Anime Nation's F1 Thread

[loplop]

I know there are a few F1 fans around here, so since there is now a Sports sub-forum within Off Topic, We need a F1 thread.

Who would have thunk that Ferrari would have gone the first 3 rounds of the Championship without scoring a point? Not to mention that Braun GP would be leading the Team Championship race and Drivers points. It's looking like a long screwy season . . .

[Broand]

Speaking of F1, I was in melbourne recently and I managed to catch the GP as well as The Who concert.

It was pretty awesome.

[Grizzbob]

I know there are a few F1 fans around here, so since there is now a Sports sub-forum within Off Topic, We need a F1 thread.

Who would have thunk that Ferrari would have gone the first 3 rounds of the Championship without scoring a point? Not to mention that Braun GP would be leading the Team Championship race and Drivers points. It's looking like a long screwy season . . .

Have to agree, as much as I hate to admit it(being a Ferrari fan), I'm starting to believe that Kimi Raikonnen was right over the weekend when he said they already have no chance to win a championship now, they just have FAR too much catching up to do(not just to find speed, but to make the cars reliable). But at the same time, I'm really enjoying seeing Red Bull step up, both with the right driver(Vettel is really starting to look like the next big thing) & the car, amazing how well it's running without the "double decker" diffuser(the one that Brawn, Toyota & Williams snuck in under the radar & made every other team protest it) or the KERS device(which looks like more trouble than it's worth right now), they just made a darn good car. It'll make things interesting, as other teams try redesigning their cars to catch up & all the testing will be ontrack rather than in private testing. It's DEFINITELY been fun so far....:cool:

[Caster13]

Brawn is whooping ***. This is what happens when one of the people who put Ferrari back on top starts his own team. Looks like Ferrari's 9 years of Constructors championships is over.:crybaby:

I missed last race though. However when I found out that Vettel won I wasn't too surprised. He's and EXTREMELY good driver, but he just doesn't have the right car yet to allow him to achieve what he's truely capable of. But when he does he's gonna dominate.

[Grizzbob]

Brawn is whooping ***. This is what happens when one of the people who put Ferrari back on top starts his own team. Looks like Ferrari's 9 years of Constructors championships is over.:crybaby:

I missed last race though. However when I found out that Vettel won I wasn't too surprised. He's and EXTREMELY good driver, but he just doesn't have the right car yet to allow him to achieve what he's truely capable of. But when he does he's gonna dominate.

I'm starting to agree, but really with what we've seen so far, I'm thinking maybe he DOES have the car he needs. Remember, even Mark Webber has been turning excellent laps with it, & while he's decent, he's no contender. If Red Bull can incorporate the double decker diffuser without compromising what they already have going, I think that could be THE car to drive this season......:cool:

[loplop]

At this point I'm more interested in what happens at the FIA meeting on the 29th. Personally, I think McLaren should be suspended for the season after what transpired back at Melbourne. In addition, I really don't think that Hamilton is as "innocent" as he is acting in this situation. Considering other events over the past few seasons, McLaren needs to receive a stiff penalty for what seems to be a systematic set of problems with the team.

[HSaabedra]

At this point I'm more interested in what happens at the FIA meeting on the 29th. Personally, I think McLaren should be suspended for the season after what transpired back at Melbourne. In addition, I really don't think that Hamilton is as "innocent" as he is acting in this situation. Considering other events over the past few seasons, McLaren needs to receive a stiff penalty for what seems to be a systematic set of problems with the team.

It's cyclical thing. McLaren and Ferrari went through a similar spell in the 90's while Williams and Benetton were at their best. The only thing that'll come out of that meeting is another non-decision.

[HSaabedra]

I'm starting to agree, but really with what we've seen so far, I'm thinking maybe he DOES have the car he needs. Remember, even Mark Webber has been turning excellent laps with it, & while he's decent, he's no contender. If Red Bull can incorporate the double decker diffuser without compromising what they already have going, I think that could be THE car to drive this season......:cool:

Considering that testing is banned and the fact that car development won't kick into full force until Barcelona, I wouldn't be surprised to see the field start to catch up quickly.

[Caster13]

Check the Formula 1 website, Lola and Prodrive are looking to come back. There are three spots open for new teams, and there are ten teams trying to get in.

I hope Bruno Senna gets a spot on one of the new teams.

[Caster13]

Another race this weekend. I'm thinking it will be either Brawn or Red Bull.

[loplop]

I'm beginning to think that Braun GP is going to run away with this season after Bahrain. Catalunya is going to be interesting because of all the changes that will be occuring.

Of course tomorrow is D-Day for McLaren. I just hope that the FIA just doesn't just give McLaren a slap on the wrist . . .

[loplop]

The FIA’s World Motor Sport Council has handed McLaren a three race ban for bringing the sport into disrepute after they were found to have misled race stewards at March’s Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

The ban will be suspended, however, in light of the ‘open and honest way’ in which team principal Martin Whitmarsh addressed the Council on Wednesday, and will only be applied if further evidence emerges, or there is another breach of the International Sporting Code.

Accepting the decision, Whitmarsh commented: "I would like to thank the FIA World Motor Sport Council members for affording me the opportunity to answer their questions this morning. We are aware that we made serious mistakes in Australia and Malaysia, and I was therefore very glad to be able to apologise for those mistakes once again.

“I was also pleased to be able to assure the FIA World Motor Sport Council members that we had taken appropriate action with a view to ensuring that such mistakes do not occur again."

The full statement from the FIA:
At an extraordinary meeting of the World Motor Sport Council held in Paris on 29 April 2009, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes admitted five charges of breaching article 151c of the International Sporting Code relating to events at the Australian and Malaysian Grands Prix.

The following decision was taken:

“Having regard to the open and honest way in which McLaren Team Principal, Mr Martin Whitmarsh, addressed the WMSC and the change in culture which he made clear has taken place in his organisation, the WMSC decided to suspend the application of the penalty it deems appropriate.

“That penalty is a suspension of the team from three races of the FIA Formula One World Championship. This will only be applied if further facts emerge regarding the case or if, in the next 12 months, there is a further breach by the team of article 151c of the International Sporting Code.”

Personally the fact that it was suspended is bull. They knew what they were doing and should have to suffer the penalties. It should have been a ban for the rest of the season . . .

[Grizzbob]

Well, while I agree that suspending the punishment was ridiculous, I don't think I would've banned them for a whole season, 3 or 4 races would have been enough in my book. Would've made sure they'd have NO chance at winning a drivers or constructors title. But what's done is done, nothing we can do about it, so onward & upward(& I suspect that every Grand Prix from here on will get more & more competitive as more teams adapt to the diffuser ruling & develop their cars)....:cool:

[Caster13]

One of the guys at McLaren must be part of Mosely's "group".

[loplop]

This just reminds me why Max Mosley needs to go . . . .


F1: Sport “Can Survive” Without Ferrari

Mosley is not capitulating to Ferrari pressure (LAT photo) » More Photos
Formula One could live without the sport's most successful and longest-serving team, Max Mosley insists.

The FIA president's disquieting comments come after war threatened to break out between the Paris body and Maranello based Ferrari, enraged at the introduction of budget caps.

The furious Italian team has been making subtle noises about quitting F1 over the dispute, even though it issued a statement on Friday saying it wants to avoid "harmful" and "pointless controversy".

Ferrari, the only team to have contested every season of the modern world championship since 1950, is the sport's most evocative name whose absence would be an incalculable blow.

But "The sport could survive without Ferrari," Mosley told the Financial Times, although acknowledging the potential seriousness of the loss.

"It would be very, very sad to lose Ferrari. It is the Italian national team," said the Briton.

However, Mosley clearly believes that the stakes are too high to gamble the potential "collapse of F1" on the wishes of its most powerful team.

He also thinks Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo is simply misguided.

"I hope and think that when a team goes to its board and says, 'I want to go to war with the FIA, because I want to be able to spend 100m (pounds sterling) more than the FIA want me to spend', then the board will say, 'why can't you spend 40m if the other teams can do it?'"

Mosley also suggested that, even if Ferrari does go, his plan will safeguard the long-term participation of other car manufacturers.

"The message I'm getting from the board of two or three of the manufacturers is: 'if you can get it so that the cheque we write is not more than 25m (euro), you can consider this a pretty permanent arrangement'."

[Caster13]

If this happens there will be riots all over Italy. And an attempt on the Nazi bastard's head by one of the fans.

[Caster13]

Ok, it's official, Ferrari isn't gonna win this year. Unless a crash was to happen that took out both Brawn drivers and ended the teams season and/or either Massa or Kimi was to get knocked out for the season as well in the next race or something and Schumi was to take their place and proceed to beat the living crap out of everyone.

Anywho, next up: Monaco.

[Grizzbob]

Unfortunately, I'm beginning to agree, & I'm not sure that even Michael could do much better. Seems the real braintrust that made Ferrari's championships possible are the ones winning now(Ross Brawn, I mean). I do still think Schumacher's one of the best drivers ever, but the car still has to be strong, fast & reliable, & the team MUST make good decisions at the right time. I mean just look at the Spanish GP as a microcosm of their blunders, in Q1, they screwd up Kimi's set of tires(& they really DO match up tires at that level, it really does make a difference in the balance of a car) & then fail to correct it in time for him to make a final attempt at a good lap. Then during the race, when Massa is in EXCELLENT position, they bring him in early & then don't put enough fuel in his car, so he has to back off at the end just so he can finish the race(& lost 2 spots to Vettel & Alonso because he was running on fumes & couldn't push the car at all)?! UNFORGIVABLE!! And it's not like this is the first blunder of theirs, it's been happening since the season started. All that, as well as failing to be prepared for the "super diffuser" issue & messing with a KERS device that seems the LEAST reliable of all of them(I don't think they've had both cars finish yet this season), & it makes me think that the car would let Schuie down too(or the team would make some stupid decision during the race to ruin his chance to do his thing). It's no coincidence that Bran's team has started out like this, because HE was the real brains behind ALL of Shuie's championships, from Bennetton to Ferrari & the offseason gave him the time he needed to get his car & team setup the way he likes. F1 still IS a team effort, & right now the two best teams are Brawn & Red Bull(& I'm still amazed at how quick the Red Bull cars are despite NOT having KERS or the super diffuser, makes you wonder how much better they'll be once they've made some upgrades of their own)......:cool:

[Caster13]

Sebastien Vettel is the reason for their success. All he needed was the right car to show what he's made of, and now he has it. If Vettel was to drive for Brawn, he'd win the Driver's Championship no problem.

[Grizzbob]

You may be right, but keep in mind, Mark Webber actually outfoxed him with his own pace & pit strategy(really caught me by surprise, & Vettel couldn't catch him even after Massa gave up his position to Vettel). Definitely proves the Red Bull car is no fluke.....:cool:

[Caster13]

According to the F1 website, a major change for the 2010 season will be that refueling will be banned.

****.

What the hell happened to Formula 1 technology constantly evolving? Where's the innovation? And now the FIA has pushed the sport backwards even more. However that's not completely bad cause for the 2012 season they're going to reintroduce turbochargers. Back in the 80s they got those engines to run up to around 1400 HP, let's see what happens about 30 years of technology later.:)

[Grizzbob]

If the powers that be in F1 REMAIN there that long. Most of the teams right now are ROYALLY ticked & a new power struggle is underway, with Ferrari, Renault & Red Bull leading the way & vowing not to enter cars for next season. If enough others do the same, Ecclestone & Mosely won't have any teams to rule over & they'll either have to step down(which I think is what the teams are hoping they'll do) or run with the few teams that can't afford to leave(I think Williams is the only one commited right now). With things like the spending cap, some 2 tiered system that I still don't understand yet & other arbritray rule changes(not to mention some INSANE race scheduling), I think an executive shakeup is probably sorely needed.....:cool:

[HSaabedra]

If the powers that be in F1 REMAIN there that long. Most of the teams right now are ROYALLY ticked & a new power struggle is underway, with Ferrari, Renault & Red Bull leading the way & vowing not to enter cars for next season. If enough others do the same, Ecclestone & Mosely won't have any teams to rule over & they'll either have to step down(which I think is what the teams are hoping they'll do) or run with the few teams that can't afford to leave(I think Williams is the only one commited right now). With things like the spending cap, some 2 tiered system that I still don't understand yet & other arbritray rule changes(not to mention some INSANE race scheduling), I think an executive shakeup is probably sorely needed.....:cool:

I don't know if anyone here remembers the old two tier system that FISA/FOCA put in place in the 80's where the smaller teams that ran naturally aspirated engines ran under a completely different ruleset than the teams that ran factory backed turbo engines, which led to the farce of a "split championship".

Max is going to try and revive that same idea next year but add the idiocy of a spending cap. Personally I'd love to see Ferrari in the IRL in 2011 when the new rules go into effect.

[Caster13]

I read about that once somewhere. That might be a damn good idea.

Personally I'd love to see Ferrari in the IRL in 2011 when the new rules go into effect.

Actually they've entered the Indy 500 several times throughout their history, but they've never been able to win. This was when an F1 team could do that sort of thing, but they gave up on it and focused more on F1. I don't know much of anything about IRL though. Sadly American TV barely covers the IRL at all, and since the time of the races isn't on a set schedule I wouldn't be able to catch most of it, AND NASCAR is shown instead of the vast majority of the races.

Hey, maybe a bunch of the companies could start a new racing series instead of F1, without having to put up with a bunch of the crap rules. Like putting V10s or maybe even V12s in the cars and having a lot higher of a limit on RPMs and allowing refueling and tire changes during the safety car.

[HSaabedra]

Actually they've entered the Indy 500 several times throughout their history, but they've never been able to win. This was when an F1 team could do that sort of thing, but they gave up on it and focused more on F1. I don't know much of anything about IRL though. Sadly American TV barely covers the IRL at all, and since the time of the races isn't on a set schedule I wouldn't be able to catch most of it, AND NASCAR is shown instead of the vast majority of the races.

The IRL moved most of its schedule to Versus because ABC/ESPN kept forcing the League to pay for airtime outside of the Indy 500 and would not accommodate secondary and tertiary programming on ESPN much in the way that NASCAR has done with SPEED.

Hey, maybe a bunch of the companies could start a new racing series instead of F1, without having to put up with a bunch of the crap rules. Like putting V10s or maybe even V12s in the cars and having a lot higher of a limit on RPMs and allowing refueling and tire changes during the safety car.

If the IRL threw out the current rulebook, they wouldn't have to start a new series and sanctioning body, though they still have to conform to ACCUS certification and the World Motorsport Calendar.

If the above happened, the FIA would be forced to recognize the above series over what is now known as Formula 1, much as they did with CART in the 90's when Nigel Mansell, Emerson Fittipaldi, Alex Zanardi, and Jacques Villeneuve were driving and F1 teams were scrambling to sign those drivers with Juan Pablo Montoya stomping everyone here when Alex left.

There was a time in the 90's when Max and Bernie were really paranoid about the former CART because it was seen as a viable alternative to F1 and drew the best drivers away from it because there was no real way to get in F1 at the time as a new driver. Then "The Split" happened and you can see the results of it when you say you don't know much about the IRL, because up until 2008 there were two series: the Indy Racing League and the Champ Car World Series which caused a lot of people confusion and the TV coverage was abysmal.

When Nigel Mansell says his CART championship means more to him than the F1 World Drivers Championship, that means that F1 is lacking a true test of skill for the drivers, as CART used to race on every circuit type: Temporary street circuit, permanent terrain road course, speedway ovals like Phoenix, and super speedways like Michigan and California using cars that had bullet noses and made up to 1000+bhp before the pop-off valve kicked in to keep the turbos in check.

A current F1 car wouldn't last an hour at Long Beach or Houston without suspension damage, and they have poor aerodynamics running on ovals as evidenced by running at Indy.

I'm not saying the above would happen, much less with Tony George running the IRL right now but if FOTA was smart, they would be talking to Tony about joining the series as a group and joining Audi and Alfa Romeo along with Honda in order to restore the Indy 500, and by extension the series to its former stature. Since those manufacturers involved in the budget cap dispute hold up the US as their target market, they have no reason not to consider joining the IRL and expanding it to Europe.

[Caster13]

More news, if Max doesn't back down, bye bye Ferrari.

Max is now on the top of my list of people I want to kill.

Now that that is out of the way, I've never watched Versus before. What other racing do they have on there? I'm interested now.

