfit for modern racing?

    Monaco has been unfit for modern racing since 1927,

  • Pat W22/04/2011 at 22:09

    i think it's pretty bad for monaco actually. unfit for modern racing?

    Monaco has been unfit for modern racing since 1927,

    And I love it and won't hear a word against it. :)

  • Steven Roy22/04/2011 at 22:10

    My problem is that the FIA should have properly thought through DRS before applying it, instead of sticking it on like an auto-updating software patch.

    Exactly. It's not like they are short of simulation tools. As usual they have no clue what they are doing so they are making it up a they go. They must have realised the problems with Monaco before now. And Monaco is not alone

  • Alison22/04/2011 at 22:10

    They can't have tech/sporting regs that just don't apply at some events. The one race where drivers really need help to overtake and it is banned. Webber does a lousy job of quali in China but gets to use the DRS someone does the same in Monaco but can't. How is that fair?

    Exactly, if I get stuck at the back of the grid at one particular race and I get jammed there because regulations have changed, I'm gonna be mighty peeved about 15 points a competitor got in similar circumstances.

  • Mr C22/04/2011 at 22:11

    it's worth bearing in mind this time last year there was nonsense about q1 being too manic to allow new teams to take part. and nothing came of that either.

  • Steven Roy22/04/2011 at 22:11

    i think it's pretty bad for monaco actually. unfit for modern racing?

    Monaco has been a farce on its own for years. Should have been dropped after they introduced 3 litre engines in 1966. Now it needs special rules.

  • Pat W22/04/2011 at 22:11

    They can't have tech/sporting regs that just don't apply at some events. The one race where drivers really need help to overtake and it is banned. Webber does a lousy job of quali in China but gets to use the DRS someone does the same in Monaco but can't. How is that fair?

    Because they are totally different races. There is passing at Monaco, the lack of passing is a popular myth.

  • Mr C22/04/2011 at 22:12

    Because they are totally different races. There is passing at Monaco, the lack of passing is a popular myth.

    alonso started last and finished... 6th(?) last year.

  • Alison22/04/2011 at 22:12

    Because they are totally different races. There is passing at Monaco, the lack of passing is a popular myth.

    What does that have to do with anything?

  • Pat W22/04/2011 at 22:12

    Exactly. It's not like they are short of simulation tools. As usual they have no clue what they are doing so they are making it up a they go. They must have realised the problems with Monaco before now. And Monaco is not alone

    I think Monaco is alone. No other track has the lack of straights and proximity of barriers.

  • Steven Roy22/04/2011 at 22:12

    Also I do think it's weird to be allowed to alter regulations once some results have already been declared. It just seems like meddling.

    The FIA never work out a rule change before they make it. They pick an idea out of thin air and then bypass the thought process and go straight to the expensive lunch congratulating themselves on a job well done

  • Pat W22/04/2011 at 22:13

    What does that have to do with anything?

    People think Monaco is a parade and it isn't if the drivers try hard enough

  • startledbunny22/04/2011 at 22:13

    I think Monaco is alone. No other track has the lack of straights and proximity of barriers.

    Singapore has similar qualities, but not as extreme.

  • Pat W22/04/2011 at 22:13

    alonso started last and finished... 6th(?) last year.

    Exactly.

  • Steven Roy22/04/2011 at 22:13

    it's worth bearing in mind this time last year there was nonsense about q1 being too manic to allow new teams to take part. and nothing came of that either.

    This is different. I would bet they will ban the DRS there.

  • Pat W22/04/2011 at 22:14

    Singapore has similar qualities, but not as extreme.

    Just because Singapore has barriers doesn't make it similar, IMO. It is far wider, and has straights.

  • Steven Roy22/04/2011 at 22:15

    Because they are totally different races. There is passing at Monaco, the lack of passing is a popular myth.

    One championship, one set of rules.

    Tell that to DC who was stuck behind that Arrows for months despite being three seconds a lap faster

  • Pat W22/04/2011 at 22:15

    Tell that to DC who was stuck behind that Arrows for months despite being three seconds a lap faster

    He should've cleared that car easily. He didn't try hard enough.

  • Alison22/04/2011 at 22:15

    People think Monaco is a parade and it isn't if the drivers try hard enough

    Yes but how does that impact whether it's fair to alter regulations ad hoc like that? If they can't apply the regulations and still are desperate to go there, they could make it a non-championship race?

    That article seems to suggest that it would changed to save drivers from themselves. I'd suggest if someone wants to use DRS to send themselves flying into a wall then they could be left to suit themselves....

  • Steven Roy22/04/2011 at 22:15

    I think Monaco is alone. No other track has the lack of straights and proximity of barriers.

    Singapore? Valencia?

  • James22/04/2011 at 22:15

    alonso started last and finished... 6th(?) last year.

    Exactly.

    the earlier safety car helped him out there, he overtook the new teams and maybe the Toro Rosso's those in front had to react after he pitted and switched to primes after a couple of laps.

  • Alianora La Canta22/04/2011 at 22:16

    i think it's pretty bad for monaco actually. unfit for modern racing?

    Unfit for randomly testing stuff that may or may not be helpful to F1. But then nobody has ever seriously proposed Monaco as a F1 testing venue, so that's OK.

  • Lukeh22/04/2011 at 22:16

    Singapore? Valencia?

    Valencia has that long straight after the bridge doesn't it?

  • Alianora La Canta22/04/2011 at 22:16

    I think Monaco is alone. No other track has the lack of straights and proximity of barriers.

    Singapore? Valencia?

    Canada too.

  • Mr C22/04/2011 at 22:16

    on some tracks they run soft tyres, others super soft and others hard. those 'rules' are changing race-on-race. why not drs too?

  • Steven Roy22/04/2011 at 22:16

    He should've cleared that car easily. He didn't try hard enough.

    A driver who has won 13 GPs was not trying to overtake? Unlikely

  • Alianora La Canta22/04/2011 at 22:16

    Valencia has that long straight after the bridge doesn't it?

    The bit after the bridge isn't that long - if I remember rightly, the bridge is about 1/3 of the straight.

  • Pat W22/04/2011 at 22:17

    One championship, one set of rules.

    Yet if they'd stuck rigidly to the same rules and there had been a DRS failure, or a crash because of it, guess who would be the first person to shout about how inflexible the FIA are.. They are just being sensible in applying the rules to the right places. They always said 2011 was an experimental year, this isn't unexpected.

  • Alison22/04/2011 at 22:17

    A driver who has won 13 GPs was not trying to overtake? Unlikely

    There clearly is a place to overtake at the chicane though. You saw Alonso basically take a car every 2 laps at this same point on the track.

