The Formula One Discussion Thread...
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,293
Likes: 2
From: Cincinnati, Ohio
Agreed. This will be my tenth G.P., IMO all venues pale when compared with the best of all - Spa-Francochamps. Spa IS THE TRACK. Indy will be nice, and its nearby for me, so who's to complain?
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,293
Likes: 2
From: Cincinnati, Ohio
I'm a fan of Giancarlo too. Go Fisi!
As to Bernie and his "evil twin" Max, well they changed the face of F-1 from a moderately successful racing series, to glam, glam, glam, in your face technology, rock star, gotta have it, megalomaniac, $$$, events. I hope you understand that last attempt at a sentence, and if you're into F-1 you undoubtably do. So I see more positive than negative with Bernie's influence. Hell, I've watched G.P.s live via broadcasts to third world nations thanks to Bernie's P.R. machine. I say go Bernie go, and if you make a buck or a billion while you're at it, bully for you.
As to Bernie and his "evil twin" Max, well they changed the face of F-1 from a moderately successful racing series, to glam, glam, glam, in your face technology, rock star, gotta have it, megalomaniac, $$$, events. I hope you understand that last attempt at a sentence, and if you're into F-1 you undoubtably do. So I see more positive than negative with Bernie's influence. Hell, I've watched G.P.s live via broadcasts to third world nations thanks to Bernie's P.R. machine. I say go Bernie go, and if you make a buck or a billion while you're at it, bully for you.
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,731
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From: Anaheim, CA
Problem is though is that racing as business first takes the soul out of the sport. Look at todays tracks, for example. Hungary, Malaysia, Hockenheim, (new) Nurburgring. Where is the challenge for the driver?
Yesterdays tracks, Spa, real Nurburgring, Reims. It took big brass ***** to be the best at those tracks. And today we have traction control, launch control, sequential gear boxes. Granted technology must advance, but at what cost to the sport of racing, man and machine?
Bernie and Max have turned F1 into a circus, look at how much the rules changed from last season to this one and some of the ridiculous ideas they have floated.
Yesterdays tracks, Spa, real Nurburgring, Reims. It took big brass ***** to be the best at those tracks. And today we have traction control, launch control, sequential gear boxes. Granted technology must advance, but at what cost to the sport of racing, man and machine?
Bernie and Max have turned F1 into a circus, look at how much the rules changed from last season to this one and some of the ridiculous ideas they have floated.
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,293
Likes: 2
From: Cincinnati, Ohio
Yesterdays tracks, Spa, real Nurburgring, Reims. It took big brass ***** to be the best at those tracks.
Look at the death toll to drivers and spectators at today's tracks v. the wonderful tracks of yore. F-1 used to lose 2, 3 or more drivers per annum, sometimes per race at some of those old venues. Death and turning F-1 into blood sport is not good for business (at least I hope not). Remembering back to Imola '94 and seeing Ayrton Senna dying in his car while it was broadcast around the world "live" is not racing at its best. I am all in favor of Prof. Sid Watkins crusading for safer venues. There are great "slow" tracks, like Monaco, Canada, and Silverstone, where passing is possible and danger is minimized.
As for the driver's aids, I agree, too much has lessened the spectacle. Rules changes for 03 have been good for the sport IMO. While some have suffered, Coulthard, others have shone bright, Webber. And it makes the strategy game so much more interesting.
Look at the death toll to drivers and spectators at today's tracks v. the wonderful tracks of yore. F-1 used to lose 2, 3 or more drivers per annum, sometimes per race at some of those old venues. Death and turning F-1 into blood sport is not good for business (at least I hope not). Remembering back to Imola '94 and seeing Ayrton Senna dying in his car while it was broadcast around the world "live" is not racing at its best. I am all in favor of Prof. Sid Watkins crusading for safer venues. There are great "slow" tracks, like Monaco, Canada, and Silverstone, where passing is possible and danger is minimized.
As for the driver's aids, I agree, too much has lessened the spectacle. Rules changes for 03 have been good for the sport IMO. While some have suffered, Coulthard, others have shone bright, Webber. And it makes the strategy game so much more interesting.
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,731
Likes: 0
From: Anaheim, CA
Great F1 video: http://www.atlasf1.com/bb/showthread...threadid=60196.
