Now that Monday is out the way, it's time for Tuesday to arrive, and Easter is creeping ever closer. Is anyone expecting any chocolate this coming weekend? Anyway, here's what we've been discussing recently:
- The final F1 Digest of the race weekend went up last night, meaning this race weekend can finally be put to rest. How refreshing to know that there aren't massive penalties hanging over our heads. At least.. for now anyway!
- Webber reckons he could have won the race until the point when he bolted on the extreme wet tyres and it all went a bit wrong. Now, nothing against Mark here, but I suspect a lot of drivers could say the same, couldn't they?
- Flavio Briatore has hit out at the diffuser three once again, suggesting that everyone except Williams, Toyota and Brawn GP are struggling to get to grips with the new regulations. He suggested that Malaysia proved that the diffuser effect is not normal, with the remaining seven teams staring at the back of the speedy three. We'll know for sure next week, though.
- Good news for all, the Red Bullog is back and better than ever. We had a lot of comments commiserating when the blog went on it's hiatus, so I expect we shall see more joyous ones now it has returned.
That'll do it for today. Please feel free to discuss the latest goings on in F1, and while you do, I'll see you in the comments.
Course he could have won it, but as soon as he took the lead he'd have crashed out. ;)
Quit whining and do it yourself Flavio. Same to all the other teams who are complaining. I really hope its not deemed illegal.
night all
night Andy
Night Andy.
I'm off now. Have the urge to re-read 'The Hitch-Hikers Guide to the Galaxy' for the umpteenth time.
meh, Webber said "that's what they tell me" re: winning the race. Just sensationalist journalism there. He was in a genuine 3rd place though, that red flag was dropped at the worst possible time for him.
Congratulations to Steve Roy for sealing the BAT racer 1986 championship. A well earned title. Plus it is always nice to see a Lotus come out on top!
As I said at the time, Webber was done over by his team's bad judgement.
A thought that I had while watching the replay of the race.
Instead of spending hundreds of thousands on fancy weather services and radars, why don't they just post people a few miles away in the direction of the storm so they can actually tell how much rain is coming down and give the teams a preview what they will see in several minutes.
For all the technology in the world, nothing still beats a guy with a pair of binoculars and a cell phone in the right place to tell you what to expect.
someone did that once, albeit in true f1 style they had their people flying in and out of the rain in their helicopter.
i think renault position a weather crew on the hills near spa and various other circuits in europe. not sure why they never seem to do that at flyaway races though?
I think Malaysia gave us a perfect example of why this is needed everywhere, not just in Europe.
I think Ferrari will be considering it next time. Maybe they can send Kimi into the hills?
I think some of the strategists at Ferrari might do a better job in the hills than they've been doing in the pits. ;)
I have read all five parts of the trilogy a few times but not for years.
Thanks Dan. I have to say I feel a bit sorry for Selidor who was my team mate in the game. We ran identical settings for almost every session and he didn't win a single race and I won 5. I guess I was lucky that I got to Lotus first and the game made me team leader because he got the standard Lotus number 2 car. Unreliable and despite being identical to mine not as quick. I do want to thank him for being a great team mate though.
It's a great series. Pan galactic gargle blasters all round!
David Richards used to send his own helicopter up to sit on the edge rain and call in its position.
I read EJ's book at the end of last year and he mentioned a guy who worked for his team. It sounds like the guy was not the sharpest tool in the drawer and was always pestering Eddie to give him something to do. Generally he was given the job of lifting and carrying things. At Magny Cours one day the rain was coming so when he asked EJ what to do next he was told to go and stand in the middle of a particular field and phone when the rain arrived. Whether this was a serious instruction or whether it was EJ teing him to go for a long stand I don't know but the rain arrived and he phoned in and Jordan where able to switch tyres at exactly the right minute. You have to wonder with F1 budgets being what they are why the teams don't just recruit 6 or 8 locals to go and stand a mile away from the track in each direction.
Since it is now stupid o'clock and I am up to date with comments I am going to bed. Good night all.
I've got just a couple of things that have been bugging me today. 1) There are a number of people out there who think Jonathan Legard is doing a bad job because he makes mistakes and is bland (I think that was directed at him). Well I personally don't have a problem with his commentating sure he's made a mistake or two but so has MB and MW. We have to stop trying to compare him to MW, Murray was the best and no one will ever replace him. Give JL a chance he might need a few races but a least give him a bit more time before passing judgement. Remember he's no JA and that is a very good thing (couldn't stand him when he was a pit reporter). 2) Will those of you in Europe complaining about the early start times of please just stop. I live on the west coast of Canada and 12 of the remaining races start at 5:00 am Pacific Time while you guys in the UK can watch them at 1:00 pm, must be nice. You even have bernie moving times of races to make it a more reasonable time for those care to watch but that just buggers it up for the rest of us, so until you live in my time zone you have nothing to complain about.
Ah I thought you might have plugged meandpage22 in the post... Never mind I'm sure a lot of people know by now...
If not then check out http://meandpage22.co.uk
Page 22 is going on its travels .. will post photo later :D
:)
Here's a video of the Jason Plato Save
Wow... that was 5 dabs of oppo there! I love what he said in the interview later too...)
It's done :)
Where?
I will do, of course. I figured it was still in people's minds today so would wait a day. I can add it in if you like.
Absolutely, and I wasn't really focusing on whether Webber could or couldn't have won, just that I think a lot of teams could say it, and a lot of teams made bad tyre choices that screwed them.
I could have won the race if I had turned up in a Jetboat.
Thanks to Ferrari hijinks I am the second most viewed Australian youtube user today. I am surprised FOM hasn't come after the clips yet.
On meanpage22's dropio
That's a scary looking microscope!
Its something different
That's excellent :)
Ah no it's all good... I was trying to come up with a way of mentioning it again!
Hehe. We'll bring it up every now and again for good measure :)
saw the mention of Webber, how he "lost" the win in Sepang. He is what Nick Heidfeld says about himself almost winning:
”The team told me that I was on P1 when Button came in for extreme wets. I was on the back straight then. In normal circumstances I would have actually gone past him but with the rain he turned on track again 200 metres in front of me. Otherwise I could have even brought home the race win.”
...and if my auntie could p*** standing up she'd be my uncle :-D
Not sure if this has been shared already, but Lee M has a diary/blog of sorts:
"From my point of view the weekend went well, I interviewed most of the drivers, made an unwell Fernando Alonso laugh, told Lewis live on air he was 7th not 5th and interviewed Jenson Button so many times that he is probably sick of the sight of me!"
http://www.leemckenzie.tv/full_story.asp?pageref=26
I don't think the BBC are using her enough. She did an excellent job when she was on the A1GP programme.
I really like Lee. I enjoy her twitter as well, it's always nice to get an insiders tales of life in the paddock. I saw her and Jake doing a good job of being anonymous at the F1 launch in Federation Square here in Melbourne, I think I was the only one who knew who they were.
yay :)
christine's monther-in-law is joining the queue too... apparently!
:)
*wanders out to find a copy of F1 Racing*
alex should be on commission!
I'm going to take my p22 on a lap round albert park
When I get mine I'm going to do a tour of Copenhagen with it ...)
*faints*
don't tell lou, but james allen makes a case for lewis hamilton joining brawngp:
"The Brawn model is important now, just as re-invigorating Ferrari was in 1996."
"If Hamilton were to join forces with Brawn, it would give the team huge commercial appeal, as Schumacher’s arrival gave Ferrari."
if that happened, one would assume for marketing reasons, two british drivers would be a bad thing?
On that nite, when was the last time we had two British drivers in the same team?
Now I feel bad for just sitting in the SPC studio with ours.
When one is a former world champion?
I can't see it being that bad.
Hill & Coulthard - 1994 and 1995 I think
I've got to keep Codders in beer money somehow!
I feel bad that you have a studio and I don't!
Hehe. I call it a studio. It is actually a mess.
coulthard covers a topic we were discussing yesterday, why mclaren get more stick than other teams, for lying:
"When you have someone like Ron, who has preached for years about his team's integrity, it is no surprise they got savaged when that is called into question."
which is pretty much the conclusion arrived at here yesterday. the man also makes a case for how it's possible whitmarsh didn't know about what went on in the stewards office.
if what david suggests is true, doesn't it make something of a mockery of the matrix management system mclaren prides itself on so much?
Perhaps there's a glitch in it?
Eeek don't say 'Matrix Management System' ... it gives me the willies!
I was wrong.
2000 - Eddie Irvine and Johnny Herbert in the Jaguar Racing R1
It's like a preacher being caught in a sinful act. If you build yourself up and put yourself on a pedestal, you have further to fall down when you make a mistake. The thing is, when you are around for long enough, you are bound to make a mistake...
Are you going to apologise for misleading Sidepodcast?
I rather like that article, and I'd like to think that DC's McLaren history makes it credible.
Hmmph I can't top that :( .. must get thinking cap on and see if I can come up with something good
Get in there DC!
Guys, I'm now interested in getting into motorsport journalism, so have you got any tips for me on how I could get started? I talked to my dad the other night about it and he suggested writing an article and sending it to Autosport for them to look at. What else could I do? :)
The fountain in Brum city centre?
get a blog. seriously
and if you have a blog, update it every now and then. lpg answered this very question the other day, i'll try and find it for you.
Firstly you need to enrol in a journalism course. I would also suggest writing to your local papers and asking if they are willing to offer an apprenticeship or some advice. Start writing a blog or some letters to get a feel for your style.
:(
Maybe I should try and take some when in Nottingham and London too ...)
here's lpg's very sensible answer, and in fact she was answering your question at the time.
good morning everyone :)
Brawn GP sponsors reaping the rewards: http://tinyurl.com/brawngpsponsors
I checked on the NCTJ website but there aren't any journalism courses around Norwich :(
That shocks me to be honest, I know theres a lot of us girls out there but I didn't realise it was that many
Morning!
What about her follow-up post?
And my journalist friend guy (well not a friend, person I once visited) said get a blog and write, then it looks good when applying for a job
Aaaaaaand good morning folks
"Brawn GP sponsors reaping the rewards: http://tinyurl.com/brawngpsponsors"
sponsors ? :-)
didn't ollie get asked to write for the evening standard the other day? how'd they find him? blogf1.
Aye. Did it get published or something? Didn't catch if he said it did or not.
think it was offline, one of those newspaper things.
:)
From what I know, journalism sounds like fun, specially the sports side.
I wonder if Stuart C can offer any advice Scott?
Sepang bosses want to change start time:
"It was not just the fans who were dissatisfied with a shorter race but I think everyone involved in F1 also lost money."
No more Malaysia on the calendar then? Bernie won't be impressed.
Good riddance and bring back Imola!
Plus we've already had the whole 'I don't see why it should change' stick from Bernie, who continues to live in a land with the fairies and elves.
Imola is still only at T1 status isn't it?
What's 'T1 status'?
Can host a Formula 1 test but not a race
Actually it should be 1T
Ah yes, I was wondering about him. He's an experienced chap. :D
Awesome, looking forward to those
Club Force has upgraded its site and anyone with a profile there should have had an e-mail to remind them to set up their profile again.
I like the graphics, but have one major gripe: it can't seem to make its mind whether I'm on-line or not. This has led to me attempting to log in to change my profile, fail due to the CAPTCHA they've introduced, get logged out and then not be allowed back in because some part of the system thinks I'm still logged in. Worse still, I can't find the contact details to notify anyone at Club Force of the problem...
Alianora, from what I gather, you have to use this page to contact them of problems
http://club.forceindiaf1.com/help_contact.php
The Fifi podcast is out too, BTW...)
Darren Heath once again fails to disappoint
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7985975.stm
Love it.