  • Alianora La Canta22/04/2011 at 22:17

    on some tracks they run soft tyres, others super soft and others hard. those 'rules' are changing race-on-race. why not drs too?

    Because the different compounds are in the regulations and can generally be modified by the teams. Blanket DRS bans are neither.

  • Steven Roy22/04/2011 at 22:17

    That article seems to suggest that it would changed to save drivers from themselves. I'd suggest if someone wants to use DRS to send themselves flying into a wall then they could be left to suit themselves....

    There are lots of rules to save drivers from themselves. Racing drivers need to be saved from themselves

  • Pat W22/04/2011 at 22:18

    A driver who has won 13 GPs was not trying to overtake? Unlikely

    Yet it happened. DC is massively overrated.

  • Mr C22/04/2011 at 22:18

    Yet it happened. DC is massively overrated.

    even DC doesn't rate himself :)

  • Pat W22/04/2011 at 22:19

    Singapore? Valencia?

    Valencia has that long straight after the bridge doesn't it?

    Long straight there and also the s/f straight/curve.

  • Alianora La Canta22/04/2011 at 22:19

    it's worth bearing in mind this time last year there was nonsense about q1 being too manic to allow new teams to take part. and nothing came of that either.

    Good point :)

  • Steven Roy22/04/2011 at 22:19

    Valencia has that long straight after the bridge doesn't it?

    Enough for two cars to run side by side for 600m? I really have no map of that track in my head. Despite watching hours and hours of coverage all I know is there is a green building, a bridge, a dockyard and too many corners.

  • Lukeh22/04/2011 at 22:20

    Enough for two cars to run side by side for 600m? I really have no map of that track in my head. Despite watching hours and hours of coverage all I know is there is a green building, a bridge, a dockyard and too many corners.

    what matters is that you remember the green building :)

  • Alison22/04/2011 at 22:20

    Yet if they'd stuck rigidly to the same rules and there had been a DRS failure, or a crash because of it, guess who would be the first person to shout about how inflexible the FIA are.. They are just being sensible in applying the rules to the right places. They always said 2011 was an experimental year, this isn't unexpected.

    This is supposed to be top level motorsport. Can't they experiment elsewhere? Or allow some proper testing to have a true experiment?

  • Pat W22/04/2011 at 22:20

    Enough for two cars to run side by side for 600m? I really have no map of that track in my head. Despite watching hours and hours of coverage all I know is there is a green building, a bridge, a dockyard and too many corners.

    Easily.

  • James22/04/2011 at 22:20

    Enough for two cars to run side by side for 600m? I really have no map of that track in my head. Despite watching hours and hours of coverage all I know is there is a green building, a bridge, a dockyard and too many corners.

    hehe. there is plenty of space on the Valencia straights.

  • Alianora La Canta22/04/2011 at 22:21

    alonso started last and finished... 6th(?) last year.

    Yes, due purely to superior strategy (he even had trouble passing the Virgins on-track). Admittedly 2010 was a bad year for Monaco overtaking.

  • Mr C22/04/2011 at 22:21

    what matters is that you remember the green building :)

    how can you forget meat loaf corner?

  • Kathi22/04/2011 at 22:21

    I just saw Guille on twitter said it was snowing! wow. We don't even have snow right now, even though it's chilly.

    *waves to Kathi who may be here* :)

    I can report it was not snowing today. I did however slip on some ice :( Stupid winter.

  • Alison22/04/2011 at 22:21

    how can you forget meat loaf corner?

    Meat loaf?

  • Mr C22/04/2011 at 22:21

    Meat loaf?

    alia has a circuit map :)

  • Steven Roy22/04/2011 at 22:22

    on some tracks they run soft tyres, others super soft and others hard. those 'rules' are changing race-on-race. why not drs too?

    I think that is different. Running tyres more suited to the event is something drivers and teams would choose to do to optimise their performance. Introducing something to make passing easier then not using it on the hardest track to pass on is just wrong. You cannot give Mark Webber the chance to easily come through the field last weekend then for example not give Sebastian Vettel the same advantage this weekend

  • James22/04/2011 at 22:23

    Singapore? Valencia?

    Two tracks introduced in the modern era with all the safety precautions needed to get on the calendar.

    It goes back to the fact that Monaco wouldn't get on the calendar these days, it does because of the history, glitz, glamour etc.

  • Alianora La Canta22/04/2011 at 22:23

    That article seems to suggest that it would changed to save drivers from themselves. I'd suggest if someone wants to use DRS to send themselves flying into a wall then they could be left to suit themselves....

    Which would be fine if that scenario wasn't 90% likely to cause a Safety Car/red flag at Monaco. If a driver used DRS and crashed, everyone gets affected whether they were being sensible or silly. More than the occasional bout of it would completely wreck the race.

    Another reason why DRS shouldn't have been rushed through.

  • Alianora La Canta22/04/2011 at 22:23

    how can you forget meat loaf corner?

    :D

  • Pat W22/04/2011 at 22:23

    This is supposed to be top level motorsport. Can't they experiment elsewhere? Or allow some proper testing to have a true experiment?

    But they aren't running it... so they aren't experimenting. They've elected not to take that risk.

    I find it bemusing that the people not in favour of DRS are trying to get them to run it.

  • Pat W22/04/2011 at 22:24

    I think that is different. Running tyres more suited to the event is something drivers and teams would choose to do to optimise their performance. Introducing something to make passing easier then not using it on the hardest track to pass on is just wrong. You cannot give Mark Webber the chance to easily come through the field last weekend then for example not give Sebastian Vettel the same advantage this weekend

    Where do you suggest they put it?

  • Alison22/04/2011 at 22:24

    I find it bemusing that the people not in favour of DRS are trying to get them to run it.

    I'm not in favour of DRS because I think it's very unfair. Deciding whimsically not to run it half way through is even more unfair.

  • Steven Roy22/04/2011 at 22:24

    Yet if they'd stuck rigidly to the same rules and there had been a DRS failure, or a crash because of it, guess who would be the first person to shout about how inflexible the FIA are.. They are just being sensible in applying the rules to the right places. They always said 2011 was an experimental year, this isn't unexpected.

    Doing something for safety reasons is fine. I have no problem with that. Introducing something then realising that running it at Monaco may not be a good idea is incompetence of an incredible level. It's not like Monaco is anonymous. And it is the 4th race of the season. If it is not safe at some tracks ban it completely.

  • Alianora La Canta22/04/2011 at 22:24

    Two tracks introduced in the modern era with all the safety precautions needed to get on the calendar.

