Well, here we go again. Another mindless rant. Gluhwein first apologizes then attacks, then apologizes for the attacks. It seems to me that the point of having a forum such as this is to discuss, debate, and argue positions. In addition, said positions must have some basis in logic with at least the rudiments of some justification. At the very least Gluhwein could spell McLaren correctly, maybe that's why he hates them . . . .

 

You may be right, plus he sure makes Fred look good.

 

Fred makes Renault look good.

 

I'm sure Alonso's contract agreement specified Piquet as his teammate. He never wants another Hamilton to take the #1 seat away from him

Piquet didn't start performing until the car did, that is what seperates the WC's from the rest of the drivers. Alonso performs no matter how bad the car is. Like Michael and Ralph, Michael was always good and Ralph was good as long as the car was good.

As for Rubes and Jens, both potential WC drivers, both essentially equal in performance, the Honda just sucks that bad.

 

Fred is good. I'm not a huge fan of Fred but there's no arguing that he's a great driver and that he has helped Renault come a long way it 2008.

I look forward to a tight WDC race next year between Ferrari, McLaren, Renault and BMW.

 

And Theissen, who adjusts the BMW F1 goal upward a bit each year, has announced that they're going after the championship next year.

 

I think when BMW bought Sauber they stated goals to the BMW board of directors for a podium in '07, a win in '08, and the championship in '09. IIRC.

They've reached 2 of 3 so far.

 

Quite a goal to set !

I am of course, hoping Hamilton can win the driver's championship again but I would love to see BMW and Renault outshine Ferrari and Mclaren to collect the Constructor's title. It would also be nice to see Honda as the "best of the rest"

It already looks like its going to be another tight year ! Hope they can get the steward situation straightend out so we get fair calls.

 

Here's the next step in that direction:

Faster, more transparent stewards' decisions in '09

Some of it (video replays, etc) reminds me of the NFL.....and that's not a bad thing in this case.

 

Sounds good but this sounds a bit cheezy...

"Note: No former driver is excluded from seeking their ASN national stewarding licence and then, as with all of the existing stewards, if they gain the necessary level of experience in stewarding events at a national, regional and international level the FIA can consider them for a steward’s super licence."

It looks like a road block added to make it harder for a driver to become a steward. They already understand the racing and rules bit, seems like a simple test and a race or two as an observer should be all that is needed.

 

Yep, not necessarily great, but better.

I do kinda wonder why they thought they needed to add that final note.

 

No loyal ex-Ferrari drivers want the position ? So they keep others from getting it or wanting it....

Which does bring to light the bias a driver might have towards certain teams.

Tough, you really need the driver experience

 

Here's another brain teaser (at least it confuses me).

The FIA say engines have to last 3 "Grand Prix meetings" next season and this will help drive down costs. So here's my question: Will the cost savings from building/supplying less engines be overcome by the cost of developing engines that can consistently last longer?

I suppose it could be cheaper if the engines were left frozen as-is (no new development) but with the revs tuned down to make them last longer. I don't imagine that's the plan though.....hope not. Does anyone understand this?

 

Its like the change from V-10 to V-8, if they had just limited revs and added an intake restrictor ($100 ?) imagine how much money would have been saved......

The fact is teams will spend the money to develop the engines if they want to win. Possibly the only way to reduce cost is to go with a single engine supplier and you have seen what that suggestion has brought up.

Now if they really want to reduce cost, cut back on all the glam in the pits and reduce driver and team members salaries to reality.

 

I don't think whoever is making these rules has a firm grasp on any sort or reality. They've been "cost cutting" for years and it never seems to actually save any money.

Be realistic and make F1 what it should be.... the pinnacle of technology that trickles down to the street.

 

Here here !

Perhaps Bernie could reduce his salary and expenses ?

Let 'em 'ave a go at it !

 

I don't think there is any practical way to "contain costs" in F1, and I don't think they should. Give them a rule book and let the best team win.

 

The whole "F1 is the pinnacle of technology" wasn't always so. Sports car racing and the Championship of Makes was where manufacturers introduced the highest level of technology, that eventually made it to the streets. Their F1 programs were off-shoots.

My point, is that F1 wasn't always the high point of technology, and eventually the pendulum will swing away.

 

Hahahahahahahahah!! LOVE It! What a dork....

http://formula-one.speedtv.com/artic...ollar-divorce/

In his wife's name......lol

 

Oooo--wonder if he'll even wait until he writes the book:

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/141120...truth-day.html

 

I think I'd be interested in continuing to get paid, especially that kind of dough !

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/151120...terest-08.html

 

To all of the Schumi haters, you would never see him quit trying. He would always go all out unless he had to maintain his equipment. Kimi was not himself all year. Spa may have hurt him, but Felipe kicked his ****.

 

Kimi seemed to do the best at Mclaren, he really tried to win there. Even last year in the Red car he looked bored out of his skull. Perhaps the easy path is not the one to satisfaction......something Alonso should take note of.

If you have a good team, good mates, and good management, then the car will come naturally....

 

Let the conspiracy theory's fly...

Ecclestone proposes medals in F1

I'd prefer a larger scale with extra incentive to win (ie. Make first 12 points and 2nd 8, etc...)

Discuss.

 

That's true, but last year was also another year down the F1 road, which probably chews drivers up and spits them out fairly easily. And judging by news reports (only), it appears that Kimi's been having more fun partying. In his first year at Ferrari it was well known that some of the management wasn't too thrilled with his after work activities. Probably had something to do with Michael's known asceticism, on and off the track. For example, he was known to work out a few hours each day, and did not drink. I just can't see Kimi doing that. Of course, I could be wrong.

I remember when he first signed with Ferrari. Kimi said that working for McLaren was "cold." Of course, it's not uncommon for drivers to bash teams they leave, but I think it's telling.