The Motorsport Thread 2011
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Topic: The Motorsport Thread 2011
Posted By: Man With Hat
Subject: The Motorsport Thread 2011
Date Posted: February 20 2011 at 17:11
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Seems the old one is locked and there isn't a new one yet created for this year, but the motorsport world is a-kickin' for 2011.
Rolex 24 Hours At Daytona - How about Ganassi/Pruett domination??
Daytona 500 - How about that Trevor Bayne?? Youngest 500 winner to date at just 20 years and 1 day. Two car drafting style?
F1 - How's that political unrest in Bahrain going to effect the opening round of the season??
Others - Any two wheel action happening? Touring cars? Etc?
2011 looks like a good year out of the gate. ------------- Dig me...But don't...Bury me I'm running still, I shall until, one day, I hope that I'll arrive Warning: Listening to jazz excessively can cause a laxative effect. |
Replies:
Posted By: memowakeman
Date Posted: February 20 2011 at 17:18
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I followed the Rolex 24 and yeah, Ganassi's cars dominated all the session, and seems Pruett the older the better, he is an amazing driver. Memo Rojas from Mexico was also in that team and he did a great job.
Abput F1 I also have my great expectations in young Mexican driver Sergio Perez who will drive for Sauber.
------------- Follow me on twitter @memowakeman |
Posted By: Man With Hat
Date Posted: February 20 2011 at 17:23
I'll be honest, I don't even know who's running this year in F1.  Obviously all the big names will be back...was there any word on Kubica's replacement?? I haven't been following the story....
Good luck to your follow countryman! ------------- Dig me...But don't...Bury me I'm running still, I shall until, one day, I hope that I'll arrive Warning: Listening to jazz excessively can cause a laxative effect. |
Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: February 21 2011 at 11:14
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Ferrari: Felipe Massa, Fernando Alonso RBR: Sebastian Vettel, Mark Webber McLaren: Jenson Button, Lewis Hamilton Mercedes: Nico Rosberg, Michael Schumacher Williams: Rubens Barichello, Pastor Maldonada Renault: Vitaly Petrov, Nick Heidfeld Force India: Adrian Sutil, Paul di Resta Sauber: Sergio Perez, Kamui Kobayashi, Torro Rosso: Sebastian Buemi, Jaime Algersuari Lotus: Jarno Trulli, Heikki Kovaleinen Virgin: Timo Glock, Jerome d'Ambrosio Hispania: Narain Karthikayen The Bahrain GP has now been cancelled by the organisers but there might be a chance to slot it back in late in the season if things quieten down out there. Australia now gets the opening race on March 27th. ------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005 
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Posted By: Man With Hat
Date Posted: February 21 2011 at 16:56
Ahh great thanks. Shame Hulkenberg couldn't get a real ride somewhere. Part of me wants Maldonada is fail massively. 
I figured that would be the end result for Bahrain. Never was a huge fan of the track (not to mention it played live at a horrible time for the east coast of the usa) so I'm not too upset by that decision. And based on all the images and suchfrom there definitely sounds like the right one. ------------- Dig me...But don't...Bury me I'm running still, I shall until, one day, I hope that I'll arrive Warning: Listening to jazz excessively can cause a laxative effect. |
Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: February 21 2011 at 17:24
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Ah yes, here in the US all my F1 info comes from Wiki.... Well I missed the Daytona 500 but heard some total n00b won it! Looking forward to the F1 season of course, last few years have been wild and hope it continues. Oh and well done Phil! You ninjad me for this seasons racing thread  |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: February 21 2011 at 18:29
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Hmm, any clue who will be filling that second Hispania seat?
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Posted By: Man With Hat
Date Posted: February 21 2011 at 18:39
 Only because we're mostly F1 fans on here and that season starts lateish.
And James: Ha...I didn't even see that. I'll be honest, I stopped reading the list at Trulli.
 ------------- Dig me...But don't...Bury me I'm running still, I shall until, one day, I hope that I'll arrive Warning: Listening to jazz excessively can cause a laxative effect. |
JJLehto wrote:Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: February 21 2011 at 18:55
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I hope Vettel trips up badly this year. I just don't like the guy.
