tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69621720740286215402024-03-14T02:29:51.193+07:00I Am the FIAThis is my blog with my takes on the latest happenings of the Formula 1 world occasionally with a rant to go with it. It's crazy, it's up to date and it's full of my opinions.talksahellofalothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16576103149839252660noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6962172074028621540.post-25282110687472809482008-01-15T22:05:00.000+07:002008-01-16T17:26:09.488+07:00Start the Countdown!!!<span style="font-weight: bold;">-The Traction Control Clubbies Moving Sides</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">-<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.planet-f1.com/Images/137228.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.planet-f1.com/Images/137228.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />As highlighted at last week's entry, three drivers have been vocal about the ban of TC, but on the anti side. First up, Flippi (Felipe Massa) just switched sides. He's now <span style="font-style: italic;">happy</span> without traction control. And looky here, Nick turned 180 too. If my memory serves me right, he was quite vocal about the Fuji race still commencing under such situations. And to think he has to return there this year without TC and he's happy about that. Well this should be fun.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.gpupdate.net/newsnew/90081.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 120px;" src="http://images.gpupdate.net/newsnew/90081.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">-It's Official, Fisi's Off to</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Force India-<br /><br /></span>It continues in his quest to stay in a game that is obvious he can not for long hold on to. It has been confirmed that Force India has signed the 34 year old Roman who may be fizzling out after Rodriguez first blew the bubble to the press. Now if someone would start the countdown to his ultimate exit out of competing in F1...with his little warning to his bosses: "Make no mistake, we are not going to win a race or even finish on the podium."<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-BMW F1.08-</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.autosport.com/gallery/picture_free.php/dir/2008bmw1/image/P90040486-2"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.autosport.com/gallery/picture_free.php/dir/2008bmw1/image/P90040486-2" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.autosport.com/gallery/picture_free.php/dir/2008bmw1/image/XPB_045J5VL08XDA0X0K7V534-2"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.autosport.com/gallery/picture_free.php/dir/2008bmw1/image/XPB_045J5VL08XDA0X0K7V534-2" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.autosport.com/gallery/picture_free.php/dir/2008bmw1/image/XPB_0AOCVSX000LKZL0Q2LLA8-2"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.autosport.com/gallery/picture_free.php/dir/2008bmw1/image/XPB_0AOCVSX000LKZL0Q2LLA8-2" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.autosport.com/gallery/picture_free.php/dir/2008bmw1/image/XPB_0WYIDMO0XHLZB40UWNB7K-2"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.autosport.com/gallery/picture_free.php/dir/2008bmw1/image/XPB_0WYIDMO0XHLZB40UWNB7K-2" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.autosport.com/gallery/picture_free.php/dir/2008bmw1/image/P90040480-2"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.autosport.com/gallery/picture_free.php/dir/2008bmw1/image/P90040480-2" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.planetf1.com/story/0,18954,3213_3046344,00.html">SPECS</a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-Red Bull RB4-<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.autosport.com/gallery/picture_free.php/dir/2008rb1/image/l__u4z8626-2"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.autosport.com/gallery/picture_free.php/dir/2008rb1/image/l__u4z8626-2" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.autosport.com/gallery/picture_free.php/dir/2008rb1/image/l__u4z8606-2"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.autosport.com/gallery/picture_free.php/dir/2008rb1/image/l__u4z8606-2" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.autosport.com/gallery/picture_free.php/dir/2008rb1/image/l__u4z8594-2"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.autosport.com/gallery/picture_free.php/dir/2008rb1/image/l__u4z8594-2" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.autosport.com/gallery/picture_free.php/dir/2008rb1/image/l__u4z8593-2"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.autosport.com/gallery/picture_free.php/dir/2008rb1/image/l__u4z8593-2" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.autosport.com/gallery/picture_free.php/dir/2008rb1/image/l__u4z8596-2"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.autosport.com/gallery/picture_free.php/dir/2008rb1/image/l__u4z8596-2" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-Toyota's TF108-</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.autosport.com/gallery/picture_free.php/dir/2008toy1/image/XPB_0Z09KOW0CCK9S10LNWYKG-2"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.autosport.com/gallery/picture_free.php/dir/2008toy1/image/XPB_0Z09KOW0CCK9S10LNWYKG-2" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.autosport.com/gallery/picture_free.php/dir/2008toy1/image/XPB_0L1ARY80CXRN290JKFU2O-2"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.autosport.com/gallery/picture_free.php/dir/2008toy1/image/XPB_0L1ARY80CXRN290JKFU2O-2" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.autosport.com/gallery/picture_free.php/dir/2008toy1/image/XPB_0I1PT3405Y330H0F5R341-2"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.autosport.com/gallery/picture_free.php/dir/2008toy1/image/XPB_0I1PT3405Y330H0F5R341-2" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.autosport.com/gallery/picture_free.php/dir/2008toy1/image/XPB_0VWDMO00IRT85C0OEV8XS-2"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.autosport.com/gallery/picture_free.php/dir/2008toy1/image/XPB_0VWDMO00IRT85C0OEV8XS-2" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.autosport.com/gallery/picture_free.php/dir/2008toy1/image/l_wi2t9647-2"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.autosport.com/gallery/picture_free.php/dir/2008toy1/image/l_wi2t9647-2" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.planetf1.com/story/0,18954,3213_3036499,00.html">SPECS</a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-Wurz Joins Honda Whaaaaaaaaa???-<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.formulaf1.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/03/coulthard-wurz-collision-melbourne-2007.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.formulaf1.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/03/coulthard-wurz-collision-melbourne-2007.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />In a surprising move (considering people thought he'd either be commenting on Austrian F1 TV coverage or be consultant to Williams), Honda has fished another fish, Wurz as their test (and reserve) driver. First they lured and hooked Ross and now this. Something's brewin' there!<br /><br />***At least someone's, no wait everyone's doin better than Ralfie boy who like Klien doesn't get that they might as well pack up and ship out. Fisi got a drive (prolonging the inevitable) and Wurz got another job. Liuzzi got the testing gig, at Force India. What did Ralfie boy get? An invitation from Mercedes to test for them, DTM that is...<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-Timo: I Will Pave It Your Way-<br /><br /></span>He's aiming for consistency and point scoring next season just like Lewy. If that Toyota is anything like last year's then he'd probably get consistency...at the back of the grid. As for points? Yeah it'd look a little something like this: 0<br /><br />"I want to have the most successful season possible. I aim to be consistent and to help the team move upwards. My first goal will be to regularly challenge for points and I believe we will be able to do that. Even though I have not raced in Formula 1 since 2004, I have tested quite regularly so I expect it will take very little time for m<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.gpupdate.net/newsnew/90011.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 248px; height: 124px;" src="http://images.gpupdate.net/newsnew/90011.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>e to get back in the groove. I have been lucky enough to race and succeed in several different championships in my career but my goal has always been to become a full-time Formula 1 race driver. I believe my experience has made me stronger as a driver and as a person."<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-Ferrari. Ferrari. Feeeeeeeee"I Will Make It Clearer Than Crystal"rrari-<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.sportnetwork.net/mainadmin/img/851168791715.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.sportnetwork.net/mainadmin/img/851168791715.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Whitmarsh may be walking around going "What 07???" but Ferrari, they're on a quest to make things brilliant crystal clear:<br />-New boss Stefano went on record saying something like ready to move on but will take time to recover from. (Still whinny...?) Alright, alright g.o.t i.t.<br />-Luca, need anyone say anymore?<br />-Jean Todt, why he chose Kimi over Nando? His personality fits better with the team.<br />-As mentioned before Massa sees no problem with the ban of TC, making it a 180 turn from what he said previously, he's ready to fight and sees no problem with Kimi carrying the #1 on his car. Since when?<br />-Kimi. The obvious. Wants to win both title, sees main threat from McLaren, no hurry to commit further to Ferrari yet, expects to improve, happy to have Schu at his disposal, and drew first blood to Ferrari on the first day of testing at Jerez.<br />-And they finally defined Schu's role in Ferrari. Development and test driver.<em> "I deal with the development of the car inside Gestione Sportiva. We haven't yet scheduled the days when I'll drive the car, nothing's decided. We'll evaluate depending on the situations: if the team n</em><em>eed me to, I'd like to drive, but not too often."</em><br /><br /><br /><span><span id="intelliTXT"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.mark-blundell.com/images/driverprofile01.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 164px; height: 189px;" src="http://www.mark-blundell.com/images/driverprofile01.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">-Blundell: Massa for the Title-<br /><br /></span>He believes. Why? Because Massa with the edge of knowing the structures within the team along with his relationship with Michael Schumacher might actually bring him the title says Marty.<br /><br /><span id="intelliTXT"><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>"I think Massa has the potential to give Lewis [Hamilton], Kimi [Raikkonen], and everyone else a big headache this year. I think he's got a real chance of pulling off a world title. He's done his homework in the time he's been at Ferrari. He's learned from Michael [Schumacher], he supported Kimi well last year, and the team has supported him in return with a new contract. I think Ferrari will give him everything he needs to go for the championship this season and I think he could do it."</p><p><br /></p><p>Has he been following the news? Ferrari said the drivers would be given equal opportunity until someone shows that he clearly has the better shot at the WDC then the full backing goes to him. But seeing Massa winning it, I don't know, I just don't see it. Like the folks over at <a href="http://www.formula1blog.com/">formula1blog.com</a> said, do they just go around and ask people who'd win and write whatever crazy stuff comes?<br /></p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-DC: F1 Doesn't Miss Schumacher (Michael that is)-<br /></span><span><span id="intelliTXT"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.eye-2i.net/extras/pics/david%20coulthard.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.eye-2i.net/extras/pics/david%20coulthard.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></span></span><br />"I think life moves on. There will be people who do miss certain aspects of Michael. He was such a large part of my career and trying to beat him was obviously very difficult. To reminisce of my best championship year, I finished second, and I finished second to him. So if he had just never been born then maybe it could have been different! But that is life. With Michael, you knew that he was one of the best, if not the best there has ever been, and if you were able to beat him then that was a big sense of achievement. Could he come back? He is fit and he is quick, there should be no surprises there. Would he come back? I don't see why he would if you have made the decision to stop."<br /><br />Another one of those DC days. I wonder if he did the same expression he did while criticizing Ferrari saying "how do you forget to put fuel in?"<br /><br /><br /><span><span id="intelliTXT"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.sidepodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/jenson.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.sidepodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/jenson.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">-Jense Eyes Title In 09-<br /><br /></span>"I think we'll be a lot closer to the front in 2008 and in 2009 we have to be fighting for the championship. If we can get to that position with a good car, then this team will win the championship. As a team we are very, very strong. I'm so happy that we've got Ross. When he first walked into the team, there was the biggest round of applause I've ever seen. On his own he's not going to turn the team around but I think that everyone is positive and doing a great job. He's fitted in quicker than everyone imagined and the way of working in the team has changed a lot already."<br /><br />Heh that soon, maybe a bit more patient boy. Winning in 09? It takes more than 2 years to turn a complete and utter shipwreck into a battle worthy piece!<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-Red Bull Brings In NASCAR Manager-</span><span><span id="intelliTXT"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.sportnetwork.net/mainadmin/img/1111117709212.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 162px; height: 121px;" src="http://www.sportnetwork.net/mainadmin/img/1111117709212.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></span></span><br />They just hired Jay Frye of Ginn Racing. Sorry what? Heh*? Oh General Manager. As long as it's not team boss.<br /><br />*It's just that everytime I hear Nascar, I flinch a bit.<br /><br /><br /><span><span id="intelliTXT"><span><span id="intelliTXT"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://zerofilter.typepad.com/soc/images/1165847219.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://zerofilter.typepad.com/soc/images/1165847219.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">-Pipe Down Bub-<br /><br /></span>"I could not have imagined him signing with a midfield team. When he started acting the diva, more and more line-ups became occupied and some doors for him were even locked. Me, I did wonder about where he would end up."<br /><br />The season hasn't even started and this pippy already shouts. It's not like he's lying but there is no need to say such words. Even a newbie in F1 knows better than that. Still bitter over being passed all those years while Nando got the chance to race up against Schu?<br />My he looks like Jense...with glasses.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-Engine Freeze Shortened to Five Years-<br /></span><span><span id="intelliTXT"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.evworld.com/images/FIA_max_moseley.