Tuesday has dawned, and silly me for thinking the news had ended already. We are just a few days from Christmas now and yet there are still new things to discuss each and every day. Here are some of the things we've got on our list at the moment:

  • We all thought Petronas had given up on F1 but it seems as though their work within the sport is not over yet - they have signed up with Mercedes as title sponsor. Is it a coincidence that Brawn had very few sponsors, but now they are Mercedes, names are flocking to them? F1 Wolf has some thoughts on this news, plus a mockup of how the car could look next year.
  • There is also talk of another new Grand Prix as Rome pops its head up to reiterate their plans again. Organisers say that they have a preliminary contract with Bernie, that says he will support the idea. If you've got Bernie on side, what else do you need?
  • I've just caught up with this interview with Mike Gascoyne which makes for interesting reading. He's quite frank about Toyota, but that is hardly surprising given their past.

That's all for now, keep up the good work in the comments, and I will see you there!

771 responses

  • Bassano22/12/2009 at 00:14

    Hello Tuesday

  • Amy22/12/2009 at 00:14

    you cant fool me, new default thread!

  • lou22/12/2009 at 00:15

    Today is an important day!!... it's now only 30days till the start of the 50day count down!!

    (i'll stop counting down every day now maybe i'll leave it to every 10days.. so as not to annoy christine) :)

  • Bassano22/12/2009 at 00:16

    (i'll stop counting down every day now maybe i'll leave it to every 10days.. so as not to annoy christine) :)

    :lol:

  • Journeyer22/12/2009 at 00:16

    you cant fool me, new default thread!

    I love this. :D

  • Bassano22/12/2009 at 00:18

    F1 Wolf has some thoughts on this news, plus a mockup of how the car could look next year.

    Nice mock-up

  • Alison22/12/2009 at 00:18

    Today is an important day!!... it's now only 30days till the start of the 50day count down!!

    30 days is LOADS

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 00:19

    30 days is LOADS

    It's like....

    A MONTH!

  • lou22/12/2009 at 00:19

    30 days is LOADS

    It's like....

    A MONTH!

    :D hi Jon :)

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 00:19

    F1 Wolf has some thoughts on this news, plus a mockup of how the car could look next year.

    ergh, i hope that dont do that

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 00:20

    :D hi Jon :)

    howdy hey

  • Alison22/12/2009 at 00:25

    A MONTH!

    Like I said LOADS

  • lou22/12/2009 at 00:26

    Like I said LOADS

    you don't want to know how many days till Spa FP1 then? ;)

  • Alison22/12/2009 at 00:27

    you don't want to know how many days till Spa FP1 then? ;)

    I completely can't afford that! I hope it's many many days away :P

  • me22/12/2009 at 00:28

    i shall bid you all goodnight. be lovely x

  • Bassano22/12/2009 at 00:29

    i shall bid you all goodnight. be lovely x

    G'night fella

  • lou22/12/2009 at 00:29

    I completely can't afford that! I hope it's many many days away :P

    it really is many many days away :P

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 00:29

    i shall bid you all goodnight. be lovely x

    adios! sleep good

  • lou22/12/2009 at 00:29

    i shall bid you all goodnight. be lovely x

    night mr c :)

  • Alison22/12/2009 at 00:31

    i shall bid you all goodnight. be lovely x

    Night night mr c :)

  • Alison22/12/2009 at 00:32

    it really is many many days away :P

    Good!

  • littlepurplegoth22/12/2009 at 00:33

    Today is an important day!!... it's now only 30days till the start of the 50day count down!!

    (i'll stop counting down every day now maybe i'll leave it to every 10days.. so as not to annoy christine) :)

    Today is an important day!!... it's now only 30days till the start of the 50day count down!!

    (i'll stop counting down every day now maybe i'll leave it to every 10days.. so as not to annoy christine) :)

    You need a blog of your own Lou....

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 00:33

    Night Mr C

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 00:33

    it really is many many days away :P

    Good!

    I think 248

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 00:33

    You need a blog of your own Lou....

    *Ahem*

    http://photofinishblog.wordpress.com/

  • lou22/12/2009 at 00:34

    You need a blog of your own Lou....

    i have one... but very little actual time to keep up with posting regularly... i try... and fail :D

  • lou22/12/2009 at 00:34

    I think 248

    true story :)

  • Tom G22/12/2009 at 00:37

    Evening/morning/whatever. Thought I'd start early today! :D

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 00:38

    Evening/morning/whatever. Thought I'd start early today! :D

    Hi Tom.

    How are you feeling?

  • Tom G22/12/2009 at 00:39

    I'm alright thanks, odd twinge now and then from the 'wotsit' but feeling alright. And your good self?

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 00:39

    I'm alright thanks, odd twinge now and then from the 'wotsit' but feeling alright. And your good self?

    I am good but then I haven't done myself a severe injury ;)

  • Tom G22/12/2009 at 00:40

    True, but I'd hardly call mine severe, at least, I don't think so! At least I can walk, which is alright. I'll just be stiff and slightly sore for a while.

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 00:42

    True, but I'd hardly call mine severe, at least, I don't think so! At least I can walk, which is alright. I'll just be stiff and slightly sore for a while.

    From the description it sounded very painful and debilitating

  • Tom G22/12/2009 at 00:44

    Oh, it was painful, especially trying to get back home without doing it again and trying to get up to bed. Luckily, it's not the sort of thing that keeps hurting like that. I do get the odd time when it gets bad but it mostly just aches.

  • littlepurplegoth22/12/2009 at 00:46

    i have one... but very little actual time to keep up with posting regularly... i try... and fail :D

    Sorry - DP has pointed out that yet again my tongue in cheek has not penetrated to the comments.

    I too have a blog that isn't updated very often. Actually I have more than 'a' blog....

    LPG wanders away *not* to blog...

  • littlepurplegoth22/12/2009 at 00:46

    I'm alright thanks, odd twinge now and then from the 'wotsit' but feeling alright.

    You could try a 'valley cushion'. :-)

  • lou22/12/2009 at 00:47

    Sorry - DP has pointed out that yet again my tongue in cheek has not penetrated to the comments.

    oh :)

    LPG wanders away *not* to blog...

    hehe :)

  • lou22/12/2009 at 00:47

    okay time for me to get some sleep. night all! xxx

  • KerbRider22/12/2009 at 00:47

    hello tuesday, and my last day at work for 4 weeks. bring on teh sunshine!!!

  • KerbRider22/12/2009 at 00:47

    hello tuesday, and my last day at work for 4 weeks. bring on the sunshine!!!

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 00:47

    okay time for me to get some sleep. night all! xxx

    Night lou

  • Tom G22/12/2009 at 00:52

    Time I fell asleep too, I was just getting out of the late night routine!

  • Pat W22/12/2009 at 01:29

    I just posted a quick roundup of F1 2010. I know it has all been discussed before, I'm running a bit delayed on blogposts...

  • Amy22/12/2009 at 03:37

    i hate that time of year where i should be writing 2010 on things but i keep writing 2009. I just applied for leave in march for the race but applied for the wrong year. Rejected request!

  • F1Wolf22/12/2009 at 04:43

    Just finished reading the Season Round Up issue of GP+. Spotted a quote from Ross Brawn on 2010 season:

    “We’ve got a title sponsor that will become clear over the winter."

    Now, did he mean that Henkel deal or did they sign with Petronas a serious while ago ?

  • KerbRider22/12/2009 at 04:52

    http://www.news.com.au/technology/mapkats-iphone-app-tracks-parking-inspectors/story-e6frfro0-1225812761600

    For those of you with an iPhone. be handy in London i imagine.

  • KerbRider22/12/2009 at 05:02

    @ F1 Wolf.

    I rememebr that comment, and i bet he was talking about henkel.

    petronas deal to merc has been teh biggest shock to me this month with all the other news happening.

  • Amy22/12/2009 at 05:08

    stuart said last night the deal was previously signed with brawn. I think it was stuart. It was someone.

  • Amy22/12/2009 at 05:12

    oh i lie it was journeyer quoting phil huff. I just assume everything smart sounding comes from stuart :D

  • Alex Andronov22/12/2009 at 06:25

    Morning everyone :)

    Hope you all enjoy today's http://gigglesadvent.com I think it is my favourite joke so far.

  • Amy22/12/2009 at 06:56

    Hope you all enjoy today's http://gigglesadvent.com I think it is my favourite joke so far.

    your expression and little bounce at the end really gives away how much you enjoyed that one :D

  • Amy22/12/2009 at 07:00

    I have found my favourite sports quote of the year. On being asked what it was like to wait 27 years to win the French Open:

    "I never waited 27 years, because 27 years ago I was just born. My parents never told me, 'If you don't win Roland Garros we take you to the orphanage.'"

    oh Roger.

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)22/12/2009 at 07:04

    Morning!

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)22/12/2009 at 07:04

    I have found my favourite sports quote of the year. On being asked what it was like to wait 27 years to win the French Open:

    "I never waited 27 years, because 27 years ago I was just born. My parents never told me, 'If you don't win Roland Garros we take you to the orphanage.'"

    oh Roger.

    :D

    Journos are stoopid!

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)22/12/2009 at 07:04

    I just posted a quick roundup of F1 2010. I know it has all been discussed before, I'm running a bit delayed on blogposts...

    Better late than never!

  • Amy22/12/2009 at 07:05

    Morning!

    kia ora!

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)22/12/2009 at 07:05

    Morning!

    kia ora!

    :)

    Nice to hear that!

  • Jeremy22/12/2009 at 07:30

    Morning!

    G'day Mate!

  • F1Wolf22/12/2009 at 07:45

    interesting info in GP+ mag that I must have missed earlier in the season - the double diffuser idea originated at Super Aguri just before the team folded. from there it got to Honda proper as well as to Toyota (they hired some ex Supa Aguri crew). So creating Super Aguri did pay off at the end, although as with everything else it was no not the company that paid for it all that benefited :-)

  • Jeremy22/12/2009 at 07:51

    I'm sure that I've read somewhere (ages ago) that Ross brawn suggested the rule be changed because it was too open to interpretation. He tried to warn the others and his advice was ignored. So, he took full advantage of it (wherever the idea originally came from)

  • Journeyer22/12/2009 at 07:51

    Wolf and Jeremy are both correct. The Super Aguri bit may have been mentioned on a previous Aside.

  • Journeyer22/12/2009 at 07:52

    "I never waited 27 years, because 27 years ago I was just born. My parents never told me, 'If you don't win Roland Garros we take you to the orphanage.'"

    :D

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)22/12/2009 at 08:00

    "I never waited 27 years, because 27 years ago I was just born. My parents never told me, 'If you don't win Roland Garros we take you to the orphanage.'"

    Maybe Mr. Williams did though?

  • Amy22/12/2009 at 08:01

    Maybe Mr. Williams did though?

    heheh probably!

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)22/12/2009 at 08:03

    Maybe Mr. Williams did though?

    heheh probably!

    Saw a doco on him and the sisters once. Scary.

  • F1Wolf22/12/2009 at 08:03

    Wolf and Jeremy are both correct. The Super Aguri bit may have been mentioned on a previous Aside.

    Here is quote from GP+

    This loophole was first exploited in 2008 when Ben Wood, the chief aerodynamicist of Super Aguri, and his small team of engineers began to experiment with the idea. No-one paid them much attention and after just a couple of months the team folded due to lack of funding. Wood and his team were then moved to the Honda F1 team in Brackley...

  • F1Wolf22/12/2009 at 08:07

    Saw a doco on him and the sisters once. Scary.

    him or the sisters ?

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)22/12/2009 at 08:10

    Saw a doco on him and the sisters once. Scary.

    him or the sisters ?

    To be honest, the whole thing. He admitted conceiving them just to make them Tennis players. He trains them really hard, often at the expense of them having a normal childhood, and often paraded them in front of the school to tell everyone how good they were doing.

    I have the impression that they are products rather than people. It's a testament to the sisters that they haven't cracked and gone mental already!

  • Journeyer22/12/2009 at 08:41

    I have the impression that they are products rather than people. It's a testament to the sisters that they haven't cracked and gone mental already!

    If anything, they seem to have diversified their interests (like Serena with her fashion line). It looks like they've suffered no ill effects emotionally.

  • Amy22/12/2009 at 08:42

    If anything, they seem to have diversified their interests (like Serena with her fashion line). It looks like they've suffered no ill effects emotionally.

    threatening a line judge is a little mental ;)

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)22/12/2009 at 08:42

    I have the impression that they are products rather than people. It's a testament to the sisters that they haven't cracked and gone mental already!

    If anything, they seem to have diversified their interests (like Serena with her fashion line). It looks like they've suffered no ill effects emotionally.

    They have actually. They still could 'do a Tiger' though!

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)22/12/2009 at 08:43

    If anything, they seem to have diversified their interests (like Serena with her fashion line). It looks like they've suffered no ill effects emotionally.

    threatening a line judge is a little mental ;)

    Sporting Mental is no different from anyone else ;)

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)22/12/2009 at 08:50

    CAR Magazine are running a competition to win tickets to the AUTOSPORT International, BTW. I know Dank was keen for a cheap ticket...

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 10:31

    He trains them really hard, often at the expense of them having a normal childhood, and often paraded them in front of the school to tell everyone how good they were doing.

    i think you'll find thats alot of sporting parents! boo

    morning all

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)22/12/2009 at 10:33

    He trains them really hard, often at the expense of them having a normal childhood, and often paraded them in front of the school to tell everyone how good they were doing.

    i think you'll find thats alot of sporting parents! boo

    morning all

    Morning Jon.

    Well I guess it is. To me it's not right though.

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 10:34

    Well I guess it is. To me it's not right though.

    its not at all right

    how are ya?

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)22/12/2009 at 10:36

    Well I guess it is. To me it's not right though.

    its not at all right

    how are ya?

    Yeah I'm good thanks. Very quiet here and almost lunch time. I'm in a good mood too.

    And you sir?

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)22/12/2009 at 10:38

    #MFC It looks like the BBC are going to develop some form of cross-platform iPlayer service for NetTV and set-top boxes - although the article is not 100% clear what it actually means...

    http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8426104.stm

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 10:41

    Yeah I'm good thanks. Very quiet here and almost lunch time. I'm in a good mood too.

    thats good to hear!

    And you sir?

    im ok thanks, woke up 20 minutes ago so still a bit groggy but its pretty much gone!

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)22/12/2009 at 10:52

    How many Sidepodders are at work today?

  • Amy22/12/2009 at 10:53

    How many Sidepodders are at work today?

    I was ;) And then tomorrow. And then 5 days off, hooray!

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)22/12/2009 at 10:56

    How many Sidepodders are at work today?

    I was ;) And then tomorrow. And then 5 days off, hooray!

    Good stuff. I finish at COB on the 23rd, and then it's no work until the 4th (but I have taken 3 days of leave...

  • Alex Andronov22/12/2009 at 10:57

    How many Sidepodders are at work today?

    meeee....

  • Amy22/12/2009 at 11:02

    meeee....

    dark outside yet? :D

  • Pat W22/12/2009 at 11:11

    How many Sidepodders are at work today?

    Me. morning.

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 11:12

    dark outside yet? :D

    shhhhh

  • RG22/12/2009 at 11:12

    Hello everyone from the sunny North.

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)22/12/2009 at 11:44

    Hello everyone from the sunny North.

    Hello from snowy Viking land!

  • Alianora La Canta22/12/2009 at 11:50

    Organisers say that they have a preliminary contract with Bernie, that says he will support the idea. If you've got Bernie on side, what else do you need? {Original entry}

    An exact date and lots of money?

  • Alianora La Canta22/12/2009 at 11:55

    I'm having a quiet morning in a rather cold room catching up on a mountain of podcasts...

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)22/12/2009 at 11:56

    I'm having a quiet morning in a rather cold room catching up on a mountain of podcasts...

    Your battery life is going to suck if you are too cold ;)

  • Alison22/12/2009 at 12:18

    I'm having fun fainting fits today... Trapped at work. Lying down on th sofa but i can't go home as i don't feel alert enough to drive :(

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 12:20

    I'm having fun fainting fits today... Trapped at work. Lying down on th sofa but i can't go home as i don't feel alert enough to drive :(

    oh no :( can anyone else take you home?

  • Pat W22/12/2009 at 12:21

    I'm having a quiet morning in a rather cold room catching up on a mountain of podcasts...

    Sounds good. I may do similar tomorrow on my day off.

  • Pat W22/12/2009 at 12:21

    I'm having fun fainting fits today... Trapped at work. Lying down on th sofa but i can't go home as i don't feel alert enough to drive :(

    oooh no :-(

  • Alison22/12/2009 at 12:26

    Not really. My parents have put their car in for an MOT today of all days... I really banged my leg when i fell over before!

  • MoJoker22/12/2009 at 12:32

    Hello All

    Hope all are well in Sidepodcast world!

  • MoJoker22/12/2009 at 12:33

    I'm having fun fainting fits today... Trapped at work. Lying down on th sofa but i can't go home as i don't feel alert enough to drive :(

    Any ideas whats causing the fainting?

  • Pat W22/12/2009 at 13:30

    Danica enjoyed her ARCA test..

    http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/80638

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)22/12/2009 at 13:30

    Danica enjoyed her ARCA test..

    http://www.aut...s/report.php/id/80638

    Didn't she get beat by Milka Duno?