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Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: February 22 2011 at 03:21
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Yes, you've mentioned. Which is funny because, well he's given no real reason to dislike him  Young kid, seems genuine, remember seeing a pre race thing about the wild, extravagant parties that often occur during the F1 weekend, lotsa booze and girls, and they showed Vettel who pretty much just said: Yeah this isn't my thing. I liked it. Just you being James eh? Oh and BTW Sleeper love that you have that avy. Every time I see it makes me want to listen to that album. Just as awesome as the artwork  |
Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: February 22 2011 at 08:33
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Yeah, its great artwork, which is why I chose it. I like cats, but those are ugly in your avy, I miss the R8.
Hulkenberg got signed up as Force India's reserve driver, so if anybody wants to break Sutil's legs we can get him in a car this year.
(Keep an eye on di Resta, he beat Vettel to the F3 Euro series title in 06 when they were team mates at ASM.) Hispania are going to give Liuzzi a run out for the second driver position but in all likely hood it will go to the man with the biggest cheque book. Oh, and here's the F1 calander.Australia- 27th March
Malaysia- 10th April
China- 17th April
Turkey- 8th May
Spain- 22nd May
Monaco- 29th May
Canada- 12th June
Valencia- 26th June
Britain- 10th July
Germany- 24th July
Hungary- 31st July
Belgium- 28th August
Italy- 11th September
Singapour- 25th September
Japan- 9th October
Korea- 16th October
India- 30th October
Abu Dhabi- 13th November
Brazil- 27th November
If the Bahrain GP comes back, and the organisers seem to expect that it will, it will slip in after Abu Dhabi and push the Brazilian GP back to December 4th, so a very late end to the championship this year and 19 or 20 races. ------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: February 22 2011 at 13:58
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JJ Lehto may return to my avy soon, and I find them adorable in an odd way I always felt bad for Sutil (only since you mention breaking his legs ) ever since that once Monaco GP when he was running pretty well (4th place I think?) and Kimi lost control or something and slammed straight into him. Poor kid Edit: Wait nevermind, I looked into it. Apparently he passed under a yellow flag and would've been penalized (and dropped out of the points anyway)... |
Posted By: presdoug
Date Posted: February 22 2011 at 16:58
Don't follow this kind of thing myself personally, but just wanted to add that former vocalist/guitarist for prog band Triumvirat the late Helmut Koellen was an auto mechanic and avid race car driver
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Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: February 22 2011 at 17:49
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^So's Nick Mason ------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: February 22 2011 at 17:51
------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: February 22 2011 at 18:19
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Oh of course he won't be! Which is why I feel bad that his only shot at a great finish was wrecked. |
Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: February 22 2011 at 18:52
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Also I see after some talks there is finally an Indian GP. There's always been Brazil but now China, India. All we need is a Russian GP and they BRIC countries are all good Not to mention the expansion into growing Asian countries and powerhourses like Malaysia, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain. Always though of F1 as international but never realized how European based it was until recently. Really embracing globalization now! |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: February 22 2011 at 19:26
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I just don't like Vettel's terrible driving skills. He took out Webber last year in that disastrous overtaking manoeuvre. I realise he's still somewhat of a Rookie but he's shown that he has a bit of a temperament. This is why I like Button and Kubica. They don't really complain much. Button does complain a bit but it's usually justified. -------------
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Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: February 23 2011 at 08:51
------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: February 23 2011 at 08:53
Also I see after some talks there is finally an Indian GP.
There's always been Brazil but now China, India. All we need is a Russian GP and they BRIC countries are all good Not to mention the expansion into growing Asian countries and powerhourses like Malaysia, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain. Always though of F1 as international but never realized how European based it was until recently. Really embracing globalization now!
Give it a couple years, they're working on a Russian GP. I still think a lot of the most recent tracks are complete rubbish (I certainly wouldnt miss Abu Dahbi or Bahrain).