EDIT: checked it. Just Indy. Although now I'll start paying more attention.

[Caster13]

Double post, sorry.

Give the members of FOTA more credit. They're probably looking into doing that right now with a huge break off possible at the moment. Most of those people have been in the sport a long time and know what they're doing. Just because there's no press release doesn't mean phone calls aren't being made. If Mosely doesn't give in, the IRL could be getting a lot of business calls very quickly and multiple meetings will be arranged.

Personally, now I hope there's a split, cause that means that the F1 teams would be coming to America and I can go and watch them several times throughout the year and NOT have to go out of the country.:D

[Nakey]

Onto more important things: Monaco

button
barachello
raikonen
massa
AMW
and i dont care after AMW :P

[Tom Servo]

lol running down the straight.

[Caster13]

lol running down the straight.

That was cool. I'll definitely remember this race. Another memorable one being the 2007 German Grand Prix when the track was soaked and due to the wrong tires everyone was sliding everywhere and flying off of the track at certain points in huge pileups. THAT was funny!:lol:

[loplop]

F1 Teams Firm On Rejecting Budget Cap

Some observers saw Friday as an easing of hostilities, but in truth dissident teams are no closer to accepting plans for budget capping in Formula One.

Stefano Domenicali, team boss of the sport's longest serving and most influential and important competitor Ferrari, clarified on Saturday that FOTA is "absolutely not" willing to accept Max Mosley's budget cap concept.

With the exception of suspended member Williams, all the existing F1 teams on Friday lodged entries for next year's world championship.

The FIA, however, will not automatically accept their paperwork, because the teams said the entries will only be valid if the proposed 2010 rules are torn up.Domenicali has reiterated the FOTA teams' position, despite their conditional entries to the 2010 championship. Some observers saw Friday as an easing of hostilities, but in truth dissident teams are no closer to accepting plans for budget capping in Formula One.

Stefano Domenicali, team boss of the sport's longest serving and most influential and important competitor Ferrari, clarified on Saturday that FOTA is "absolutely not" willing to accept Max Mosley's budget cap concept.

With the exception of suspended member Williams, all the existing F1 teams on Friday lodged entries for next year's world championship.

The FIA, however, will not automatically accept their paperwork, because the teams said the entries will only be valid if the proposed 2010 rules are torn up.

Domenicali clarified that the teams are demanding the 2009 rules next year "modified
as per FOTA's suggestions", and seemed to contradict reports that a budget cap of 100m euro will apply in 2010, before the FIA president's preferred 45m figure arrives in 2011.

The Italian said the teams should instead police their own budgets, while small teams are offered cost-saving measures like 6.5m customer engines and gearboxes.

One of the proposed new rules, meanwhile, is a limit on the number of new wings that can be introduced per season.

"There are many other points, but for the moment we prefer not to go into further detail, given we are in discussion with the FIA," Domenicali added.

[Nakey]

"suspended member williams"

wtf?

[loplop]

Williams was suspended from FOTA due already filling formal paperwork for the 2010 season. Basically, they broke ranks with the other FOTA members.

Williams statement on FOTA suspension

Date 2009-05-27

FOTA SUSPENDS WILLIAMSF1 FROM WORKING GROUP

Oxford, UK. 27 May, 2009. Following Monday's confirmation that the team has submitted its formal entry for the 2010 FIA Formula One World Championship, the Formula One Teams Association has today decided temporarily to suspend Williams F1 from membership of FOTA.

Frank Williams, Team Principal:

"FOTA's decision, although regrettable, is understandable. However, as a racing team and a company whose only business is Formula One, with obligations to our partners and our employees, submitting our entry to next year's Championship was unquestionable. In addition, we are legally obliged under our contract with FOM and the FIA to participate in the World Championship until the end of 2012."

[Tom Servo]

It's a shame Barrichello retired from the race after having fought so hard.

[Nakey]

GO AMW!!!!!

so for turkey

Button
AMW
i don't care after AMW :D

[loplop]

F1: New Entrants Just ‘Shell Companies’

I normally think of Flavio Briatore being full of it, but I have to agree with his statements during last week's press conference . . .

Flavio Briatore on Friday dismissed small teams vying for budget-capped spots on next year's formula one grid as "shell companies".

In Istanbul, the Renault boss as well as colleagues Stefano Domenicali (Ferrari) and Toyota's John Howett denied suggestions the teams' association FOTA is aggressively and selfishly trying to prevent newcomers from entering the sport.

But Briatore, in the mist of attempting to replace the departing title sponsor ING, expressed frustration that the political situation is being described as a "war" that could result in famous names quitting.

"It is not nice when somebody says that next year Renault will not be in formula one anymore, Toyota is not in formula one anymore and BMW is not in formula one anymore, and in the meantime we are trusting Mike Gascoyne, with all respect to Mike Gascoyne, and Mr Campos with all respect to Mr Campos.

"Yet this bunch of shell companies is putting in the entry. I think it is very destructive in a moment we are negotiating with sponsors, with supporters," Briatore said in a news conference.

The Italian's sensitivity about the damage being caused by the crisis was spelled out in his repeated insistence that the standoff with the FIA
is not a "war". He uttered the combative word no less than 13 times.

However, it seems increasingly clear that Max Mosley is not going to back down, bolstered by the healthy size of the 2010 entry list, even if the eight remaining FOTA teams do not eventually sign up.

But Briatore believes the sport's grandee names deserve more credit.

"We shouldn't forget an example like Brawn; without Mercedes, they would have no engine for this season. That's quite clear," he said.

"We (Renault) have been in formula one the last twenty years and Ferrari for sixty. There is nothing wrong with a new company if it is properly done. It looks like Brabham is just arriving and the family is fighting already. It is only a shell company," added Briatore.

He accuses Mosley of "panicking" after seeing Honda suddenly quit the sport amid the global economic recession. "It's not that urgent to find formula three teams to enjoy formula one," Briatore insisted.

"We're all here. Next year, if everything is normal, I think everybody will still be there."

[loplop]

F1: FOTA Confirms Breakaway Series

Statement issued by FOTA on behalf of BMW-Sauber, BrawnGP, Scuderia Ferrari, McLaren-Mercedes, Red Bull Racing, Renault, Scuderia Toro Rosso, Toyota.

FOTA announced that it will commence preparation for a new Championship which reflects the values of its participants and partners.

Since the formation of FOTA last September the teams have worked together and sought to engage the FIA and commercial rights holder, to develop and improve the sport.

Unprecedented worldwide financial turmoil has inevitably placed great challenges before the F1 community. FOTA is proud that it has achieved the most substantial measures to reduce costs in the history of our sport.

In particular the manufacturer teams have provided assistance to the independent teams, a number of which would probably not be in the sport today without the FOTA initiatives. The FOTA teams have further agreed upon a substantial voluntary cost reduction that provides a sustainable model for the future.

Following these efforts all the teams have confirmed to the FIA and the commercial rights holder that they are willing to commit until the end of 2012.

The FIA and the commercial rights holder have campaigned to divide FOTA.

The wishes of the majority of the teams are ignored. Furthermore, tens of millions of dollars have been withheld from many teams by the commercial rights holder, going back as far as 2006. Despite this and the uncompromising environment, FOTA has genuinely sought compromise.

It has become clear however, that the teams cannot continue to compromise on the fundamental values of the sport and have declined to alter their original conditional entries to the 2010 World Championship.

These teams therefore have no alternative other than to commence the preparation for a new Championship which reflects the values of its participants and partners. This series will have transparent governance, one set of regulations, encourage more entrants and listen to the wishes of the fans, including offering lower prices for spectators worldwide, partners and other important stakeholders.

The major drivers, stars, brands, sponsors, promoters and companies historically associated with the highest level of motorsport will all feature in this new series.


Italy's La Stampa newspaper observes: "Mr Mosley risks passing into history as the man who destroyed Formula One." . . . . Quoted For Truth . . . .

[Caster13]

Good. Every F1 fan has had enough of this bull****.

There better be a US Grand Prix after everything is organized. The question is, will the new series be shown on TV in the US?:huh:

[loplop]

Good. Every F1 fan has had enough of this bull****.

There better be a US Grand Prix after everything is organized. The question is, will the new series be shown on TV in the US?:huh:

Good Question. I remember seeing something about a possible race at Watkins Glen. (I'd perfer Indy since I'm 3 hours away)
I'll look for the page again during lunch and post it.

As far as US TV? I guess we will have to wait and see what happens. I could see a race at Silverstone considering what Bernie did to them last year.

[Caster13]

Cars will DEFINITELY be designed differently. Like I said a while back, because they won't be under the FIA, we could see things like the return of underbody ground effects, V10s or V12s, maybe turbos, and much higher performance.

And even though it will be a separate series, I hope that Vettel gets signed onto Ferrari when the time comes for new drivers. He's damn good and easily has a shot at greatness.

[HSaabedra]

Good Question. I remember seeing something about a possible race at Watkins Glen. (I'd perfer Indy since I'm 3 hours away)
I'll look for the page again during lunch and post it.

As far as US TV? I guess we will have to wait and see what happens. I could see a race at Silverstone considering what Bernie did to them last year.

Since FOTA is retaining Dorna (commercial rights holder for MotoGP) for assistance on the new series it'll be easier to convince track operators, sponsors, and promoters at many tracks to align with FOTA.

They aren't going it totally alone as has been speculated, but this does have shades of CART/USAC in the 70's (or CART/IRL in the 90's) depending on your perspective.

The bottom line is, unless the two series can find enough to differentiate themselves and not attempt to lay claim to the definitive Championship, it might work out.

[Caster13]

The bottom line is, unless the two series can find enough to differentiate themselves and not attempt to lay claim to the definitive Championship, it might work out.

Once the stands are empty for a race or two during next season, they will cooperate fully.

[HSaabedra]

Once the stands are empty for a race or two during next season, they will cooperate fully.

The IRL was playing to empty seats for 7 years before it started growing in 2001. They'll pull from the playbook and give tickets away to save face if it comes to that.

[Caster13]

The IRL was playing to empty seats for 7 years before it started growing in 2001. They'll pull from the playbook and give tickets away to save face if it comes to that.

Which is why Spec series and spec rules = FAIL.

They're doing it to almost every racing category now. It's like a horse race where everyone has the same exact horse.

[HSaabedra]

Which is why Spec series and spec rules = FAIL.

They're doing it to almost every racing category now. It's like a horse race where everyone has the same exact horse.

They aren't, so the IRL=spec racing doesn't apply. On the other hand Champ Car was a spec series in 2007 with a single chassis and engine with strict control parts.

F1 wants to mandate budget caps, which is not the same as going spec. FOTA wants more control over TV and sponsor revenue while involving the fans and going back to more conventional rules.

I'm eagerly awaiting more details on the series and the new commercial entity that will be setup, but I'm going to treat this as the European version of the CART/USAC split for the time being.

[Caster13]

They aren't, so the IRL=spec racing doesn't apply. On the other hand Champ Car was a spec series in 2007 with a single chassis and engine with strict control parts.

F1 wants to mandate budget caps, which is not the same as going spec. FOTA wants more control over TV and sponsor revenue while involving the fans and going back to more conventional rules.

I'm eagerly awaiting more details on the series and the new commercial entity that will be setup, but I'm going to treat this as the European version of the CART/USAC split for the time being.

Thankfully there won't be another Tony George, because the teams won't tolerate that either.

[Nakey]

British F1
Vettel
AMW
don't care about the rest

*is quite happy listing only 2 drivers, would rather only list one...*

[Tom Servo]

Hopefully this breakaway thing will give the FIA the wake up call it needs and both sides will listen to each other to reach an agreement instead of being childish like they are now.

There better be a US Grand Prix after everything is organized.
Do not want.

[loplop]

Do not want.

As long as Ferrari is involved, there will be a US Grand Prix. There have been several statements about they cannot continue to tolerate not having one in their biggest market over the past few years.

I'm also hoping that the British Driver's Club thumbs their nose and pushes for a British race in the FOTA (until a official name comes) series at Silverstone. I could also see a return to Canada at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve . . .

[Caster13]

As long as Ferrari is involved, there will be a US Grand Prix. There have been several statements about they cannot continue to tolerate not having one in their biggest market over the past few years.

I'm also hoping that the British Driver's Club thumbs their nose and pushes for a British race in the FOTA (until a official name comes) series at Silverstone. I could also see a return to Canada at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve . . .

Even though the following of F1 isn't big in the US, if there is a Grand Prix then people will do everything they can to see it. I'd drop everything I would have previously planned to see it. It can take over 10 years for one to pop up here, so nobody is gonna pass it up.

@ Tom Servo, why not? There are several new tracks built within the past few years that are in the proper condition to have one. It's not like it's gonna be another Phoenix, Las Vegas, the one in Texas or the conditions at Indianapolis. Some of these new tracks were built with the purpose of being able to host a F1 race.

[Grizzbob]

True, VIR(Virginia International Raceway) is one of the newer tracks that looks very nice from what I've seen, & I think it'd be pretty easy to get some of the older tracks up to spec(I for one would LOVE to see those cars at speed going through Laguna Seca's Corkscrew, I think it'd be an EXCELLENT track to have a USGP). And about the breakaway series, they can certainly get some good tracks quite easily, I think most good US tracks would jump at the chance, plus Circuit Gille Villeneuve in Canada, Silverstone in England, & the folks at Monoco have already said that without Ferrari there will be NO Monoco Grand Prix(so FOTA would have an IDEAL opportunity to get the crown jewel of Grand Prix, I'm sure if Ferrari asks, they'll agree to it). Granted, that's only 3 locations, but it's a POWERFUL start, & I'm sure they could build a good schedule with that as a base. Bernie & Max have always depended on the teams giving in to their whims, that it's all they expect now, but they need to get a little dose of reality, & it sounds like the teams have finally had enough.......:cool:

[Caster13]

4 actually. There is no way in hell that Ferrari would go without a race at Monza. If they didn't then there would be a riot somewhere. Italian Ferrari fans are hardcore.

The 2010 F1 race there will be a disaster, cause nobody will be there.

They could also go backwards to former locations that haven't had a race in years but would gladly have another one. Like South Africa or Mexico, and Mexico wants one really badly.

[Tom Servo]

An agreement has been reached between Formula 1's governing body and the teams to prevent a breakaway series (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8116756.stm).

Thought there might have been a standoff lasting a couple of months before Max stood down, but all this didn't even last a week.

[Caster13]

Well at least Max isn't going to be in charge anymore. Even if he turned around and did try to run for reelection, he would lose. Miserably.

But I still want a US Grand Prix.<_<

[loplop]

Goodbye Max, Don't let the door hit you in the ***. . . .

[loplop]

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot . . .

Ecclestone ripped for Hitler remarks
Comment Email Print Share
Associated Press

LONDON -- Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone faced criticism from politicians and Jewish groups Saturday after being quoted as saying that Adolf Hitler "got things done."

In an interview with London's The Times newspaper, Ecclestone expressed a preference for "strong leaders," citing former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher and Max Mosley, outgoing head of Formula One's governing body, as examples.

He was quoted as saying that democracy "hasn't done a lot of good for many countries -- including this one."

"In a lot of ways, terrible to say this I suppose, but apart from the fact that Hitler got taken away and persuaded to do things that I have no idea whether he wanted to do or not, he was in the way that he could command a lot of people, able to get things done," Ecclestone was quoted as saying.

"In the end he got lost, so he wasn't a very good dictator."

Ecclestone also said the West had been wrong to depose Iraq's Saddam Hussein, saying: "He was the only one who could control that country."

The Board of Deputies of British Jews told The Times that Ecclestone's views were "quite bizarre," and Jewish Chronicle editor Stephen Pollard said he was "either an idiot or morally repulsive." Labour Party lawmaker Denis MacShane told the newspaper that the remarks revealed ignorance of history and "a complete lack of judgment."

Calls to Ecclestone's London office were not immediately returned Saturday.

Ecclestone, who owns F1's commercial rights, is no stranger to controversial remarks. He once said women should dress in white "like all other domestic appliances."

