Sport The Formula 1 Thread

[Sigourney Beaver]

You did watch Monaco, yes?

Yes, I saw Monaco. He made another mistake and was lucky not to damage his car. The early pitstop worked in his favour.

I know he's extremely early in his career but even early in Schumacher's career you expected him to be near the front, and in machinery of a comparitively lesser standard to the 2007/08 McLaren. In his Ferrari days you expected him to be at the front. He was expected to be the quickest at every race on the calendar. I just don't get that with Hamilton.

I might actually be finished with F1 for htis year after Silverstone. 2009 may be a new slate with the new rules and BBC coverage.

[SteveH]

Well quite, Schumacher was a cheating twat at times. I jumped up and down screaming when he parked his car during qualifying at Monaco to screw up Alonsos quali lap.

I dunno. I can't explain what it is that drives me to some drivers more than others. I guess it's the same as why football fans here choose Man Utd over Man City or vice versa. As a non-football fan I can never understand why they aren't happy for whichever Manchester team wins. So I can understand to some extent why people get pissed off with me for not liking Hamilton but having no rationale as to why.

I'll be honest, I felt embarrassed about my rant a while back when I wouldn't shut up. A thread popped up a while back (I'm not mentioning names) where one forumite just wouldn't shut the hell up and everyone was getting really fucked off with them. It made me think twice about what I do and don't write these days as I just thought "oh my god, I must have sounded just as fucking annoying" - and at my age I should know better!

[Sigourney Beaver]

I didn't mind Schumacher for his bending of the rules. In fact, like Senna, I admired his win at all costs mentality. Schumacher used the rules to his advantage most of the time, bent them sometimes. Senna was more intimidatory on the track, sometimes wreckless.

[SteveH]

I didn't mind Schumacher for his bending of the rules. In fact, like Senna, I admired his win at all costs mentality. Schumacher used the rules to his advantage most of the time, bent them sometimes. Senna was more intimidatory on the track, sometimes wreckless.

Well quite. I didn't give a toss when he tried ramming both Hill (and succeeded) and also Villeneuve. To me it was someone who absolutely wouldn't take second place as an option. Something just niggled me though about that Monaco incident - I think maybe that it was so blatant that I feared he risked screwing up his race before it had begun that was more my problem with it. Especially as by that time he had everyone gunning for him and you just knew complaints would be lodged left right and centre.

If Schumacher had started from where Hamilton did I would have expected him to win the race to be honest and maybe the team try something novel with his strategy to help him. For me Hamilton doesn't even begin to have that air about him. And Hamilton is in the second best (and sometimes best depending on the track) car on the grid.

As I've also said though, ITV don't help. If Ted Kravitz or Louise Goodman are lucky enough to get soundbites from team members or drivers, I don't want that precious time wasted on "so, about Lewis's chances today". I'm amazed more people don't say "screw Lewis, we are in the race as well you know". In fact Webber hit the nail on the head when they asked him about the squabble brewing between Hamilton and Alonso last year. His reply was something along the lines of "why should I give a shit, I have my own race to worry about". Spot on that man. It's is even worse because these days it seems the drivers are reluctant to talk as it is without it being squandered on pointless questions. Not Hamiltons fault, but it doesn't make viewing any easier when you aren't a fan of his.

[marsh]

no, i'm applauding a driver who has gone out there and risked it a bit. Who didn't go .. "oh alright then, i'll tool round in 15th and try and pick up a few points."

I supported mansell becuase he never knew when to give in. After watching Schumacher lap le mans in the dark faster than anyone else i grudginly respected and admired him. I loved kimis attempt to drive a car with a tire clearly about explode. I watched Keke Rosberg stuff out his fag, haul his gold chains into the williams and set the fastest ever qualifying lap ... just because he knew he could do it. cheered as Lauda got back intoa car that had almost killed him and only lost the championship by a point. Cheered on Alasi as he race senna in phonix on the last lap for no reaspon other than to say, "yeah it's a shit car, but i'm a shit hot driver"

Ken tiyrell almost fired him for that .. Ferrari hired him

I hated Prost driving a Ferrari becuase i knew he'd whinge about it and go for the points not the wins. half heartedly cheered damon on as he drove smooth laps after smooth lap, shuddered as Alonso who was a fantastic F3000 driver whinge and complain about not getting number 1 status at maclaren.. because he didn't just go out and show lewis what is ment to be a back to back world champion.