------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: February 23 2011 at 17:29
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Agreed Sleeper. I know Tilke has taken a lot of flak, but I have to admit I really like some of his tracks. Some, however, are terrible. I HATE that Abu Dhabi track. So much. The worst by far, I agree that it wouldn't be missed at all! Also I'm a bit peeved about the number of street circuits that have come up. I LOVE street circuits but I don't want too many, kind of kills it IMO. I would like to keep it at 2 or 3 at most. Oh and James, as you said he's young. And maybe it's an American thing but I am quite used to judging athletes on skill and not personality. In fact you have to ignore that part mostly. Maybe because so many here are just terrible people In terms of skill I think Vettel is quite up there, and has shown it from the start. |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: February 23 2011 at 18:32
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I don't know. Put Vettel in a worse car and how well would he do? Put Chandok in a RBR and how well would he do? Maybe not as well as Vettel but I suspect he'd be top-5. It'll be interesting to see how Schumacher does this year. Is the Mercedes better? -------------
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Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: February 24 2011 at 01:11
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Wutevs man, I'm letting it go because I don't care for a debate right now. Also I assume you know that what you said can be said of most drivers. Can only drive outside your cars ability so much, regardless of talent. Exceptions being Schumi, Senna and probably a few others that were just inhuman. Speaking of Schumi that should be interesting. Again we get no F1 news here so I havn't a clue if the car is any better. But I have to assume he'll at least have a better season now that he's back in the groove. See if he can get some podiums and even any wins. Highly doubtful he's any threat for the title. |
Posted By: harmonium.ro
Date Posted: February 24 2011 at 01:39
Senna wasn't that kind of inhumanly good competitor like we've seen recently in several sports (like Schumacher or Federer especially), and that's why I liked him so much. He even lost to Nigel Mansel, and that will remain my favourite F1 season ever! 
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Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: February 24 2011 at 02:29
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Perhaps not, but still one the greatest drivers. Especially with what he did on street circuits and wet conditions. Oh and credit to Mansel man. He may have been the least of the "Big 4" of that decade but was still a fine driver! |
Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: February 24 2011 at 09:09
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Senna came to prominence in a time when there where 3 other superstar drivers to contend with (Mansel, Piquet and Prost). When Mansel moved to IndyCar in 93, Senna actually warned Fittipaldi to watch out for his extreme levels of car controle. Schumacher had the misfortune that in his best years came when only Hakkinen was a credible threat (Viellneuve and Hill might have been very good drivers, but neither could be listed amongst the all time greats) to his position of F1's best driver. When Kimi and Alonso began to come into their own, I think Schumi may already have been past his best. I think we currently have the strongest grid ever assembled at least since the mid 80's, with Hamilton, Alonso, Vettel, Button, Schumacher, Webber, Massa, Rosberg, Kubica (when he gets back) all top line drivers, and only when you get to HRT are there any question marks over whether the drivers belong in F1.
As for Mercedes, their car looks much better than last years, as does Renaults, but not as good as the Ferrari and Red Bull from testing. Lots of question marks on the new McLaren though. Its very radicul and the exhaust design seems to be giving them a lot of reliability problems. ------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: February 25 2011 at 14:57
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No doubt, this current field is great. Part of the reason there's been so many great years. Awesome field packed with young talent. And agreed about Schumi. Talent is undeniable but he always had a one sided team (Rubino was probably his closest challenge from a teammate!) and he never did have another great driver to challenge him. Only Mika could go head to head with him and win. Maybe Kimi or Alonso but he was a bit older then. Rosberg has shown some great improvement the last 2 seasons. I had to think about that for a sec since I'm used to him sucking |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: February 25 2011 at 22:04
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I think Rosberg looks better because Schumacher has declined in ability. He has improved though. My mate who's a big F1 fan is curious as to why McLaren quite openly displayed their new car. He thinks their new and innovative front wing may have been a fake. Why would they just show it openly if it's a unique design? Teams usually like to keep their innovations more hidden pre-season. -------------
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Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 06:58
First off, the front wing that McLaren have run so far this year is almost identical to the one they ran at the end of 2010, I think it might even be the 2010 wing the changes are so small in detail. Second, the radical sidepod design of the McLaren is not something that can just be hidden because of the packaging (radiator, exhaust, electronics, KERS, fuel tank) and crash test requirments involved. Also, the exhaust on the launch car were fake, something the team where happy to tell everyone, and even now, the design and placement of the exhaust makes it very difficult to see the detail of what they've done, though this is more by accident than design. It should also be pointed out that McLaren opted for a late launch of their car deliberatly to stop people getting a look at everything. Last year everybody knew about the F duct by the end of the first day of testing and began working on their own, something that annoyed McLaren quite a bit as they were hopping it was going to be their ace in the hole.
