F-1.......

[Mumzy]

Who else is ready for the most politically influenced field of primadonna's to hit the track?




I am :D

[Bomber52]

I can't wait...

[Demp]

Im Excited !! :d

[freddy]

I'm more than ready. Can't wait until Montreal when I will be there to watch.

So, who do you guys think will win the championship this year? My guess is that the old truth "If you want to win, you need a finn" is more than valid this year. So the easy bet would be Kimi Räikkönen in a Ferrari but the outsider is Heikki Kovalainen in the McLaren.

[stuckthrottle]

Racing at night will be rad!

[Mumzy]

Hamilton...Kimmi ??????

I really don't know....that's what I love about F-1.....these guys are all great drivers and the cars really do make a difference. I like Ferrari this year, but Renault...BMW....and even Toyota has a chance (ok NEKCAR Fans hold onto your teeth...) ....we shall know in a few short days.

[Tristar Racing]

Red Bull Racing, I love those cars. Coulthard is past his prime, and Im not sure about Webber, but damn thats a tasty beverage when mixed with Absolute, haha.

[Mumzy]

Hamilton...Kimmi ??????

I really don't know....that's what I love about F-1.....these guys are all great drivers and the cars really do make a difference. I like Ferrari this year, but Renault...BMW....and even Toyota has a chance (ok NEKCAR Fans hold onto your teeth...) ....we shall know in a few short days.

How in the world did I forget McLaren!

[Samco Fab]

I cant wait to see who has stepped it up and who has slowed over the off season.

I say Ferrari will still be the fastest, all 4 of them last year were fast;)

[Hemp]

I am hoping for a big showing from bmw, but I dont think their testing times were very impressive

It is interesting that their front spoiler is very different from all the other teams

[DSRacing]

This should be an interesting season with the elimination of traction control and other driving aids, especially in the rain. I'm interested in seeing how McLaren reacts to the loss of Ron Dennis. I think Ferrari will be fast out of the box and McLaren and Hamilton will take a couple of races catch up.

The Honda and Toyota teams are still also-rans but are getting serious pressure from management to start justifying the money they have spent.

This link has some interesting comparison photos of the changes in the 2008 cars from 2007.

http://www.f1technical.net/forum/viewforum.php?f=6

[Chris_Wilson]

Good point, can't wait for the next non-traction control rain race. See who the real stars are with the chassis advantages somewhat neutralized.

To enhance F-1, I propose each track be fitted with sprinkler systems that are on a random timer and come on at least one per race but sometimes more than once and sometimes for short showers (intermediates needed) and sometimes for long soaks (full wets required).

[michael_loomis]

Red Bull Racing, I love those cars. Coulthard is past his prime, and Im not sure about Webber, but damn thats a tasty beverage when mixed with Absolute, haha.

Did you get a Red Bull PR job your not telling us about?

[Tristar Racing]

Did you get a Red Bull PR job your not telling us about?

Haha, nah, I wish. Have to admire how that company advertises and rakes in the money. They make basicaly one product, and its grown to an empire.

Plus it mixes so well at the bars! :)

[Hemp]

Can anyone tell me why Ferrari has the barcode like white graphics? I have never been able to find out why, but I have a hunch it has to do with cigarette sponsorship not being allowed and its from the old Marlboro sponsorship contract that is still continued?

[Hemp]

Can anyone tell me why Ferrari has the barcode like white graphics? I have never been able to find out why, but I have a hunch it has to do with cigarette sponsorship not being allowed and its from the old Marlboro sponsorship contract that is still continued?

[DSRacing]

Can anyone tell me why Ferrari has the barcode like white graphics? I have never been able to find out why, but I have a hunch it has to do with cigarette sponsorship not being allowed and its from the old Marlboro sponsorship contract that is still continued?

Exactly.

[RGFan]

I am looking forward to seeing these guys actually drive without traction control or ecu managed braking. The ecu's for each car are standard and handed out from the FIA. I wonder how much the lap times will fall off and how much more whining we will hear from the drivers.

[D4D]

Lots of mistakes made in practice yesterday with no driver aids, it is really going to make the first few races really important as I predict that a lot of the field will not finish the races or be running damaged. A smart driver that keeps his nose clean will run away with the points early in the season.

I like the new qualifying procedure for the third session, that it is only 10 minutes and they have to start the race on the fuel in the tank. It is going to make it VERY strategic.

[DSRacing]

The drivers in F1 will always find something to complain about. Rumors are already rampant about the standardized ECU developed by McLaren and Microsoft. One of the rumors is McLaren was able to add in a secret code giving them the ability to have launch control. The code was supposed to be accessed by pressing certain steering wheel buttons in a particular sequence.

Williams and Red Bull had differential problems during practice yesterday.

[DSRacing]

Qualifiying results from yesterday, Raikkonen in the Ferrari starting in 16th due to a bad fuel pump.

1. Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes 1:26.572 1:25.187 1:26.714 14
2. Kubica BMW Sauber 1:26.103 1:25.315 1:26.869 15
3. Kovalainen McLaren-Mercedes 1:25.664 1:25.452 1:27.079 13
4. Massa Ferrari 1:25.994 1:25.691 1:27.178 12
5. Heidfeld BMW Sauber 1:25.960 1:25.518 1:27.236 16
6. Trulli Toyota 1:26.427 1:26.101 1:28.527 17
7. Rosberg Williams-Toyota 1:26.295 1:26.059 1:28.687 21
8. Coulthard Red Bull-Renault 1:26.381 1:26.063 1:29.041 18
9. Glock Toyota 1:26.919 1:26.164 1:29.593 17
10. Vettel Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1:26.702 1:25.842 - 18
11. Barrichello Honda 1:26.369 1:26.173 - 13
12. Alonso Renault 1:26.907 1:26.188 - 10
13. Button Honda 1:26.712 1:26.259 - 13
14. Nakajima Williams-Toyota 1:26.891 1:26.413 - 13
15. Webber Red Bull-Renault 1:26.914 - - 8
16. Raikkonen Ferrari 1:26.140 - - 3
17. Fisichella Force India-Ferrari 1:27.207 - - 9
18. Bourdais Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1:27.446 - - 10
19. Sutil Force India-Ferrari 1:27.859 - - 9
20. Sato Super Aguri-Honda 1:28.208 - - 9
21. Piquet Renault 1:28.330 - - 6
22. Davidson Super Aguri-Honda 1:29.059 - - 9

[racer951]

This is the craziest F-1 race I've seen in a while; I hope the rest of the year is like this. On a more serious note, it does look like either the playing field is evening slighlty or that the traction control changes has brought the better drivers to the front. Still 8 laps to go too.

[DSRacing]

I was going to post the results of the race, but noticed Speed will be airing the race at 10:30am. Don't want to spoil it for anyone. Did anyone watch the 12 hours at Sebring? The LMP2 Penske Porsche took the overall win from Audi. Here's a link to yesterdays race.

http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/alms-penske-porsche-wins-sebring-overall/

[TrademarkTim]

if lmp1 is suposed to be the marquee class at alms they should open up the rules so they are out front. the lmp2 cars are way fast now and its unfair for porsche to be running their lmp1 car in an lmp2 disguise.

as far as f1...what a race. im stoked to see rosberg and heidfeld get a podium, kubica was doing so well too. i like the standard ecu....i dont like mclaren being the manufactur, conflict of interest lol. i want to see vettel bring it as stong as he can in the STR and hopefully take over massas spot at ferrari. but ive always been a kimi fan and it breaks my heart to see him spin and not take a point, well lets see what happens to rubens first!

[DSRacing]

if lmp1 is suposed to be the marquee class at alms they should open up the rules so they are out front. the lmp2 cars are way fast now and its unfair for porsche to be running their lmp1 car in an lmp2 disguise.

The Penske Porsches are built to the LMP2 rules, they are lighter with better fuel economy than the heavier LMP1 Audis. Porsche wasn't the only LMP2 giving the LMP1 cars a run for their money. Audi complained last year about the LMP2 class trying to steal their glory, and ALMS raised the minimum weight limit for the class. Guess it did'nt do much.

Anyway, enough of the hijack from me, back to F1.

[Brandon Johnson]

I never really watched before but what a great race IMO. Those cars are BAD

[RGFan]

Unfortunately, I missed the race. Working in Vegas on a Sunday sucks. From the results, it looks like the "Best Racers in the World" are having some issues with actually having to drive their race cars without traction control.:D

[Mumzy]

Wow..... what a race. Anyone that says there is no passing in F1 sure didn't watch that race. Räikkönen passed a gazillion cars on the first lap and got himself all the way to third before he expired. That race reminded me of a VERY rough Baja 1000 with all the attrition and air time! I was rootin' for Kimmi then he went away....then I started rootin' for Bourdais .....then he went away. Hamilton got what seemed to be the least amount of air time as any winner ever...because of what was going on behind him was so exciting. Taking away traction control just changed the face of F1 for a long time.

BIG props to my buddy's at Dyson Racing......or what I like to refer to as the "Ghetto Gang"...(their shop is currently located in the worst part of town while the long over due new shop is being finished). Rob and Chris do have deep pockets, but putting a world class team together in Poughkeepsie is no small feat.

I watched about five minutes of Bristol and decided to clean the range instead....much more exciting after watching cars turn right.

[Mumzy]

Unfortunately, I missed the race. Working in Vegas on a Sunday sucks. From the results, it looks like the "Best Racers in the World" are having some issues with actually having to drive their race cars without traction control.:D

Suprisinly the drivers are not having the most trouble....the engineers are. Traction control helps save motors and transmissions. It kind of seemed like the Ferrari engineers didn't plan on the extra abuse the drive-train was going to receive. There were allot of accidents also........it was a VERY good race.

[RGFan]

Absolutely, traction control also does exactly what it's title is, which helps keep the drivers on the track. Without it and driving like they still have it will equal many accidents. To be honest, it takes alot of the driving out of the car. Running road courses especially, accelerating out of a corner to early with those cars with traction control is not a big deal, without it, they will most likely end up sitting in a gravel trap pointed in the wrong direction.

[woundedyak]

Finally,A good race.I hope the rest of the year is like that!

[DSRacing]

Here are the results from the race, for those of you who missed it like I did. At least I'll be able to watch next week's race at Malaysia.

1) Hamilton, McLaren-Mercedes, 1h34:50.616
2) Heidfeld, BMW Sauber, +5.478sec
3) Rosberg, Williams-Toyota, +8.163
4) Alonso, Renault, +17.181
5) Kovalainen, McLaren-Mercedes, +8.014
DQ) Barrichello, Honda, +52.453
7) Nakajima, Williams-Toyota, +1 lap
8) Bourdais, Toro Rosso-Ferrari, +2 laps
9) Raikkonen, Ferrari, +3 laps

Not classified:
Kubica, BMW Sauber , 50
Glock, Toyota , 44
Sato, Super Aguri-Honda , 33
Piquet, Renault , 31
Massa, Ferrari , 30
Coulthard, Red Bull-Renault , 26
Trulli, Toyota , 20
Sutil, Force India-Ferrari , 9
Webber, Red Bull-Renault , 1
Button, Honda , 1
Davidson, Super Aguri-Honda , 1
Vettel, Toro Rosso-Ferrari , 1
Fisichella, Force India-Ferrari , 1

Barrichello moves to the bottom of the list because of his DQ. My predictions for Ferrari and McLaren remind me why I don't gamble or play the lottery.

[Chris Tobin]

Here are the results from the race, for those of you who missed it like I did. At least I'll be able to watch next week's race at Malaysia.