I've watch F1 become sterile and pointless. Remember how Senna used to just pass through traffic like he was a ghost, and Post got held up lap after lap behind De ceseres (however you spell it). These days they sit behind the slower car for 2 corners and wait for the blue flag to get waved .. wheres the fucking skill in that !!?

In Turkey, Hamilton drove an ill handlering car to 2nd place. on the hard tires. he nailed it. Moment like that make me breath a sigh of relief. At last a racer is here. He'll fuck up like Senna into the wall at monaco. But he'll atleast fuck up trying to win a race. Not like trulli falling asleep and being past in the last corner of the last lap.

He hit kimi because he was bloody well trying to win a race.

And that should be applauded.

There's a vast difference between the majority of names you mention there and Hamilton. They were all capable of dumping the car on pole, waiting for the green light and then blazing off into the distance leaving all and sundry in awe. Hamilton hasn't really done that, and don't quote Monaco this year, because we all know that he should have been out of the race.

Mansell always said that being at Silverstone was worth a second a lap, we'll see how good he is this weekend. Though you'll probably say it's not a good circuit for the Mclaren.....

[LowCostMonkey]

There's a vast difference between the majority of names you mention there and Hamilton. They were all capable of dumping the car on pole, waiting for the green light and then blazing off into the distance leaving all and sundry in awe. Hamilton hasn't really done that, and don't quote Monaco this year, because we all know that he should have been out of the race.

Mansell always said that being at Silverstone was worth a second a lap, we'll see how good he is this weekend. Though you'll probably say it's not a good circuit for the Mclaren.....

He has the capability though. There is no denying that. I think at the moment he is really feeling the pressure and I personally beleive that the ability to deal with that pressure in your stride is only ever truly acheived by becoming accustomed to it. Even then it can still get you. Schumacher and Hakkinen both spring to mind in that respect.

[SeanR]

Has Formula 1 gone all "Sports Entertainment" on us?

[Sidewaysbob]

Senna drove into Prost when the pressure got to him in Japan.

And yes this is a Ferrari circuit. long sweeping corners and high speed straights. just like Turkey, Spain and Bahrain. It's got red written all over it. I think it's going to be Massa'a weekend. But realy it'll come down to whomever get's the set up right on friday and doesn't cock it up.

[morcs]

Found out this morning that my mate won two weekend tickets for the British Grand Prix, and he's giving me one of them on the Sunday

I'm going to the testing tomorrow too, how did those who went yesterday/today get on?

[Paradigm]

Yes, I saw Monaco. He made another mistake and was lucky not to damage his car. The early pitstop worked in his favour.

Everyone made mistakes, because it was soaking wet and they were driving 850bhp cars without traction control. He tried to control the slide and thus the impact was nowhere near as bad as it could have been. All drivers make mistakes. And despite having made a mistake, he went out and lapped the circuit faster than anyone, lap after lap, for the rest of the race, having been doing the same previous. He was miles ahead of everyone that day, it really was like watching Senna in the wet again.

[Valver]

Found out this morning that my mate won two weekend tickets for the British Grand Prix, and he's giving me one of them on the Sunday

I'm going to the testing tomorrow too, how did those who went yesterday/today get on?

Ooh, lucky you!

I'm going to the testing tomorrow too. See you there! /has no idea what you look like

[Agent L]

Went today, great day, open all the way from Club to Luffield so a good bit of variety.

You haven't lived until you've seen and F1 car going through Bridge at 180mph about 40 feet away, sublime

Will get some pics up tomorrow probably.

[Sigourney Beaver]

Everyone made mistakes, because it was soaking wet and they were driving 850bhp cars without traction control. He tried to control the slide and thus the impact was nowhere near as bad as it could have been. All drivers make mistakes. And despite having made a mistake, he went out and lapped the circuit faster than anyone, lap after lap, for the rest of the race, having been doing the same previous. He was miles ahead of everyone that day, it really was like watching Senna in the wet again.

I honestly didn't get that impression. Maybe it's coz he and ITV talked it up so much I was expecting it. For example, I'm impressed if Nick Heidfeld pops it on the podium from 6th on the grid coz we never really hear from him.