That is such an incredible picture. I love his work.
Guys, I’m now interested in getting into motorsport journalism, so have you got any tips for me on how I could get started? I talked to my dad the other night about it and he suggested writing an article and sending it to Autosport for them to look at. What else could I do? :)
Firstly you need to enrol in a journalism course. I would also suggest writing to your local papers and asking if they are willing to offer an apprenticeship or some advice. Start writing a blog or some letters to get a feel for your style. {Comment #68}
While on the journalism course, get onto the student paper and/or other journalistic output. Even if that means proofreading in the beginning. Some student papers have a fantastic reputation, quite a few have useful contacts in journalism, but all of them can help give the feel of how to be a good journalist. They tend to be small places where you can see all the steps involved in getting the news to people and you can get experience dealing with a wide variety of stories.
Also, if the place where you do the journalism course has such a thing, get contacts with the Formula Student team. If it has one, it will be affiliated with the engineering department. You are unlikely to get much/any competition writing about what the team does, but it will give practise in linking your passion to your audience.
I'm very pleased to see that the Red Bullog is back in business :) Good on you, Dank, and hope it thrives.
That's quite an amazing picture.
*doffs cap*
Thanks! Ironing out a few bugs at the moment. If anybody spots anything please let me know.
Sepang bosses want to change start time:
“It was not just the fans who were dissatisfied with a shorter race but I think everyone involved in F1 also lost money.”
No more Malaysia on the calendar then? Bernie won’t be impressed. {Comment #85}
I think they got a contract until 2015 when they agreed to the twilight time because they wanted security in exchange for the time change imposed upon them. So we will see Malaysia (and possibly a repeat scenario of Sunday) for the foreseeable future.
So Dank, what was the compromise reached and how did you get the bullog back?
Alianora, from what I gather, you have to use this page to contact them of problems {Comment #95}
Thank you. I've emailed them (and I'm pleased to say FIF1 is using a nice clear CAPTCHA so it's actually possible for me to email them ;) )
but can the change the time, and keep the race? who gets to decide what time the race will be? it's essentially bernie and co, right?
i agree with the other comments, you'll need to start showing people what you've got - just the same as any other occupation or career. Blog is cheap easy and as someone said (sorry forgot who) it allows you to get your own style and certainly start assisting in some way cadet/intern position to see how the real world works. It's how many journos get started, and even some of the f1 people have started out as the spokespeople for their teams. Step one: blog and create a following if you're lucky enough. Good luck!
Also, bear in mind you don't need to go to school to learn all your skills - I taught myself in my first real job how to use word, excel, access and powerpoint...)
Yep, there are plenty of online things, and lots of books too!
well done steven roy, the BATracer champion
Autosport is the pinicale really as far as Journalism goes, and competition for jobs will be very tough.
See if there are any Kart tracks near you that might appericate someone doing ther race reports for them?
I think the main thing is to just get your feelers out there, i once got talking to an editor of a magazine, just said to him that if he needed any help with anything then i'd be up for....within the week i was writing a 4 page season review with lots of my pictures too!!!! still don't know how i did it :D
Hi Everyone
Trust all is okay.....
I didn't get chance to comment after the race, I thought it was a great race, shame it couldn't continue but that's more Bernies fault (race start time). Chuffed to bits for Glock and Heidfeld.
I got a small gripe though.....Jonathan Legard...seriously I know many of you on here disliked James Allen but I really feel the commentary has taken a step backwards, Brundle is great as usual but you got the impression during the race he was getting massivey frustrated with Legard and basically took over from him.
I miss James Allen (cue the insults), at least James actually knew something about the sport, Legard brings nothing but what's on the screen in front.
For instance using turn 1 at Sepang as an example:
Legard - Let's see what Glock can do as he sweeps round on another lap, through turn 1 he's on his way. Alsono 3 secs up the road, what can Glock do now.........
Allen - Glock keeping the pace up going through on another lap, lines himself up for turn 1 very nicely, look how much kerb he takes on entry, when me and Martin were watching practice on Friday we noticed that Glock seemed to be taking at least half a foot more kerb before squeezing the throttle and dancing the rear into turn 2.
My best gaffe from Legard on Sunday was when Alonso went off towards the end of the race (Alonso crawling out the gravel trap)
"That's a Michael Schumacher move that, always getting out of trouble"
Wtf?!!! That's a load of tosh, any driver would try to get out the gravel trap.
Shame the 5 Live doesn't get Brundle and the team radio
Best one was the Webber replay imo.
agreed :)
Oh my. Just come off Wii Fit to be told my wii fit age is 74.
*gulps*
I don't like it anymore. ;)
Do we know what Page 22's Wii Fit age is?
Just found this, it's probably rubbish, but i love the bit in bold :D
"Hamilton Snr is understood to be pondering whether to turn his back on McLaren, the team who supported Lewis through the ranks at an estimated cost of £5million, and switch to rivals less prone to shooting themselves in the foot".
Wow that's really bad!
Looking at the drop.io for meandpage22, what with page 22 on a bike, travelling around london, at the beach and allsorts, I don't think that it could calculate just how fit it might be! :D
Wii unFit
I think my age would be over 100
And yet it gives such strange pride...
I';m doing the tests again in a sec. I'm sure it thinks I died in the middle of it or something.
but can the change the time, and keep the race? who gets to decide what time the race will be? it’s essentially bernie and co, right? {Comment #106}
Correct. But Bernie doesn't seem to want a change, so 5pm MCT (Monsoon Central Time) it will stay :(
:)
nice time zone :)
either;
a) you are incredibly unfit
b) you did actually die in the middle without realising
c) its broken
or d) you are actually 74 and just age really well :)
:D
it's gone back down to 21 now, woo!
no idea what happened there. Maybe it was page 22 up to hijinks again
I never bought Wii Fit because I was scared of what it might tell me. I reckon it would be at least that.
I once perfected it to get my age right to 14. Never managed that again and it tends to vary from 20-35
What are people's favourite activities on Wii Fit?
Ski Jumping, about the only thing that I'm good at. The amount of times I have humiliated myself during skiing...
I absoliutely love the jogging, and the game I call 'stepping off and on the silly white biard' I don't knwo what it's actually called... also the slalom jumping! :D
The hula hoop one is designed with evil intentions im sure. it makes me feel like my stomachs just having a seizure or something :(
Skiing, boxing and football. I'm no good at the yoga andI much prefer the games to the exercises...)
The football with the panda heads?
James Allen thinks Hamilton would be good for Brawn GP.
http://www.jamesallenonf1.com/index.htm
Didn't Anthony Davidson replace Takuma Sato for about three laps at Turkey or Bahrain a couple of years ago? Or doesn't that count?
In fact I think you might be able to make a better case for Davidson at Brawn rather than Lewis... Similar driving style to Button, experience testing for the team, gives good feedback, and most importantly, a LOT cheaper...
Not as good to be fair though. I'd much rather have him as a tester than a driver.
Anthony replaced Sato at Malaysia, his engine went 3 or 4 laps into the race, as did Button's I think.
I don't think you can really quantify that... He was in a Super Aguri when Lewis was in a McLaren... And what with the huge cut-backs in testing, drivers are going to need to be good test-drivers as well. Not sure if we've really seen that with Lewis yet.
Don't forget Davidson's Turkey qualifying lap either.
Do we think that would be a breach of contract mid season switch?
I'd actually be fascinated to see Jenson and Lewis in the same car after some of Jenson's comments from last season.
Lewis would have clauses in contracts if they need to get ot of them!
Yeah... funnily enough I am always reminded of you when I play that game. Can't think why though...)
The suggestion is, I think, that McLaren would have breached their contract with Lewis. They are not supposed to bring him in to disrepute.
I don't think I'd really enjoy seeing Jenson and Lewis in the same car...;)
As for Lewis to Brawn, it ain't going to happen. Not this year anyway. I don't know how long Barrichello's contract lasts for, but I'm sure its not too long.
Not as good as who?
So a Mclaren question..
Bring back Ron to steady the ship or ride them it (if possible) with Whitmarsh
Personally I think Ron would do some good but he isn't going to be around forever! Whitmarsh needs time to get into the role.
Thoughts
I'm sure there are performance clauses too, for the team and for lewis
I can imagine the backlash if/when Lewis leaves McLaren
"he said he'd stay there forever, WHAT A LIAR"
The boy will have bad headlines, whichever decision he makes.
They must be looking at Bruno still...
And we have the British media pedistall for that.....buuuuild him up and then knock him down!
That was a very bad thing to say. No team stays on top in F1 forever.
http://www.brawngpblog.co.uk/
Have you guys checked this site out yet?
He says a lot of naive things, but then again, we're the same age and I doubt I'd do any better with that much focus on everything I say.
Nice find gavin, will keep that bookmarked.
Nope, have subscribed. :)
I can't believe that Amy is now asking us to take her seriously when she once said that she couldn't do any better than noted liar Lewis Hamilton ;)
--- Is that the kind of thing you mean ;)
haha I'm so glad I'm not famous
totally agree
I'm 26 and what might sound perfectly fine and normal at the time changes I look back and think what a muppet I must be for saying that. I couldn't imagine every single word being hung on by 100'S of journalists employed to dig dirt out of anything. For such a supposively pc and tolerant country we have some swines for journalists.
Everything I say has a high muppet factor. Thank God I don't write my opinions down anywhere in public like on the internet so people can see how muppet-esque I am.
Oh wait...
You are Sidepodfamous though ...)
Hey guys!
If he wins, people will forget his supposed disloyalty. Winning is what matters to the press. But it's usually a bad idea to commit to something forever, don't you think?
Depends how you feel about marriage ...)
I'm talking about a career, not life in general! :P
Me and the g/f keep getting the prep talks from both sides of the family. Seems like they're keener for us to get married then we are at the moment........
I'm live commenting from KLIA - going home tonight. Time to share this tidbit from today.
I bought a Ferrari jacket today from one of the top F1 merchandisers in the region. Apparently, he was told by his friends at Sepang that they had reached an agreement with Bernie to have a night race this year.
Then the recession hit - and the funding for the lighting went with the economy. They had to renegotiate with Bernie - ergo, the twilight race.
Thoughts?
Have you guys noticed on that Brawn GP site a few comments ago that official teamwear is available to buy! :D
don't believe it. when did the recession start in KL? if it was around sept/oct wouldn't they already have been installing the lighting gantries in preparation? it's a wider track than singapore, likely would've needed more trials and experimentation. never heard a peep about it. anyone else?
I reckon there's some truth to this - it would definitely suit Malaysia to be a night race, that's for sure!
it's only the interim stuff, a wider range (probably including sponsor logos) will be available in June in time for the British GP.
I think it's on their wishlist to have a night race. In terms of whether it was cancelled because of gthe recession, well maybe that part isn't true because it took Singapore the best part of a year in preparation and it would have been too late for them to pull out of any work by sep/oct...
Not originally you weren't!
Who wants Brawn GP merchandise?! :D
http://www.onpole.com/brawn_gp/c244075-1.html
It's a wonderful invention.
But so is the bicycle puncture repair kit, and I don't need one of those either.
;)
Not at those prices I don't. Please note the lack of yellow in the garments!
The official BMW store is cheaper for those items in the BMW section. Just a hint for anyone intrested btw ;)
It's all about the context - and you'll see it was about Lewis and his career path. :P
Official 09 Aussie GP video edit is now up :)
http://www.formula1.com/services/play_video.html
Can someone tell me what music it is? The laptop I'm using doesn't have sound. :)
The recession may have hit them earlier than average - which may explain why work never even managed to start.
Comment in moderation, please :)
Forgot to mention that their economy isn't as well off as Singapore's, so they're more vulnerable to a recession.