As for tracks, why can't they put more elevation changes in, take out a chicane for once? How about as off camber turn or two? They should be able to design passing zones that are not simply at the end of a long straight.
As for tracks, why can't they put more elevation changes in, take out a chicane for once? How about as off camber turn or two? They should be able to design passing zones that are not simply at the end of a long straight.
5th Gear
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,057
Likes: 0
Of todays tracks I'm not sure which one qualifies as my favorite. I like Malaysia, Spain and France. I love the old Nurburgring with the Nordschleife! Simply the greatest track in the world!!! Would love to drive my MCS on there!
I've been to the Monaco street track. Cool and interesting, but in many ways also boring because of the lack of passing opportunities.
I was there a few days before the start of a classic MC Rallye, saw some cool cars.
I've been to the Monaco street track. Cool and interesting, but in many ways also boring because of the lack of passing opportunities.
I was there a few days before the start of a classic MC Rallye, saw some cool cars.
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,293
Likes: 2
From: Cincinnati, Ohio
0_MINI,
The Gurney-Westlake Eagle, winner of Spa, 1967. SWEET CHOICE. Also I love the Lotus 49 of 1967, with the DFV Ford Cosworth lump. As for modern cars, Benneton Fords 191 - 192, and this year's Renault, sweet rides all.
The Gurney-Westlake Eagle, winner of Spa, 1967. SWEET CHOICE. Also I love the Lotus 49 of 1967, with the DFV Ford Cosworth lump. As for modern cars, Benneton Fords 191 - 192, and this year's Renault, sweet rides all.
4th Gear
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 448
Likes: 0
From: Jupiter, FL
Gurney and the Eagle were awesome. What a talented and versatle driver, and a nice guy. Should have been world champion -- or President, if you remember the old bumper stickers 
!!
Best Regards,
Ron
!!Best Regards,
Ron
Thread Starter
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Burbling since 2002
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,450
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From: USA
Confirmed:
"On Thursday, Ecclestone issued a statement through his company, Formula One Management, which confirmed the race will not take place next year. "I can confirm that a letter was written to the Canadian race promoter following a meeting I had with him when I informed him the Canadian round of the FIA Formula 1 Championship would not be included in the 2004 calender," said the statement. "The reason for this is that the Canadian government has brought into effect a total prohibition on tobacco-related sponsorship. There is a provision in our contract with the race promoter that should this become effective, we have the right not to include their event in the calendar for the relevant year. Our problem is quite simple. The F1 teams with tobacco-related sponsorship lose part of their revenue when a certain percentage of the events ban tobacco sponsorship. This was the reason the Belgian Grand Prix was not included in the 2003 calendar. Everyone is sorry to lose the Canadian race as we all love Montreal and the warm support the city has always given Formula 1."
Thank you Montreal for 14 great weekends...I am truly gonna miss it...:evil:
And to Jacques Villeneuve...huh? what? anything?
"On Thursday, Ecclestone issued a statement through his company, Formula One Management, which confirmed the race will not take place next year. "I can confirm that a letter was written to the Canadian race promoter following a meeting I had with him when I informed him the Canadian round of the FIA Formula 1 Championship would not be included in the 2004 calender," said the statement. "The reason for this is that the Canadian government has brought into effect a total prohibition on tobacco-related sponsorship. There is a provision in our contract with the race promoter that should this become effective, we have the right not to include their event in the calendar for the relevant year. Our problem is quite simple. The F1 teams with tobacco-related sponsorship lose part of their revenue when a certain percentage of the events ban tobacco sponsorship. This was the reason the Belgian Grand Prix was not included in the 2003 calendar. Everyone is sorry to lose the Canadian race as we all love Montreal and the warm support the city has always given Formula 1."
Thank you Montreal for 14 great weekends...I am truly gonna miss it...:evil:
And to Jacques Villeneuve...huh? what? anything?
Thread Starter
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Burbling since 2002
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,450
Likes: 0
From: USA
If you're interested...another petition, for what it's worth...
Save the Canadian Grand Prix
If you're extremely anti-tobacco, don't bother...the petition is asking the Canadian government to ease their anti-tobacco legislation to allow the GP to return to Montreal...thanks.
Save the Canadian Grand Prix
If you're extremely anti-tobacco, don't bother...the petition is asking the Canadian government to ease their anti-tobacco legislation to allow the GP to return to Montreal...thanks.