  • Pat W22/12/2009 at 13:33

    Didn't she get beat by Milka Duno?

    I was just reading that, and yeah..

    Here's Milka: http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/80639

  • Amy22/12/2009 at 13:33

    hooray, gift wrapping is all done. It took me a long while to remember where I left the giftcards but as they were in my breakfast cereal drawer, its not surprising.

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)22/12/2009 at 13:34

    Didn't she get beat by Milka Duno?

    I was just reading that, and yeah..

    Here's Milka: http://www.aut...s/report.php/id/80639

    She's got a bright future in Stockcars then ;)

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 13:35

    Question:

    Instead of using eggs on the top of something (like mince pies) before you put it in the oven, what else can you use?

  • Amy22/12/2009 at 13:35

    Instead of using eggs on the top of something (like mince pies) before you put it in the oven, what else can you use?

    milk.

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 13:36

    milk.

    thank you :D

  • me22/12/2009 at 13:38

    for lou, geeky and cute:

    https://www.mozilla.org/about/parks/index.html

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)22/12/2009 at 13:44

    Question:

    Instead of using eggs on the top of something (like mince pies) before you put it in the oven, what else can you use?

    Alcohol. Drink, it's Christmas!

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 13:45

    Alcohol. Drink, it's Christmas!

    I'm not sure alcohol has the same browning qualities as egg ;)

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)22/12/2009 at 13:46

    Alcohol. Drink, it's Christmas!

    I'm not sure alcohol has the same browning qualities as egg ;)

    Can you get drunk on eggs?

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 13:46

    Can you get drunk on eggs?

    you can get ill on too many? and you can get very ill on alcohol too.

    im going to say yes

  • Amy22/12/2009 at 13:47

    Can you get drunk on eggs?

    that is why the good lord gave us eggnog. Although the only time I've ever had it it has been virgin.

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)22/12/2009 at 13:59

    Can you get drunk on eggs?

    that is why the good lord gave us eggnog. Although the only time I've ever had it it has been virgin.

    Didn't Eddie Jordan invent eggnog?

  • Amy22/12/2009 at 14:00

    Didn't Eddie Jordan invent eggnog?

    the good eddied lordan.

  • RG22/12/2009 at 14:01

    Didn't Eddie Jordan invent eggnog?

    Eggy Jordan?

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 14:04

    Didn't Eddie Jordan invent eggnog?

    the good eddied lordan.

    Eggy Jordan?

    oh dear.

    what have i started

  • RG22/12/2009 at 14:05

    what have i started

    Pun-heaven. Minus the Alex.

  • Amy22/12/2009 at 14:05

    what have i started

    I am too hyped up to sleep. It's now wednesday which means I get to see my family tomorrow!

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 14:06

    oooooooow.

    never.eat.mince.pies.just.out.the.oven

    owwww

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 14:06

    I am too hyped up to sleep. It's now wednesday which means I get to see my family tomorrow!

    yeeyyy

  • Amy22/12/2009 at 14:07

    owwww

    never eat anything just out of the oven!

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 14:07

    never eat anything just out of the oven!

    shhh. the pastry was fine.

    the mince meat always gets me

  • Amy22/12/2009 at 14:10

    the mince meat always gets me

    I have had many an eagerly awaited pie ruined by a burned tongue once I reach the filling :(

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)22/12/2009 at 14:13

    the mince meat always gets me

    I have had many an eagerly awaited pie ruined by a burned tongue once I reach the filling :(

    Thith pie donth tathe oth anythinth!

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 14:14

    Thith pie donth tathe oth anythinth!

    :D

  • Amy22/12/2009 at 14:14

    Thith pie donth tathe oth anythinth!

    this is a very timely reminder for me, I bought two of my favourite pies when I went home in October and after waiting 16 months to taste their deliciousness, the first one burnt me :( the second one went into the freezer and should be removed tomorrow, defrosting in time for my arrival at 3pm. I will not be burned twice.

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)22/12/2009 at 14:15

    Thith pie donth tathe oth anythinth!

    this is a very timely reminder for me, I bought two of my favourite pies when I went home in October and after waiting 16 months to taste their deliciousness, the first one burnt me :( the second one went into the freezer and should be removed tomorrow, defrosting in time for my arrival at 3pm. I will not be burned twice.

    Scold me once, shame on you (pie), scold me twice, shame on me?

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 14:16

    Scold me once, shame on you (pie), scold me twice, shame on me?

    you are on fire today!

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)22/12/2009 at 14:17

    Scold me once, shame on you (pie), scold me twice, shame on me?

    you are on fire today!

    So is your mouth after that pie!

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 14:17

    So is your mouth after that pie!

    shhhh

  • Rich22/12/2009 at 14:18

    'The Formula One commercial rights-holder revealed that he expects two of the four new teams with sanctioned grid slots for next season - Campos F1 and USF1 - not to make it,' the paper reports.

    'Ecclestone expects 24 cars to start the opening race in Bahrain in March.'

    Does this mean that in the mind of Bernie (horrible thought) that Stefan GP could be on the grid as the last time I did arithmetic 13 teams of two drivers equals 26 seats minus four makes for 22 seats.

    Should this be a question for Joe since he had some inside knowledge of Toyota and Stefan GP will simply be the 2010 Toyota F1 car?

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)22/12/2009 at 14:18

    'The Formula One commercial rights-holder revealed that he expects two of the four new teams with sanctioned grid slots for next season - Campos F1 and USF1 - not to make it,' the paper reports.

    'Ecclestone expects 24 cars to start the opening race in Bahrain in March.'

    Does this mean that in the mind of Bernie (horrible thought) that Stefan GP could be on the grid as the last time I did arithmetic 13 teams of two drivers equals 26 seats minus four makes for 22 seats.

    Should this be a question for Joe since he had some inside knowledge of Toyota and Stefan GP will simply be the 2010 Toyota F1 car?

    That's what ESPN-F1 inferred from the interview.

  • Rich22/12/2009 at 14:22

    That's what ESPN-F1 inferred from the interview.

    Did not see that just what was on the Planetf1 site?

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)22/12/2009 at 14:25

    That's what ESPN-F1 inferred from the interview.

    Did not see that just what was on the Planetf1 site?

    From this article:

    To add to the speculation [That StefanGP will take over the Toyota operation and enter F1 in 2010], in a recent interview with The Times, Bernie Ecclestone said he expects two of the new entrants for 2010 - US F1 and Campos - will not make the grid. However, he also said that he thinks 24 cars will compete at the season opener in Bahrain, indicating that another team could still step in.

  • Scott Woodwiss22/12/2009 at 14:32

    Afternoon guys

    Thought I'd hit today's comments starting off with this - Honda's new Japanese Super GT car, the HSV-10 GT.

    http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/honda_hsv10-630op.jpg

    Ain't she a beaut? :D

  • Rich22/12/2009 at 14:32

    To add to the speculation [That StefanGP will take over the Toyota operation and enter F1 in 2010], in a recent interview with The Times, Bernie Ecclestone said he expects two of the new entrants for 2010 - US F1 and Campos - will not make the grid. However, he also said that he thinks 24 cars will compete at the season opener in Bahrain, indicating that another team could still step in.

    I found the article a bit contradictory.

  • Nick in Dubai22/12/2009 at 14:48

    I'm having fun fainting fits today... Trapped at work. Lying down on th sofa but i can't go home as i don't feel alert enough to drive :(

    Oh no! If you are reading this now instead of my messages GET A TAXI!

  • Nick in Dubai22/12/2009 at 14:49

    Evening all!

    I have finished another day, got paid today, but now i get to give it all to the rent man... *sigh*

  • Nick in Dubai22/12/2009 at 14:51

    With the news that speed still have the F1 rights in the US i wonder if espn-f1 will disapear?

    They have the rights in south asia, but i wonder if the site was justt a pitch to bernie to try and get the US rights?

  • F1Wolf22/12/2009 at 14:52

    They have the rights in south asia, but i wonder if the site was justt a pitch to bernie to try and get the US rights?

    in Asia it is ESPN Star

  • me22/12/2009 at 14:53

    With the news that speed still have the F1 rights in the US i wonder if espn-f1 will disapear?

    they have the second most popular f1 site on the web.

    i'm gonna say no.

  • Nick in Dubai22/12/2009 at 14:54

    they have the second most popular f1 site on the web.

    They do? wow, whose first?

    It just doesnt seem to have many any revenue streams on it?

  • me22/12/2009 at 14:55

    They do? wow, whose first?

    bernie.

    It just doesnt seem to have many any revenue streams on it?

    premium is still active isn't it?

  • Nick in Dubai22/12/2009 at 14:58

    premium is still active isn't it?

    Ah they have taken over f1-live? That makes more sense, I cant seem to see it.

    If its in the Scrum/cricinfo mould i think they will just develop it long term for high traffic.

    Im surprised its more popular than autosport though

  • me22/12/2009 at 15:00

    Ah they have taken over f1-live? That makes more sense, I cant seem to see it.

    they did last year i think, they've just rebranded recently.

    Im surprised its more popular than autosport though

    according to google, almost twice the traffic: http://bit.ly/5i8vS2

  • Nick in Dubai22/12/2009 at 15:10

    according to google, almost twice the traffic: http://bit.ly/5i8vS2

    Interesting that most of their traffic comes from japan, i take it from the fact that the second biggest market is france they must translate their site, i suspect that is how Autosport misses out.

    Their could be some money in translating it if it was done properly

  • me22/12/2009 at 15:12

    Interesting that most of their traffic comes from japan, i take it from the fact that the second biggest market is france they must translate their site, i suspect that is how Autosport misses out.

    almost certainly.

    Their could be some money in translating it if it was done properly

    it looks like ESPN have separate editorials teams to me?

  • me22/12/2009 at 15:16

    it looks like ESPN have separate editorials teams to me?

    plus espn have a justifiable reason to be written in uppercase :)

  • Nick in Dubai22/12/2009 at 15:16

    it looks like ESPN have separate editorials teams to me?

    That would be one way of doing it, but if AUTOSPORT was to licence their content to be translated, someone could employ people to do it into each language. I am surprised they havent done it themselves given the resources of their group

  • Nick in Dubai22/12/2009 at 15:17

    plus espn have a justifiable reason to be written in uppercase :)

    hehe :D

    Right im off for a most unhealthy dinner :D

  • me22/12/2009 at 15:17

    That would be one way of doing it, but if AUTOSPORT was to licence their content to be translated, someone could employ people to do it into each language. I am surprised they havent done it themselves given the resources of their group

    that's a fair point.

  • jpancoast22/12/2009 at 15:19

    anyone know if the Dakar rally is being broadcast online anywhere?

  • James22/12/2009 at 15:40

    Listening to the older asides if very intresting, considering what we know now :)

  • James22/12/2009 at 15:41

    Listening to the older asides is very intresting, considering what we know now :)

    Corrected ;)

  • me22/12/2009 at 16:28

    on the subject of the chosen lotus livery, ted had this covered back in september:

    Ran in to Lotus boss Tony Fernandes at F1 in schools final. Says cars likely to be green and yellow. JPS and Camel liveries also considered

    as yet, he hasn't claimed to have predicted it ;)

    link: http://twitter.com/tedkravitz/status/4060676811

  • me22/12/2009 at 16:29

    Listening to the older asides is very intresting, considering what we know now :)

    i must do the same when i get the chance.

  • me22/12/2009 at 16:29

    Listening to the older asides is very intresting, considering what we know now :)

    are you rating them as you listen?

  • RG22/12/2009 at 16:30

    Ran in to Lotus boss Tony Fernandes at F1 in schools final. Says cars likely to be green and yellow. JPS and Camel liveries also considered

    I'm liking the orginality the new teams are bringing to the liveries for 2010

  • Nick in Dubai22/12/2009 at 16:34

    I'm liking the orginality the new teams are bringing to the liveries for 2010

    You cant have a pink and blue lotus

  • RG22/12/2009 at 16:36

    You cant have a pink and blue lotus

    I'll rephrase it

    I'm liking the non-white the new teams are brining to the liveries for 2010.

  • Nick in Dubai22/12/2009 at 16:36

    You cant have a pink and blue lotus

    Oh dear....

    http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/attachments/f111/81878d1212154619-ok-who-has-pink-elise-8793_3029407_1.jpg

  • James22/12/2009 at 16:37

    are you rating them as you listen?

    Ooo I shall but I was listening to them in iTunes ;)

  • Nick in Dubai22/12/2009 at 16:37

    I'm liking the non-white the new teams are brining to the liveries for 2010.

    It will be good, Im looking forward to another black car, hopefully virgin wont make a mess of it!

  • me22/12/2009 at 16:41

    I'm liking the orginality the new teams are bringing to the liveries for 2010

    :D

  • me22/12/2009 at 16:42

    Ooo I shall but I was listening to them in iTunes ;)

    ahh yes. that i hadn't considered :)

  • Lukeh22/12/2009 at 16:43

    Evening folks

  • RG22/12/2009 at 16:44

    Evening folks

    Hello Mr Lukeh

  • Lukeh22/12/2009 at 16:46

    Hello Mr Lukeh

    *waves*

    How is everyone? I'm oddly happy for someone who's been up since 5am.

  • jpancoast22/12/2009 at 16:46

    You cant have a pink and blue lotus

    You can have a purple Diablo SE with Dolphins painted on it, though!: http://www.carpictures.com/photo/viewer/04B2I250103209J

    (I actually saw this car on the road over the summer)

  • James22/12/2009 at 16:47

    ahh yes. that i hadn't considered :)

    hehe, well i've gone and rated them and i've moved the questions on here http://wiki.sidepodcast.com/page/Questions+for+Joe :)

  • Stuart C22/12/2009 at 16:47

    Evening all.

    Opened the curtains this morning to find that my chav student neighbours (or, rather, their chav friends) had written in the snow on the roof of my car, in very large letters, a word that rhymes with the surname of the 1976 F1 World Champion – complete with an arrow pointing to their front door.

  • me22/12/2009 at 16:50

    hehe, well i've gone and rated them and i've moved the questions on here http://wiki.si...age/Questions+for+Joe :)

    (hearts) james :)

  • me22/12/2009 at 16:50

    Opened the curtains this morning to find that my chav student neighbours (or, rather, their chav friends) had written in the snow on the roof of my car, in very large letters, a word that rhymes with the surname of the 1976 F1 World Champion – complete with an arrow pointing to their front door.

    whatever you do, do not dropio a picture of that :)

  • Journeyer22/12/2009 at 16:55

    Saw the Bernie blurb on USF1 and Campos. I agree that USF1 look seriously unlikely at this point, but I think Campos will just about make it. I'd be very surprised if they can't get the necessary funding with a Senna on their books.

  • jpancoast22/12/2009 at 16:57

    Saw the Bernie blurb on USF1 and Campos. I agree that USF1 look seriously unlikely at this point, but I think Campos will just about make it. I'd be very surprised if they can't get the necessary funding with a Senna on their books.

    No sooner had I closed that window than this one showed up in my reader: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8427020.stm

    We'll know for sure when the season comes around, I guess. (Although I'm suspecting USF1 won't make it)

  • jpancoast22/12/2009 at 17:02

    could the new teams show up later in the season if they don't make Bahrain?

  • Journeyer22/12/2009 at 17:03

    could the new teams show up later in the season if they don't make Bahrain?

    from what i can recall, no.

  • Stuart C22/12/2009 at 17:11

    could the new teams show up later in the season if they don't make Bahrain?

    Depends on whether Bernie needs them back in to make up the numbers. Otherwise it'll be a no. He has a particular hatred of no-show dingbats.

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 17:12

    @Christine/Mr C

    Just e-mailled an entirely unplanned guest post that I didn't know I was going to write

  • jpancoast22/12/2009 at 17:13

    Just e-mailled an entirely unplanned guest post that I didn't know I was going to write

    one would think about halfway through writing the post you would have figured out you were writing one :D

  • Stuart C22/12/2009 at 17:13

    Just e-mailled an entirely unplanned guest post that I didn't know I was going to write

    Ooooh! Will pop back later to read. Audi-os for now.

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 17:16

    one would think about halfway through writing the post you would have figured out you were writing one :D

    It just kind of happened. I blame BBC 4. You can't run consecultive films on Jackie Stewart, Graham Hill and Jim Clark and not screw up people's brains and force them to think. And thinking leads to writing.

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 17:16

    Bye Stuart

  • Nick in Dubai22/12/2009 at 17:17

    Depends on whether Bernie needs them back in to make up the numbers. Otherwise it'll be a no. He has a particular hatred of no-show dingbats.

    He wont like it if Stefan and his GP spend the year without a place though.

    More teams than spaces could quite easily lead to competition.

  • Pat W22/12/2009 at 17:29

    Good evening.

    I was given a bottle by my manager today, as he likes to do at this time of year. Very nice gesture!

    Now I'm not one to complain (chorus of laughter), but it was Bell's whisky, and I'm not a drinker of it unless it is spelled with an 'e' and called Jack Daniels. Nonetheless in the name of research I will be having a glass with Coke later.

  • Pat W22/12/2009 at 17:39

    Catching up:

    - Eggy Jordan! Brilliant!

    - ESPN-F1 isn't from the US part of the company so it has nothing to do with the SPEED deal. They are trying to expand their brand around the world.

    - Steven: get a blog

    - Just on the new teams, Autosport just published this from USF1 a few minutes ago - Windsor says they'll announce drivers in Jan.