1) Hamilton, McLaren-Mercedes, 1h34:50.616
2) Heidfeld, BMW Sauber, +5.478sec
3) Rosberg, Williams-Toyota, +8.163
4) Alonso, Renault, +17.181
5) Kovalainen, McLaren-Mercedes, +8.014
DQ) Barrichello, Honda, +52.453
7) Nakajima, Williams-Toyota, +1 lap
8) Bourdais, Toro Rosso-Ferrari, +2 laps
9) Raikkonen, Ferrari, +3 laps

Not classified:
Kubica, BMW Sauber , 50
Glock, Toyota , 44
Sato, Super Aguri-Honda , 33
Piquet, Renault , 31
Massa, Ferrari , 30
Coulthard, Red Bull-Renault , 26
Trulli, Toyota , 20
Sutil, Force India-Ferrari , 9
Webber, Red Bull-Renault , 1
Button, Honda , 1
Davidson, Super Aguri-Honda , 1
Vettel, Toro Rosso-Ferrari , 1
Fisichella, Force India-Ferrari , 1

Barrichello moves to the bottom of the list because of his DQ. My predictions for Ferrari and McLaren remind me why I don't gamble or play the lottery.

I didn't see it either. Why was Barrichello DQed?

[DSRacing]

Apparently a pitlane violation. Since I didn't see the race I'm assuming it was as he was re-entering the track.

Rubens Barrichello, who was yesterday excluded from the points after a pitlane infringement, has called for a change to the signalling system in the pits. The Brazilian ignored a red light by leaving the pit lane and was therefore disqualified. Rubinho claims that he never saw the red light as they are placed in the wrong places.

Barrichello said: "I never saw a red light. I will never see it and I don't pretend to see it. They are in the wrong places and by the time you see it, it is too late. You have already gone past it.

"Because of the new ECU, you have different functions and different knobs that you have to change all through the pitstops, and I am still doing that when I get to the lights.

"My problem in the past 16 years of F1 is that the lights at the end of the pits, you don't see them. It has happened to Montoya, Massa and Kubica. Nobody will see it unless someone in the team is prepared to say there is a red light, or something else is done. It is unfortunate."

[TrademarkTim]

he was rushing to get out of the pits anyways, imo he wasnt paying attention. if you see his stop he took off with the fuel rig still attached and looks like some of his crew might have been injured.

what do you think of this conspiricy.....
*british mcclaren gets to make the common ecu
*bernie is a britt
*mcclaren driver (hamilton) is a britt
*wanting to change the race time for australia so the britts can see it at a decent time
*hamilton pitted just before the saftey car each time...inside info?
*suposed launch control for the mcclarens

lol....we were just joking about this at work



as far as the alms.....im torn. i work for audi but own a porsche but id rather see the rings take the overall!

[racer951]

Unfortunately, I missed the race. Working in Vegas on a Sunday sucks. From the results, it looks like the "Best Racers in the World" are having some issues with actually having to drive their race cars without traction control.:D

Raikonnen kept dropping a tire into the dirt/grass while under heavy braking. Ok with traction control, no bueno without.

[DSRacing]

Just got done watching the re-play of the Australian GP. About the only thing I can say is Hamilton was one of the few drivers out there who didn't have his head stuffed into his tail pipe. Hopefully this race will shake the cobwebs loose for a lot of people. I didn't see this race as being a true indication of the potential speed of any of the teams. Interesting that Ron Dennis changed his mind about leaving, at least for this year.

Raikkonen screwed himself by trying to force a pass on cold and worn out tires, then suffers brain fade at the re-start and gets passed by two cars.

I don't blame Barichello for leaving his pit box when he did, his crewman lifts the lollipop up too soon which is his signal to go. I agree he wasn't paying attention to the red light at the end of the pit lane though. How much bigger does he need that light to be?

Kovalainen chokes at the end of the next to last lap and gets passed by Alonso, strange no mention afterward if he thought it was the end of the race or McLaren saying he suffered from an "Electronic anamoly" It looked to me like he thought the race was over.

Tim, my thoughts on your questions,

They should have gone to an independent outside company to make the SECU, Even if McLaren manufactured the ECU on the up and up, the rumors McLaren has an edge with such things as launch control will always be there.

Changing the time of the race to suit Britain and Europe in general doesn't suprise me, that's the marketplace for F1 and Bernie feeds off the television rights.

I want to see what the next three races bring as far as reliability with the gearboxes since they have to last four races now.

[Mumzy]

DS....you saw it just like I did.

I don't see Ferrari making big gains this week....everyone will be running the same set ups as last week and Ferrari doesn't have time to spend a million or two to find out just what went wrong last weekend. I still think that McLaren factored in the fact that without TC the drive train is going to take a beating. These incredible machines are eggshells as it is.....any one of these cars could break at any moment.

This week I see it as any man's race, but Hamilton will be the one to beat.

[RGFan]

I agree, these cars have been designed to run on the outer edge of reliability, with multiple computer aides to help them get there, from acceleration, to traction to braking. They are going to have to make these cars more right foot/left foot friendly and not so computer friendly if that makes any sense.

[racer951]

Kovalainen chokes at the end of the next to last lap and gets passed by Alonso, strange no mention afterward if he thought it was the end of the race or McLaren saying he suffered from an "Electronic anamoly" It looked to me like he thought the race was over.

But, if I remember right, he got passed before the end of the lap, which sort of tosses that theory out the window. Either way, after fighting so hard to pass Alonso, that was one of the stranger moments in a race full of them.

[DSRacing]

But, if I remember right, he got passed before the end of the lap, which sort of tosses that theory out the window. Either way, after fighting so hard to pass Alonso, that was one of the stranger moments in a race full of them.

Possibly, My view of the incident was from the camera shooting from the opposite end of the straight, I never saw a closer shot of the incident to notice any markings on the track. At the same time, the announcers were saying, "What the *ell is he doing" They talked about him having a problem or possibly missing a gear, I doubt that. Kovalainen got right back on it as Alonso passed him. I argee with you, strange race.

[freddy]

From what I understand, Kovalainen accidentally hit the pit lane speed limiter as he tore of a visor strip.

[DSRacing]

That would be fun to explain to Ron Dennis.

[Kartman]

I finally got a chance to watch the AUS race tonight. DAMN! great season opener, lots of carnage and chaos and some great battles. 0/6 ferrari engines finishing, heatbreak for bordeis in his debut. Nice battle at the end between A-hole-lonso and kovalainen.

Cant wait for malaysia on sunday! GO BMW!

[Kartman]

The lack of TC should make the season a lot more exciting is the 1st race is any indication.

[DSRacing]

Qualifiying results from Malaysia, F1 never ceases to amaze me.

Lewis Hamilton and Heikki Kovalainen have each been penalized in five grid spots for blocking Nick Heidfeld and Fernando Alonso in the closing stages of Malaysian Grand Prix qualifying.

Following vocal complaints from the BMW and Renault drivers, the McLaren duo of Hamilton and Kovalainen will now start in ninth and eighth respectively. The pairing stayed slowly on the racing line while Heidfeld and Alonso attempted their final flying laps at Sepang.

McLaren said it will not appeal the decision.

Revised Malaysian GP grid:

1) Massa Ferrari
2) Raikkonen Ferrari
3) Trulli Toyota
4) Kubica BMW Sauber
5) Heidfeld BMW Sauber
6) Webber Red Bull-Renault
7) Alonso Renault
8) Kovalainen McLaren-Mercedes *
9) Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes *
10) Glock Toyota
11) Button Honda
12) Coulthard Red Bull-Renault
13) Piquet Renault
14) Barrichello Honda
15) Vettel Toro Rosso-Ferrari
16) Rosberg Williams-Toyota
17) Fisichella Force India-Ferrari
18) Bourdais Toro Rosso-Ferrari
19) Sato Super Aguri-Honda
20) Sutil Force India-Ferrari
21) Davidson Super Aguri-Honda
22) Nakajima Williams-Toyota **

[Mike @ pit b]

Looks like Ferrari are going 1-2 if the motors wholed up. Lets see how Hamilton is in traffic.

[Mumzy]

Due to the Q3 infractions the race for the win was non existent. I wonder if the McLaren's were even there if they could have given the Ferrari's a run.

I like the mention of Toyota pumping $600 million a year into F-1......To them Nascar is no different than shopping at WalMart.

[DSRacing]

BMW and Toyota made a showing at this race, good to see other names at the top of the list. Massa looks like he's still trying to come to grasps with driving a car w/o TC. Spun himself out of a nearly guaranteed second place.

1) Raikkonen, Ferrari, 1h31:18.555
2) Kubica, BMW Sauber, +19.570
3) Kovalainen, McLaren-Mercedes, +38.450
4) Trulli, Toyota, +45.832
5) Hamilton, McLaren-Mercedes, +46.548
6) Heidfeld, BMW Sauber, +49.833
7) Webber, Red Bull-Renault, +1:08.130
8) Alonso, Renault, +1:10.041
9) Coulthard, Red Bull-Renault, +1:16.220
10) Button, Honda, +1:26.214
11) Piquet, Renault, +1:32.202
12) Fisichella, Force India-Ferrari, +1 lap
13) Barrichello, Honda, + 1 lap
14) Rosberg, Williams-Toyota, +1 lap
15) Davidson, Super Aguri-Honda, +1 lap
16) Sato, Super Aguri-Honda, +2 laps
17) Nakajima, Williams-Toyota, +2 laps

Not classified:

Vettel, Toro Rosso-Ferrari, 41 laps
Massa, Ferrari, 31
Sutil, Force India-Ferrari, 7
Glock, Toyota, 2
Bourdais, Toro Rosso-Ferrari, 1

[TrademarkTim]

missed this race but glad that kimi won.


about the gear boxes....
from what i understand they can change the gearing (gears them selves) and syncros and bearings.....it sounds like the only thing that has to be there for 4 races is the case itself and the main shafts?

[DSRacing]

From everything I've heard and read, the teams are only allowed to change the gear ratios and dog rings once between races to fit the layout of the different tracks. You wouldn't want to go from Monaco to Monza with the same ratios for obvious reasons. Everything else is not to be touched. Some teams have gona awy from the full seamless carbon fiber gearcases to a partial CF/titanium because of the reliability issue.

Attached is a photo of the Honda gearcase from a few years ago. If nothing else they are works of art.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y9/DSRanger/2230687442_55acc7f93f.jpg

[Kartman]

They covered this on Racing Per Machet during the pre race last week so if you have the race tivoed check it out.

They can change ratios, the case and most of the rest must remain the same. 1st infraction is 5 qualifying positions, 2nd is 10.

[DSRacing]

Well then Matchet needs to read the FIA regulations, ;)

9.5 Gearboxes
9.5.1 A gearbox is defined as all the parts in the drive line which transfer torque from the engine crankshaft to the drive shafts (the drive shafts being defined as those components which transfer drive torque from the sprung mass to the un-sprung mass). It includes all components whose primary purpose is for the transmission of power or mechanical selection of gears, bearings associated with these components and the casing in which they are housed.

9.5.2 In this context the following parts are not considered part of the gearbox and may be changed without incurring a penalty under the F1 Sporting Regulations. If changing any of these parts involves breaking an FIA applied seal this may be done but must be carried out under FIA supervision :
- the clutch assembly and any shaft connecting the clutch to the crankshaft or first motion shaft of the gearbox, provided this is located prior to any mechanical speed reduction from the engine ;
the clutch actuator and clutch release bearing(s) ;
- inboard driveshaft joints and seals but not their housing if that housing is integral with the gearbox output shaft and therefore part of the sprung mass ;
- the hydraulic system prior to the point at which it produces direct mechanical movement of the gear selection mechanism by means of hydraulic actuator(s) ;
- oil, oil pumps, oil filters, oil seals, oil coolers and any associated hoses or pipes ;
- electrical sensors, actuators, servo valves and wiring ;
- any parts associated with the suspension or functioning of the sprung suspension that are attached to the gearbox casing ;
- the rear impact structure provided it can be separated from any gearbox casing ;
- any other component mounted to the casing whose primary purpose is unconnected with the transmission of power or selection of gears.