    Both of which would nonetheless cause Safety Cars if DRS was used in a slightly unwise manner pretty much anywhere on the circuit. I don't think this is about safety so much as expediting the running of the race - which is why this is more likely to get through than the "new team segregation" attempt last year.

  • lou22/04/2011 at 22:25

    hey all!! I'm making friends with another F1 photographer you should all follow and love the work of :) (i've mentioned him recently).

    http://twitter.com/#!/daniel_kalisz

    *happy lou*

  • Pat W22/04/2011 at 22:25

    Doing something for safety reasons is fine. I have no problem with that. Introducing something then realising that running it at Monaco may not be a good idea is incompetence of an incredible level. It's not like Monaco is anonymous. And it is the 4th race of the season. If it is not safe at some tracks ban it completely.

    Who said it is a sudden decision, just because the announcement is now?

  • Steven Roy22/04/2011 at 22:26

    There clearly is a place to overtake at the chicane though. You saw Alonso basically take a car every 2 laps at this same point on the track.

    That's fine if your car has a big enough advantage at that part of the track. You can have a car several seconds a lap faster and be ten miles an hour slower there

  • Alianora La Canta22/04/2011 at 22:26

    Meat loaf?

    In 2009 we named all the corners after artists who happen to also be things you can eat. Similarly, all the Abu Dhabi corners were named after artists who happen to be things you can drink. So the calender now has two Singapore Slings...

  • Steven Roy22/04/2011 at 22:26

    what matters is that you remember the green building :)

    Exactly

  • Mr C22/04/2011 at 22:26

    Who said it is a sudden decision, just because the announcement is now?

    it's not even decided :)

  • Pat W22/04/2011 at 22:26

    Who said it is a sudden decision, just because the announcement is now?

    All it says in the article is they are 'consdering it' which I imagine has been the position for months.

  • Mr C22/04/2011 at 22:26

    *happy lou*

    hey lou :)

  • Steven Roy22/04/2011 at 22:27

    This is supposed to be top level motorsport. Can't they experiment elsewhere? Or allow some proper testing to have a true experiment?

    They can run CFD tests easily.

  • Alison22/04/2011 at 22:27

    it's not even decided :)

    I just think it's mad to start a season without even working out what the rules are first. How can that ever be fair?

  • Mr C22/04/2011 at 22:27

    They can run CFD tests easily.

    who can? the fia doesn't own a supercomputer, do they?

  • Mr C22/04/2011 at 22:28

    I just think it's mad to start a season without even working out what the rules are first. How can that ever be fair?

    it's the same for everybody.

  • lou22/04/2011 at 22:28

    hey lou :)

    how is everyone on this lovely evening?

    here is a fact for you, i've now had at least one tweet from each f1 photographer i know of on twitter. :)

    anyways i'm gonna read back and find out why we're talking about the very awesome green building!

  • Lukeh22/04/2011 at 22:28

    who can? the fia doesn't own a supercomputer, do they?

    Well f1 2011 isn't out yet so might as well try the next best thing

  • James22/04/2011 at 22:28

    Both of which would nonetheless cause Safety Cars if DRS was used in a slightly unwise manner pretty much anywhere on the circuit. I don't think this is about safety so much as expediting the running of the race - which is why this is more likely to get through than the "new team segregation" attempt last year.

    the point I was making was that Singapore and Valencia are wide enough and have plenty of run off compared to Monaco which has zero.

    besides tyres will play havoc in Monaco and we'll forget all about DRS, it'll be the first race using the super-soft.

  • Steven Roy22/04/2011 at 22:28

    how can you forget meat loaf corner?

    That kind of sounds familiar.

    Most tracks I can get a good impression of after about watching ten laps and I have an outline of most tracks in my head. In the space where I should have an outline of Valencia I have a green building. I have no idea what shape the track is.

  • Mr C22/04/2011 at 22:29

    if they do ban the device, at least we can see how much the tyres bring to the show.

  • Alison22/04/2011 at 22:29

    it's the same for everybody.

    It's not if I happen to be caught behind at the one race I can't use DRS to rectify the situation.... Everyone else has been making up positions on me all season and the one time I make a mistake, it's not there to save me.

  • Pat W22/04/2011 at 22:29

    besides tyres will play havoc in Monaco and we'll forget all about DRS, it'll be the first race using the super-soft.

    Ooh, red tyres

  • Steven Roy22/04/2011 at 22:29

    I can report it was not snowing today. I did however slip on some ice :( Stupid winter.

    That doesn't sound like fun. Even Scotland was sunny and warm today

  • Steven Roy22/04/2011 at 22:30

    Meat loaf?

    We were bored so we gave names to all the corners. THey were all named after musicians who were named after food or something

  • Alison22/04/2011 at 22:30

    We were bored so we gave names to all the corners. THey were all named after musicians who were named after food or something

    Hehehe some of us actually... like.... go to work :D

  • Pat W22/04/2011 at 22:31

    if they do ban the device, at least we can see how much the tyres bring to the show.

    Imagine the marbles with supersofts.. they are bad at Monaco anyway. That concerns me far more than DRS.

  • Alison22/04/2011 at 22:32

    It doesn't matter if you're heading for the armco at Monaco anyways. The crane will have hooked your car up before you've even hit it :D

  • Pat W22/04/2011 at 22:32

    There isn't a single straight bit of road long enough in Monaco for DRS to have any effect whatsoever. It would be crazy to mandate a zone to use it at that track, it would cause an accident and it would be the FIA's fault.

  • Steven Roy22/04/2011 at 22:32

    I find it bemusing that the people not in favour of DRS are trying to get them to run it.

    It goes back to my fundamental rule of sport. All competitors should be subject to the same rules at all times.

    I don't think the DRS belongs in F1 but if they put it in the rules then it should be used at every race. If it is not safe at some races don't use it anywhere.

  • Mr C22/04/2011 at 22:32

    It doesn't matter if you're heading for the armco at Monaco anyways. The crane will have hooked your car up before you've even hit it :D

    :)

  • Steven Roy22/04/2011 at 22:32

    Where do you suggest they put it?

    :lol:

  • Steven Roy22/04/2011 at 22:33

    hey all!! I'm making friends with another F1 photographer you should all follow and love the work of :) (i've mentioned him recently).

    That didn't take long. You didn't know who he was a week ago

  • James22/04/2011 at 22:33

    I don't think the DRS belongs in F1 but if they put it in the rules then it should be used at every race. If it is not safe at some races don't use it anywhere.

    DRS is only a stop gap though, they are stuck with the current aero regs.