  • jpancoast22/12/2009 at 17:40

    It just kind of happened. I blame BBC 4. You can't run consecultive films on Jackie Stewart, Graham Hill and Jim Clark and not screw up people's brains and force them to think. And thinking leads to writing.

    Thinking is bad. You should stop doing that!

  • jpancoast22/12/2009 at 17:41

    - ESPN-F1 isn't from the US part of the company so it has nothing to do with the SPEED deal. They are trying to expand their brand around the world.

    .

    I must have missed something (not surprising considering all the snow days)

  • RG22/12/2009 at 17:42

    - Eggy Jordan! Brilliant!

    Thanking ya.

    - Just on the new teams, Autosport just published this from USF1 a few minutes ago - Windsor says they'll announce drivers in Jan.

    Even though no one has any ideas of who it will be.

  • Pat W22/12/2009 at 17:43

    Even though no one has any ideas of who it will be.

    I'm sure Summerton is the tester and he'll race in GP2 or F2. I can't work out the race drivers at all.

  • Journeyer22/12/2009 at 17:45

    - ESPN-F1 isn't from the US part of the company so it has nothing to do with the SPEED deal. They are trying to expand their brand around the world.

    How can ESPN-F1 have no connections to ESPN USA? Even if it's a British outfit, ESPN is still a US-based company.

    Regardless, SPEED is NOT an ESPN subsidiary (if anything, it's closer to FOX than Disney/ESPN), so there is no connection there.

  • Pat W22/12/2009 at 17:46

    How can ESPN-F1 have no connections to ESPN USA? Even if it's a British outfit, ESPN is still a US-based company.

    It is connected under the same umbrella but it doesn't seem to be from the same people as the main ESPN sports website at all. Completely different design, not integrated.

    Regardless, SPEED is NOT an ESPN subsidiary (if anything, it's closer to FOX than Disney/ESPN), so there is no connection there.

    I know but someone asked if the Speed deal would have an effect on it.

  • Pat W22/12/2009 at 17:54

    I think when I had patchy internet there was talk of Christmas-themed songs from independents, or at least something other than the usual?

    My sister (who I'm trying to convince to tweet more) has made this playlist in Spotify:

    @mycupsoftea: An xmas Spotify playlist: http://preview.tinyurl.com/yd7bqlr

  • Lukeh22/12/2009 at 18:09

    Something obviously went wrong in the Dr Who clothing cupboards...

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 18:21

    Thinking is bad. You should stop doing that!

    I normally manage not to fo it but three motor racing films one after the other triggered it again

  • Alianora La Canta22/12/2009 at 19:20

    'm having fun fainting fits today... Trapped at work. Lying down on th sofa but i can't go home as i don't feel alert enough to drive {Comment #92}

    :( That's horrible, Alison! Hope things are better now...

  • Alianora La Canta22/12/2009 at 19:24

    The Formula One commercial rights-holder revealed that he expects two of the four new teams with sanctioned grid slots for next season - Campos F1 and USF1 - not to make it,' the paper reports.

    'Ecclestone expects 24 cars to start the opening race in Bahrain in March.' {Comment #131}

    I'm taking this as evidence that Bernie can't count.

    13 x 2 = 26

    2 x 2 = 4

    26 - 4 = 22 i.e. not 24!

  • jpancoast22/12/2009 at 19:28

    I'm taking this as evidence that Bernie can't count.

    He practices the "new" math, where you only have to be somewhere in the vicinity of the right answer...

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 19:31

    'm having fun fainting fits today... Trapped at work. Lying down on th sofa but i can't go home as i don't feel alert enough to drive {Comment #92}

    The next time I tell you to stay at home and fake illness do it. Especially if you are ill.

  • Alianora La Canta22/12/2009 at 19:33

    Opened the curtains this morning to find that my chav student neighbours (or, rather, their chav friends) had written in the snow on the roof of my car, in very large letters, a word that rhymes with the surname of the 1976 F1 World Champion – complete with an arrow pointing to their front door. {Comment #171}

    I take it that they are not particularly intelligent (why self-deprecate themselves in the process of behaving in a way suggesting they don't care what other people think?)

  • Alianora La Canta22/12/2009 at 19:34

    I'm taking this as evidence that Bernie can't count.

    He practices the "new" math, where you only have to be somewhere in the vicinity of the right answer... {Comment #198}

    What does he think he is - a quantum mechanic?

  • Janna22/12/2009 at 19:37

    Hello all, just listening to various versions of "Night of Silence" on You Tube as Mum has volunteered my sister & I to sing it on Sunday & I don't know it. It's a beautiful song on it's own but it is also a counterpoint to Silent Night. Very festive ;)

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 19:38

    What does he think he is - a quantum mechanic?

    Bernie has always had figures in two places at once

  • jpancoast22/12/2009 at 19:40

    What does he think he is - a quantum mechanic?

    If Bernie is in a box, is he alive or dead?

  • Alianora La Canta22/12/2009 at 19:42

    could the new teams show up later in the season if they don't make Bahrain? {Comment #176}

    Under the old Concorde, any team missing more than one race was in breach of the Concorde Agreement unless it was through force majuere (which was generally interpreted as bankruptcy). The new reserve teams are not bankrupt and therefore would not have been able to get in that way unless they stepped in straight after Bahrain - logistically almost impossible given that the Australian, Malaysian and Chinese races are partly supplied by boats (for those things that are too dangerous to transport by air e.g. adhesives). Unless said adhesives were bought at each venue or loaded on boats before Bahrain (i.e. before the new reserve teams knew they were in F1), it would not be possible to run a car in those places.

    That said, there are two things in the new reserve teams' favour with regard to mid-season entry. The new Concorde Agreement may have foreseen and sanctioned a widening of the circumstances under which multiple races can be missed. More plausibly, with the new FIA President has come more common sense. I can see Jean allowing reserve teams in late if there are no-shows among the expected entry list in Bahrain. Bernie might not pay them any money but he can't single-handedly stop the teams from being in the paddock and competing on the grid if the FIA decrees otherwise...

  • Alianora La Canta22/12/2009 at 19:43

    Bernie has always had figures in two places at once {Comment #203}

    :D

  • Nick in Dubai22/12/2009 at 19:44

    I'm taking this as evidence that Bernie can't count.

    I think he is assuming he has a team going spare

  • Alianora La Canta22/12/2009 at 19:44

    If Bernie is in a box, is he alive or dead? {Comment #204}

    Depends. Is there any currency in the box with him (radioactive or otherwise)?

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 19:44

    If Bernie is in a box, is he alive or dead?

    Not sure but I am certain he would be lying

  • Alianora La Canta22/12/2009 at 19:45

    I think he is assuming he has a team going spare {Comment #207}

    The FIA will be going spare if it starts having 22-car grids when it expected 24 (or 26)...

  • Nick in Dubai22/12/2009 at 19:46

    The next time I tell you to stay at home and fake illness do it. Especially if you are ill.

    She managed to get herself home safely luckily!

  • Alianora La Canta22/12/2009 at 19:46

    Not sure but I am certain he would be lying {Comment #209}

    Ouch!

  • Janna22/12/2009 at 19:46

    She managed to get herself home safely luckily!

    Glad she managed to get home ok

  • Alianora La Canta22/12/2009 at 19:47

    She managed to get herself home safely luckily! {Comment #211}

    Phew! Good to hear. Hope the fainting fits have finished and aren't coming back.

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 19:47

    If Bernie is in a box, is he alive or dead? {Comment #204}

    Depends. Is there any currency in the box with him (radioactive or otherwise)?

    :D

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 19:47

    She managed to get herself home safely luckily!

    Good. I hope she stays there until after Xmas

  • Alianora La Canta22/12/2009 at 19:49

    Just on the new teams, Autosport just published this from USF1 a few minutes ago - Windsor says they'll announce drivers in Jan. {Comment #186}

    Good. We were getting slightly worried...

  • Nick in Dubai22/12/2009 at 19:50

    Good. I hope she stays there until after Xmas

    I dont think she will

  • Alianora La Canta22/12/2009 at 19:53

    - Just on the new teams, Autosport just published this from USF1 a few minutes ago - Windsor says they'll announce drivers in Jan.

    Even though no one has any ideas of who it will be. {Comment #189}

    At a wild guess, not Schumi! It also won't be Fisi (he ruled himself out of any new teams some time ago), Heidfeld (I think he'll be at either Mercedes or Sauber) or anyone likely to ask for a significant salary (USF1 probably can't afford to pay much money to anyone, given their status).

    My guess is one driver who's lost out completely on the driver merry-go-round and possibly bringing money (Nakajima?) and one total newbie (Lopez seems plausible, but there are more pay-drivers than just him around...)

  • jpancoast22/12/2009 at 19:54

    My guess is one driver who's lost out completely on the driver merry-go-round and possibly bringing money (Nakajima?) and one total newbie (Lopez seems plausible, but there are more pay-drivers than just him around...)

    I'd be happy with just 2 cars and 2 drivers. Don't really care who they are right now.

  • Pat W22/12/2009 at 19:55

    I'd be happy with just 2 cars and 2 drivers. Don't really care who they are right now.

    I agree. The important thing is to get up and running.

  • me22/12/2009 at 19:58

    sidepodproduction ramping into overdrive here. christine editing one show, me a second. steven, cheers for the fab guest post, it'll be up shortly.

  • Pat W22/12/2009 at 19:59

    sidepodproduction ramping into overdrive here. christine editing one show, me a second. steven, cheers for the fab guest post, it'll be up shortly.

    wondered where you'd both got to :-)

  • me22/12/2009 at 19:59

    wondered where you'd both got to :-)

    searching for more hours, mostly.

  • Pat W22/12/2009 at 20:00

    I'm waiting for a pie to cook and I'll be doing some pre-production of some blog posts.

  • Lukeh22/12/2009 at 20:00

    searching for more hours, mostly.

    My boss asked me if i wanted more hours today. I feel you may be on a different wavelength to what he meant though.

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 20:01

    sidepodproduction ramping into overdrive here. christine editing one show, me a second. steven, cheers for the fab guest post, it'll be up shortly.

    Thanks.

    What happened to my last guest post? Did you deliberately hold it back?

  • Pat W22/12/2009 at 20:01

    searching for more hours, mostly.

    Take a day off work. I've got tomorrow off and I need to not procrastinate all day, like Sunday...

  • me22/12/2009 at 20:02

    i have concluded that the magic mouse is by far my worst purchase of 2009.

    apple suck at making mice.

  • Nick in Dubai22/12/2009 at 20:02

    Ive been learning some html over the past couple of days & Ive been looking at source code all over the web. I now think i know less than when i started...

  • jpancoast22/12/2009 at 20:02

    apple suck at making mice.

    It's taken you this long to figure that out?

  • me22/12/2009 at 20:03

    Take a day off work.

    if only life were that simple.

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 20:03

    Ive been learning some html over the past couple of days & Ive been looking at source code all over the web. I now think i know less than when i started...

    html does that to you ;)

  • lou22/12/2009 at 20:03

    i have concluded that the magic mouse is by far my worst purchase of 2009.

    apple suck at making mice.

    did it run out of battery?

    hello all (and to christine who i gather is working very hard editing)

  • Pat W22/12/2009 at 20:03

    if only life were that simple.

    indeed..

  • me22/12/2009 at 20:03

    What happened to my last guest post? Did you deliberately hold it back?

    yup, we haven't had time, and it might make for fun drunken xmas eve debate.

  • Nick in Dubai22/12/2009 at 20:04

    apple suck at making mice.

    My HP mouse is bad too, it doesnt seem to track on a wooden surface

  • me22/12/2009 at 20:04

    did it run out of battery?

    it's impossible to use with logic.

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 20:04

    yup, we haven't had time, and it might make for fun drunken xmas eve debate.

    I thought it would be a bit of a rush to get it all done for the awards show

  • lou22/12/2009 at 20:05

    it's impossible to use with logic.

    and the lesson is - never ever ever buy apple mice?

  • me22/12/2009 at 20:05

    apple suck at making mice.

    It's taken you this long to figure that out?

    i figured they couldn't do scrollwheels. i were wrong.

  • me22/12/2009 at 20:06

    I thought it would be a bit of a rush to get it all done for the awards show

    i mighta meant the 2010 awards show :)

  • me22/12/2009 at 20:06

    and the lesson is - never ever ever buy apple mice?

    buy microsoft ones.

  • jpancoast22/12/2009 at 20:07

    buy microsoft ones.

    I have a logitech mouse, very nice.

  • Nick in Dubai22/12/2009 at 20:07

    html does that to you ;)

    That and google ad words have convinced me that excel is a positively user-friendly oasis!

  • me22/12/2009 at 20:07

    Ive been learning some html over the past couple of days & Ive been looking at source code all over the web. I now think i know less than when i started...

    it's just text and tags.

  • me22/12/2009 at 20:07

    buy microsoft ones.

    I have a logitech mouse, very nice.

    or them. okay, lou was right.

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 20:07

    i mighta meant the 2010 awards show :)

    :D

  • Lukeh22/12/2009 at 20:08

    buy microsoft ones.

    Isn't Microsoft saying we invented Windows 7?

    I suppose they'll blame the operating systems on us and the mouses that always work well on themselves then. ;)

  • Nick in Dubai22/12/2009 at 20:10

    it's just text and tags.

    !!! Indeed!

    Although I had someone rant to me how hashtags were going to destroy the way some people code and destroy the web or something.

  • me22/12/2009 at 20:11

    Although I had someone rant to me how hashtags were going to destroy the way some people code and destroy the web or something.

    weirdos.

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 20:11

    http://tinyurl.com/ygaq8pk

    Pic of the Manor F1 car

  • Lukeh22/12/2009 at 20:11

    Pic of the Manor F1 car

    Someone should tell Nick Wirth you need a bit more than that

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 20:12

    Someone should tell Nick Wirth you need a bit more than that

    There's a destinct lack of airbox

  • jpancoast22/12/2009 at 20:12

    Pic of the Manor F1 car

    Seems to be missing a few bits.

  • RG22/12/2009 at 20:12

    There's a destinct lack of airbox

    New style of F1 car.

  • Lukeh22/12/2009 at 20:12

    Seems to be missing a few bits.

    Reminds me of the Wipeout games on the Playstation

  • Pat W22/12/2009 at 20:12

    Although I had someone rant to me how hashtags were going to destroy the way some people code and destroy the web or something.

    weirdos.

    #weirdos

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 20:12

    New style of F1 car.

    it's really long aswell

  • me22/12/2009 at 20:13

    http://tinyurl.com/ygaq8pk

    Pic of the Manor F1 car

    i know heikki is small, but he'll need more leg room than that.

  • me22/12/2009 at 20:13

    #weirdos

    :D

  • RG22/12/2009 at 20:13

    it's really long aswell

    Whilst going down that really long straight in Abu Dhabi they are going to try and break the land speed record

  • Nick in Dubai22/12/2009 at 20:13

    Pic of the Manor F1 car

    It seems to have a very high nose!

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 20:13

    i know heikki is small, but he'll need more leg room than that.

    clearly he's never seen f1 and he's taking his inspiration from here..

    http://www.abc.net.au/reslib/200706/r156038_563769.jpg

  • lou22/12/2009 at 20:14

    Pic of the Manor F1 car

    well.. at least it's going to look slightly interesting as it crawls round the back of the field...

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 20:14

    well.. at least it's going to look slightly interesting as it crawls round the back of the field...

    :D

  • Lukeh22/12/2009 at 20:14

    well.. at least it's going to look slightly interesting as it crawls round the back of the field...

    I guess this is why it'll be a new way of researching an f1 car, as it appears it is going to float :)

  • me22/12/2009 at 20:14

    Whilst going down that really long straight in Abu Dhabi they are going to try and break the land speed record

    :D

  • lou22/12/2009 at 20:14

    i know heikki is small, but he'll need more leg room than that.

    speaking of Heikki... does anyone know who his engineer was this year?

  • RG22/12/2009 at 20:14

    well.. at least it's going to look slightly interesting as it crawls round the back of the field...

    Crawls, with a Timo in it?

  • Nick in Dubai22/12/2009 at 20:14

    #weirdos

    :D

    There was also an argument over whether it was classy or ineffcient to put www in code too. I think thats when i got scared

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 20:15

    Whilst going down that really long straight in Abu Dhabi they are going to try and break the land speed record

    like this?

    http://www.raf.mod.uk/raflyneham/rafcms/mediafiles/gallery/A09A7423_92D8_005D_444A735B97DFC1C3/c130j_honda.jpg

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 20:16

    speaking of Heikki... does anyone know who his engineer was this year?

    Are you getting your stalking file organised?

  • lou22/12/2009 at 20:18

    Are you getting your stalking file organised?

    not really... i've seen a few GMM stories about Shov being Schumi's engineer and it suddenly crossed my mind that if Jenson doesn't have Shov or Bono in his team next year who his engineers would be... seeing as Jock is now Nico's engineer.

  • lou22/12/2009 at 20:18

    not really... i've seen a few GMM stories about Shov being Schumi's engineer and it suddenly crossed my mind that if Jenson doesn't have Shov or Bono in his team next year who his engineers would be... seeing as Jock is now Nico's engineer.

    actually that sounds like a yes doesn't it.. :)

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 20:19

    not really... i've seen a few GMM stories about Shov being Schumi's engineer and it suddenly crossed my mind that if Jenson doesn't have Shov or Bono in his team next year who his engineers would be... seeing as Jock is now Nico's engineer.