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.evworld.com/images/FIA_max_moseley.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></span></span><br />Yup cutting it in half and talks of budget capping has popped up for consideration after the meeting the FIA called with the team principals since lets face it, ten years would doom the sport. And the aim of it all, for them to draw up a new engine concept that is to be *drum rolls*...greener with provisional engine regulations to be presented within the next two years. Oh don't tell me in a few years it'd be a bunch of 07 Hondas running around. The idea of cutting five from ten just sounds like making dumber dumb.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-Williams to Test Six Different Liveries-<br /><br /></span>A prolonged launch perhaps?<br /><br /><span><span id="intelliTXT"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.autosport.com/gallery/picture_free.php/dir/2008jantest1/image/XPB_0F2W4JL0Q2K0OW0C4NFGH-2"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.autosport.com/gallery/picture_free.php/dir/2008jantest1/image/XPB_0F2W4JL0Q2K0OW0C4NFGH-2" alt="" border="0" /></a></span></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span><span id="intelliTXT"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.autosport.com/gallery/picture_free.php/dir/2008jantest1/image/XPB_0YCEX340DVKNSX09KVIM9-2"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.autosport.com/gallery/picture_free.php/dir/2008jantest1/image/XPB_0YCEX340DVKNSX09KVIM9-2" alt="" border="0" /></a></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">-Jerez Times-<br /><br /></span>Day 1<br /><span id="intelliTXT">01 K. Räikkönen Ferrari 01:19.846 59 laps<br />02 F. Massa Ferrari 01:20.123 42 laps<br />03 P. de la Rosa McLaren 01:20.548 54 laps<br />04 S. Vettel Scuderia Toro Rosso 01:20.732 40 laps<br />05 H. Kovalainen McLaren 01:20.936 48 laps<br />06 S. Bourdais Scuderia Toro Rosso 01:20.997 47 laps<br />07 N. Rosberg Williams 01:21.143 47 laps<br />08 J. Trulli Toyota 01:21.314 84 laps<br />09 N. Piquet jr. Renault 01:21.696 41 laps<br />10 D. Coulthard Red Bull 01:21.746 49 laps<br />11 V. Liuzzi Force India F1 01:23.035 44 laps<br />12 K. Nakajima Williams 01:23.134 42 laps<br />13 T. Glock Toyota 01:24.351 56 laps<br />14 J. Rossiter Super Aguri 01:34.862 10 laps<br /></span>talksahellofalothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16576103149839252660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6962172074028621540.post-58322720814918661782008-01-06T16:50:00.000+07:002008-01-13T06:04:23.083+07:00Only During the Off Seasons........../After a Two Week Break<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40914000/jpg/_40914640_coulthard.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; width: 188px; cursor: pointer; height: 188px;" alt="" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40914000/jpg/_40914640_coulthard.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">-Paging Mommies! Please Report to "Hold - Your - (Driver) Son's - Hand - Duri</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">ng </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">- W</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">et - Races"!!!-</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;">>Okay the title may be a bit harsh but I just can't resist to poke a jab at it.< <div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Recently, divers have opened up dialogue over safety under wet/Fuji-like conditions. Apparently they are very afraid with the loss of TC when races like Fuji come (FYI Fuji's still on the calender next year).<br />Driver's who are <span style="font-style: italic;">concerned</span> (as far as I can remember):<br />- DC (gettin' old there ehh?)<br />- Flippi, sorry <span style="font-style: italic;">Felipe </span>Massa<br />- Jense (give up the Honda Magic Eight Ball already)<br /><br />Now don't get me wrong I know it is worth safety concerns but after reviewing the list of drivers who have been vocal about it, I just can't help but...how do I put it, oh right:<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">- DC:</span> Great driver but his time is gettin' close. Maybe worried about the heat? Sounds like the reason why he is the driver that he is is because of the electronics...<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">- Massa:</span> Many have debated he really isn't <span style="font-style: italic;">"all th</span><span style="font-style: italic;">at"</span> but wins regardless because he's in a Ferrari. So when the tough gets goin', the mouth gets shootin'. When thinking about it, it does make sense that (especially after you admitted you're rubbish without TC) one would try to make circumstances easier... But well, it's just wishful thinking on mine and some followers of the sport's part...<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">- Jense:</span> What is left to say here? Car after car he gets are most all talk and no walk. He <span style="font-weight: bold;">should</span> be worried.<br /><br />The thing is with the removal of technology, it calls for more skills to come into play, like the old days (oh where did those days go?). Separating men from boys. Like what Mad Max said (I'm starting to like him a little more), you drive slower and you'd be fine, besides, driving in the wet with or without TC is dangerous anyways...<br /><br /><span id="intelliTXT"><p></p><p></p><p>"Driving in the wet is quite dangerous - with or without traction control. It's dangerous in the sense that you're likely to go off but you're less likely to hurt yourself because the speeds will be lower. That was always the theory of the grooved tyre because you reduced the grip and the severity of the accident. Imagine, in the most extreme circumstances, holding the British Grand Prix at Silverstone on packed snow - nobody would get hurt because nobody would ever get up to enough speed to do any damage! It will make it more difficult in the wet - but it's difficult in the wet anyway. And people forget, even the least competent F1 driver is still amazingly good at what he does. And it won't cause any of them much trouble."</p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-weight: bold;">-The Ferrari F2008-</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></p></span><span id="intelliTXT"><p><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i10.tinypic.com/72jg7c6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 433px; cursor: pointer; height: 275px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://i10.tinypic.com/72jg7c6.jpg" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i9.tinypic.com/8fpjaxl.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 439px; cursor: pointer; height: 286px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://i9.tinypic.com/8fpjaxl.jpg" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.gpupdate.net/large/89847.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 443px; cursor: pointer; height: 292px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://images.gpupdate.net/large/89847.jpg" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.gpupdate.net/large/89846.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 446px; cursor: pointer; height: 295px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://images.gpupdate.net/large/89846.jpg" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i9.tinypic.com/8bhmo9h.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 270px; cursor: pointer; height: 174px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://i9.tinypic.com/8bhmo9h.jpg" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p></span><a href="http://www.planetf1.com/story/0,18954,3213_3026804,00.html"><span style="font-size:0;">SPECS</span></a><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><br />-The McLaren MP4-23-<br />*</span><span style="font-size:0;">After saying they won't have a launch, they decided otherwise. 'Ohh we're not gonna have a launch, no wait, second thought, we will.'<br />*I don't know about you but it looks like they re-launched last year's car.<br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.autosport.com/gallery/picture_free.php/dir/2008mcl1/image/XPB_0D9330H08BQE0X01V9HJ5-2"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 414px; cursor: pointer; height: 277px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://www.autosport.com/gallery/picture_free.php/dir/2008mcl1/image/XPB_0D9330H08BQE0X01V9HJ5-2" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <p><span style="font-size:0;"><span style="font-size:0;"><span style="font-size:0;"><span style="font-size:0;"><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.gpupdate.net/large/89900.jpg"><span id="intelliTXT"><span id="intelliTXT"><span id="intelliTXT"><span id="intelliTXT"><span id="intelliTXT"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 448px; cursor: pointer; height: 296px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://images.gpupdate.net/large/89900.jpg" border="0" /></span></span></span></span></span></a></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.gpupdate.net/large/89875.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 451px; cursor: pointer; height: 299px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://images.gpupdate.net/large/89875.jpg" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.autosport.com/gallery/picture_free.php/dir/2008mcl1/image/r_2008-01-07T135911-2"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 454px; cursor: pointer; height: 295px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://www.autosport.com/gallery/picture_free.php/dir/2008mcl1/image/r_2008-01-07T135911-2" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.gpupdate.net/small/89870.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 206px; cursor: pointer; height: 135px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://images.gpupdate.net/small/89870.jpg" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="http://www.planetf1.com/story/0,18954,3213_3029237,00.html">SPECS</a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-Heikki, You On Crack?-</span><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.gpupdate.net/large/89920.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; width: 206px; cursor: pointer; height: 136px;" alt="" src="http://images.gpupdate.net/large/89920.jpg" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />Well, well, well.<br />He <span style="font-weight: bold;">a)</span> expects no problem with his new teammate.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">b)</span> expects equal treatment.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">c) </span>thinks McLaren have treated their drivers equally in the past ( do I even have to refer back to McLaren's history with their drivers???).<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">d)</span> thinks he and Lew can fight on track and laugh about if off. Maybe up till by any chance you start to kick his ass... Especially with Jense predicting you'd be in the running for the title... 7 letters: t-e-n-s-i-o-n.<br />Note to Heikki, Lew was quoted saying "I'm almost seen as the leader of the team".<br />I feel like I'm about to feel sorry for him...<em><strong></strong></em><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://formula1sport.net/wp-content/uploads/formula12007headshots/alonso_bahrain.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; width: 200px; cursor: pointer;" alt="" src="http://formula1sport.net/wp-content/uploads/formula12007headshots/alonso_bahrain.jpg" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">-Who Knocked You With Sense?-</span><br />Alonso in a surprising move has admitted that the title talk is "madness". Wow.<br /><br /><span id="intelliTXT"><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>"Today that idea is madness. You have to be realistic and this year they (Renault) were a long way behind and it's too big a leap. But everything is possible, they have to make the car better. We opted for Renault because it is the most optimistic choice for 2008 and with possibilities to do good things. However, every team has to make a huge step up in quality for next year because McLaren and Ferrari won all the races this year. I didn't know whether to stay at McLaren or what I was going to do. We looked at everything and in the end we decided it would be better to go our separate ways. From there I started looking for teams. Almost all the teams approached me, but not Ferrari. It wouldn't be right to say that I want to sign for Ferrari barely a fortnight after I signed for Renault but of course it would be nice if I could go there one day."</p><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">-Toyota Boss Gives Two Year Deadline-</span><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.toyotaownersclub.com/news/uploads/1/toyota_nose_cone_003.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; width: 214px; cursor: pointer; height: 140px;" alt="" src="http://www.toyotaownersclub.com/news/uploads/1/toyota_nose_cone_003.jpg" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />Good 'ol Tad (<span id="intelliTxt">Tadashi Yamashina) has given Toyota until 2010 to shape up or ship out. Since Rottweiler Mike left after their '05 88 points watermark, they have been the epidemy of laughter. With the 'Toyota Way' that relies on group dynamics rather than a figure-head show, yeah sure IN A MILLION YEARS. It took Ferrari a few years to shape up, <span style="font-style: italic;">with</span> the <span style="font-style: italic;">right</span> people. Now in Toyota who's going on <span style="font-style: italic;">without</span> the right strategies/people implemented, 2 years seem too high up in the bloody sky! Is it too early to say goodbye?<br />*At least Trulli still believes in them (looking for a bonus?)...<br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://soloformula1.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/jean-todt.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; width: 127px; cursor: pointer; height: 169px;" alt="" src="http://soloformula1.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/jean-todt.jpg" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="intelliTxt"><span style="font-weight: bold;">-F1's Yoda Speaks-</span></span><span id="intelliTxt"><br />Jean Todt in an interview recently said that there is little to choose between Kimi and Nando but believes Raikkonen is the better option for Ferrari (so what does that settle?). Good thing he mentions Kimi's happy there.<br /><br /></span><span id="intelliTXT"><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>"Is Kimi better or worse than Alonso? I cannot answer that. For me, both are excellent race drivers. It is the car that makes the difference. I selected Kimi, because his character fits our team better. Kimi is happy with Ferrari. He loves driving. We know that he does not like certain things, and that is why we don't request those of him. Racing drivers are only employees, but they are the workers with the most pressure. If they do not function right, then that has far larger consequence for the company than if the receptionist does not do a good job. Therefore I try to arrange the life of the drivers to be as pleasant as possible. Up to now I can say that always, if we asked gently Kimi to do something, he did it."