[spalind]

Anyone see the new big F1 scandal?? The president of F1 (whose father was a HUGE Nazi supporter--Hitler was at his wedding) has been captured on video with 6 hookers reinacting concentration camp scenes and whipping/being whipped by the hookers...Real nice stuff....just do a search for it...I'm not going to link it...

[DSRacing]

If it's not one thing it's another. Bernie Eccelstone is already covering for him. He was probably the one with the video camera.;) Break out the popcorn and see where this goes.

Here is a link to a newspaper article,

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/formula_1/article3649197.ece

[Kartman]

I read it this morning, crazy euros.

[D4D]

Alright the guy has an odd fetish or fantasy but people calling for him to resign because of it. I just do not support or understand that at all. Yes the Nazi army did some bad stuff and this is odd but come on there are a lot of us that do some wacky stuff in the bedroom. Would everyone be pissed off if the hookers were dressed as nurses? No!

[michael_loomis]

so wheres the video!?! lol

[DSRacing]

It's supposed to be on Youtube but from what I've read, most of videos have been blocked. I personally don't feel the need to watch it and could really care less what he does. I'm interested to see if the uprorar is enough to cost him his position.

What's the saying, "You can get away with anything as long as you don't get caught with a live boy or a dead girl."

[spalind]

It's supposed to be on Youtube but from what I've read, most of videos have been blocked. I personally don't feel the need to watch it and could really care less what he does. I'm interested to see if the uprorar is enough to cost him his position.

What's the saying, "You can get away with anything as long as you don't get caught with a live boy or a dead girl."

I saw it...at least in its shortened version...no nudity in the few minutes I saw...looked pretty boring...one old guy with like 5 REALLY ugly chicks dressed in all sorts of Nazi outfits, all speaking German...he uses a riding crop on their ass, they use it on his ass...they sit down for tea (!!!!!!) and thats about it...

[Mike @ pit b]

This explains SOOOOOO much about him and how he runs the FIA. Everybody called him a nazi for running it the way he does. Now we find out they were right.

[Kartman]

I believe that was benevolent Bernie they called the nazi

[Hemp]

Alright the guy has an odd fetish or fantasy but people calling for him to resign because of it. I just do not support or understand that at all. Yes the Nazi army did some bad stuff and this is odd but come on there are a lot of us that do some wacky stuff in the bedroom. Would everyone be pissed off if the hookers were dressed as nurses? No!


I agree people do some crazy stuff, but nurses didnt kill millions of people either

[D4D]

I'm not saying that it is cool, I just don't understand how people can call for him to step down for it. I could understand if he was doing this in public, spewing hatred, trying to wipe the Earth of a lot of great people but that is not the case. He is in the bedroom getting freaky and was dumb enough to have it filmed.

[michael_loomis]

He is in the bedroom getting freaky and was dumb enough to have it filmed.

REALLY Freaky!

[DSRacing]

Practice for Bahrain is on Speed tonight. Any predictions for the race? I'd like to see McLaren and Ferrari have a good head to head race to determine who really is leading the pack. Hoping for a good showing from both BMW and Toyota.

[Kartman]

Hopeful prediction:

Mclaren and Ferrari blowout, BMW FTW!!!!!!

[Kartman]

http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/Story.asp?Article=213569&Sn=BNEW&IssueID=31015

Holy crap!


300 tonnes of racing gear reaches Bahrain

"For each Grand Prix, we use 25 to 30 freight aircraft."

[DSRacing]

I wouldn't want to be the one responsible for having to inventory all those parts and make sure they made it to the race.

[DSRacing]

BMW on Pole!!!

1) Kubica, BMW Sauber, 1:33.096
2) Massa, Ferrari, 1:33.123
3) Hamilton, McLaren-Mercedes, 1:33.292
4) Raikkonen, Ferrari, 1:33.418
5) Kovalainen, McLaren-Mercedes, 1:33.488
6) Heidfeld, BMW Sauber, 1:33.737
7) Trulli, Toyota, 1:33.994
8) Rosberg, Williams-Toyota, 1:34.015
9) Button, Honda, 1:35.057
10) Alonso, Renault, 1:35.115

11) Webber, Red Bull-Renault, 1:32.371
12) Barrichello, Honda, 1:32.508
13) Glock, Toyota, 1:32.528
14) Piquet, Renault, 1:32.790
15) Bourdais, Toro Rosso-Ferrari, 1:32.915
16) Nakajima, Williams-Toyota, 1:32.943

17) Coulthard, Red Bull-Renault, 1:33.433
18) Fisichella, Force India-Ferrari, 1:33.501
19) Vettel, Toro Rosso-Ferrari, 1:33.562
20) Sutil, Force India-Ferrari, 1:33.845
21) Davidson, Super Aguri-Honda, 1:34.140
22) Sato, Super Aguri-Honda, 1:35.725


BMW’s year-old status as Formula 1’s “third force” is under threat: with a brilliant effort in Q3, Robert Kubica gave the Swiss-German team its maiden pole position this Saturday in Bahrain, while also clinching his own first-ever P1 start.

Ferrari’s Felipe Massa, who had dominated Friday practice, had to settle for second at the end of the day, ahead of McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton and of his own teammate Kimi Raikkonen. Heikki Kovalainen in the second silver car rounded out the top-five.

Kubica’s teammate Nick Heidfeld was a discreet sixth, nearly 0.7sec off the Pole’s pace. Toyota’s Jarno Trulli was next, ahead of Nico Rosberg’s Williams. Jenson Button sneaked Honda into Q3 for the first time in a long time with P9, while double world champion Fernando Alonso wrapped up the list of Q3 qualifiers for Renault.

“I think in Poland after the second place in Malaysia there were high expectations and I am confident about the race as well,” said the Pole on pole, who claims he’s confident in terms of race pace: “Yesterday we did some long runs and they were pretty okay.I think Ferrari were a bit faster, but in the race I am happy. We will try and analyze now the data and prepare as much as possible for tomorrow’s race.”

Favorite for P1, especially after leading Q2, Massa was nonetheless upbeat with his performance: “I did incredible laps during the whole weekend and the car was perfect all the time. In Q3 it was the only time I was behind cars and I did the first try, which was a pretty good lap time as I was the whole lap behind Nico and it was a shame as I managed to get a big gap and he got past me and I was behind him. And the second lap I was in traffic. It was a shame as I had a great car and I think we can be very strong tomorrow.”

[DanDan]

I find F1 a lot more interesting and the racing better with the new rules.

[RGFan]

I will have to agree with you, I like racing any time a driver has to drive the car. Build a car that has a ton of downforce, lots of speed and let them go for it.....The talent will rise to the top every time

[Kartman]

BMW on Pole!!!


KUBICA!@!!!!!!!!!


http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e367/kartmanaz/f1%20durka/DSC_0233.jpg

[Mike @ pit b]

Is it me or does the picture on SPEED of Kubica, look like Timmy from South Park?

[Kartman]

LOL its not just you, I have seen a few of him like that

[Kartman]

BMW now leading constructor points with a 3-4 finish. 2-4 in driver points.

Great run for Trulli in the toyota for 6th as well.

Horrible weekend for Hamilton.

Results of Bahrain Grand Prix
1 Felipe Massa (Brz) Ferrari one hour 31 minutes 6.970 seconds
2 Kimi Raikkonen (Fin) Ferrari +3.339 secs
3 Robert Kubica (Pol) BMW Sauber +4.998
4 Nick Heidfeld (Ger) BMW Sauber +8.409
5 Heikki Kovalainen (Fin) McLaren-Mercedes +26.789
6 Jarno Trulli (Ita) Toyota
+41.314
7 Mark Webber (Aus) Red Bull-Renault +45.473
8 Nico Rosberg (Ger) Williams-Toyota +55.889
9 Timo Glock (Ger) Toyota +1:09.500
10 Fernando Alonso (Spa) Renault +1:17.181
11 Rubens Barrichello (Bra) Honda +1:17.862
12 Giancarlo Fisichella (Ita) Force India-Ferrari one lap behind
13 Lewis Hamilton (GB) McLaren-Mercedes one lap
14 Kazuki Nakajima (Jpn) Williams-Toyota one lap
15 Sebastien Bourdais (Fra) Toro Rosso-Ferrari one lap
16 Anthony Davidson (GB) Super Aguri-Honda one lap
17 Takuma Sato (Jpn) Super Aguri-Honda one lap
18 David Coulthard (GB) Red Bull-Renault one lap
19 Adrian Sutil (Ger) Force India-Ferrari two laps
R Nelson Piquet Jr (Brz) Renault 40 laps completed
R Jenson Button (GB) Honda 19 laps
R Sebastian Vettel (Ger) Toro Rosso-Ferrari 0 laps

[DSRacing]

Lots of action for the first two laps. It was Hamilton's turn to fall flat on his face. Goes from 3rd on the grid at the start and gets passed by six cars. So much for the rumors of launch control for McLaren, unless Hamilton typed in Ctl-Alt-Del into his steering wheel by mistake. On the second lap he nerfs Alonso and rips his front wing off. Not a good day.

Good to see BMW finish well. "Timmy" Kubica gets a podium for 3rd and Heidfeld
gets 4th. The talk at the end of the race was BMW leading the Constructor's points.

Didn't notice the resemblance with Kubica until you mentioned it,:eek:

[TrademarkTim]

heck yeah for another ferrari win...to bad it was the wrong guy.

[DSRacing]

Points standings so far,

1 Kimi Räikkönen Finnish Ferrari 19
2 Nick Heidfeld German BMW 16
3 Lewis Hamilton British McLaren-Mercedes 14
4 Robert Kubica Polish BMW 14
5 Heikki Kovalainen Finnish McLaren-Mercedes 14
6 Felipe Massa Brazilian Ferrari 10
7 Jarno Trulli Italian Toyota 8
8 Nico Rosberg German Williams-Toyota 7
9 Fernando Alonso Spanish Renault 6
10 Mark Webber Australian Red Bull-Renault 4
11 Kazuki Nakajima Japanese Williams-Toyota 3
12 Sebastien Bourdais French STR-Ferrari 2

I wonder if Alonso still feels it was worth it to act like a priss at McLaren and return to Renault. ;)

[Kartman]

He has an out in his contract, specualtion is that he will head to Ferrari next season. I just think he is a d**k

[DSRacing]

A big mistake by Ferrari if he does.

[Kartman]

I agree, hes too much of a primmadonna to work on a team as the 2nd driver or with someone better than him (kimi).

[Hemp]

I dont see alsonso at renault next year, but than again I am not sure where I could see him.

Is there a chance that if ferrari doesnt take alonso he will go back to mclaren. I know it was a bad break-up, but it seems like mclaren would be more inclined to give up Kovaleinen than ferrari would give up Massa

[PatrickG]

Ok I have begun to watch F-1 this year and I have a few questions.

1. whats the deal with the tire warmers. Does keeping them at a certian temp make them work that much better.

2. When the drivers are in the garage and the crew puts that tv screen in front of them, what exactly are they doing.

3. Whats the deal with the starting grid "party" before the start of the race. The last race they showed a group of people that looked like they had no business down there.

4. and finnally why is it so poplular. does it have to do with the stratagey aspect (when to pit, hard vs soft tires, etc.)