  • Pat W22/04/2011 at 22:33

    It doesn't matter if you're heading for the armco at Monaco anyways. The crane will have hooked your car up before you've even hit it :D

    :D They are masters. I went there in 2003 and during the Supercup race there was the inevitible pileup at turn one because half the Supercup drivers can't drive. I'm sure it must be my memory but I swear one of them was dangling in midair before the safety car led them around again.

  • Steven Roy22/04/2011 at 22:35

    Who said it is a sudden decision, just because the announcement is now?

    You think the had this thought out before the season but decided not to tell anyone? If they planned this then it should have been announced. If they were considering it they should have been asking teams and drivers who ran it in testing. This is a typical FIA knee-jerk decision

  • Mr C22/04/2011 at 22:35

    I don't think the DRS belongs in F1 but if they put it in the rules then it should be used at every race. If it is not safe at some races don't use it anywhere.

    indycar have different rules for ovals,, don't they?

  • Alison22/04/2011 at 22:36

    DRS is only a stop gap though, they are stuck with the current aero regs.

    I just think that's a ridiculous justification. You can't say that it's okay because they only thought of it off the cuff in the first place.

  • Steven Roy22/04/2011 at 22:36

    They can run CFD tests easily.

    who can? the fia doesn't own a supercomputer, do they?

    They can get access to them. It's ot like they don't know anyone who has one

  • Steven Roy22/04/2011 at 22:37

    it's the same for everybody.

    Not if you happen to be the driver who has your bad qualifying day at Monaco rather than China

  • Mr C22/04/2011 at 22:37

    indycar have different rules for ovals,, don't they?

    and nascar appear to have two types of car.

  • Pat W22/04/2011 at 22:38

    :D They are masters. I went there in 2003 and during the Supercup race there was the inevitible pileup at turn one because half the Supercup drivers can't drive. I'm sure it must be my memory but I swear one of them was dangling in midair before the safety car led them around again.

    https://picasaweb.google.com/toomuchracing/2003MonacoGrandPrix#5122062861973382386

  • Steven Roy22/04/2011 at 22:38

    if they do ban the device, at least we can see how much the tyres bring to the show.

    The racing, the sport. Please not the show

  • Mr C22/04/2011 at 22:38

    They can get access to them. It's ot like they don't know anyone who has one

    they can't afford to pay for it.

  • Pat W22/04/2011 at 22:38

    and nascar appear to have two types of car.

    3 or 4

  • Mr C22/04/2011 at 22:39

    and nascar appear to have two types of car.

    3 or 4

    so why can't f1 have two types of car? with and without the drs.

  • Alianora La Canta22/04/2011 at 22:39

    Who said it is a sudden decision, just because the announcement is now?

    Because the FIA generally makes these announcements either at the start of the season or just before/during the weekend in that situation. The actions combined with the FIA's modus operandi makes "sudden decision" the most likely cause of the timing.

  • Steven Roy22/04/2011 at 22:39

    :D They are masters. I went there in 2003 and during the Supercup race there was the inevitible pileup at turn one because half the Supercup drivers can't drive. I'm sure it must be my memory but I swear one of them was dangling in midair before the safety car led them around again.

    I am sure I have seen F1 cars lifted before the safety car arrived

  • Steven Roy22/04/2011 at 22:40

    and nascar appear to have two types of car.

    Nascar? You are justifying F1 rules against the standards of Nascar?

  • James22/04/2011 at 22:40

    I just think that's a ridiculous justification. You can't say that it's okay because they only thought of it off the cuff in the first place.

    it is though? it is helping create opportunities for overtaking, which is what everyone wants. the aero regs are the ultimately to blame, but they couldn't change them for this year and aren't now until at least 2013.

  • Pat W22/04/2011 at 22:41

    so why can't f1 have two types of car? with and without the drs.

    Just change the rear wing, you don't need different cars

  • Steven Roy22/04/2011 at 22:41

    so why can't f1 have two types of car? with and without the drs.

    Because F1 is supposed to be a serious sport and not a show

  • Alison22/04/2011 at 22:42

    so why can't f1 have two types of car? with and without the drs.

    Because it's ridiculous? I'm back at motorsport at its highest level. I don't watch anything else and am not particularly interested in their nonsensical rules.

  • Pat W22/04/2011 at 22:42

    Oh wow, my arms are bright red

  • Alianora La Canta22/04/2011 at 22:43

    who can? the fia doesn't own a supercomputer, do they?

    They've hired supercomputers before. Also, with the limitations on teams' supercomputer usage, the FIA could easily get the teams to lend them some of the capacity they are not allowed to use "in the interests of the broader sport".

  • James22/04/2011 at 22:43

    Because it's ridiculous? I'm back at motorsport at its highest level. I don't watch anything else and am not particularly interested in their nonsensical rules.

    did you have a problem with the F-Duct? it primarily did the same thing in reducing drag on the straights. DRS has taken the idea and used it to create the opportunities for overtaking that simply weren't there before.

  • Alison22/04/2011 at 22:43

    it is though? it is helping create opportunities for overtaking, which is what everyone wants. the aero regs are the ultimately to blame, but they couldn't change them for this year and aren't now until at least 2013.

    Is it what everyone wants though? I wouldn't want overtaking at any cost. Not if it's not fair.

    Tbh I very nearly stopped watching F1 altogether after errrm Suzuka? 2009? because it smacked decidedly of unfairness. I'm not interested in a show. It's supposed to be a sport.

  • Steven Roy22/04/2011 at 22:43

    it is though? it is helping create opportunities for overtaking, which is what everyone wants. the aero regs are the ultimately to blame, but they couldn't change them for this year and aren't now until at least 2013.

    They are never going to change the aero reg because no-one has the bottle to do what needs to be done. Balestre had his faults but when ground effect was getting out of control he banned it even though F2 and F3 still had it. No-one now has the bottle to slow F1.

  • Alianora La Canta22/04/2011 at 22:44

    it's the same for everybody.

    It's not. The rich teams have a huge advantage when it comes to adapting to short-notice regulations. Such behaviour raises costs. The FIA is one of the main causes of pointless expense in F1.

  • Alison22/04/2011 at 22:45

    did you have a problem with the F-Duct? it primarily did the same thing in reducing drag on the straights. DRS has taken the idea and used it to create the opportunities for overtaking that simply weren't there before.

    I didn't have a problem with that as any car had the same opportunity to use that leading or following at any circuit whenever they chose.