In The Times interview, Ecclestone said that had been a joke, adding: "I would love to have a good lady race driver and preferably black and Jewish, too, but they might take maternity leave."

http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/racing/f1/news/story?id=4305770


F1: Hitler Remarks Touch Off Fire Storm
Written by: SPEED Staff
SPEEDtv.com
07/04/2009 - 10:47 AM
Charlotte, NC

Formula One chief executive Bernie Ecclestone has become a target of condemnation by criticizing democracy and defending Adolf Hitler and Saddam Hussein.
In a highly controversial and bizarre interview with Britain's Times newspaper, Bernie Ecclestone said democracy "hasn't done a lot of good for many countries"

In an interview with Britain's Times newspaper, Ecclestone was quoted as saying democracy “hasn't done a lot of good for many countries.” And then added:

"Terrible to say this I suppose, but apart from the fact that Hitler got taken away and persuaded to do things that I have no idea whether he wanted to do or not, he was in the way that he could command a lot of people able to get things done."

The 78-year-old Ecclestone also slammed Britain's decision to support the US in overthrowing Iraq's Hussein because "he was the only one who could control that country".

As for the Taliban in Afghanistan, "it was the same".

FIA president Max Mosley was enraged at the recent suggestion he is a dictator, but Ecclestone said being decisive is a positive trait.

"I like people who make up their minds. If you have to keep referring to your grandmother before you do anything I think that's dumb. I make decisions, sometimes wrong, sometimes right -- so long as you get more things right than wrong then that's ok," he said.

Ecclestone defended Mosley's alleged fondness for sadomasochistic sex with prostitutes because "people can do what they like", and actually thinks the son of famous fascist Sir Oswald Mosley "would do a super job" as British prime minister.

He also joked that women wouldn't make good racecar drivers because "they might take maternity leave", and that people on unemployment benefits are "scroungers". Ecclestone said he also believes former British PM Tony Blair "probably told a lot of lies"

The Hitler remarks enraged numerous Jewish groups and British politicians.

Stephen Pollard, Editor of the Jewish Chronicle, said: “Mr. Ecclestone is either an idiot or morally repulsive. Either he has no idea how stupid and offensive his views are or he does and deserves to be held in contempt by all decent people.”

"These are extraordinary views,” Conservative British politician John Whittingdale who is the government’s chairman of the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee said. “I'm appalled that anybody could hold them."

http://formula-one.speedtv.com/article/f1-hitler-remarks-touch-off-fire-storm/

[Caster13]

Ok, I'm pretty sure that FOTA will be breaking away very soon now.

[Caster13]

Double post.

Just found out something interesting. Tony George is no longer head of IndyCar. Maybe things will change earlier now?

[loplop]

Toyota to stop hosting F1 at Fuji

Toyota Motor Corp. subsidiary Fuji International Speedway Co. said Tuesday it will stop hosting the annual Formula One Japanese Grand Prix car race.

The step comes amid Toyota's continued cost-cutting after it slipped deep into the red for the business year that ended in March. It is expecting a group operating loss of ¥850 billion and a net loss ¥550 billion this business year for its second straight year of red ink.

The automaker said it will continue to participate in Formula One racing.

Toyota bought out Fuji International Speedway, located in Shizuoka Prefecture, in November 2000 and hosted the grand prix there in 2007 and 2008. The auto giant has spent more than ¥20 billion to renovate the race course.

"It is (with) heartrending grief that we are forced to make such a decision only three years after we announced in March 2006 the start of the Formula One Japanese Grand Prix," Fuji International Speedway President Hiroaki Kato told reporters in Tokyo.

The Suzuka circuit in Mie Prefecture, run by a subsidiary of Honda Motor Co., is the venue for this year's Japanese grand prix, while Fuji was scheduled to hold the race in 2010. Honda said this year's race is still on as well as the one in 2011. Nothing beyond that has been decided.

In December, Honda announced it was quitting Formula One racing to focus on its core business of making and selling cars. It also is pulling its motorcycle team out of the Suzuka 8 Hours World Endurance Championship Race.

http://search.japantimes.co.jp/mail/nb20090708a1.html

[Caster13]

The economy strikes again.

I'm not upset about this though. Suzuka has a long history with Formula 1, so I'm glad I'll be seeing races there again.

[loplop]

Either course is good to be honest. I just ran across the story when I was reading the Japan Times last night on-line.

[HSaabedra]

Either course is good to be honest. I just ran across the story when I was reading the Japan Times last night on-line.

Fuji was massacred by Tilke. How is that a good thing? :) In contrast Suzuka is more of a driver's circuit with 130R separating the rookies from the veterans.

[Caster13]

Well it's official, after the stunt just pulled by the FIA saying that FOTA isn't officially in the championship for 2010, FOTA has told the FIA to go screw themselves and a new series will be started. And they're not reconsidering.

Glad that's over.<_<

[Nakey]

I've waited years to say this....

German GP results
AMW
don't care about the rest

[Caster13]

****!

The race wasn't shown on TV! WHAT THE HELL!?!?

EDIT: Dammit and it looks like it was an awesome race too!:crybaby:

[loplop]

****!

The race wasn't shown on TV! WHAT THE HELL!?!?

EDIT: Dammit and it looks like it was an awesome race too!:crybaby:

The race will air this afternoon if you're in the States on Fox. I would have much rather seen it live on Speed . . .

[Caster13]

Speed can go **** themselves. All they do is show car building shows and NASCAR.

EDIT: Sorry, little rant there.-_-;

[loplop]

Actually Speed is owned by News Corp (Fox). All the NASCAR programming is a byproduct of Fox's licensing agreements with NASCAR, which I agree stinks. I wish they would at least bring back WRC and get rid of **** like Wrecked . . .

[Caster13]

NASCAR only got big because when The Split happened with CART it left a wide open gap for it to move right in. And now open wheel racing in America is basically dead forever because there's basically no chance of recovery.

Well at least Tony George isn't in charge anymore so maybe turbos will come back sooner and everything won't have to be one chassis manufacturer. But I have no idea how there could be a comeback.

Regardless, I'm going to go to Long Beach next year for ALMS and Indycar.

[loplop]

Another twist to the story . . .

Ecclestone Backs Breakaway With GP1 Series

Bernie Ecclestone at the Nurburgring on July 11, 2009, has filed trademark applications that indicate he is ready to back the breakaway plans. Bernie Ecclestone has filed trademark applications that indicate he is ready to back the breakaway plans.

Britain's Sunday Express newspaper reveals he, through one of his companies Epsilon Ltd, applied for ownership of the words 'Formula Grand Prix' and 'Formula GP' on June 19.

June 19 was the day on which FOTA originally launched its intention to break away from the official F1 series.

On the same date, Ecclestone also lodged applications to protect 'GP1' and 'GP1 Series' logos, which can be previewed by doing a public search at the European trademark consultation service website.

Also trademarked by Epsilon recently were logos for a junior series called GP3, meaning that if FOTA was to turn to Ecclestone for help with its breakaway, it could operate with GP1, GP2 - the existing F1 support category - and GP3 under a uniform umbrella.

The potential involvement not only of the eight FOTA teams but also Ecclestone and F1's commercial owners would pile enormous pressure on FIA president Max Mosley to back down.

The next crucial date in the political saga is Wednesday, when FOTA could be ready to sign off its Cost Regulation contract and all parties enact a new Concorde Agreement.

Only minor disagreements are presently holding back full agreement on the proposed technical regulations.

If the FIA further dithers, it is on Wednesday that FOTA is warning it will press ahead definitively with its breakaway.

Ecclestone told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport: "Next week we will have peace in Formula One. We will all agree and there will only be one series."

http://formula-one.speedtv.com/article/f1-ecclestone-backs-breakaway-with-gp1-series/

[Nakey]

****!

The race wasn't shown on TV! WHAT THE HELL!?!?

Yes it was, and live too, on free to air digital broadcast, with delayed coverage on free to air analog broadcast.

You just don't live in Australia =3

EDIT: Dammit and it looks like it was an awesome race too!:crybaby:

winning after a drive through penalty, who else has done that?

[Caster13]

There should be a way to watch it on the internet live then. Does F1 do that?

[Nakey]

There should be a way to watch it on the internet live then. Does F1 do that?

sure, if you live in europe, or find a europe proxy... don't ask me how cause i don't know. i have it on free to air :)

[loplop]

I know it's streamed by Vodophone & Virgin on 3G, but I've never found a way to access it because of my US IP

[Nakey]

I know it's streamed by Vodophone & Virgin on 3G, but I've never found a way to access it because of my US IP

you'll need to find a euro proxy. that's how the OCAU motorsport guys (the ones without OneHD, or those who hate Rusty) do it

[Caster13]

HOLY F***ING F***!!!

http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/racing/f1/news/story?id=4355374

Oh **** I hope he makes it!

[loplop]

Damn, I didn't get to watch qualifying today. That is some serious stuff with possible major ramifications for both Ferrari and Braun Racing. And this comes less than a week after John Surtees' son was killed in a F2 race after being hit in the head by a tire and crashing into a track barrier . . .

[Caster13]

Damn, I didn't get to watch qualifying today. That is some serious stuff with possible major ramifications for both Ferrari and Braun Racing. And this comes less than a week after John Surtees' son was killed in a F2 race after being hit in the head by a tire and crashing into a track barrier . . .

It's 1994 all over again.

If Massa lives his career might be over from brain damage.

[loplop]

Renault suspended from European Grand Prix

The Renault crawls back to the pits on three wheels, and Alonso eventually retires Drama for Alonso as the right-front wheel of his car falls off following the stop.

Renault will miss the next round of the championship for allowing Fernando Alonso to leave the pits with a wheel not properly secured during Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix.

A mistake attaching the front-right wheel at Alonso's first stop led to it coming loose from the car once the Spaniard had returned the track. He limped back to the pits but was subsequently forced to retire due to resulting damage.

Budapest stewards decided Renault had been negligent in failing to secure the wheel, in knowingly letting Alonso leave the pits with the problem, and in failing to inform their driver of the issue.

Renault are to appeal the decision. Should that appeal fail it means Alonso and team mate Nelson Piquet will not participate in the European Grand Prix on August 21-23.

On a better note . . .

Positive scan outcome for Massa

Felipe Massa (BRA) Ferrari. Formula One World Championship, Rd 10, Hungarian Grand Prix, Practice Day, Budapest, Hungary, Friday, 24 July 2009 The Ferrari F2009 of Felipe Massa (BRA) Ferrari after his heavy qualifying crash. Formula One World Championship, Rd 10, Hungarian Grand Prix, Qualifying Day, Budapest, Hungary, Saturday, 25 July 2009

Ferrari have described as ‘positive’ the outcome of a CT scan carried out on injured driver Felipe Massa on Sunday morning. Massa was awake for some time and has now been returned to an induced coma to aid his recovery.

Massa sustained concussion and a fractured skull during his high-speed qualifying crash at the Hungaroring on Saturday, when he was struck on the helmet by a damper spring from the Brawn car of Rubens Barrichello.

After undergoing emergency surgery in Budapest’s AEK Hospital, Massa was kept under observation in intensive care overnight, suffering no complications. The Brazilian remains in a stable condition and is expected to spend at least the next two to three days under close medical supervision.

He was visited by Barrichello and by FOM CEO Bernie Ecclestone on Saturday evening, before several members of his family, including his wife, flew in from Brazil to be by his bedside on Sunday. Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo will travel to Budapest on Monday.

At least for the Tifoso, Raikkonen did finish second in today's race . . .

[Caster13]

And I missed it. ****.

Glad he's okay. Hopefully there won't be any more accidents this year, or for a very long time.*knocks on wooden desk repeatedly*

[f2akid]

What do you guys make of Schumacher's return?

[HSaabedra]

What do you guys make of Schumacher's return?

He'll pull a Mika Salo and stomp the field.

[loplop]

PARIS — Formula One has produced more than its fair share of shocks already this season but Wednesday's announced comeback by Michael Schumacher surely takes top billing.

The German F1 legend, who will fill in for injured Felipe Massa until the Brazilian is fit enough to return, retired in 2006 as a multiple drivers' world champion.

A man of achievements and unequalled statistical records, he was dogged by controversy fuelled by his most unforgiving critics.

Schumacher was 37 when he hung up his racing helmet having competed in 250 Formula One Grands Prix, 180 of them for Ferrari.

He won 90 races, 71 for Ferrari, took 68 pole positions, 58 for Ferrari, and set 75 fastest laps on his way to seven drivers' world titles, including five for the scarlet scuderia.

He retired having just fallen short of Italian Ricardo Patrese's record of lining up in 256 races.

The man from the flatlands of Kerpen in northern Germany was a Teutonic machine, a human delivery system of speed and points and glory in a sport unused to such high standards of regularity, human reliability and sheer professionalism.

Nobody trained like Schumacher. Nobody was as fit as Schumacher. Nobody raced as hard as Schumacher. Nobody won like Schumacher. Nobody worked on and on and on like he did.

Tributes poured in after he had announced his intention to retire at the season's end.

Some were warm and loving, some were barbed and tinged with envy and some reflected a failure to understand that Formula One was bringing down the curtain on the greatest and most complete driver ever to have raced in a Grand Prix.

Among his critics were 1997 champion Canadian Jacques Villeneuve who claimed he was a flawed champion, a man whose records did not justify a reputation of being the greatest of all time.

Too many controversial incidents punctuated his time at the top, too many accidents, incidents and allegations of wrong-doing, including rumors that in 1994 and 1995 when he won his first titles with Benetton, that the team had an unfair advantage.

His critics talked of his questionable racing ethics, but his admirers spoke only of his virtuoso racing. As a result, his legacy was one of magnificent achievements but with a reputation that divided the paddock.

Purists argue that he should not be included in the pantheon of greatest racing drivers alongside Juan Manuel Fangio of Argentina, Scotland's Jim Clark or Englishman Stirling Moss, widely described as the greatest driver never to win the championship.

But the records speak for themselves and Schumacher will be remembered for his competitive instincts, his professionalism, his fitness and his relentless run of successes in the era that followed the 1994 death of Brazilian Ayrton Senna who was, arguably, the man who introduced bruising and aggressive tactics to the tracks of Formula One.

Schumacher's catalogue of alleged misdemeanors included a collision in Adelaide at the 1994 Australian Grand Prix where Briton Hill was forced to retire and so Schumacher lifted his first title, another in 1997 when he collided deliberately with Villeneuve, but lost out and not only failed to win the title, but was punished for it too by the sport's ruling body.

He was also accused of cheating early in 2006 when he left his car on the fast line ahead of Fernando Alonso's Renault in qualifying for the Monaco Grand Prix.

In short, Schumacher, though gifted with speed and other sporting attributes, was considered a bad loser but one who had mellowed in his later years.

A family man, he had little to do with the so-called glamor of the sport apart from being one of the drivers' leading spokesmen on safety and playing for their football team.

A great driver, a great competitor then for whom the lure of a return to competition ensures an explosive second half of the 2009 season.

Little did those thousands of red-bedecked tifosi fans standing on the asphalt of Monza to cheer him to the end after his 90th victory in 2006 think they'd have another chance to see their man on the grid again.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gt3MthhfrVhhtpGv_Z8mxodXt1Ug

I haven't been this excited about something since the last Akiko doujin hit C74 . . . . ^_^

My tifoso heart is running rampant . . . .

[Caster13]

This is going to be a ****ing holocaust.

Also now we'll be able to see how well Hamilton stacks up against him. Either way, this is gonna be epic.

The Italian tifosi are undoubtedly going ballistic.

[f2akid]

:( at Schumacher pulling out. In the end it was too much to wish for... A legend regardless.

[loplop]

Yeah, I rather sad about it. ESPN's story . . .

BERLIN -- Michael Schumacher called off his much-anticipated Formula One comeback because of lingering neck injuries stemming from a motorcycling crash this year.

The seven-time world champion was to fill in for injured Ferrari driver Felipe Massa, and hoped to return at this month's European Grand Prix in Valencia, Spain.

Ferrari announced Tuesday that test driver Luca Badoer will race in Massa's place.

Schumacher said on his Web site he informed top Ferrari officials on Monday evening that "unfortunately I'm not able to step in for Felipe."

The 40-year-old Schumacher retired at the end of the 2006 season. Since then, he has raced occasionally in a motorcycling series, and was injured in a crash in February.

"The consequences of the injuries caused by the bike accident in February, fractures in the area of head and neck, unfortunately have turned out to be still too severe," Schumacher said. "That is why my neck cannot stand the extreme stresses caused by Formula One yet.

"I really tried everything to make that temporary comeback possible. However, much to my regret it didn't work out."