It seems interesting, but I'm having a hard time trying to figure out what exactly is going on. It almost seems like I started watching a movie in the middle and I'm a little lost.

[Hemp]

I think the tv is so that they can watch their lap times compared to others to see if they need to go out again during that qualifying session to make sure their lap is good enough to go to the next round

I think it is so popular because of the cars. They are the most advanced racing machines and they are continually develop innovative products. Its also an international sport which brings more attention. I wish the rules would allow them to develop the cars even more freely (i.e. turbos, slicks, ground effects)

I am following F1 more this year than I ever have before. I like the cars and how the races are much shorter. Nascar just seems like such old, not relative technology. They are basically perfecting 1960's technology to each race track, rather than developing the cars.

[Kartman]

1. It eliminates having to slow down after a tire change as they are already up to or close to race temp.

2. Probably telemetry and timing.

3. Thats just part of F1, friends of teams, sponsors, rich folk get special access. After the finish they open up the grid to everyone. Its one of the things that makes going to a race such an experience.

4. The highest speed and most technologically advanced cars in the world, and the largest budget teams in any motorsport. Its also based in Europe and Racing is much larger over there.

What is confusing you?

[Hemp]

I read somewhere that Mclarens budget in 2007 was $400 million and a top champ car or IRL team is around $20 million - huge difference

I also found it interesting that they can run very similar lap times.

[DSRacing]

I dont see alsonso at renault next year, but than again I am not sure where I could see him.

Is there a chance that if ferrari doesnt take alonso he will go back to mclaren. I know it was a bad break-up, but it seems like mclaren would be more inclined to give up Kovaleinen than ferrari would give up Massa

I don't think Alonso will ever go back to McLaren as long as Hamilton is there. It's a little early in the season to say Ron Dennis would kick out Kovaleinan after just one year and Dennis is probably happy to have a driver who isn't so high maintenance.

[Kartman]

I cant see alonso going back to Mclaren while Ron is there

[Kartman]

I also found it interesting that they can run very similar lap times.

Source? Last I checked they dont run the same tracks so laptimes cant be compared.

An F1 car will destroy a champ car on any road course.

[therail]

Nascar just seems like such old, not relative technology. They are basically perfecting 1960's technology to each race track, rather than developing the cars.
Ya it is, way old technology.

FWIW, I saw a figure in this thread somewhere of Toyota dropping 600 million per year on their program. That is some SERIOUS jack.

[Hemp]

I agree its extremely hard to compare since they dont run the same courses, I wish they would just for comparison purposes.

From wikipedia
"At Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California on August 20, 2006, Toyota F1 test driver Ricardo Zonta set a new unofficial lap record of 1min 6.309 s, however, this was in an exhibition, not a qualifying or race session.[6][7] The official record time is 1'07.722, set by CART driver Helio Castroneves in a Penske Champ Car in qualifying for the 2000 CART Honda Grand Prix of Monterey. Both of these times were eclipsed on March 10, 2007 by Sébastien Bourdais, who lapped in 1'05.880 piloting the newest Champ Car, a Panoz DP-01, for Newman/Haas/Lanigan during Champ Car Spring Training"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CART

[Kartman]

I agree its extremely hard to compare since they dont run the same courses, I wish they would just for comparison purposes.

From wikipedia
"At Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California on August 20, 2006, Toyota F1 test driver Ricardo Zonta set a new unofficial lap record of 1min 6.309 s, however, this was in an exhibition, not a qualifying or race session.[6][7] The official record time is 1'07.722, set by CART driver Helio Castroneves in a Penske Champ Car in qualifying for the 2000 CART Honda Grand Prix of Monterey. Both of these times were eclipsed on March 10, 2007 by Sébastien Bourdais, who lapped in 1'05.880 piloting the newest Champ Car, a Panoz DP-01, for Newman/Haas/Lanigan during Champ Car Spring Training"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CART
I did not know that, very interesting. I too would love to see some head to head lap times but CART/IRL would never allow it.

Take a top tier driver like Kimi, Lewis etc and a top tier car and I think they would shatter that record. Even let SB take his STR car for a lap.

[DSRacing]

Source? Last I checked they dont run the same tracks so laptimes cant be compared.

An F1 car will destroy a champ car on any road course.

Agreed, Back in the mid 90's, before the US open wheel split, a magazine compared both the Champ and F1 cars. The only time the Champ car came out ahead was in overall top speed. In every other category, F1 cleaned Champ car's clock. To use the comparison of Monterey is misleading, if it were one of the top F1 teams such as Ferrari, Mclaren, or Renault on a race weekend, instead of an also ran, Champ cars would never come close to the TR.

An F1 car is designed to do one thing, race on road courses and they are the best at it. Up until recently, F1 was the leader in technology, the last couple of years they have fallen away from that in the name of cost cutting to help the smaller teams. (BS, the teams will just spend the money somewhere else)

400 million sounds a little low compared to what Ferrari and Toyota spend. Both are rumored to be in the 600 to 700 mil range. I wonder how much of that is spent on transportation and travel costs.

[Kartman]

Agreed, Back in the mid 90's, before the US open wheel split, a magazine compared both the Champ and F1 cars. The only time the Champ car came out ahead was in overall top speed. I

Do you remember what aero package the Champ car was running? Im guessing oval to get the top speed.

[Hemp]

just think how even awesome the F1 cars would be if they allowed more HP, more RPMs, ground effects, slick tyres. It would be an amazing sight to see their limitations exploited

[Chris_Wilson]

F-1 and champ cars both held events on the Montreal track the same year a few years back (2006?). It's silly to compare the two since both are restricted by the rules package they run under but to add to the silliness, the f-1 cars were many seconds per lap faster than the champ cars which in turn are many seconds faster than the irl cars. Means nothing really since neither is an unlimited spec.

f-1 does have interesting politics and technical developments to follow if you don't like the racing.

[DSRacing]

just think how even awesome the F1 cars would be if they allowed more HP, more RPMs, ground effects, slick tyres. It would be an amazing sight to see their limitations exploited

Grooveless tires are coming back in 2009, to give the cars more mechanical grip. The cars now probably produce as much or more downforce as the old ground effects cars did.

I'd like to see them return to the V-10 w/ 20,000 rpm and then widen the car to pre 1996 specs.

[Kartman]

F-1 and champ cars both held events on the Montreal track the same year a few years back (2006?). It's silly to compare the two since both are restricted by the rules package they run under but to add to the silliness, the f-1 cars were many seconds per lap faster than the champ cars which in turn are many seconds faster than the irl cars. Means nothing really since neither is an unlimited spec.

f-1 does have interesting politics and technical developments to follow if you don't like the racing.

good info.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circuit_Gilles_Villeneuve

In 2006, the latest and currently last time CART and F1 ran on the same track, Formula One was 5 to 7 seconds faster than Champ Car. The pole position in Formula 1 was taken by Fernando Alonso in a time of 1'14.942, while Sébastien Bourdais took the pole in 1'20.005 in Champ Car. The fastest lap in the Formula 1 race was 1'15.841 by Kimi Räikkönen, while Sébastien Bourdais' fastest lap was 1'22.325 in the Champ Car race.

Thats a huge margin for a 2.7 mile track.

[Kartman]

NASCAR Busch series and Rolex ran at the same track last year.

Fri, 2007-08-03: Qualifying, Inaugural NASCAR Busch Series. Fastest = 1:41.948, Patrick Carpentier.

Fri, 2007-08-03: Qualifying, Grand-Am Rolex Series. Fastest = 1:35.071, Alex Gurney/Jon Fogarty.

[DSRacing]

One of the reasons I like F1 is the constant evolution of the cars throughout the year. Up until a few years ago this included engine development also. Every race new aerodynamic parts are fitted to the car best suited to the track. F1 teams have the freedom to change or modify certain areas of the car.

This doen't happen in what used to be Champ car or IRL. Those teams basically buy a spec chassis and are told to make it work. No development or outside the box thinking.

By the way, am I the only one who thinks the current IRL cars are probably the ugliest open wheel cars ever produced?

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y9/DSRanger/wheldon-newpaint-jimhaines-631.jpg

[Mumzy]

One of the reasons I like F1 is the constant evolution of the cars throughout the year. Up until a few years ago this included engine development also. Every race new aerodynamic parts are fitted to the car best suited to the track. F1 teams have the freedom to change or modify certain areas of the car.

This doen't happen in what used to be Champ car or IRL. Those teams basically buy a spec chassis and are told to make it work. No development or outside the box thinking.

By the way, am I the only one who thinks the current IRL cars are probably the ugliest open wheel cars ever produced?


I agree with you 100%.........Champ/Indy cars were built on bringing a man's new ideas
to the track back in the days prior to 1980'ish.....I would love to see those days return here in the US.

[Mike @ pit b]

One of the reasons I like F1 is the constant evolution of the cars throughout the year. Up until a few years ago this included engine development also. Every race new aerodynamic parts are fitted to the car best suited to the track. F1 teams have the freedom to change or modify certain areas of the car.

This doen't happen in what used to be Champ car or IRL. Those teams basically buy a spec chassis and are told to make it work. No development or outside the box thinking.

By the way, am I the only one who thinks the current IRL cars are probably the ugliest open wheel cars ever produced?

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y9/DSRanger/wheldon-newpaint-jimhaines-631.jpg

You are not alone. Those cars are FUGLY. And way to go Tony George for single handedly destroying open wheel racing in the U.S. I haven't watched the Indy 500 since 1995.
Mike

[DSRacing]

I agree with you 100%.........Champ/Indy cars were built on bringing a man's new ideas
to the track back in the days prior to 1980'ish.....I would love to see those days return here in the US.

With Tony George running the show, those days are long gone, never to return. I would love to see multiple chassis and engine manufacturers back as they were prior to the open wheel split.

The recent IRL merger is like being involved in a car wreck and ending up in a coma. Yeah, you're alive, but does it really matter?

[Kartman]

Michael Schumacher to test slicks on Wednesday : -

Michael Schumacher will work closely with Formula 1 tyre supplier Bridgestone when he tests for Ferrari in Barcelona on Wednesday.

The retired seven time Formula One World Champion's status as an occasional test driver for the Italian team means that his programme at the Spanish venue will be focused almost entirely on the development of the new slick compounds that are likely to debut in formula one next year.

Bridgestone, the sport's official tyre maker, has brought three new versions of the slicks to the Circuit de Catalunya, following teams' concerns that the earlier developments were extremely difficult to get heat into, resulting in huge and dangerous speed differentials between circulating cars.

The massive lap time difference between Felipe Massa and the rest of the field as the test opened on Monday, however, was for a different reason.

While the Brazilian tried the slicks late in the day, his F2008 was equipped with this year's aerodynamic configuration, resulting in a lap record that was nearly three seconds faster than the closest challenger.

Other teams, like McLaren, were trying the slicks in conjunction with simulated 2009 levels of downforce, including a flat rear wing that significantly reduced cornering speeds.

The first major test within the 2008 season, mandating a maximum of one car per team per day, wraps up on Thursday.

[KELLENC]

[QUOTE=Kartman;436006]tyre QUOTE]
Haha.... Tyre. Sorry I could not help myself.

[DSRacing]

McLaren testing the new slicks at Catalunya

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y9/DSRanger/97005.jpg

This is one of the reasons I like F1, hole in the top of the Ferrari nose designed to increase the efficiency of the front wing. You'll never see out of the box thinking like this in Indy car.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y9/DSRanger/ferrari2_int.jpg

[Kartman]

tyre
Haha.... Tyre. Sorry I could not help myself.
Thats how the Euros do it.

[Kartman]

Im amazed that just a tire change got massa 3 seconds a lap.