[marsh]

Senna drove into Prost when the pressure got to him in Japan.

And yes this is a Ferrari circuit. long sweeping corners and high speed straights. just like Turkey, Spain and Bahrain. It's got red written all over it. I think it's going to be Massa'a weekend. But realy it'll come down to whomever get's the set up right on friday and doesn't cock it up.

No, Senna said after being moved onto the dirty side of the circuit that 'if he's there when I get there then so be it' after all, Senna at that point hated him so much that he couldn't bring himself to utter his name.

Mansell had some really shit cars, qualified badly, and would still win the odd race. By what you've just said Hamilton should still be able to win this weekend?

[mexos]

some pics from today... was a pity only 1/6 of the circuit was open, limited the photo op's loads.

Was pretty good, apart from the bit on the way back - cycling the 15 miles back to northampton station & I got TWO flat tyres on my cycle. Not fun. Took me 5 hours to get home.

Kov looked good through bridge. Button just looked slow - especially getting the power down out of the final corner - that Honda aint working too well. Pity Ham wasn't there today, i quite fancied seeing some lairy driving

[rylee]

Webber however , i don't know. He's had his chances at Jaguar and williams, but just never seemed to turn them into anything. Poles that because 5ths. that sort of thing. You can argue it was wrong cars wrong times, That the new redbull is finally showing his potential, but coulthards 3rd showed it's a very good car, Imagine what vettel or kubica could do with it. drivers hungry for wins. I think Webbers doing a great job, but i just don't think he's a world champion really. Better than button, trulli, rosberg maybe, Fisi just about. Not as good as Alonso, kimi, massa, hamilton. i'm affraid. Nice bloke though.

The thing about Webber is that he's done well with underachieving cars/teams, but never been in the right spot at the right time. Anyone who can put a Jag on the front row has got some talent. Trouble with that type of performance is that it really can only get worse - especially with the Jag having serious launch issues that were well known by all. Chose Williams over Renault for personal reasons and wasn't to know they were about to have a huge struggle with reliability. Japanese GP last year: Webber was there to hassle Hamilton until Vettel punted him up the rear end under the safety car - simply no luck. Some drivers just don't find easy street! Nice to see he's getting some strong points finishes this year. Put him in a Ferrari or McLaren and it would be close to pole every race, as he's certainly a hot lap specialist.

The French GP was dull except for the rain sprinkle - hope the next few offer some great racing and we'll get to see who really is up for a championship year.

[Agent L]

some pics from today... was a pity only 1/6 of the circuit was open, limited the photo op's loads.

Was pretty good, apart from the bit on the way back - cycling the 15 miles back to northampton station & I got TWO flat tyres on my cycle. Not fun. Took me 5 hours to get home.

Kov looked good through bridge. Button just looked slow - especially getting the power down out of the final corner - that Honda aint working too well. Pity Ham wasn't there today, i quite fancied seeing some lairy driving

1/6??? I viewed all the way from Club to Luffield and thought there was plenty of variety. I'd call that more like 1/3 of the circuit was open, unless you're counting infield too I guess.

Good shots and bummer about the ride home. What time were you there? I arrived just after the rain at about 11 and left at 4:30. Really enjoyed myself.

I thought in the morning session that Massa just made everyone else look daft, the Ferrari seems so effortless to drive compared to the others, even though Kovy was fastest all day. Jenson did look slow, poor sod, can't be nice to have to drive such a dog of a car. Shame Fisi sent it into the wall, have to check if he injured himself as last I heard he was off to the medical centre and then Piquet hit the wall too, saw that coming all day long though, he looked so ragged.

Anyway, some pictures:

Button @ Abbey

Massa with Button in background @ Club

Kubica @ Luffield

Fisi well loaded through Bridge, compared with the other shots of other cars through here I have his cars attitude looks so wrong

PS - I hate the image re-sizing on this forum

[fragglerock]

Nice pics guys.

There is an Insin greasemonkey script that stops the re-sizing.

edit

http://www.jonathanbuchanan.plus.com/repos...estorer.user.js

[LowCostMonkey]

some pics from today... was a pity only 1/6 of the circuit was open, limited the photo op's loads.

Was pretty good, apart from the bit on the way back - cycling the 15 miles back to northampton station & I got TWO flat tyres on my cycle. Not fun. Took me 5 hours to get home.

