F1 2008 Megathread

[CKS Papa]

They lit up that track pretty good.
Cars look great under the lights!
I would really like to see that race in person in my lifetime.

That pit exit looks like it's going to be interesting.
Also interested in seeing how the cars would completely
have to stop if they cut a chicane during the race.

Would be nice if JB and RB gets to the 2nd round of Q. (i'm not greedy)

 

[92 white 0650]

Re: Bourdais.........his guys are lost

What the hell could be wrong with SeaBass's car? Something's mechanically not right since he's complaining the car is all over the place and he has the terminal driver cancer: no confidence in the car. And if he didn't have the most recent/complete street course experience of anyone out there, I wouldn't be wondering.

But he does and the team cannot find anything obviously wrong. That is a driver's worst nightmare.

 

[NSXTech]

For those who think that so many decisions are ruled with a bias in favor of Ferrari (like Jane and myself :frown - there is justice in the world. Assuming (and hoping) no pit crew members were injured in todays fuel hose debacle, it was great to see Massa's car driving down pit lane with a fuel hose streaming behind it like a New Years eve decoration.

Amazing how track config has dictated this race's results so far. Half way thru and Truli could be sitting on the podium with Alonso to his right. Lets see how many positions Hamilton can pick up on this tricky track. Passing opportunities?

 

[Jetpilot3]

I wouldn't want to be Raikkonen this evening...what happened there? lack of concentration?

Glad to see Hamilton picked up more points and that Alonso scored a win.

Next few races will be interesting...

 

[Hasdrubal]

Raikkonen clipped a curb that was pretty tall. Got the car off balance, and then with the next curb bouncing him higher, he couldn't get the car stopped in time to avoid the wall. Bad for Ferrari in the constructor's championship, but doesn't make much difference for him.

I really don't like Hamilton, but even I have to admit he drove a good race. This time, without even punting someone off the track. With Massa's bad luck (I think that was a bad sensor or something in the fuel rig) and subsequent penalty, that's probably sealed the driver's title for Mclaren.

Nick

 

[NSXrebel]

Raikkonen clipped a curb that was pretty tall. Got the car off balance, and then with the next curb bouncing him higher, he couldn't get the car stopped in time to avoid the wall. Bad for Ferrari in the constructor's championship, but doesn't make much difference for him.

I really don't like Hamilton, but even I have to admit he drove a good race. This time, without even punting someone off the track. With Massa's bad luck (I think that was a bad sensor or something in the fuel rig) and subsequent penalty, that's probably sealed the driver's title for Mclaren.

Nick

I too don't like Hamilton. Massa's team did screw him over again. There's still hope for him to take the WDC. Good job on Alonso's part.

Poor Rubens, guy just can't get a break. Looks to me like he's the one that'll be gone next year, if not both drivers.

 

[92 white 0650]

Re: Nicely done Peaky & Stewards

Hats off to Peaky, the perfect teammate, for executing a selfless and perfectly timed crash one lap after Fred had pitted, allowing Renault to implement their long shot pitstop/safety car strategy and catepault Fred to the front. I think they like playing that game and who could blame them after Peaky never made a contested pass on anyone a few races ago and made the podium from back in 15th or so.

And some conspiracy theorists are suggesting the stewards played along with the script since they didn't penalize Fred for straightlining the chicane to pass Jenson on the first lap. I didn't notice that one myself and haven't had a chance to verify it yet, but I was thinking there was an awful lot of 4 wheels off in chicanes and not one of them stopped in accordance with the FIA new Hamo rule. Of course, there were only going to enforce certain chicanes so maybe those weren't the ones involved.

And since the stewards can't help the Red cars when they shoot themselves in the foot, the question is: can they still find a penalty for Hamo tonite?

Just kidding guys. No one would ever stoop to these shenanigans....right?