</p></span><br /><br /><span id="intelliTxt"><span style="font-weight: bold;">-FIA Confirms 2008 Entry List-</span></span><span id="intelliTxt"><br /><br /></span><span id="intelliTXT"><p><b>Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro</b><br />1. Kimi Raikkonen<br />2. Felipe Massa </p><p></p><p><b>BMW Sauber F1 Team</b><br />3. Nick Heidfeld<br />4. Robert Kubica </p><p></p><p><b>ING Renault F1 Team</b><br />5. Fernando Alonso<br />6. Nelson Piquet </p><p></p><p><b>AT&T Williams</b><br />7. Nico Rosberg<br />8. Kazuki Nakajima </p><p></p><p><b>Red Bull Racing</b><br />9. David Coulthard<br />10. Mark Webber </p><p></p><p><b>Panasonic</b><b> Toyota Racing</b><br />11. Jarno Trulli<br />12. Timo Glock </p><p></p><p><b>Scuderia Toro Rosso</b><br />14. Sebastien Bourdais<br />15. Sebastian Vettel </p><p></p><p><b>Honda Racing F1 Team</b><br />16. Jenson Button<br />17. Rubens Barrichello </p><p></p><p><b>Super Aguri F1 Team</b><br />18. Takuma Sato<br /></p><p>19. Anthony Davidson </p><p></p><p><b>Force India Formula One Team</b><br />20. Adrian Sutil<br />21. TBA </p><p></p><p><b>Vodafone McLaren Mercedes</b><br />22. Lewis Hamilton<br />23. Heikki Kovalainen </p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-Cars Related/Talks About Next Year/Stuff That Is Too</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Small To Get Its Own</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Section-</span><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.f1-fanatics.com/images/news/tororosso/str2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; width: 200px; cursor: pointer;" alt="" src="http://www.f1-fanatics.com/images/news/tororosso/str2.jpg" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><br />>Launch Dates:<br />January 6 - Ferrari F1 2008, Fiorano, Italy<br />January 7 - McLaren MP4-23, Stuttgart, Germany<br />January 10 - Toyota TF108, Cologne, Germany<br />January 14 - BMW Sauber F1.08, Munich, Germany<br />January 16 - Red Bull RB4, Jerez, Spain<br />January 29 - Honda RA108, Brackley, UK<br />January 31 - Renault R28, Paris, France<br /><br />>STR's starting the 08 season with last year's car, and Seb V ain't worried believing they can maintain the second half of last year's season form. Okay seems far fetched.<br /><br />>The season hasn't even started and people, figure heads of F1 are already going "ohh Lewis will take it" or "Fernando can do it" or "watch out for Nelsinho!" How long before they sell Team Lewis/Nelsinho and Team Fernando Ts???<br /><br />>Ferrari's 08 car would be completely new. Not an evolution, a revolution. Or is it the other way round?<br /><br />>BMW target maiden victory. Good for you! *waits to cheer BMW on*<br /><br />>Williams say no to car launch. Figures, saves money...<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-size:0;"><span id="intelliTXT"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.theage.com.au/ffximage/2005/01/15/wbschumacher_wideweb__430x302.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; width: 200px; cursor: pointer;" alt="" src="http://www.theage.com.au/ffximage/2005/01/15/wbschumacher_wideweb__430x302.jpg" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">-The Driver's Tales (I Got Nothing Better to Say/In Other News)-</span><br /><br />>Schu was offered Todt's job...and declined. Smart move...<br /><br />>Fisi rules out paying to drive (and is <span style="font-style: italic;">reported</span> to have signed a 400,000 euros per season deal with FI). “I do not pay to drive, I get paid to drive." No wonder we haven't heard a peep from Force India... 'Do we hire him or not? He brings not money but can pay off with experience, ooooorr do we risk it (again) with new blood???' Ehh you said you'd decide by Christmas. Christmas WENT BY ALREADY!!!<br /><br />>Ant certain to keep his Super Aguri seat apparently... Hhhhhm so what with the rumours?<br /><br /><script src="http://digg.com/tools/diggthis.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br /></div></div>talksahellofalothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16576103149839252660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6962172074028621540.post-37442337364440840802007-12-22T14:11:00.000+07:002007-12-23T01:01:59.464+07:00SAY HEY!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i5.tinypic.com/7wz3ozo.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://i5.tinypic.com/7wz3ozo.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ozguru.mu.nu/Photos/2005-12-25-MerryChristmas.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://ozguru.mu.nu/Photos/2005-12-25-MerryChristmas.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Merry</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Chris</span></span></span><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">t</span></span></span><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">mas</span> and a <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Happy </span></span></span><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">"<span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">BRING ON THE 08 SEASON</span>" <span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 51);">New</span> <span style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153);">Year</span> to You. All the <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Best</span> for the <span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">New</span> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 0);">Year</span>. :)</span></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://school.discoveryeducation.com/clipart/images/newyear.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://school.discoveryeducation.com/clipart/images/newyear.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!</span></span></div><script src="http://digg.com/tools/diggthis.js" type="text/javascript"></script></div></div>talksahellofalothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16576103149839252660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6962172074028621540.post-85071926743987252402007-12-16T20:04:00.000+07:002007-12-17T23:24:07.923+07:00Turning Left, Turning Right, and Now Finally Straight. Wait What Am I Saying?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.elpais.com/recorte/20070620elpepudep_3/XLCO/Ies/20070620elpepudep_3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.elpais.com/recorte/20070620elpepudep_3/XLCO/Ies/20070620elpepudep_3.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-Alonso Goes Crawling Back Into the Arms of HIS Daddy Flavy-<br /><br /></span>After weeks of heaps and heaps of speculation, it has finally been confirmed that Nando would race in the French team's outfit (again) next year. This year Renault has been nothing short of...disastrous. Heck racing it against a lawn mower through the fields of Iowa, who would win? Okay maybe that wasn't exactly a good comparison to make but anyways, it was reported that it's a three year, <span id="intelliTXT">£70m deal with an e</span><span id="intelliTXT">xit clause. So if a seat is available over at the Italian stable in 09, Ferdie can make a jump for it. Yeah nice try boy. Now ya'll would probably ask, where did the money come from? Well remember the "super fund" that was gathered to woo him back? Guess it worked.<br /></span><br /><span id="intelliTXT">And his teammate next season would be *drum rolls*..............Nelsinho Piquet Jr.! I have heard people saying h</span><span id="intelliTXT">e would kick Ferdie's butt, making it a LeAlo</span><span id="intelliTXT">nso again. Well no complains there, makes for fine entertainme</span><span id="intelliTXT">nt but a huge difference this time</span><span id="intelliTXT">, the DADDY's Flavy and the baby boy is Nando. So you can pretty much guess who's gonna g</span><span id="intelliTXT">et the eggs behind their baskets if assumingly Lonz would bring that '0.6 s</span><span id="intelliTXT">econds' advantage over to Renault. And IF their car won't be that butt ugly plug this year that did nothing but reek. Some rumors suggest that Heikki was dropped because he was too fast and rumor has it, Fisi got picked up by Force India. </span><span id="intelliTXT">So from Renault: bye bye Fisi and Heikki.<br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.mclaren.com/mediaroom/web/heikki/heikki-kovalainen_web.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.mclaren.com/mediaroom/web/heikki/heikki-kovalainen_web.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-weight: bold;">-Heikki Goes To McLaren-<br /><br /></span>It's an obvious choice to pick Kovy really considering who's left out there </span><span id="intelliTXT">for McLaren to catch and he doesn't cost much considering the 'beleaguered' financial situation they're in. So does that mean it was Mutua Madrilena (who earlier in the week left) was the one th</span><span id="intelliTXT">at wante</span><span id="intelliTXT">d Pedal as the #2 driver </span><span id="intelliTXT">but McLaren saying</span><span id="intelliTXT"> no so they pulled the plug? Whatever it is I'm jus</span><span id="intelliTXT">t glad that Kovy gets a seat next year. Hopefully he'll get a chance at it and not have a run at just being a #2. Wait, am I kidding myself?<br /><br />FYI I think he looks washed </span><span id="intelliTXT">out in silver considering the outfit makes his hair look seriously white and his face all...washed out and stuff. Lookin like gramps at 26.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-Dennis to Get the Boot?-<br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2007/10_03/hamiltonBKPG2210_468x432.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2007/10_03/hamiltonBKPG2210_468x432.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span id="intelliTXT"><br />Recently, in a surprisi</span><span id="intelliTXT">ng move, McLaren had issued a</span><span id="intelliTXT">n apology to the FIA (an apology, yeah, sounds more like a plea </span><span id="intelliTXT">bargain). Apparently there was Ferrari stuff going on i</span><span id="intelliTXT">n the 08 McLaren. </span><span id="intelliTXT">They weren't completely honest about Mike Coughlan's role with</span><span id="intelliTXT">in the team and that senior figures in the team were willing to use Ferrari's technical information on their 08 car (well they did, it's just that they were <span style="font-style: italic;">willing</span> to) in addition to knowing about 'the Ferrari mole'. And the ici</span><span id="intelliTXT">ng, it was signed by martin Whitmarsh. Ron, you on holiday?<br /></span><br /><span id="intelliTXT">So in light of the revelation from Marty, RD's judgment has been put under question and fire. For this absolutely puts to shame Ron's emotional defense ba</span><span id="intelliTXT">ck in Silverstone. Quote: </span><span id="intelliTXT">'I live and breathe this team. A</span><span id="intelliTXT">nd there is no way anything incorrect has taken place here.' He can ultimately pay with his job. We can all see that he has made a pile of mistakes this season. So does that give him the boot? No wait, RD just said "he will not resign."<br /><br /></span><span id="intelliTXT">"I'm not going to quit. That is 100 per cent. I know ther</span><span id="intelliTXT">e are people out there who want me to retire, but I'm not. I do not think it would be in the best interests of the team."<br /><br />Err...you sure?<br /></span><br /><span id="intelliTXT"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.theage.com.au/ffximage/2007/03/11/webber_wideweb__470x315,0.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.theage.com.au/ffximage/2007/03/11/webber_wideweb__470x315,0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-weight: bold;">-Red Bull Ain't Ready Enough to Win/In Other News-<br /><br /></span>Good ol' unc</span><span id="intelliTXT">le Webber from down under said he's hopeful the team can push BMW as the third best team and that it would take some measures to improve the reliability of the car. Well yeah duh.<br /><br /></span><span id="intelliTXT"><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>"You know, I could tell you we want to be there or there and give you numbers and rankings, but this is all inappropriate. It would be great to challenge BMW for third but, on the other hand, almost everybody else is determined to improve. It will be close and hard. If we have a reliable car the good results will follow suit. If we could win? Under normal circumstances not yet. There were seven retirements [in 2007], one because of the accident with Sebastian Vettel and six caused by technical failures. I know reliability is the issue for us to score not one but several podiums next year, and I am very confident that Geoff (Willis) can provide the last missing link for gaining that reliability. We had one shot for a win in Fuji but that was a different kind of race." </p></span><span><span id="intelliTXT"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.f1-zeropoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/05/nico-hulkenberg.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.f1-zeropoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/05/nico-hulkenberg.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></span></span><br /><span id="intelliTXT">-Ni</span><span id="intelliTXT">co Hulkenberg got the test driver seat for William</span><span id="intelliTXT">s after the</span><span id="intelliTXT"> two day Jerez test. Willi Weber's</span><span id="intelliTXT"> protege, a former karting champion, dominated the A1GP in his rookie year handing Team Germany the title and came in third in this year's F3 Euroseries, sure shows he got some speed. He'd be racing in the F3 Euroseries again alongside his test driver duties for Williams next year.<br /><br /><br /></span><span><span id="intelliTXT"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.autocarindia.com/new/Images/Information/force-india-logo_t.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 149px; height: 100px;" src="http://www.autocarindia.com/new/Images/Information/force-india-logo_t.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a></span></span><span id="intelliTXT">-Force India to announce their driver line up by Christmas. Whatever.<br /></span><br /><span id="intelliTXT"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-Germany Wins Race of Champions!-<br /></span></span><span><span id="intelliTXT"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.teamtalk.com/07/12/330/RaceofChampionstrack_611683.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 229px; height: 161px;" src="http://images.teamtalk.com/07/12/330/RaceofChampionstrack_611683.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></span></span><span id="intelliTXT"><br />Team Germany, entered with Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel to beat Team Finland in the finals in front of a 50,000 crowd at the new Wembley on a giant scalextric built inside the stadium. Team Germany had beaten England in the semi-finals with Jense and Andy Priaulx at the wheel. Schu did suffer an embarrassment when he stalled in his final heat against Heikki and left everything to Seba who won over Markus Gronholm followed by his win over Kovy in the race-off.<br /><br /></span> <script src="http://digg.com/tools/diggthis.js" type="text/javascript"></script>talksahellofalothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16576103149839252660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6962172074028621540.post-39985201347335278742007-12-14T11:21:00.000+07:002007-12-16T00:36:22.156+07:00"Sorry" *NOT*<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.allianz.pl/images/cont/zapnijpasy/bolidy/logo_mcl.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 151px; height: 151px;" src="http://www.allianz.pl/images/cont/zapnijpasy/bolidy/logo_mcl.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />In yet another case where McLaren is forced to look like bandwagon clowns (no complains there, makes for kick a$$ blogging), they have <a href="http://www.mclaren.com/latestnews/pdf/Max-Mosley-and-WMSC-members.pdf">issued an apology</a>. A bit too little too late in my opinion for Ferrari's still going to press charges in court despite the FIA closing the book on that chapter of spy saga. And an apology for what might you add? Well, apparently there was Ferrari things in the 08 McLaren's MP4-23!!!