[DSRacing]

Im amazed that just a tire change got massa 3 seconds a lap.

Those times had more to do with some teams running the current 2008 aero packages than others who were testing a lesser downforce set-up to simulate rule changes for 2009. Hence the time differences.

Ferrari ran the current 08 aero the first day of practice, then switched to a lesser downforce rear wing on day 2. Ferrari's times are more comparable to the other teams. There is no way Barricello was nearly 1.5 seconds faster than the Ferrari if they both were using the same type of aero package.

Dumbo ears

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y9/DSRanger/dumboears-fullinit_.jpg

Ferrari day 2

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y9/DSRanger/f1-2007-ita-xp-1129.jpg

Here are the times for the second day of practice.

1. Barrichello Honda 1:18.928 77
2. Fisichella Force India-Ferrari 1:19.721 79
3. Massa Ferrari 1:20.283 113
4. Coulthard Red Bull-Renault 1:20.392 87
5. Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes 1:20.452 96
6. Alonso Renault 1:20.616 118
7. Rosberg Williams-Toyota 1:20.800 115
8. Glock Toyota 1:20.870 112
9. Heidfeld BMW-Sauber 1:20.981 97

[Hemp]

so they're gaining slicks but now having to use a flatter rear wing?

so than whats the point of going to slicks? I think they look cooler

[Kartman]

The way I read it massa got 3 seconds a lap with slicks and 08 aero over the other teams with 08 tires and aero. Thats huge

[DSRacing]

so they're gaining slicks but now having to use a flatter rear wing?

so than whats the point of going to slicks? I think they look cooler

More mechanical grip than aero-developed downforce. The hope is to create more passing oppurtunities and more interesting battles between the drivers during the race. As it stands now, the cars are so aerodynamically refined, a faster car gets held up behind a slower competitor because as soon as he gets close he loses his aero, falls back and can't make a pass.

[Hemp]

sounds like a good idea, I guess this will also mean much more top speed on the straight aways

[Hemp]

Ok I have begun to watch F-1 this year and I have a few questions.
2. When the drivers are in the garage and the crew puts that tv screen in front of them, what exactly are they doing.
.

They are playing video games

http://www.intof1.com/f1t/wall/ferrari_1600.jpg

[Hemp]

In regards to the comparison of racing classes, I found this interesting

http://www.americanlemans.com/assets/pdfs/RaceCarComparisons.pdf

shows nascar, F1, ALMS, and IRL

[DSRacing]

When was that article published? F1 hasn't raced with V-10s since the end of 2005.

[DSRacing]

Was reading in the SD Union Tribune today, Max Mosley said unless he receives a vote of no confidence in the upcoming general meeting of the FIA, he will retire his position at the beginning of next year. One way or another, he won't be around for much longer. Linked is the article the UT referred to.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/2008/04/21/smbake121.xml

[BigWave300]

Was reading in the SD Union Tribune today, Max Mosley said unless he receives a vote of no confidence in the upcoming general meeting of the FIA, he will retire his position at the beginning of next year. One way or another, he won't be around for much longer. Linked is the article the UT referred to.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/2008/04/21/smbake121.xml

saw that today also,

so who is gonna replace him?
Jean Todt, Mike Schumaker?

also, GO KIMI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Kartman]

Watching Last nights practice. Super Aguri is out of money but showed up to Spain. Honda picked up the tab for them, this single race weekend $2,000,000 Euros!!!!

[DSRacing]

Results from the Spanish GP

1 1 Kimi Räikkönen Ferrari 66 Winner 1 10
2 2 Felipe Massa Ferrari 66 +3.2 secs 3 8
3 22 Lewis Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes 66 +4.1 secs 5 6
4 4 Robert Kubica BMW Sauber 66 +5.6 secs 4
5 5 10 Mark Webber Red Bull-Renault 66 +35.9 secs 7 4
6 16 Jenson Button Honda 66 +53.0 secs 13 3
7 8 Kazuki Nakajima Williams-Toyota 66 +58.2 secs 12 2
8 11 Jarno Trulli Toyota 66 +59.4 secs 8 1
9 3 Nick Heidfeld BMW Sauber 66 +63.0 secs 9 -
10 21 Giancarlo Fisichella Force India-Ferrari 65 +1 Lap 19 -
11 12 Timo Glock Toyota 65 +1 Lap 14 -
12 9 David Coulthard Red Bull-Renault 65 +1 Lap 17 -
13 18 Takuma Sato Super Aguri-Honda 65 +1 Lap 22 -

The ELMS also raced this past weekend at Monza,


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuDIIcCnpzA&feature=related

[Kartman]

Spain was kind of boring.

[harleys dad]

As much as I like F-1, after the second lap they are all boring

[BigWave300]

As much as I like F-1, after the second lap they are all boring

the sounds, speed and soap opera drama,

Whats boring about the fastest cars racing around a track using the best technology money can buy?

They might not be rubbing tires with each other but when they do its sick stuff.

[Tristar Racing]

the sounds, speed and soap opera drama,

Whats boring about the fastest cars racing around a track using the best technology money can buy?

They might not be rubbing tires with each other but when they do its sick stuff.

I couldnt disagree more. Id rather watch an autocross. As an engineer, the cars really impress me, but its such a bland sport once the flag drops. The last interesting moment to me was Schumacher and Villenueve banging into each other and Villenueve winning the championship.

I dont fault others for liking it, its just not for me.

[Kartman]

Some of the events get boring (spain) but others have lots of passing an action. The first two races this year were awesome.

[Kartman]

License clash between Sony and Formula 1 Boss means no F1 games

Zagreb (Croatia) – Formula 1 isn’t exactly as popular as Nascar or Indy cars, but there is no denying that it is the premier motorsport event around the globe and it looks like Sony won’t be publishing any more Formula 1 game titles for no: Apparently, the gap between what Sony is willing to pay for a license and what Bernie Ecclestone’s company is demanding is too wide.

We are somewhat familiar with this scenario, as something similar happened back in 2002. Back then, Sony Computer Entertainment ended up agreeing to pay a rumored $200 million for a 2003-2007 license to the licensing body of Formula 1. In the end, the sum turned out to be closer to $75 million, or $15 million per year.

Formula 1 is now asking for a hefty increase, we hear, and as of now, Sony isn’t willing to agree. While there has been no announcement so far, industry sources told us that EA, Ubisoft and Codemasters may be in the running for the license of a new five-year contract. If one of those guys will acquire the license, the good news is that a Formula 1 game will be coming to all major platforms, including the PC, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii and, of course, current platforms (Playstation 2, 3, PSP).

More platforms would not be a bad thing since, after all, Formula 1 Grand Prix has been a decent game, even if we believe that the graphics are well behind what the horsepower of Playstation 3 can offer.

[DSRacing]

I couldnt disagree more. Id rather watch an autocross. As an engineer, the cars really impress me, but its such a bland sport once the flag drops. The last interesting moment to me was Schumacher and Villenueve banging into each other and Villenueve winning the championship.

I dont fault others for liking it, its just not for me.

I watched that race too, Schumacher got hit by the karma train that day.

I think with the rule changes for 2008-09 and the move towards more mechanical grip than aero, should increase the passing on the track. But F1 has been saying that for more than a decade. I enjoy watching F1, but I too would take CORR or any desert race on TV in a heartbeat. F1 may be boring to some, but I'll take it over IRL or NASCAR anytime.

[Kartman]

The license long-held by Sony will now make its way across all platforms.
By Kris Pigna, 05/09/2008
Despite the fact that Formula One: Championship Edition was one of the early PlayStation 3 games Sony first unveiled, it seems the publisher's desire to keep hold of the license has (as has been rumored of late) faded. Codemasters today announced that it acquired the exclusive rights to the Formula 1 license, further solidifying its stance as the premier independent racing studio in the industry.

What this means for gamers, in the most immediate terms, is that Codemasters will be developing F1 games across multiple platforms, including handhelds and PC. The license gives Codemasters full use of all Grand Prix circuits, F1 teams, cars, and driver likenesses. The games will be made using Codemasters' EGO Engine, which you can see at work this year in its upcoming GRID (or see right now if you download the demo).

"Formula 1 is ambitious in expanding its reach with more circuits planned beyond recent additions in the Middle East and China," said Rod Cousens, Codemasters CEO. "It is also ambitious in expanding its reach via technology. The digital communities that computer and videogaming creates will play a key role in further growing the Formula 1 audience and connecting them globally. As a world-leading creator of driving games, this alliance with Formula 1 is the jewel in Codemasters' racing crown and creates an undisputed segment champion."

While this development may not mean as much in North America, it'll be interesting to see what effect, if any, the F1 license going multiplatform will have in Europe, where the sport is far more popular.

[Kartman]

Anyone else been watching GP2? 2 great races so far with a lot more action than F1.

[michael_loomis]

HA! now schrub thinks he can drive an F1 too...

http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/story/8148018/The-Hot-Pass:-Busch-favored-for-All-Star-success

[Kartman]

Good luck with that. Even driving one is hard as hell, going fast enough to be competitive is that much harder.

Example
YouTube - Top Gear - Renault R25 Formula One F1 Test Drive (http://youtube.com/watch?v=zYazHAM8KhU)

[DSRacing]

HA! now schrub thinks he can drive an F1 too...

http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/story/8148018/The-Hot-Pass:-Busch-favored-for-All-Star-success

LMAO!! Is he talking about F1 or a restrictor plate race, Does he know they turn right?

"We'll see how good I test, first. We'll see if my neck can withstand the G-Forces of the braking and everything. I wouldn't mind it. If I can do it and I'm good at it then I'll give it a shot and try it. It seems as though their racing isn't all that great — they kind of get stuck in line and the aero takes over everything."

Though the last two F1 races haven't been worth talking about.

[Kartman]

Turkey was much better than Spain but I agree least exciting this season so far.

[Samco Fab]

I am not much of a Kyle Busch fan, but he could probably figure out how to drive and race one pretty good with a few tests.

He does pretty good with the road courses, when he was duking it out with RG and won in Watkens Glenn a couple of years back in a Busch race was good racing. A racer is a racer, and KB might sometimes be a douche, but he is a racer and a winner:p

[Tristar Racing]

I am not much of a Kyle Busch fan, but he could probably figure out how to drive and race one pretty good with a few tests.

He does pretty good with the road courses, when he was duking it out with RG and won in Watkens Glenn a couple of years back in a Busch race was good racing. A racer is a racer, and KB might sometimes be a douche, but he is a racer and a winner:p

That was Kurt Busch...

[DSRacing]

Completely off topic, but is anyone watching the ALMS race today.
They are racing in Tooele Utah at Miller Motorsport Park. Found it kind of funny they built the track across the street from where 42 percent of America's chemical weapons are stored. The ambiance of the surroundings must really draw in the crowds.:eek:

[michael_loomis]

C'mon.. KY i mean KB said he was gonna race cup till age 30... THEN go over to F1 ! HAHA! If he'd pull his head out of his arse, he might realize he's got the timeline backwards.

[Samco Fab]

That was Kurt Busch...

:o My bad.... Hard to tell those guys apart untill they win a race and Kurt does that weird snow angel victory thing:confused:

Kurts victory thing is even stranger than Fernando Alonso's Karate Kid stance on the nose of his racer.

Has somebody ever started racing F1 at age 30 in modern F1 racing? It seems that 18 to 25 is the normal starting point. At that, why stop racing stock cars at 30, when you could race for 20 more years if you had tallent.

Juan Montoya has this thing all figured out, F1 first, Nascar second.