    Ignore GMM. Jenson is a fool if he has not insisted in taking his own guys with him.

  • Lukeh22/12/2009 at 20:19

    not really... i've seen a few GMM stories about Shov being Schumi's engineer and it suddenly crossed my mind that if Jenson doesn't have Shov or Bono in his team next year who his engineers would be... seeing as Jock is now Nico's engineer.

    Oh, where they GMM sourced? I couldn't tell on my phone, due to it's inability to work properly. I refuse to believe it then.

    You should definitely apply by the way.

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 20:19

    actually that sounds like a yes doesn't it.. :)

    Only slightly

  • lou22/12/2009 at 20:20

    Ignore GMM. Jenson is a fool if he has not insisted in taking his own guys with him.

    i am ignoring the stories.. just wanted to be prepared just in case. plus it makes me laugh how i really have no idea about the mclaren staff.. :D

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 20:21

    How did your driving lesson go? Have you perfected the Scandinaian flick?

  • lou22/12/2009 at 20:21

    Oh, where they GMM sourced? I couldn't tell on my phone, due to it's inability to work properly. I refuse to believe it then.

    i read at least 2 that had GMM on them... a few that didn't but, nothing from any officials so i'll wait till Brawn confirm their next driver and update the site to Merc. :)

    You should definitely apply by the way.

    apply to become Jenson's engineer?...

  • Lukeh22/12/2009 at 20:22

    apply to become Jenson's engineer?...

    Definitely. You can photograph the garage, admire jenson AND advice him at the same time. Perfect! :)

  • lou22/12/2009 at 20:23

    How did your driving lesson go? Have you perfected the Scandinaian flick?

    hehehe it went fine. i'm not driving very normally, as in not needing to think a lot about it. It wasn't too icy on the main roads, on the quieter roads it was a bit slippery but fine. no Scandinavian flick for me.

  • lou22/12/2009 at 20:24

    Definitely. You can photograph the garage, admire jenson AND advice him at the same time. Perfect! :)

    you think i'd be able to have more than a one minute conversation with Jens while Lewis sits at the other end of the garage... nooooooooo. Plus, er i don't do numbers.

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 20:25

    no Scandinavian flick for me.

    What a boring instructor

  • Lukeh22/12/2009 at 20:25

    you think i'd be able to have more than a one minute conversation with Jens while Lewis sits at the other end of the garage... nooooooooo. Plus, er i don't do numbers.

    I'll come with you and try and outstare Anthony Hamilton.

    May need a year or two worth of training though...

  • lou22/12/2009 at 20:27

    I'll come with you and try and outstare Anthony Hamilton.

    ahhh so you're plan is actually an excuse to get you into the paddock too? ;)

  • Lukeh22/12/2009 at 20:29

    ahhh so you're plan is actually an excuse to get you into the paddock too? ;)

    Ludicrious accusation!

    ...I'll drive if you like?

    :P

  • lou22/12/2009 at 20:31

    ahhh soyour plan is actually an excuse to get you into the paddock too? ;)

    grammar fail :(

  • Andy Taylor22/12/2009 at 20:32

    How did your driving lesson go? Have you perfected the Scandinaian flick?

    I nearly had to learn on the fly in Morrisons car park this evening. It didn't help that I was in the Beetle, our other car has decided to kill its starter motor.

  • lou22/12/2009 at 20:32

    ...I'll drive if you like?

    hehehe drive instead of Lewis or drive to the track? ;)

  • Lukeh22/12/2009 at 20:33

    hehehe drive instead of Lewis or drive to the track? ;)

    Ooooooooh... Decisions decisions :)

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 20:34

    Ooooooooh... Decisions decisions :)

    both?

  • RG22/12/2009 at 20:34

    Ooooooooh... Decisions decisions :)

    Do what Homer does in one episode and drive the car into the pits for new fuel and that?

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 20:35

    I nearly had to learn on the fly in Morrisons car park this evening. It didn't help that I was in the Beetle, our other car has decided to kill its starter motor.

    An unexpected slide in a supermarket car park is always fun

  • lou22/12/2009 at 20:36

    An unexpected slide in a supermarket car park is always fun

    there was one moment where i slide a bit and it was both fun and terrifying. my instructor said i dealt with it fine though so that's good.

  • Scott Woodwiss22/12/2009 at 20:38

    there was one moment where i slide a bit and it was both fun and terrifying. my instructor said i dealt with it fine though so that's good.

    Dab of oppo will do you good in that situation. :P

    Evening all. Well for us, all Christmas shopping (both food and presents) is done! Thank god!

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 20:38

    there was one moment where i slide a bit and it was both fun and terrifying. my instructor said i dealt with it fine though so that's good.

    turn in and power on (front wheel drive cars only)

    i take my tuition from mr plato ;)

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPCGnkApnDU

  • me22/12/2009 at 20:39

    I nearly had to learn on the fly in Morrisons car park this evening. It didn't help that I was in the Beetle, our other car has decided to kill its starter motor.

    best car to have on a cold day, no?

  • Lukeh22/12/2009 at 20:39

    Dab of oppo will do you good in that situation. :P

    Dab of oppo?

    Maybe a pinch of salt and a spoonful of cinnamon... :P

  • Scott Woodwiss22/12/2009 at 20:40

    Dab of oppo?

    Oppo = opposite lock.

  • Lukeh22/12/2009 at 20:40

    Oppo = opposite lock.

    ooooooooooooooooh. I getcha now.

  • RG22/12/2009 at 20:40

    i take my tuition from mr plato ;)

    I'd let it spin and pick up from where it stops.

    Note to self: Stop watching Jaime Alguesuari and Romain Grosjean

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 20:41

    there was one moment where i slide a bit and it was both fun and terrifying. my instructor said i dealt with it fine though so that's good.

    Sounds like you have good natural reactions to a slide. That will save you a lot of learning. Some people naturally do the wrong thing and have to learn how to do it right which can be expensive. Much better to be lucky and do it right by nature than having to learn it.

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 20:41

    i take my tuition from mr plato ;)

    I'd let it spin and pick up from where it stops.

    Note to self: Stop watching Jaime Alguesuari and Romain Grosjean

    Does not compute

    ;)

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 20:41

    Evening all. Well for us, all Christmas shopping (both food and presents) is done! Thank god!

    Did you see your mate Bob on BBC 4 last night?

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 20:41

    i take my tuition from mr plato ;)

    Not a good idea on ice.

  • jpancoast22/12/2009 at 20:42

    Oppo = opposite lock.

    I'm wondering if I could mess around in one of the local parking lots without the cops getting ticked at me.

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 20:42

    Not a good idea on ice.

    psshhh :P

  • Christine22/12/2009 at 20:42

    PING: http://sidepodcast.com/2009/12/22/jim-clark-yes-he-really-was-that-good/

  • Scott Woodwiss22/12/2009 at 20:42

    Did you see your mate Bob on BBC 4 last night?

    No, was he in one of them F1 driver documentaries?

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 20:43

    I'm wondering if I could mess around in one of the local parking lots without the cops getting ticked at me.

    That is why supermarkets have big car parks

  • lou22/12/2009 at 20:43

    PING: http://sidepod...really-was-that-good/

    ooooo!!!

    (hi christine)

  • Christine22/12/2009 at 20:43

    ooooo!!!

    (hi christine)

    Howdy. How is everyone? Have been missing for a couple of days.

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 20:44

    No, was he in one of them F1 driver documentaries?

    He was in the Graham Hill one with Jim Endruweit and Bob Sparshot. I thought he would appear in the Clark one but Cedric Seltzer hogged that one.

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 20:44

    Hi Christine

  • Lukeh22/12/2009 at 20:45

    Howdy. How is everyone? Have been missing for a couple of days.

    Hullo. The last few days have been a bit rubbish :( apart from the Sidepoddies and singing which was awesome!

  • lou22/12/2009 at 20:45

    Howdy. How is everyone? Have been missing for a couple of days.

    i'm good thank you. we noticed :( how have you been?

  • RG22/12/2009 at 20:45

    Howdy. How is everyone? Have been missing for a couple of days.

    Hellllo. I be well.

  • Christine22/12/2009 at 20:46

    i'm good thank you. we noticed :( how have you been?

    Not bad. Counting down the hours of work left, mostly.

  • Christine22/12/2009 at 20:46

    Hellllo. I be well.

    How's your voice?

  • Christine22/12/2009 at 20:46

    Hullo. The last few days have been a bit rubbish :( apart from the Sidepoddies and singing which was awesome!

    I have just been editing it. Show coming very soon.

  • lou22/12/2009 at 20:47

    Not bad. Counting down the hours of work left, mostly.

    ooo count downs! i'm good at those ;) silly work, time for a rest i think ;)

  • RG22/12/2009 at 20:47

    How's your voice?

    Its back. So no complaining from me anymore ;)

  • Alison22/12/2009 at 20:49

    Oh no! If you are reading this now instead of my messages GET A TAXI!

    I'm shocked you didn't offer to pick me up!

  • Christine22/12/2009 at 20:49

    ooo count downs! i'm good at those ;) silly work, time for a rest i think ;)

    I agree :)

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 20:50

    I'm shocked you didn't offer to pick me up!

    He ran to you in London (and didn't for me and Andy..!!!)

    That should be enough :P

  • Pat W22/12/2009 at 20:53

    Howdy. How is everyone? Have been missing for a couple of days.

    Evening. I'm good, my living is finally getting nice and warm, just 3 hours after I turned the heater on..

  • Alison22/12/2009 at 20:53

    He ran to you in London (and didn't for me and Andy..!!!)

    I am beautiful though so.....

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 20:54

    I am beautiful though so.....

    *sits and cries*

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 20:54

    I am beautiful though so.....

    Not if you keep fainting and falling on your face

  • Lukeh22/12/2009 at 20:54

    ooo count downs! i'm good at those ;) silly work, time for a rest i think ;)

    2 more days, 2 more days, 2 more days... :P

    I think the past week has made me truly appreciate the wonder that are days off.

  • Alison22/12/2009 at 20:55

    Not if you keep fainting and falling on your face

    I didn't hit my face. I cut my leg though on the corner of my desk...

  • RG22/12/2009 at 20:55

    *sits and cries*

    Welll I think your..... hmmm, perhaps thats not the most reassuring thing to say there.

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 20:56

    I didn't hit my face. I cut my leg though on the corner of my desk...

    I did tell you to stay at home and fake illness

  • lou22/12/2009 at 20:56

    I think the past week has made me truly appreciate the wonder that are days off.

    *prod* ... you should get a nicer job... one that doesn't mean you hurt back/hips/or have to work in very cold temperatures...

    :D

  • Alison22/12/2009 at 20:56

    That should be enough :P

    To be fair, he strongly denied running at the time! So I'm not sure it really counts.

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 20:56

    Welll I think your..... hmmm, perhaps thats not the most reassuring thing to say there.

    :D

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 20:57

    To be fair, he strongly denied running at the time! So I'm not sure it really counts.

    We all knew that he did though ;)

  • Alison22/12/2009 at 20:58

    We all knew that he did though ;)

    Lies. You were all completely oblivious.

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 20:59

    Lies. You were all completely oblivious.

    It's quite hilarious how obvious it all was. bless ya

  • me22/12/2009 at 20:59

    We all knew that he did though ;)

    Lies. You were all completely oblivious.

    there was no sniggering. no at all.

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 20:59

    there was no sniggering. no at all.

    none at all, not one bit, none, not even a little

    hmm

  • Alison22/12/2009 at 21:00

    It's quite hilarious how obvious it all was. bless ya

    I don't believe you.

  • Andy Taylor22/12/2009 at 21:00

    Evening all Cannonball Run just starting on Five USA

  • Christine22/12/2009 at 21:05

    PING: http://sidepodcast.com/2009/12/22/f1-debrief-2009-sidepoddie-awards/

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 21:07

    PING: http://sidepod...09-sidepoddie-awards/

    How did you get over two hours down to 34 minutes?

  • littlepurplegoth22/12/2009 at 21:08

    How did you get over two hours down to 34 minutes?

    So was I closest/??

  • Christine22/12/2009 at 21:08

    So was I closest/??

    Were there guesses?

    Will go check.

  • littlepurplegoth22/12/2009 at 21:09

    lol

    I said 40 mins max with ample use of chinagraph and razor... slightly out on the tech :-)

  • RG22/12/2009 at 21:10

    So was I closest/??

    I know I had 33 mins. Thats it.

  • littlepurplegoth22/12/2009 at 21:11

    ooooo

    Captain adorable is a lift from the cannonball run!!

  • me22/12/2009 at 21:20

    i'll have two of these please:

    Ferrari have unveiled arguably the most advanced racing simulator in the world, one that has been two years in the making. The simulator sits on a platform weighing two tonnes and there are 10 multiprocessor calculators with a total memory of over 60GB, a Dolby surround 7.1 sound system with an output of around 3500W.

    http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/ferrari/6868285/Ferrari-launch-two-floor-simulator-at-Maranello-headquarters.html

  • me22/12/2009 at 21:21

    http://www.tel...llo-headquarters.html

    can't wait for alonso to slag it off.

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 21:21

    i'll have two of these please:

    60GB?

    now i have memory envy.

    2GB seems rubbish

  • Lukeh22/12/2009 at 21:22

    can't wait for alonso to slag it off.

    "The team favoured the simulator over me, a former world champion...

    ...plus I have 64GB of RAM. I downloaded it."

  • jpancoast22/12/2009 at 21:22

    i'll have two of these please:

    60GB?

    now i have memory envy.

    2GB seems rubbish

    Pfft.

    I have 64GB memory in ONE machine.

    Of course, it's not a driving simulator.

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 21:23

    there are 10 multiprocessor calculators with a total memory of over 60GB

    Bet that doesn't have problems with Skype

  • littlepurplegoth22/12/2009 at 21:25

    Bet that doesn't have problems with Skype

    roflroflroflrol bsmtt

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 21:25

    Bet that doesn't have problems with Skype

    Kathi owns one of those computers

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 21:25

    roflroflroflrol bsmtt

    bsmtt? thats a new one?

  • littlepurplegoth22/12/2009 at 21:27

    bsmtt? thats a new one?

    Bill bailey gets the credit.

    "But somehow managing to type"

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 21:27

    bsmtt? thats a new one?

    Bill bailey gets the credit.

    "But somehow managing to type"

    ahh

  • Tom G22/12/2009 at 21:28

    Ferrari have unveiled arguably the most advanced racing simulator in the world, one that has been two years in the making. The simulator sits on a platform weighing two tonnes and there are 10 multiprocessor calculators with a total memory of over 60GB, a Dolby surround 7.1 sound system with an output of around 3500W.

    Excellent, I'll have one! And that would set me back how much?

  • me22/12/2009 at 21:32

    Bet that doesn't have problems with Skype

    :P

  • me22/12/2009 at 21:33

    Excellent, I'll have one! And that would set me back how much?

    doesn't say:

    http://www.ferrari.com/English/News/Pages/091222_F1_news.aspx

  • Lukeh22/12/2009 at 21:33

    Excellent, I'll have one! And that would set me back how much?

    My mate del can get you one from Camden market for 20 squids.

  • Tom G22/12/2009 at 21:35

    My mate del can get you one from Camden market for 20 squids.

    Diamond geezah! I'll have the money in the back of the van tomorrow!

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 21:49

    According to my TV guide on BBC2 at 11:45 we have Michael Jackson Live in Bucharest. I have a feeling this may be one of the Xmas programs they record in July then pretend it is live.

  • Tom G22/12/2009 at 21:50

    According to my TV guide on BBC2 at 11:45 we have Michael Jackson Live in Bucharest. I have a feeling this may be one of the Xmas programs they record in July then pretend it is live.

    How do you know this isn't actually the ultimate rendition of Thriller?

  • Scott Woodwiss22/12/2009 at 21:50

    According to my TV guide on BBC2 at 11:45 we have Michael Jackson Live in Bucharest. I have a feeling this may be one of the Xmas programs they record in July then pretend it is live.

    Did anyone watch his 30th Anniversary show last night on Five? God that was good.

  • me22/12/2009 at 21:57

    twitter has come alive with schumi news.

  • Lukeh22/12/2009 at 21:58

    twitter has come alive with schumi news.

    People are saying that it's on BBC News 24 but it's not...?

  • Scott Woodwiss22/12/2009 at 21:58

    twitter has come alive with schumi news.

    F1 FB group is reporting a 1 year deal's been signed.

  • me22/12/2009 at 21:58

    People are saying that it's on BBC News 24 but it's not...?

    ahh. just sky news then?

  • Chris22/12/2009 at 21:58

    twitter has come alive with schumi news.

    German website claims he's signed for one year apparently. Can't read german though.

    http://www.bild.de/BILD/sport/motorsport/formel1/2009/12/23/mercedes/macht-michael-schumi-schumacher-comeback-moeglich.html

  • RG22/12/2009 at 21:58

    twitter has come alive with schumi news.

    I'm following the wrong people here.

  • Lukeh22/12/2009 at 21:59

    I can't watch BBC News 24's ident intros without thinking of the Bill Bailey rave..

  • Tom G22/12/2009 at 21:59

    I'm following the wrong people here.