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,731
Likes: 0
From: Anaheim, CA
Talk about shortsighted!
I've heard nothing but good things from the F1 teams and the fans about this event. Bernie and Max should have stepped in and helped keep this event.
Pox on the Canadian Government!
Pox on Bernie!
Jax, Jax who?
I've heard nothing but good things from the F1 teams and the fans about this event. Bernie and Max should have stepped in and helped keep this event.
Pox on the Canadian Government!
Pox on Bernie!
Jax, Jax who?
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,293
Likes: 2
From: Cincinnati, Ohio
Bernie, Ronzo, Sir Frank, etc., are all driven by the Almighty... ($$, Bling Bling that is) If you want to get or keep a GP, do as Jerry Maguire does, "Show 'em the Money".
Canada, along with many other western nations, has taken a hankerin' to dealing a death blow to "Big Tobacco" (like kids will become addicted only because Jacques shows up once a year with Lucky Strike tatooed on his nomex). Unfortunately, in a battle of the behemoths (Govt. v. Tobacco) we, the consumer of F-1 lose.
Hey, to Govts. around the world, TAKE YOUR CRUSADES ELSEWHERE! I want my F-1 fix in Canada, Belgium, and anywhere else you legislative hooligans want to crucify our sponsors. I defend Bernie's right to make a contract that makes good business sense. F-1 is a prestige issue. Countries around the globe like the kind of attention the the F-1 Circus brings to town. Leave the political extortion at the gate. One needs only look towards Jerez, Rio de Janiero (CART) to see scenes of a racetrack's demise because local officials pissed off the free-market. End of Rant.
Canada, along with many other western nations, has taken a hankerin' to dealing a death blow to "Big Tobacco" (like kids will become addicted only because Jacques shows up once a year with Lucky Strike tatooed on his nomex). Unfortunately, in a battle of the behemoths (Govt. v. Tobacco) we, the consumer of F-1 lose.
Hey, to Govts. around the world, TAKE YOUR CRUSADES ELSEWHERE! I want my F-1 fix in Canada, Belgium, and anywhere else you legislative hooligans want to crucify our sponsors. I defend Bernie's right to make a contract that makes good business sense. F-1 is a prestige issue. Countries around the globe like the kind of attention the the F-1 Circus brings to town. Leave the political extortion at the gate. One needs only look towards Jerez, Rio de Janiero (CART) to see scenes of a racetrack's demise because local officials pissed off the free-market. End of Rant.
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,731
Likes: 0
From: Anaheim, CA
I'm glad Jarno continues to be faster than his highly touted teammate. It would be fabulous if he won.
OTOH, Fisi continues to have problems with the EJ-slug.
For the race, I want JPM to keep eating away at Schumis points lead, preferably without an RS win.
A Trulli win would be sweet!
OTOH, Fisi continues to have problems with the EJ-slug.
For the race, I want JPM to keep eating away at Schumis points lead, preferably without an RS win.
A Trulli win would be sweet!
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,293
Likes: 2
From: Cincinnati, Ohio
A Renault win would be SWEEEEET. Go Jarno, Go Fernando! I'm a fan of Flavio Briatore. He has style (although not like mine) and is a great talent scout, kind of like EJ. Plus is there anyone else in the F-1 paddock who has dated more super-models?
Give me more individuals like EJ, Flavio, and Ken Tyrrell, and less pompass blowhards like Ronzo anyday.
Give me more individuals like EJ, Flavio, and Ken Tyrrell, and less pompass blowhards like Ronzo anyday.
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,731
Likes: 0
From: Anaheim, CA
EJ and Flavio are not saints by any means. Too bad Ken is not still around. 
Fisi deserves better than the EJ-13.
The "big boys" might have a hard time with the Renaults Hunary is not a horsepower track and the Renault has an excellent chassis and outstanding launch control.
Fisi deserves better than the EJ-13.The "big boys" might have a hard time with the Renaults Hunary is not a horsepower track and the Renault has an excellent chassis and outstanding launch control.
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,293
Likes: 2
From: Cincinnati, Ohio
>> Fisi deserves better than the EJ-13.
>>
>>The "big boys" might have a hard time with the Renaults Hunary is not a horsepower track and the Renault has an excellent chassis and outstanding launch control.
Agreed on both points. Giancarlo should be a Ferrari driver, and Renault should have a very good chance to win this weekend.