Done.
fair enough. did some digging and found this quote from circuit boss mokhzani mahathir:
"We've amended the contract and the race will start at 5pm"
"Bernie Ecclestone has assured me that the issue will not be raised again and I informed him that we're facing an economic crisis and there is no guarantee a night race would draw any more people to the circuit"
pretty much exactly what you were saying.
I think we said Hysteria by Muse
MUUUUUUUUSE
I think the recession spared them their blushes, given how they run this weekend.
not up to singapore's standard then?
Not even close. I'll explain in the guest post. :)
Coooooooooooooooooool...)
You're THAT excited to see it? ;)
Yeah, because I like guest posts and I like trackside reports even more.
I hope you got some good pictures too...)
Does it have anything positive about the track :P ??
The lighting was terrible on Sunday, but the view was fantastic!
Max isn't happy with having a single engine supplier for F1. No, he wants to use the same engine for F2 and WRC too!
http://www.f1technical.net/news/12085
Oddly, I like the idea more than when it was just for F1 - does that make any sense?
Yeah, of course. But some big negatives too. ;)
Yeah we saw this yesterday. Personally, however much of a good idea it may be...you would loose so many manurfacturers from WRC and F1, it would make it a stupid idea
I will be interested to read what the 'failings' are considering it is a Tilke-drome and therefore supposedly 'well-designed' for purpose...
It's a good idea for F2 - GP2 uses the same model. I disagree with it being used in the WRC - it's in bad enough shape as it is without having it end up with everyone running the same car.
Apart from racing. ;)
It's fine for the spectators though which is all Bernie cares about. ;)
There's only Ford and Citroen left in WRC! The rest have pulled out.
You bought a Ferrari jacket? I thought you were an F1 fan? :-D
You'd be surprised - I certainly was.
True
The IRC has much better action AND seven manufacturers!
Not exactly...
Ever been to Silverstone?
Cack for spectators
Cack for teams
Cack for racing
It looks very good, actually! Just loving it. It's OK to be a Ferrari fan now - they're nowhere in the title race right now. :D
Is it on tv anywhere. It sounds good but haven't seen it
Nope, but this is a Tilkedrome, so the standards are higher, right?
I've been looking for a Ferrari jacket recently. Know anywhere online I can get one for a DECENT price?
It's on Eurosport in Viking-land.
You'd hope.
But as a race track designer, Tikle needs to learn about a strange thing called racing...
I'll watch out for it.
Ra-cing?
what is this concept :D
Decent price? Impossible. Teams have to get money somehow - robbing the fans blind is the normal way now. ;)
But, generally between £80 and £150 depending on style.
The Puma winter jacket is around £130
The lightweight jacket is around £80
It's where all the team principles start running from the same line and whichever gets to the FIA Stewards office first, wins the race. ;)
Here's the funny thing - the racing was actually the good part of the weekend. It was the organization that was the problem.
I got my rain jacket for 100 pounds.
:D Brilliant.
you need to sidepoddictionary that :D
Christine/Me
I've got some updated info on the Classic Team Lotus works tour.
Groups of 10-15 people @ £30 per person.
Welcome from Clive Chapman, tour of the race shop, get photographed in a Lotus single seater, Team Lotus Archive and more.
Still interested?
Also - can get a tour of the Lotus Cars facility as well.
Okay I relent........What is Twitter?
How will it enhance my f1 experience!
I keep hearing everyone on about James Allen/Lee Mckenzie/Crofty etc all on Twitter...
What do I do?
Does anyone fancy trying the 2009 F1 carset on BATracer? I think Dan suggested it about a week ago. They've added the option for private games now as well as running race fuel in Q3 and the choice to run KERS or not.
If we are, then I'd like to go either Brawn, Red Bull or Toyota. :D
You update everything you do every minute of the day
'I just adjusted my shirt, it was feeling itchy' - Lukeh, 4:17pm
'Just had a slight cough there' - Lukeh, 4:18pm
'I wonder is I'll get a cold?' - Lukeh, 4:18pm
'My shirt is itching again' - Lukeh, 4:19pm
;)
No it's just very useful personally for getting information quikly and in short doses. Like james allen posts news on there from his phone, as does Lee from the pitlane but there's thousands of people who use it now from all walks of society posting what they are doing, whatthey're thinking, etc. I love using it and have done for ages. If you use facebook it's like the status update but just that only rather than everything else :)
I suggest a softer fabric conditioner!
thanks for making it clearer!
I'm up for another Bat Racer league! Bagsy having Toyota!
:D
Mine's not that bad luckily. I use it a lot but not every minute :P
Sounds good to me. I think this time, I'll try and get a decent team.
'Twas me. I would quite like to be in a Brawn too! ;)
I think everyone would!
I wanna be in a BMW
remind me how long they last for again?... i'd say i'd want my team to be Brawn but i suppose everyone is going to go with them now.
might do..
I'd like to participate again as well. Although I feel, should she decide to join in, a seat at Brawn GP should be reserved for Lou :)
I'd love to be at Brawn but I'd settle for any team if it does start up :)
Not even for the obvious fast reasons, just to be at Brawn! :P
I'd do it again, but in case I lose it like last time, I'd rather prefer not to have a team mate unless we get the full 20
I'm not sure what team I'd want to be in if not Brawn!
Can we make up our own team? ;)
Can I shotgun red bull? (probably not, but it's worth a shot!)
I'll set up a wiki page in a couple of mins.
RG - master of the Wiki :D hehe
Just getting a game set up. To be impartial, I'll probably go for a Red Bull or Toyota and let you lot fight to get those Brawns :D
Scott, how long will the game last?
Can I just ask that it actually gets started this time because I refuse to deal with Mr C sulking again.
I think we have more interest in this one, so it should do!
It's a race every other day, 17 races, so I'm assuming 34 days...?
Just a guess though
Sounds about right.
There you all go
http://wiki.sidepodcast.com/page/BATRacer+:+2009+Teams+and+Drivers
:D hehe
okay... hmm.. .. i'll end at the start of my exams... it might just work....
Can me and lou go for Brawn? without upsetting anyone else of course...
It's fine by me. Just edit the wiki, so everyone knows they're taken
done :)
I've decided since I was BMW last time, I should be someone else this time. So Toyota
Yup.
Agreed. Because it's based on this season, it should attract a lot more interest.
I'll go Red Bull then :)
http://batracer.com/-cj?&D&39028
Password: jenson :)
Get 'em while they're hot, peeps! :D
Moderated, please :)
Some actual F1 news.
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/74346
McLaren has been summoned to appear before the FIA's World Motor Sport Council on April 29 to answer charges that it has brought Formula 1 into disrepute over the controversy surrounding Lewis Hamilton's Australian Grand Prix disqualification.
Ahh, no Brawn seats left? :(
Hmm...
Done.
Go for it.
Sorry dom :(
Autosport Text: McLaren has been summoned to an FIA World Motor Sport Council hearing to answer charges it lied to race stewards.
Oh boy, here we go again...
But unlike last time, they have no one to blame but themselves.
5 different counts of rule breaking apparently
Hmmm.
True, but it's still another scandal/conspiracy/issue which F1 really could do without. :/
"Any fraudulent conduct or any act prejudicial to the interests of any competition or to the interests of motor sport generally."
Is that vague enough?
Bernie complaining about Silverstone falls foul of that.
I think its a bit extreme.....what exactly does he think they've done wrong?
best.headline.ever
"1.5 points for Red Bull in race for ducks"
I guess Ron will have to sell the other kidney to pay for this fine then. :-(
maybe he saw it coming and thats why he stepped back....
That's it, Dave's gone :(
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/74348
Oh man. What a way to go...
Bugger.
Especially when we all know he wasn't the only one involved. If Whitmarsh was unaware of it then he is not running the team properly!
why would he been aware of it!?!
if it was a decision Dave made to tell lewis then the only 2 people involved were him and Lewis....
He SHOULD have been aware of what was going on in the stewards office as he is in charge. Ron would have known!
its not his job to know, as Team Manager that was daves job, he then tells Whitmarsh what happens after. He cant be everywhere at once.
But it's his job to talk to everyone about it...
ah yes, but afterwards.
Unless he's asked Dave and Lewis to lie, then he expects them to tell the truth. He then gets reported to after they've come back
So why did nothing change after Melbourne, by which time Whitmarsh should've known?
I am of the opinion he should have known what was happening and stopped it.
Exactly. If he didn't know, he should have approached the FIA as soon as he did.
Remember Ron did that when Alonso threatened to blow the whistle on Mclaren in 2007...
maybe he wasnt told! you say this like he was told everything, but he may not have been. and if he was lied to, thats not his fault!
Strangely, lclt comments for April 7th stop at 16:31.
Even after a refresh
Cos the comments are still in GMT
Oh, and hi ;)
Yet that comment just appeared (where's my 'scratchy head' smilie?)
Hmm which team to join?
Anyone after a team mate? :D
The last 5 comments are timed
16:31
17:36
17:37
16:37
16:37
?
Hi RG :)
It's a known issue.
Posting this from Doohickey Desktop
This is a test
Recieved from the Destop Doohickey, loud and clear
Oh, ok then
I rarely use it so wasn't aware. As you were then
Thanks Christine (shouldn't you be enjoying some down time with non-SPC things?)
Mercedes future in F1 is uncertain. Following the post-Australian lie-gate plus a gloomy economic climate for automakers. Consequently there is speculation that Mercedes might be re-considering its role/investment in F1.
http://www.themotorreport.com.au/26314/mercedes-benz-cannot-guarantee-continued-f1-involvement/
A few days ago I speculated that Mercedes might consider selling off its McLaren investment. As I see it McLaren have yet again tarnished F1 with its shenanigans plus the team is under-performing. What is the economic benefit for Mercedes if this situation is not corrected? I also speculated that moving to being only an engine-supplier to Brawn might make economic sense (winning with less investment and less risk of associated bad luck. Everyone rejected my speculation. The above article suggest Martin Whitmarsh might have some convincing to do. If I were Mercedes I would almost certainly pull out of my F1 partnership with McLaren citing the economic climate as my main reason.
Not yet. Holiday starts Friday, and even then you won't be able to tear me away from the comments :)
Ah ha, so you get a rest and be like us and make fun of Mr C on here ;)
(Though you get to do that whenever you want I guess:D )
My other comment has been moderated, but I think I need to get a team for BatRacer quickly. So anyone in need of a team mate? :D
Haven't Ferrari been doing that for years, especially during the Schuey years?
When it hits the newsstands here in about three weeks, I will pick it up and take a photo for the site.
I'm in. I want the Ferrari because they get all the free ice cream.
You asked and here is my longwinded answer.
Before you get all romantic about it, heed this. The hours are long and the pay is not that good. There are reasons why people like Joe Seward have to produce copy for several different publications including his own. Most media outlets just cannot afford to have a journalist on the payroll who exclusively writes on one subject. Covering motor sports exclusively might be your aim but you might not get there right away. With downsizing in the media these “one beat” jobs are getting harder and harder to come by.
This isn’t meant to discourage you, but it is a warning. I went into journalism wanting to become a writer/photographer for some sort of music magazine and came out covering Washington state politics, businesses, and economics. ” You can’t always get what you want” in the journalism profession. It is more of “get what you need.”
With that said, here are five things that I've learned over the years that I wish someone in J-school would of told me, outside of the low pay of course.
1: Diversify your talents: You cannot get by on being just a writer anymore. Do you have other skill sets along with being a writer that will make you appealing for publishers and editors? Can you take decent photos? How good are you are building and maintaining a website? How good are your recording interviews for the radio or podcasts? Now more than ever, publishers are on a tight budget. They need people with a myriad of skill sets.