Kov looked good through bridge. Button just looked slow - especially getting the power down out of the final corner - that Honda aint working too well. Pity Ham wasn't there today, i quite fancied seeing some lairy driving

Bloody hell. There are some seriously good photographers in this forum. Nice pics Mexos.

Edit: And you too Agent L, didn't notice your shots until I after I replied to Mexos. Very good stuff.

[morcs]

Quick camera phone vid of Hamilton

[Valver]

Had a great day on Thursday. Got a bit of sunburn the weather was so good.

My camera (Canon digital Ixus) was woefully inadequate for taking decent pics, but here are a couple that came out OK.

Got to watch Hamilton, Raikonen, Alonso (who spun into the gravel trap right in front of the grandstand at Luffields ), Barichello and Coulthard amongst others.

...really built up my excitement for the race next weekend

Go Lewis

[Agent L]

Good shots Valver, any idea what happened between DC and Glock?

[morcs]

Had a great day on Thursday. Got a bit of sunburn the weather was so good.

My mates were taking the mick out of me and my suncream, now they're lobstered up to the max

Every time I go to Silvertsone people get burned, even when it's overcast, so I came prepared!

[morcs]

Fisi well loaded through Bridge, compared with the other shots of other cars through here I have his cars attitude looks so wrong

That is odd, it looks like the left rear is actually running positive camber. It might be just tyre deformation though, as the grooves look vertical relative to the car.

[sir stiff_one]

Not F1 exactly but check out whose car was parked outside our old flat in Helsinki last week:

[morcs]

Is it a special edition named after Kimi, like the Tommi Makkinen edition Lancer?

[sir stiff_one]

I think it's the one Ferrari gave him for winning the 2007 F1.

[morcs]

Nice! You'd think they'd give him an Enzo though! A bit more subtle than that ridiculous motorbike he's got anyway.

[sir stiff_one]

I think his house is just round the corner from our old place. Don't imagine it was him driving though as he was in France.

[Sidewaysbob]

It'll all be about Ferrari.

Choose between Massa or Kimi. Because no one else is going to get a look in .. trust me. It's flat and fast, with long flowing corners and a noodley bit at the end. It has Ferrari written all over it like Monaco has Mclaren written all over it.

Last time out Mclaren were fast but had a bunch of bad luck, and made the mistake of overtaking someone. The Hamster is talking his game up, with the "big I am" but I think the pressure might just be getting to him. Last year he had finished every race on the podium thus far. This year it's looking less than Stella. Even ragged at times. Toys were thrown out of the pram after the Canadian GP, with claims the British media weren't "on side" with the plucky English hero. Time to go on a charm offensive and pull a good result out of the bag.

Toyota (loathed as I am to admit it) may well go very well here. Trulli is dull, yet dependable and his third in France might just galvanise the team into something like effort. the car looks to be a pretty stable on the long runs and trulli has never been a hang it all out to impress the crowd kind of driver.

BMW looked totally lost in France. A gang of Sherpa's, Google earth and an AA map, wasn't going to get them out of the mess that was qualifying. With Toyota, Renault and Redbull all looking like finding the loud pedal, it's looking tough for Kubica and Heidfeld especially. You have to qualify well to be up the front on Sunday afternoon. Heidfeld isn't doing the business on Saturday at the moment and is having to come back from a long way down. Kubica is hauling the car round to stay in contention, BMW need to find so speed or they'll get dragged back into the midfield scrap.

So with Renault it's the same old story about Alonso whinging and piquest looking like a lost sheep. Alonso messed up big time in France and got passed pretty much on the last lap. by Piquest of all people. But that car looked slow and heavy and was well beaten by the Redbull.

The Redbulls being the suprise package of the year for me so far, Webber is pretty much racing with Alonso for 6th spot at the moment. a good run and a bit of luck could see him on the podium. With BMW looking slightly lost, now could be the time to strike. Who knows, even old square jaw could be a top 5 player.

So you pays your money and you takes your chances. Who has the most development money left in the pot. Whos going to be looking at next years car already, and who wants to take a punt at world championship points. It's the half way point in the season and Ferrar, Mclaren and BMW all have drivers in with a shout for the silverware. Ferrari look to have the measure of the constructors points.

Silverstone could define several teams 2008.

But Ferrari will win.....easy