The neck pain arose after testing an old Ferrari at the Mugello circuit in Italy, said the German star, who won 91 races in 250 starts in a 15-year career.

"I am disappointed to the core. I am awfully sorry for the guys of Ferrari and for all the fans which crossed fingers for me," Schumacher said. "All I can do now is to keep my fingers crossed for the whole team for the coming races."

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo thanked Schumacher for his loyalty to the team in attempting an F1 comeback.

"No doubt his return would have been good for Formula One and I am sure it would have seen him fighting for wins again," Montezemolo said. "In the name of Ferrari and all the fans, I wish to thank him for the strong attachment he displayed for the team in these circumstances."

Schumacher's manager, Willi Weber, said the crash in February was "the most serious accident that Michael had in his motorsports career."

"Michael was totally fit, that would not have been a problem," he said. "But after the first test laps, there were no improvements in the area of the neck muscles."

German chancellor Angela Merkel also voiced regret that Schumacher could not make his comeback, saying that it is "a shame for him."

But she added in an interview with RTL television that "I find it right that he is not taking any unnecessary risks."

Badoer, a 38-year-old Italian, was first floated by Italian media as a replacement candidate after Massa's crash last month took him off the race circuit.

Badoer said on Ferrari's Web site he had mixed feelings about his chance to drive in an F1 race.

"Since I've been a child I always wanted to race for Ferrari and now I've got the possibility to make this desire come true," he said. "I'm really sorry for Michael, because I know how much he wanted to return. I'm saying that as his friend and his fan."

Montezemolo said Ferrari decided to give Badoer "the chance to race for the Scuderia after he has put in so many years of hard work as a test driver."

The 28-year-old Massa underwent surgery on multiple skull fractures after he was hit in the helmet by a loose part from another car and crashed into a protective tire barrier during qualifying for Ferrari at the Hungarian Grand Prix last month.

[Caster13]

****. This sucks.

I was thinking they might get Marc Gene to drive, especially after he won Le Mans. I wish Ferrari still made Le Mans cars, for the higher classes like LMP1 and not just GT2 cars, so they could win the 24 Hours outright.

[loplop]

Well, At least F1 returns to SpeedTV with the next race for the rest of the season.

[Tom Servo]

What happened to Trulli? :(

Nice circuit and interesting race today.

[Caster13]

I missed this race. Damn time difference makes me have to get up at 5:00 AM, and I slept right through it. And stupid SPEED TV/ NASCAR Channel isn't going to show it again later.:mad: And it was Spa!!

EDIT: Holy **** Ferrari won!! And I missed it! F***!!:'( Whoa and Force India actually made the podium.:huh:

[loplop]

What happened to Trulli? :(

Nice circuit and interesting race today.

Front wing damage from a shunt with Heidfeld on the first lap

[Caster13]

Is there a way to watch the races online somewhere if I miss them?

[loplop]

F1: Renault Under Investigation For 2008 Crash

The FIA is investigating the Nelson Piquet incident at last year’s Singapore GP that helped Fernando Alonso to score a shocking win after a safety car emerged at the perfect time for the Spanish driver.

In the aftermath of the crash it became something of a running joke in the paddock that Piquet had crashed to order so as to help secure his place in the team, although nothing was heard from the FIA.

However some 11 months on an investigation has started. Usually such a thing would only happen after new evidence has emerged, and curiously the new enquiry has started shortly after Piquet was sacked by Renault and launched a verbal assault on his former team boss Flavio Briatore

It is believed that the three FIA stewards who acted at the Singapore GP were at Spa to help set the investigation in motion in conjunction with stewards’ chairman Alan Donnelley, and that preliminary enquiries have already started.

Should Renault ultimately be found guilty the team could expect a massive sanction for an offense that could be likened to a soccer player diving in the penalty area to gain an unfair advantage.

Such a penalty could be exclusion from future races or even from its fourth place in the 2008 constructors’ championship. Although the latter may appear to be largely academic, there could be a heavy financial penalty connected with such a decision.

http://formula-one.speedtv.com/article/f1-renault-under-investigation-for-2008-crash/

[loplop]

Is there a way to watch the races online somewhere if I miss them?

The race is going to be re-broadcasted on 9/2 at 12:30 Eastern

[Caster13]

The race is going to be re-broadcasted on 9/2 at 12:30 Eastern

So Wednesday at 9:30.

EDIT: Hey I start work late enough that day too. Thank you building inspection (checking the repairs from after the fire)!!!:D

[Caster13]

Ok how the hell do you use a Proxy???

[loplop]

F1: Renault Charged With ‘Fraudulent Conduct’

The charge levied against Renault Friday by the FIA comes under the heading of ‘fraudulent conduct.’

As in other high profile recent cases Renault is being called to the World Motor Sport Council under Article 151c of the International Sporting Code.

“Representatives of ING Renault F1 have been requested to appear before an extraordinary meeting of the FIA World Motor Sport Council in Paris on Monday, 21 September 2009.

“The team representatives have been called to answer charges, including a breach of Article 151c of the International Sporting Code, that the team conspired with its driver, Nelson Piquet Jr, to cause a deliberate crash at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix with the aim of causing the deployment of the safety car to the advantage of its other driver, Fernando Alonso.”

The full text of Article 151 reads as follows:

151. Breach of rules

Any of the following offences in addition to any offences
specifically referred to previously, shall be deemed to be a breach of these rules:

a) All bribery or attempt, directly or indirectly, to bribe any person having official duties in relation to a competition or being employed in any manner in connection with a competition and the acceptance of, or offer to accept, any bribe by such an official or employee.

b) Any action having as its object the entry or participation in a competition of an automobile known to be ineligible therefor.

c) Any fraudulent conduct or any act prejudicial to the interests of any competition or to the interests of motor sport generally.

Such charges are taken very seriously by the FIA and the scale of the penalty could be enormous.

This could get interesting on the 21st . . . .

Off Topic: BTW, Kenpachi, did you finally get to see Spa?

[Caster13]

[B]Off Topic: BTW, Kenpachi, did you finally get to see Spa?

Only a little. I was watching it and then I remembered I had an important doctors appointment in like half an hour and had to stop. :$%&#!:

But there's no way in hell that I'm missing Monza. And crowd is going to be going crazy since there's an Italian driver racing for Ferrari at Monza. Crazy by Italian tifosi standards that is. Which is a little scary.:uhh: Hopefully Ferrari can win again.

But I didn't even think of Fisichella getting chosen by Ferrari. That was a shocker.:blink:

[loplop]

Williams Suggests Team To Re-join FOTA

Sir Frank Williams now believes his Grove based Formula One outfit will re-join the manufacturer-dominated teams association FOTA.

The fiercely independent British team was expelled by FOTA's directors earlier this year for breaking ranks amid the political turmoil and signing up for the 2010 world championship.

Williams, who said at the time he did not expect to re-join the Geneva based body, then further risked the ire of its rivals by blocking a test for Ferrari's Michael Schumacher, opposing a push for three-car team entries, and fighting its corner over measures for the 2010 technical and sporting rules.

But after the similarly expelled Force India indicated it intends to re-join FOTA, Sir Frank Williams has said in an interview with the Telegraph newspaper that he expects to also renew his team's membership "sooner rather than later".

The 67-year-old is however unapologetic about Williams' recent stances that have not made the team the most popular among rivals.

"Those are the rules and the rules are put together with more force and authority by the manufacturers than by teams like Williams," he explained.

"We've signed up to those rules
and we expect all parties who are signed up to honor their signatures."

Williams said recently he would "block" Ferrari's push, backed reportedly by McLaren and Renault, to enter a third car in 2010, and now the Briton is prepared to explain his reasoning.

"If you have two or three elite teams with great resources and almost unbeatable cars, they will occupy the first four and a half rows on the grid (if they have 3 cars each).

"If you're team number five in the pecking order you have no chance of getting near the front of a grid. It's not healthy," he said.

In the recent midst of the breakaway threats and reports of doom and gloom, Williams remained confident throughout that F1 would emerge with its strength.

His view remains the same now: "F1 has always enjoyed turbulent times. It's never particularly stable. But I have every confidence that it will be a highly regarded and well-followed sport 10 or 20 years from now."

http://formula-one.speedtv.com/article/f1-williams-suggests-team-to-re-join-fota/

[Caster13]

The race is about to start in a few minutes. I hope Ferrari wins.

[loplop]

I really didn't expect a Braun 1-2 finish. At least Kimi got a 3rd after Hamilton crashed out of the race during the last lap. . . .

[Nakey]

jesus, that last lap incident even caught the driver unawares

Damn kubica >__<;;;

[Caster13]

YES! Hamilton crashed out of nowhere and Kimi took third!! That was divine intervention right there, no doubt about it.

[Nakey]

YES! Hamilton crashed out of nowhere and Kimi took third!! That was divine intervention right there, no doubt about it.

uh, you did watch it, didn't you? how the hell is dropping the wheel, after the fastest first sector time (IE: he's pushing it at 10/10ths), divine intervention?

Divine intervention was monza 88. this race had nothing on that...

[loplop]

YES! Hamilton crashed out of nowhere and Kimi took third!! That was divine intervention right there, no doubt about it.

Agreed. I'm glad to see McLaren get payback for all the **** they've pulled the last couple of years.

[Caster13]

God is a tifoso. :)

uh, you did watch it, didn't you? how the hell is dropping the wheel, after the fastest first sector time (IE: he's pushing it at 10/10ths), divine intervention?

Divine intervention was monza 88. this race had nothing on that...

Speed TV's coverage didn't show that. All they showed was the view from above the cockpit. You obviously had a better view from Australian TV.

And I never knew about that race. Looks like I know a lot less than I thought.

[Nakey]

Speed TV's coverage didn't show that. All they showed was the view from above the cockpit. You obviously had a better view from Australian TV.

Unless Speed TV uses their own footage (not possible under the concord agreement), or cuts the footage given by the Italian broadcaster, i doubt it.

OneHD uses BBC's feed, and BBC gets their feed from whoever the local broadcaster is. BBC don't get to chose the camera angles, unless they're at Silverstone/Donnington

For the record, it was the cockpit view that showed me he dropped a wheel...

I'm all for Hamilton crashing on his own effort/stupidity, but unless a Monza 88 event happens again, it ain't divine intervention. i can't even see this as being payback for mclaren's crap either.. not that i consider them the only offenders in the last few years....

EDIT: not that a divine intervention would have helped much either... Raikonen would still be less than Webber, and they'd still be third in the constructors...

EDIT2: the FIA is more helpful than God. God's only a Tifosi when Enzo went to visit...

[loplop]

Piquet Sr. Told FIA Of Crash Claims Last Year

The Singapore 2008 saga has taken a dramatic new twist with the news that Nelson Piquet Sr told the FIA about his allegations last year, and yet no investigation was launched.

Piquet Sr. told FIA Race Director and his former Brabham chief mechanic Charlie Whiting of the race fixing allegations at the Brazilian GP, while at the same time expressing doubts about whether the story would hurt his son’s career. Whiting apparently later told Max Mosley. However no FIA investigation was launched at that time.

Piquet Jr was confirmed as Renault driver for 2009 on Wednesday November 5, three days after the Brazilian race.

The current case rests on the formal evidence given by Piquet Jr on July 30, which was prompted by Piquet Sr.’s disclosures to Bernie Ecclestone and Mosley, immediately after he was dropped by the team.

The evidence has leaked into the public domain today in the form of a transcript of an interview Piquet Sr. gave to Martin Smith of the Quest investigation firm in London on August 17, long after Piquet Jr. gave his initial formal evidence to the FIA in Paris.

Piquet Sr, who was not at the Singapore GP, told Smith: ‘When this thing happened in Singapore I couldn't believe it. I'd done motor racing for all my life. I couldn't believe this thing. And after I
called Nelson and Nelson said yes they asked me if I could help and this and that. I said 'but you could have hurt yourself and if you didn't hurt yourself you could have hurt somebody else' and he said 'yeah, I know it's wrong.’

‘Anyway in Brazil I talk to Charlie... I got him and I said 'look what could happen to Nelson if I bring this up?' And I was afraid to screw up the career of Nelson... I keep myself quiet. That was my big mistake.

He went on to say: ‘I was glad that he didn't hurt himself or nothing but in the race in Brazil I called Charlie and I told the whole story to Charlie.’

In another interview extract Piquet Sr. says that when he first approached Mosley in July the FIA President acknowledged that he had heard about the original allegations from Whiting.

The fact that nothing happened until after Piquet Jr.’s July sacking could well have provided an interesting line of questioning for Renault in next week’s WMSC hearing, had the company not already indicated that it would not dispute the allegations.

This is going to get interesting with Briatore & Symonds out of the picture and Renault admitting to what happened . . . .

[Caster13]

Damn, this year has scandal after scandal.

[Caster13]

Holy crap, Lotus is coming back. This should be interesting. We'll have to see if they're anything how they used to be.

[loplop]

Holy crap, Lotus is coming back. This should be interesting.

I saw that the other day. I think with Cosworth engines.

The silly season is already getting interesting with new teams and the possibility that a possible 2009 World Champion could be without a drive depending on what develops over the next 4 races because some rumored moves. . . .

[Caster13]

And Danica Patrick might race for USF1.

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk167/ferrariaddict/icon_204.gifhttp://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk167/ferrariaddict/icon_204.gif
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk167/ferrariaddict/icon_204.gifhttp://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk167/ferrariaddict/icon_204.gif

You want a good driver for one of the new teams? I got one man in mind: Alessandro "Alex" Zanardi.

He may be getting old, but he's damn good and he'd kick some ***. He almost went into F1 back earlier in this decade but missed out due to a screw up. The man is Champion material. Seriously he needs to be signed, he's got what it takes. If he doesn't get the chance it will be a tragedy, he can go the distance.

[loplop]

2010 FIA Formula One World Championship

14 March - Bahrain
28 March - Australia
4 April - Malaysia
18 April - China
9 May - Spain
23 May - Monaco
30 May - Turkey
13 June - Canada*
27 June - Europe (Valencia)
11 July - Great Britain
25 July - Germany
1 August - Hungary
29 August - Belgium
12 September - Italy
26 September - Singapore
3 October - Japan
17 October - Korea
31 October - Abu Dhabi
14 November - Brazil

*Subject to the completion of contract negotiations with Formula One Management. If these are not completed then the Turkish Grand Prix will be moved to 6 June.

[loplop]

Briatore Banned As Renault Escapes

Renault has received a penalty of a suspended disqualification from the FIA World Championship that will be in place until 2011, the World Motor Sport Council decided in Paris today.

Renault’s decision not to contest the charges against it, and oust those responsible, was looked upon favorably by the FIA.

The key outcome of today’s hearing is that Flavio Briatore has been banned indefinitely from any involvement in international motor sport. This will also affect is involvement in the GP2 series, while drivers under his management control – including Fernando Alonso, Mark Webber and Heikki Kovalainen – will not be issued super licenses if he remains in charge of their management.

Meanwhile Pat Symonds has been banned for five years.

The full verdict reads as follows:

At an extraordinary meeting of the World Motor Sport Council held in Paris on 21 September 2009, the ING Renault F1 team (“Renault F1”) admitted that the team had conspired with its driver Nelson Piquet Jr. to cause a deliberate crash at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, in breach of the International Sporting Code and F1 Sporting Regulations.

Renault F1 stated at the meeting that it had conducted a detailed internal investigation, which found that: (i) Flavio Briatore, Pat Symonds and Nelson Piquet Jr. had conspired to cause the crash; and (ii) no other team member was involved in the conspiracy.

The FIA has conducted its own detailed investigation and its findings correspond with those of Renault F1.

At the meeting of the World Motor Sport Council, Renault F1 made the following points in mitigation:

- It had accepted, at the earliest practicable opportunity, that it committed the offenses with which it was charged and cooperated fully with the FIA’s investigation;

- It had confirmed that Mr. Briatore and Mr. Symonds were involved in the conspiracy and ensured that they left the team;

- It apologized unreservedly to the FIA and to the sport for the harm caused by its actions;

- It committed to paying the costs incurred by the FIA in its investigation; and

- Renault (the parent company, as opposed to Renault F1) committed to making a significant contribution to FIA safety-related projects.

Nelson Piquet Jr. also apologized unreservedly to the World Motor Sport Council for his part in the conspiracy.

