2008 Formula 1 Season Discussion
10-13-2008, 07:11 PM
#702
Polish-American Hammarrrr
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I'm no Alonso fan, but he is a 2-time WDC as we all know, and he hasn't forgotten how to race.
I would have liked to see Kubica win, but the BMW isn't quite up to par.
10-13-2008, 11:28 PM
#703
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Although I have cleary stated my desire to see a 4 team race next season, I do not agree in the least that teams are closer to each other this year than in the past. The reason Ferrari and Mclaren are not running away with it is due to driver errors/team errors.
10-14-2008, 07:07 AM
#704
I agree. If Massa had keep the car on the track early in the season, if Kimi hadn't had equipment failures & if there wasn't the pitstop problems Ferrari's drivers would be in the points lead at the moment. But, they did, so there goes the season.
10-14-2008, 07:46 AM
#705
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And Mclaren hasn't been able to capitalize. I bet there are 3 or 4 drivers they'd rather(secretly) have than Kovalainen.
10-14-2008, 05:55 PM
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I guess you're right. When one of the Ferraris or McLarens fail, everyone moves up a spot. If Alonso is given the opportunity to help, and the stewards see it, what type of penalty does that incur? Disqualification from the race, or maybe even the championship?
10-14-2008, 09:47 PM
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Mercedes have two young guys in DTM (Spengler & Di Resta) that are real racers and imo deserved a shot at that F1 seat at least as much as Heiki did. RD and Norbert Haug should promote one of those guys up to a tesing role in 2009 to get Kovalainen off the cruise control.
10-14-2008, 11:57 PM
#709
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Vettel is allready confirmed for Red Bull. He is taking Coulthard's seat. I would love to see him in a Ferrari or Mclaren(or any front running team for that matter) some day.
10-14-2008, 11:59 PM
#710
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Maybe Kubica will join his good buddy Alonso with Renault? He has been criticizing BMW recently, and the Renault is clearly the "best of the rest" at this point in the season.
Nelsihno Piquet "JR" = daddy bought my way into F1.
Nelsihno Piquet "JR" = daddy bought my way into F1.
10-15-2008, 02:17 AM
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Here are the "offenses" from the Fuji race.
http://www.formula1.com/news/headlin...8/10/8530.html
Personally I find that Massa is the only one who should have a penalty considering he brazenly drives into another car who is ahead of him.
http://www.formula1.com/news/headlin...8/10/8530.html
Personally I find that Massa is the only one who should have a penalty considering he brazenly drives into another car who is ahead of him.
10-15-2008, 08:39 PM
#712
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^ Nice find! I just ran across footage myself.
IMO Hamilton was way out of line with the move in turn one. I'm not sure if it was worth a penalty, but it was way too optimistic. I was surprised though that his block on Heiki didn't look malicious from the in-car, matching Heiki's opinion.
On the other hand Massa wtf... The first angle shows Bourdais' right front was at the curb and Massa still attempted to drive over him.
And the contact with Hamilton, was just rediculous from any angle. How he only got a drive through for that I have no idea.
IMO Hamilton was way out of line with the move in turn one. I'm not sure if it was worth a penalty, but it was way too optimistic. I was surprised though that his block on Heiki didn't look malicious from the in-car, matching Heiki's opinion.
On the other hand Massa wtf... The first angle shows Bourdais' right front was at the curb and Massa still attempted to drive over him.
And the contact with Hamilton, was just rediculous from any angle. How he only got a drive through for that I have no idea.
10-16-2008, 09:55 AM
#713
2009 French Grand Prix cancelled
http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.a...44290&PO=44290
Thursday, 16 October 2008 08:27
The motorsport authorities in France have announced that next year's French Grand Prix will be cancelled.
French racing federation the FFSA issued a statement saying that it had decided not to promote the 2009 race for financial reasons.
"After considering the economic context, the FFSA is giving up its status as a financial promoter of a Formula 1 grand prix," said FFSA president Nicolas Deschaux.
"As a result, unless a promoter is found to replace the FFSA, the French Grand Prix cannot be part of the FIA’s international calendar in 2009."
In an interview with French newspaper L'Equipe, Deschaux added that the economic downturn and the losses made by the 2008 race meant that the FFSA could not justify continuing as promoter.