<br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br />Now I don't know about you but I'm still trying to sink this in. I never in a million years expected anything to be found and they will carry on with or without Ferrari data. I have been going on in my head about how nothing much would surface, oh McLaren would be cleared and stuff. I had thought that oh maybe the FIA found something but isn't so sure so that to buy time to further examine it, they pushed the meeting. But never this. And an apology from McLaren is the last thing I expected. For them to actually fess up, wow! Makes the words spinning out of their press releases sound absolutely, completely, idiotically dumb now, even more than before. BUT since when is a mere "sorry" enough? Not since kindergarten! Cuz you know what? The apology letter may have an "apologise" in it but with a plead and reasoning to get themselves out of trouble. So much for an apology… And for the FIA dose of rant: F**k the FIA. Look I person<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.formule-1.cz/files/fia_logo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.formule-1.cz/files/fia_logo.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>ally am not exactly the FIA’s biggest fan. And to me, they’re known as III. Well you all know what that means. Since they always hold the importance of everything but of what MUST be done in the name of fairness and right, it makes them look like “shameless hypocrites devoid of any integrity.” Money matters more to them than anything else, not that it doesn’t in the world, but at least have a degree of fairness, justice and consistency. <b>Ooops, I just asked for the sky!</b><br /><br />Here's what you can gather from the so called "apology"<br />1. There were items from Ferrari on the Mp4-23 (among others the quickshift, fast fill and CO2 as a tyre gas).<br />2. They are just trying to avoid a fine. Pathetic.<br />3. McLaren figured it's safer to drop this now to save their reputation before it becomes a distant story which in terms will damage their "money making" ability.<br />4. And most importantly, <b>THEY ARE NOT SORRY</b>.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">If McLaren wouldn’t be punished for having Ferrari material in their 08 car, I don’t know what to think. I am right now already honestly at a lost of words but I can say, for those that think the FIA and Max Mosley is in Ferrari’s pocket, well they ain’t. All year round, the FIA have been in favor of McLaren and Mad Max is pushing for the FIA to close the book on this one. Thus letting McLaren walk away. And why in the world is it Martin Whitmarsh signing the letter and not RD? Shouldn't it be Ron's job to do so? Well all I know now is, I vote for Marty to take over RD's job!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"> *Note that this comes at the heels of Mutua Madrilena saying "adios" to McLaren. Mclaren are already in a bit of a financial situation. Can Banco Santander be next to pull out? Vodafone?</p> <script src="http://digg.com/tools/diggthis.js" type="text/javascript"></script>talksahellofalothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16576103149839252660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6962172074028621540.post-22536261667386429632007-12-13T10:12:00.000+07:002007-12-15T19:47:34.582+07:00Schu's New Job: Taxi Driver<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en-commons/thumb/0/09/200px-Michael_Schumacher-I%27m_the_man_%28cropped%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en-commons/thumb/0/09/200px-Michael_Schumacher-I%27m_the_man_%28cropped%29.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>In the latest whacky story to hit the F1 world, Schu is apparently <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20071211/en_afp/autopreixgerschumacheroffbeat_071211193311">Germany's fastest cab driver</a>. According to the reports, Schu and his family (his wife and two kids) flew in to a Bavarian town to pick up an Australian Shepherd puppy called "Ed." When the Schumacher brood caught a cab back to the airport, time was already running short. What's a seven time world champion to do? Politely ask to take over the wheel of course! Cabbie Tuncer Yilmaz found himself in the passenger seat with the King gunning full throttle and over-took in some unbelievable places. Guess what? The experience pays for 60 euros (88 US dollars) fare, on top of the 100 euros (146 US dollars) tip. One can only wonder, how in the world he would be allowed to do that with his wife and kids in the backseat? Answer: they're probably too used to it.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img199.imagevenue.com/loc81/th_38732_raikkonenWDC_fia_gala5_122_81lo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 158px; height: 117px;" src="http://img199.imagevenue.com/loc81/th_38732_raikkonenWDC_fia_gala5_122_81lo.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Another off topic story might I add comes from the Kimster himself. His wife, Jenni Dahlman-Raikkonen, a model and former Miss Scandinavia is listed as one of the 165 entrants for the prestigious Munchen-Indoor equestrian event, held at the Olympiahalle in Munich. Now might you ask "would Kimi be a good and supportive husband and attend to cheer her on?" Well it didn't look that way since he's badly allergic to horses. But then again his manager Steve Robertson said "With Kimi you never know." And here's the shocker, he can actually joke. Okay maybe he could all along but only shows that happy camper him when he wins a WDC. Lately he's been a happy chatter, no complains there.<br /><br /><em>"Of course I support my wife.</em> <em>You can see the passion in Jenni for her own sport. The same passion which I have for racing -- <span style="font-weight: bold;">although I do have more horsepower</span>. </em><em>I have tried riding with Jenni but I'm so badly allergic to horses that I couldn't really do it."</em><br /><br />So who's story deserves "most entertaining." My vote's on Schu.<br /><br /><script src="http://digg.com/tools/diggthis.js" type="text/javascript"></script>talksahellofalothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16576103149839252660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6962172074028621540.post-20479988397091427182007-12-10T15:37:00.000+07:002007-12-15T19:48:05.596+07:00Warning: Do Not Accuse the FIA of a Witch Hunt Unless You're Ready To Be Sued. Sorry I Guess I Didn't Get the Memo...<span style="font-weight: bold;">-The Hearings-</span><br /><br />Refer to the post before this for the dish.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.teamtalk.com/07/09/240/Nico_Rosberg_sutton_577057.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://images.teamtalk.com/07/09/240/Nico_Rosberg_sutton_577057.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">-Nico Signs 2 Daddy Approved (I guess) Extra Years With Williams-</span><br /><br />Well what can I say, for the son of a champ, he sure is impressing me more than Nelsinho is. This guy has a brain for starters and unlike our in house favorite to rip apart Lew, he actually doesn't talk with his foot in his mouth. It's nice to see that for once.<br /><br /><p style="font-style: italic;">"I'm delighted about having two more years with Williams. Williams made me a much improved offer and I decided to accept it. I'm now the number one driver in a very good team. Of course I could have imagined myself at McLaren (in 2008), just as I could have imagined being at Ferrari. Every young driver wants to be a in a winning car and to win races. I'm no different. I race for success. But I feel I have to be patient, like most people. There are only a few exceptions like Lewis (Hamilton) who can have immediate success. Mika Hakkinen had to wait six years for a first win."</p><p><br /></p>I applaud Nico. Patience is a virtue and glad to know you got it. McLaren should hire William's PR team. So, Ron, you gonna give up on Nico now?<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-War of Words 2: Brundle vs. the FIA-</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.autotrader.co.uk/EDITORIAL/editorial_images/non_imported/martin_brundle.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.autotrader.co.uk/EDITORIAL/editorial_images/non_imported/martin_brundle.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />A while ago, Marty here accused the FIA of a <a href="http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/formula_1/article2414580.ece">witch </a><a href="http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/formula_1/article2414580.ece">hunt</a> against McLaren. So how does the FIA hit back? They plan on filing a law suit against the Sunday Times and Marty <a href="http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/formula_1/article3021312.ece">hits back at that too.</a> So let me get my rant out. First, what took you so long to file a damn lawsuit, it's been like what 2-3 months already since that article went out?! Secondly as much as I have slugged Brundle in the past, I still have to say he has a right to express what he thinks. So for the FIA to sue, come on that's beyond childish. Just because Cackie's gonna sue Max for calling him a certified half wit, doesn't mean you have to follow in his foot steps. Thirdly, Gosh Martin! Pull your pants up! Don't need to show everyone your anti-Ferrari/FIA thong. If you wanna insult them, do it with smart/mild words/term. Good enough to send the message but not get them on your back for it. You wanna be biased, fine, just don't show the thong.<br />Just in, the FIA's response to Brundle's hit back:<br /><br /><p style="font-style: italic;">"It is regrettable that instead of applauding the achievements of motor sport's international champions, who were recognised this weekend in a Gala prize giving ceremony in Monaco, Martin Brundle chose to continue his campaign against motor sport's governing body. Instead of celebrating the results of the closest F1, WRC and WTCC championships for years, Martin has again sought to call into question the integrity of the FIA World Council. Of course Martin is perfectly entitled to his opinion but he should try to understand that to accuse the regulator of a worldwide sport of conducting a witch-hunt against one of its licensed competitors is a very serious charge. The FIA World Council unanimously decided that this could not be left unchallenged. He will now be given the opportunity to try to substantiate his claims in front of the courts."</p><p><br /></p> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.autoracingdaily.com/images/featured/fernando_alonso-329.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 162px; height: 185px;" src="http://www.autoracingdaily.com/images/featured/fernando_alonso-329.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">-Alonso Set </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">To Rejoin Renault With a Hefty Paycheck (Darn you and your money!)-</span><br /><br />Yes folks, the expected has finally happened. Alonso's return to Renault is expected to be confirmed in 48 hours with a paycheck of 70 million pounds for three years with an opt-out clause (no wonder he was all smiles at the gala). But as for his team-mate, it still remains uncertain, but with his signing, I'm pretty sure it will be decided soon. Boy I hope they sign Heikki, it'd be a shame if he doesn't get a ride next season.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-Pedal To Be Lew's Team-Mate-</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.gpupdate.net/newsnew/87500.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 222px; height: 111px;" src="http://images.gpupdate.net/newsnew/87500.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />According to the Daily Mail, Pedal's to fill that recently #2 vacated McLaren seat. After what he did, I am surprised that he still has a job. Even more surprised now that I heard he got the second seat. But after a second thought, makes sense really. Their Spanish sponsors, someone has to keep them happy... And they probably need someone slow enough to be Lew's fiddle, so it's a two for one. But for how long could he partner Lew? He's no spring chicken at 36 you know...<br /><br />May I say, that just about buried the very silly rumor of Lonzo returning to Macca (no way in hell buddy, find some other article to bemuse yourself with).<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030617/sp5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 188px;" src="http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030617/sp5.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">-Ralf, Take a Sabbatical, Love Your Big Bro-</span><br /><br />So basically big bro Michael says Ralfie is "young enough to take a year out to do some great things outside F1"on the heels of him saying he is not interested in joining Force India, hopefully as a move to save some dignity. So now he has no seat, the available ones slowly narrowing to only a few, and it doesn't look like he'd be in F1 next season. If he did what Schu said and leave F1 for a year, chances are, he won't be on the grid the year after. Who'd pick him up? Heck chances are, he would barely be remembered much by then... But nonetheless this coming from somebody else already hurts. Coming from your own brother, now that's OUCH OUCH OUCH!<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-Jerez Testing Results-</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.moto-net.com/images/motogp2007/pre-jerez-circuit.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.moto-net.com/images/motogp2007/pre-jerez-circuit.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span id="intelliTXT"><b>Tuesday's Times</b><br />01. Heidfeld BMW-S</span><span id="intelliTXT">auber 1:19.042 73 laps<br />02. Button Honda 1:19.155 65 laps<br />03. de la Rosa McLaren-Mercedes 1:19.712 48 laps<br />04. Raikkonen Ferrari 1:20.083 73 laps<br />05. Piquet Renault 1:20.366 66 laps<br />06. Bourdais Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1:20.615 97 laps<br />07. Paffett McLaren-Mercedes 1:20.638 50 laps<br />08. Webber Red Bull-Renault 1:20.682 65 laps<br />09. Gene Ferrari 1:20.832 67 laps<br />10. Conway Super Aguri-Honda 1:20.927 87 laps<br />11. Vettel Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1:21.086 45 laps<br />12. Rossiter Super Aguri-Honda 1:21.246 71 laps<br />13. Glock Toyota 1:21.336 69 laps<br />14. Fisichella Force India-Ferrari 1:21.424 41 laps<br />15. Hulkenberg Williams-Toyota </span><span id="intelliTXT">1:21.556 28 laps<br />16. Montagny Force India-Ferrari 1:21.559 65 laps<br />17. Nakajima Williams-Toyota 1:21.586 33 laps<br />18. Asmer BMW-Sauber 1:21.962 57 laps<br />19. Kobayashi Toyota 1:22.186 111 laps<br />20. Villa BMW-Sauber 1:23.583 53 laps<br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Wednesday's Times</span><span style="font-family:monospace;"><br /></span>1.Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes 1:19.371 73 laps<span style="font-family:monospace;"><br /></span>2.Coulthard Red Bull-Renault 1:19.421 80 laps<span style="font-family:monospace;"><br /></span>3.Massa Ferrari 1:19.761 97 laps <span style="font-family:monospace;"><br /></span>4.Raikkonen Ferrari 1:19.779 87 laps<span style="font-family:monospace;"><br /></span>5.de la Rosa McLaren-Mercedes 1:19.887 62 laps<span style="font-family:monospace;"><br /></span>6.Piquet Renault 1:19.982 71 laps<span style="font-family:monospace;"><br /></span>7.Klien Force India-Ferrari 1:20.187 86 laps<span style="font-family:monospace;"><br /></span>8.Vettel Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1:20.398 57 laps<span style="font-family:monospace;"><br /></span>9.Fisichella Force India-Ferrari 1:20.470 102 laps<span style="font-family:monospace;"><br /></span>10.Kubica BMW-Sauber 1:20.487 118 laps<span style="font-family:monospace;"><br /></span>11.Glock Toyota 1:20.523 54 laps12.Bourdais Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1:20.533 75 laps<br />13.Rosberg Williams-Toyota 1:20.671 66 laps<span style="font-family:monospace;"><br /></span>14.Zuber Super Aguri-Honda 1:20.897 109 laps<span style="font-family:monospace;"><br /></span>15.Webber Red Bull-Renault 1:20.944 41 laps<span style="font-family:monospace;"><br /></span>16.Hulkenberg Williams-Toyota 1:21:068 67 laps<span style="font-family:monospace;"><br /></span>17.Davidson Super Aguri-Honda 1:21:076 74 laps<span style="font-family:monospace;"><br /></span>18.Barrichello Honda 1:21:184 103 laps<span style="font-family:monospace;"><br /></span>19.Kobayashi Toyota 1:21:699 118 laps<span style="font-family:monospace;"><br /></span>20.Heidfeld BMW-Sauber 1:22.875 93 laps<span style="font-family:monospace;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thursday's Times</span><br />1. Kubica BMW-Sauber 1:19.157 87 laps<span style="font-family:monospace;"><br /></span>2. Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes 1:19.331 64 laps<span style="font-family:monospace;"><br /></span>3. Massa Ferrari 1:19.333 68 laps<span style="font-family:monospace;"><br /></span>4. Webber Red Bull-Renault 1:19.605 63 laps<span style="font-family:monospace;"><br /></span>5. Glock Toyota 1:19.687 40 laps<span style="font-family:monospace;"><br /></span>6. de la Rosa McLaren-Mercedes 1:19.787 75 laps<span style="font-family:monospace;"><br /></span>7. Piquet Renault 1:19.834 90 laps<span style="font-family:monospace;"><br /></span>8. M.Schumacher Ferrari 1:19.885 67 laps<span style="font-family:monospace;"><br /></span>9. Barrichello Honda 1:19.905 89 laps<br />10. Heidfeld BMW-Sauber 1:20.125 87 laps<br />11. Rosberg Williams-Toyota 1:20.301 65 laps<br />12. Vettel Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1:20.339 56 laps<br />13. Bourdais Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1:20.507 55 laps<br />14. Trulli Toyota 1:20.775 99 laps<span style="font-family:monospace;"><br /></span>15. Nakajima Williams-Toyota 1:20.802 39 laps<span style="font-family:monospace;"><br /></span>16. Filippi Super Aguri-Honda 1:20.915 83 laps<span style="font-family:monospace;"><br /></span>17. Coulthard Red Bull-Renault 1:21.055 62 laps<span style="font-family:monospace;"><br /></span>18. Sato Super Aguri-Honda 1:21.093 79 laps<span style="font-family:monospace;"><br /></span>19. Liuzzi Force India-Ferrari 1:21.194 76 laps<span><span class="pre"><span style="font-family:monospace;"><br /></span>20. R.Schumacher Force India-Ferrari 1:21.853 71 laps<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday's Times</span></span></span><span style="font-family:monospace;"><br /></span>1. Vettel Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1:18.213 100 laps<span style="font-family:monospace;"><br /></span>2. Kubica BMW-Sauber 1:18.410 119 laps<span style="font-family:monospace;"><br /></span>3. Rosberg Williams-Toyota 1:18.796 97 laps<span style="font-family:monospace;"><br /></span>4. M.Schumacher Ferrari 1:19.136 58 laps<span style="font-family:monospace;"><br /></span>5. Nakajima Williams-Toyota 1:19.611 76 laps<span style="font-family:monospace;"><br /></span>6. Glock Toyota 1:19.961 58 laps<br />7. Massa Ferrari 1:20.000 45 laps<span style="font-family:monospace;"><br /></span>8. Bourdais Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1:20.033 87 laps<span style="font-family:monospace;"><br /></span>9. Trulli Toyota 1:20.229 69 laps<span style="font-family:monospace;"><br /></span>10. Coulthard Red Bull-Renault 1:20.657 72 laps<span style="font-family:monospace;"><br /></span>11. Davidson Super Aguri-Honda 1:20.821 102 laps<span style="font-family:monospace;"><br /></span>12. Sato Super Aguri-Honda 1:21.092 84 laps<span style="font-family:monospace;"><br /></span>13. Asmer BMW-Sauber 1:21.333 80 laps<span style="font-family:monospace;"><br /></span>14. Van der Garde Force India-Ferrari 1:22.321 81 laps<span style="font-family:monospace;"><br /></span>15. Rodriguez Force India-Ferrari 1:22.508 82 laps<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.formula1.com/photos/597x478/manual/dcd0708de04.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 248px; height: 163px;" src="http://www.formula1.com/photos/597x478/manual/dcd0708de04.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">-2007 FIA Gala-</span><br /><br />At Friday's prize giving ceremony the driver's championship's third, second and champion were awarded along with the constructors of F1, WRC and WTCC among many of the other awards. Also the recipient of the FIA Gold Medal this year was Mario Andretti. One of the four to ever receive it since the award was launched back at 04.<br /><br /><script src="http://digg.com/tools/diggthis.js" type="text/javascript"></script>talksahellofalothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16576103149839252660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6962172074028621540.post-54973495635638813602007-12-08T10:14:00.002+07:002007-12-15T19:48:45.338+07:00The Expected and the UNexpected: Results of the Hearings<span style="font-weight: bold;">-The Expected-</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://z.about.com/d/formula1/1/0/K/1/-/-/renaulthome.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://z.about.com/d/formula1/1/0/K/1/-/-/renaulthome.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Sorry it took me this long but after all I was waiting for the result of both of the hearings since it's only a day apart. Before the hearing, F1 fans around the world have been endlessly debating, arguing, speculating on what Renault's fate might be. A lot were rooting for the idea of Renault not penalized, but if they do, only a sort of light tap on the wrist since if fined $100 million, they might just pull out, the FIA wouldn't want that, would they? Well, Renault walked away like McLaren did, the first time around that is.<br /><br />The hearing on the 5th saw Renault go without any sanctions imposed because tehre was insufficient evidence of Renault gaining a competitive edge from being in possession of McLaren data. Duh! Judging from their performance this year, a competitive edge they were missing in the first place... The first half of the season, the car was on a fritz. The second half saw better, but not as good as it takes to vie with McLaren for podium spots.<br /><br />To be exact, out of the four drawings, three were of no use. While the fourth drawing, the so called "J damper" Renault admitted to taking into account "<span id="intelliTXT">in preparing a request to the FIA for a clarification of whether a particular hypothetical system was within the rules (rather than for the purposes of copying it). </span><span id="intelliTXT">The fact that Renault fundamentally misunderstood the operation of the system su</span><span id="intelliTXT">ggests that the 'J-damper' drawing did not reveal to Renault enough about the system for the championship to have been affected." To think I just thought that they might have copied by mistake the whole 06 Merc instead of the 07 one from how they sucked. Macca fans I know for one are not so happy about this.</span><br /><br />Unless new evidence comes to light, the decision would stay that way. Now that this mess has been taken care of, I'm wondering, would McLaren pull a Ferrari and try to make Renault pay?<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.blogdelmotor.com/imagenesWeb/internas/nuevo-aleron-delantero-mclaren.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 232px; height: 145px;" src="http://www.blogdelmotor.com/imagenesWeb/internas/nuevo-aleron-delantero-mclaren.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">-The Annoyingly Maybe Not So UNexpected-</span><br /><br />The second hearing on the 6th was for McLaren and the validity of their 08 car. The WMSC met up in Monaco (the same place where the hearing for Renault was held) to discuss the FIA Technical Department's report. Now brace yourselves, guess what? The WMSC have decided to call an EGM in Paris on February 14th, next year where McLaren, Ferrari, and the other teams can present their views on the report. McLaren's team present at the upcoming "extraordinary general meeting" better wear their lucky undies, bring their lucky charms, rabbit foots or anything else because potentially damning results is not an option for them, after all, it'd be a month from the start of the new season... To fill my normal dose of bashing, I'd bring it out on the FIA, the definition and pinnacle of III, Incompetent Inconsistent Idiots. I'd be a year older by the time Macca's fate would be known. *It's a limbo we just got kicked into...* In the mean time, who's up for guesses?<br /><br /><script src="http://digg.com/tools/diggthis.js" type="text/javascript"></script>talksahellofalothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16576103149839252660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6962172074028621540.post-26762678407702858142007-12-01T22:08:00.000+07:002007-12-15T19:49:25.065+07:00Dear Daddy Bernie...Love Fisico<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.formula1.com/photos/597x478/sutton/2007/d07mon620.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 179px; height: 270px;" src="http://www.formula1.com/photos/597x478/sutton/2007/d07mon620.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-War Of Words-<br /></span><br />After Bernie's little "time's up for Ralf and Fisi" comment, on his official website, Fisico has hit back! Well normally people just ignore Mr. E but in the latest case, Fisi must have felt the need to defend himself:<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Dear Bernie,</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">I read with interest your interview in Auto Moto und Sport, faithfully published by your own web site. You are the father of Formula </span><span style="font-style: italic;">One and like a father you ha</span><span style="font-style: italic;">ve talked about your children, including me. I</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> wanted to rem</span><span style="font-style: italic;">ind you dear daddy, I mean dear Bernie, that I am the one who won the first Grand Prix in Melbourne in 2005 with Renault and therefore I was the one who first discovered the R25 as a winning car. In the two seasons I spent alongside Alonso, in full agreement with the str</span><span style="font-style: italic;">ategies of my Team, I have contributed to two constructor titles, taking home the fourth place in the drivers’championship, just like Massa this</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> year. Given the circumstances I believe I could not do any better. In 2007 Renault promised me a championship winning car, but this has not been the case and for this I did not get demoralized! Next week, in fact, I will bring my enthusiasm and my experience to Force India, a young team with an “old heart” just like Giancarlo Fisichella who has still some tale</span><span style="font-style: italic;">nt to show!</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br />Giancarlo Fisichella.<br /><br /></span>What's with the excusing? I must admit, it's a good read (well it has all gone quiet so to have something like this to pop up is great fun), entertainment wise that is. But if one is confident that his time is not up, why does he need to lash F1's supremo? Well here's to a hope of "war of words" between Mr. E and Fisi. I can't wait to hear what Bernie has to say...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.autoracingdaily.com/images/featured/schuey290x3292.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 167px; height: 190px;" src="http://www.autoracingdaily.com/images/featured/schuey290x3292.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-Schumi Can Return T</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">o Racing, Duh...-</span><br /><br />The latest on the "We back Schumi To Return (Sorta)" happens to be former F1 champion Alan Jones. Just because of his times that topped the time sheets, a lot speculated that the Schum would return to F1 and while a lot of figures of this sport goes "he still can race!" Well we get it for freak sake. He's still good and fast. It would be nice if he comes back I have to admit but he has said repeatedly irrevocable is irrevocable. I wonder how many times Schumi would have to reiterate that his decision to retire is final...or will he come back? Got the itch again Schu?<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.teamtalk.com/07/07/240/Ron_Dennis_478344.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://images.teamtalk.com/07/07/240/Ron_Dennis_478344.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">-Be</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Nice Grub Or You're Toast!-</span><br /><br />According to reports, Ferd was paid to only say nice things about McLaren, either that or he wouldn't be a free agent available to sign with anyone he wants and facing the courts. I guess after hearing his unusual acknowledgment of the team and Lew after the announcement that he's not with McLaren anymore, people start to speculate. And why wouldn't they? It was a sudden u-turn to what he has been blasting out during the second half of the season... Now it's a good change to see Alonso shut up and not blow bonkers outta his mouth by saying nada about the latest rumors surrounding him BUT RD on the other hand HASN'T learned that lesson by blasting Ferd's ego as bigger than Senna's. Dear God Ron, be nice!<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-The (Too Darn Quiet) Driver's Market and Reports-</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.teamtalk.com/Images/99178.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.teamtalk.com/Images/99178.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />As of now, Kovy is still without a seat and BMW will have a shoot out of two drivers for the test seat that was vacated by Timo Glock (who was released early to test for Toyota in Jerez), Marko Asmer and Javier Villa. As for our favorite to talk about, Fernando Alonso, according to reports, his decision would be made early next week, keeping in mind that the hearing is in a few days. As for the rumor of his talks with RBR, Dietrich said they've got "<span id="intelliTXT">four drivers under contract." And note the other rumor that Alonso had a seat fitting at Honda, they (Honda) denied it too. By the way heads of Williams AGAIN said "Nico is not for sale." Yeah we get it. Tell me when you ARE gonna sell him.<br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.f1-zeropoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/lewis_hamilton82959.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 166px; height: 197px;" src="http://www.f1-zeropoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/lewis_hamilton82959.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-weight: bold;">-The Dude Who Bagged Three Awards-<br /></span></span><br /><span id="intelliTXT">So it's been a week for Lew, first he bagged ALL three awards at the Autosport Awards. The first e</span><span id="intelliTXT">ver to have brought home all three: </span>Rookie of the Year Award, the British Competition Driver and International Racing Driver Trophies. Then he impressed a lot with his driving on Top Gear. Even though his time of 1:44:7 didn't beat the Stig's 1:44:4, we still have to note that it was wet and his approach to the 2nd to last corner was spectacular, in the words of Andy Wilman (the show's executive producer) "<span id="intelliTXT">the world is governed by the rules of physics, but he just seems to have his own set." Seems not like a fair circumstance? No problem, he vows to come back </span><span id="intelliTXT">when it's dry and try again. I'll be waiting to see the times.