Oh yeah, I just thought about one thing I noticed in the Turkish GP. On one of Massa's stops the cam view is in the car, the new Ferrari "lolipop" light board that is used to tell Felipe to hit it was in view. If you watch slowly you see that he actually starts before the light turns green. That makes me curious if there isn't some other type of device that is at work here. He does release the clutch with his right hand but how would he know before the green light ? of course, I suppose he anticipated it and "red lighted" like in drag racing. Kimi's stop looked "proper" with the light green before he started to move.

Years ago, either the first or second race at Indy (when TC was banned) the Mclaren's were on the front row, when the lights went out, the Mclarens tires spun 1/2 a revolution and they were gone ! Traction control ! The announcers even pointed out the quick start and lack of wheel spin. Strangely enough, the following year TC was allowed, now once again it is gone, though I wonder if it really is............

if you're winning, you're stretching the rules.......

 

I read the other day George figures they have about two months left in which to get a title sponsor lined up, after that'll be too late for a '09 race.

As I understand it the only thing preventing a '09 race is the amount of $ Bernie wants. If George can come up with a title sponsor it seems it's a go. FIA already approved the new config of the circuit for F1 when they did so for Moto GP.

Funny how Toyota, Honda, Mercedes, and Ferrari sell much or in some cases the most in the U.S. market and Toyota for example said the U.S. market is so important to them that they'd not only want a U.S GP, but preferably two, or three! yet we can't get a title sponsor.

Some 'conventional' wisdom is thrown around saying the U.S. market it too ignorant of world motor sports and F1 in particular too make F1 viable. Yet even with lower recognition of F1 here versus 'NASCAR' the Indy attendance was one of if not the hightest in F1.

Maybe we should write to Larry Ellison he's got deep pockets.

 

The reason they allowed TC for a while was it was impossible to regulate and prevent for a while. So to be fair since they couldn't delve into each teams ECU and software enought to be sure there was no TC they allowed it for all. This year they got back to the noTC they wanted by phasing in the standard ECU. The standard EU & software means they can more easily police wha the teams can and can't do, including preventing traction control.

I surely don't want to see a spec car series in F1. Indy has no interest to me, buy a chassis and put in a spec Honda engine, yuck. That's fine for develpment series but not the pinnacle of a sport.

But some of what F1 is doint next year should be good. They went to grooved tires to try to limit cornering speed. Next year the slicks come back and aero downforce is to be cut WAY back. The plan is that with much more mechanical grip and much less aero grip cars will be able to follow closely again without being upset by being in the lead cars wake, allowing close competition and more passing.

Sound like a good idea to me.

The kinetic energy recovery systems I'm not sure about. We'll see.

 

Here's one to think about........you're an Aerodynamic engineer and you know that the turbulence effects the car behind you, do you work your aerokit so that it forces the following car to stay further behind ? I'll bet anything they've at least played with the idea

 

First off "them fellars don't speak 'nglish" and they're all about the size of jockies, and then they don't fist fight in the infield, and worst of all, they don't have no fenders on them cars.....how they gonna "rub" ?

Ok, just kidding folks, that was the sterotype attitude many years ago, long since lost to time

 

I'm sure you're right. I've thought the same thing.

 

Hey guys, I have to support the home team....



A rising star !

Cheers,

Derek

 

+1

 

Go Bob !

Canadian GP photo finish

1st - Lewie
2nd- Bob Kubica
3rd - Nico Rosberg (you've got to be jealous of this guy, great looks,fast car,tons of $ and heck, he speaks five languages !)

Hamilton qualifies 4 but has a bad start and must pass. Massa takes himself out trying to hold Hamilton off in the 3rd lap, Kimi's bad luck catches up and the F2008 blows a motor from 3rd place Heikki bobbles trying to hold off Rosberg and ends up 4th. Jenson Button has a smashing day with the Honda and ends up 5th.

Now that's a race !

 

1st Kimi
2nd Massa
3rd Webber

Hammie DNF, got lost, turned off the track and eventually got beached in a sand trap at a adjacent golf course. Alonso follows Hammie for unknown reason then throws fit after Hammies spinning wheels trying to escape sandtrap gets sand all over Fernando's lollipop.

Ron Dennis arrested along with a few other McLaren folks after it's discovered they've been outfitting the McLaren F1 road car with engines stolen from Ferrari Enzo's on the street via 'midnight auto supply'.

Max Mosley not at track but reported to watch the race from a neighberhood sports bar / strip club.

Seriously, I hope the safety car isn't needed, I hate how it randomizes results.

 

The only reason Ferrari wins is because the other drivers see red........

 

They all cheat.....even Ferrari.....the whole affair should have never taken place. I loved when Michelin came out with the tires that grew an inch in width after 7 laps, what a fantastic idea of pushing the rules ! oh yeah, Ferrari was the one crying that it wasn't fair....but then they got "Ferrari spec" Bridgestones while everyone else got something less......it just goes on and on.

It sure would be nice to see Michelin, Goodyear and Bridgestone back in the fray

 

Actually, I'm expecting Alonso to have a breakthrough one of these races.

I'll say he finishes in the top three....probably with the Ferrari's.

g.

 

I think Renault is suffering from Championship burnout, its hard to keep pushing those guys that much. Alonso seems to really be a smart guy with the setup and development. The problem is that Nelson is no benchmark, you don't know if the car is that bad and Alonso that good or what. I have to chuckle when I hear Nelson Sr saying that Lewis and Alonso both needed to watch out for Jr

Alonso is a great driver but a real sod too, his whining at Mclaren was annoying not to mention the pitstop crap. I'm glad to see him back at Renault, he sure smiles more and his attitude is better. I could see him at Ferrari and they will be unstoppable with him at the helm. They will need a driver like Ruebens to be #2 though. A good consistant development guy who is fast enough to win if Alonso breaks. Just like when Schu was there.

I do disagree, I don't think he'll be on the podium at Canada......watch for BMW and Williams to come in and stir things up !

 

Alonso is the guy i love to hate!

At least when he was with McLaren I rooted against him but now that he's with Renault, I kind of miss his feistiness when he's in or fighting for the lead. I actually respect him more this year.

Why would Ferrari get rid of either Kimi or Massa? I know they're speculating Kimi retiring but I don't believe it.

And what about those rumors that Alonso and Kubica will be with different teams? Should be an interesting offseason.

g.

 

I could see Kimi retire, he's got his championship (maybe 2) he's made his money, now he can play, start a family, whatever...Michael Schu must really love to race and win, to stay that focused and motivated for so long, that alone is admirable.

Massa, well, I hate listening to his interviews, its always "Me, Myself and I" perhaps that's why Ferrari and the fans/press want him to move on. There is no doubt he is an excellent driver. He is the hothead everyone thought Alonso would be with the latino heritage. He's been burned by plenty including that awesome pass by Lewis at last year's Malaysian GP

I can't imagine RK wanting to go anywhere else, BMW is just about there for championship contention. Perhaps if they changed it back to Cooper F-1 they would win ?

1959, real British Racing Green and the traditional bonnies !



Can you see the influence in your MINI ?