  • James22/04/2011 at 22:45

    Tbh I very nearly stopped watching F1 altogether after errrm Suzuka? 2009? because it smacked decidedly of unfairness. I'm not interested in a show. It's supposed to be a sport.

    what was unfair about Suzuka 09? :s

  • Pat W22/04/2011 at 22:45

    They are never going to change the aero reg because no-one has the bottle to do what needs to be done. Balestre had his faults but when ground effect was getting out of control he banned it even though F2 and F3 still had it. No-one now has the bottle to slow F1.

    Ground effect wasn't bad, it was misunderstood. I'd be happy with wing size reduction if there was moderate amounts of regulated ground effect because the problem isn't downforce it is drag.

  • Alison22/04/2011 at 22:45

    what was unfair about Suzuka 09? :s

    I may have plucked that out of thin air. My memory sucks. I'll have a look....

  • James22/04/2011 at 22:46

    I didn't have a problem with that as any car had the same opportunity to use that leading or following at any circuit whenever they chose.

    but for large portions of the season not everyone had it, Renault for example didn't until the Belgium Grand Prix.

  • Steven Roy22/04/2011 at 22:46

    did you have a problem with the F-Duct? it primarily did the same thing in reducing drag on the straights. DRS has taken the idea and used it to create the opportunities for overtaking that simply weren't there before.

    Everyone could use the F-duct as they pleased. They did not need to wait for the FIA to say they were close enough to the car in front and the car being passed could use it too.

    I am not particularly keen on the F-duct for a number of reasons but it wasn't fake like DRS

  • Alison22/04/2011 at 22:47

    but for large portions of the season not everyone had it, Renault for example didn't until the Belgium Grand Prix.

    Nonono that's not the same at all. That's just being behind because you didn't take full advantage of gaps in technical regulations. You missed the trick, it's up to you....

  • James22/04/2011 at 22:47

    They are never going to change the aero reg because no-one has the bottle to do what needs to be done. Balestre had his faults but when ground effect was getting out of control he banned it even though F2 and F3 still had it. No-one now has the bottle to slow F1.

    There are changes afoot for 2013, I think. But I agree whoever thought letting the teams make up the rules was silly.

  • Alianora La Canta22/04/2011 at 22:48

    indycar have different rules for ovals,, don't they?

    Because the organisers wanted both road courses and ovals and worked out putting the one type of car on the other sort of track would be stupid. We're not discussing different sorts of cars though, just ones that would be able to run identically on all tracks used in the series were it not for the silly trick bit.

  • Alianora La Canta22/04/2011 at 22:49

    I seem to have lost the Abu Dhabi circuit map, which has the original Singapore Sling :(

    However, Valencia and Singapore are here (Singapore is artists named after animals).

  • James22/04/2011 at 22:50

    Everyone could use the F-duct as they pleased. They did not need to wait for the FIA to say they were close enough to the car in front and the car being passed could use it too.

    after the added it to the car, whereas everyone has DRS from the start.

    I know DRS isn't the ideal solution, but it hasn't created overtaking where people have sailed past the guy in front. The only occasions that has happened the driver in front is on old tyres and the one behind has newer ones.

  • Steven Roy22/04/2011 at 22:50

    Ground effect wasn't bad, it was misunderstood. I'd be happy with wing size reduction if there was moderate amounts of regulated ground effect because the problem isn't downforce it is drag.

    I agree but at the time it was out of control and dangerous. Bear in mind there is a big difference between under body aero which is what I assume you are in favour of and ground effect.

    The point I was making was at the time it was crazily dangerous and Balestre banned it even though F2 still had it. He didn't worry that F2 cars may be faster at some tracks. Now you have people who think F1 has to be faster than anything else everywhere and that rules out doing a lot of good

  • Alianora La Canta22/04/2011 at 22:50

    they can't afford to pay for it.

    They can easily. They claim it back on the entry fees the following year!

  • startledbunny22/04/2011 at 22:51

    However, Valencia and Singapore are here (Singapore is artists named after animals).

    I approve of anything named after the bird and the bee. but crazy frog?

  • Alianora La Canta22/04/2011 at 22:51

    so why can't f1 have two types of car? with and without the drs.

    Because there are no circuits where F1 cars need DRS to function.

  • Alison22/04/2011 at 22:52

    after the added it to the car, whereas everyone has DRS from the start.

    You could say that about absolutely anything on a car. You seem to be building up a straw man. Nobody's saying they want spec cars or that it's not fair that one car has innovations another doesn't. It's a team sport.

  • Alianora La Canta22/04/2011 at 22:52

    I approve of anything named after the bird and the bee. but crazy frog?

    There is an artist called Crazy Frog though thankfully Turn 2 has proven to be less annoying (given the 2010 circuit modifications, it has proven to be just as much of a one-hit wonder, however).

  • startledbunny22/04/2011 at 22:52

    Because the organisers wanted both road courses and ovals and worked out putting the one type of car on the other sort of track would be stupid. We're not discussing different sorts of cars though, just ones that would be able to run identically on all tracks used in the series were it not for the silly trick bit.

    They could run the same car with the system fitted, but disable its function.

    If they need advice on doing this, they could talk to the Benetton team members circa 1994.

  • Steven Roy22/04/2011 at 22:52

    but for large portions of the season not everyone had it, Renault for example didn't until the Belgium Grand Prix.

    That was their fault though. The rules allow innovation so people who innovate deserve to benefit from it. THat ha always been the way in F1. Cooper put the engine behind the driver and Jack Brabham won two titles before the rest caught up. Colin Chapman built a monocoque chassis and Jim Clark set a record number of wins in 1963. These things have always happened.

  • Pat W22/04/2011 at 22:53

    I agree but at the time it was out of control and dangerous. Bear in mind there is a big difference between under body aero which is what I assume you are in favour of and ground effect.

    I want what CART had 10 years ago with tunnels in the underbody. Standard dimensions.

  • Alison22/04/2011 at 22:53

    It was Suzuka 2009, everything went MAD. All these red flag and mental penalties and everything. Basically pick names out a bag and that's your grid.

  • Lukeh22/04/2011 at 22:53

    There is an artist called Crazy Frog though thankfully Turn 2 has proven to be less annoying (given the 2010 circuit modifications, it has proven to be just as much of a one-hit wonder, however).

    ironic that the Crazy Frog sound started off as an internet meme of a Formula 1 car

  • James22/04/2011 at 22:54

    It was Suzuka 2009, everything went MAD. All these red flag and mental penalties and everything. Basically pick names out a bag and that's your grid.

    the penalties were because people broke the rules, they drove flat out through yellow flags. if thats what you are referring to.

  • Steven Roy22/04/2011 at 22:55

    If they need advice on doing this, they could talk to the Benetton team members circa 1994.