2: Write and find your voice: Like anything you do in life the more you do something, the better you become at it. The more you write the better writer you will become. Also, do not be afraid of experimentation. You will have stuff that works, stuff that doesn’t. Don’t limit your writing… let the editors do that. Blogs are great for this stuff for allowing for voice development and a certain level of play with one’ writing.
3: Read: Read and absorb as much on the subject you can. Do your homework. Also, don’t be afraid to look at other writers, maybe not in your subject area, for inspiration and ideas on style.
4: Never, ever, take anything personally: The one thing I’ve seen over and over again is people who take things too personally. If you write for any publication your words will be chopped, reordered, and mangled by editors. It’s a fact of life. Once you turn the things in, let it go. In the ten years I’ve done this, I’ve had stories I worked long hours on and put my heart into thrown into the garbage, people yelling at me because their point of view wasn’t covered because my editor lobed off that paragraph, people who have slammed doors in my face when I come to interview them because they didn’t like what I wrote the last time we talked, and I’ve even gotten into a yelling match with my editor over photo selection and was angry to the point of throwing my Nikon FM2 across the room at him. The lesson I’ve learned is that you are a cog in the transmission of information dissemination, not the driver of it.
5: Listen and learn: Following up on the previous point, the best reporters that I know are the best listeners. They listen to editors who are trying to make their writing better. They listen people catch every single one of their grammar mistakes. Learn from others and what they have to say. Look at your mistakes from their point of view. People, even editors, hate egos, know it alls, and arrogance. The difference between a Literature majors, an English major, and a Journalism majors is that the Literature reads, the English major writes, and the journalist has to listen, read, and write. The big one I always look for now is the people who are the best listeners. In order to grow, you have to listen… especially when they’re criticizing you.
True you can go to Journalism school, take all the special classes in the world, and all that stuff to help with the technical aspects but these are the five lessons that I’ve learned over the years which have helped me along.
Hi all, not been about for a day or 2, but just spotted on FIA web that want to see McLaren on the 29th April. Have you guys covered this 1 and if so what do we think the fines gonna be this time???????
Hand deliver ice cream to Ferrari for the rest of the season?
Joined Williams - as tempting as it was to be at McLaren
Are the FIA (Mosley) not gonna be happy until they finish McLaren off ?
They got Dennis so fed up he stepped back and now it looks like they are trying to drive a wedge between Hamilton and his team... Are they trying to line him up for Ferrari ?
Looks like good tactics from Mr Whippy to deflect any long term attention from his lurid private life.....Wonder who in F1 he thinks set him up ??????
I've an idea who he suspects, they're gettig the brunt of it now.
Better be squeeky clean for the rest of the year
That's even worse!
And because of Australia that suspicion which was easily swept away beforehand cannot be brushed off so easily!
If you find out that you were lied to and that person ends up being asked to leave, then isn't that what the boss should do?
So are all the other manufacturers. Haug just repeated the standard line that all the other car bosses are using about the recession.
The story is sensationalist IMO because Haug does not try and distance Mercedes from McLaren - in fact he gives the impression that they're all in it together. If Mercedes had any doubts about staying, they would have used 'us' and 'them' in the article...
You have to remember McLaren went to the authorities to overturn Trulli/Toyota's third place in the first place. Martin Whitmarsh confirmed this in an interview in expressly putting blame on Dave. If nothing had been done Toyota would have lost six points and this would have reflected in substantially less funding from FIA in the following season. Had a similar amount of funding been stolen it would have been a huge fuss. Unfortunately the untruths did just that, it essentially amounts to stealing a "livelihood" from another company so the issue had to be corrected. Mercedes cannot be happy about this and the forthcoming "invitation" to an FIA meeting on 29 April. This is less than two years after the spy-gate. Plus you have a poor economic environment and the success of the Brawn team using the Mercedes engine must just add salt to McLaren's wounds.
While Ferrari is no saint when it comes to its operation, it has not been caught out quite so openly with dishonest/fraudulent practice. McLaren are going to be heavily punished, personally I just hope they are not excluded from championship again (unless they improve it might make rather little difference though). If the FIA have a vendetta against McLaren they will exploit it by creating a rift between McLaren and Hamilton to ensure the team losses their star-driver's services. I think they may have just done that with their charge "procured its driver Hamilton the current World Champion, to support and confirm this untrue statement to the stewards". The FIA's convenient acceptance of Lewis' "apology" is telling and part of a strategy used against McLaren. There is also no question that Anthony Hamilton will be now be investigating other teams for his son to race with. I think we might witness the lowest point in McLaren's history and some serious problems for Martin Whitmarsh to manage. Finally Martin Whitmarsh should have known what Dave was doing (he is ultimately responsible for his employee's actions and this amounts to negligence of duty) but I do not see that Ron Dennis should have necessarily known or can be implemented.
I have joined BatRacer game with the BMW team, but I ask that no one take the other seat just yet. I'm hoping Al Grogan, my team mate in the last game, will take the seat. ;)
i think if nothing had been nothing had been done, Trulli would have retained third and Hamilton fourth........
I'm not calling Whitmarsh completely innocent but we don't know that Dave Ryan's actions weren't of his own volition and he kept what was said (or not) quiet.
Lewis, if anyone, should probably spoken up before it got out of hand. Team loyalty probably held him back
Ron must be fuming
An FM2 - You have been in the busniess a long time!
Ron will be experiencing a strong emotional response leaning towards the actions of a displeased and irrational leader of a well-known organisation ...)
Sure it is likely to be sensationalist, but Dieter Zetsche must at least be considering the future. I think they will wait until the results of the hearing on the 29 April. You must realise Norbert Haug will not be making the final decision, so while I am sure he will give McLaren all the support he can, but he may not be the miracle-maker and even his own job might be on the line. The problems McLaren face are huge uncertainties of the external economic environment, current poor performance on the track and the FIA attempting to generate a rift between themselves and the their star-driver.
Max set himself up - he arranged the party, the activities and the 'guests'.
Who was behind the story in the NOTW, I don't know, but my money is not on Ron.
Murray's recap of malaysia is now up :)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7988319.stm
Don't think it's that old, only noticed it just now.
Totally agree. All Thwax Mosleys fault.
If I had to put money on who got the press onto it. I'd have to go with Bernie.
As crazy as this sounds, I still shoot a lot of stuff on film. That certain situation happened in 1999 in college, so at least to me that wasn't that long ago.
What has Norbert Haug done to warrant losing his job? This is a McLaren issue and Mercedes are doing the right thing by pledging support for the team. AFAIK Nobby was not involved at all!
It was really weird seeing Bernie back down during the EJ interview on Sunday and apologise for dissing Max.
Weird... but not surprising...
We do not know how much Martin Whitmarsh did or did not know about Ryan's actions but as the CEO of McLaren Racing he will be held liable. The fact that he released a statement that I politely referred to as B__S___ and then having to correct this with an admission of guilt will not help his case either with the FIA, his sponsors/partners or the company's shareholders. Personally I think he is toast. I have nothing against the guy but he erred badly in an unforgiving economic/political environment.
Nothing with Bernie surprises me anymore
I hope not. Ryan has fallen on his sword (or been given the boot)
FIA to dish out some punishment and let's get back to racing please
Again, I have nothing against Norbert, but the reality is if Daimler pulled out of motorsport is there a use for a president of motorsport?
1) They won't, they are involved in too many different forms of Motorsport
2) Even if they did, he'll move internally.
I'm fairly decent with Photoshop, I'm good with video editing and I've actually kinda wanted to do a podcast of my own now that I have a headset mic. As for photography? Only real photography I've done is on console racing games that have a photo mode :P
It is not going to be so simple. Hopefully for McLaren Dave's settlement agreement is generous to ensure his silence.
There was nothing abnormal or wrong in McLaren protesting the results given what happened on track - the problem is they presented incorect evidence.
What can he possibly say to make things any worse?
Regarding Photoshop, all my skills are pretty much picked up from tutorials on websites and YouTube. I did a variety of sig pictures when I was in the RLB for a few members. Probably got a couple more things to learn about it but I'm always open to learning new things and techniques.
That is a consideration and generous (and I would hope so) but the company will have to consider the costs of maintaining such a senior position. The removal of a senior manager (president) could stall worker/union disputes around inevitable worker lay-offs.
McLaren rather need Dave to give an account, and for that account to match their own.
If Dave does admit that the lie was his idea, and his alone, then it should start to take the heat off Mclaren
Yes and this is fraudulent behaviour by any legal definition and that is what they are being charged with by the FIA.
I feel you're going down the wrong path here. This has nothing to do with McLaren telling fibs to the stewards. Will the Renault car company collapse if Alonso doesn't win this year? Does GM's survival rest on the Cruze being a good car in the WTCC? - Nope, so what has this got to do with Mercedes then?
Is Dave Ryan under any obligation to go to any FIA hearing if he no longer works in the industry?
I suppose it depends if he wants another job?
Well done Steven for winning the 1986 championship.
Taken and happy to work with you again.
You think the FIA will accept this so easily? Sorry I think the FIA will use this to really send home a message.
Interesting you should say that ;)
Depends how aggressively the FIA want to pursue the matter.
Did they not do that with Spygate?
Willi Weber quoted in Autosport:
"The attack against Schumacher makes no sense. He knows everyone and was in Sepang just by chance. The decisions from the pit wall were taken by the team."
What! With his Ferrari uniform in his weekend bag?
Oh really? :)
Who knows what the FIA will do!
However if Dave admits to working alone on the lie, then it should take the heat of Martin and the rest still at McLaren.
If Dave says it was not his idea, and he has just been scapegoated, then this would drop McLaren ecven deaper into it!
All automobile manufacturers have to consider economic rationalisation. Further if they need government assistance they will need to show real cost cuts, otherwise taxpayers will be funding F1 - a situation that European and Northern American governments are unlikely to find acceptable.
I have no doubt that if Toyota do not win a GP this year their F1 team will be history. Yes, Fernando's considerable driving skills could well influence Renault's investment in F1.
As F1 fans the best scenario for this year is for as many teams as possible to have good fortune (wins).
If Dave turns up...
via andrea on facebook, an interesting look at the brawn diffuser:
the close up piccy tells you what you need to know though.
Yes but you were talking about the F1 team causing the failure of the car company. That will not happen as they would pull out of the sport long before (probably to get some government assistance instead).
Nice pics, I hate automated translations for technical items
Personally, I think they'll be given the all ckear cos the FIA siad they were fine and they never get things wrong
Unlike my spelling recently :)
:D
My point is that the issue McLaren face could not come at a worse time. While I am sure McLaren with survive (history testifies to their perseverance) it may require sacrifices (e.g. Martin Whitmarsh) and they may lose partners (hence speculation about Mercedes). Making matters worse is their own performance and whatever the press says Anthony Hamilton is not a happy chap just at the moment.
Big LOL @
"everybody’s favourite Austrian loony juice F1 team"
kimi is pinning he championship hopes on the diffuser appeal:
"This decision will have an enormous impact on the Championship. We need more downforce and we’re working very hard on it. You just need to analyse the performance in the three sectors at Malaysia to understand that we’re loosing a lot compared to the best cars."
more...
He's deluded, ice cream headache?
It could be constructed to be as serious as spygate the FIA charges are to say the least fairly brutal
I get your point, but your argument is starting to suffer from "Heather Mills Syndrome" ;-)
Whether the trick (double) diffuser is legal or not the FIA will not rule against it. It is very likely that both Toyota and Williams could score victories increasing public interest and revenues from TV rights etc.
I think Ross Brawn has covered all the basics (including the teams not taking his advice last year).