    Me too, but putting in a search for him comes up with loads.

  • me22/12/2009 at 21:59

    I'm following the wrong people here.

    i just follow the #f1 hashtag.

  • RG22/12/2009 at 21:59

    ahh. just sky news then?

    Shall check Sky Sports News no doubt if its on Sky News it also be on there.

    Typical, the one hour of the day I don't watch it some big news happens.

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 21:59

    Yahoo say AFP is reporting it

    http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/22122009/3/schumacher-signs-mercedes-bild.html

  • Adie22/12/2009 at 21:59

    Nooooooooo

  • Chris22/12/2009 at 22:00

    I can't watch BBC News 24's ident intros without thinking of the Bill Bailey rave..

    Me neither!

  • me22/12/2009 at 22:00

    Nooooooooo

    :)

  • me22/12/2009 at 22:00

    Yahoo say AFP is reporting it

    http://uk.euro...ns-mercedes-bild.html

    weird time to announce, isn't it?

  • RG22/12/2009 at 22:00

    Shall check Sky Sports News no doubt if its on Sky News it also be on there.

    No, silly me. Craig Levien is much more important.

  • Scott Woodwiss22/12/2009 at 22:00

    weird time to announce, isn't it?

    Happy Christmas, LDM?

  • Adie22/12/2009 at 22:01

    :)

    It's a massive, MASSIVE mistake for him to come back. Mostly because I don't like him.

    This will all end in tears. Mark my words, no good will come from this.

  • RG22/12/2009 at 22:01

    Oh well, Nick to Sauber.

    Good times.

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 22:01

    weird time to announce, isn't it?

    It measn they hog the coverage all over Xmas

  • me22/12/2009 at 22:01

    It measn they hog the coverage all over Xmas

    sure. but tuesday evening?

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 22:01

    No, silly me. Craig Levien is much more important.

    I really hope he doesn't get the job

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 22:02

    Happy Christmas, LDM?

    If it ruins Ferrari's Xmas it is a good thing

  • RG22/12/2009 at 22:02

    I really hope he doesn't get the job

    He's said yes, set to be confirmed in the morning.

  • Lukeh22/12/2009 at 22:02

    BBC is too busy worrying about THE UK FREEZE

    or, as the Finnish call it, a bit of a small snow shower.

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 22:02

    sure. but tuesday evening?

    Just in time to make the late news on TV and the papers in the morning?

  • me22/12/2009 at 22:03

    If it ruins Ferrari's Xmas it is a good thing

    it's a bit more interesting than a new simulator for massa.

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 22:03

    He's said yes, set to be confirmed in the morning.

    Another two years of failure till he gets sacked then

  • Adie22/12/2009 at 22:03

    This lady on Sky news commenting on the 'Big Freeze' Looks like Alan Partridge's assistant Lynn

  • littlepurplegoth22/12/2009 at 22:03

    Just in time to make the late news on TV and the papers in the morning?

    This ^^

    Last lot of European papers with non urgent news being printed tomorrow....

  • Lukeh22/12/2009 at 22:04

    it's a bit more interesting than a new simulator for massa.

    What did you get for Christmas, Felipe?

    I got a giant Playstation 3 Ross. It's quite good. What did you get?

    Michael Schumacher.

    Oh.

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 22:05

    What did you get for Christmas, Felipe?

    I got a giant Playstation 3 Ross. It's quite good. What did you get?

    Michael Schumacher.

    Oh.

    :D

  • lou22/12/2009 at 22:05

    wait wait wait wait wait.... what's happened?? i was gone for about an hour!.... Schumi is evil, he's determined to ruin my christmas.

  • Scott Woodwiss22/12/2009 at 22:05

    What did you get for Christmas, Felipe?

    I got a giant Playstation 3 Ross. It's quite good. What did you get?

    Michael Schumacher.

    Oh.

    And what did you get Luca?

    A broken heart.

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 22:05

    wait wait wait wait wait.... what's happened?? i was gone for about an hour!.... Schumi is evil, he's determined to ruin my christmas.

    why does it ruin it?

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 22:06

    Sydney Morning Herald have the story. Looks like it has been leaked to Bild which was always Weber's choice but they run some very dubious content too.

    http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/schumacher-signs-for-mercedes-bild-20091223-lc7i.html

  • me22/12/2009 at 22:06

    And what did you get Luca?

    A broken heart.

    :D

  • lou22/12/2009 at 22:06

    why does it ruin it?

    are you kidding me? Schumi going to brackley = worst nightmare. specially if Shov end up being his engineer!!

  • me22/12/2009 at 22:07

    #clearbluebenson has jumped on it too.

  • Adie22/12/2009 at 22:07

    are you kidding me? Schumi going to brackley = worst nightmare. specially if Shov end up being his engineer!!

    It gives me more reason to boo the factory as I drive past it on my way to Milton Keynes.

  • me22/12/2009 at 22:07

    It gives me more reason to boo the factory as I drive past it on my way to Milton Keynes.

    a hand gesture?

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 22:07

    Anyone fancy chucking a few quid into a pot and we can share an FXX or would Christine call us fools? ;)

  • Tom G22/12/2009 at 22:07

    Interesting... Has his neck recovered now?

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 22:07

    are you kidding me? Schumi going to brackley = worst nightmare. specially if Shov end up being his engineer!!

    again, why? shov is staying at brawn, brawn arent brawn anymore. you'll have to give real reasons, i dont get it

  • lou22/12/2009 at 22:07

    It gives me more reason to boo the factory as I drive past it on my way to Milton Keynes.

    brackley are awesome! schumi not so much..

  • Scott Woodwiss22/12/2009 at 22:07

    a hand gesture?

    :D

  • Adie22/12/2009 at 22:08

    a hand gesture?

    Vocal, and physical now.

    I used to beep and say 'yay'.

  • Lukeh22/12/2009 at 22:08

    brackley are awesome! schumi not so much..

    Agreed. :(

  • me22/12/2009 at 22:08

    Anyone fancy chucking a few quid into a pot and we can share an FXX or would Christine call us fools? ;)

    hehe!

  • littlepurplegoth22/12/2009 at 22:08

    What did you get for Christmas, Felipe?

    I got a giant Playstation 3 Ross. It's quite good. What did you get?

    Michael Schumacher.

    Oh.

    teehee

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 22:08

    Interesting... Has his neck recovered now?

    Now he is the pain in the neck although some people have a lower opinion of him

  • RG22/12/2009 at 22:08

    Alright folks, Barrow down. Sky Sports News don't have it.

  • Scott Woodwiss22/12/2009 at 22:08

    I used to beep and say 'yay'.

    Now it'll be a beep, a hand gesture and "F....."

  • Alex Andronov22/12/2009 at 22:09

    What on earth were they thinking letting me out for an evening?

  • Adie22/12/2009 at 22:09

    a hand gesture?

    Now I will mostly be 'Doing a Coulthard'

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRhDQ5LVeL8

  • Scott Woodwiss22/12/2009 at 22:09

    What on earth were they thinking letting me out for an evening?

    You should know by now the outside is a mean and nasty place.

  • littlepurplegoth22/12/2009 at 22:10

    It gives me more reason to boo the factory as I drive past it on my way to Milton Keynes.

    Erk... does that mean I'm at risk of seeing MS in the town centre as he gets his iPhone fixed... Ooo that would mean that we could bug his iPhone...

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 22:10

    Anyone fancy chucking a few quid into a pot and we can share an FXX or would Christine call us fools? ;)

    £1.6 million. Divided lets say, 16 ways?

    thats only £100,000, put a pound a day in and we'll have an fxx inn....

    274 years...

    oh

  • lou22/12/2009 at 22:10

    again, why? shov is staying at brawn, brawn arent brawn anymore. you'll have to give real reasons, i dont get it

    nothing is confirmed about Shov or Bono so far as i know? I'm not keen on Schumi AT ALL. I may not be totally happy with the mercedes take over without Jenson, but at least the team will still be the same.. i'm having problems letting go of my awesome team... they've been awesome for 7 years! plus if Shov and Bono stay and have to engineer Schumi i'd feel so sorry for them tbh.

  • Scott Woodwiss22/12/2009 at 22:11

    Erk... does that mean I'm at risk of seeing MS in the town centre as he gets his iPhone fixed... Ooo that would mean that we could bug his iPhone...

    MS has an iPhone?

    *explodes*

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 22:11

    Anyone fancy chucking a few quid into a pot and we can share an FXX or would Christine call us fools? ;)

    £1.6 million. Divided lets say, 16 ways?

    thats only £100,000, put a pound a day in and we'll have an fxx inn....

    274 years...

    oh

    Lou.

    We need another countdown

  • littlepurplegoth22/12/2009 at 22:11

    MS has an iPhone?

    There was a photo on the Sun website of him holding one when he originally announched he was 'coming back' last time...

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 22:12

    nothing is confirmed about Shov or Bono so far as i know? I'm not keen on Schumi AT ALL. I may not be totally happy with the mercedes take over without Jenson, but at least the team will still be the same.. i'm having problems letting go of my awesome team... they've been awesome for 7 years! plus if Shov and Bono stay and have to engineer Schumi i'd feel so sorry for them tbh.

    Maybe he will insist on his own engineers from Ferrari

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 22:12

    nothing is confirmed about Shov or Bono so far as i know? I'm not keen on Schumi AT ALL. I may not be totally happy with the mercedes take over without Jenson, but at least the team will still be the same.. i'm having problems letting go of my awesome team... they've been awesome for 7 years! plus if Shov and Bono stay and have to engineer Schumi i'd feel so sorry for them tbh.

    i get that schu to ferrari is bad (potentially) but i dont get why schu to mercedes is bad. he's (arguably) a very good driver (or was) and so it makes sense (But also really dosent)

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 22:12

    Lou.

    We need another countdown

    we need a countdown to the 50 day countdown

  • lou22/12/2009 at 22:12

    We need another countdown

    you want me to do a countdown for 274 years?

  • littlepurplegoth22/12/2009 at 22:12

    we need a countdown to the 50 day countdown

    Lou has a blog...

    ;-P

  • lou22/12/2009 at 22:13

    Maybe he will insist on his own engineers from Ferrari

    ooooo... so Shov and Bono can go join Jenson?...

  • RG22/12/2009 at 22:13

    you want me to do a countdown for 274 years?

    It could become a family tradition.

  • littlepurplegoth22/12/2009 at 22:14

    There was a photo on the Sun website of him holding one when he originally announched he was 'coming back' last time...

    Oh gord... that means I've just admitted to reading a tabloid website...

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 22:14

    ooooo... so Shov and Bono can go join Jenson?...

    If Jenson hasn't already insisted on them it is unlikely McLaren will hire them now when they have to cut their headcount

  • Adie22/12/2009 at 22:14

    ooooo... so Shov and Bono can go join Jenson?...

    Hasn't JB been given Kimi and Alonso's old engineer? I can't remember his name now.

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 22:15

    I wonder what Nico Rosberg is getting for Xmas?

  • Tom G22/12/2009 at 22:15

    Oh gord... that means I've just admitted to reading a tabloid website...

    I won't hold it against you... Much. :P

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 22:16

    Hasn't JB been given Kimi and Alonso's old engineer? I can't remember his name now.

    Don't know

  • Scott Woodwiss22/12/2009 at 22:16

    I wonder what Nico Rosberg is getting for Xmas?

    "How to cope with being second best" by Rubens Barrichello.

  • Alex Andronov22/12/2009 at 22:16

    I do hope you all enjoyed today's calendar... Because I'm not particularly sure about tonight's.

  • Lukeh22/12/2009 at 22:16

    "How to cope with being second best" by Rubens Barrichello.

    :(

  • RG22/12/2009 at 22:16

    I wonder what Nico Rosberg is getting for Xmas?

    Bucket loads of pressure.

    I've heard thats popular these days

  • Adie22/12/2009 at 22:16

    I wonder what Nico Rosberg is getting for Xmas?

    Probably re-inforcing his helmet after reading Eddie Irvine's comments about being The Chin's team mate.

  • littlepurplegoth22/12/2009 at 22:16

    Oh gord... that means I've just admitted to reading a tabloid website...

    I won't hold it against you... Much. :P

    I read the telegraph online as well... and bits of the guardian...

  • littlepurplegoth22/12/2009 at 22:17

    I wonder what Nico Rosberg is getting for Xmas?

    His two front teeth?

  • Tom G22/12/2009 at 22:17

    I read the telegraph online as well... and bits of the guardian...

    I usually go for The Guardian or The Times, meself.

  • me22/12/2009 at 22:17

    Probably re-inforcing his helmet after reading Eddie Irvine's comments about being The Chin's team mate.

    :)

  • me22/12/2009 at 22:17

    I wonder what Nico Rosberg is getting for Xmas?

    His two front teeth?

    :D :D

  • lou22/12/2009 at 22:17

    i get that schu to ferrari is bad (potentially) but i dont get why schu to mercedes is bad. he's (arguably) a very good driver (or was) and so it makes sense (But also really dosent)

    i'm not arguing that Schumi isn't a good driver. I just

    a) don't like him

    b) don't like him

    c) don't like him

    well you get the picture.....

    the thought of him going to my team saddens me :( in the same way if Lewis were to go to Mercedes i'm unhappy.. i just don't like Schumi. Plus he'll be tied to the team with Brawn for ages and it's a bit of a leap from last year.

    Can you tell i'm having trouble adjusting to the fact my driver and my team aren't the same thing.

  • Lukeh22/12/2009 at 22:17

    i'm not arguing that Schumi isn't a good driver. I just

    a) don't like him

    b) don't like him

    c) don't like him

    Lou makes a good point

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 22:17

    I bet Nico is on the phone to the Red Arrows now booking a flight for his new team mate.

  • RG22/12/2009 at 22:18

    Sky Sports News are reporting it now. All they are saying is that Bild are reporting it and are looking into it.

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 22:18

    Can you tell i'm having trouble adjusting to the fact my driver and my team aren't the same thing.

    yes. yes. very much yes.

    I just

    a) don't like him

    b) don't like him

    reasons?

  • littlepurplegoth22/12/2009 at 22:19

    i'm not arguing that Schumi isn't a good driver. I just

    a) don't like him

    b) don't like him

    c) don't like him

    well you get the picture...

    WSS

    Although I still know that he is falible... (he bust his legs once etc etc)

  • me22/12/2009 at 22:19

    what's really interesting, is that mercedes don't appear to be getting any publicity.

    weber has leaked to bild and schumi is the hero. will the official announcement even come from brackley/stuttgart? mercedes about about to make themselves invisible.

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 22:19

    reasons?

    I would have thought the reasons for not liking Michael Schumacher were well known

  • me22/12/2009 at 22:20

    I would have thought the reasons for not liking Michael Schumacher were well known

    i'm happy to repeat them in bold and uppercase in case anyone needs a refresher?

  • Chris22/12/2009 at 22:20

    I still think he won't be anyware near what he was before he left last time. I have 3 reasons:

    1) He's getting old (This hasn't stopped Rubens however)

    2) He's out of practice by 3 years. It's going to be hard to get that back

    3) Drivers like Rosberg and Massa have improved, while new drivers like Hamilton and Vettel are going to make it much tougher

  • littlepurplegoth22/12/2009 at 22:20

    weber has leaked to bild and schumi is the hero. will the official announcement even come from brackley/stuttgart? mercedes about about to make themselves invisible.

    Which makes me wonder if the deal is as done as they are suggesting?? Bit of 'railroading' going on?

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 22:20

    I would have thought the reasons for not liking Michael Schumacher were well known

    The reasons for not liking Michael Schumacher to Ferrari are yes, the reasons for not liking Michael Schumacher to Mercedes aren't. They are too completely different things

  • lou22/12/2009 at 22:20

    If Jenson hasn't already insisted on them it is unlikely McLaren will hire them now when they have to cut their headcount

    but.... but... but.... Jenson, Shov and Bono are an awesome team!!! Jenson wont have much chance against Mclaren team Lewis without them :( *cries*

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 22:20

    weber has leaked to bild and schumi is the hero. will the official announcement even come from brackley/stuttgart? mercedes about about to make themselves invisible.

    If they win it will all be about Schumacher and if they don't Merc will get slaughtered for not being able to win with him driving.

  • littlepurplegoth22/12/2009 at 22:21

    but.... but... but.... Jenson, Shov and Bono are an awesome team!!! Jenson wont have much chance against Mclaren team Lewis without them :( *cries*

    I thought that part of the pay deal last year was that Shov and Bono were on Jenson's payroll?

  • me22/12/2009 at 22:22

    If they win it will all be about Schumacher and if they don't Merc will get slaughtered for not being able to win with him driving.

    but they must at least be able to hold a press conference? if the deal is announced to tonight they've just handed the keys to the factory door to the man. he's in control.

  • Adie22/12/2009 at 22:22

    Lou makes a good point

    She does. I don't like him, respect his achievements yes. Can never forgive him for Adelade '94.

    I did though get to call him a W***** (or gesticulate to that effect) at Silverstone in 2000.

    Was stood on the exit of the pits (infield) when he spun on a practice start. He was less than 5 meters from me, and we made eye contact (visor up) as I expressed my views.

    He took it surprisingly well, giving me a acknowledgement salute and smiling (well his eyes looked like he was) as he drove off.