The following decision was taken:

The World Motor Sport Council finds that Renault F1 team members Flavio Briatore, Pat Symonds and Nelson Piquet Jr. conspired to cause a deliberate crash at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix. The World Motor Sport Council therefore finds Renault F1, which, under article 123 of the International Sporting Code, is responsible for the actions of its employees, in breach of Articles 151(c) and point 2(c) of Chapter IV of Appendix L of the Code, and Articles 3.2, 30.3 and/or 39.1 of the Formula One Sporting Regulations.

The World Motor Sport Council considers Renault F1’s breaches relating to the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix to be of unparalleled severity. Renault F1’s breaches not only compromised the integrity of the sport but also endangered the lives of spectators, officials, other competitors and Nelson Piquet Jr. himself. The World Motor Sport Council considers that offenses of this severity merit permanent
disqualification from the FIA Formula One World Championship. However, having regard to the points in mitigation mentioned above and in particular the steps taken by Renault F1 to identify and address the failings within its team and condemn the actions of the individuals involved, the WMSC has decided to suspend Renault F1’s disqualification until the end of the 2011 season. The World Motor Sport Council will only activate this disqualification if Renault F1 is found guilty of a comparable breach during that time.

In addition the World Motor Sport Council notes Renault F1’s apology and agrees that the team should pay the costs of the investigation. It also accepts the offer of a significant contribution to the FIA’s safety work.

As regards Mr. Briatore, the World Motor Sport Council declares that, for an unlimited period, the FIA does not intend to sanction any International Event, Championship, Cup, Trophy, Challenge or Series involving Mr. Briatore in any capacity whatsoever, or grant any license to any Team or other entity engaging Mr. Briatore in any capacity whatsoever. It also hereby instructs all officials present at FIA-sanctioned events not to permit Mr. Briatore access to any areas under the FIA’s jurisdiction. Furthermore, it does not intend to renew any Super license granted to any driver who is associated (through a management contract or otherwise) with Mr. Briatore, or any entity or individual associated with Mr. Briatore. In determining that such instructions should be applicable for an unlimited period, the World Motor Sport Council has had regard not only to the severity of the breach in which Mr. Briatore was complicit but also to his actions in continuing to deny his participation in the breach despite all the evidence.

As regards Mr. Symonds, the World Motor Sport Council declares that, for a period of five years, the FIA does not intend to sanction any International Event, Championship, Cup, Trophy, Challenge or Series involving Mr. Symonds in any capacity whatsoever, or grant any license to any Team or other entity engaging Mr. Symonds in any capacity whatsoever. It hereby instructs, for a period of five years, all officials present at FIA-sanctioned events not to permit Mr. Symonds access to any areas under the FIA’s jurisdiction. In determining that such instructions should be effective for a period of five years the World Motor Sport Council has had regard: (i) to Mr. Symonds’ acceptance that he took part in the conspiracy; and (ii) to his communication to the meeting of the World Motor Sport Council that it was to his “eternal regret and shame” that he participated in the conspiracy.

As regards Mr. Piquet Jr., the World Motor Sport Council confirms the immunity from individual sanctions under the International Sporting Code in relation to this incident, which the FIA had granted to him in exchange for volunteering his evidence.

As regards Fernando Alonso, the World Motor Sport Council thanks him for cooperating with the FIA’s enquiries and for attending the meeting, and concludes that Mr. Alonso was not in any way involved in Renault F1’s breach of the regulations.

Goodbye, Flavio. Don't let the door hit you on your way out . . . .

[Caster13]

17 October - Korea


Ok, this is bull****. Of all places, KOREA!?

The US is now officially the third world of international motorsport.

[loplop]

Ok, this is bull****. Of all places, KOREA!?

Yeah, I thought that was rather screwed up myself.
________________________________________ ______________________

In other things, It looks like Williams is going to run KERS next year . . . .

Technical director Sam Michael said on Tuesday that Williams intends to use KERS next year.

The energy recovery technology is permitted in the actual technical regulations for 2010, but the carmaker-dominated FOTA has voluntarily agreed to ignore the opportunity.

After a dispute with the teams alliance earlier this year, Williams has been re-admitted to the body.

But Australian Michael said in a document released to the press: "We fully support the use of KERS and always have done.

"It's in next year's regulations, so we're continuing developing our system with a view to using it on next year's FW32," he added.

Michael also said Williams' engine plans for 2010 will hopefully be announced "soon", and commented on the team's Japanese driver
Kazuki Nakajima, who is closely tied with Toyota and rumored to be unlikely to retain his seat.

"He's had a frustrating year because he's done a better job than in 2008, but he's yet to score any points. He deserves to have some points to his name and if he had just half the points of Nico, we'd be in a much stronger position in the constructors' championship as well," said Michael.

"But F1's very close this year and a 0.3s gap to Nico (Rosberg) in qualifying places Kazuki a lot further back on the grid than it did last year."

[Caster13]

People need to stop watching NASCAR and learn about what real racing is. Although so many people have no idea what F1 is and since nobody covers it it's almost impossible.

I have succeeded in converting one person though. I showed her five things (not in any particular oder), one was Ken Block's Gymkhana, one was the famous Pike's Peak Hill Climb footage in a Peugeot, and the other three were an insane Formula 3000 hill climb, Ayrton Senna's 1989 Monaco Qualifying lap (THAT'S the one that got her), and Michael Schumacher's 2004 Record Lap at Monaco.

She stopped being a fan of NASCAR immediately.

[loplop]

Spa’s Operating License Revoked By Belgian Court

Belgium has joined Canada and Germany in the uncertainty about their spots on the 2010 Formula One calendar.

Canada is yet to agree a contract with Formula One Management, and the Hockenheim circuit in Germany is still negotiating after saying it was no longer willing to absorb annual million euro losses.

Belgium also has a spot on next year's race schedule, but it was learned Wednesday that the famous and popular Spa-Francorchamps circuit has had its operating license revoked by a local administrative court.

The license has been rescinded until 2026, upon request by a board of local residents complaining about noise, according to the Belgian newspaper Le
Soir.

It is believed that the Spa operators were ordered to submit an environmental impact study, which has been denounced by the court as "seriously inadequate and incomplete".

"The whole viability of the circuit may be questioned," circuit director Pierre-Alain Thibaut, who vowed to contest the decision, said.

WTH? People knew when they built around the track that there were races during the spring and summer. It's just as bad as the people that build houses near a airport that is operating and then complain about planes taking off and landing . . .

[Caster13]

NO SPA!? What sort of blasphemy is this?

Are they going to go to Zolder now instead maybe? All of this bull has got to stop, I'm sick of this.

On a side though, I think that if Enzo Ferrari were still alive (He'd be over 110 though) he would have made the decision to take Ferrari out of F1 months by now.

[Caster13]

Saw the race this morning. Vettel could have won, and what the hell is it with Singapore and ripping off fuel hoses? :huh:

[Tom Servo]

People need to stop watching NASCAR and learn about what real racing is. Although so many people have no idea what F1 is and since nobody covers it it's almost impossible.
There's loads of coverage of F1.

I'd like to see more touring car stuff as it can be hard to come by sometimes along with decent coverage for the WRC (both used to be on terrestrial channels like C4).

I think that if Enzo Ferrari were still alive (He'd be over 110 though) he would have made the decision to take Ferrari out of F1 months by now.
Why?

[Caster13]

This just in on a few British websites I looked up. Apparently Raikkonen is quitting Ferrari and moving back to McLaren, while Fernando Alonso looks to be moving to Ferrari.

Alonso, joining Ferrari. Somebody in Maranello is is an idiot.

[loplop]

Alonso, joining Ferrari. Somebody in Maranello is is an idiot.

Don't get me started about that. I think it's a major screw up. And that's coming from a major tifosi.

It also appears that Bernie is saying that USF1 isn't going to be ready to make the grid for next year. Should make Wind Tunnel interesting tonight if they can stop talking about frigging NASCAR.

[Caster13]

Don't get me started about that. I think it's a major screw up. And that's coming from a major tifosi.

It also appears that Bernie is saying that USF1 isn't going to be ready to make the grid for next year. Should make Wind Tunnel interesting tonight if they can stop talking about frigging NASCAR.

Don't forget that I'm also a diehard tifosi. A bunch of people on the forums on the Ferrari website are going crazy over this, me included. Although when I'm on I'm almost always the only one there, besides someone else on occasion up late at night since there's only about 3 people there from America, the rest are in Europe and more than half of the forum only speaks Italian.

And oh please the only type of racing 90% of people pay attention to in this country is NASCRAP. Of course that's all they're going to talk about. I'm not gonna get started on that though, that so called sport that people call racing is one of the banes of my existence.

[Nakey]

You want a good driver for one of the new teams? I got one man in mind: Alessandro "Alex" Zanardi.

no, just no. if Shumacher couldn't return because of a small injury, i can't see Zanardi ever coming back to full time F1 racing.

He may be getting old, but he's damn good and he'd kick some ***. He almost went into F1 back earlier in this decade but missed out due to a screw up.

By screwup, you mean "Lackluster form in 1999 in a Williams Supertec, with 10 retirements and a highest finish of 8th"?

.. or do you mean "Alex Tagliani crashed into Zanardi at Lausitzring in 2001, causing both his legs to be amputated?"

[HSaabedra]

no, just no. if Shumacher couldn't return because of a small injury, i can't see Zanardi ever coming back to full time F1 racing.

The sporting regs would be against him anyway, since they mandate a minimum exit time from a car in case of a shunt or other reasons similar to Champ Car's old mobility rule.

By screwup, you mean "Lackluster form in 1999 in a Williams Supertec, with 10 retirements and a highest finish of 8th"?

.. or do you mean "Alex Tagliani crashed into Zanardi at Lausitzring in 2001, causing both his legs to be amputated?"

Supertec engines= year old Renault engines, it was the car more often than the engine, but I don't see how a freak accident could be considered a screwup..

[Nakey]

The sporting regs would be against him anyway, since they mandate a minimum exit time from a car in case of a shunt or other reasons similar to Champ Car's old mobility rule.

Makes sense. just seems an unwise thought compared to GP2 driver (some skill, lots of money). Peter Windsor made some note of that in last nights OneHD coverage.

Supertec engines= year old Renault engines, it was the car more often than the engine,

As opposed to Ralf Shumacher? 4 retirements, highest being a second place in Monza, mostly 4ths and 5ths

*sigh* the halcyon days of Williams Honda/Renault.. long gone...
*sigh* the halcyon days of F1.. gone...

but I don't see how a freak accident could be considered a screwup..

I don't either, but i can't see any other reason why Zanardi wouldn't be in F1 apart from past (lack of) performance and the injury, so i don't get where Ken says there's a "screwup".

more importantly, I also suspect that Ken doesn't know about Zanardi's accident.

i was a fan of Zanardi during the Chip/Ganassi years, and i would still be if OneHD had any coverage of the WTCC. I just don't think i'll see him in competitive open wheelers* anytime soon, let alone F1

*: his handcycle for the 2012 paraolympics don't count =P

[Caster13]

more importantly, I also suspect that Ken doesn't know about Zanardi's accident.

He spun out and got T-boned a few days after 9/11 resulting in half his legs being blown off.

I don't remember the name of the other driver or what track it was though.

[f2akid]

Well, Formula 1's worst kept secret is finally out. Fernando Alonso will race for Ferrari in 2010, replacing Kimi Raikkonen. Who will Raikkonen decide to race for next season though? All signs point to Mclaren at the moment but I'm no expert.

[loplop]

I don't know about that. There are rumors around that McLaren is not going to make any driver changes.

[Nakey]

I don't know about that. There are rumors around that McLaren is not going to make any driver changes.

Wasn't the other rumor being that he goes to WRC?

another finn in the World Rally Championship... AND Abarth releasing a rally version of the Fiat 500.... Hmmm.... From one FIAT owned race team to another?

[loplop]

I'd heard that rumor also. We'll just have to wait and see . . . .

[Caster13]

I won't be able to watch him race anyway besides internet clips. WRC isn't shown on TV. I've checked every channel's website and nobody shows it.

[loplop]

Yea, SpeedTV showed it until they started carrying so much frigging nascar

[Caster13]

I was discussing F1 today with somebody at my work outside during lunch who is one of the only F1 fans that I know, and this one guy that was there decided to voice his opinion on it. He's pro NASCAR. So after a several minute debate the guy says "Yea well this is America!". I felt like facepalming, but I was stunned by his stupidity. Then he said a few seconds later "We don't need that foreign ****." After standing there for a few seconds in shock, we walked away and went back inside.

[loplop]

For the first time since 2007, Formula One may be returning to America.

In an interview with the Italian newspaper La Stampa, Formula One’s chief executive, Bernie Ecclestone, talked about several possible sites for future Grand Prix events.

"In 2010 we are going to Korea and the year after to India. We are also trying to organize a Grand Prix in New York," Ecclestone said.

Formula One has an on again off again history in America, having staged events in Detroit, Phoenix and Watkins Glen in New York from 1961 to 1980 and again from 1989 to 1991.

The most recent return to America was with the staging of the US Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway from 2000 until 2007. In 2006 though the series suffered a black eye when 14 drivers refused to start the event due to safety concerns with tires.

In 2007, F1 announced that the US Grand Prix would not be on the 2008 schedule.

This year however F1 made room on next years schedule for the Canadian Grand Prix to return in 2010 and the possibility of having two Grand Prix events on the same continent near the same time would make economic sense for series.

Watkins Glen, Yes. A street course in NYC, **** No . . . .

[HSaabedra]

Watkins Glen, Yes. A street course in NYC, **** No . . . .

Watkins Glen is owned by ISC (NASCAR) and hasn't even had a proper FIA Grade in years. They would have to spend as much as Indy did just to get the long course up to "proper" F1 standards, meaning long straights, hairpins and esses with no passing zones.

No thanks.

[Caster13]

Having a race in NYC is impossible. It could never be done.

The only place possible in the Tri State Area would be the New Jersey Motorsports Park that was built about 2 years ago. It was designed with the intention of making a track that could host a Formula 1 race so a US Grand Prix can come back. There are several tracks there in addition to the main track, and everything is completely modern.

[HSaabedra]

Having a race in NYC is impossible. It could never be done.

The only place possible in the Tri State Area would be the New Jersey Motorsports Park that was built about 2 years ago. It was designed with the intention of making a track that could host a Formula 1 race so a US Grand Prix can come back. There are several tracks there in addition to the main track, and everything is completely modern.

Jersey doesn't have the infrastructure for FIA class events since none of it is FIA spec. Its more of a country club course that can run pro events if the sanctioning body provides additional infrastructure for the event.

F1 requires permanent and dedicated infrastructure that very few track owners can afford without outside investment. Because of that, very few racetracks in the US are FIA Graded.

The street circuit in NYC could work if they built it similar to Valencia or Singapore that is semi-dedicated.

[Caster13]

Well F1 is very much unknown by a lot of people here, so finding backing isn't easy.

But a race in NYC would require shutting down a lot of major streets. And there's no place to park people's cars anywhere else unless you use some of the few wider streets. It's too congested of a city overall, and passing would be very difficult. Shutting down so many streets in NYC would be a disaster. Plus the streets are not in good condition. There's no place for pits either. Then there's the crazy homeless people who would go out into the street without thinking.

But say if God decided to perform a miracle, it would be absolutely epic.

Hey, could they try to bring a race back to Long Beach? I know there's a IRL race there every year but could there also be an F1 race later in the year?

[HSaabedra]

Well F1 is very much unknown by a lot of people here, so finding backing isn't easy.

Uh, no. F1 is well known by a lot of people in the US, but track owners and promoters dont want to deal with FOM because of the ridiculous requirements.

But a race in NYC would require shutting down a lot of major streets. And there's no place to park people's cars anywhere else unless you use some of the few wider streets. It's too congested of a city overall, and passing would be very difficult. Shutting down so many streets in NYC would be a disaster. Plus the streets are not in good condition. There's no place for pits either. Then there's the crazy homeless people who would go out into the street without thinking.

But say if God decided to perform a miracle, it would be absolutely epic.

Roger Penske drew up preliminary plans for CART/Champ Car to race on a street circuit in Manhattan that would have had the cars race between the Twin Towers.

It didn't happen because of logistics at the time, and that was the best site for a street circuit on the island proper.

Hey, could they try to bring a race back to Long Beach? I know there's a IRL race there every year but could there also be an F1 race later in the year?

