"The Toyota Way"

- One Man Show Is a No No No-

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:

"Toyota is, to my knowledge, the only team that didn't want to talk with Ross Brawn. I offered the team contact with him but there was no reaction. Not only meeting took place. The team structure is very clear and it's clearly the result of what they call 'the Toyota way'. This 'way' is why someone like Ross Brawn cannot go there. Brawn should have been a candidate, someone to strengthen the team. But Toyota don't want a one-man show."


- We Are In It To Win It!-
According to Quick 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!

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 hopefully, ultimately the F1 World title I say?

"In most 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. We are in Formula One to win." Oh how true... At it boy!


-Someone Get Me a Translator to Interpret Flav's Words, Please!-
According to F1's prima donna who really has a hard time keeping things to himself or make himself a tad bit easier to understand as he revealed to radio show GrParlamento by Italian news service ANSA, there is a 60% chance that Alonso would race for Renault next season.

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: 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.

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:

"Renault will definitely have different drivers next year. There is a 60 percent chance Alonso will be with us. We have an advantage (in taking Alonso) because we know him. Between today and the day after tomorrow it will be decided. When you marry, split up and get back together it is not easy. We and he have the intention of finding a solution. This week will be decisive for the marriage. He can choose and he knows us. Last year he chose McLaren and made a mistake. 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. 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 personality. We'll talk, I want to see where he wants to go. At McLaren he arrived as the 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. In this phase he is not thinking of the money. He is thinking of everything except money." Ahh... Flav's man love for Ferd... Didn't he say something about a contract expiring by Tuesday a while ago?

Toyota Confirm Glock For 2008

-Glock's New Ride For 08-
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...

-BMW's 3rd Fiddle Seat Up For Grabs!-
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!

-The Halted Driver's Market-
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?

*What a slow few days after the appeal it has been*
*Looking forward to the McLaren Appeal in December*

We Can All Breath Again: Kimi Gets To Keep His Crown

Yes 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 "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 appeal THAT 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...

My 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!

-Schumi On Top of the Time Sheets AGAIN-
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.
Tuesday's times:
1. M.Schumacher Ferrari (B) 1:21.922 64
2. Badoer Ferrari (B) 1:22.129 76
3. de la Rosa McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:22.687 63
4. Kovalainen Renault (B) 1:22.802 81
5. Kubica BMW-Sauber (B) 1:22.883 56
6. Paffett McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:23.008 46
7. Nakajima Williams-Toyota (B) 1:23.187 66
8. Coulthard Red Bull-Renault (B) 1:23.332 55
9. Trulli Toyota (B) 1:23.624 46
10. Heidfeld BMW-Sauber (B) 1:23.671 75
11. Rosberg Williams-Toyota (B) 1:23.847 58
12. Montagny Toyota (B) 1:23.861 61
13. Vettel Toro Rosso-Ferrari (B) 1:24.048 77
14. Zuber Honda (B) 1:24.065 77
15. Bourdais Toro Rosso-Ferrari (B) 1:24.193 51
16. Davidson Super Aguri-Honda (B) 1:24.246 70
17. Rossiter Honda (B) 1:24.480 69
18. Chandhok Red Bull-Renault (B) 1:24.896 39
19. van der Garde Force India-Ferrari (B) 1:25.317 84
20. Rodriguez Force India-Ferrari (B) 1:26.973 87
Wednesday's times:
1. M.Schumacher Ferrari (B) 1.21.486 90
2. de la Rosa McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:21.857 60
3. Kovalainen Renault (B) 1:21.894 65
4. Massa Ferrari (B) 1:22.044 56
5. Paffett McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:22.293 57
6. Rosberg Williams-Toyota (B) 1:22.333 64
7. Coulthard Red Bull-Renault (B) 1:22.555 74
8. Heidfeld BMW (B) 1:22.946 102
9. Nakajima Williams-Toyota (B) 1:23.031 77
10. Vettel Toro Rosso-Ferrari (B) 1:23.187 74
11. Chandhok Red Bull-Renault (B) 1:23.255 57
12. Button Honda (B) 1:23.358 79
13. Trulli Toyota (B) 1:23.465 54
14. Kubica BMW (B) 1:23.488 37
15. Davidson Super Aguri-Honda (B) 1:23.547 80
16. Filippi Honda (B) 1:23.596 74
17. Bourdais Toro Rosso-Ferrari (B) 1:23.753 72
18. Montagny Toyota (B) 1:23.977 45
19. Klien Force India-Ferrari (B) 1:24.446 56
20. Sutil Force India-Ferrari (B) 1:24.537 105
21. Liuzzi Force India-Ferrari (B) 1:24.555 55

-The WMSC Hearing-
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.

-The Market and Dear Old Fernando-
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 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.

-Bernie Reportedly Just Signed With a Company To Build Indian Track-
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...