I have no sympathy for Ferrari, Renault or BMW Sauber - they should have come up with something similar. Sure I think it might hurt Red Bull but that is such an amazing car that they could be right up there fighting for wins even without the trick diffuser.
They have the hump cos they didn't think of it earlier and won't get to test it before installing it themselves
For McLaren's sake I hope you are right. When I first heard the issue I felt this was going to be real messy. So far it is definitely not going away.
I think the system has its flaws and it was Whitmarsh who pushed for its introduction because he had seen it at his previous employer. I am sure it has its advantages but his previous employer was never expected to be in front of a judge within minutes of something happening.
Yea but remember it is a system that optimises institutional benefit at the cost of individual benefit/security.
Scott,
You are aware that motor sport publications are cutting headcount. It may be difficult to get in. Find out who covers race meetings at Snetterton and see if there is a gap there. Speak to the circuit commentary people and the people who produce programs and the people from the organising clubs and see if there is a way to get involved through any of those channels.
Basically you need to get stuff published. Have a read through some of the karting mags and find your local kart tracks. Offer them a few free articles which you can then use as proof of your prowess.
Journalists love to talk to people. It is their job and most people like to help people. Just phone the editorial office of any relevant publication and talk to people.
Not sure what the situation is in the UK, but here in SA to get anywhere these days you will need to pursue a journalism degree. Without a qualification behind you, you are vulnerable to exploitation. Good Luck - I think if I was younger I would have preferred doing Environmental Journalism to research.
3 hours late, I'm in.....
.... and stuck in a ferrari.
I'll be true to real life and use wet tyres in the dry. If its a good enough strategy for Schumacher and Stefano Domenicali then its good enough for me
thanks for setting it up
having read all of these suggestions, the simplest thing to do would just be to blog your heart out. it's free and there's nothing to hold you back bar self-motivation. set yourself a target of 3 or 4 posts a day, 5 days a week (should be easy if you've nothing much else to do), and see where you at come the end of the month.
joe and dt produce a 66 page magazine in the space of a weekend, write for at least 3 websites as well as any number of other publications.
15 blog posts a week should be a walk in the park by comparison. get to it scott, and plug each post as your write them.
15 blog posts a week? I do two a month if I'm lucky (am also intrested in sports journalism atm for the future)
get to it boyo!!!
yeah but you're also doing GCSEs atm, if my memoirs of last year serve me well that takes up quiet a bit of time ;)
Thanks Michael
This is good advice - blogging is one of the few trends that promote democracy in an environment that is increasingly being controlled by a few powerful individuals/organisations.
Brush up on your photography skills. Some knowledge of desktop publishing (self-learnt) could be handy.
That is true. I'm trying for a few over the holidays though.
there's easily enough material in f1 to fill that many posts and then some.
i couldn't write that many of course, but that's because i'm not a very good writer, have no desire to be an f1 journalist and wouldn't be cut out for it even if i wanted to be.
however, if scott is serious, i'd suggest that's an easy target to reach.
I've always wanted to go into Journalism but I can't see myself doing it. I love writing and my English language courses were so much fun at A level and GCSE but I dunno...
I might see after I dfinish uni and this computing course. Journalism or teaching thats for sure.
15 blog posts a week? When I was unemployed I used to blog once a week. It took a whole day to write a post!
it takes me that long too. christine laughs at me for it, but i'm not a natural writer and i'm well aware of it. if you're working in statistics, i'm guessing you're aware of it too.
that's not to say we shouldn't try though. i enjoy writing, i just couldn't do it for a living (and still afford to eat).
Your stuff is always worth waiting for as well.
The thing is, I think I'm OK at writing and all that, it just seems to take ages to get your thoughts down, write something, edit it, lay it out, add the extra stuff and then post it. If it was just writing I could do it quite quickly - remember that letter to pitpass only took me an hour to write and it was mostly done on an iPod Touch ;-)
It's easy to write when your annoyed at something, if your annoyed at something the words just come pouring out.
Already Rumours of Hamilton wanting out from McLaren have emerged. He is getting enough leverage to do so if another team were to offer an attractive proposition.
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/07/report-lewis-hamiltons-future-with-mclaren-said-to-be-in-doubt/
I think a few drivers could be a little uneasy including Nick unless he raises his game.
Were you trying to acheive 5 pints of awesome everytime or was it just because of 5 pints? ;)
maybe, but there are plenty of people who could do better, quicker.
the only thing that makes writing viable for me is that it costs nothing but effort to do, and i am eternally grateful to tim berners-lee for giving me an opportunity to do so. because 20 years ago, a personal diary would likely have been the only option available to me.
More sensationalism.
Rich, please take a pinch of salt with these stories that you keep posting!
Maybe a letter to the magazine at the time?
I think a bit of both.
Even with a blog, I wouldn't publish something until I was happy with it and I have high standards ;-)
Nick's joint 5th in the championship and still has more points than Robert who has yet to finish.
agreed. autoblog know bugger all about formula 1. they're link baiting. ignore.
Nowt wrong wi' that lad
Sounds like me and preparing my lecture content for the Internet!
same with me, my blog is rubbish at the moment, it's only ever good when i have something i really want to write about, i cant just pump out stuff, if i do then its short and rubbish.
Scott, have you looked at the Bridgestone e-reporter?
http://www.bridgestone-ereporter.eu/home/index.php
yup, that too.
ah yes, i forgot about that!!! DO IT!
I also have the habit of writing very long stuff even when I don't want it to be.
Nick is German, consistent, scores loads of points and has a beard.
Robert looks like Lurch, is faster, crashes a lot, whinges more and will get yo the odd win.
I think BMW have a great balance there ;-)
I didn't even finish the 1st line when I read
"The Daily Mail think it's a definite possibility"
hahaha.
i didn't even click the link ;)
If I weren't working full time and studying as well, my blog post count would be 2 or 3 a day easily.
Show off. Where's the novel then? ...)
Am still trying to work out which blogs are worth visiting. Seems to be the most frequently linked ones here are a good guide.
Depends on the contract details. Given the McLaren actions in firing Davey Ryan they are effectively admitting he was entirely to blame. Also remember Brundle's comment when DC appeared on the Monaco podium in a Superman cape. He said there was a clause in his contract that stopped the team from demeaning his reputation or something similar. Given that Lewis would probably have a case for leaving.
Of course it depends on the details of the Brawn drivers's contracts whether or not they could be fired. DC mentioned once that he had a clause that the team had to provide him with a car at each race so could not drop him. If the Brawn guys have the same contracts techinacally they could not be dropped but I am sure Mr Branson would be only too pleased to pay the penalty clause as he bought the advertising rights to the car for $30 million and with Lewis in the car he couls make several times that.
Having said that, it's quite a good resource for motoring news...
Sure, I would really hate Nick to be be dumped, but he needs to show more speed in both qualifying and race situations. Robert holds more attraction in the public and probably sponsors mindsets. Being realistic he was lucky to score so well in Malaysia (yes there was strategy). He probably needs to win a GP this year to ensure he has a contract next year.
agreed. and good pictures. naff all worth reading on the f1 front though.
Plus, the photo looked like the McLaren 09 launch rather than an easy and obvious one of the 'apology press conference'
The only thing that has changed at McLaren is a couple of job titles. Ron will still go to the vast majority of races and he is still Whitmarsh's boss.
A novel made of blog posts wouldn't make any sense..?
ahh, but they'd have to pay for that one.
Nah mate I meant you should write a novel as well?
Never mind, carry on ...)
Too true :)
Just watching the A1GP from Taupo... now I'm used to the 2009 cars, these look really low and wide!
I'd like the A1GP cars if they werent made by Ferrari :D
I'm so far behind on watching A1GP.
I prefer the old ones. These have too much technology and sound rubbish. They do look nicer though!
Agreed. Bernie suggested a night race and the next day the news sites were full of stories saying that the Malaysians wouldn't play ball same as Melbourne. My guess is one of the reasons behind this season's farce is to force them (farce them?) into a night race.
x1 new podcast:
http://www.sidepodcast.com/2009/04/07/f1-debrief-im-setting-new-heights-of-lows/
Oooh, its the A1GP this weekend I have just remembered, at the good Algarve track as well.
It'll be interesting to see a race there, the photos look good.
Really? I hope that's still available for torrent when I get back after Easter...
And I can say that because it's not on TV here!
http://www.pitpass.com/images/headlines/a1gp/drivers/germany/2007hulkenbergbrands400.jpg
It turns out Kimi was just practicing to be an A1GP driver :D
Can't wait, plus it'll be a race at a reasonable hour for once as well.
I think a1gp.com will have it. But I've taken your option.
That's a pretty high jump!
I do agree though, the original ones look much better.
OK - I'm back the Friday after Easter so if you still have it available that would be very much appreciated ;-)
If Anthony came knocking on various doors offering young Lewis. BMW Sauber would be interested. I am sure Ferrari would be too (need to improve their fire-engine of a vehicle though) and even Red Bull. Williams is not in a situation to offer and Toyota will still be livid after Australia. We know Renault would not/could not avail themselves all the while Alonso is around. Doubt if Brawn would be too interested - they have Jenson who would embarrass Lewis.
The usual place will have it available for a few weeks, minimum.
Some serious KERS problems :P
Here's hoping ;-)
It's never OK to be a Ferrari fan. Well apart from when Gilles was there. Then it was OK to be a Gilles fan but to be suspicious of the team.
I had an idea about SidepodScience identification.
Instead of a badge we could wage Page22 around.
or even wave
I can see Vettel, Glock, being more appropriate at BMW to be fair than Hamilton.
i likes that idea very much!
I disagree. I think the teams at the top are quite happy with who they have but the lower teams will not be able to offer him enough.
Yeah but i think Vettel will be loyal for a few more years, especially with that car, and glock will stick around for another year i think if he's not kicked out
This BATracer thing... I'll be interested for the next one, not the one you're about to start. Get these exams done first.
but....but... f1racing wont fit in my bag...
Thats true. Probably the only way Glock would leave is if Toyota leave at the end of the year.
And of course Glock is too good not to be in F1.
Bring a bigger bag.
pat... that's a silly idea!
;)
I think drivers like Glock and Vettel are pretty solid in their places...
but... i like my handbag....
more to the point...HOW SMALL IS YOUR BAG!!!!
Get it printed onto t-shirts Paul Merton style?
hold it?
Are we talking about the same driver? Glock is going to be the revelation of 2009!
Inky fingers if it's a hot day.
i could roll the magazine up?.... but... it would ruin it...
If anyone thinks Toyota have problems in the livery department....they need to see the Seat BTCC teams liverys..... 04-08
http://seatcupra.net/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=29384&g2_serialNumber=2
Can't be a normal girls handbag. There's space for a small naval flotilla in most of them.
I refuse to search through the other half's handbag - who knows what I will find. I did once turn it upside down and empty it out though - it was impossible to fit everything back in it!
It gets better as it goes down at least
lol it's reasonably big... i can fit my DSLR in it if i have to... but i don't really want to ruin the magazine by rolling it up :P
The car changes but not hte livery until 08, i think thats my favourite
Stuart C will tell you to buy another copy ...)
08 livery is best by, well the distance from the sun to pluto
you only bought the one??
I like Tom Coronel's WTCC version. Bright orange with teeth.
35 years of great service and fired for one mistake. That is out of order but I guess it was done to try to hold of Max's excesses. I feel really sorry for Ryan. He was one of the good guys and he has been hng out to dry. It shows what is wron with the sport when Schumacher/Brawn and co are looked on as heroes and someone who makes one mistake in 35 years gets screwed.
I dont know how im going to be able to bring all 15 copies i own :(
Me too. funny how the RL car is quite boring but the TC is very exciting!
courier?