  • lou22/12/2009 at 22:22

    Hasn't JB been given Kimi and Alonso's old engineer? I can't remember his name now.

    i don't know, autosport and others don't care about where the engineers go apparently :(

  • littlepurplegoth22/12/2009 at 22:23

    i don't know, autosport and others don't care about where the engineers go apparently :(

    Which is very short sighted of them really.....

  • Adie22/12/2009 at 22:23

    i'm happy to repeat them in bold and uppercase in case anyone needs a refresher?

    Can I start?

    Adelade 1994

    Jerez 1997

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 22:23

    I still think he won't be anyware near what he was before he left last time. I have 3 reasons:

    1) He's getting old (This hasn't stopped Rubens however)

    2) He's out of practice by 3 years. It's going to be hard to get that back

    3) Drivers like Rosberg and Massa have improved, while new drivers like Hamilton and Vettel are going to make it much tougher

    He will be exactly the same as he was.

    1) 40 is not as old as you think it is

    2) He still knows how to drive. He hasn't forgotten

    3) Drivers don't get faster. Massa is less likely to throw the car off the road so is better from that point of view but Schumacher had half a second on him and he still will. Hamilton is at a level Schumacher has not raced against since Senna but no-one else is going to worry him unduly.

  • lou22/12/2009 at 22:23

    i'm happy to repeat them in bold and uppercase in case anyone needs a refresher?

    please and thank you ;)

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 22:24

    Which makes me wonder if the deal is as done as they are suggesting?? Bit of 'railroading' going on?

    This is Weber ensuring his man gets positive press i future. Leak this so Bild get the exclusive and if he is slow the team get the blam and not him.

  • lou22/12/2009 at 22:24

    1) He's getting old (This hasn't stopped Rubens however)

    but Rubens is awesome, and lovely.

  • lou22/12/2009 at 22:25

    Which is very short sighted of them really.....

    i wonder if stuart knows??

  • Lukeh22/12/2009 at 22:25

    but Rubens is awesome, and lovely.

    Although I do NOT wanrt to hug Schumi :(

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 22:26

    The reasons for not liking Michael Schumacher to Ferrari are yes, the reasons for not liking Michael Schumacher to Mercedes aren't. They are too completely different things

    There are enough reasons to dislike him regardless of employer. Then there is the Schumacher/Brawn combination was loathed before they went anywhere near Maranello.

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 22:27

    but they must at least be able to hold a press conference? if the deal is announced to tonight they've just handed the keys to the factory door to the man. he's in control.

    Brawn is in control of drivers. Schumacher is now running the team.

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 22:28

    i wonder if stuart knows??

    He is bound to

  • me22/12/2009 at 22:28

    Brawn is in control of drivers. Schumacher is now running the team.

    100% agreement.

  • lou22/12/2009 at 22:28

    but they must at least be able to hold a press conference? if the deal is announced to tonight they've just handed the keys to the factory door to the man. he's in control.

    this scares me. this is the first time all year i will have said this but... i miss the honda days :(

  • lou22/12/2009 at 22:29

    He is bound to

    if i'm not around next time he stops by in the comments can someone ask him for me?

  • Lukeh22/12/2009 at 22:29

    this scares me. this is the first time all year i will have said this but... i miss the honda days :(

    :(

    earth dreams, good times. Now it's german dreams.

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 22:29

    Anyone know which lift Massa tweaked his neck in? It would also help if you knew how to get Schumacher into it

  • littlepurplegoth22/12/2009 at 22:30

    Brawn is in control of drivers. Schumacher is now running the team.

    I've just realised that I overheard a conversation speculating to this effect ref MS buying Honda in a Borders once.... Mr C where's the archive??

    So maybe all this was always the 'ultimate' plan? The potential Ferrarri drive therefore being him paying off the 'owed' portion of his contract there when he ran himself off the track one year (I carried a bit of car for testing that year.. lol )?? And him being the 'quiet' money all of last season after all?

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 22:30

    if i'm not around next time he stops by in the comments can someone ask him for me?

    Tweet him

  • lou22/12/2009 at 22:30

    Anyone know which lift Massa tweaked his neck in? It would also help if you knew how to get Schumacher into it

    and get him to sneeze?

  • RG22/12/2009 at 22:30

    Anyone know which lift Massa tweaked his neck in? It would also help if you knew how to get Schumacher into it

    "In more shock news, Magny-Cours was reinstated for the 2010 F1 calendar"

  • lou22/12/2009 at 22:30

    Tweet him

    you're so sensible. shall do.

  • me22/12/2009 at 22:30

    Anyone know which lift Massa tweaked his neck in? It would also help if you knew how to get Schumacher into it

    :D :D :D :D :D

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 22:30

    if i'm not around next time he stops by in the comments can someone ask him for me?

    or post a comment on his blog. His top story is about Mercedes so it is a reasonable question

  • me22/12/2009 at 22:31

    I've just realised that I overheard a conversation speculating to this effect ref MS buying Honda in a Borders once.... Mr C where's the archive??

    top right.

  • littlepurplegoth22/12/2009 at 22:31

    Anyone know which lift Massa tweaked his neck in? It would also help if you knew how to get Schumacher into it

    We've got a lift in M&S here that keeps breaking down.....

  • Adie22/12/2009 at 22:31

    top right.

    Try the other right ;)

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 22:32

    you're so sensible. shall do.

    Stop saying that

  • littlepurplegoth22/12/2009 at 22:32

    top right.

    Darn, you're going to make me search for myself!!! I've got to remember whether I posted it or Andy now!!

  • Amy22/12/2009 at 22:32

    i wonder if this will cause a ticket rush.

  • lou22/12/2009 at 22:33

    Stop saying that

    :P

  • RG22/12/2009 at 22:34

    i wonder if this will cause a ticket rush.

    Probably. Can't wait to see Nick in the blue/black of Sauber

  • Tom G22/12/2009 at 22:34

    i wonder if this will cause a ticket rush.

    Very probably, as the non-existant comeback did for Valencia, if I remember correctly.

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 22:34

    http://mobile.sidepodcast.com/2009/01/28/daily-28th-january-2009/#comment-182337

  • me22/12/2009 at 22:34

    Darn, you're going to make me search for myself!!! I've got to remember whether I posted it or Andy now!!

    you haven't given me a lot to go on, and that's all i'm gonna use.

  • Alex Andronov22/12/2009 at 22:35

    you're so sensible. shall do.

    Stop saying that

    Steven is an idiot!

  • me22/12/2009 at 22:35
  • littlepurplegoth22/12/2009 at 22:35

    top right.

    1) its not on the right

    2) it doesn't seem to go back far enough...

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 22:35

    Steven is an idiot!

    Thanks

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 22:35

    strewth!

    Just searched for Borders

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 22:36

    1) its not on the right

    2) it doesn't seem to go back far enough...

    The search box is on the right

  • me22/12/2009 at 22:36

    1) its not on the right

    2) it doesn't seem to go back far enough...

    i meant the search box, top right.

  • Alex Andronov22/12/2009 at 22:36

    Steven is an idiot!

    Thanks

    Phew... I don't believe it is true... But I thought it might help!

  • littlepurplegoth22/12/2009 at 22:37

    i meant the search box, top right.

    I've just had that pointed out to me..

    I think that I need gin instead of cold tea...

    I shall blame my inability on trying to watch the Cannonball Run and having several windows open at the same time as well...

  • me22/12/2009 at 22:38

    I've just had that pointed out to me..

    I think that I need gin instead of cold tea...

    tis okay, it's kinda small and not labelled "archive".

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 22:40

    #sidepodspace

    If anyone is bored NASA TV is showing the Soyuz docking with the ISS. As usual there are some great shots of the Earth below the Soyuz.

  • Alianora La Canta22/12/2009 at 22:41

    speaking of Heikki... does anyone know who his engineer was this year? {Comment #269}

    Heikki's race engineer was Mark Slade.

  • Pat W22/12/2009 at 22:42

    I go away and watch some Long Beach qualifying (I have a big backlog) and this comes out. Hmm. I note it is still conjecture, but this time of the sort that usually ends up in an announcement soon after...

  • Amy22/12/2009 at 22:43

    so the gap between brazil 06 and bahrain 10 is 1239 days. Quickest 1239 days of my life.

  • me22/12/2009 at 22:43

    I go away and watch some Long Beach qualifying (I have a big backlog) and this comes out. Hmm. I note it is still conjecture, but this time of the sort that usually ends up in an announcement soon after...

    bbc seem to think it'll happen soon.

    i'll be stunned if anything official is announced before 8am tomorrow. it's nearly midnigth in germany.

  • Adie22/12/2009 at 22:44

    i'll be stunned if anything official is announced before 8am tomorrow. it's nearly midnigth in germany.

    Have you a story prepped just in case though?

  • Pat W22/12/2009 at 22:44

    Brawn is in control of drivers. Schumacher is now running the team.

    Tell you what, Barrichello is looking really smart now. And I mean it. I know we mentioned it before but if he'd stayed with the team he'd have his head in his hands right about now.

  • me22/12/2009 at 22:44

    Tell you what, Barrichello is looking really smart now. And I mean it. I know we mentioned it before but if he'd stayed with the team he'd have his head in his hands right about now.

    agreed.

  • RG22/12/2009 at 22:44

    Tell you what, Barrichello is looking really smart now. And I mean it. I know we mentioned it before but if he'd stayed with the team he'd have his head in his hands right about now.

    I keep saying it though, Barrichello stays = No Schumacher.

  • Lukeh22/12/2009 at 22:44

    Tell you what, Barrichello is looking really smart now. And I mean it. I know we mentioned it before but if he'd stayed with the team he'd have his head in his hands right about now.

    Thats m'boy!

  • Tom G22/12/2009 at 22:45

    Tell you what, Barrichello is looking really smart now. And I mean it. I know we mentioned it before but if he'd stayed with the team he'd have his head in his hands right about now.

    Maybe he knew something long before anyone else...

  • me22/12/2009 at 22:45

    Have you a story prepped just in case though?

    erm. no. supposed to be editing "aside".

  • Lukeh22/12/2009 at 22:45

    Ted was just on BBC News 24

  • me22/12/2009 at 22:45

    I keep saying it though, Barrichello stays = No Schumacher.

    mercedes wanted a german driver.

    nico is surplus to requirements.

  • me22/12/2009 at 22:45

    Ted was just on BBC News 24

    oooooh! what he say?

  • Lukeh22/12/2009 at 22:46

    oooooh! what he say?

    That he is taking over the wooooooorld

    /iwish

    No, I didn;t see it sadly. Just saw a load of tweets saying it.

  • Chris22/12/2009 at 22:46

    Ted was just on BBC News 24

    oooooh! what he say?

    How's his beard?

  • me22/12/2009 at 22:46

    nico is surplus to requirements.

    the biggest loser in this, is by far nico rosberg.

  • littlepurplegoth22/12/2009 at 22:46

    Tell you what, Barrichello is looking really smart now. And I mean it. I know we mentioned it before but if he'd stayed with the team he'd have his head in his hands right about now.

    Makes you wonder if he knew where the money was coming from in the first place....

  • lou22/12/2009 at 22:46

    Heikki's race engineer was Mark Slade.

    ooo thank you.. i can't find a picture of him though :( he's got nothing on Andy Shov..

  • me22/12/2009 at 22:47

    Makes you wonder if he knew where the money was coming from in the first place....

    mercedes couldn't have planned this. they'd have no reason to want nico.

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 22:47

    This is all Jenson's fault. If he had just signed the Mercedes contract there would be no room for Schumacher

  • RG22/12/2009 at 22:47

    the biggest loser in this, is by far nico rosberg.

    If he can beat Schumacher though, surely it end up being impressive and praise and that?

  • Pat W22/12/2009 at 22:47

    i'll be stunned if anything official is announced before 8am tomorrow. it's nearly midnigth in germany.

    It'll come out first thing. This is classic Weber. Leak it and make them announce it.

  • me22/12/2009 at 22:48

    If he can beat Schumacher though, surely it end up being impressive and praise and that?

    won't happen. he's de facto number #2.

  • Pat W22/12/2009 at 22:48

    the biggest loser in this, is by far nico rosberg.

    Very much so. He thought he'd be racing Heidfeld..

  • littlepurplegoth22/12/2009 at 22:48

    It'll come out first thing. This is classic Weber. Leak it and make them announce it.

    That's what I meant about the 'is it really that final' earlier, wrt the railroading......

  • me22/12/2009 at 22:48

    This is all Jenson's fault. If he had just signed the Mercedes contract there would be no room for Schumacher

    agreed.

    or kimi's, he had a contract. he refused to sign it.

  • Adie22/12/2009 at 22:49

    If he can beat Schumacher though, surely it end up being impressive and praise and that?

    Chances of it happening? Schumacher favours the team built around him. Ross knows this method well.

    Nico's in all probablilty ready to top himself right now.

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 22:49

    If he can beat Schumacher though, surely it end up being impressive and praise and that?

    If he beats Schumacher it will be because Schumacher is old and past it and if he is slower his reputation is ruined.

  • RG22/12/2009 at 22:49

    or kimi's, he had a contract. he refused to sign it.

    Heikki Kovalainen shoulda been good in the first place...

  • Amy22/12/2009 at 22:49

    ive never wanted williams to be fast so much in my life. I want rubens to lap him while laughing. I did read somewhere that ms has an agreement he can walk away any time if his performances are tarnishing his reputation. I thought it was already tarnished myself.

  • me22/12/2009 at 22:49

    Nico's in all probablilty ready to top himself right now.

    totally. his dad too.

  • lou22/12/2009 at 22:49

    dad just came in laughing at me saying how a proper champion was coming back into the sport, and how it's all confirmed. There are no words for the look i just gave him. I managed to ask him whether this meant Kimi was returning but i got no reply.

    He isn't a schumi fan, he just likes it when he's right about something regarding f1.

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 22:50

    Very much so. He thought he'd be racing Heidfeld..

    I guess Heidfeld is going to Sauber which should keep RG happy

  • me22/12/2009 at 22:50

    Heikki Kovalainen shoulda been good in the first place...

    ooh. true enough.

  • RG22/12/2009 at 22:50

    I guess Heidfeld is going to Sauber which should keep RG happy

    Oooooooh I'm happy alright :)

  • lou22/12/2009 at 22:50

    This is all Jenson's fault. If he had just signed the Mercedes contract there would be no room for Schumacher

    i made a comment about this yesterday. i stick by this. Stupid Jenson.

  • Lukeh22/12/2009 at 22:50

    dad just came in laughing at me saying how a proper champion was coming back into the sport, and how it's all confirmed. There are no words for the look i just gave him. I managed to ask him whether this meant Kimi was returning but i got no reply.

    He isn't a schumi fan, he just likes it when he's right about something regarding f1.

    Booooooooooooo. You should give him evils.

  • Pat W22/12/2009 at 22:51

    Heikki Kovalainen shoulda been good in the first place...

    Yes. I can't work out what went wrong.

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 22:51

    Nico's in all probablilty ready to top himself right now.

    totally. his dad too.

    After he talked him out of going up against lewis he ends up going against Schumacher in a Brawn team

  • Pat W22/12/2009 at 22:51

    I guess Heidfeld is going to Sauber which should keep RG happy

    It looks that way. I imagine he isn't best pleased, either.

  • Adie22/12/2009 at 22:51

    i made a comment about this yesterday. i stick by this. Stupid Jenson.

    The Merc car could be total gash though, we won't know until the first test.

    Brackley don't have the greatest track record with these things. Remember the 2004-2005 transition and what we all thought, and expected to happen over the winter.

  • littlepurplegoth22/12/2009 at 22:52

    ooo thank you.. i can't find a picture of him though :( he's got nothing on Andy Shov..

    The only place I can find an image alt.txt the actual picture has 'expired' :0

  • RG22/12/2009 at 22:52

    It looks that way. I imagine he isn't best pleased, either.

    So the only person happy in all of this, is probably me?

  • Pat W22/12/2009 at 22:52

    Brackley don't have the greatest track record with these things. Remember the 2004-2005 transition and what we all thought, and expected to happen over the winter.

    This is true but they've got Ross Brawn now.

  • James22/12/2009 at 22:53

    Brackley don't have the greatest track record with these things. Remember the 2004-2005 transition and what we all thought, and expected to happen over the winter.

    they've been working on the 2010 car just as long as Ferrari and McLaren I believe.

    #nothere

  • me22/12/2009 at 22:53

    This is true but they've got Ross Brawn now.

    he's good when he has money to play with.

    he hasn't had a lot until now.

  • Tom G22/12/2009 at 22:53

    So the only person happy in all of this, is probably me?

    I'm also enjoying the idea of a Schumi return, it'd certainly be something...

  • Alianora La Canta22/12/2009 at 22:55

    Dear Bild,

    Please stop trying to convince me Michael Schumacher's returning. It's not funny any more.

  • Adie22/12/2009 at 22:56

    he hasn't had a lot until now.

    Or, arguably the resources.

    Ferrari and McLaren have money, staff, resources and a solid track record of development. This year was a blip, granted but the title fight in '08 had a big effect on it.

    I take nothing away from the Brawn team's achievements in 2008, they absolutely 100% deserve it. However, I still have a concern about just how far they dropped off over the final part of the season. It'll be a nagging doubt until I see what they deliver next year.

  • lou22/12/2009 at 22:56

    The Merc car could be total gash though, we won't know until the first test.