 

[Hasdrubal]

Does anyone know anything about Ferrari's light system? I can't figure out why they would use something like that, rather than the traditional lollipop. It looks like it's harder to see, and harder to use. Especially after this Massa debacle, but even before that, it just seems awkward to me.

Nick

 

[92 white 0650]

Re: Those damn lights

Does anyone know anything about Ferrari's light system? I can't figure out why they would use something like that, rather than the traditional lollipop. It looks like it's harder to see, and harder to use. Especially after this Massa debacle, but even before that, it just seems awkward to me.

Nick

Well the theory is that it's quicker than the visual observation, reaction time and physical movement of a lollipop man. The system senses the disconnect of the fuel nozzle, so, if the stop is "normal" i.e. all tires are on and there is no need to wait for obstacles or traffic in the pit lane, the lights just work and do not need to be overriden. Also, it is one less body in the pit lane to possibly get in the way. Although I don't know where the "ovedrride" guy (with his finger on the light control) sits or stands, perhaps he is up high and can see better (like up and down the pit lane) than a lollipop guy.

This one appears to be a mechanical/sensor failure. Previously, Kimi just jumped the light. So, I think the system is good but more delicate, expensive and complicated. But isn't that what F-1 and "cutting edge" is all about? Not defending it, just sayin'...........

Edit: Ferrari says they were on manual override the whole time, so this was a human error just as, (was it the Torro Rosso?) lollipop man got antsy and twitched but with less disasterous results.

http://www.eurosport.yahoo.com/29092008/58/ferrari-review-pit-stop-system.html

 

[Hasdrubal]

Looks like he couldn't see too well, I think Massa's penalty was more for jumping in front of another car than for the fuel hose being stuck.

Either way, I think the whole night race/street circuit thing is a farce. Just another way for FOM to squeeze more money out of an industry that FOM is constantly berating for spending too much money. No passing, and no risk taking with no run-off area. Of course, I don't like Monaco for the exact same reasons. At least, though, that has the weight of tradition behind it.

Nick

 

[92 white 0650]

Re: Miscellaneous observations

Looks like he couldn't see too well, I think Massa's penalty was more for jumping in front of another car than for the fuel hose being stuck.

Either way, I think the whole night race/street circuit thing is a farce. Just another way for FOM to squeeze more money out of an industry that FOM is constantly berating for spending too much money. No passing, and no risk taking with no run-off area. Of course, I don't like Monaco for the exact same reasons. At least, though, that has the weight of tradition behind it.

As for the Ferrari light control guy and if he could see OK, I think the pressure was quite intense because Kimi was sitting there behind Massa waiting for his stop. The team was already behind the 8 ball with that scenario and he lost his cool, just as Massa did a few times in the remainder of the race.

As for the nite/street circuit thing; sad but true, fans love the "spectacle" of the thing; how many times did we hear how fantastic the cars look under the lights and how many parties were going on all over. So, the on site fans are paying the money and directly supporting the economy, and those of us who care more about actual racing and the "sport for what it is supposed to be" don't count for much.

 

[Hasdrubal]

Yeah, I hate the way the whole series has been going. Car racing in general around the world, really. Everything is turning into spec racing like NASCAR.

Have you heard the word from Mosely? Common engine for F1? If they do that, I will never watch another race as long as I live. I'll build my own open-wheeler first, one of the classic cigar tube looking ones, and drive it myself before I watch spec F1.

Nick

 

[92 white 0650]

Re: Just killin' time..........

Waiting for the gut-busting-laugh-a-minute show they are billing as the V.P. debate.

Here’s a good one from the “can you believe this?” list. Webber’s gear box broke because a nearby passenger tram created "static"
http://www.eurosport.yahoo.com/02102008/58/tram-blamed-webber-s-retirement.html

On a more serious note, anyone really care if Heidfeld replaces Reubens? I don't. Not that the driver can't make a difference, we know they can, but Honda has such a steep hill to climb, it wouldn't make much difference right now who was in the car outside of say..........Fred. And with Wurz as a test/development driver, Nick or RB in the race seat? no material difference. JMHO
http://paddocktalk.com/news/html/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=95595

 

[NSXrebel]

Re: Just killin' time..........