:D
one version is yellow
Hear hear *applauds*
All these books about Schumacher and Brawn being the greatest when they made it their mantra to bend the rules until they almost snap ... and in Schumacher's case, well beyond!
Ha ha, that SO reminds me of
http://420.thrashbarg.net/great_flying_chinese_army.jpg
oooh stop it! :-D
dad bought it actually ;)
I KNEW IT! The Chinese have learned how to harness Kung Fu to develop anti-gravity!!!
:D
Or they have KERS too
Who eactly is going to buy there 40% share of the company in the current economy? What about the joint road car projects?
Hamilton Options
Ferrari - Kimi is hardly impressing the ice-cream while amusing does not help build a struggling team.
BMW Sauber - Nick under-performed last year with all due respect and this year he was lucky with getting points.
Red Bull - Mark Webber is still suspect - fast laps unless consistently done do not equal race wins. They would be crazy to lose young deSeb
Williams Their loyalty to Nico will prevent any driver change and anyway Sir Frank is a true gentleman and will respect Nico for staying on. Kaz is part of the Toyota engine contract.
Renault - Do you want to start a new Anglo-Hispanic war? - the last time the British fought the Spanish they were lucky that the Armada couldn't survive a British summer on the sea!
Toyota No way after Oz! Jarno and Timo are not that bad either.
Other teams are too small for Anthony to consider!
Exactly. But according to Rich, this business is going to bring down Nobby and Mercedes and Hamilton will leave the team he has been a part of since he was 11.
I don't wanna see Hamilton at BMW. Just a no :(
But the most likely one, he stays at McLaren
He'll stay at Mclaren. He wants that reward he gets from Ron if he wins them 3 world championships ;)
Damn James Allen, he has a Mac too. I might end up liking him soon ;)
"The familiar ping of the incoming email alert on my Mac..."
[To be fair, I do like his blog]
110% agreed.
With the current driver lineup Lewis could find himself in the same situation as Damon Hil in 1997 - World Champion, and not wanted by any of the big teams.
Evening all, btw.
I simply outlined a possibility with respect to F1 involvement. Mercedes divorced themselves from Chrysler in record time! Is there an economic climate for such performance cars. Sure I know South Africa has just announced an advanced electric car for and a brace of Supercars for production - but that is SA optimism over reality!
Evening Chris
Porsche are making oodles of cash lately, though a lot of it through wise investments apparently
Rich,
Are you on the Ferrari payroll? Schumacher ramming people to win championships is a bi worse than lying to the stewards. Ferrari have not been caught because they are the FIA's favoured team. They get $80 million more than McLaren for winning a championship. That is blatant bias. Max has frequently said that the championship Ferrari races in is the real championship. That is blatant bias. The FIA banned tobacco sponsorship at the end of 2006 but Ferrar still has it. That is blatant bias.
If you tell someone a lie does your boss instantly know? Of course he doesn't. How exactly is Martin Whitmarsh meant to know what two people in a closed room said when his only feedback on it comes from those two people?
As for depriving Toyota of their livelihood. Get a grip. Toyota have enough cash in the bank to buy FIAT.
Was Schumacher ramming Damon Hill and Jacques Villeneuve not worse?
I think I might have enough in the bank to buy FIAT these days ;)
Great, I decide to test out commenting on my iphone and people start posting essays!
OK Rich, either you don't understand what is going on or you post just because you like people to respond to your posts. I will choose the latter ;-)
Both drivers have contracts for next year and they apparently have an option on Alonso - presumably as an insurance policy if Kimi retires.
Nope - BMW are never gonna drop a popular German who scores loads of points. I'm sorry but there's no chance Mario will want to part with either driver. Hamilton wouldn't fit BMW philosophy anyway.
Agree on Der Seb, disagree with you on Webber. I don't think Red Bull can afford Hamilton and I think they want to put their weight behind Vettel. If Webbo goes, they will replace him with a young Red Bull Development driver as they have to justify the program and show that it works.
Williams traditionally have not treated their drivers well and have not shown loyalty to them - Mansell, Hill, Prost, Button are good examples of this. Nico will p. off as soon as something better is offered but they can't afford Hamilton.
Alonso demands a weak team mate - that is the only reason Piquet is still in F1. He cannot handle strong internal opposition and will veto Hamilton.
Agreed, although if I were Toyota I would look at replacing Jarno (personally I have never really liked him)
Hello? Brawn with Virgin dollars? I can't see Hammy fitting in here either and I would go for Bruno Senna - so he can be nurtured and by the time Jenson's had enough, he can take over.
:D
Porsche are making cash building SUV's and whale lump GT's :-(
Flippin' heck Gavin, nice timing :D
and
"Last year it made six times as much on the stock market as it did making cars. "
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7843262.stm
Sorry bro :-(
Tell me about it! :D
It works surprisingly well though. Bring on silverstone!
Wot??? just my $0.02 :-(
No worries! In at the deep end and all that!
Its speculation, but I listed a reference to this. These are questions that will influence whether Hamilton stays - most will need a yes.
How much damage will Macca receive from the FIA and can they withstand it?
Will all McLaren sponsors standby and support the team during the crisis or can they be replaced?
Will Martin Whitmarsh survive the shareholders?
Will McLaren better their car into a race winner this season?
Will Anthony forgive McLaren Management for coercing his son to be complicit to the lying?
Is the McLaren driver contract so water-tight the Hamilton's have no options?
I can guarantee that Lewis will not stay around if the car is not competitive - Anthony will ensure he finds another seat.
No probs, a worthy reply.
Was funny coming after Chris 'essay' post though
Thanks Al
No.
Both Hamiltons, Mercedes and McLaren shareholders will all be a lot happier once they sort their car out and return to winning races before the season reaches mid way
Precisely
Depending on what settlement was reached prior to termination. Remember Alonso was not allowed to talk about Spygate...
Hamilton will not move. I don't even think his relationship with McLaren has been that badly damaged...
This is only 5 months after they won him a championship. I'm sure he still believes they can do it again.
I read the article. Classic non-denial denial. At no point did he say Schumacher didn't make the decision. He said he was not in charge of making the decision. Strangely he doesn't mention whether Schumacher gave any opion at the time.
A clever move by McLaren - their first this season it seems.
The FIA could do anything from accepting the explanation and warning them as to future conduct up to fining them another $100 million or more.
I'm still more interested in what flavour ice cream Kimi was having.
Have been waiting for Ferrari to crumble since 07 came to an end.
I fear it will be the latter.
Possibly quite a lot
They did in 2007, so why not now?
Unknown - if he is a proper politician he'd be out by now
They are one of the only teams that could do it, whether they will is up to them
Who knows? All of this can be forgiven and forgotten - yet no contract is without get-out clauses. Having said that, the relationship between Mclaren and the Hamiltons is symbiotic and Mclaren made Hamilton. That will not be forgotten when considerations are made whether to stay or leave the team.
My personal feeling is that like Spygate, this is all poppycock and once Mclaren are punished, things will go back to normal. Lewis will not leave the team!
Wasn't it a choc ice?
You know it was spiked with Vodka!
Now we have an interesting debate! :D
I thought it had a stick, maybe an ice cream bar?
Looked more like magnum to me.
Looked more like a Magmum
Ice Cream Gate
Yeah, I think you're right.
Debate over! ;)
Ferrari are not competitive against several teams that don't have the double deck diffusers.
Alright... I'm in a Force India. I just want V.J.M' ugly gold hat.
How about USGPE... lets see what the Team America F1 website does with that.
Evening
Hey Jackie
Heya Jackie
Hi Jackie. :)
Hiya Jackie :-)
There are only so many posts you can write without being forced to consider a capital letter.
So what's the consensus .. are McLaren in deep doo-doo or not?
evening jackie.
Evening
We're more concerned with what Ice Cream Kimi was eating.
The consensus could be Magnum but an appeal is not out of the question
Just wondering, will there be an entry to advertise the new 2009 batracer game? I'm assuming not but thought i'd ask anyways :)
Probs just a quick plug in the daily
:D
The way I see it, if it was any other team, no, but as it's mclaren, anything could happen.
Thats what I meant really, poorly worded
Then yes Lukeh, you are right
Normally I would but we got burned last time, so I'll have to give it some thought.
Just one cornetto, give it to me, delicious ice-cream of Italy
Read Clive. He doesn't get plugged often but he is a really good writer and has been watcing the sport since Enzo was a boy.
http://f1insight.madtv.me.uk/
Scrap that then Lukeh, your horribly wrong
Whatever happened to King Cone?
You raised my hopes then dashed them most triumphantly. Bravo, good sir!
It's a good blog but I cant read more than a few lines for the god-awful contrast in colours
Feed reader?
Well he talks with a strange americanish accent, he'd fit right in.
His post on Ferrari yesterday was excellent.
What's with the narrow column too?
Good point, hadn't thought of that but then you miss the comments
(Made in England)
:D
Oh yeah that reminds me - we had Chocolate Fudge Ben & Jerry's tonight ...)
You seriously think Toyota would not take Hamilton. Trulli would be walking in a second if the contracts allowed it. Toyota have said that they nearly pulled out at the end of this season and that they need to win a race this year. Putting the highest profile driver in the sport would help them greatly and they would find out how good their car really was.
Just a thought, I keep reading references to 'the spirit of the rules' with regards to uber double decker diffusers.
Isn't the spirit at the FIA that Ferrari always win?
Glock is Toyota's future. He is going to be a really good driver. Youtube has the GP2 race where Hamilton spun and ended about 20th. He fought all the way through the field to second and the only driver he didn't sail by was GLock who fought him hard for a while. The only reason Lewis didn't win that race was Glock. He is seriously under-rated.
Scan and print page 22 and leave the mag at home
Is it possible that the WMSC could revoke Lewis super licence?
I like his piece on Ferrari's troubled times: Quo Vadis, Ferrari?
Sadly, anything is possible with that lot but I'd say it's more likely that McLaren get the bigger punishment rather than Lewis
Just don't tell Stuart or you'll be on the receiving end of something unpleasant.
Brawn was never squeaky clean either. Even if he didn't know about things like the hidden launch control which I don't believe for a second he had access to the data. He could see that car was making impossible starts for one that was human controlled. People standing next to the track could see the difference between the Benetton and the Williams.
Fair use?
I thought they had already said Lewis would not face further action. The wording of the charges is aimed squarely at the team.
Kimi has a two year contract. It would cost $80 million to fire him
Look at my past posts - I certainly do not support Ferrari to the contrary I do not like the team much. Yes there is undoubted favouritism towards Ferrari by FIA but even more favouritism towards earning bucks, especially if Ferrari's public appeal wanes. I think the events you allude to are part of a past culture. I agree Schumacher's antics were inexcusable, so much so I gave up watching F1. Remember the Senna and Prost wars they also would not be tolerated today.
My point is that McLaren in less than two years have been inflicted with severe allegations that they initially denied. It is not a good time to under-perform and be accused of such activities and to change your stories which FIA is accusing them of this time and to disadvantage a competitor. This is serious stuff!
Sponsors might find it difficult to stand by a second time, there is always doubt the first time so give the team the benefit of the doubt. Personally I would not - it is my own opinion but I would use the convenient global economy as an excuse rather than citing these events - the economic climate today is very different to the end of 2007. Honda used it when in reality they chickened out of another season of humilitation. They did not have enough trust in Brawn to turn the team around and lost confidence in themselves. Honda is only the biggest producer of internal combustion engines in the world.
Brawn always managed to get the best result for his team. It wasn't always in the "spirit" of the rules, but mostly stayed within them - e.g. taking a drive through penalty on the last lap.