</span><br /><span id="intelliTXT"><br />But just as some respect finally made it's way into me for him, it got slightly washed down the drain by his other vow:</span><br /><span id="intelliTXT"><p><br /></p><p>"I am going to be fitter, stronger and more experienced, ready to take that next step up and be Champion. I have time on my side to win many titles. If I get the opportunity to break Michael's record then I will go for it. Michael was a phenomenal driver but for me, Ayrton Senna was the greatest ever. If I could get one World Championship that would be great; if I could three, the same number as Ayrton did, that would be a dream. But I want to be the best driver there has ever been."</p></span><span id="intelliTXT"><br />Alright alright you wanna be great like the Schum and the driver whom you think is best, Senna. Fine but save it till you win it boy, you haven't. At least remember to be a tad bit realistic, Nick surely is with his 08 expectations...<br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">-Ralf and</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Fisi's Force India Test-</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www3.turkishpress.com/i-s/SGE.LRJ67.201007154554.photo00.quicklook.default-245x126.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 123px;" src="http://www3.turkishpress.com/i-s/SGE.LRJ67.201007154554.photo00.quicklook.default-245x126.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />People people, two of F1's over-30 veterans will be testing for that Force India seat that seems to be on fire right now. Ralf ended 3 years of crap with Toyota to find not a seat offer for next year. So now he's gunning after Force India. Downgrade. Fisi on the other hand, he is contracted by Renault till the end of this year but his faith next year there depends on Ferd's move. Poor Fisi, he is given the permission to explore his options...and he goes to Force India. Downgrade again.<br /><br />So it poses the question, is Force India (in some veterans case) a transition phase to retirement? A place for their star to die? Apparently it seems like it. If Fisi or Ralf joins Force India, chances are, they will be out of the game pretty darn soon. If they are to retire, wouldn't they want to do it with a bit more dignity than you get there? Fisi still has a glimmer of hope with Renault but for how long?<br /><br />Note: That makes SEVEN drivers after that seat: Ralf Schumacher, Giancarlo Fisichella, Christian Klien, Tonio Liuzzi, Franck Montagny, Giedo van der Garde and Roldan Rodriguez.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.f1newsblog.com/images/upload/1183290964David-Coulthard.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.f1newsblog.com/images/upload/1183290964David-Coulthard.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">-Sour Grapes?-</span><br /><br />In DC's latest column for ITV F1, may I say it wasn't what I was expecting to hear from him. Kazuki Nakajima messed up and his mechanics better have health insurance I get it but apparently cutting off his line after overtaking him also was a major contributing reason to his thinking that the rookie is not ready for F1. Although I do agree with the 'Finishing School' comment.<br /><span id="intelliTXT"><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p>"I found myself running a heavy fuel-load on worn tyres as Kazuki Nakajima's Williams came through the field. Nakajima passed me on the outside into Turn One, which was fair enough, but there was no need for him to cut across the front of me afterwards. In fact we agree in drivers' briefings not to move across the front of somebody during braking because cars get airborne that way. Now I'm conscious that my words will be seen as the racing old boy getting overtaken by the new guy, but this sort of thing tends to happen less between more experienced drivers. Driving standards in GP2 (the F1 feeder series that Nakajima raced in for most of 2007) are generally pretty wild. But there should be a higher standard that some of these rookie drivers need to meet before they are allowed to race in F1. Nakajima later ran down some of his mechanics and I think they spent a night in hospital. I'm sure he was sorry, but when was the last time you saw Kimi, Lewis or Fernando run down his mechanics? My team-mate Mark Webber said recently, 'F1 is not a finishing school' and I totally agree."</p><p><br /></p><p>Now don't get me wrong, I have respect for the veteran but that little whack on Nakajima I can't help but ponder on the fact that it sounded a bit like sour grapes. His reasoning sounds quite right, yes but it has a bit of a sour tone to it. What do you think?</p></span> <script src="http://digg.com/tools/diggthis.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br /><span id="intelliTXT"><br /></span>talksahellofalothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16576103149839252660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6962172074028621540.post-67110280014225494292007-11-27T00:24:00.000+07:002007-12-15T19:49:54.671+07:00You'd Have To Buy My Team If You Want Nico, 22 million quids anyone (Ron)?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.grandprix.com/jpeg/phc/pimo04/sat/richards1-lg.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.grandprix.com/jpeg/phc/pimo04/sat/richards1-lg.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">-Prodrive is a No Drive Folks-</span><br /><br />Now if you're an F1 nutter you would know that Prodrive's application to race in F1 next season was accepted out of a few but then (yes a then), THEN Williams (who is not so happy about Prodrive using a full fledged 'customer car,' engine and chassis built by McLaren) did a I-may-use-another's-engine-but-I-ain't-happy legal challenge. Of course this matter could and would have been taken care of early on but no, it was dragged on and on.<br /><br />Weeks later, we finally got a clarification, when it is clear that they will not be able to place a car on the 08's grids that is. Note that the current Concorde Agreement currently basically says no to <span id="intelliTXT">the use of the same cars manufactured by a fellow just a few garages down fro</span><span id="intelliTXT">m you in the pit lane at the same yea</span><span id="intelliTXT">r... So basically DR's team would race, in 09 if they're lucky. Which brings the question, would they get fined? I remember a while ago Toyota dropping out and getting fined (well who cares, their pockets are deep). But one can argue on the virtue of Max's promise that Prodrive would be allowed to race even though on customer ca</span><span id="intelliTXT">rs... Which will it be?<br /></span><br /><span id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-weight: bold;">-Barney On the Attack! Beware of the Purple Gloop! No Wait, it's Just Bernie On the British GPs...-</span><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.product-reviews.net/wp-content/userimages/2007/08/bernie-ecclestone.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.product-reviews.net/wp-content/userimages/2007/08/bernie-ecclestone.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span id="intelliTXT">Part 1<br />First he slammed Silverstone (on time might I add for his monthly rants on circuits...) saying <span style="font-style: italic;">"Britain is supposed to be </span></span><span style="font-style: italic;" id="intelliTXT">the heart of Formula One racing and our circuit</span><span style="font-style: italic;" id="intelliTXT"> is bottom of the list.</span><span style="font-style: italic;" id="intelliTXT"> With a tiny pe</span><span style="font-style: italic;" id="intelliTXT">rcentage of what the government are wasting on the Olympics, they could support Silverstone. </span><span id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-style: italic;">They know exactly what they have to do. They've known for at least five years. It's not for us to say where the money comes from but it's strange because most of the events we have now are supported by governments."</span> Firstly, why don't you kick Monaco out? It's useless, it's boring, it's absolute</span><span id="intelliTXT">ly a draaaaag to watch. Secondly, how bout YOU shell out some moolah from YOUR own</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span>£2,243 m pocket? It won't cost ya that much (like you said) and b'sides, you'd be getting extra money from that auction of your 50 very rare cars...<br /><br />Part 2<br />After having his share of fun on Silverstone, he moved on to London. He said that a race in London would be a money spinner (true, a Piccadilly circus background and fast cars whooshing past by the river makes for a nice scene). Again he poked around at the you-are-focussing-too-much-on-the-olympics-when-you-can-spend-less-and-<br />gain-more-through-F1 stick. Come on Mr. E, be a bit more...giving (who am I kidding?)...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-The Drivers Market: Grumpy Gramps Wants That Macca Seat-</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.teamtalk.com/Images/81871.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.teamtalk.com/Images/81871.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">>></span><span style="font-style: italic;">>Grumpy Gramps also known as Ralf Schumacher to some<<<</span><br />His really really bad days of Toyota logs ended by Brazil this year. Okay fine, good, thanks, bye! But now, he is without drive and without sizzle... Not to mention he thinks he's perfect for the coveted McLaren seat. Wait. McLaren never even contacted him... Nothing to speculate here folks, move along...<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">>>>Ferd the Blurb, Biding His Time<<<</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://formula1.gppadok.com/res/alonso.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://formula1.gppadok.com/res/alonso.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />*silence* Alright for the sake of filling the space, reports say that he is vacationing in Spain, location unknown while his manager starts to sound like he needs to be replaced by the Flav. Oh speaking of the Flav, he reportedly said Ferd will be back in his arms in two days time, the second time. 6 days have passed, nothing. Ferd wants one year to be free when Kimi's contract expires, Ghosn wants 3. You gotta get your money's worth...<br /><br />Let's take the Tritter plot line from the TV show House, it bares a very good lesson... The longer you hold out, the sooner your chances go. This may be to someone in Alonso's camp a way to make it happen in Renault, the psych games... But they are a team that is capable of getting good drivers. It's only because of Flav that Renault hasn't lost interest in him. If Flav wasn't there, don't you agree that they would have said "adios" to Ferd by now? He's in no condition to bargain. If he loses Renault, he would have to take a mid fielder team, or worse, chase after that damn Spyker seat that seems to be so hot right now. Then his chances of getting into Ferrari goes from a teensy itsy bitsy chance to well you get the picture...<br /><br />Two time champ or not, when you take too long, it annoys people, so they pull out. Patience may be a virtue but if you tug on it too much, well... When most of the field has been decided, doesn't that signal for you to start so? The longer he takes, the less room he gets...<br /><br />DC also said the door to Red Bull for Alonso is closed. When DC speaks, it never hurts to tune in. BUT in his latest entry for his column in ITV F1, I only found myself making it as far as one fourth of the darn thing. It may be just because it was a Sunday, lazy day, or maybe something about it. Who knows...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.grandprix.com/jpeg/phc/paus07/fri/rosberg1-lg.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.grandprix.com/jpeg/phc/paus07/fri/rosberg1-lg.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">>>>The Empty McLaren #2 Single Seater<<<</span><br />Bottom line, Nico is the number one choice to replace Ferd at Macca. The thing is, Williams are not so willing to let him go. Reports claim that at 22 million quids, there might be a chance but Patrick said "No way!" and Sir F. Williams said "If I sold Rosberg, I'd sell the team." Keke ain't so happy about the idea of Nico to Macca either. This time around, daddy knows best...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-Slicks Gonna Go Grubbin' at Jerez Testing- </span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.formula1.com/photos/597x478/sutton/2007/d07brn67.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 151px; height: 228px;" src="http://www.formula1.com/photos/597x478/sutton/2007/d07brn67.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The last we saw of the slick rubber tyres was ten years ago. But they will be supplied by Bridgestone for the Jerez testing for data collection, keeping in mind that in 09, "bye bye grooves" is very likely... It's all about more stability and grip with these slicks. It was kicked out because, well you're already going fast on that V10 then. But now that we stepped back into V8s, hhm... Did I mention that there was a suggestion for tyre warmers to be banned? Crazy....<br /><br />Bye Bye V10s: check<br />Spy Scandal: check<br />Engine freeze: check<br />Tyre Warmers Ban: ???<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://d.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sp/chrono/20071126/11/959032685.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://d.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sp/chrono/20071126/11/959032685.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">-Schu Wins Massa's Charity Kart Event-</span><br /><br />Yup that's right. The King came and showed us he still knows how to drive. The seven time champ won race one but lost out in race 2 when he found out he basically had no brakes finishing sixth but rounding a total of 35 points, enough to give him overall victory by two points from second place dude, Luciano Burti. Last year's winner, the event organizer himself Felipe Massa was still happy even though he came in fifth overall. After saying he (Schu) would happily return next year to defend his title, Massa offered and he immediately accepted.<br /><br /><span class="pre"><pre><b>Race 1:<br /><br />Pos Driver Time</b><br />1. Michael Schumacher 21:59.406<br />2. Nelsinho Piquet + 5.687<br />3. Luciano Burti + 5.737<br />4. Rubens Barrichello + 8.147<br />5. Lucas Di Grassi + 8.218<br />6. Marcos Gomes + 9.090<br />7. Felipe Massa + 16.328<br />8. Thiago Camilo + 16.548<br />9. Ricardo Zonta + 18.736<br />10. Tony Kanaan + 19.107<br />11. Enrique Bernoldi + 22.220<br />12. Vitor Meira + 22.616<br />13. Ricardo Mauricio + 29.499<br />14. Caca Bueno + 34.065<br />15. Popo Bueno + 34.252<br />16. Tarso Marques + 36.523<br />17. Roberto Pupo Moreno + 36.703<br />18. Xandinho Negrao + 1 lap<br />19. Gil de Ferran + 1 lap<br />20. Antonio Pizzonia + 10 laps<br />21. Felipe Giaffone + 10 laps<br />22. Rodrigo Sperafico + 12 laps<br />23. Alexandre Barros + 31 laps<br /><br /><b>Fastest lap:</b> Rubens Barrichello, 40.681 seconds<br /><br /><b>Race 2:<br /><br />Pos Driver Time</b><br />1. Lucas Di Grassi 22:12.328<br />2. Luciano Burti + 3.506<br />3. Felipe Massa + 4.579<br />4. Rubens Barrichello + 4.775<br />5. Marcos Gomes + 6.674<br />6. Michael Schumacher + 7.087<br />7. Felipe Giaffone + 7.273<br />8. Antonio Pizzonia + 11.157<br />9. Tony Kanaan + 16.198<br />10. Vitor Meira + 21.943<br />11. Enrique Bernoldi + 23.248<br />12. Rodrigo Sperafico + 24.042<br />13. Ricardo Zonta + 29.616<br />14. Roberto Pupo Moreno + 30.973<br />15. Luca Badoer + 31.273<br />16. Popo Bueno + 31.416<br />17. Nelsinho Piquet + 1 lap<br />18. Ricardo Mauricio + 1 lap<br />19. Tarso Marques + 1 lap<br />20. Thiago Camilo + 2 laps<br />21. Caca Bueno + 12 laps<br />22. Alexandre Barros + 13 laps<br />23. Gil de Ferran + 14 laps<br />24. Xandinho Negrao + 23 laps<br /><br /><b>Fastest lap:</b> Michael Schumacher, 40.956 seconds<br /><br /><b><i>Final standings:</i><br /><br />Pos Driver Points</b><br />1. Michael Schumacher 35<br />2. Luciano Burti 33<br />3. Lucas di Grassi 31<br />4. Rubens Barrichello 26<br />5. Felipe Massa 24<br />6. Marcos Gomes 21<br />7. Nelson Piquet 20<br />8. Tony Kanaan 13<br />9. Ricardo Zonta 12<br />9. Enrique Bernoldi 10<br />9. Vitor Meira 10<br />12. Felipe Giaffone 9<br />13. Thiago Camilo 8<br />13. Antonio Pizzonia 8<br />15. Ricardo Sperafico 4<br />16. Ricardo Maurício 3<br />17. Caca Bueno 2<br />17. Roberto Pupo Moreno 2<br />19. Popo Bueno 1<br />19. Luca Badoer 1<br />21. Tarso Marques 0<br />21. Xandinho Negrao 0<br />21. Gil de Ferran 0<br />21. Alexandre Barros 0</pre></span><br /><script src="http://digg.com/tools/diggthis.