    :D

  • Alison22/04/2011 at 22:55

    the penalties were because people broke the rules, they drove flat out through yellow flags. if thats what you are referring to.

    The FIA released a statement saying they weren't willing to announce an official grid until the morning.... It's totally ridiculous.

  • Steven Roy22/04/2011 at 22:56

    I want what CART had 10 years ago with tunnels in the underbody. Standard dimensions.

    I think what they need is underbody tunnel but the bottom edge of the outside of the sidepod should be 3 inches above the plank. That way there is no way even Adrian Newey can get a seal to the road.

  • Alianora La Canta22/04/2011 at 22:57

    what was unfair about Suzuka 09?

    The qualifying session where nearly everyone's position changed according to who misjudged a yellow flag/blocked/changed components first? Silly collisions going unpenalised?

  • James22/04/2011 at 22:58

    The FIA released a statement saying they weren't willing to announce an official grid until the morning.... It's totally ridiculous.

    because 4 or 5 drivers had done so, and it came down to who had done it first. F1 stewards always take their time and this was a confusing mess which was always going to take a while, but at the end of the day the dished out the penalties according to the rules.

  • Alison22/04/2011 at 22:59

    because 4 or 5 drivers had done so, and it came down to who had done it first. F1 stewards always take their time and this was a confusing mess which was always going to take a while, but at the end of the day the dished out the penalties according to the rules.

    I'm sure there was more nonsense in the race. I'd need to dig out the digest or something.

  • Alianora La Canta22/04/2011 at 22:59

    after the added it to the car, whereas everyone has DRS from the start.

    As far as I know, the sophomore teams don't have DRS.

  • Alison22/04/2011 at 23:01

    I'm sure there was more nonsense in the race. I'd need to dig out the digest or something.

    Also it was a ridiculous issue where there was a flat penalty of a grid drop for speeding so actually you were rewarded for speeding more. Those committing a marginal offence received the most extreme penalty.

  • Alianora La Canta22/04/2011 at 23:01

    They could run the same car with the system fitted, but disable its function.

    If they need advice on doing this, they could talk to the Benetton team members circa 1994

    My point is that it would be better to have one car that works at all the circuits, which would mean not having DRS in the first place, or else getting a DRS that can be used at every circuit.

  • Mr C22/04/2011 at 23:04

    I know DRS isn't the ideal solution, but it hasn't created overtaking where people have sailed past the guy in front. The only occasions that has happened the driver in front is on old tyres and the one behind has newer ones.

    agreed.

  • Steven Roy22/04/2011 at 23:06

    I hope you lot know you are keeping me from doing what I am meant to be doing by starting arguments about the DRS

  • startledbunny22/04/2011 at 23:06

    My point is that it would be better to have one car that works at all the circuits, which would mean not having DRS in the first place, or else getting a DRS that can be used at every circuit.

    They could link DRS to the steering input, so that it could not be used in any other condition than driving straight. Therefore negating the need to remove it in Monaco.

    Don't know if that would be dangerous though, it might have stopped Sutil spinning in Aus Qualifying.

  • Alison22/04/2011 at 23:07

    I hope you lot know you are keeping me from doing what I am meant to be doing by starting arguments about the DRS

    You started it!!!

  • Alianora La Canta22/04/2011 at 23:07

    They could link DRS to the steering input, so that it could not be used in any other condition than driving straight. Therefore negating the need to remove it in Monaco.

    Alternatively, they could do what they said they were going to do in the first place and link DRS use to braking!

  • James22/04/2011 at 23:07

    Also it was a ridiculous issue where there was a flat penalty of a grid drop for speeding so actually you were rewarded for speeding more. Those committing a marginal offence received the most extreme penalty.

    they speeded they got penalties. it made their races more difficult, I don't see the problem. They could have caused a serious accident.

  • Mr C22/04/2011 at 23:08

    also, i (heart) nico:

    The people in charge have made the sport from one year to the next so much more exciting

    i guess the drivers were bored witless in 2010 too.

  • Steven Roy22/04/2011 at 23:08

    You started it!!!

    Me?? How can you say that?

  • Alianora La Canta22/04/2011 at 23:08

    they speeded they got penalties. it made their races more difficult, I don't see the problem. They could have caused a serious accident

    They got wildly varying penalties, once they were all combined. Some got dropped 1 place and others 5!

  • startledbunny22/04/2011 at 23:08

    Alternatively, they could do what they said they were going to do in the first place and link DRS use to braking!

    they do that already, I'm sure i've heard that.

  • Mr C22/04/2011 at 23:09

    I hope you lot know you are keeping me from doing what I am meant to be doing by starting arguments about the DRS

    hehehe. it's a great debate. drs isn't perfect, but without it we'd be watching a different sport by now.

  • Alianora La Canta22/04/2011 at 23:09

    they do that already, I'm sure i've heard that.

    Alonso's DRS evidently hasn't read that statement.

  • Alison22/04/2011 at 23:09

    How can a serious championship have some races with different rules? This is becoming farcical

    !!!!!

  • Steven Roy22/04/2011 at 23:09

    Pamela Ping http://sidepodcast.com/post/daily-23rd-april-2010-2

  • James22/04/2011 at 23:10

    They got wildly varying penalties, once they were all combined. Some got dropped 1 place and others 5!

    combined with people going off the track, gearbox change penalties it was always going to because the penalties are handed out in the order they happened.

  • Steven Roy22/04/2011 at 23:10

    !!!!!

    That is a statement. It is not an invite to an argument

  • Alison22/04/2011 at 23:10

    They got wildly varying penalties, once they were all combined. Some got dropped 1 place and others 5!

    Also some did back off in the only timed lap yet were still penalised leaving them losing XXX positions.

  • James22/04/2011 at 23:11

    Alonso's DRS evidently hasn't read that statement.

    There is something going on with Alonos's DRS...

  • Alianora La Canta22/04/2011 at 23:11

    combined with people going off the track, gearbox change penalties it was always going to because the penalties are handed out in the order they happened.

    This is true. Doesn't make it feel any fairer, even if genuine fairness is the reason behind the principle.

  • Alianora La Canta22/04/2011 at 23:13

    There is something going on with Alonos's DRS...

    I also wonder how many other DRS failures there have been that nobody's caught yet (either because the viewers were looking elsewhere at the time or the camera didn't catch them - it was only because someone tweeted the BBC that Alonso's DRS failure was ever brought to light).

  • Mr C22/04/2011 at 23:13

    There is something going on with Alonos's DRS...

    you think there's more to it than a timing glitch?