None of the teams are squeaky clean - but some teams have privilege and other are clever enough not to get caught!
That's a heck of a lot of icecream.
Not a chance. Look at the state of the economy. Teams need funding and Lewis is a magnet for sponsors. But he is not leaving McLaren and I can't see how Mercedes are either.
Am not so sure about that, but I bet they are kicking themselves lately
Good choice. :D
Good point.
Magnum F60, the most powerful extinguisher in the world - do ya feel lucky, punk?
Red Bull spends something like $2 billion a year in sports sponsorship. Lewis wouldn't register as a blip on the graph. Imagine the promotional value to Mateschitz of having the world champion in his car.
Yes but mud sticks
I could easily forgive the first lie but to have found out he did it a second time strikes me as being pre-meditated and therefore less likely to get the same sympathy vote
Porsche made way more money trading VW shares last year than they did on cars. The company looked more like a hedge fund than a motor manufacturer.
I did not say they {Toyota} did not want Lewis - they could probably not take him for political reasons after Oz.
We do agree that Timo is rather special as a driver (I am almost of the opinion in the same class as Nico and DeSeb).
Jarno needs to be fast more often!
That aside, I think they wouldn't do it if it sacrificed a development driver as they already have Der Seb...
Yet more ponderances:
Is Massa, Luke Skywalker to Smedley's Obi Wan Kenobi?
This is not the visor you are looking for? :D
The thing is, I don't believe any of this. I can't possibly see him leaving McLaren. Who will pay Lewis even half of what he making with McLaren? Not to make the guy seem money hungry, but it has to asked. The strange thing about this year is all the teams that are contenders (outside of Toyota of course) are the smaller budget teams in Red Bull, Williams, and Brawn. I don't think any one of those teams can afford him.
I personally think his best bet for now is to stay at McLaren. The team have shown in the past that they can improve a car in season plus I think he has way to much vested in the team. For either side, I think it is a bad deal for Lewis to leave McLaren.
True, but in terms of volume, the Pepper ramped up their production and they are hoping the Panacotta does the same again. Porsche are diversifying into non-Porsche and by buying into VW they can offset their carbon emissions...
Of course Martin Whitmarsh will survive the shareholders. Ron has spent 20 years grooming him as his successor. He is not going to fire him after 5 minutes and start again.
I thought it was a Magnum
You're skimming again aren't you? :D
Hi Jackie
LOL :D
I definitely can see Red Bull taking up Lewis were Anthony to offer him. Red Bull marketing would be abuzz. Vettel and Hamilton would be a dream team and I cannot see either driver objecting to the other as a team mate.
He's "Post Trawling" :-)
Max will inflict as much pain as Bernie allows. Given Bernie's comments about Hamilton at the weekend I would guess it will be a lot of bluster but not much of a real penalty.
:)
On the good ship Steven.
Are mein hosts busy this evening?
Am I the only person who likes white on black? I find it relaxes my eyes.
Dipping in and out, working behind the scenes, no doubt
too much contrast, hurts mine
It's like he's on satellite delay :-D
I love watching Fergie's face when Man U don't win. :)
I like it too, it does relax the eyes
LOL at Dial-a-Llama
:D
Oh its too easy to laugh, but haha
Anything is possible but that won't happen
Did she leave the Black Eyed Peas then?
Who is Fergie and why did the Man lose?
And thats why we should never talk football here
And is "Man, U don't win" text speak?
I'm just kidding ... I like Champions League and I'll be watching it tomorrow...
the soccer guys sure goaled a few scores tonight for manchester :D
I love watching Anthony's when Lewis doesn't win .. mieow
I'm not. She can't sing for toffee but if you turn the sound down...
:D
Mateschitz has plenty of money and I can imagine Branson putting his hand in his pocket too.
He gives it the full Darth doesn't he?
But Manchester didn't put as many balls in the bag as the other fellas.
I start at the begining and read all the way through.
:D Full Darth, I like that
You can always change the colours using the browser preferences - e.g. in Firefox you can set the colour of background and text to override what the web site wants it to be.
Excellent turn of phrase :D
We know!
Too much hassle, it's not user friendly
That is the pairing I would put in their too. Two young guys that are constantly smiling. Pure Red Bull.
heheh :)
But why is white on black worse than black on white?
Anthony will need the convincing; this may be a rational choice providing Macca can pick up their game and their sponsor/partners show solidarity with continued financial support. Do these meet emotional needs for building up trust though? Anthony is an aggrieved parent protecting the honour of his son.
Personally, I think in this particular case Lewis was caught between a rock and a hard place. He lied for the sake of the team, a decision he has regretted. Remember Lewis stood to only gain only one point but Macca stood to gain hugely over Toyota.
He is the manager and they drew with Porto
Safari on the Mac allows you to specify a style sheet (css) for all pages to suit your needs, which is a more complete solution provided you can write/find the appropriate style sheet.
I'd quite like it if Brwan GP had The Cure as title sponsors for just this year.
They'd all have to have back-combed hair, large British Knights trainers and poorly applied lipstick
[Am currently listening to Disintegratoion, what an album!]
:D
:D
Good point .. its also to do with the amount of free space without text. Here on SPC we have lots of free space which makes reading easier. Cram the text together, leave no blank space and couple that to high contrast makes it too difficult to bother with .. it's a shame but I just can't read it
For me, the white "bleeds" into the black and looks weird. I can read black on white much better. Grey on Black is OK too.
Text size is also a consideration, again this can be overridden using the appropriate controls.
Agreed with Mateschitz, really not sure if Branson will invest the millions people think he will unless he can recoup by brokering sponsorship deals so Virgin's money is not really spent.
Thing is with all these suggestions you need to be fairly web savvy .. I'm afraid I'm not
Don't you have a blog?
I wrote a comment on this yesterday so apologies for covering the same ground. All we know is Dave Ryan and Lewis went into a stewards meeting and both lied. We have only the official explanation for who said what, when. For all we know Lewis lied first and Ryan decided against correcting him so they wouldn't look shifty. Did Ryan hear the radio conversation or was he busy doing something at the time? We don't know
I am still amazed that the official story has been unanimously believed.
Which browser do you use?
I have a Maverick :D
Firefox
Ah, it's like that :)
What choice do we have if Lewis is to stay in F1?
You're not that bad then
I feel the need...
I do a lot of tables and stuff in the background, Mav is the whizz that does all the design etc
Is that a Top Gun reference?
Probably - can you really see the FIA being more lenient than last time? They will not destroy McLaren but make things mighty uncomfortable.
Put it this way, if there was no Maverick there would be no Pitlane Fanatic
OK, you need to go to Options and then the content tab. There you can set the default font and size. Under Advanced you can choose to untick the box that says "let the website decide which font to use" or something like that. You can also set a minimum font size.
Under Colour (back on the content tab) you can set the colours you want for text and background and also untick the box for allowing the site to choose the colours.
There seem to be some extensions that wil help too, but I've not investigated these.
And therefore no pitlane fanatic quiz. How could we live without the weekly pitlane fanatic quiz every wednesday at 2030BST held over at the chat section?
Just like the fair play Tsar they insisted that McLaren have.
They're the only team ever to have one of them forced upon then.
good night all...)
Night Gavin. :)
Or you could get Mav to fix it :D
Goodnight Gavin
Bye gavin
G'night Senor Goat
Thanks Andy :D
Ah well .. quizz is Jolly's job :D
Remember their [Dave and Lewis] account was convincing enough over Jarno/Toyota for the FIA to side with McLaren and punish Toyota. Macca fans will often say their team never gets support by FIA when lodging appeals. The alternative is the FIA accepted Macca's excuse knowing full well it was a lie only to use it against them. This is not a very parsimonious explanation using principles of Occam's Razor.
Personally, I think unlikely given he [Lewis] had just told Speed TV the correct information. Macca lodged the complaint and Martin fingered Dave for having done that in an interview I heard.
Not withstanding all of this I do feel really sorry for Dave Ryan. What chance has he of getting a job with another team - imagine applying for a post at Toyota F1?
clive's site doesn't do full post feeds either. he has the worst of all worlds.
nobody's thoughts are worth that much hassle.
Talented folk in F1 like him will find something, a little time needs to pass first
I think we've found a solution using Firefox settings. :)
It was appeasement to the fanaticaly Fernando-supporting fraternity. Fair no but political posturing.
No worries. Accessibility used to be part of my job. Its a pity that you can't turn it on and off for certain sites.
In an industry considered by many to be a luxury or frivolous activity in an economic depression and that is being asked to significantly cut its own costs by its governing body?
c'mon. if nigel stepney can find work...
Not to mention Piquet ;)
Heh, BATracer is showing just how much things have changed for sure now. Brawn, Toyota and Red Bull are all completely taken so far and yet Mclaren and Renault are empty and ferrari only have 1 driver at the moment with 12 people signed up.
Just goes to show how much things have changed :D
i hate to say it, but he's doing a better job than kovi right now :(
In finishing a lap yes, but Kovi gets to the grass a lot quicker! ;)
That was surprising - still I do not think it will be easy given the economic down turn.
If you want real sensation read this ...
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/formulaone/article-1168372/Dennis-dock-McLaren-charged.html
Putting the blame on Uncle Ron for the lying .... even I find this a bit far-fetched.
Why so hard on Junior Junior - he does his job well to make sure Fernando looks so supreme!
and more frequently it would appear. put it this way, if you had to put money on one of them going race distance in china, which one?
The Daily Mail again, I suppose if there was any newspaper to write about 'outrage,' then they'd be up there
I'll be quiet now :D
Kovy is also doing a good job to ensure Lewis looks supreme!
I'd put 1p on Kovi, either way I'm gonna lose out
no doubt this will change quickly, but right now i'd keep piquet in my team over fisi, nakajima and kovi.
right now he's making yuji ide look supreme.
Okay, now your pushing it.
Big ouch :)
Was he even there? I can't remember.
Well in Fantasy Racers Kovy still costs 2.1 million more than Fernando!
Didn't see him but Ron knows all
He should have spoken to the stewards, that would've confused 'em!
I just scanned a few more posts by the same guy. He is convinced Lewis is leaving and Whitmarsh is getting fired etc etc
By out qualifying him? Kovi is a far better driver than his reputation.
"The role played by Lewis Hamilton's former mentor Ron Dennis in the Formula One lying scandal is set to be examined by the FIA after McLaren were yesterday charged with bringing the sport into disrepute."
A little harsh i feel seeing as he wasn't even there....
Howdy all, it looks like i've got a serious amount of comment catching to do :)
Without naming the (usual) suspects, there are now rumours of Schuey going to Brawn (in some capacity) when his Ferrari advisor contract ends.
[Slaps forehead in a large, GMM-inspired sigh]
Maybe he's after a job with out least favourite syndicators?
It could happen, after all, he and Ross Brawn managed to win one or two races a few years ago. Unlikely though.
didn't he have an option to buy a part of the team over winter? bit of a comedown that would be.
Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog/2009/apr/07/lewis-hamilton-mclaren-frank-hadden
Yoda, is that you?
mmmm, Yoda it is, stolen from the muppet show he was
Harsh.
:)
fine, i takes it back. apologies kovi.
piquet is still doing better tho.
Am attempting a relatively early night (for me)
Let's hope tomorrow brings some non-McLaren news
G'night all
Kovi isn't useless, Piquet is.
I do feel sorry for him. We know he's a better driver than what we've seen, and he hasn't been that far behind Lewis this year...
night sir.
Night Bassano. :)
The article mentions WG Grace, who was well know for his gamesmanship. It is said he once declared an innings while the ball was in the air because he was about to be caught out and wanted to preserve his batting average.