Waiting for the gut-busting-laugh-a-minute show they are billing as the V.P. debate.

Here’s a good one from the “can you believe this?” list. Webber’s gear box broke because a nearby passenger tram created "static"
http://www.eurosport.yahoo.com/02102008/58/tram-blamed-webber-s-retirement.html

On a more serious note, anyone really care if Heidfeld replaces Reubens? I don't. Not that the driver can't make a difference, we know they can, but Honda has such a steep hill to climb, it wouldn't make much difference right now who was in the car outside of say..........Fred. And with Wurz as a test/development driver, Nick or RB in the race seat? no material difference. JMHO
http://paddocktalk.com/news/html/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=95595

I'd hate to see Rubens go. We all know they just need a better car.

 

[92 white 0650]

Re: Old guys rule

I'd hate to see Rubens go. We all know they just need a better car.

Yeah, I stand corrected. Being old and in the way myself, I should be pulling for RB to hang in there a little longer and show he's still got it. I'm assuming he does. :wink: Maybe I should let him in on my pre-race routine; pop 1/2 Viagra, slam 2 Full Throttles and listen to Bruce Springsteen's "No Surrender" :tongue:

 

[NSXrebel]

Re: Old guys rule

Yeah, I stand corrected. Being old and in the way myself, I should be pulling for RB to hang in there a little longer and show he's still got it. I'm assuming he does. :wink: Maybe I should let him in on my pre-race routine; pop 1/2 Viagra, slam 2 Full Throttles and listen to Bruce Springsteen's "No Surrender" :tongue:

May I suggest "Danger Zone" by Kenny Loggins instead? :wink:

 

[Ponyboy]

NO CANADIAN GP IN 09

The Canadian Grand Prix has been dropped from the 2009 Formula One calendar, leaving North America with no grands prix next season.

The FIA issued on Tuesday the World Motor Sport Council's decision, with the Montreal race absent for the first time since 1987.

The governing body confirmed an 18-race calendar, including a summer break thanks to having moved the Turkish Grand Prix from August to June.

The WMSC also agreed to give FIA president Max Mosley the authority to deal with the Formula One Teams Association (FOTA) for the introduction of "radical measures to achieve a substantial reduction of costs in the championship from 2010."

"Failing agreement with FOTA, the FIA will enforce the necessary measures to achieve this goal," said the FIA in a statement.

"It was further unanimously agreed to allow Formula One teams to equalise engine performance across the field for 2009, pending the introduction of cost-saving measures from 2010," it added.

2009 F1 calendar:

Australia 29 March
Malaysia 5 April
Bahrain 19 April
Spain 10 May
Monaco 24 May
Turkey 7 June
Great Britain 21 June
France 28 June
Germany 12 July
Hungary 26 July
Europe (Valencia) 23 August
Belgium 30 August
Italy 13 September
Singapore 27 September
Japan 11 October
China 18 October
Brazil 1 November
Abu Dhabi 15 November

 

[92 white 0650]

Re: Did Bernie really say that?

Ferrarri prez called Singapore a circus.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/71186

I saw a post that quotes Bernie as saying:

"If the Ferrari President is right about the Singapore Grand Prix being a circus," he said, "then we have to be grateful to him for providing the clowns."

:biggrin:

 

[92 white 0650]

Re: Just killin' time..........

Since 1) the sun was out today and 2) the forecast, for Tokyo at least, suggests they might have to deal only with AM showers on Saturday, and 3) I'm not allowed to make any cryptic political jokes, :redface: I'm pondering a couple of semi-obscure F-1 questions.