    I'm used to supporting the team when they have bad cars... i almost want them to have an awful year with schumi now. Then they can go crawling back to Jenson for 2011 and present him with a lovely car.. :)

  • Adie22/12/2009 at 22:56

    Anyway....I must go to bed.

    I shall see you all in the morning.

    Night all.

  • littlepurplegoth22/12/2009 at 22:56

    This is true but they've got Ross Brawn now.

    he's good when he has money to play with,he hasn't had a lot until now..

    But he's had sod all this past year, and by all accounts tight rations in the year before. So maybe he's actually good when there is little cash, and having all he can spend (by comparision) will muck up his car abilities....

    Or am I just, um, hoping too hard....

  • RG22/12/2009 at 22:57

    Night Adie

  • me22/12/2009 at 22:57

    But he's had sod all this past year, and by all accounts tight rations in the year before.

    not the year before. virtually unlimited resources, i believe.

  • littlepurplegoth22/12/2009 at 22:58

    not the year before. virtually unlimited resources, i believe.

    Not according to the company accountant of that year...

  • Alianora La Canta22/12/2009 at 22:58

    ooo thank you.. i can't find a picture of him though :( he's got nothing on Andy Shov.. {Comment #538}

    F1 Racing (June 2005 edition) has one. He used to work with Kimi Raikkonen...

  • me22/12/2009 at 22:58

    hamilton vs. schumi is quite the compelling prospect...

  • Lukeh22/12/2009 at 22:59

    hamilton vs. schumi is quite the compelling prospect...

    I can't wait for Kobayashi vs Everyone myself

  • littlepurplegoth22/12/2009 at 22:59

    hamilton vs. schumi is quite the compelling prospect...

    Hmmm....

  • me22/12/2009 at 22:59

    Not according to the company accountant of that year...

    http://willthef1journo.wordpress.com/2009/12/16/wirth-rejects-laughable-brawn-sob-story/

  • Pat W22/12/2009 at 22:59

    hamilton vs. schumi is quite the compelling prospect...

    plus Alonso in the Ferrari... you know, this could actually turn out to be fun..

  • me22/12/2009 at 22:59

    I can't wait for Kobayashi vs Everyone myself

    :D

  • Pat W22/12/2009 at 22:59

    Anyway....I must go to bed.

    Night

  • RG22/12/2009 at 22:59

    I can't wait for Kobayashi vs Everyone myself

    I'm not.... I'm scared.

  • Tom G22/12/2009 at 23:00

    hamilton vs. schumi is quite the compelling prospect...

    Definitely, it's something everyone wanted in August and I think nothing's changed there. Alonso, as Pat said, could make it an interesting scrap.

  • me22/12/2009 at 23:00

    hamilton vs. schumi is quite the compelling prospect...

    plus Alonso in the Ferrari... you know, this could actually turn out to be fun..

    he could easily end up 6th or worst. 2005 was my favourite season ever. this one may top even that.

  • Alianora La Canta22/12/2009 at 23:01

    I guess Heidfeld is going to Sauber which should keep RG happy {Comment #553}

    This makes me unhappy, not because I have anything against Nick, but because this means Fisi probably doesn't have a race seat for 2010. And I don't think Michael's return will be worth that happening.

  • me22/12/2009 at 23:01

    Definitely, it's something everyone wanted in August and I think nothing's changed there. Alonso, as Pat said, could make it an interesting scrap.

    in august, lewis had a dodgy car and kimi won the spa gp. alonso was nearly banned from a race. that wasn't a fair fight.

  • James22/12/2009 at 23:01

    he could easily end up 6th or worst. 2005 was my favourite season ever. this one may top even that.

    Indeed. we have Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull who could all be better than Mercedes ;)

  • Amy22/12/2009 at 23:01

    i feel really odd for looking forward to this.

  • littlepurplegoth22/12/2009 at 23:02

    http://willthe...able-brawn-sob-story/

    Interesting - I'll run this article past them for comment... I wouldn't expect them to, um, be less than honest though, as they were one of the poor sods laid off, and with a minimal payment as 'officially' they worked for the commercial side and were seconded to the team...

  • lou22/12/2009 at 23:02

    hamilton vs. schumi is quite the compelling prospect...

    really? i'm thinking... Hamilton vs Schumi vs Alonso will be brilliant! Hamilton and Schumi will take each other off leaving the way for an Alonso championship, with Jenson 2nd and Massa 3rd. that's my prediction ;)

  • Tom G22/12/2009 at 23:02

    ...Fisi probably doesn't have a race seat for 2010...

    There seems to be someone that's going to lose out, no matter what happens, which I find strange as there's more seats than before...

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 23:02

    Interesting comment from Irvine in Benson's piece.

    http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8427552.stm

    Irvine said he thought Schumacher would be at a disadvantage in wheel-to-wheel racing compared to the younger generation of drivers such as 2008 world champion Lewis Hamilton.

    "Lewis isn't going to back off, but Michael will have to because he'll be 41," Irvine said.

    Schumacher was never any good at wheel to wheel racing. All he ever did was drive fast laps on an empty bit of track that Ross Brawn found him and with no refuelling that is going to be limited next season. I predict a few drivers being punted off because he has to actually race.

  • me22/12/2009 at 23:03

    Interesting - I'll run this article past them for comment... I wouldn't expect them to, um, be less than honest though, as they were one of the poor sods laid off, and with a minimal payment as 'officially' they worked for the commercial side and were seconded to the team...

    the brackley budget may have been small. but not the honda budget.

  • RG22/12/2009 at 23:03

    really? i'm thinking... Hamilton vs Schumi vs Alonso will be brilliant! Hamilton and Schumi will take each other off leaving the way for an Alonso championship, with Jenson 2nd and Massa 3rd. that's my prediction ;)

    Just realised, Schumi's wrecked my 2010 predos

    Evil man.

  • me22/12/2009 at 23:03

    "Lewis isn't going to back off, but Michael will have to because he'll be 41," Irvine said.

    go lewis!

  • Pat W22/12/2009 at 23:04

    he could easily end up 6th or worst. 2005 was my favourite season ever. this one may top even that.

    2005 was a great season. Such a weight off the shoulders, for the first time in years we had no idea who would win each race, rather than assuming he would win.

    This time I think if he's midpack he'll quit midseason. I'd find that both sad and funny.

  • James22/12/2009 at 23:04

    really? i'm thinking... Hamilton vs Schumi vs Alonso will be brilliant! Hamilton and Schumi will take each other off leaving the way for an Alonso championship, with Jenson 2nd and Massa 3rd. that's my prediction ;)

    I love this, thanks Lou :D

  • Scott Woodwiss22/12/2009 at 23:04

    go lewis!

    I think that's one of the first times I've see you write that!

  • RG22/12/2009 at 23:04

    for the first time in years we had no idea who would win each race

    Apart from the USA of course. That was inevitable.

  • lou22/12/2009 at 23:05

    go lewis!

    i thought you were becoming a Jenson fan.. who's to say that it wont be Jenson v Schumi....

    ....

    ....

    no one be mean... just don't be mean.

  • Lukeh22/12/2009 at 23:05

    I think that's one of the first times I've see you write that!

    But Mr C is Lewis BFF :)

  • me22/12/2009 at 23:05

    go lewis!

    I think that's one of the first times I've see you write that!

    not true. once i said it for an absent jeremy :)

  • me22/12/2009 at 23:05

    But Mr C is Lewis BFF :)

    ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

    i made the right (involuntary) choice.

  • Pat W22/12/2009 at 23:05

    Apart from the USA of course. That was inevitable.

    I was rooting for Narain

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 23:05

    go lewis!

    Lewis has to stamp his authority on Schumacher the first time they are on track together.

    Of course sleeping on the couch may put Schumacher's neck out and he will never sit in the car.

  • lou22/12/2009 at 23:06

    Of course sleeping on the couch may put Schumacher's neck out and he will never sit in the car.

    :D

  • me22/12/2009 at 23:06

    Of course sleeping on the couch may put Schumacher's neck out and he will never sit in the car.

    :P :P

  • James22/12/2009 at 23:06

    If only Kimi was still around, next year we would have had all the world champions from the last decade.

  • Lukeh22/12/2009 at 23:07

    i made the right (involuntary) choice.

    One day you can say 'I waved to that guy and his career went up and up ;)

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 23:07

    I was rooting for Narain

    Most inappropriate gifts for Narain Karthikeyan...

    A step ladder

  • RG22/12/2009 at 23:07

    Of course sleeping on the couch may put Schumacher's neck out and he will never sit in the car.

    :D

    I can't believe you are all forgetting about Nick and Kamui *groans* who will win all the races next year.

    Ooops, I think I've been staying up too late again.

  • littlepurplegoth22/12/2009 at 23:07

    Given Jensons admissions on last nights TG, if could be dangerous to have him, Lewis and MS on the same track!! Especially if it rains.

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 23:08

    I'm most interested to see what Jenson can really do in a normal car

  • Tom G22/12/2009 at 23:08

    Kamui! Yes!

  • lou22/12/2009 at 23:08

    Given Jensons admissions on last nights TG, if could be dangerous to have him, Lewis and MS on the same track!! Especially if it rains.

    Jenson believes he can take on Lewis.. he said nothing about Schumi :)

  • Lukeh22/12/2009 at 23:09

    I'm most interested to see what Jenson can really do in a normal car

    Become a champion ;)

  • littlepurplegoth22/12/2009 at 23:09

    Jenson believes he can take on Lewis.. he said nothing about Schumi :)

    He's had enough seasons on the same track to have an idea of it, surely....

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 23:09

    Become a champion ;)

    ha

  • RG22/12/2009 at 23:09

    I'm most interested to see what Jenson can really do in a normal car

    Well, go buy the following year reviews

    0....h hi lou

  • me22/12/2009 at 23:09

    Jenson believes he can take on Lewis.. he said nothing about Schumi :)

    he failed miserably in san marino.

    thankfully alonso was awesome.

    #foriveandforgetmrc

  • lou22/12/2009 at 23:09

    I'm most interested to see what Jenson can really do in a normal car

    normal car? are you saying Mclaren are normal and Brawn are not???

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 23:10

    normal car? are you saying Mclaren are normal and Brawn are not???

    that is exactly what i'm saying.

  • Lukeh22/12/2009 at 23:10

    that is exactly what i'm saying.

    Rrrrrrrrrrrubbish

  • me22/12/2009 at 23:10

    do brawn have a simulator? schumi has never driven valencia, nor abu dhabi.

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 23:10

    normal car? are you saying Mclaren are normal and Brawn are not???

    that is exactly what i'm saying.

    Normal car = Not designed in 6 wind tunnels over 18 months, normal.

  • Alianora La Canta22/12/2009 at 23:10

    There seems to be someone that's going to lose out, no matter what happens, which I find strange as there's more seats than before... {Comment #593}

    I suppose that's just how the F1 market works...

  • lou22/12/2009 at 23:11

    do brawn have a simulator? schumi has never driven valencia, nor abu dhabi.

    yes they do.

  • me22/12/2009 at 23:11

    yes they do.

    is it any good, or is it a wii?

  • Pat W22/12/2009 at 23:11

    Jenson believes he can take on Lewis.. he said nothing about Schumi :)

    he failed miserably in san marino.

    thankfully alonso was awesome.

    #foriveandforgetmrc

    (shakes fist at ITV)

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 23:11

    Normal car = Not designed in 6 wind tunnels over 18 months, normal.

    + by 1 constructor not 3

  • littlepurplegoth22/12/2009 at 23:11

    do brawn have a simulator? schumi has never driven valencia, nor abu dhabi.

    He's driven around abu dhabi - he was one of those listed as driving celebs around on 'fun circuits' for some charity or another - just not ness in an F1 car...

  • James22/12/2009 at 23:12

    he failed miserably in san marino.

    thankfully alonso was awesome.

    #foriveandforgetmrc

    hehe. I may rewatch the 2005 season review tommorow ;)

  • RG22/12/2009 at 23:12

    Normal car = Not designed in 6 wind tunnels over 18 months, normal.

    I know who really are Jon...

    ...Can you get Timo's autograph please?

  • Pat W22/12/2009 at 23:12

    do brawn have a simulator? schumi has never driven valencia, nor abu dhabi.

    I saw something somewhere today talking about Merc paying for him to test a GP2 car at Abu Dhabi soon.

  • me22/12/2009 at 23:12

    He's driven around abu dhabi - he was one of those listed as driving celebs around on 'fun circuits' for some charity or another - just not ness in an F1 car...

    ahh, didn't know that.

    has he ever driven at night?

  • me22/12/2009 at 23:12

    I saw something somewhere today talking about Merc paying for him to test a GP2 car at Abu Dhabi soon.

    figures.

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 23:13

    has he ever driven at night?

    i dont think its any differnet to the during the day. it's brighter if anything

  • RG22/12/2009 at 23:13

    I saw something somewhere today talking about Merc paying for him to test a GP2 car at Abu Dhabi soon.

    Ooooh. Come on random driver I've not heard of before, beat him.

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 23:13

    I saw something somewhere today talking about Merc paying for him to test a GP2 car at Abu Dhabi soon.

    figures.

    thats been news for aaaaages, the test bit, not the merc paying for it bit

  • me22/12/2009 at 23:13

    Ooooh. Come on random driver I've not heard of before, beat him.

    it'll be a solo test, right? he can't go up against anyone else in identical machinery, surely?

  • lou22/12/2009 at 23:13

    is it any good, or is it a wii?

    OI!

    most of the reasons Jenson would go to the factory would be to have a go on the simulator.... i think it's pretty good. I have a strange feeling it was updated or something in 2008? I remember reading something on the honda site about them having a new gym for staff and simulator. i could be wrong.

  • Amy22/12/2009 at 23:14

    i look forward to seeing the confusion of the tifosi at monza. Their hero, not in their team. Who wants to come to italy with me? it will be great! ;)

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 23:14

    it'll be a solo test, right? he can't go up against anyone else in identical machinery, surely?

    :D

  • RG22/12/2009 at 23:14

    it'll be a solo test, right? he can't go up against anyone else in identical machinery, surely?

    I thought a test will be with other cars?

  • littlepurplegoth22/12/2009 at 23:14

    has he ever driven at night?

    Probably...( we've all driven at night at some point. Or am I the only person who used to work till after the taxis stopped running in out of the way places??)

    ... oh, :D you mean around abu dhabi? No idea!!

  • lou22/12/2009 at 23:14

    he failed miserably in san marino.

    i had to look that up...

    hmmm....

    thankfully alonso was awesome.

    :D

  • me22/12/2009 at 23:15

    ... oh, :D you mean around abu dhabi? No idea!!

    or singapore.

    don't tell me he's shutting down the city for the weekend?

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 23:15

    i look forward to seeing the confusion of the tifosi at monza. Their hero, not in their team. Who wants to come to italy with me? it will be great! ;)

    Imagine if he passes a Ferrari for the lead late in the race or takes one out

  • me22/12/2009 at 23:15

    I thought a test will be with other cars?

    but gp2 is a spec series right?

    #doesnotcompute

  • Lukeh22/12/2009 at 23:15

    is it any good, or is it a wii?

    Well Ferrari have a super PS3... ;)

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 23:16

    or singapore.

    He has probably spent hours on all these tracks in the Ferrari simulator

  • lou22/12/2009 at 23:16

    Normal car = Not designed in 6 wind tunnels over 18 months, normal.

    huh? a good car is a good car.. whether it takes 10 months, or 18 months to build... if it's fast it's fast.. surely?

  • RG22/12/2009 at 23:16

    Imagine if he passes a Ferrari for the lead late in the race or takes one out

    10 years of hard work and building up fans ruined in 5 seconds.

  • me22/12/2009 at 23:16

    he failed miserably in san marino.

    i had to look that up...

    hmmm....

    i had everything crossed that jenson wouldn't screw up and would instead give alonso a better cushion.

    jenson lasted one corner.

    :cry:

  • Pat W22/12/2009 at 23:16

    it'll be a solo test, right? he can't go up against anyone else in identical machinery, surely?

    I've no idea. I'm trying to find the article, it was only a single line tacked on to another report, I can't find it but it was there

  • me22/12/2009 at 23:17

    He has probably spent hours on all these tracks in the Ferrari simulator

    they only got their simulator working today?

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 23:17

    huh? a good car is a good car.. whether it takes 10 months, or 18 months to build... if it's fast it's fast.. surely?

    nope, because it was the best car on the grid by a mile. the point is, it will be interesting to see how he does in a car thats equal to the rest of the grid

  • Steven Roy22/12/2009 at 23:17

    they only got their simulator working today?

    They had one before that. It just wasn't very advanced

  • Pat W22/12/2009 at 23:17

    i look forward to seeing the confusion of the tifosi at monza. Their hero, not in their team. Who wants to come to italy with me? it will be great! ;)

    They'll be used to it by then, it'll be more fun in Melbourne!

  • Pat W22/12/2009 at 23:18

    but gp2 is a spec series right?

    Yes but some cars are more spec than others

  • Andy Taylor22/12/2009 at 23:18

    10 years of hard work and building up fans ruined in 5 seconds.

    Don't the Tifosi still worship Mansell? Even though his WDC was won with another team?