  • James22/04/2011 at 23:13

    Also some did back off in the only timed lap yet were still penalised leaving them losing XXX positions.

    it isn't unfair though, they broke the rules and were handed a punishement. the punishments were all the same for the breaking the same rule. it isn't the stewards fault that other people were busy crashing and changing the severity of the penalties.

  • Mr C22/04/2011 at 23:14

    I also wonder how many other DRS failures there have been that nobody's caught yet (either because the viewers were looking elsewhere at the time or the camera didn't catch them - it was only because someone tweeted the BBC that Alonso's DRS failure was ever brought to light).

    someone tweeted it way before the bbc heard and checked. a tweet was noted in the live comments a good 30 mins before the bbc said anything.

  • James22/04/2011 at 23:14

    you think there's more to it than a timing glitch?

    no. I just think after the issue in Malaysia and now China, at some point something is going to go dramatically wrong.

  • James22/04/2011 at 23:16

    no. I just think after the issue in Malaysia and now China, at some point something is going to go dramatically wrong.

    I expect something to go wrong in either Turkey or Spain. Spain more likely, Fernando hasn't had a good Spanish GP since 2006 :)

  • Alison22/04/2011 at 23:19

    it isn't unfair though, they broke the rules and were handed a punishement. the punishments were all the same for the breaking the same rule. it isn't the stewards fault that other people were busy crashing and changing the severity of the penalties.

    Equal doesn't mean fair.

  • James22/04/2011 at 23:21

    Equal doesn't mean fair.

    fairer than not being equal though

  • Alison22/04/2011 at 23:21

    fairer than not being equal though

    I don't agree necessarily

  • Alianora La Canta22/04/2011 at 23:23

    someone tweeted it way before the bbc heard and checked. a tweet was noted in the live comments a good 30 mins before the bbc said anything.

    Yes. Which makes it even less likely that other DRS failures will have been spotted had they occurred because even tweeting them isn't a guarantee that they'll be checked in a timely fashion.

  • Alianora La Canta22/04/2011 at 23:25

    you think there's more to it than a timing glitch?

    As an absolute minimum, it means that one of the safety features we were told DRS would have (brake auto-deactivation of device) doesn't work reliably and that the zone isn't enforced properly. That on its own is already much more than a timing glitch.

  • Mr C22/04/2011 at 23:25

    Yes. Which makes it even less likely that other DRS failures will have been spotted had they occurred because even tweeting them isn't a guarantee that they'll be checked in a timely fashion.

    interesting point.

  • Alison22/04/2011 at 23:26

    I don't agree necessarily

    Oh YEAH, I remember. That same weekend Rosberg was speeding under the SC and received no penalty for it. A total farce.

  • James22/04/2011 at 23:28

    Oh YEAH, I remember. That same weekend Rosberg was speeding under the SC and received no penalty for it. A total farce.

    which turned out not to be his fault but an issue with the ECU if I remember.

  • Alianora La Canta22/04/2011 at 23:29

    which turned out not to be his fault but an issue with the ECU if I remember.

    True - but another example of the FIA messing up races.

  • Alison22/04/2011 at 23:30

    which turned out not to be his fault but an issue with the ECU if I remember.

    Irrelevant. His pit team can monitor his track position to 20cm or something equally ridiculous. They should have told him to slow down.

  • Mr C22/04/2011 at 23:31

    Irrelevant. His pit team can monitor his track position to 20cm or something equally ridiculous. They should have told him to slow down.

    his pit crew aren't computers. even if they could react, they couldn't reply the info quick enough fro him to react. if a standard component fails you cannot blame the driver,

  • Alianora La Canta22/04/2011 at 23:32

    Irrelevant. His pit team can monitor his track position to 20cm or something equally ridiculous. They should have told him to slow down.

    They didn't know how much to tell him to slow down by to comply with the rules...

  • Alison22/04/2011 at 23:33

    They didn't know how much to tell him to slow down by to comply with the rules...

    It's all just really stupid. Things like this make me not want to watch the sport. That was the point I was trying to make.

  • Mr C22/04/2011 at 23:35

    It's all just really stupid. Things like this make me not want to watch the sport. That was the point I was trying to make.

    when things annoyed me that made me want to stop watching. i stopped watching.

    as a fan, the power to switch off, is the only power we actually have.

  • James22/04/2011 at 23:36

    as a fan, the power to switch off, is the only power we actually have.

    I tune out and ignore the race... mind you it was easier to do that last year.

  • Alison22/04/2011 at 23:38

    as a fan, the power to switch off, is the only power we actually have.

    I think it's a shame that I feel like this again now because that was a one off before. I guess I radically disagree with the direction things have moved in this season. The fact that everyone else seems to love it, makes it doubly depressing for me.

  • Alianora La Canta22/04/2011 at 23:39

    as a fan, the power to switch off, is the only power we actually have.

    I'm in a house with 2 other fans and we all watch for different reasons, so I don't really have that option (at least not if I want to maintain domestic civility - I barely got away with walking away from the last bit of Monaco 2008 after the Raikkonen/Sutil collision). Fortunately my bookworminess means I can read through the stupider/duller stuff.

  • Steven Roy22/04/2011 at 23:39

    The fact that everyone else seems to love it, makes it doubly depressing for me

    HELLLLOOOOOOOO!!

  • Alianora La Canta22/04/2011 at 23:40

    The fact that everyone else seems to love it, makes it doubly depressing for me.

    I don't like DRS or KERS either if it's any help...

  • Mr C22/04/2011 at 23:40

    HELLLLOOOOOOOO!!

    :) :)

  • Alison22/04/2011 at 23:41

    HELLLLOOOOOOOO!!

    Steven and I are going to be grumpy and Scottish in the corner :P

  • Alianora La Canta22/04/2011 at 23:42

    Steven and I are going to be grumpy and Scottish in the corner :P

    And I'll be relaying messages between the corner and the crowd (with protective ear defenders for the noise)

  • Steven Roy22/04/2011 at 23:43

    Steven and I are going to be grumpy and Scottish in the corner :P

    My attitude has always been that I refuse to let the FIA make me grumpy. One day by the law of averages someone with enough brain cells to rub a few together will get in and things will get better.

  • Mr C22/04/2011 at 23:45

    you will never please everyone. my recipe for awesome f1:

    ✔ a tyre war

    ✔ an engine war

    ✔ mid-race refuelling + mixed strategy

    ✔ good looking cars

    at the moment, we have none of the above, but all/any could come back. in the interim, i'll take this year over last year, but we're only three races in, so maybe the rest of the season will suck.

    if it sucks i'll watch something that i do enjoy.

    f1 owes me nothing and i owe f1 nothing. i can't change it, but i'll give any changes a go and if they offer something worth watching i'll watch.