It's this sort of activity that made Ferrari the team to beat in the Schumacher years.
Random question i know....but does anyone know of any free CFD packages??
Hey guys, back in Manila. I finished the article when I was still in KL, but I need the pics from my mom's camera before I can send everything over.
One or two or more... ;) That said, everyone loves a winner. :)
yes, he did have an option, but i think he, like most other f1 people, don't really want to spend their own money on the team. he'll probably just be in some consultancy role. that said, i wonder how rubens would feel about schumi coming over to brackley... ;)
thats one way to get Rubens out of his contract if necesary :D
hey ya. how was the travelling?
i can't imagine much worse after seeing the look on his face post race on sunday.
Local paper (they of at least one big Red Bull article a week in season, and usually one every few weeks out of) advertised for its annual trainee the other day... They want A levels though as a minimum. And you'd have to move....
KL-Manila was much better than Manila-KL. The former was 30 minutes early, the latter was 2 hours late. :O
We thought the same of Senna and McLaren - Senna left anyway. We thought the same of Schumacher and Benetton - Schumacher left anyway. You could even argue some thought of the same for Alonso and Renault - Alonso left anyway. Hamilton will leave the team sooner or later, and scandals like this just make it more likely to happen faster.
It's been such a strange day today, I can't believe it's gone midnight..
It's been strange for me, that's for sure. Why was it strange for you?
I've no idea... I can't remember what I did except for driving lesson, and ironically, that is something I don't want to remember!
One of those 'detached' days, eh?
didn't we warn you about that blowtorch?
It seems it. even the F1 news seemms to have gone straight through me
:D
It's great that I messed up my bay parking today and it reminded me of that cartoon.
curry?
:D
The F1.com race video for Oz is now up, just going to watch it!
i thought something felt a little strange about this evening... then i realised i hadn't had the doohickey open for a while... anything much been happening?
Hmmm... other than Schumi being rumored to move to Brawn, not much... ;)
Unless you haven't seen the announcement for the McLaren hearing yet for the 29th of April?
To quote david tennant...
what.
what?
what?!
:D
Lol
You sound like you need drink, cake, chocolate etc... and then probably sleep :-)
Well - "Lou missing from SPC shocker!" could be one way of putting it....
Is Journeyer serious about Schumi?!
Thats actually.. what?!
It's a RUMOUR. There's rumours all the time about lots of things.
Yep - Bassano mentioned it. Mind you, it came from Golly-Ms-Molly, but still, I think there's a real chance of it happening.
True, true - but if we had F1 bookies here, I'd bet on Schumi being in Brawn white by next season.
Has Lou vanished again? :-/
Ohh.. never mind then. My heart just stopped is all. :P
But rumorus are often scare me and fill me with a sense of scaredness :(
Fantasy Racers Update
Bargains
#1 One grumpy former world champion all yours for just 6.8 million. Fragile character that needs care to handle but has been KERs tested.
#2 Invest in a genuine Ferrari driver in our clearance sale. Choice of two, starting from 9.4. Both former world champions (although the one it lasted just a few seconds). Remember to budget for Magnum ice-creams. Both still need their KERs compliance certificates.
#3 This speedy former pole-sitter and GP winner can be yours for just 7.6 million. Needs lots of re-assurance (like being told it has number 1 status in the team) to derive optimal results. Avoid using with KERS.
#4 Current World champion - only slightly shop-spoiled needs some tender loving care to restore to former championship-winning glory - a bargain at 11.5 million (ps do not mix with item #1 but is compatible with KERs)
Fast Movers
#5 Get in quick before price sky-rockets on this classic British-sourced sensation - yours for just 13.4 million - price has more than doubled in the last fortnight and is still rising. Not yet KERs tested.
#6 Latin flair with only the occasional sulk, although well used is still surprising quick on the track and gives tank-proof performance guaranteeing good returns for only 10.3 million.
#7 Choice of two Teutonic thoroughbreds only recently released onto the F1 track. Prices start at a sensational 8.8 million. Be quick as prices are rising. Still need to be introduced to KERs.
#8 A third Teutonic thoroughbred with more race track experience. Has a loving loyal nature and is good for after-dinner talks, also just 8.8 million. Note has an appetite for carbon-fibre nose-cones.
#9 A very-well repaired BRUCE (slightly damaged last year) for an attractive 7.2 million. Just do not ask it to talk back to you! Afraid of KERS, bicycles and SUVs!
Interesting choices
#10 Like a cuddly, fury miniature Wookie-styled driver? Has an impressive pedigree of 30 consecutive race finishes and eight second places. Good value at only 7.3 million and fully KERS tested.
#11 Japanese racer with kamikaze-driving style. Knows no limits on the race track. Exchange rate has greatly devalued this driver to just 6.3 million.
#12 An Italian-styled classic racer. Usually makes sensational starts and resists all overtaking manoeuvres. Recent interest has pushed the price to 9.8 million.
If you are really poor
#13 Veteran Latin racer just 4.8 million.
#14 French flyer, recently imported back to Europe after much success on USA race tracks. Has a sensitive side than can bring some tears but has abundant Gallic charm (usually). A snip at 5.7 million.
#15 Swiss precision with youthful zest. Needs some track experience to mature. 6.2 million.
Crazy Mid-Month Sale
#16 Going for a song at just 4.5 million - can you believe it for this German-bred racer!
On order: Price depending
#17 A Finnish original that is compatible with other racers. Last listed price 8.9 million. Bargain-hunters might find this racer hugely reduced in the near future.
#18 Exotic South American-style racer. Likely to be soon extinct. For specialised tastes who can blow a cool 5.8 million.
Think of it as practice for the real thing if and when it happens. ;) I take it then that you don't want Schumi's grubby little hands anywhere near Brawn?
that will never ever ever ever happen. i will make sure of it.. plus if he was the one who made the call for ferrari to go to full wets during the race too early then i don't think there is any danger on him doing anything major there.... maybe he can make the tea? or change the light bulbs? :P
sorry it's been one of those days.
golly-ms-molly is... just... brilliant!!
I can't say I was ever a Schumi fan. Respected his achievementrs of course but no, I don';t want him in Brawn. If he gets into Brawn I will probably... write an angry post on Twitter. That'll show him.
Schumi and Ross hugging at Melbourne tells me that it CAN happen. ;)
Thanks Steven, you were stellar. I see it as cosmic realignement for having such a dandy 1st SPC Batracer championship :P
Haha! :)
Im joining you, do you happen to have the thinker characteristic?
You mean you'd angrily twit about it? :D
oi! that's my job.
Twit about it I would, angrily. grrr.
i assure you, it wont happen... i'll make sure of it :P
Hehe. Tremayning on Twitter, you mean? ;)
and how would you do that? :D
haha i thought that was just for SPC racing.... maybe he can polish the trophies? :D
I think it would actually be so vocally angry that computers around the world would be tremayning from the post.
i have my ways :P
Can I suggest pointing at him and going 'No.......... NO.' if you ever see him in person?
David sounded wonderful at Sepang, by the way. A shame he had to share the mic with the guy who'd PA in Malay. David only commentated on half the race or so.
hehe :D
Oh, do tell... :P
Hmm.
So...If I go to silverstone and hug Rubens... :P
(then get dragged away by security for getting over the barriers and getting into the complex without any authorisation and whatnot, then probably arrested, but everyone doesnt need to know that bit)
Then Rubens goes and wins the race, as he usually does when someone runs onto the track. :P
And so the puzzle is pieced together :)
Absolutely - what a horrible thought can't he go back to Karaoke and modelling clothes!
Rubbish at Karaoke, even more rubbish at picking what to wear. :P
Lukeh FTW! :D
But self-belief is a wonderful illusion!
Well, thats it. Lou's just warped my mind forever.
hahaha :D it's certainly a strange photograph.... but i suppose it puts to rest any rumours of Schumi going to Brawn.
O.o...
Why did I click it again...
i thought you would have learnt from the first time ;)
:D
Ewww... But it's an optical illusion, the angle is deceiving you... :P
I’m still more interested in what flavour ice cream Kimi was having. {Comment #510}
A milk chocolate Magnum, I think.
Is it possible that the WMSC could revoke Lewis super licence? {Comment #557}
The WMSC can't, but the part of the FIA that awards licences can revoke them without bothering with such niceties as a committee meeting. The fact that it hasn't revoked Hamilton's licence yet suggests that they won't. It is not as if his ability to compete on-track is at issue here...
What about Temptation Chocolate – rich milk chocolate ice cream enriched with sumptuous chocolate sauce and an abundance of white chocolate chunks and brownie pieces surrounded in a dark chocolate coating.
What about Temptation Chocolate – rich milk chocolate ice cream enriched with sumptuous chocolate sauce and an abundance of white chocolate chunks and brownie pieces surrounded in a dark chocolate coating. {Comment #767}
Sounds lovely. Kimi's ice-cream, however, was not that fancy, with the ice cream bit being the pale off-white of vanilla flavour and standard milk Magnumity.
We have all seen boats with little boats in the back. Looks like someone has come up with the environmentally friendly car version.
http://current.com/items/89951120/gm_and_segway_plan_electric_two_wheeler.htm
I have to agree with one of the comments on that site. "Ride a bike!"
You wonder why GM is going Bankrupt.
I checked the end-of-race BBC montage for Malaysia, then I realized something - they're using Radio 1 Live Lounge songs! They get great songs, but pay nothing for them. Nice move.
Welcome back. Looking forward to see what you have to say about the race.
A lot, apparently. It'll be a pretty long article... :)
No worries, should be worth it.
Christine, sending you the article and the pics now. I hope you have no issues with a RAR format?
I have written a post about McLaren and the Media
http://www.sofaf1.com/2009/04/media-and-mclaren.html
Which talks about many of the things that have been discussed here in the last few days.
I want to play BATracer and I have no idea how.
So I shall be a McLaren driver because their 2009 form can mirror the fact that I'll be useless at it for sure.
Just call me Kovalainen ;)
@ Journeyer - how was the F&B situation at the track ? that, especially the food part, is always an issue at the F1 races in Asia (and that included the otherwise great Singapore)
New daily post, apologies for lateness:
http://www.sidepodcast.com/2009/04/08/daily-8th-april-2009/
Thanks Journeyer. All received, will sort asap.
Hey Christine,
just checking here - but did you get my email with my mobile number in it for the sidepodscience meetup?
Yup.
Good stuff., cheers. Have we decided where to meet yet?
Last I saw we were talking about a McLaren in the basement.
@Alex
Personally I found the following quote from your article most pertinent to my own feelings.
"However I say that in Joe Public’s world this is worse than the spying scandal. Why? Because in the spying scandal it’s hard to tell exactly what was done, when it was done and why. It’s all nebulous.
This is like ramming another driver off the track. McLaren were effectively driving Trulli off of the track. And yet it is slightly worse than that. This isn’t a heat of the moment decision but rather a cold, calculating attempt to down an opponent."
OK ... I'll go for that too then :-)
The McLaren is near the resturant called Deep Blue and the Wellcome Wing on the ground floor at the back of the museum.
For some reason I had it in my mind that it was in the basement. Wrong yet again...
I discussed that in the article... ;) But Singapore was miles ahead compared to Sepang.
Great, thanks. ;)
"I discussed that in the article… But Singapore was miles ahead compared to Sepang."
OK, then nothing has changed in Sepang :-)
How nice to hear, then... :P
Fine in Chrome and Opera 10
That just leaves IE .. I'll go look
Fine in Safari.
Any my desktopdoohicky has started doing strange things again.
i think the server that delivers the style sheet might just be a little slow today.
Be careful, it'a slippery slope ;)
doesn't surprise me, it's no where near finished.