[Mike @ pit b]

Not to mention he's just to big of a guy to fit in the car. Alonso, Kimi, Massa, Kubica, they're all small guys. Nigel Mansell got back in a McLaren after his stint in CART a few years back. McLaren had to make an all new car because he was so much bigger then who the car was designed for. At the cost of over 1 million per car. Then he only lasted 3 races if I remember, and retired.

Mike

[Kartman]

Kubica is pretty tall actually, just over 6 feet, but yeah most of the drivers are tiny.

[Kartman]

Juan Montoya has this thing all figured out, F1 first, Nascar second.

Winning the CART championship as a rookie and winning indy his first time out between F1 stints was a ice touch as well.

[PMAZ7]

Not to mention he's just to big of a guy to fit in the car. Alonso, Kimi, Massa, Kubica, they're all small guys. Nigel Mansell got back in a McLaren after his stint in CART a few years back. McLaren had to make an all new car because he was so much bigger then who the car was designed for. At the cost of over 1 million per car. Then he only lasted 3 races if I remember, and retired.

Mike

I thought Kubica is kinda taller...?

P.S.-sorry Kartman, just saw your post...

[Kartman]

Well the height talk caught my interest.

Couthard, Weber, Kubica 6'0
Wurz 6'2
Mansell 5'11
David Coulthard: 182 cm
Kimi Raikkonen: 180 cm
HH Frentzen: 178 cm
Ralf Schumacher: 178 cm
Pedro De la Rosa: 178
Eddie Irvine: 178 cm
Enrique Bernoldi: 178
Alex Yoong: 178
Mika Salo: 175
Jos Verstappen: 175 cm
Michael Schumacher: 174 cm
Olivier Panis: 173 cm
Jenson Button: 173 cm
Rubens Barrichello: 172 cm
Giancarlo Fisichella: 170
Jacques Villeneuve: 168 cm
Juan Pablo Montoya: 168 cm
Jarno Trulli: 167 cm
Johnny Herbert: 167 cm
Felipe Massa: 165 cm
Allan McNish: 165
Nick Heidfeld: 164 cm
Alain Prost: 162.5 cm
Takuma Sato: 162 cm

[DSRacing]

For us non-metric types;)

David Coulthard: 5’ 11”
Kimi Raikkonen: 5’ 10”
HH Frentzen: 5’10”
Ralf Schumacher: 5’ 10”
Pedro De la Rosa: 5’ 10”
Eddie Irvine: 5’ 10”
Enrique Bernoldi: 5’ 10”
Alex Yoong: 5’ 10”
Mika Salo: 5’ 9”
Jos Verstappen: 5’ 9”
Michael Schumacher: 5’ 9”
Olivier Panis: 5’ 8”
Jenson Button: 5’ 8”
Rubens Barrichello: 5’ 7”
Giancarlo Fisichella: 5’ 6”
Jacques Villeneuve: 5’ 6”
Juan Pablo Montoya: 5’ 6”
Jarno Trulli: 5’ 5”
Johnny Herbert: 5’ 5”
Felipe Massa: 5’ 5”
Allan McNish: 5’ 5”
Nick Heidfeld: 5’ 5”
Alain Prost: 5’ 3”
Takuma Sato: 5’ 3”

[Mike @ pit b]

I stand corrected on the height for a couple guys, but how much do they weigh? Kubica went on a diet to lose 13lbs this year. Just so the car could go that much faster. How big of a guy is Schrub any ways??

Mike

[Kimbo63]

For us non-metric types;)

David Coulthard: 5’ 11”
Kimi Raikkonen: 5’ 10”
HH Frentzen: 5’10”
Ralf Schumacher: 5’ 10”
Pedro De la Rosa: 5’ 10”
Eddie Irvine: 5’ 10”
Enrique Bernoldi: 5’ 10”
Alex Yoong: 5’ 10”
Mika Salo: 5’ 9”
Jos Verstappen: 5’ 9”
Michael Schumacher: 5’ 9”
Olivier Panis: 5’ 8”
Jenson Button: 5’ 8”
Rubens Barrichello: 5’ 7”
Giancarlo Fisichella: 5’ 6”
Jacques Villeneuve: 5’ 6”
Juan Pablo Montoya: 5’ 6”
Jarno Trulli: 5’ 5”
Johnny Herbert: 5’ 5”
Felipe Massa: 5’ 5”
Allan McNish: 5’ 5”
Nick Heidfeld: 5’ 5”
Alain Prost: 5’ 3”
Takuma Sato: 5’ 3”

I don't see Alonso in that list!! Alonso = 5'6"

[Demp]

I don't see Alonso in that list!! Alonso = 5'6"

alonso maybe be 5'6.... but his neck is 2 feet wide to hold his big head up :D

[DSRacing]

Judging by the drivers named this list could be at least eight years old. As far as weight goes, a lighter driver means more ballast can be strategically placed in the car to meet the minumum weight restrictions and allow for better handling.

[Demp]

Judging by the drivers named this list could be at least eight years old. As far as weight goes, a lighter driver means more ballast can be strategically placed in the car to meet the minumum weight restrictions and allow for better handling.

Very true .... the teams like tiny drivers.. more to their advantage...schumi is tall... but he is one of the best F1 drivers in the world

[Kartman]

LOL at Alonsos neck.

That list was from 02 I think.

[Kartman]

v
Schumacher slips up in Superbike race

Monday, 19 May 2008 18:04

Michael Schumacher's motorcycle racing exploits struck a hitch at the weekend when he crashed in his first appearance in German Superbikes.

The seven-times world champion has dabbled with two-wheeled racing since retiring from Formula 1, although he is adamant that he is only racing bikes for his own entertainment and has no plans to start a second career.

Despite Schumacher racing under the pseudonym Marcel Niederhausen, word got out that he would be competing in the Oschersleben rounds of the IDM Superbike series.

A large crowd duly gathered to watch him come from 37th on the grid to 28th in the first race, before crashing out of 21st place in race two.

"This was a classic example of how to learn the hard way," Schumacher wrote on his personal website.

"I had just planned an attack on the bike in front, and had chosen quite a narrow gap to get a good exit curve.

"My footrest hitched onto the kerb and I slid off with the bike."

The German legend escaped injury and shrugged off the incident.

"Nothing really came of it, just a few scratches to the bike's exterior, and probably a few good pictures for the photographers who were at the scene," said Schumacher.

"The sad thing was that I couldn't finish the race, but all in all it was great fun.

"A bike race is really quite different from motor racing, and it was really good to hold my own with the field assembled.

"I could have pulled a few places back in the first race, but unfortunately I false started.

"But after that the race was really enjoyable."

The Oschersleben race was billed as a one-off, with Schumacher not offering any details of when he might next appear on a motorcycle grid.

[Kartman]

With the French Grand Prix at Magny-Cours ending after this year's race, French Prime Minister Francois Fillon is working to have it replaced with a Formula One race at Disneyland Paris, the daily Le Figaro reported Friday.

According to the newspaper, the project is ready to be implemented but it is lacking financial support. Some 20 million euros (31 million dollars) are needed to orgnaize the race.

Le Figaro reports that the owner of Disneyland Paris, Euro Disney, is refusing to provide the funds and expects the French government to subsidize the race. But Fillon has refused, leaving the future of the project in limbo.

The daily L'Equipe reported Monday that this year's race at Magny-Cours will be the last French Grand Prix to be held at the site.

[Kimbo63]

alonso maybe be 5'6.... but his neck is 2 feet wide to hold his big head up :D

Touche! lol.

Alonso = my Love :p

He is the only man worth wearing the bright, obnoxious, yellow and blue colors for! Yes... I still wear my 2006 Fernando Alonso Team Renault hat! :o

[Chris Tobin]

Touche! lol.

Alonso = my Love :p

He is the only man worth wearing the bright, obnoxious, yellow and blue colors for! Yes... I still wear my 2006 Fernando Alonso Team Renault hat! :o

WOW, he is such a hoser! I though he lost most of his fans by the tantrums, fits and tattle telling he did last season!!!:eek: I am surprised that anyone still wants to be associated with him...

No offense intended, just surprised!

[Kartman]

I definitely not an Alonso fan, he crap last season were disgraceful. Massa really bothers me too for some reason.

Im all for BMW and Kubica.

[Demp]

Touche! lol.

Alonso = my Love :p

He is the only man worth wearing the bright, obnoxious, yellow and blue colors for! Yes... I still wear my 2006 Fernando Alonso Team Renault hat! :o

IM SORRY !!:( but Alonso just has a big neck!! lol i noticed on the driver post interviews after the race!

Scott Speed was my choice in F1 until he got the boot!! i grew up racing go-karts with him... really good guy

[Demp]

I definitely not an Alonso fan, he crap last season were disgraceful. Massa really bothers me too for some reason.

Im all for BMW and Kubica.

Kubica is my Polish Home Slice!! here he is in action !

[Kartman]

That wreck was super nasty, he made an amazing recovery.

[Demp]

That wreck was super nasty, he made an amazing recovery.

his feet are the scary part ..... that is a pucker factor X 343864986284642398623 :eek:

[Kartman]

BTW the polish fans are nuts and great. They remind me a lot of the locals at Ojos.

[Demp]

BTW the polish fans are nuts and great. They remind me a lot of the locals at Ojos.

have you ever seen a polish pigeon race???? ooo myyy

they go nuts over that too!

[Kartman]

I went to the Hungarian GP last year. Its the closest F1 race to Poland and they were out in force. Lots of Koo-beet-sa chants in the bars everynight and at the track.

[Demp]

hahah NICE!! that bad*ss i have some crazy polish family members over there... they were prolly in that same bar :eek::D

[Kartman]

I ran into a few at bars who spoke no english and I speak no polish. I just yelled kubica and all of a sudden they were my new buddies

[Kimbo63]

WOW, he is such a hoser! I though he lost most of his fans by the tantrums, fits and tattle telling he did last season!!!:eek: I am surprised that anyone still wants to be associated with him...

No offense intended, just surprised!

Well... Alonso is my favorite driver to look at :p

Kimi is my pride and joy. Gotta love the personality of that guy! bahahahah!

*monotone soft voice* "Yes.. The.. the car drove real good"

I'm pretty excited for Monaco coming up. One of my good friends is over there for a few weeks and will be at the F1 race! I'm so jealous! Hopefully i'll be able to spot him in all the Tifosi! Can't wait to watch it live with my other F1 buddies at 5 in the morning! :D


IM SORRY !!:( but Alonso just has a big neck!! lol i noticed on the driver post interviews after the race!

Scott Speed was my choice in F1 until he got the boot!! i grew up racing go-karts with him... really good guy

He does have a large neck... He reminds me of someone special in my life. Then again, so does Davi Millsaps :p

[Mike @ pit b]

alonso maybe be 5'6.... but his neck is 2 feet wide to hold his big head up :D

Hahaa. I have to use that. The old lady is not only from Spain but from the same hometown as Alonso. She has an undying loyalty to him, so I just bug her with everything I can about him. Thanks for that.

Mike

[Demp]

Hahaa. I have to use that. The old lady is not only from Spain but from the same hometown as Alonso. She has an undying loyalty to him, so I just bug her with everything I can about him. Thanks for that.

Mike

dont forget about his caterpillar eye brows !!!!! hHAHAHAHAHAHAHA :cool:

[Kartman]

Kimi is my pride and joy. Gotta love the personality of that guy! bahahahah!

*monotone soft voice* "Yes.. The.. the car drove real good"



I think he is just drunk a lot.

[Samco Fab]

Kartman,

What is the best European F1 race to go to? I want to plan a trip in the next 2 years!

I was thinking the Italian GP would be awesome.

[Demp]

Kartman,

What is the best European F1 race to go to? I want to plan a trip in the next 2 years!