  • Lukeh22/04/2011 at 23:46

    I just had to switch back to yesterday to say how cool those ticks are mr c!!!

  • Mr C22/04/2011 at 23:46

    i stole them from here (bookmarked for future usage): https://twitter.com/#!/hotdogsladies/status/60821160262246400

  • lou22/04/2011 at 23:48

    you will never please everyone. my recipe for awesome f1:

    i kinda agree.. but you missed exciting qualifying sessions.. i can't stand knowing who is going to be on pole for what feels like every single race *ehem* 2010 *ehem*

  • Alison22/04/2011 at 23:48

    i stole them from here (bookmarked for future usage): https://twitter.c…60821160262246400

    Hehehe you were just waiting for a chance to get them out. That's far too organised!

  • Mr C22/04/2011 at 23:49

    i kinda agree.. but you missed exciting qualifying sessions.. i can't stand knowing who is going to be on pole for what feels like every single race *ehem* 2010 *ehem*

    ✔ singe lap qualifying

  • lou22/04/2011 at 23:50

    ✔ singe lap qualifying

    i don't think i ever watched.. or payed attention to single lap qualifying but i'll give anything a go over last year *shudders*

  • Mr C22/04/2011 at 23:50

    Hehehe you were just waiting for a chance to get them out. That's far too organised!

    i just read it (long story), so i dropped them in. twitter is good for that kinda thing, we need to keep a list.

  • Mr C22/04/2011 at 23:50

    i don't think i ever watched.. or payed attention to single lap qualifying but i'll give anything a go over last year *shudders*

    it was totally unfair because the weather always changed mi way through, but it mean the grid was impossible to predict.

  • Steven Roy22/04/2011 at 23:51

    you will never please everyone. my recipe for awesome f1:

    http://sidepodcast.com/post/f1-how-it-should-be

  • Steven Roy22/04/2011 at 23:52

    I just had to switch back to yesterday to say how cool those ticks are mr c!!!

    F1 should have ticks like those

  • Mr C22/04/2011 at 23:52

    sidepodcast.com/p…-how-it-should-be

    i'd forgotten what a mega post that was. lemmie make that the homepage.

  • Alison22/04/2011 at 23:53

    sidepodcast.com/p…-how-it-should-be

    My over-riding principle is that the sport does not exist as like a film, a play or a TV program put on purely for our entertainment. It exists as a sporting contest between drivers and teams and the most important thing for me is that the rules should be framed to make the result of the contest representative of the performance of the participants and should not include fake components to spice up the show to the detriment of the sporting contest

  • Steven Roy22/04/2011 at 23:54

    i'd forgotten what a mega post that was. lemmie make that the homepage.

    You should have other stuff there too, Not just ME!!!! :D

  • Pat W22/04/2011 at 23:54

    ✔ a tyre war

    Maybe.

    ✔ an engine war

    Yep.

    ✔ mid-race refuelling + mixed strategy

    Only without the stupid 'qualify with race fuel' thing. I liked when you woke up on Sunday not knowing the strategies, and the quali run didn't lock the teams into the same one. That's why I still like IndyCar strategy, no idea who's doing what until it happens in the race not on some spreadsheet late on Saturday night.

    ✔ good looking cars

    Please.

    at the moment, we have none of the above, but all/any could come back. in the interim, i'll take this year over last year, but we're only three races in, so maybe the rest of the season will suck.

    I'm very happy with this year.

  • Mr C22/04/2011 at 23:55

    You should have other stuff there too, Not just ME!!!! :D

    your posts must be timeless.

  • Steven Roy22/04/2011 at 23:55

    My over-riding principle is that the sport does not exist as like a film, a play or a TV program put on purely for our entertainment. It exists as a sporting contest between drivers and teams and the most important thing for me is that the rules should be framed to make the result of the contest representative of the performance of the participants and should not include fake components to spice up the show to the detriment of the sporting contest

    No brownie points for reading one paragraph

  • Pat W22/04/2011 at 23:55

    ✔ singe lap qualifying

    That was okay but a bit boring. At least you got to see everyone's run. No tension whatsoever though.

    And I can't see your character thing.

  • Alison22/04/2011 at 23:55

    No brownie points for reading one paragraph

    It wasn't the first or the last one :D I did read it all. It's like a conclusion but not at the end....

  • Alison22/04/2011 at 23:56

    And I can't see your character thing.

    You're missing out. Best.Tick.Ever.

  • Steven Roy22/04/2011 at 23:58

    It wasn't the first or the last one

    I think I just got an insight into student thinking.

    It's like a conclusion but not at the end..

    If it was at the end the lazy students would read it

  • Mr C22/04/2011 at 23:59

    And I can't see your character thing.

    oh. can you see them in the tweet?

  • Pat W22/04/2011 at 23:59

    oh. can you see them in the tweet?

    no

  • Mr C22/04/2011 at 23:59

    booo.

  • Pat W22/04/2011 at 23:59

    oh. can you see them in the tweet?

    in Chrome it is a white box in FF it is a box with numbers in

  • Alison23/04/2011 at 00:00

    in Chrome it is a white box in FF it is a box with numbers in

    How odd.

  • Alianora La Canta23/04/2011 at 00:00

    I think I just got an insight into student thinking.

    Better than the thinking of a lot of people I've had the misfortune to meet (who pretend to read stuff they've barely glanced at at best). Sometimes the "top-and-tail" strategy has even been known to work.

    Not as well as reading the whole article, of course ;)

  • Alianora La Canta23/04/2011 at 00:01

    Opera can see the ticks :)

  • Steven Roy23/04/2011 at 00:02

    It works in Chrome for me

  • Alison23/04/2011 at 00:02

    Better than the thinking of a lot of people I've had the misfortune to meet (who pretend to read stuff they've barely glanced at at best). Sometimes the "top-and-tail" strategy has even been known to work.

    I read like that a lot tbh. I'm quite sloppy. Most of my work documents have nothing worth saying in them anyways. Why waste my eyesight looking at them?

  • Alianora La Canta23/04/2011 at 00:03

    I read like that a lot tbh. I'm quite sloppy. Most of my work documents have nothing worth saying in them anyways. Why waste my eyesight looking at them?

    I've seen a lot of occasions where reading a document would have saved a lot of trouble.

  • Bassano23/04/2011 at 00:04

    I'll step back in time and say 'hello' again

    Dare I ask or shall we move on? :)