“The communities follow us, but the projected revenues for all leisure activities are 25% down for 2009, while the cost of hosting the race goes up 10% contractually," he said.
“And we have no guarantee that there will be a French driver on the F1 grid next year.
“Now we have completed the accounts for the 2008 French Grand Prix, which show a major deficit (1 million euros).
“The Federation got back into the role of race promoter by accident.
“But it is not its role to be promoter on an ongoing basis, especially if that jeopardises its role of serving the public.”
The French GP had been scheduled for 28 June on the provisional calendar issued last week, which also saw the removal of the Canadian GP.
The Magny-Cours race's departure reduces the 2009 schedule to 17 races, pending any further developments.
Despite the cancellation of next year's race, the FFSA is still evaluating six potential sites for future French GPs – with a revamped Magny-Cours and five projects situated nearer Paris on the shortlist.
The event's location has been a hot topic in recent years, with Bernie Ecclestone pushing for a move away from Magny-Cours, which is considered too remote and lacking in atmosphere by many in the paddock.
Ecclestone's preference was for a street race in Paris, or at least a circuit closer to the nation's capital.
The FFSA list features potential circuits at Yvelines, near Versailles, plus four sites in the Paris region: at Gonesse, a project known as Paris Motorspace in Domaine de Ferrieres, in Sarcelles, and at Disneyland Paris.
The Magny-Cours organisers are also pushing for another chance, having unveiled an upgrade programme known as 'Magny-Cours 2' which they believe will address the venue's shortcomings.
Deschaux told L'Equipe that the Paris Val d'Europe scheme at Disneyland was the front-runner as it was "the only project that could take place in 2010", but that all the options on the shortlist were "serious" possibilities in the longer term.
..................................
First Canada, now France. How long will it be before F1/Ecclestone realize that they are charging too much to promote a race?
Thursday, 16 October 2008 08:27
The motorsport authorities in France have announced that next year's French Grand Prix will be cancelled.
French racing federation the FFSA issued a statement saying that it had decided not to promote the 2009 race for financial reasons.
"After considering the economic context, the FFSA is giving up its status as a financial promoter of a Formula 1 grand prix," said FFSA president Nicolas Deschaux.
"As a result, unless a promoter is found to replace the FFSA, the French Grand Prix cannot be part of the FIA’s international calendar in 2009."
In an interview with French newspaper L'Equipe, Deschaux added that the economic downturn and the losses made by the 2008 race meant that the FFSA could not justify continuing as promoter.
“The communities follow us, but the projected revenues for all leisure activities are 25% down for 2009, while the cost of hosting the race goes up 10% contractually," he said.
“And we have no guarantee that there will be a French driver on the F1 grid next year.
“Now we have completed the accounts for the 2008 French Grand Prix, which show a major deficit (1 million euros).
“The Federation got back into the role of race promoter by accident.
“But it is not its role to be promoter on an ongoing basis, especially if that jeopardises its role of serving the public.”
The French GP had been scheduled for 28 June on the provisional calendar issued last week, which also saw the removal of the Canadian GP.
The Magny-Cours race's departure reduces the 2009 schedule to 17 races, pending any further developments.
Despite the cancellation of next year's race, the FFSA is still evaluating six potential sites for future French GPs – with a revamped Magny-Cours and five projects situated nearer Paris on the shortlist.
The event's location has been a hot topic in recent years, with Bernie Ecclestone pushing for a move away from Magny-Cours, which is considered too remote and lacking in atmosphere by many in the paddock.
Ecclestone's preference was for a street race in Paris, or at least a circuit closer to the nation's capital.
The FFSA list features potential circuits at Yvelines, near Versailles, plus four sites in the Paris region: at Gonesse, a project known as Paris Motorspace in Domaine de Ferrieres, in Sarcelles, and at Disneyland Paris.
The Magny-Cours organisers are also pushing for another chance, having unveiled an upgrade programme known as 'Magny-Cours 2' which they believe will address the venue's shortcomings.
Deschaux told L'Equipe that the Paris Val d'Europe scheme at Disneyland was the front-runner as it was "the only project that could take place in 2010", but that all the options on the shortlist were "serious" possibilities in the longer term.