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br /><span id="intelliTXT"> </span>talksahellofalothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16576103149839252660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6962172074028621540.post-22517906004436994072007-11-21T16:45:00.000+07:002007-12-15T19:50:14.784+07:00My Contemplation (I know it's never good, but hear me out folks)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.gigapod.net/images/work/pink-bunny.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 139px; height: 165px;" src="http://www.gigapod.net/images/work/pink-bunny.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Okay heck I'll admit it. After qualy in Brazil I thought "It's over, I'll just go to sleep tomorrow during the race and dream about pink bunnies, beats watching Kimi being beaten again and Lew with the crown on his head sambaing his way up the podium." But curiosity got the better of me and I tuned in anyways (yeah Bernie you can keep on smiling, you're still grabbing money from me!). When Lew got pushed out by Ferd, one (who's never been a fan of the unibrow) can only think "I need to give him more credit." Credit for Stepneygate another might add? Oh wait, that was more of Pedal de La 'Fiddle' Eeek's fault than it is of the door slammer's. My bad. So kudos.<br /><br />So after seeing a glimmer bit of hope, at the back of my mind it says "The Kimster can do it" and<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://image.haber3.com/haber/94514.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://image.haber3.com/haber/94514.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> "Lewis choke please" oh and of course "Masswarf (okay maybe I gotta stop calling this one names too... *My New Year's Resolutions is pilling up...* How bout "Sweet Talking (Portugese) Felipe?"), (alright, alright, alright) 'wiggle Felipe, keep Alonso at bay please!" I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw <a href="http://www.planetf1.com/story/0,18954,3213_2891038,00.html">Bananas</a> Lew slowing down and thought I knocked my head on the wall or something (oh there's another bunyon *yay, not* *chips dropping outta my mouth from hanging it open too long*). So happy ending for Kimi fans, finally.<br /><br />And now after the race, is it me or did someone hit a vocabulary guide across Kimi's face? Or is it the job of one hell of a pr guru (no I'm not talking about Matt Bishop)? Can you believe how much he's saying? I.e. "<a href="http://f1.gpupdate.net/en/news/2007/10/24/kimi-so-happy-it-hurts/">so happy it hurts</a>", "in love with the Ferrari team", "want to feel this joy again one more time." To think when asked about the F2007, the unibrow and fiddle knows<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.elmundodeportivo.es/gif/20071024/montezo6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.elmundodeportivo.es/gif/20071024/montezo6.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> more than his "it's red and shiny, it's really nice and it goes fast." Don't get me wrong. After the very messy and complicated second half of the season it has been, a little serene simplicity from the Kimster is much appreciated now that you think about it... Bottom line, Home Run people, Home Run (a smile cracked out too, Smile Boy, SMILE!). <a href="http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/63748">Ferd the Blurb</a> ain't doin so bad himself, thesaurus wise with those synonyms that is: “a plan, a hope, an illusion, a desire” (where's the "a revenge, a scheme, the Flav?").<br /><br />With such a superior package this year, why didn't McLaren win? Well besides it having<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.f1-zeropoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/fernando-alonso.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 124px; height: 179px;" src="http://www.f1-zeropoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/fernando-alonso.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> something to do with Ferd the blurb and Pedal de La 'Fiddle' Eeek, no wait that's pretty much it. Oh well there's always next year with Bananas Lew...<br /><br />The FIA. The Federal Institution (of) Asses. What a pendulum. Everyone loves 'em right? They are as fair as one can be. Of course that is as true as raw donkey $#!t being edible. Their decisions were unbiased, they punished fairly and got every damn details right. Now I'm tipping the line at sarcasm. The one thing the FIA is is a crappy load of brewed up $#!t. All the more and nothing less. Enough said don't you think?<br /><br />Honda, Honda, Honda. You and your vegetable-car-green-and-blue-mashed-up-dough-livery junk. Heck you may not have gotten anything this year (except for engine busts up heated to the point where you can barbecue your t-bones on the most expensive grill) but walking home with the UNEP Green Awards is reward enough isn't it?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.oorei.com/imagenes/post/johnnie.walker.fernando.alonso.spot.anuncio.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 139px; height: 275px;" src="http://www.oorei.com/imagenes/post/johnnie.walker.fernando.alonso.spot.anuncio.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Spyker, I mean Force India. The names continue. From Jordan to Midland to Spyker to Force India. How long before it changes to Force Bumper Cars? Does that mean their drivers next year would be Indian? The name is almost as inconsistent as McLaren's Johnnie Walker Dog Fight Commercial (boy they must be kicking themselves at the fact that they have to re-shoot it again).<br /><br />Now did I get to the part where the FIA allows a darn appeal to go through just to say that it's inadmissible, maybe from the fact that the appeal was submitted after 30 minutes from the posting of the race results? So McLaren might have lost the appeal by 30 minutes? Ouch! By the way, if I was Ron, I'd fire Ian Mill. The idiot brought in 2 duck eggs for McLaren while Nigel Tozzi is laughing to the bank from winning the case for Ferrari regarding the first spy scandal. Come to think of it, he can even out talk Max any day! Lawyers, pain in the a$$es, but ruthlessly efficient...<br /><br /><script src="http://digg.com/tools/diggthis.js" type="text/javascript"></script>talksahellofalothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16576103149839252660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6962172074028621540.post-34235997590290491522007-11-20T17:28:00.000+07:002007-12-15T19:50:33.480+07:00"The Toyota Way"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.nancarrow-webdesk.com/warehouse/storage2/2007-w39/img.06197_t.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 152px; height: 209px;" src="http://www.nancarrow-webdesk.com/warehouse/storage2/2007-w39/img.06197_t.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">- One Man Show Is a No No No-</span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> Okay so what exactly is the "Toyota way?" Well according to Ralf in another one of his "I'm in a bad mood so I'll give you $#!t if you wanna know" interviews (more reason to be after saying adios to 'em and replaced by Timo Glock) it apparently is Toyota's stubbornly dumbness of not hiring Ross or even stirring up any talks at all with the guru which is proof that they will never succeed. Ouch Ralf. A bit of a harsh note isn't it? According to him, a one man show is a no show in Toyota. Here's what he said:</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://formula1.files.wordpress.com/2007/06/race7_friday_1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://formula1.files.wordpress.com/2007/06/race7_friday_1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;" id="intelliTXT">"Toyota is, to my knowledge, the only team that didn't want to talk with Ro</span><span style="font-style: italic;" id="intelliTXT">ss Brawn. </span><span style="font-style: italic;" id="intelliTXT">I offered the team contact with him but there was no reaction. Not only meeting took place. </span><span style="font-style: italic;" id="intelliTXT">The team structure is very clear and it's clearly the result of what they call 'the T</span><span style="font-style: italic;" id="intelliTXT">oyota way'. </span><span style="font-style: italic;" id="intelliTXT">This 'way' is why someone like Ross Brawn cannot go there. </span><span style="font-style: italic;" id="intelliTXT">Brawn should have been a candidate, someo</span><span style="font-style: italic;" id="intelliTXT">ne to strengthen the team. But Toyota don't want a one-man show."<br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;" id="intelliTXT">-</span><span style="font-weight: bold;" id="intelliTXT"> We Are </span><span style="font-weight: bold;" id="intelliTXT">In It To Win It!-</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/northamptonshire/content/images/2007/07/09/silverstone_gp_2007_30_470x352.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.bbc.co.uk/northamptonshire/content/images/2007/07/09/silverstone_gp_2007_30_470x352.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span id="intelliTXT"> According to Q</span><span id="intelliTXT">uick Nick, BMW's stunning improvements this season would not be possible without the recent upgrades of their infrastructure and resources, i.e. money from the sponsors! Money, money, money, Ah YEAH!<br /><br />Since BMW took over the Sauber team in 2005 they have been constantly upgrading putting money to doubling the team's workforce and upgrading that all and pricey might I add important wind tunnel. He for one is very optimistic of next year with their goal of winning a grand prix and hopefull</span><span id="intelliTXT">y, ultimately the F1 World title I say?<br /></span><span id="intelliTXT"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cars.justelite.net/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/_bmw013.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.cars.justelite.net/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/_bmw013.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span id="intelliTXT">"In m</span><span id="intelliTXT">ost areas we need to make just minor steps. This year, we lost too many points due to a lack of reliability but apart from that, there is virtually no area where I see a major backlog. </span><span id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-weight: bold;">We are in Formula One to win.</span>" </span><span id="intelliTXT">Oh how true... At it boy!<br /></span><br /><span id="intelliTXT"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />-Someone Get Me a Translator to Interpret Flav's Words, Please!- </span></span><span id="intelliTXT"><br />According to F1's prima donna who really has a hard time keeping things to himself or make</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://english.people.com.cn/200510/17/images/1016_G04.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://english.people.com.cn/200510/17/images/1016_G04.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span id="intelliTXT"> himself a tad bit easier to understand as he revealed to </span><span id="intelliTXT">radio show GrParlamento by Italian</span><span id="intelliTXT"> news service</span><span id="intelliTXT"> ANSA, there is a 60% chance that Alonso would race for Renault next season.<br /></span><br /><span id="intelliTXT">Flav is looking to replace his two current drivers! Note to Flav: Heikki is an asset. It would be a shame for you to give him away, letting say Macca pick him up? I'll say it in Italian in case you didn't understand: </span>Heikki è un bene. Sarebbe un peccato per lei a dargli le spalle, lasciando dire Macca cuccioli di lui? Forgive me for my crude Italian, I'm not really so fluent in it. Dispiace.<br /><br />And he mentioned something about an auntie, Bangladesh, Tokyo and marriage (the one thing he might not be so keen on) or something. You can figure it out for yourself:<br /><span style="font-style: italic;" id="intelliTXT"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.teamtalk.com/Images/99202.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.teamtalk.com/Images/99202.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;" id="intelliTXT">"Renault will definitely have different drivers next year. There is</span><span style="font-style: italic;" id="intelliTXT"> a 60 percent chance Alonso</span><span style="font-style: italic;" id="intelliTXT"> will be with us. </span><span style="font-style: italic;" id="intelliTXT">We have an advantage (in taking Alonso) because</span><span style="font-style: italic;" id="intelliTXT"> we know him. Between today and the day after tomorrow it will be decided. </span><span style="font-style: italic;" id="intelliTXT">When you marry, split up and get back together it is not easy. </span><span style="font-style: italic;" id="intelliTXT">We and he have the intention of finding a solution. This week will be decisive for the marriage. </span><span style="font-style: italic;" id="intelliTXT">He can choose and he knows us. Last year he chose McLaren and made a mistake. </span><span style="font-style: italic;" id="intelliTXT">We often forget these are 25-year-olds who have never lived their youths. They'd prefer to stay at home with their auntie than to go doing promotional work in Bangladesh or in Tokyo. </span><span style="font-style: italic;" id="intelliTXT">Alonso knows us from a human point of view and that is important. The last season has been difficult for him. It may have even changed his</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.smh.com.au/ffximage/2007/05/12/1205alonso_wideweb__470x297,0.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.smh.com.au/ffximage/2007/05/12/1205alonso_wideweb__470x297,0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;" id="intelliTXT"> personality. We'll talk, I want to see where he wants to</span><span style="font-style: italic;" id="intelliTXT"> go. </span><span style="font-style: italic;" id="intelliTXT">At McLaren he arrived as the</span><span style="font-style: italic;" id="intelliTXT"> World Champion and he was put in competition against a rookie driver: that way the relationship inside a team is put in danger. You can't have two prima donnas inside a team. You need to get behind one of the drivers. </span><span style="font-style: italic;" id="intelliTXT">In this phase he is not thinking of the money. He is thinking of everything except money." </span><span id="intelliTXT">Ahh... Flav's man love for Ferd... </span><span id="intelliTXT">Didn't he say something about a contract expiring by Tuesday a while ago?<br /><br /></span> <script src="http://digg.com/tools/diggthis.js" type="text/javascript"></script>talksahellofalothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16576103149839252660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6962172074028621540.post-89464401836144382672007-11-19T21:07:00.000+07:002007-12-15T19:50:52.234+07:00Wow, Hold Your Horses Boy!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://marcelcook.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/lewis_hamilton.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://marcelcook.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/lewis_hamilton.