Long Beach is too short for an F1 street circuit and too bumpy by their standards, since the roads that make up the circuit aren't billiard table smooth like Singapore and Valencia are.

[Caster13]

New York streets are 10,000x worse.

And if it's so well know about then how come when I mention F1 to a lot of people they have no idea what it is?

[Nakey]

I've waited years to say this....

Brazillian GP results
AMW
don't care about the rest

Fixed, QFT, and that's the only thing that matters this weekend

[loplop]

Fixed, QFT, and that's the only thing that matters this weekend

That and the small matter of an upstart team winning the Drivers and Manufactures Championships . . . The silly season is going to be fun this year . . .

[Nakey]

That and the small matter of an upstart team winning the Drivers and Manufactures Championships . . . The silly season is going to be fun this year . . .

Nope. couldn't care less that some british tosser won the championship ;)
AMW won. AMW won...

lemme repeat

AUSTRALIA'S MARK WEBBER WON!!!!!

hehe, i Kid. though i think Brawn's performance in the earlier part of the season is why they won.

so, the silly season. who's going to be partnering button at Brawn? Is RBR staying with the same drivers. and what is the racing going to be like with no refueling.

[Caster13]

Nope. couldn't care less that some british tosser won the championship ;)
AMW won. AMW won...

lemme repeat

AUSTRALIA'S MARK WEBBER WON!!!!!

hehe, i Kid. though i think Brawn's performance in the earlier part of the season is why they won.

so, the silly season. who's going to be partnering button at Brawn? Is RBR staying with the same drivers. and what is the racing going to be like with no refueling.

You at least have a winning driver. The last good driver in F1 from America was Mario Andretti. The most recent driver was Scott Speed. :lol::lol: He's in NASCAR now, and he sucks at that too.

As for no refueling, let's just hope somebody doesn't get torched like Niki Lauda did.

[loplop]

F1: USF1 Keen On Busch For 2011 Drive

Sporting director Peter Windsor has named NASCAR's Las Vegas-born Kyle Busch as an ideal driver for the new USF1 team in 2011.
Kyle Busch's business team has met with USF1 Sporting Director Peter Windsor.

Briton Windsor, who with Ken Anderson aims for their Charlotte-based team to debut next season, said he keeps up to date with the 24-year-old's progress "on a daily basis almost".

"If I was Kyle, I'd be saying to myself, yeah, those guys all talk the talk, let's see what they do, let's see what the car's like. Let's see what the race shop is like. Fair enough," he told USA Today.

Windsor revealed that he has already met with Busch's business team, and is confident his talents would transfer to Formula One.

"If he wants to jump in our car next year for doing some demonstrations here in the States, he's very welcome to do that," he added.

Busch is under contract to his Sprint Cup team Joe Gibbs Racing until the end of 2010.

Marco Andretti, the son of 1993 McLaren driver Michael and the grandson of 1978 world champion Mario, has also been linked with USF1, but the team is likely to make its plans for 2010 without an American driver.

"It's not because I don't rate him (Andretti), but I don't think he'd be right driver at the right time, or equally that we're the right team," said Windsor.

Kyle Busch in F1, no thank you . . . .

[loplop]

New 2010 F1 schedule . . .

2010 FIA Formula One World Championship

3-14 BRN Bahrain
3-28 AUS Australia
4-4 MAL Malaysia
4-18 CN China
5-9 E Spain
5-16 MC Monaco
5-30 TR Turkey
6-13 CDN Canada**
6-27 E Europe (Valencia)
7-11 GB Great Britain*
7-25 D Germany
1-8 H Hungary
8-29 B Belgium
9-12 I Italy
9-26 S GP Singapore
10-3 J Japan
10-17 ROK Korea*
10-31† UAE Abu Dhabi*
11-14† BR Brazil

*Subject to the homologation of the circuit.
**Subject to the completion of contract negotiations with Formula One Management.
†The FIA has approved in principle a proposal to swap the dates of the Abu Dhabi and Brazil Grands Prix, pending agreement with the promoters of both events.

[HSaabedra]

what is the racing going to be like with no refueling.

Boring as **** fuel mileage races with no passing. Go look on YouTube for 84-85 F1 races. Alain Prost was the master of the fuel mileage run next to Bob Wollek.

[Caster13]

F1: USF1 Keen On Busch For 2011 Drive



Kyle Busch in F1, no thank you . . . .

This team is so doomed for failure.

[Nakey]

New 2010 F1 schedule . . .

2010 FIA Formula One World Championship
<snip>
10-31† UAE Abu Dhabi*

*Subject to the homologation of the circuit.


as in homologation of the circuit that's being raced in a week's time? .. the hell?


why does no one look at Kyobayashi? apart from the weaving in the braking zone at Brazill, he's mental.

[Caster13]

as in homologation of the circuit that's being raced in a week's time? .. the hell?


why does no one look at Kyobayashi? apart from the weaving in the braking zone at Brazill, he's mental.

His first race and he's driving his *** off fighting it out with people who are far more experienced than him and passing them. I didn't see that coming. He's good.

I think that nobody is paying attention to him because there has never been a very successful F1 driver from Japan. And he races for Toyota, which is a lesser team. But Kyobayashi is definitely a guy to watch.

[Nakey]

I think that nobody is paying attention to him because there has never been a very successful F1 driver from Japan. And he races for Toyota, which is a lesser team. But Kyobayashi is definitely a guy to watch.

i think, in retrospect, the reason people haven't been looking at him, is that this is the first time he's driven an F1 car in anger.

Toyota may be a lesser team, but what of Lotus, USF1, Campos, Force India, et al? Certainly, a better option for USF1 than any American driver i've seen of late.

[Nakey]

Double post, but, when this news is this important..

Todt elected new president of the FIA

By Jonathan Noble Friday, October 23rd 2009, 11:37 GMT

Jean Todt is the new FIA president after comfortably winning Friday's election in Paris.

The former Ferrari team principal had been up against former world rally Ari Vatanen for the top job within motor racing's governing body.

Todt got 135 votes compared to Vatanen's 49. There were 12 abstentions or invalid votes.

The entire voting procedure was supervised by an external Huissier de Justice, the French state-appointed public witness.

The victory means he will succeed outgoing president Max Mosley, who made it clear from the outset that he wanted Todt to win the vote.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/79695

[Caster13]

YEESS!!!!:w00t:

Mad Max is finally going! And his replacement is a hell of a lot better.

However the bad thing about this is that Ferrari conspiracy theories are going to start running amok now because of this.<_<

[HSaabedra]

YEESS!!!!:w00t:

Mad Max is finally going! And his replacement is essentially the same person.

However the bad thing about this is that Ferrari conspiracy theories are going to start running amok now because of this.<_<

The FIA might as well give up on GT, Touring and every other form of FIA sanctioned motorsport with this decision. At least Vatanen wanted to restore the balance of support for other FIA series under the auspices of the organization.

Todt doesn't care about anything other than F1 and that's a bad thing.

[Nakey]

The FIA might as well give up on GT, Touring and every other form of FIA sanctioned motorsport with this decision. At least Vatanen wanted to restore the balance of support for other FIA series under the auspices of the organization.

Todt doesn't care about anything other than F1 and that's a bad thing.
This. Quoted for the Absolute Truth.

This is why this **** is bad, ken.

you constantly talk of the narrow mindedness of the American Racing Viewer. i can't help thinking you're just like them...

*sigh* and just when GT and LMP was getting interesting again...

[Caster13]

Wow, the season is over. Vettel got in front and creamed everyone from then on, Kobayashi scored his first points in his second ever F1 race and got 6th (in his SECOND RACE), that new track is beautiful, and Red Bull got another 1-2.

And let's hope next year has less bull**** going on than this year did.

Oh, and I found something.
http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2009/10/10169.html
Holy crap.

[Nakey]

More importantly...

Abu Dhabi results
Vettel
AMW
Button (only because of the last 6 laps)
Don't care
Don't care
Kobayashi
Don't care about the rest

it looked like there was bugger all grip in the option tyre by race end. I wonder how kobayashi was handling it given he was on a 1 stopper.

*waits for rip of British Telecast*

[Caster13]

More importantly...

Abu Dhabi results
Vettel
AMW
Button (only because of the last 6 laps)
Don't care
Don't care
Kobayashi
Don't care about the rest

it looked like there was bugger all grip in the option tyre by race end. I wonder how kobayashi was handling it given he was on a 1 stopper.

*waits for rip of British Telecast*

Yea, what was with the tires?:huh: Webber and Button slid a little several times while they were competing for second.

Kobayashi only stopped once for tires? Wow, didn't notice that. How did he do it?

Vettel, Kobayashi, and Bruno Senna are going to be people to watch next season. Also, Villeneuve is trying to come back too.

And who was that marriage proposal sign directed at?:blink:

[loplop]

I saw that thing about Senna a couple of days ago on SpeedTV.com. The silly season is still ongoing.

Hamiliton had his first retirement for mechanical issues today. Someone must have stole the wrong parts this week . . . .

[Caster13]

I saw that thing about Senna a couple of days ago on SpeedTV.com. The silly season is still ongoing.

Hamiliton had his first retirement for mechanical issues today. Someone must have stole the wrong parts this week . . . .

whoawhoawhoa...back up, what are you talking about? Somebody is stealing parts from the F1 teams? When?:blink:

[Nakey]

Yea, what was with the tires?:huh: Webber and Button slid a little several times while they were competing for second.

Option tyre. Softer than the Prime tyre. (Bridgestone brought Mediums and Softs to Yas Marina). Regs state that they have to use both. the softs have more grip for a shorter period.

Could have been graining on both tyres. or just that they were wearing out.

Kobayashi only stopped once for tires? Wow, didn't notice that. How did he do it?

the 2 stoppers weren't because of tyres. it was because of fuel. it worked out that the 2 stoppers would end up using the option tyre for the shortest stint (makes sense).

Kobayashi was fueled for a 1 stop strategy.

[loplop]

It's a veiled reference to the return of a certain someone to F1 races who was involved in stealing secrets from another team and got their hand caught in the cookie jar . . . .

[Nakey]

It's a veiled reference to the return of a certain someone to F1 races who was involved in stealing secrets from another team and got their hand caught in the cookie jar . . . .

Oh please. Dennis has nothing on Briatore. I don't believe that Dennis has anything to do with it. And didn't Renault get caught with their hand in Mclaren's cookie jar?

EDIT: besides. Dennis wasn't involved this year. and with the MP4-12C coming up, i don't think we'll see him as part of the team. Mosley considered him persona no grata. IMO, i'd rather have Dennis in the Paddock and Mosley (and Todt to a lesser extent) as persona no grata

whoawhoawhoa...back up, what are you talking about? Somebody is stealing parts from the F1 teams? When?:blink:

Lemme guess. this is your first or second year in F1?

[Caster13]

2007 was my first year. You're referring to McLaren stealing Ferrari's car designs apparently.

I would have watched in 2006 but I couldn't figure out when the races were on, so I never got to see Schumacher race. :(

[Nakey]

2007 was my first year. You're referring to McLaren stealing Ferrari's car designs apparently.

And Renault stealing Mclaren's Hydraulic designes apparently... How the S*** that they didn't get penalised for that... Mosley stroking Briatore, my guess...

[Caster13]

And Renault stealing Mclaren's Hydraulic designes apparently... How the S*** that they didn't get penalised for that... Mosley stroking Briatore, my guess...

Huh? When did that happen?

[loplop]

New Tire Supplier Will Be Needed In 2011 for F1

F1's sole supplier of tires announced Monday its decision to pull out of the sport after the 2010 season.

2010 marks the third year of Bridgestone's exclusive supply contract with Formula One, and in a media statement said the Bridgestone Corporation in Japan decided not to seek an extension.

A disappointed Hiroshi Yasukawa, boss of the company's motor racing program, said the decision was about the redirection of "resources towards the further intensive development of innovative technologies and strategic products".

“Bridgestone's relationship with the FIA Formula One World Championship stretches beyond being a tire supplier,” he said in a statement accompanying the announcement.

“Formula One has been of strategic importance to Bridgestone in developing its technologies, raising the company's brand awareness and providing its strategic business units around the globe with promotional and marketing tools that are intrinsically linked to our company's core products.

“It was a great honor for Bridgestone to be awarded the 2008-2010 contract as Official Tire Supplier by the Federation International de L'Automobile (FIA) to the
pinnacle of single-seater racing and we would like to thank them for their continued support and for entrusting us with this privileged role which has seen us working at the heart of the Formula One community.

“Our sincere appreciation is also extended to Mr. Bernie Ecclestone and Formula One Management, the Formula One teams with whom it has been an honor to have worked alongside, and the many Formula One fans who have followed our activities over the past 13 years. I would also like to thank the staff of the Bridgestone Motorsport team for their professionalism, dedication and hard work, and for their passion for excellence.”

Bridgestone has been participating in the sport since 1997, winning 156 Grands Prix, 10 drivers' and 10 constructors' titles. They became the official sole supplier to the championship in 2008.

As long as it's not Michelin who steps up . . . I still will not buy a Michelin product after their stunt at the USGP a couple of years back. They knew what the conditions were going to be and they were not ready for them. That's just bad planning . . . .

[Caster13]

If they weren't so expensive, I'd say go with Pirelli.

[Nakey]

And who was that marriage proposal sign directed at?:blink:

Because BBC Coverage > Everyone Elses...

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/2725/snapshot20091104020001s.jpg

[loplop]

It is possible that new world champions Brawn GP will be renamed to feature the word 'Mercedes' ahead of the 2010 season.

Germany's authoritative Auto Motor und Sport insists the Brackley based outfit's rumored buy-in by the German marquee is definitely taking place, which will result in the cars bearing a silver livery.

But whether the name can be changed to officially include Mercedes depends on the agreement of McLaren, the Stuttgart-based luxury car maker's exclusive F1 partner.

McLaren has already vetoed Red Bull's desired use of Mercedes engines for 2010, but prior to the 2009 season Martin Whitmarsh approved a two-year supply deal for Brawn.

Auto Motor und Sport claims that "error" could cost Whitmarsh his job as team boss, with Ron Dennis linked with a return to the pit wall after appearing at the Abu Dhabi finale earlier this month.

Brawn and Mercedes are hoping to announce the details of their intensified collaboration within the coming days, the magazine said.

"We are looking at all opportunities for the future but it is too early to announce anything yet," Ross Brawn told PA Sport.

Very interesting . . .

[Caster13]

Hmmm.....I don't like it, "Brawn GP" sounds better.

[loplop]

Button/McLaren Deal Set To Be Signed - Reports

2009 world champion Jenson Button appears poised to leave Brawn GP, which has been bought and renamed by Mercedes, and join McLaren for the 2010 season.

The Guardian newspaper said a three-year, 18m pounds sterling (in total) contract is set to be signed by the 29-year-old Briton, at the end of a protracted salary-increase standoff with Brawn management.

The Daily Mail said the deal could be completed before the end of the week.

"The one thing we don't want is Jenson left in limbo," said Button's manager, Richard Goddard.

Brawn chief executive Nick Fry hinted at the outcome in conversation with BBC radio on Monday.

"We've had discussions with Jenson which we think are (about) a sensible salary and you know this (the Mercedes buyout) is not going to change anything in that respect," he said.

"I hope Jenson is still with us next season. But we have to recognize that Formula One is not divorced from the rest of the world.

"The reason we survived as a team was that we operated in a sensible way, within our means," Fry said.

The Mirror quoted Fry as saying Button is Brawn's "No.1 priority" but questioned whether McLaren is actually offering him a better deal.

"He's got to decide how much the loyalty, and everything
we have given him, counts and how much money counts if he is able to get more elsewhere - which, frankly, I doubt," he said.

It is reported that McLaren's offer is at least 2m pounds per year higher than Brawn's, but The Times cited Brawn sources in insisting that Button has actually been offered 8m and wants more.

Fry also backed away from speculation that, with Nico Rosberg almost certain to race with Mercedes GP in 2010, the Stuttgart carmaker is pushing for another German to be his teammate.

"I can confidently say that that is totally incorrect," Fry said. "Clearly a German driver would be nice for them (Mercedes) but we don't need two German drivers, that's not the intent."

Mercedes' Norbert Haug confirmed: "We definitely do not want to have a pure German team. It's an international team and we want to have the best drivers in the car."

Daimler chairman Dieter Zetsche said Mercedes would not "dictate" the identity of the lineup to team boss Ross Brawn.