..................................
First Canada, now France. How long will it be before F1/Ecclestone realize that they are charging too much to promote a race?
10-16-2008, 10:36 AM
#714
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Pretty soon all the races will take place in Monaco, with the drivers living in a zoo on the island between races, doing tricks for food.
oh well.
10-16-2008, 11:25 AM
#716
Power!!
Too bad. I was thinking if Alonso or Kubica move on he could do very well in the BMW or Renault. He's been excellent in the 2nd half of the season doing more with less.
10-16-2008, 11:28 AM
#717
Power!!
http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.a...44290&PO=44290
...while the cost of hosting the race goes up 10% contractually," he said.
...while the cost of hosting the race goes up 10% contractually," he said.
Get the money from sponsors not the tracks.
10-16-2008, 11:44 AM
#718
I think you need a (flat bottom) spec chassis that each team can modify to their wishes or allow chassis to be shared among teams to spread out the development costs (much as engines are now).
10-17-2008, 11:46 AM
#720
Canada / Customer Cars /Hamilton's Girl Friend
http://en.f1-live.com/f1/en/headline...17165448.shtml
Canada could reinstate GP - Ecclestone
''First they have to pay'' 17/10/08 16:54
Bernie Ecclestone on Friday said it is not inconceivable that Canada could win back its spot on the Formula One calendar.
The F1 chief executive recently cancelled the Montreal race's contract for 2009 and beyond.
"We tried our best, but they have not kept up their obligations for the past three years," he told Auto Motor und Sport in an interview.
"Until this point they have paid only 50 per cent of the money they owe us. I wouldn't say that Canada has no chance to return, but first they have to pay," the 77-year-old billionaire said.
Since the Canada axe, organisers of the Magny Cours race have called off the 2009 French Grand Prix for financial reasons.
"They had one more race than we were expecting," Ecclestone revealed.
"We don't have to worry," Bernie said. "There are four of five new people who are just waiting to get a Grand Prix."
.......................
http://en.f1-live.com/f1/en/headline...17143845.shtml
Sand shifts on customer car issue
Car sharing issue could aid Toro Rosso 17/10/08 14:38
The future looks brighter for Toro Rosso. Earlier this year, the partly Gerhard Berger-owned squad was in serious trouble, given Red Bull's dithering support and the looming end of the era when using a customer car is allowed.
But on both counts, the sand appears to have shifted somewhat. Red Bull mogul Dietrich Mateschitz's support seems more secure, and there are significant movements on the customer car issue.
Berger, meanwhile, said on Friday that Sebastian Vettel's debut win has helped the former Minardi squad to 'position ourselves in a good way'.
"Also my partner Red Bull is still committed very much behind the team," he said in China.
On the topic of customer cars, meanwhile, it emerged recently that Bernie Ecclestone has proposed that teams already involved in Formula One should be allowed to share technology, including the buying and selling of entire cars.
"If the regulations change in a way that the system we are using at the moment, and share costs and get synergies for both teams, I think the situation could change for us and could help us," Berger said.
It is understood that this potential rules shift led to Force India's talks with McLaren-Mercedes about a collaboration.
It is also clear that the Indian team is concerned about Ferrari's lagging progress with a KERS system for 2009, but it seems that a Force India-McLaren alliance would involve the sharing of engines, components and even aerodynamics.
"If Bernie's proposal actually goes through, I think it will be excellent for all independent teams and bring down costs substantially," Mallya said.
...............................
http://sify.com/sports/imagegallery/...llery=14778286
Hamilton plans big New Year eve bash for girlfriend
British Formula One racing driver Lewis Hamilton is planning a big bash on New Year`s eve for his girlfriend Nicole Scherzinger and her other bandmates and is ready to splurge to make it a perfect evening.
Apart from Scherzinger, other members of Pussycat Dolls will join them for the bash.
According to mirror.co.uk, Hamilton is keen to make it perfect for them and is ready to spend any amount of money. He along with Scherzinger have been scouring high-class estate agents for a 3 million pound townhouse in exclusive St John`s Wood to rent.