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!! Okay let me get this straight, Lewis was dating beauty queen Cemre Mirel and ventured on crazy hhhm "adventures?" Is it me or does it sound a bit whack?<br />http://www.planetf1.com/story/0,18954,3213_2891038,00.html<br /><br /><script src="http://digg.com/tools/diggthis.js" type="text/javascript"></script>talksahellofalothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16576103149839252660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6962172074028621540.post-41263474471427893682007-11-19T17:40:00.000+07:002007-12-15T19:51:11.003+07:00Toyota Confirm Glock For 2008<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.ha.xinhuanet.com/fuwu/sport/2006-12/25/xin_321203250809703238145.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 224px; height: 149px;" src="http://www.ha.xinhuanet.com/fuwu/sport/2006-12/25/xin_321203250809703238145.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">-Glock's New Ride For 08</span>-<br /><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/user/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-1.jpg" alt="" /><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/user/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot.jpg" alt="" />Newly crowned GP2 champ, 25 year old Timo Glock who was the center of the tug of wars between BMW (as their now soon to be ex test driver) and Toyota (as their then potential 2008 driver) has finally got the green light from the CRB (Contract Recognition Board) to race for Toyota next year. Jogs your memory to when Jenson Button had overlapping double contracts a few years back ehh? This would be his return to F1 since he did compete in four grands prix for Jordan in 2004 and scored points on his debut in Canada. The deal is reported to be a multi-year deal. I wonder if he'd be any good next year in a hollow log on wheels...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-BMW's 3rd Fiddle Seat Up For Grabs!-</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g308/mbol/2007-jan/20070116-bmw-f1-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 224px; height: 148px;" src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g308/mbol/2007-jan/20070116-bmw-f1-2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Now that BMW has an empty test driver seat, Dr Mario's (who's known for his eye to pick out drivers) out shopping for new drivers. As of right now they are eyeing British F3 champion Marko Asmer. But wait, they still have another possible candidate, Robert Doornbos. Yes, the dude who refers to himself as Bobby D! Thiessen said that there might be three guys out there on the scheduled shoot out at the up and coming testing at Jerez. Now, why in the world do you need to have a shoot out? I'm pretty sure you have seen their progress in there respective leagues and know what they are capable of. So what's with the need to have a darn shoot out? Just pick already!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-The Halted Driver's Market-</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.formula1.com/photos/597x478/manual/dep0727feb27.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 223px; height: 146px;" src="http://www.formula1.com/photos/597x478/manual/dep0727feb27.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />As of right now, we haven't heard a peep out of Fernando Alonso. Nothing! Nada! What? Is he spending time at home reflecting? And as for Heikki, he wants to stay with Renault, but is still without a seat next year. Do I hear McLaren picking up Heikki anyone?<br /><br />*What a slow few days after the appeal it has been*<br />*Looking forward to the McLaren Appeal in December*<br /><br /><script src="http://digg.com/tools/diggthis.js" type="text/javascript"></script>talksahellofalothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16576103149839252660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6962172074028621540.post-56590406786328547282007-11-17T19:33:00.000+07:002007-12-15T19:51:28.195+07:00McLaren's Appeal Deemed Inadmissable, Talk About Salt On An Open Wound!Yup mere minutes after I was done happy dancing (and singing Kimi got to keep his crown 3x) I got in my rss feed a title that said "McLaren awaits full FIA transcript" I thought oh God, they're gonna <span style="font-style: italic;">appeal</span> <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">that</span> too?" As a formula 1 fan I can only say I am downright sick to the pit of my damn stomach. Just as I thought oh now Spygate's finally over and I can move on with the off season, here comes Spygate II! Sheesha (well hopefully you know what I'm cursing with...) !!! And then, our dear old Jean Todt, the soon to be replaced by Stefano Domenicali as Gestione Sportiva for the Scuderia, topped the cherry on the sundae with this: <span style="font-style: italic;">"The decision of the international court of appeal finally brings to an end a very intense season, both on and off the track. A final and desperate attempt to change the result obtained on the track was rejected. Now, all our efforts are focused on preparing for next season." </span>Shift your attention to the part that said "<span style="font-style: italic;">A final and desperate attempt to change the result obtained on the track." </span>Talk about pouring even more salt on the wounds... But hey by my books, it's "Go Jean!" Who said Todt was on his Todt? Nah I'm kidding, you gotta love the guy for b!*@hin RD who sadly should have used that $50 mil to get himself a therapist/shrink. He's practically dragging Macca into a hole, i.e. digging their own darn grave! After totaling what, 5 drivers? The F1 world, hate it or love it, it's always entertaining...<br />Scoreboard<br />Ian Mill 1 --- Nigel Tozzi 2<br />McLaren 1 --- Ferrari 4<br /><br /><script src="http://digg.com/tools/diggthis.js" type="text/javascript"></script>talksahellofalothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16576103149839252660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6962172074028621540.post-80404511155458885952007-11-17T03:57:00.000+07:002007-12-15T19:51:42.748+07:00We Can All Breath Again: Kimi Gets To Keep His CrownYes people Kimi gets to keep his crown. YIPPEE!!!!!! Boy you have no idea how glad I am! Just when I was about to pick up that phone, book a ticket to Paris, and get a few cans of spray paint to vandalize the walls of the FIA's headquarters... Or start a petition to do some sort of damage and noise preferably. To think Nigel Tozzi (Ferrari's lawyer) had called McLaren <span id="intelliTXT">"shameless hypocrites devoid of any integrity" and Mill half contradicting half merry-go-rounding statements. Don't look at the big picture, oh go disqualify them, what would you do if it was any other team? And poor old Martin and Norbert were left hanging out there looking like idiots for saying the point of the appeal was not to hand the crown to Lew! Equality, equality, equality, integrity, integrity, integrity, honesty, honesty, honesty, ethics, ethics, ethics, morals, morals, morals. Gee that sounds familiar, oh wait right, they are Ron's very wise *broken radio* words. Reading something that long equates to how boring it is to hear Ron say it, even though it's only mentioned once! Hhhmmm. Someone should add, "looking at the big picture. Ron already screwed up 5 drivers and a few of Macca's chances to get the crown, he needs to r-e-s-i-g-n. What the heck is next for them ahh? Ohh we want to appeal Kimi's speed during the Brazilian GP. He was too damn fast and young man, you were speeding! Oh wait, they're waiting for the full transcripts so that they can possibly <span style="font-style: italic;">appeal THAT</span> too... Nah I'm just kidding. Senna wanted out, Mika flat out gave up, JPM flew over the pond, Kimi's hand was forced and Alonso wanted out, MID-SEASON of his first year there. Well that's one fantasy he found out isn't actually that sweet... And in other news, the CRB (Contract Recognition Board) has ruled that Timo Glock is free to drive for Toyota. The whole shebang started with him signing a deal for that vacant seat at Toyota next to Trulli next year while under contract by BMW as their test driver. Talk about tug-of-wars and a reminiscing walk down memory lane to when Button had overlapping contracts...<br /><br /></span> <script src="http://digg.com/tools/diggthis.js" type="text/javascript"></script>talksahellofalothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16576103149839252660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6962172074028621540.post-71405496903997283652007-11-16T12:59:00.000+07:002007-12-15T19:52:06.974+07:00Dear McLaren: Where's Matt Bishop?First if all, WHO THE IS MANAGING MCLAREN'S PR TEAM? It is a complete shipwreck, like the Titanic itself! First Martin Whitmarsh says they want clarification, fine, all you have to do is call up the FIA and ASK! But nooooo, you wanna ask with the help of your dear old lawyer Ian Mill and then bring it to court. No one on this earth brings a matter to court unless they want something in return and another's behind handed. Then after the revealing of NOT ALL fuels of the cars are checked at the end of a race rather just a random number of cars (mainly the podium finishers) and not the whole grid is another revelation!!! You just gave Nigel Tozzi a loop hole to argue on if Kimi loses his crown. Oh wait, my bad. And now McLaren fighting in a ring with merry go round facts... Fire the lawyer, hire a better one and put the Bish in effect is the way to go.<br /><br /><script src="http://digg.com/tools/diggthis.js" type="text/javascript"></script>talksahellofalothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16576103149839252660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6962172074028621540.post-47601868990679483702007-11-15T23:41:00.000+07:002007-12-15T19:52:29.970+07:00My First Entry: Dear Fernando, PICK A Team Already!Hi and welcome to My Formula 1 Blog. This blog mainly consist of news, updates and my view of the crazy world of F1 occasionally with a dose of my rants. This week we have the winter testings kicking off with Schumi at the top of the time sheets and the drivers market somewhat halted by Ferd still having not picked a ride for next year. Oh and of course the WMSC hearing that was moved to London that will decide the outcome of the 2007 driver's crown. Well let's get moving!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-Schumi On Top of the Time Sheets AGAIN-</span><br />Yes people no worries, the King has still got it in him! Yay!!! Winter testing kicked off in Spain with the German ace topping the time sheets on Tuesday after 64 laps at 1:21:922 64. And again on Wednesday at 1:21:486. To think it took him only TWO laps to get the feeling back after 387 days from his last race back at Interlagos! Wow! Even though dear old Patrick Head's comments sent rumor mills into overdrive, the seven time world champion still has reiterated that his decision to retire is final. The King may be outta the game but he sure as hell is still the same damn fast guy he was a year ago.<br /><span id="intelliTXT"><b>Tuesday's times:</b><br />1. M.Schumacher Ferrari (B) 1:21.922 64<br />2. Badoer Ferrari (B) 1:22.129 76<br />3. de la Rosa McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:22.687 63<br />4. Kovalainen Renault (B) 1:22.802 81<br />5. Kubica BMW-Sauber (B) 1:22.883 56<br />6. Paffett McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:23.008 46<br />7. Nakajima Williams-Toyota (B) 1:23.187 66<br />8. Coulthard Red Bull-Renault (B) 1:23.332 55<br />9. Trulli Toyota (B) 1:23.624 46<br />10. Heidfeld BMW-Sauber (B) 1:23.671 75<br />11. Rosberg Williams-Toyota (B) 1:23.847 58<br />12. Montagny Toyota (B) 1:23.861 61<br />13. Vettel Toro Rosso-Ferrari (B) 1:24.048 77<br />14. Zuber Honda (B) 1:24.065 77<br />15. Bourdais Toro Rosso-Ferrari (B) 1:24.193 51<br />16. Davidson Super Aguri-Honda (B) 1:24.246 70<br />17. Rossiter Honda (B) 1:24.480 69<br />18. Chandhok Red Bull-Renault (B) 1:24.896 39<br />19. van der Garde Force India-Ferrari (B) 1:25.317 84<br />20. Rodriguez Force India-Ferrari (B) 1:26.973 87<br /></span><span id="intelliTXT"><b>Wednesday's times:</b><br />1. M.Schumacher Ferrari (B) 1.21.486 90<br />2. de la Rosa McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:21.857 60<br />3. Kovalainen Renault (B) 1:21.894 65<br />4. Massa Ferrari (B) 1:22.044 56<br />5. Paffett McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:22.293 57<br />6. Rosberg Williams-Toyota (B) 1:22.333 64<br />7. Coulthard Red Bull-Renault (B) 1:22.555 74<br />8. Heidfeld BMW (B) 1:22.946 102<br />9. Nakajima Williams-Toyota (B) 1:23.031 77<br />10. Vettel Toro Rosso-Ferrari (B) 1:23.187 74<br />11. Chandhok Red Bull-Renault (B) 1:23.255 57<br />12. Button Honda (B) 1:23.358 79<br />13. Trulli Toyota (B) 1:23.465 54<br />14. Kubica BMW (B) 1:23.488 37<br />15. Davidson Super Aguri-Honda (B) 1:23.547 80<br />16. Filippi Honda (B) 1:23.596 74<br />17. Bourdais Toro Rosso-Ferrari (B) 1:23.753 72<br />18. Montagny Toyota (B) 1:23.977 45<br />19. Klien Force India-Ferrari (B) 1:24.446 56<br />20. Sutil Force India-Ferrari (B) 1:24.537 105<br />21. Liuzzi Force India-Ferrari (B) 1:24.555 55<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-The WMSC Hearing-</span><br />Basically after the Brazilian race, the stewards found that the Williams and the Beemer's cars fuel were cooler than usual. Of course there is no real way to measure it once in the engine, outta the tank and in the middle of a race, besides 5 degrees really doesn't matter. Lew finished the race at 7th and Kimi at 1st so if the BMWs and Williams are to be punished and reclassified, it could see Lew promoted becoming the champion but many see this as a really bad move (well it is) because it will be bad for the sport. To a true driver, winning through the courts would be a HUGE slap across your face (well we all know the WMSC would not dare to re-classify the results cuz then a lot of people would be fuming mad, myself included). And so far Martin Whitmarsh said that he wanted clarification on the rules, fine. BUT THEN the Macca lawyers, THEY WANT THE CROWN! They are asking for the court to disqualify the BMWs and Williams. The lawyer urged the panel of four to not look at the bigger picture. Oh come on this is F1. THE ONE THING YOU NEED TO BE LOOKING AT IS THE BIG DAMN PICTURE! That was something Ron and Lew should have been at in Shanghai... Wow this keeps on getting to contradicting your own words. The decision is expected tomorrow, November 16 2007.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-The Market and Dear Old Fernando-</span><br />PICK A TEAM ALREADY BOY, WE ARE WAITING! Everyone expect him to sign with Renault but at the latest twist with the surfacing of Spygate II, Renault was found in possession of McLaren's 06 and 07 drawings of </span><span id="intelliTXT">the internal layout of the fuel tank, the basic layout of the gear clusters, a tuned mass damper and a suspension damper, they can be disqualified. Now I understand that he doesn't want to be stuck there if it happens but, Alonso does have a deadline to meet. A while ago, some speculated RBR but now with Honda signing guru Ross Brawn, it sure makes the prospect of moving to Honda a tempting one, but does he really wanna drive a vegetable car? No. His chances are still better with Renault.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-Bernie Reportedly Just Signed With a Company To Build Indian Track-<br /></span>According to an Indian Newspaper, JP Associates are set to develop another Herman Tilke designed track at Greater Noida, 50 kilometers away from New Delhi. So it means India would get to host their first race at 2010 and go on for about 10 years according to the deal. Can't wait...<br /><br /></span> <script src="http://digg.com/tools/diggthis.js" type="text/javascript"></script>talksahellofalothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16576103149839252660noreply@blogger.com0