"We will talk and listen to what he wants to do and typically agree," he said.

[Caster13]

Wait, I thought Kimi Raikkonen was joining McLaren? If that's the case, what's going to happen to Hamilton? :huh:

[loplop]

That was the last report. But this came out today . . . .


Kimi Raikkonen’s management has confirmed that the Finn has dropped out of the driver market and will now focus on getting the seat he wants for 2011.

Having been eased out of Ferrari to make way for Fernando Alonso Kimi had been expecting to take Heikki Kovalainen’s seat at McLaren, but he could not agree terms. It’s believed that his Ferrari pay-off would be reduced if he got a drive elsewhere and with what McLaren was offering he would have put more money in the bank had he stayed at home.

Some reports suggest that he would get around $25m should be not race in F1 and $15m if he gets another drive. Clearly the McLaren offer did not bridge the gap.

The extraordinary situation is the latest twist in what has turned into the most hectic silly season in years.

With Kimi out of the picture Jenson Button now looks a certainty at McLaren, but Ross Brawn is still insisting that a deal is still on the table for the Briton to stay.

If he doesn’t then Michael Schumacher remains a tantalizing possibility to partner Nico Rosberg at Mercedes Grand Prix, while Nick Heidfeld is waiting in the wings as the logical back up.

Raikkonen meanwhile can go rallying in 2010 while he tries to land a top seat for 2011, when the Ferrari money is no longer an issue. He is already being linked with Mark Webber’s seat at Red Bull Racing.

Brawn tried to be too cheap with Button and it bit him in the butt. It's going to be Button/Hamilton at McLaren.

[loplop]

Raikkonen Denies Mercedes Reports

Kimi Raikkonen played down reports Thursday he is close to signing for 2010 with the newly Mercedes-rebranded Brawn team.

The Finn's management announced earlier that the breakdown of talks with McLaren meant that Raikkonen, 30, would take a sabbatical next year and go rallying instead.

The 2009 Ferrari driver confirmed the news to F1's official website on Thursday, admitting that a season off before a possible return for 2011 "appears to be the case".

Earlier on Thursday, his manager Steve Robertson said he could not rule out Raikkonen reaching a deal for 2010 with an F1 team.

In fact Wednesday, Brazil's O Globo went as far as to report that a deal with the Brackley based team is a certainty, citing the information of the authoritative commentator at SporTV, Lito Cavalcanti.

He said an agreement was finalized on Wednesday.

Robertson would not confirm the news but he did not rule out the possibility of a Mercedes deal,
amid reports in Spain's Diario Sport that Raikkonen is in talks with Citroen about a World Rally Championship seat.

To the German news agency SID, Mercedes' Norbert Haug would not shed any light.

"We want to have the best possible lineup and there are still some very capable drivers on the market. There will of course be speculation," said the German

The winner of 18 Grands Prix said: "I have enjoyed my time in F1 and I still have ambitions. In the right circumstances I am very keen to return. The door is open. Let's see what the future brings."

When asked about the reported Mercedes GP link, Raikkonen added: "No, I have not held talks with Brawn. I feel they will run two German drivers next year now that Mercedes are involved."

[loplop]

With the exception of an actual signature on the dotted line, Michael Schumacher has reportedly agreed to return to F1 with Mercedes in 2010.
According to several German reports, Michael Schumacher can't wait for the return to Formula One and the opportunity of working with Ross Brawn again.

The news magazine Focus as well as the major German daily Bild said Saturday that the 40-year-old, who retired as a Ferrari race driver in 2006, will be Nico Rosberg's teammate.

Bild said a one-year deal has been agreed verbally, and talks about withdrawing from his new consulting contract with Ferrari have been positive.

Focus, whose report was made available ahead of publication on Monday, said whether Schumacher actually signs the contract also depends on the go-ahead of doctors.

A source told Bild: "The signature is just a formality. Schumacher feels fit and healthy. The latest (medical) tests were entirely positive. He can't wait for the return and working with Ross Brawn again."

An announcement could be made as early as next week, and Focus said the deal is for 3.5m euros -- about a tenth of Schumacher's retainer when he hung up his helmet with Ferrari.

A longer-term objective is for the German to be an ambassador for the Mercedes brand, the magazine added.

The seven time world champion's spokeswoman Sabine Kehm told DPA news agency she did not want to comment, and his manager Willi Weber told SID that he was "as in the dark as the press".

"I don't know anything about it," Weber added. "I have not spoken with Mercedes, nor do I have any meetings with them."

As I've said before, Whiskey Tango Foxtrot . . . .

[Caster13]

Maybe he's doing this because Alonso is driving for Ferrari now?

[Nakey]

So with some announcements for today, the grid's looking like...

Mclaren Mercedes
Button
Hamilton

Mercedes GP
Rosberg
???

Red Bull Racing (Renault Engines)
Vettel
Webber
(riccardello needs to be signed as test driver for them.. he's crazy fast)

Ferrari
Alonso
Massa

Williams (Cosworth Engines)
Barrichello
Hülkenberg

Renault (still Branded Renault, even if 80% of it is owned by someone else)
Kubica
???

Force India
Sutil
Liuzzi

Toro Rosso
Buemi
??? (put Ricadello here?)

Lotus F1 (and back with Cosworth too...Chapman would be proud)
Trulli
Kovalainen

Campos (Cosworth Engines)
Senna
???

USF1 (Cosworth Engines, natch...)
WTF? still no driver lineup??? uh.. guys.. Guise????

Virgin Racing (Rebranded Manor F1, Cosworth Engines)
Glock
Di Grassi

Sauber (the remains of the BMW F1 team, back in it's original hands, Ferrari Engines)
Kobayashi (rumour)


Interesting....

[Caster13]

So with some announcements for today, the grid's looking like...

Mclaren Mercedes
Button
Hamilton

Mercedes GP
Rosberg
???

Red Bull Racing (Renault Engines)
Vettel
Webber
(riccardello needs to be signed as test driver for them.. he's crazy fast)

Ferrari
Alonso
Massa

Williams (Cosworth Engines)
Barrichello
Hülkenberg

Renault (still Branded Renault, even if 80% of it is owned by someone else)
Kubica
???

Force India
Sutil
Liuzzi

Toro Rosso
Buemi
??? (put Ricadello here?)

Lotus F1 (and back with Cosworth too...Chapman would be proud)
Trulli
Kovalainen

Campos (Cosworth Engines)
Senna
???

USF1 (Cosworth Engines, natch...)
WTF? still no driver lineup??? uh.. guys.. Guise????

Virgin Racing (Rebranded Manor F1, Cosworth Engines)
Glock
Di Grassi

Sauber (the remains of the BMW F1 team, back in it's original hands, Ferrari Engines)
Kobayashi (rumour)


Interesting....

Kobayashi better still be on the grid, he's good. And hopefully Vettel will win this year, and I want Bruno Senna to do good too.

Bruno should win at Monaco, for great justice.

And I want Lotus to have the John Player Special logo somewhere on their car.

[Mizumi]

I'm really looking forward to this new season, with Button and Hamilton both at Mclaren it makes for a good season for the Brits, I've been hearing rumours that Schumacher might be joining Rosberg at Mercedes GP, they want Vettel but can't get him until next season so they seem to be trying to get Schumacher as a stop gap for a season.

[Nakey]

And I want Lotus to have the John Player Special logo somewhere on their car.

yeah, not gonna happen..

[Caster13]

What about have the car green (England's racing color)?

[Mizumi]

Schumacher is almost certain to be with Mercedes next season now, Schumacher told Luca De Montezemolo he intends to make a comeback and race for them next season, also Kobayashi has joined Sauber for next season.

[Caster13]

This is going to be a slaughterhouse. Everybody is going to be racing for second place.

[Mizumi]

Lets just hope he has a car which can compete with the top teams, even if it's a little below par, Schumacher will be able to fight with the top drivers such is his skill, this coming season is going to be epic.

[Caster13]

Lets just hope he has a car which can compete with the top teams, even if it's a little below par, Schumacher will be able to fight with the top drivers such is his skill, this coming season is going to be epic.

Vettel vs. Hamilton vs. Kobayashi vs. Alonso (better lose) vs. Senna (his uncle said he was better than him) vs. Schumacher.

There better not be any FIA bull**** to mess this one up. <_<

[Mizumi]

Senna and Kobayashi should have solid seasons but they won't be in the title picture, still I'm sure they wii enjoy going toe to toe with Schumacher, for those drivers who came as he left this is like a dream come true for them, some of the driving and overtaking should be on another level with the lineup we have for this coming season.

[Caster13]

Everybody's driving will be measured on how they can compete against Schumacher. Vettel is easily the most talented that we've seen so far, so he'll be fighting like crazy against him. Kobayashi will keep driving balls out and if he has a better car will probably be passing much of the field. Hamilton has already proven his worth and will be right up there with Vettel. Senna will be driving like it's his last day on Earth in order to prove what he can do.

This season is going to be legendary. The only thing that won't happen in this season is somebody driving completely blind at practically full throttle like Gilles Villeneuve did when his front wing broke.

[Mizumi]

I would say Vettel and Hamilton are the super talented ones, their battles with Schumacher will be intense, Schumacher has nothing to prove in my eyes, but I'm sure he will want to prove to himself that he can still hang with the young kids, it does seem like a much stronger season with some great young talent, I really hope for a good season for Massa too, always been a fan of his and after his accident it will be good to see him back driving again, I hope he out drives Alonso at Ferrari.

[Caster13]

I'll be rooting against Schumacher.

[Mizumi]

Really? Wouldn't you like to see him snatch the title one last time, I will be rooting for Hamilton or Massa, but I wouldn't mind seeing Schumacher show them how it's done.

[Caster13]

He left Ferrari, which whom he won most of his races and championships, to race for another team. I consider this betrayal.

I'm a major tifoso btw.

[Mizumi]

Nope, he left Ferrari to retire, then after a few years he came back to race for another team, he served Ferrari well, even avid tifosi fans will still love him after what he did for their team.

[Caster13]

I don't think so, Ferrari forums are going nuts about this. You need googletranslate for some of the threads though, a lot of it is in Italian.

[Mizumi]

Look at the tifosi when Rubens wins the Italian GP for Brawn, they all cheered him because he was a former Ferrari driver, Schumacher will get the same treatment, I'm sure of it.

[Caster13]

Look at the tifosi when Rubens wins the Italian GP for Brawn, they all cheered him because he was a former Ferrari driver, Schumacher will get the same treatment, I'm sure of it.

There were a bunch that cheered for him, I was surprised at that. Brawn GP had gotten a lot of fans very quickly.

[Mizumi]

Well I guess we will have to wait and see what happens then, I would hope after all he did for Ferrari they would cheer him if he were to win the Italian GP or any other for that matter, I think they will too.

[f2akid]

Looks like Schumacher will definitely be racing for Mercedes GP next year.

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

Everyone saw it coming of course but this is probably the confirmation.

[Mizumi]

By the end of this coming season Rosberg will be a much better driver, he must be loving this chance.

[Mizumi]

Here's an interview with Schumacher about his return, he looks as happy as can be and is aiming for the title next season.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8428353.stm

[loplop]

Lopez To Be Confirmed At USF1 Monday

USF1 will announce Monday that it has signed Argentine driver Jose Maria Lopez for 2010.

The American team reached a deal with the 26-year-old touring car driver late last year, dependent on the finalization of his sponsorship package believed to be worth around $8m.

"Everything has been agreed and the official announcement will be made on Monday," the former GP2 racer's spokesman Miguel Mattos told Reuters.

The news agency said USF1 sporting director Peter Windsor has been meeting with Lopez's sponsors in Buenos Aires in the past days.

It is believed the country's government will advertise Argentinean tourism on the USF1 car, and that the Top Race V6 series and the company Kwan will also sponsor the Charlotte based team.

[Caster13]

The first person I thought of when I read Argentina was Fangio. But in all probability he'll never be another Fangio.

[Caster13]

Lotus reveals their new car.

http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2010/2/10434.html

Cosworth engine and Lotus 25 livery. Colin Chapman would be so proud.

[Nakey]

Lotus reveals their new car.

http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2010/2/10434.html

Cosworth engine and Lotus 25 livery. Colin Chapman would be so proud.

Yeah.. Proud of a Backmarker... i wouldn't be, even if the BRG livery is pretty...

[loplop]

Stefan GP does not appear on the 2010 entry list, which was finally issued tonight. It contained a note that confirmed that US F1 has indicated that it will not participate in 2010, while for the first time Sauber has appeared. Bruno Senna is the only driver listed for HRT.

The FIA has also said that it is too late for a new team to gain approval, and that a new entry process for 2011 will be announced soon.

2010 FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP ENTRY LIST
03.03.2010

No.-Driver-Team-Constructor

VODAFONE McLAREN MERCEDES (GBR) McLaren Mercedes
1 Jenson BUTTON (GBR)
2 Lewis HAMILTON (GBR)

MERCEDES GP PETRONAS FORMULA ONE TEAM (DEU) Mercedes
Benz GP Limited
3 Michael SCHUMACHER (DEU)
4 Nico ROSBERG (DEU)

RED BULL RACING (AUT) Red Bull Racing Renault
5 Sebastian VETTEL (DEU)
6 Mark WEBBER (AUS)

SCUDERIA FERRARI MARLBORO (ITA) Ferrari
7 Felipe MASSA (BRA)
8 Fernando ALONSO (ESP)

AT&T WILLIAMS (GBR) Williams Cosworth
9 Rubens BARRICHELLO (BRA)
10 Nico HÜLKENBERG (DEU)

RENAULT F1 TEAM (FRA) Renault
11 Robert KUBICA (POL)
12 Vitaly PETROV (RUS)

FORCE INDIA F1 TEAM (IND) Force India Mercedes
14 Adrian SUTIL (DEU)
15 Vitantonio LIUZZI (ITA)

SCUDERIA TORO ROSSO (ITA) STR Ferrari
16 Sebastien BUEMI (CHE)
17 Jaime ALGUERSUARI (ESP)

LOTUS RACING (MAL) Lotus Cosworth
18 Jarno TRULLI (ITA)
19 Heikki KOVALAINEN (FIN)

HRT F1 TEAM (ESP) HRT Cosworth
20 TBA
21Bruno SENNA (BRA)

BMW SAUBER F1 TEAM (CHE) BMW Sauber Ferrari
22 Pedro DE LA ROSA (ESP)
23 Kamui KOBAYASHI
(JPN)

VIRGIN RACING (GBR) Virgin Cosworth
24 Timo GLOCK (DEU)
25 Luca DI GRASSI (BRA)

Note: The USF1 Team have indicated that they will not be in a position to participate in 2010.

[Nakey]

could have ****ing called it...

[Caster13]

I knew USF1 wasn't going to be able to make it.

[Caster13]

The first race is this weekend. This is gonna be good.

Better set my alarm clock.

[Nakey]

4 laps to go... and this is ...

BORING AS BAT****...

=____= procession races...

[Caster13]

4 laps to go... and this is ...

BORING AS BAT****...

=____= procession races...

Agreed. I hate tracks like this.

Alonso won. The reaction from the crews when he came in wasn't big, as to be expected, and when he passed Vettel the Ferrari pit garage wasn't happy. I've never seen a pit crew that unenthusiastic before.

Damn, even their smiles right now at the podium are completely forced.

[loplop]

Still haven't watched the race, I have it on my Tivo since we were out of town this weekend. SpeedTV's Wind Tunnel this evening had some similar comments about the Ferrari crew this evening though . . .

[Caster13]

Sabotaging a teammate won't work with Ferrari. The mechanics would jump him.


And the next time he would go to Monza he'd die when thousands of pissed off tifosi would brake down the gates to the track and swarm the pits and rip Alonso to pieces.

[loplop]

A spokesman for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway admits it is possible Formula One could return to the famous venue.

The US Grand Prix was held at Indianapolis between 2000 and 2007, after which organizers and Bernie Ecclestone were not able to amicably agree a new deal.

But as the 2010 season began in Bahrain last weekend, F1 chief executive Ecclestone said a return to Indianapolis is a possibility.

"Nothing worked there really, we'd have to have a big change round. But we'd like to get back there," he said, hinting that "the wrong people" had formerly been in charge of the event.

A spokesman for Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which is no longer headed by Tony George, confirmed: "We continue to have dialogue with Formula One, and we've long maintained we're interested in hosting their events.