When the last time you saw the Kimster actually smiling? Looks like he's actually paying attention to something for a change. :biggrin:

And how about those spec engines that Bernie's gonna require to last...........did I read that right............. 1/2 a season !!!! Well being a spec engine guy myself, I think it'll be good. Nothing worse than some ham handed mega-HP goof who can't find his ass with both hands in a turn blowing by you on the straights and making it downright dangerous to re-pass in the twisties. So, I know a lot of guys hate the spec aspect of anything, but it does put more control in the driver's hands. JMHO.

And how about green stripes on the tires this race? I like, of course, but what about next year? Green sidewalls? Honda would dig it, but Ferrari would never stand for that now would they?

#13 out.

 

[TC]

Re: Just killin' time..........

Well being a spec engine guy myself, I think it'll be good. Nothing worse than some ham handed mega-HP goof who can't find his ass with both hands in a turn blowing by you on the straights and making it downright dangerous to re-pass in the twisties. So, I know a lot of guys hate the spec aspect of anything, but it does put more control in the driver's hands. JMHO.

From a fan's standpoint, I personally hate spec engines as I find as much interest and enjoyment watching the constructors duke it out as watching the drivers compete. I also think that Formula 1 would fall apart with spec engines - I can't see Honda accepting a spec engine made by Toyota or BMW accepting a spec engine made by Ferrari. To some teams, winning the constructor championship is more important that winning the drivers championship.

I agree that F1 costs have gotten out of control so to solve that problem they should do what lots of pro sports have done - salary cap. Just put a limit on the total spend and let the teams do the most that they can within that limit. It will put a premium on organizational efficiency, clever engineering, invention, etc.

JMO.

 

[Hasdrubal]

There is a place for spec series. That place is not at the pinnacle of motorsport. Formula One is supposed to be the best of everything. The best drivers, the best cars, the best engineers, even the best pit stops. I love watching comparisons of NASCAR pit work compared to F1.

A budget cap would definitely be the best way to cut costs. Limit everyone to some arbitrary number, say $200 million, and require each team to account for everything before, during, and after the season with a representative from the FIA. All budget sheets to be published on a regular basis, but with limited details. You would be able to see how much emphasis your competitors were placing on engine development over wind tunnel time, or chassis development over drivers.

If that went through, you could open up the engine regs as much as you wanted (barring turbines or wankels). Want a five valve head? Want a V6 or a W16 or a flat 12? Fine, so long as it has the specified displacement and you're willing to pay for it.

Nick

 

[92 white 0650]

Re: Just killin' time..........

I don't want to laugh too much about Honda trying out a pit light system (like a couple of 10ths is going to make a difference), so I'll just post up this pic alleged to be Bernie's daughter. (My kinda of girl: smooth :tongue

Hamo wants rain; looks like he's not going to get it.

 

[NSXrebel]

Re: Just killin' time..........

I don't want to laugh too much about Honda trying out a pit light system (like a couple of 10ths is going to make a difference), so I'll just post up this pic alleged to be Bernie's daughter. (My kinda of girl: smooth :tongue

Hamo wants rain; looks like he's not going to get it.

I watched Friday's practice last night, what an embarrassment for Honda. 19th & 20th place for a while, till Rubens managed to pull 15th place out of his ass. And Toyota sitting on pole position right now. Go Timo Glock.

 

[Hasdrubal]

If you want to see Tamara Ecclestone, check this out. I personally think you can judge the substance of a message by whether people present it on its own merits, or just try to distract you with a half naked woman.

Besides, Ashley Force looks way better.

Nick

http://www.f1technical.net/news/10730?sid=41b3416413ee3a45a592e4b74a6b0c13

 

[NSXrebel]

If you want to see Tamara Ecclestone, check this out. I personally think you can judge the substance of a message by whether people present it on its own merits, or just try to distract you with a half naked woman.

Besides, Ashley Force looks way better.

Nick

http://www.f1technical.net/news/10730?sid=41b3416413ee3a45a592e4b74a6b0c13

I have to disagree and say that Tamara girl looks better.