I was thinking the Italian GP would be awesome.

MONACO !! id give anything to go to the race

[Kartman]

Kartman,

What is the best European F1 race to go to? I want to plan a trip in the next 2 years!

I was thinking the Italian GP would be awesome.

Im not sure since I have only been to one. If you are a Ferrari fan then Monza most likely. I have heard great things about Spaa. Magny Cours looks like an amazing track but this is probably the last hear there. I going to Hockenheim this year but I dont know what to expect yet. Singapore should be great since its a night race but thats not Jooruope.

I would just pick a race is a country or area you want to visit then plan around that.

[DSRacing]

Monaco would be my first choice, but I don't see that race being as spectator friendly as some of the others. My second choice would be the Belgian GP at Spa and watch the race from the Eau Rouge corner. Here is some interesting history from Spa when the track was 14km long,

At the 1973 24 hour touring car race during which three drivers were killed. During one of his pitstops at night, Hans Stuck shouted to his co-driver Jochen Mass over the noise that he should "look out for body parts at the Masta Kink". Mass arrived there expecting to see bits of car all over the road but was appalled to discover it was in fact bits of a marshal.

You could go watch the German GP at Hockenheim then travel over to the Nurburgring and for 15 euros, drive on the 13km course in your rental car.;)

[DSRacing]

Since I brought up the Nurburgring, here is an in-car of Hans Stuck driving a BMW M3 GTR at the "Ring" a few years ago.


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

[Kartman]

I plan to hit the ring while there.

The ring in a cargo van
YouTube - Top Gear - Ford Transit on the Nürburgring Part 1 of 2 (http://youtube.com/watch?v=1dcw7MqsGbE)

[harleys dad]

you got to look up inside car 956 were Derrik Bell does the ring in 6 and a half minutes, AND GETS PASSED!!!!!!!!

[Mike @ pit b]

I am now in love with that chick.

So imagine your on a bike, just haulin', and you look back and see a cute blonde driving a VAN and she is about to pass.

Do you just pull over and call it a day....


Mike

[Samco Fab]

I am now in love with that chick.

So imagine your on a bike, just haulin', and you look back and see a cute blonde driving a VAN and she is about to pass.

Do you just pull over and call it a day....


Mike

Where is the rest of that van episode? I want to see if she pulls it off!

[Mike @ pit b]

Where is the rest of that van episode? I want to see if she pulls it off!

Hit the MENU. It's called part 2

Those Top Gear guys are great!

Mike

[DSRacing]

Where is the rest of that van episode? I want to see if she pulls it off!

Part 2


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lvc5rDc4Fc0&feature=related

[Kartman]

The van challenge started from this vid, Jeremy on the ring in a Jag Diesel with Sabine talking smack

YouTube - TG's Jaguar S-TypeD on Nürburgring p.1 (http://youtube.com/watch?v=qA6uEuh0ELY)

YouTube - TG's Jaguar S-TypeD on Nürburgring p.2 (http://youtube.com/watch?v=vr1DLLkzKL8)

[Mike @ pit b]

We need this Top Gear show in the states. They do some hilarious stuff.

Mike

[Kartman]

We need this Top Gear show in the states. They do some hilarious stuff.

Mike

BBC America Monday nights. And yes its the best show ever made. Lots more vids here http://www.topgear.com/content/videos/

[Mike @ pit b]

BBC America Monday nights.

And a Thank you sir.

Mike

[Demp]

DID ANY ONE WATCH PRACTICE THIS MORNING ??


is it me.. or does Alonso suck because of his big neck ?? :eek:

[harleys dad]

DID ANY ONE WATCH PRACTICE THIS MORNING ??


is it me.. or does Alonso suck because of his big neck ?? :eek:
I recorded it and watchet it this morning, both Alonso and his team mate hit the wall

[Kartman]

Sirius has signed with Formula One Management, making it the exclusive North American radio broadcaster of all Formula 1 races.

The move marks the U.S. radio premiere of the sport, Sirius says.

Sirius’s F1 schedule kicks off Sunday, May 25 at 8:00 a.m. with live coverage of the Monaco Grand Prix in Monte Carlo. The entire remainder of the 2008 calendar’s races will be broadcast live nationwide on Sirius 125.

[Demp]

Sirius has signed with Formula One Management, making it the exclusive North American radio broadcaster of all Formula 1 races.

The move marks the U.S. radio premiere of the sport, Sirius says.

Sirius’s F1 schedule kicks off Sunday, May 25 at 8:00 a.m. with live coverage of the Monaco Grand Prix in Monte Carlo. The entire remainder of the 2008 calendar’s races will be broadcast live nationwide on Sirius 125.

NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNIIIIIIIICCCCCCEEEEEEEEE!!!!! :D

[Tristar Racing]

Sirius has signed with Formula One Management, making it the exclusive North American radio broadcaster of all Formula 1 races.

The move marks the U.S. radio premiere of the sport, Sirius says.

Sirius’s F1 schedule kicks off Sunday, May 25 at 8:00 a.m. with live coverage of the Monaco Grand Prix in Monte Carlo. The entire remainder of the 2008 calendar’s races will be broadcast live nationwide on Sirius 125.

Ive had Sirius for a while now, but have experienced XM on Airtran and in friends cars. Can someone please tell me why you would pick XM over Sirius at this point?

[DSRacing]

Starting grid for Monaco,

1. Massa Ferrari 1:15.190 1:15.110 1:15.787
2. Raikkonen Ferrari 1:15.717 1:15.404 1:15.815
3. Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes 1:15.582 1:15.322 1:15.839
4. Kovalainen McLaren-Mercedes 1:15.295 1:15.389 1:16.165
5. Kubica BMW Sauber 1:15.977 1:15.483 1:16.171
6. Rosberg Williams-Toyota 1:15.935 1:15.287 1:16.548
7. Alonso Renault 1:16.646 1:15.827 1:16.852
8. Trulli Toyota 1:16.306 1:15.598 1:17.203
9. Webber Red Bull-Renault 1:16.074 1:15.745 1:17.343
10. Coulthard Red Bull-Renault 1:16.086 1:15.839 No time
11. Glock Toyota 1:16.285 1:15.907
12. Button Honda 1:16.259 1:16.101
13. Heidfeld BMW Sauber 1:16.650 1:16.455
14. Nakajima Williams-Toyota 1:16.756 1:16.479
15. Barrichello Honda 1:16.208 1:16.537
16. Bourdais Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1:16.806
17. Piquet Renault 1:16.933
18. Vettel Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1:16.955
19. Sutil Force India-Ferrari 1:17.225
20. Fisichella Force India-Ferrari 1:17.823

I knew there was a reason I liked Monaco

[MikeLeung]

I am on my honeymoon and on the train from Nice to the Monaco GP!

It is currently raining and is expected to rain the whole day. Let's see how these drivers do in the rain with out traction control.

[MikeLeung]

Practice has started. Oddly no Ferrari's practicing. The rain has also temporaly stopped.

[MikeLeung]

Wow what a great race!

The race started with lots of rain. Ferrai had 1st and 2nd for a few laps. Both Ferrais spun right in front of us. The second one hit the barrier and broke his wing. Another car, a Renault hit the barrier straight on and had to be craned off the track. Evenually the rain stopped and thw Williams of Lewis Hamilton won the race.

Ill post pics and video when I get home from our honeymoon next week

[kaw500]

I am on my honeymoon and on the train from Nice to the Monaco GP!

It is currently raining and is expected to rain the whole day. Let's see how these drivers do in the rain with out traction control.

Now that's a honeymoon! :D

[Kartman]

I hate you Mike, not really just very jealous.

That is the best race I have seen in a long time. I had high hopes for Kubica to get his first win when he took the lead. And FU Kimi. Sutil goes from the back row to 4th and running strong only to be taken out by kimi with 8 minutes or so to go.

Either that was one hell of a race.

[Kartman]

I flipped over to indy and I have not watched IRL in quite some time. I have to say the cars just look slow and so low tech by comparison, even to the GP2 cars.

[Mumzy]

I'm with Kartman.......I just told my two year old grandson that someday grandpa would take him for a "boy's" trip to Monaco......he gets to go to Lime Rock for his first GT race tomorrow......the little village we live in (sold the digs in SoHo and moved permanently "upstate") is a short 15 minute drive from the track. The weather here should be in the low 80's for the race......perfect spring weather here....blue sky's and racing fuel:cool:.

[DSRacing]

I hate you Mike, not really just very jealous.

That is the best race I have seen in a long time. I had high hopes for Kubica to get his first win when he took the lead. And FU Kimi. Sutil goes from the back row to 4th and running strong only to be taken out by kimi with 8 minutes or so to go.

Either that was one hell of a race.

Sucks to have to miss the race because of work, missed the start of the race this morning by 15 minutes and didn't get home until 45 minutes after the re-broadcast. Maybe I'll get lcky and catch the repeat on Wed. morning.

Kartman,

Did Kimi take out Sutil fighting for position, or did he simply lose it?

[DSRacing]

I'm with Kartman.......I just told my two year old grandson that someday grandpa would take him for a "boy's" trip to Monaco......he gets to go to Lime Rock for his first GT race tomorrow......the little village we live in (sold the digs in SoHo and moved permanently "upstate") is a short 15 minute drive from the track. The weather here should be in the low 80's for the race......perfect spring weather here....blue sky's and racing fuel:cool:.

Hopefully when the Dollar isn't so weak.

I'd like to know what the cost would be to visit Monaco during the GP weekend.

[MikeLeung]

Hopefully when the Dollar isn't so weak.

I'd like to know what the cost would be to visit Monaco during the GP weekend.

Assuming you were in France anyways,cause plane tickets aren't very cheap any more.

Costs:

Hotel in Nice - 150 Euros a nite

Train tickets from Nice to Monaco- 6 Euros

Pinic supplies-10 Euros

Tickets (one of cheapest reserved seats) - 550 Euros for 2

Hat - 30 Euros (ouch)

Seeing both Ferrari's spin while leading the race in front of our stands - PRICELESS!!!

[Kartman]

S

Kartman,

Did Kimi take out Sutil fighting for position, or did he simply lose it?

Running 5th (Sutil 4th) he came out of the tunnel hot and lost it, plowed Sutil. Sutil broken suspension and DNF, Kimi new nose to finish 9th out of the points. He may get and I hope he does a 5 spot grid penalty next race. Kimi just looked off all day while Sutil was a man on a mission.

[michael_loomis]

That was the best race I have seen in awhile, in ANY motorsport. Sutil earned a new fan yesterday.

They should run ALL the races in the rain! :)

[Mike @ pit b]

My DVR stopped recording with about 3 min. to go. Damn.

It was a great race. What was Alonso thinking going into the 180?

Felt bad for Sutil.

Mike

[Samco Fab]

When is it replaying on Speed?? My DVR ran out of room with the 7 hours of Nascar coverage:confused:

I want to see the replay again of Kimi swapping out 2 or 3 times, trying to save it, and then getting into the back of Sutil.

Racing in the rain is great, when it dries out mid race it gets even better!

[DSRacing]

I've usually been able to catch a replay on Wednesday mornings. I just checked Speed TV's programming schedule and it doesn't show any replays for Monaco this week at all.

[Kimbo63]

Running 5th (Sutil 4th) he came out of the tunnel hot and lost it, plowed Sutil. Sutil broken suspension and DNF, Kimi new nose to finish 9th out of the points. He may get and I hope he does a 5 spot grid penalty next race. Kimi just looked off all day while Sutil was a man on a mission.