"2011 would be a long shot," spokesman Chris Schwartz is quoted as saying by the Indianapolis Business Journal. "Obviously, there's a lot to consider."

He said he did not fully understand Ecclestone's comments, although it is true that the 79-year-old was critical of organizer’s marketing efforts towards the end of the last contract.

I hope this isn't a bunch of rumors again . . .

[Caster13]

If this is true, I'll be buying tickets.

[Nakey]

*Arse Kicking bump*

Qualifying times. Melbourne.

1 S. Vettel Red Bull 1:23.919
2 M. Webber Red Bull 1:24.035
3 F. Alonso Ferrari 1:24.111
4 J. Button McLaren 1:24.675
5 F. Massa Ferrari 1:24.837
6 N. Rosberg Mercedes Grand Prix 1:24.884
7 M. Schumacher Mercedes Grand Prix 1:24:927
8 R. Barrichello Williams 1:25.217
9 R. Kubica Renault 1:25.372
10 A. Sutil Force India F1 1:26.036
11 L. Hamilton McLaren 1:25.184
12 S. Buemi Scuderia Toro Rosso 1:25.638
13 V. Liuzzi Force India F1 1:25.743
14 P. de la Rosa Sauber 1:25.747
15 N. Hulkenberg Williams 1:25.748
16 K. Kobayashi Sauber 1:25.777
17 J. Alguersuari Scuderia Toro Rosso 1:26.089
18 V. Petrov Renault 1:26.471
19 H. Kovalainen Lotus F1 1:28.797
20 J. Trulli Lotus F1 1:29.111
21 T. Glock Virgin Racing 1:29.592
22 L. Di Grassi Virgin Racing 1:30.18

Hamilton 11th. Outside the top ten shootout. Maybe he should have saved his lead right foot until saturday..

(Click here if you didn't know... (http://www.planetf1.com/news/3213/6055875/Brit-In-Trouble-With-Melbourne-Police))

[Caster13]

Damn, Schumi in 7th?

It looks like Vettel is pulling out all the stops this season and going balls out, no doubt because Schumacher is there. If they go against each other it should be epic.

I want to see what that nutcase Kobayashi is going to do too.

[madoka odeko]

Is Schumacher going as fast as he's going because he's gotten old or because he's been retired for three years? (Remember, he's 41 years old.)

[Grizzbob]

Is Schumacher going as fast as he's going because he's gotten old or because he's been retired for three years? (Remember, he's 41 years old.)

Maybe a bit of both, but it IS early in the season. AND, if the TV commentators were right, he did the third qualifying session on the harder tires(& those are naturally a little slower than the softer one they have available), & yet his lap was only a tenth off of his teammate. And the real significance of this is that the harder tire will run well for MUCH longer than the softs, so when the others' tires are going off & they feel the need to come in & change 'em, Schumi can stay out & crank out good laps(& from what they're saying, track position will be CRITICAL this time, much like they say about Monaco), so I wouldn't count him out just yet. Plus, he tend to prefer a car that oversteers by nature, & the Mercedes he has now seems to tend more toward understeer(means it doesn't want to turn as aggressively as he likes), but they are working on setting it up more to his liking, & if they can get it where he wants it, I think we'll see him get a LOT more competitive....:naughty:

[Caster13]

That race was batshit insane. :eek: It was awesome.




And Vettel is righteously pissed off right now.

[Caster13]

Double post.


If this ash cloud doesn't stop soon, the next race might not happen.

[Nakey]

Clearly, iceland's big unpronouncable ashhole didn't stop the race

i don't know what makes me happier: Mark Webber getting the win from pole, or Hamilton getting a puncture on lap 65

so yeah..

Spanish GP Results
AMW
Don't care about the rest.

[loplop]

Hamilton going out early in any race make me happy. Most overrated driver on the grid . . .

[Caster13]

Missed it. But it being the Spain track didn't make me too upset. It's usually a procession race.

[Nakey]

Hamilton going out early in any race make me happy. Most overrated driver on the grid . . .

Agreed. that it happened within sight of the finish makes me even happier =3

[Caster13]

Oh dear God...

http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2010/5/10764.html

:facepalm::facepalm:

[Nakey]

wooo.. Diamond Encrusted steering wheels... I wonder if it's a Diamond Encrusted Intake bong that caused button's engine to DIAF?

More importantly, however. Monaco resutls
AMW
Don't care about the rest.

[loplop]

Bernie Ecclestone has used his website to announce that a US GP will be held in Austin, Texas from 2012 to 2021. It will be the first F1 event held in the state since the one-off race at Dallas in 1984.

The news comes just days after the Monticello facility in New York State told the media that it was pitching for a race.

The Austin event will be promoted by Full Throttle Productions, a company with an involvement in NASCAR. A new facility will be built for the race in what is the USA’s 15th-largest city.

The company’s managing partner, Tavo Hellmund, said in the statement: “We are extremely honored and proud to reach an agreement with the F1 Commercial Rights holder. We have been diligently working together for several years to bring this great event to Austin, the State of Texas, and back to the United States. All parties involved have a great amount of trust and confidence in each other and are committed to establishing the F1 United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas as a prestigious global event.

“This is a case of the right timing in the right place. As many Americans know, Austin has earned a reputation as one of the ‘it’ cities in the United States. Austin features that rare combination of ideal geographic location and beauty. Its fine dining, world-renowned hospitality and excellent transportation infrastructure make Austin ideally suited to host and manage an event of this magnitude.

“Few cities if any on America could rival the connectivity of all the key elements needed for hosting an F1 event as well as Austin. Now, many people around the world will have the opportunity to experience a world-class event, facility and city.”

Didn't see that coming . . . .

[Tom Servo]

B-but... a circuit needs more than 2 corners!

[Caster13]

Of all the places to have a race, Texas? Seriously?

Well at least now I won't have to fly across an ocean to go to a race.

[Grizzbob]

Of all the places to have a race, Texas? Seriously?

Well at least now I won't have to fly across an ocean to go to a race.

Well, at least there's PLENTY of room in Texas to build a facility(& I for one like the idea of a major league racing event that's NOT NASCAR & is within reasonable driving distance for me).....:cool:

[Caster13]

I can drive there too. Granted I'd have to wake up early in the morning and drive all day, but I can do it.

There's one problem with this though. What happens if a tornado forms in the area?

[Caster13]

Double post.

Wow, Mark Webber is on pole again? I don't think he's ever done this well. Personally I really want to see Vettel get the Driver's Title, but it looks like he's gonna have to fight his *** off to get it.

Yea I've pretty much gone away from Ferrari for this year.

[Dave]

Umm guys they race at Texas Motor Speedway don't they?

[Grizzbob]

Umm guys they race at Texas Motor Speedway don't they?

Ummm, no, not Formula 1. You're thinking of Indy Cars(& F1 teams do NOT do ovals)....:cool:

[loplop]

Pirelli Officially Named Tire Supplier - Pirelli will be the tire supplier of Formula One for three years, beginning in 2011...

The FIA has finally confirmed that Pirelli will be the official F1 tire supplier for 2011, following the company´s earlier agreement with the teams. The Italian manufacturer will be back in the top level of the sport for the first time since 1991.

In other news, the World Motor Sport Council has addressed the anomaly of a last-lap safety car by confirming that drivers are not allowed to pass, which is how the FIA interpreted the rule when Michael Schumacher overtook Fernando Alonso in Monaco.

The WMSC has also confirmed that drivers cannot drive excessively slowly on their in-lap during qualifying, a reaction to Lewis Hamilton stopping to save fuel in Montreal qualifying. In a further clarification with immediate effect, there is a new rule that ensures cars are driven back to the pits under their own power if a fuel sample is required.

The 107 percent qualifying rule will be back in 2011, although there is scope for considering practice times in cases of force majeure.

Also for 2011, the minimum weight will rise from 615 to 640kgs, giving teams ample scope to run KERS even if they have heavy drivers. Next year will see the introduction of "driver adjustable bodywork" in the form of a movable rear wing. However, it can only be used in the slipstream of other cars, as an aid to passing. It will be deactivated when the drivers touches the brakes.

Meanwhile, there is a ban on any aero device operated by driver movement, which, as expected, means an end to the F-duct.

Finally, the DFIA is looking into a license system for team members which will enable it to directly penalize them, which was not the case with the likes of Flavio Briatore and Pat Symonds.

[Caster13]

That will drive up costs a lot. Pirelli makes great tires, but they cost a ****load more that others.

[Caster13]

Holy ****. Webber got lucky. If things went even slightly different he could have died.

[loplop]

Oh Canada - And U.S., Too
Formula One seems to be alive and well in the United States...

After the demise of US F1 earlier this year, it seemed safe to conclude America would not be participating in the world championship this year and that it would be a long while before an American presence would re-surface. Since then, it’s become evident that things move quickly in the political realm of F1. The U.S. is back on the agenda big time.

The only trip to North America on the current F1 schedule comes up this weekend in Montreal at the Canadian Grand Prix. It will be interesting to see if more news emerges along the lines of future prospects for Americans in F1 from just across the St. Lawrence River.

Already, the announcement of a new purpose-built track in Austin, Texas and a ten-year agreement to host a new U.S. Grand Prix beginning in 2012 underscore the desire within F1 to involve America. Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo’s confessions that he’d been dreaming of a third Ferrari sponsored by an American company have been followed more recently with comments from multiple MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi (before his crash on Saturday) saying he would be happy to be a third Ferrari driver.

All the recent activity has left behind the curve those who think F1 commercial czar Bernie Ecclestone is anti-American. Personally, it seems to me that Ecclestone is like any race promoter and believes everybody’s money is green.

When Parris Mullins first met with him in London early this year as an envoy on a mission to save US F1, he found Ecclestone engaging and supportive. Up to a point. “Bernie told me that he would do everything he could to help, just don’t ask for money,” recalled Mullins of his international forays to save US F1.

In Mullins’ presence, Ecclestone made a series of phone calls to get the low-down from F1 insiders on just what the prospects were for a deal to get US F1 on the grid at Bahrain after the American team’s own Type 1 remained stillborn. Mullins’ negotiations to buy Dallara and Toyota chassis direct from the source or work out partnerships with the teams of Jose Ramon Carabante or Zoran Stefanovic may not have worked out. But he did form a good working relationship with Ecclestone and Montezemolo.

A firm believer in individuals making their own way, Ecclestone’s efforts to assist Mullins and primary US F1 investor Chad Hurley tends to surprise those interested in F1 in America. Ecclestone, who’s every word to the media makes news, fed this perception by dissing the effort of US F1 early on. But, says Mullins, that resulted more from a lack of respect toward F1 shown by team founder and principal Ken Anderson, who not only missed his car-building deadline but also missed meetings of team principals in Europe.

There’s been a lot of discussion about green racing in F1 and elsewhere, but it seems to me that the very expensive world championship is at a crossroads when it comes to green according to money. The explosive growth of the F1 brand since the 1970’s hinged on tobacco money, manufacturers who invested millions in engine programs and then invested hundreds of millions in ownership of entire teams.

Now that the tobacco money is gone and the factories are disappearing, F1 needs to come up with sponsorship that doesn’t assume leverage like the sport had with tobacco companies banned from direct TV advertising or with manufacturers leveraged by the need to expand into new world markets or perish. The sport has recently formed a commercial working group much along the lines of its longstanding technical working group to focus on how to go forward.

That’s why Mullins continues to be active in F1. The prospects range across a wide spectrum, from the purchase of interest in an existing team with investment from Silicon Valley to introducing a major sponsorship from Silicon Valley. Or, perhaps, both.

The timing is right, says Mullins, for some fresh air when it comes to how F1 attracts and services sponsors. As a representative of Hurley, the CEO of YouTube and a wholly owned subsidiary of Google, former Ferrari salesman Mullins has a timely view of F1’s future and believes he’s got some better ideas. “The sport needs a more imaginative approach at attracting sponsors and to explore different forms of media,” he said. “Obviously, social media is one of them.”

It now seems obvious that F1 can no longer afford to blow off one of the world’s biggest commercial markets in an era when revenue sourcing and cost control for teams are high on the agenda. It remains to be seen if the city of Austin and promoter Tavo Hellmund can step up to some very high commercial standards or if the U.S. race goes the way of Donington Park’s failed effort. The first Grand Prix in Korea scheduled for later this year may be the next to run into a canceled debut as well.

But recent events are hardly a set-up. F1 needs all the help it can get and some of it is very likely to come from America.

Quote of the Week: “I dream of a third Ferrari managed by an American team with the stars and stripes flying.” – Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo.

All I have to say is, Be still my Tifosi heart . . . .

[Caster13]

If F1 does happen to become popular in the US somehow I will immediately run to the nearest church and thank God. However it is a definite that the future US Grand Prix will be sold out quickly. It may be eclipsed by NASCAR, but every F1 fan in the US will be buying tickets. Including me.

[Caster13]

Bump.

What the hell is with Mark Webber this year? Last season was as usual but this season he's awesome.

[Tom Servo]

Good to see Kubica on the podium again. ^_^

[Caster13]

I'm starting to think that Vettel is like Gilles Villeneuve. Both extremely talented, but have/had a hard time getting within reach of the Driver's Title. Vettel would have been in the lead right now if his car hadn't broken down in the first two races. Hopefully Vettel won't suffer the same fate, but there is a resemblance there.

[Tom Servo]

Vettel seems to make his mistakes when he tries to overtake, that or he just gets stuck behind someone.

[Caster13]

I think he needs to get better at figuring out racing strategy. As soon as he gets the opportunity he goes into 150% attack mode. Last year in the last three races in the season he had only two engines left for the season, and the one that he used in the third to last race already had gone through a race, and the team was telling him to slow down but he was driving like he was possessed. Granted he absolutely dominated the race but sometimes he goes totally balls out.

The first two races of this season he pushed the car so hard that it broke. They fixed the problem with the designs to make the parts better though. They didn't break for Mark Webber though. Vettel is one of the youngest drivers right now. Obviously he still has to get over cockiness. Niki Lauda was absolutely right in an interview last year, because the drivers are so young now they are still immature. Vettel proves that with his behavior on and off the track. He's getting pissed off very easily these days. He could get himself severely hurt in the future if he gets really bad, or end up causing another driver to get injured.

[Bristecom]

I think he needs to get better at figuring out racing strategy. As soon as he gets the opportunity he goes into 150% attack mode. Last year in the last three races in the season he had only two engines left for the season, and the one that he used in the third to last race already had gone through a race, and the team was telling him to slow down but he was driving like he was possessed. Granted he absolutely dominated the race but sometimes he goes totally balls out.

The first two races of this season he pushed the car so hard that it broke. They fixed the problem with the designs to make the parts better though. They didn't break for Mark Webber though. Vettel is one of the youngest drivers right now. Obviously he still has to get over cockiness. Niki Lauda was absolutely right in an interview last year, because the drivers are so young now they are still immature. Vettel proves that with his behavior on and off the track. He's getting pissed off very easily these days. He could get himself severely hurt in the future if he gets really bad, or end up causing another driver to get injured.

When drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Vettel first entered F1, they seemed so cool and collected. But after a year or two, the pressure got to them. But people like that just want to win and after they taste victory a few times, they just won't be satisfied any other way.

That said, who do you think is the "coolest" driver in Formula 1 ATM?

I'm thinking maybe Rubins Barrichello or Bruno Senna... It used to be the Iceman Kimi Räikkönen for sure.

BTW, I think my favorite driver ATM is Kobayashi. He has a good balance of aggression and caution but he hasn't had the car. I wish Toyota would have stuck around with their new car. With Kobayashi they might have actually had a chance this year...

[Caster13]

Kobayashi is nuts. He gets in a F1 car late in the season for one race, the car isn't good, but then Jenson Button passes him in the Brawn and he goes and overtakes him twice and starts fighting with him like crazy. And he did that with every single person that got near him. IN HIS FIRST RACE. My jaw hit the floor and stayed there for the rest of the race..

And it didn't take a few years for pressure to get to Lewis, it took one season. 2007 Brazillian GP right before the race he's against the wall curled up with his head in his hands freaking the **** out and then chokes during the race big time. Within a few laps he lost control twice.

[HSaabedra]

A third Ferrari car managed in the US? Did Luca recently discover the history of the NART (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_American_Racing_Team)? :D:)

[Caster13]

wait what?