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 23:18

    nope, because it was the best car on the grid by a mile.

    disclaimer: for most of the season, the bit that mattered

  • me22/12/2009 at 23:18

    it's gone:

    "The joint car launch project has been postponed to 2011,in order to ensure a totally successful even"

    http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8406239.stm

  • lou22/12/2009 at 23:19

    nope, because it was the best car on the grid by a mile. the point is, it will be interesting to see how he does in a car thats equal to the rest of the grid

    you want to see him drive in A1 GP?

  • me22/12/2009 at 23:19

    but gp2 is a spec series right?

    Yes but some cars are more spec than others

    ah-ha. phew.

  • Lukeh22/12/2009 at 23:19

    it's gone:

    Good.

    Has Schumi been postponed?

  • Pat W22/12/2009 at 23:19

    but gp2 is a spec series right?

    Yes but some cars are more spec than others

    ah-ha. phew.

    It means he'll probably test for ART. Nicolas Todt's team.

  • lou22/12/2009 at 23:20

    jenson lasted one corner.

    i'm sure he didn't do it to upset you mr c... Jenson's awesome... he really is.. when you meet him you'll realise it's much better to wave at him than it is Lewis ;)

  • RG22/12/2009 at 23:20

    It means he'll probably test for ART. Nicolas Todt's team.

    I wonder if he'll draw all over the competition.

  • littlepurplegoth22/12/2009 at 23:20

    i'm sure he didn't do it to upset you mr c... Jenson's awesome... he really is.. when you meet him you'll realise it's much better to wave at him than it is Lewis ;)

    Well he's prettier to begin with...

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 23:21

    you want to see him drive in A1 GP?

    hahaha. thats a good joke. i like.

    you get my point, all the other good drivers were in rubbish cars this year (minus vettel), Jenson did a great job. but it'll be intersting to see him against everyone else in equal-more equal, machinery

  • Pat W22/12/2009 at 23:21

    I wonder if he'll draw all over the competition.

    :-)

  • RG22/12/2009 at 23:22

    you get my point, all the other good drivers were in rubbish cars this year (minus vettel), Jenson did a great job. but it'll be intersting to see him against everyone else in equal-more equal, machinery

    Are you calling the BMW car rubbish?

    Dreaming again aren't I?

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 23:22

    but gp2 is a spec series right?

    Yes but some cars are more spec than others

    ah-ha. phew.

    There are only 2 series that i know of that are proper "spec series" and even they aren't 100% equal

  • lou22/12/2009 at 23:22

    Well he's prettier to begin with...

    :D

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 23:22

    Dreaming again aren't I?

    little bit ;)

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 23:22

    Dreaming again aren't I?

    wait, you're refering to robert, not nick right?

  • lou22/12/2009 at 23:23

    you get my point, all the other good drivers were in rubbish cars this year (minus vettel), Jenson did a great job. but it'll be intersting to see him against everyone else in equal-more equal, machinery

    hmmm.... i see what you mean....

  • RG22/12/2009 at 23:24

    wait, you're refering to robert, not nick right?

    I could indeed be referring to Robert : http://thenorthernwaffler.blogspot.com/2009/12/everything-is-average-nowadays.html

    But I was talking about the car

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 23:24

    But I was talking about the car

    ah, but i said that all the other good drivers were in rubbish cars...

    so which is the good driver? ;)

  • RG22/12/2009 at 23:25

    so which is the good driver? ;)

    They are both equally good in different senses.

  • Jon Waldock22/12/2009 at 23:26

    hmmm.... i see what you mean....

    twill be interesting ;) s'all i's saying

  • Pat W22/12/2009 at 23:28

    http://joesaward.wordpress.com/2009/12/22/schumacher-and-mercedes/

    Joe's short bit. I hadn't noticed before that he's tweeting his blog posts to @grandprixcom

  • lou22/12/2009 at 23:28

    twill be interesting ;) s'all i's saying

    hmmmm

  • littlepurplegoth22/12/2009 at 23:39

    http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/ferrari/6869054/Michael-Schumacher-signs-one-year-deal-with-Mercedes-to-return-to-Formula-One.html

    In the telegraph now as well. Language suggests that this piece has been 'checked'.

  • Tom G22/12/2009 at 23:42

    In the telegraph now as well. Language suggests that this piece has been 'checked'.

    Has it been checked or are they just assuming? It's quite possible, but I don't see why a newspaper like The Telegraph would. Then again, the big newspapers have made some slight errors in F1 news, from my experience.

  • littlepurplegoth22/12/2009 at 23:43

    Oh, the language used suggests that the Telegraph has run a phone call or two around... lol.

  • me22/12/2009 at 23:44

    in the scheme of things, a minor ping:

    http://sidepodcast.com/2009/12/22/fota-abandon-joint-launch-plan/

  • me22/12/2009 at 23:46

    Oh, the language used suggests that the Telegraph has run a phone call or two around... lol.

    there's no reason to think the news isn't legit. i'm just stunned that it's not coming from stuttgart.

  • Pat W22/12/2009 at 23:47

    In the telegraph now as well. Language suggests that this piece has been 'checked'.

    Dunno, it could be they've checked Bild and then wrote a summary of what happened since the last time he was supposed to come back...

  • Pat W22/12/2009 at 23:47

    there's no reason to think the news isn't legit. i'm just stunned that it's not coming from stuttgart.

    It probably is. I'm not surprised that Weber leaked it, but I am surprised he's doing it with a new venture..

  • me22/12/2009 at 23:48

    there's no reason to think the news isn't legit. i'm just stunned that it's not coming from stuttgart.

    although does specifically say "if".

  • me22/12/2009 at 23:48

    although does specifically say "if".

    *joe

  • Tom G22/12/2009 at 23:48

    there's no reason to think the news isn't legit. i'm just stunned that it's not coming from stuttgart.

    Well, it is nearly 1am, so surely they're asleep, right?

  • Sebastian (Birmingham, UK)22/12/2009 at 23:49

    Quick Nick will now have had his Christmas ruined, and quite possibly his remaining career.

  • me22/12/2009 at 23:49

    Well, it is nearly 1am, so surely they're asleep, right?

    yup. but they're losing valuable pr.

  • Tom G22/12/2009 at 23:50

    yup. but they're losing valuable pr.

    PR

  • Pat W22/12/2009 at 23:50

    Quick Nick will now have had his Christmas ruined, and quite possibly his remaining career.

    I bet he never thought he'd be back at Sauber again, as Sauber and not BMW.

  • Tom G22/12/2009 at 23:50

    PR

    Eh? What happened to the rest of my comment?

  • RG22/12/2009 at 23:50

    Quick Nick will now have had his Christmas ruined, and quite possibly his remaining career.

    Suggesting Sauber is going to be bad?

  • Pat W22/12/2009 at 23:51

    Suggesting Sauber is going to be bad?

    They'll be racing Force India and STR in the middle of the pack.

  • RG22/12/2009 at 23:51

    I bet he never thought he'd be back at Sauber again, as Sauber and not BMW.

    To be fair, I didn't think Sauber would happen either.

  • RG22/12/2009 at 23:51

    They'll be racing Force India and STR in the middle of the pack.

    Scary to think Force India as midfield.

  • Tom G22/12/2009 at 23:52

    yup. but they're losing valuable pr.

    Well, PR is not as important as sleep. Mind you, I say that because I'm a lazy teenager...

  • lou22/12/2009 at 23:52

    Well, it is nearly 1am, so surely they're asleep, right?

    yup. but they're losing valuable pr.

    see... sleep is over rated ;)

  • Sebastian (Birmingham, UK)22/12/2009 at 23:53

    Suggesting Sauber is going to be bad?

    Mediocre. Sorry.

  • Fiox22/12/2009 at 23:56

    Like what STR is the RBR is what Sauber are to Ferrari

  • Pat W22/12/2009 at 23:56

    Scary to think Force India as midfield.

    Back where their heritage puts them. I miss Jordan. I miss EJ as a team owner.

  • RG22/12/2009 at 23:56

    Like what STR is the RBR is what Sauber are to Ferrari

    They just supply the engines?

  • Tom G22/12/2009 at 23:57

    Back where their heritage puts them. I miss Jordan. I miss EJ as a team owner.

    Did you know, EJ came up with the idea of having team owners?

  • James22/12/2009 at 23:57

    Mr C have you seen the images of Firefox 4.0? http://mashable.com/2009/12/22/firefox-4-mockups/

  • Pat W22/12/2009 at 23:57

    Like what STR is the RBR is what Sauber are to Ferrari

    Oh, I wonder if they'll play those games again..

  • Pat W22/12/2009 at 23:57

    Did you know, EJ came up with the idea of having team owners?

    :-)

  • Fiox22/12/2009 at 23:57

    Well I mean in the past with the oddly similar chassis, I'm pretty sure they won't do the same again though...

  • RG22/12/2009 at 23:58

    Did you know, EJ came up with the idea of having team owners?

    EJ also invented the Jordan F1 team.

    Oh, that actually did happen.

  • RG22/12/2009 at 23:59

    Well I mean in the past with the oddly similar chassis, I'm pretty sure they won't do the same again though...

    When Nick laps Alonso...

    I'll stop dreaming when I want to stop dreaming.

  • Sebastian (Birmingham, UK)22/12/2009 at 23:59

    He invented motor racing. And discovered fire.

  • Pat W22/12/2009 at 23:59

    Well I mean in the past with the oddly similar chassis, I'm pretty sure they won't do the same again though...

    Ah I was thinking more in terms of Fontana and Massa allowing red cars to lap them, but curiously blocking silver cars..

  • Tom G23/12/2009 at 00:00

    EJ has also found the Higgs Boson, long before the Large Hadron Collider came about.

  • Fiox23/12/2009 at 00:02

    Don't forget the wheel as well as cars

  • me23/12/2009 at 00:07

    Mr C have you seen the images of Firefox 4.0? http://mashabl...22/firefox-4-mockups/

    it won't look that good on a mac sadly :(

  • James23/12/2009 at 00:11

    it won't look that good on a mac sadly :(

    reason to get a pc then? :P

  • Lukeh23/12/2009 at 00:12

    Mr C have you seen the images of Firefox 4.0? http://mashabl...22/firefox-4-mockups/

    So it's basically Chrome?

  • me23/12/2009 at 00:12

    reason to get a pc then? :P

    another one? doh.

  • me23/12/2009 at 00:12

    So it's basically Chrome?

    yup.

  • James23/12/2009 at 00:12

    So it's basically Chrome?

    Some of the eariler looks were a lot more Chrome based http://mashable.com/2009/07/27/firefox-40/

  • me23/12/2009 at 00:13

    So it's basically Chrome?

    yup.

    although the app button is different. but the comparison pics might have been put together by gmm.

  • James23/12/2009 at 00:13

    Firefox 4.0 is year away, plenty of time for it to change ;)

  • me23/12/2009 at 00:15

    Firefox 4.0 is year away, plenty of time for it to change ;)

    3.6 is closer and i'm excited about that. couple of performance technologies that should speed up doohickey.

  • James23/12/2009 at 00:16

    another one? doh.

    well, one with windows 7 i assume. i wonder what it will look like on XP.

    this is actually a better read than the Mashable article. its from one of the developers. http://blog.stephenhorlander.com/2009/12/21/windows-themeui-update/

  • Tom G23/12/2009 at 00:16

    I have to say I don't really enjoy Firefox that much. I did like Safari but it's too buggy/looks horrible on Windows. So, I'm using Chrome.

  • me23/12/2009 at 00:16

    well, one with windows 7 i assume. i wonder what it will look like on XP.

    skype.

    it sucks on linux and mac.

  • James23/12/2009 at 00:17

    3.6 is closer and i'm excited about that. couple of performance technologies that should speed up doohickey.

    agreed. although 3.7 looks good, embraces the glass effect http://mashable.com/2009/07/20/firefox-37-screenshot/

    I am aware I am some what behind on this ;)

  • me23/12/2009 at 00:17

    I have to say I don't really enjoy Firefox that much. I did like Safari but it's too buggy/looks horrible on Windows. So, I'm using Chrome.

    safari is fast. but it will not work properly with flash. to the point i think they're doing it on purpose.

  • Lukeh23/12/2009 at 00:17

    I have to say I don't really enjoy Firefox that much. I did like Safari but it's too buggy/looks horrible on Windows. So, I'm using Chrome.

    I would sue chrome all the time, but no extensions = fail for me. I use too many extensions on firefox to swap.

    Apart from that, it gets major thumbs up from me

  • Tom G23/12/2009 at 00:18

    safari is fast. but it will not work properly with flash. to the point i think they're doing it on purpose.

    Yes, and when most websites I visit are Flash-based, it gets incredibly annoying.

  • me23/12/2009 at 00:18

    I would sue chrome all the time, but no extensions = fail for me. I use too many extensions on firefox to swap.

    it has extensions now, doesn't it?

  • Tom G23/12/2009 at 00:19

    it has extensions now, doesn't it?

    Themes? That's all I can find right now.

  • RG23/12/2009 at 00:19

    Right, off to bed. Where I can dream of Heidfeld and Kobayashi *groan* winnin the championship. Night all. lotsa love.

  • Lukeh23/12/2009 at 00:19

    it has extensions now, doesn't it?

    what.

    I...d...i must investigate this!!!!

  • me23/12/2009 at 00:20

    Themes? That's all I can find right now.

    i installed one the other day... one sec.

  • lou23/12/2009 at 00:20

    Right, off to bed. Where I can dream of Heidfeld and Kobayashi *groan* winnin the championship. Night all. lotsa love.

    eehehe night RG

  • me23/12/2009 at 00:20

    Right, off to bed. Where I can dream of Heidfeld and Kobayashi *groan* winnin the championship. Night all. lotsa love.

    hehe. night chap.

  • me23/12/2009 at 00:20

    i installed one the other day... one sec.

    https://chrome.google.com/extensions

  • Lukeh23/12/2009 at 00:21

    Right, off to bed. Where I can dream of Heidfeld and Kobayashi *groan* winnin the championship. Night all. lotsa love.

    See ya RG

  • Tom G23/12/2009 at 00:21

    https://chrome.google.com/extensions

    Ooooh, hadn't seen that!

  • Lukeh23/12/2009 at 00:21

    https://chrome.google.com/extensions

    OH MY GOD.

    T'ra Firefox. See you at v4.

  • me23/12/2009 at 00:21

    OH MY GOD.

    :)

    adblocker and everything.

  • me23/12/2009 at 00:22

    Ooooh, hadn't seen that!

    it's pretty new. doesn't support the mac version of chrome yet.

  • Tom G23/12/2009 at 00:22

    it's pretty new. doesn't support the mac version of chrome yet.

    Thanks Mr C, you've made my day with that! I shall be playing for hours!

  • Lukeh23/12/2009 at 00:23

    Thanks Mr C, you've made my day with that! I shall be playing for hours!

    Trust me to find this when I need to head off to sleep. Will definitely have a look after work tomorrow though, many thanks sir.

    Night all.

  • me23/12/2009 at 00:23

    Thanks Mr C, you've made my day with that! I shall be playing for hours!

    :)

    while you do that. i have a podcast to finish.

  • James23/12/2009 at 00:23

    https://chrome.google.com/extensions

    does it have anything like the web developer add on?

  • me23/12/2009 at 00:23

    Night all.

    night lukeh.

  • Tom G23/12/2009 at 00:23

    does it have anything like the web developer add on?

    No idea yet, it's still pretty beta at this point. It might.

  • me23/12/2009 at 00:23

    does it have anything like the web developer add on?

    chrome has that built in? right-click > inspect element.

  • lou23/12/2009 at 00:24

    Night all.

    night Lukeh!

  • Tom G23/12/2009 at 00:25

    Ah, I see, that's why I can't use extensions yet, I need the 'beta stream' version of Chrome. Downloading!

  • James23/12/2009 at 00:25

    chrome has that built in? right-click > inspect element.

    I did not know this. I really don't want to give in and go to Chrome.

  • Pat W23/12/2009 at 00:25

    Night RG

  • me23/12/2009 at 00:25

    Ah, I see, that's why I can't use extensions yet, I need the 'beta stream' version of Chrome. Downloading!

    ahh. didn't know that. i must just be using that one.

  • me23/12/2009 at 00:25

    I did not know this. I really don't want to give in and go to Chrome.

    hehe. it's better than webdeveloper if you ask me.

    #sorryjames

  • James23/12/2009 at 00:28

    I did not know this. I really don't want to give in and go to Chrome.

    hehe. it's better than webdeveloper if you ask me.

    #sorryjames

    hehe thats the first time i've been hashtagged.

    I think I will wait and see just how good 3.6 of Firefox is.

  • Tom G23/12/2009 at 00:30

    I'm enjoying this way too much. Nerds 2^2 ever!

  • James23/12/2009 at 00:31

    Whilst we're at it, is there anything better than Tweetdeck? :P

  • Pat W23/12/2009 at 00:32

    Whilst we're at it, is there anything better than Tweetdeck? :P

    not many things..

  • James23/12/2009 at 00:35

    not many things..

    Hmm ok. mine just seems to hog a lot of resources.

  • Pat W23/12/2009 at 00:36

    Hmm ok. mine just seems to hog a lot of resources.

    Mine does that too but it is a very useful thing otherwise!

    Firefox tends to hog resources for me too, a lot more than it ever used to in previous versions

  • James23/12/2009 at 00:52

    Mine does that too but it is a very useful thing otherwise!

    Firefox tends to hog resources for me too, a lot more than it ever used to in previous versions

    You will like 3.6 then ;)