Sutil really ran a great race. I forget who it was during qualifying, as I didn't watch, but the commentators were discussing how he had hit the same bump as Kimi, which caused him to crash. The commentators were actually complimenting Kimi's car control! He really did do all that he could in that situation. It was really unfortunate that Sutil was in the wrong place at the wrong time... Kimi did Apologize.

http://www.planetf1.com/story/0,18954,3213_3611827,00.html

How about Alonso?! He just PLOWED in to Heidfeld! Terrible!


My DVR stopped recording with about 3 min. to go. Damn.


Same thing happened to my friend and I! We were sitting there intently watching, then BAM! No mas recording! Such a letdown! I ended up waiting until the rebroadcast to see who won.

Probably one of the most exciting F1 races I have ever seen.

[dre22]

Coulthard hit the same bump in qualifying and speared it straight into the wall.

[Kartman]

Coulthard goes to Dover : -

Red Bull Racing’s David Coulthard will be heading out early to North America prior to the Canadian Grand Prix to pay a visit to Red Bull’s NASCAR team. The weekend before the F1 race in Montreal sees the NASCAR boys racing at Dover in Delaware, on a track known as the Monster Mile.

David will be a guest of the NASCAR Red Bull Racing Team, which is now in its second year of competition, racing Toyota Camrys, driven by Brian Vickers and AJ Allmendinger.

“I’m interested in all sorts of racing, but hardly ever get a chance to see anything other than Formula 1. So when Red Bull came up with the idea of shooting a promo film around their NASCAR operation on the week before the Canadian GP, it seemed like a great opportunity to go and see why this form of racing is so popular in the States.”

DC arrives in time for race day, Sunday 1st June, when he will get a chance to sit in the race car as well as sitting in on the team’s pre-race engineering briefing, before watching the “Best Buy 400” so called because it consists of 400, yes you
read that right, 400 laps of the one mile track. We’re not sure if DC will stay to the very end! That’s over twice the distance of the following weekend’s Formula 1 Grand Prix.

[Mumzy]

I couldn't imagine DC in a cup garage...so many images come to mind.

[DSRacing]

We don't take too kindy to you sissy yourapeeins in these here parts.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y9/DSRanger/hillbillies.jpg

I wonder how long it will take DC to figure out "tight" and "loose" are actually under and oversteer.

[Demp]

does any one have a total number of how many fron wings were broken ??

[Mike @ pit b]

does any one have a total number of how many fron wings were broken ??

Um.. all of them I think.


Kimi broke 2 for sure. They put third on, but I wonder how many spares they bring.

Mike

[Kimbo63]

does any one have a total number of how many fron wings were broken ??

Kimi broke 2, I believe Hamilton broke 1, Alonso... 1? There was a good amount of crunched body parts. :(

[Kartman]

Rossburg used 4 I think

[Offspring]

you got to look up inside car 956 were Derrik Bell does the ring in 6 and a half minutes, AND GETS PASSED!!!!!!!!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0M11GOVfA50

[Mumzy]

Monaco is the Bristol of F-1. There are always lots of broken parts.

[Demp]

when i saw kimi doing tank slappers under breaking i about choked on food.. i thought he was gonna stuff the car into the wall...its a shame that he took ( drivers name ) out !!! kimi is a stand up driver, and wouldnt do such a bad thing to some one...

and to Kimbo: Alonso's neck looks huge in the ING commercial hahaha!!! (j/k)

[Hemp]

One of the best races yet this year in any of the top forms of motorsports

[Kimbo63]

when i saw kimi doing tank slappers under breaking i about choked on food.. i thought he was gonna stuff the car into the wall...its a shame that he took ( drivers name ) out !!! kimi is a stand up driver, and wouldnt do such a bad thing to some one...

and to Kimbo: Alonso's neck looks huge in the ING commercial hahaha!!! (j/k)

It's true! Like I said, he looks like my boy! bahahah!

I'm excited to watch the Canadian GP Live at a decent hour! The 4AM races can be tough... :o

We should start an F1 Fantasy Team thread... If that hasn't already been done before.

[photog]

Excellent post on google earth of all the worlds F-1 race tracks, with a
flying lap capability at elevation for each track.:)

Link here:

F-1 race tracks of the world (http://bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=1136541&page=0&fpart=1&vc=1&PHPSESSID=)

Info from the the google earth post:

Location, Corners, Circuit Overlays and Racing Lines for a flying lap

Take a leisurely tour by selecting the Corners / Turns folder within each Grand Prix
and starting a Tour.

...or take a Flying Lap ...

Using a Screen Overlay approach for size, (as opposed to 3D models), combined
with smooth paths gives the ability to Tour each circuit from various vantage points -
with no drift or jerkiness in the path - this is true even at very close quarters.

See the Contents Placemark at the beginning of the file for more information on the
best Tour settings/Car Overlays to use - if you want to use the built-in options. If not
just run the Tour from any vantage point you wish.

(The Flying Lap Path is invisible so won't show whether it's selected or not - but as
long as it is highlighted the Tour will run along it.

The circuits are in general as good as the quality of the underlying imagery - with
those of high quality giving a better experience - however Image Overlays are
available for all circuits, with those of poor quality background being switched on by
default.

[Mike @ pit b]

Just a reminder, Montreal is going to air on FOX not on SPEED.

Mike

[KB]

What is this about Kyle Busch testing a F1 car next week? :D

[Kartman]

Wow, Q3 quals were exciting today. Im on the couch screaming when Kubica took first only to watch lewis lock up bad then somehow still find 6 tenths, wtf did that come from. Massa was down, ha! I love it.

10 tomorrow, on Fox not speed. Cant wait.

[LaMonte]

This is a great race!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Kartman]

Koooooobitsaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!



Great race all around and especially for BMW, first win and a 1-2 finish. The perfect day for me.

Great runs also for DC, Ruebens and Vettel.

I was shocked that Lewis didnt pit before the SC, and when he took out Kimi all I could think was Monte Carlo Karma for Kimi.

[Kartman]

The fox coverage kind of sucks, I really missed the grid interviews prior to the start that we get on Speed.

Post race interviews cut as well. FU fox.

[Mumzy]

I flipped it on right when Hamilton slid in Kimi......from what I saw, this race smoked that snooze fest taking place up in the Poconos.

[DSRacing]

Koooooobitsaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!



Great race all around and especially for BMW, first win and a 1-2 finish. The perfect day for me.

Great runs also for DC, Ruebens and Vettel.

I was shocked that Lewis didnt pit before the SC, and when he took out Kimi all I could think was Monte Carlo Karma for Kimi.


Timmy is now leading the driver's championship by four points. Kubica is making this an interesting year, let's see if he can hold on to his lead. It's refreshing to see a new name on top.

It's killing me having to be at work for the last three races. At least I'll be able to watch the re-broadcast on Wed. morning.

[Kartman]

A DVR is worth every penny.

[michael_loomis]

no joke!! now if only we could hack in a larger hard drive!

[DSRacing]

A DVR is worth every penny.

One of these days I'll get around to it. Besides, if I had one, the better half would just fill it up with all her shows.

[Mike @ pit b]

Great race!! Some actual passing going on. And I heard Hamilton is going to be fined like 10 grid positions for not stopping.

Mike

[Kartman]

Yeah Hamilton and Roseburg will get dropped 10 grid spots next race.

[BigWave300]

Hamilton is such a dork.

and his dad/manager crashed this porsche last week and it wasnt even his.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/00676/hamiltons-porsche-4_676404c.jpg

[Samco Fab]

Kubica was due a win, that was awesome!!! That guy works hard for it.

This years drivers championship will be another good one!

[Kartman]

Hamilton is such a dork.

and his dad/manager crashed this porsche last week and it wasnt even his.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/00676/hamiltons-porsche-4_676404c.jpg

LOl great week for the Hamiltons. Carrera GT and F1 crashes.

[Hemp]

great race...way better than the boring pocono race this weekend

Being a BMW fan is was a great race to watch and Kubica definitely deserved a win

I didnt like missing the grid interviews the speed does but it was in high def

[freddy]

I was in Montreal over the last weekend to watch my first F1 race live. What an experience, the speed, the cars, the noise, everything!

I was a little disappointed when hamilton was to busy painting his finger nails, or whatever he was doing, and drove straight into KIMI at the red light. I'm a Ferrari fan and I also have to be supportive to the finns as we don't have any swedes in F1. (How do they do it anyway? Producing all these great drivers?)

Kubica has been long overdue for a win, so it was great to see him on the top of the podium.

I'll try to post some pictures later. It's hard to "shoot" these cars, they are moving so fast. LOL

[DSRacing]

Off topic, Is anyone planning on watching LeMans this weekend? I want to see if Peugeot has something for Audi this year.

[Kartman]

Ill probably watch it a bit.

[Kartman]

Being sick and stuck at home I watched a lot of 24 hours. Great job for Audi and an amazing close finish after 24 hours. Aston did a great job again beating Corvette with their only race of the year.

[racer951]

Who's everyone's vote for biggest dissapointment of the year? I think Kovalainen hands down. He's gone from Renault to Mclaren and is in the same points position as last year.

[harleys dad]

He does seam to be at the short end of the stick for 1 reason or another

[racer951]

For a direct comparison Alonso went from 3rd last year at Mclaren to 9th this year at Renault. He's been running better than that but can't put it together. Interestingly, Alonso in his Renault seems to be a bigger threat each race than Kovalainen in his Mclaren. He just seems to be going downhill as the season progresses, now often just battling for a single point. Contract $ aside, advantage Renault in that deal!

I found this in a news article on Kovalainen's unofficial site regarding the Canadian GP:

"Taking into account different strategies, it was for the very first time that Heikki was slower in quail than team mate Lewis Hamilton, and it was also the first time this season that he just had a bad weekend, explained Martin Whitmarsh, who was not nearly as critical of Heikki as the man himself."

Mr. Whitmarsh sounds like a spinster

[Mike @ pit b]

Qualifying:
1 KIMI
2 Felipe Massa
3 Lewis Hamilton -- will move back 10 positions
4 Alonso
5 Trulli
6 Kovalainen
7 KUBICA
8 Mark Webber
9 Coulthard
10 Timo Glock
11 Nelson Piquet
12 Heidfeld
13 Vettel
14 Bourdais
15 Rosberg
16 Nakajima
17 Button
18 Barrichelo
19 Fisichella
20 Sutil

[DSRacing]

Fairly boring race until the sprinkles started. Good battle for third place towards the end, thought Trulli and Kovalainen were going to take each other out and let Kubica reap the benefits. Kubica could have used the points, he falls two back in the driver's championship behind Massa. On to the British GP.

[harleys dad]

It was cool to see Trully hold off Kovalainen, Good race between those 2. Also cool to see PQ beat Alanso, as he is really under presure for his job it sounds like. They have given him 3 races to ***** or get. Was this a good run?? 8th. Kimi got screwed by his exhaust pipe, and Hamilton sucked. Phil Masa was smooth all race and was really suprised to win.

[Kartman]

Overall the race action was so so but there were some great moments. Hell of a finish for Trulli as well, he earned it.

Even though Magny Cours does not have a lot of passing I love watching the race there. The corner speeds are so fast its just great to watch.

[Samco Fab]

Did you guys think that Hamilton should have received the drive through penalty for going off course after that pass? Hard call, but it looked like he had already made the pass, and was going for the next pass when he straight lined the corner a bit... I will have to watch it again tonight:D

Seems like they penalize for good racing sometimes, that was good racing for position!! We need more agressive passing and wild passing moves.

[Kartman]

It was a close call. He had made the pass but he was out of control and went off track to complete it. I think it was probably the right call.

The wrong call was not calling Kimi to the pits to remove that exhaust.