`Nicole can`t wait to pack her bags and move in. She`s so excited about prospect of spending New Year with Lewis and the girls. The girls love London, and are even getting a guest list ready for their bash and are deciding how much Cristal champagne to get too,` a source said.
Canada could reinstate GP - Ecclestone
''First they have to pay'' 17/10/08 16:54
Bernie Ecclestone on Friday said it is not inconceivable that Canada could win back its spot on the Formula One calendar.
The F1 chief executive recently cancelled the Montreal race's contract for 2009 and beyond.
"We tried our best, but they have not kept up their obligations for the past three years," he told Auto Motor und Sport in an interview.
"Until this point they have paid only 50 per cent of the money they owe us. I wouldn't say that Canada has no chance to return, but first they have to pay," the 77-year-old billionaire said.
Since the Canada axe, organisers of the Magny Cours race have called off the 2009 French Grand Prix for financial reasons.
"They had one more race than we were expecting," Ecclestone revealed.
"We don't have to worry," Bernie said. "There are four of five new people who are just waiting to get a Grand Prix."
.......................
http://en.f1-live.com/f1/en/headline...17143845.shtml
Sand shifts on customer car issue
Car sharing issue could aid Toro Rosso 17/10/08 14:38
The future looks brighter for Toro Rosso. Earlier this year, the partly Gerhard Berger-owned squad was in serious trouble, given Red Bull's dithering support and the looming end of the era when using a customer car is allowed.
But on both counts, the sand appears to have shifted somewhat. Red Bull mogul Dietrich Mateschitz's support seems more secure, and there are significant movements on the customer car issue.
Berger, meanwhile, said on Friday that Sebastian Vettel's debut win has helped the former Minardi squad to 'position ourselves in a good way'.
"Also my partner Red Bull is still committed very much behind the team," he said in China.
On the topic of customer cars, meanwhile, it emerged recently that Bernie Ecclestone has proposed that teams already involved in Formula One should be allowed to share technology, including the buying and selling of entire cars.
"If the regulations change in a way that the system we are using at the moment, and share costs and get synergies for both teams, I think the situation could change for us and could help us," Berger said.
It is understood that this potential rules shift led to Force India's talks with McLaren-Mercedes about a collaboration.
It is also clear that the Indian team is concerned about Ferrari's lagging progress with a KERS system for 2009, but it seems that a Force India-McLaren alliance would involve the sharing of engines, components and even aerodynamics.
"If Bernie's proposal actually goes through, I think it will be excellent for all independent teams and bring down costs substantially," Mallya said.
...............................
http://sify.com/sports/imagegallery/...llery=14778286
Hamilton plans big New Year eve bash for girlfriend
British Formula One racing driver Lewis Hamilton is planning a big bash on New Year`s eve for his girlfriend Nicole Scherzinger and her other bandmates and is ready to splurge to make it a perfect evening.
Apart from Scherzinger, other members of Pussycat Dolls will join them for the bash.
According to mirror.co.uk, Hamilton is keen to make it perfect for them and is ready to spend any amount of money. He along with Scherzinger have been scouring high-class estate agents for a 3 million pound townhouse in exclusive St John`s Wood to rent.
`Nicole can`t wait to pack her bags and move in. She`s so excited about prospect of spending New Year with Lewis and the girls. The girls love London, and are even getting a guest list ready for their bash and are deciding how much Cristal champagne to get too,` a source said.
10-18-2008, 03:04 AM
#722
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Well Lewis is on pole again for China (7th for the year).
Is it me or did he fail to properly get heat in his tires last race for the start? It was the first thing I observed; supposedly the ambient was quite cool and everyone else seemed to be working hard for tire heat including burn outs and I didn't see Lewis doing the same. His launch was terrible and it all went down hill from there.
We'll see how this race turns out.
Seal.
Is it me or did he fail to properly get heat in his tires last race for the start? It was the first thing I observed; supposedly the ambient was quite cool and everyone else seemed to be working hard for tire heat including burn outs and I didn't see Lewis doing the same. His launch was terrible and it all went down hill from there.
We'll see how this race turns out.
Seal.
10-18-2008, 07:52 PM
#725
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He's kind of right. The racing line cuts across that straight from right to left. The cars pull away closer to the back of the straight, so more rubber would be on the right side...right?