McLarens car is such a big depparture from the last years that they need to get it out on track in testing as much as possible to make sure its all working. Reports are that the exhaust problem is causing a lot of reliability problems (its blowing hot gasses onto an area of body work that doesnt get much airflow and they're getting a lot of heat problems) and the car seems to be very difficult to set up and balance. Of course, we've got one test left and every team is going to be putting on their big update pakage, which to some extent wil make what we've all learned from testing so far redundant. ------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 08:35
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That's fair enough, Andy. As I said, it's not my own thoughts. I couldn't care less what McLaren do, as I'm not their No. 1 fan. He may have been referring to the exhausts but I'm sure it was the front wing. I must say, I had a look at photographs from last year and of the new car this year and the wings do look very similar. One of the constructors has a car that looks like an enlarged Formula 3 car. It looks weird! -------------
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Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 15:34
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Cant say I've seen any that I would describe as looking like an F3 car, they're all getting closer to the Red Bull in looks. ------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: February 28 2011 at 18:29
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I think I was looking at last years, or a modified last years Virgin. The new one doesn't quite look so ugly. I was mostly referring to the nose shape and the straight bit behind the cockpit. It's different now on the new car. -------------
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Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: March 01 2011 at 07:30
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I actually quite like the look of the Virgin, its still going to be one of the slowest cars out there though , and I doubt that will ever change for them. ------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: March 01 2011 at 07:49
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I think I read that they didn't use a wind tunnel to design it. So it'll be interesting to see how it goes. And surely it'll be better than the Lotus (and I mean Lotus, not Red Bull Lotus, or whatever they're called now).
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Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: March 02 2011 at 13:13
------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: March 02 2011 at 18:13
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Wow, Rubens is still going to be around for this season? My prediction stands true!  Rubino will be the 2011 Champion. Yeah, I'm calling it now. |
Posted By: CCVP
Date Posted: March 02 2011 at 18:21
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Protip: it is RubinHo. Also, You should stop bumping this thread. Everytime I see its title I think about pron. -------------   
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Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: March 02 2011 at 18:30
.....you like some weird ass pron man And like I said, I'm making a bold claim. Rubens for 2011 champ, winning all 19 races. Ya heard me. And I feel bad for the guy. Known as Schumi's lackie and the shame of Brazil? Number two is the best he could ever hope to get anyway... Besides whenever Ferrari was going at full steam you couldn't touch em. Why be a team leader and get #3 when you can chillax and always sweep up #2! |
Posted By: CCVP
Date Posted: March 02 2011 at 18:38
I wouldn't call him the shame of the country anymore, I ain't so pissed @ the guy right now, but yeah, he is pretty much the equivalent of would have / could have been around these parts and his name is usually associated with being bad at something, despite the fact that he is a very technical and competent pilot. It is a real shame that he was @ Ferrarri when the kraut was there, but, you know, I always suspected Shummy wasn't that good and last year everybody could see that he is pretty sh*t without the best car ever created for F1, so I started hating him more than Barrichelo. And for your information, watersports isn't weird, mkay, qm. -------------
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Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: March 02 2011 at 18:43
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Well I did say when Ferrari was going at full steam you couldn't touch em.... And as I said in shred, Schumi's old days show his real skill. When he drove that Benneton to great success, far outpacing his various teammates (which at one point included JJ Lehto). And I remember the race when his car got stuck in second gear, and altered his driving style to preserve it and held onto a podium. Also he drove as quick as needed, every race he rode around just enough then when they said "Michael pit stop in 5, pull out 22 seconds" he always did. Also look at his success in 05 when Ferrari was weak, when compared to Rubens. As for 2010 whadya expect? 3 years out and onto a not so good team? And yes Rubens was a good driver. Doubt he would've ever gotten the success he had if it wasn't for Ferrari but a good driver nonetheless. |
Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: March 02 2011 at 18:47
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Oh and as for Schumi and his......championship deciding collisions.... Racing is racing. I believe Senna once purposely crashed Prost, thus keeping his points lead safe. |
Posted By: CCVP
Date Posted: March 02 2011 at 18:49
You know, if you said this here in BR 10 years ago you would be beaten to death. -------------
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Posted By: The Neck Romancer
Date Posted: March 02 2011 at 18:52
10 years ago? My uncle would kill him right now. ------------- 
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Posted By: CCVP
Date Posted: March 02 2011 at 18:57
Same with my father, but, you know, the mass histeria has passed. Besides, Brazil is a much less wild country nowadays. -------------
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Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: March 02 2011 at 19:30
Well good thing its not Brazil 10 years ago! And not a knock on him. As I said, Senna is one of the top 5 drivers of all time. But it is what he is, he did exactly that... This is racing, not high society tea drinking! So I lol a bit when people hate on Schumi for doing the same thing. I'll admit twice was a bit ballsy of him though And Prost may have been great but sounds like an ass. |
Posted By: harmonium.ro
Date Posted: March 02 2011 at 19:33
Prost means "stupid" in Romanian. I never saw the guy racing, but I suspect I would have never rooted for him 
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Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: March 02 2011 at 19:40
haha! That is great! And of course I never saw him live, but from all I've read, well he left the team pretty much so he wouldn't have to be with Senna anymore. When he did come back, he had a clause in his contract saying Senna could not be his team mate so he was stuck on a lesser team. Just sounds like a whiny, ya know. |
Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: March 04 2011 at 08:11
McLaren and Honda where openly favouring Senna by the end of 89 (the Honda motorsport boss even told Prost that they were giving Senna a higher spec of engine for qualy) with title deciding collisions between them at Suzuka in 89 and 90. The fact that they almost ended up hating each other for a few years is not a surprise when seen in that light, they were by far the best two drivers of the era and theirs no way their personalities would have let them get on. The irony is that after Prost retired for 94 there was signs that they might have become friends.
Anyone seen the new Senna documentory, from what I've heard and the clips I've seen its looks brilliant? ------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: March 04 2011 at 08:18
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I am curious though: do Webber and Vettel get on? They seem complete opposites. I guess they do if they're having another season as Team Mates.
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Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: March 04 2011 at 08:28
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I think the way Webber put it was that they work together well enough, but they'll never be mates. The problem in that team is that some of the Austrian contingent are pro Vettel and would rather see Webber subserviant to him. Christian Horner, the team boss, doesnt agree and Deitrich Mataschits (RB owner) only cares that a Red Bull wins. ------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: March 04 2011 at 14:08
Oh wow didn't even know all that. I just figured they were the 2 best and as you said, competition just got too heated and became hatred. Indeed, they would've probably hated each other anyway. I always read that in 94 Senna did reach out to Prost and they were giving up the past tension. In terms of heart wrenching its up there with Senna carrying the Austrian flag in honor of Ratzinberger. What a horrid race weekend |
Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: March 04 2011 at 14:08
I also believe that's more or less the situation. |
Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: March 08 2011 at 03:28
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Bump I am very glad to see that the USGP is slated to be back on the Calender in 2012!  Remember hearing rumors that a track would be built in New York (which of course had me greatly excited) but it appears they are doing it in Texas...... Whatever, I've always wanted to go and now I have the means (money and car) to do so. The track looks cool, different and typical Tilke has a ton thrown in it. Long sweeping straights, varied corners. We'll see. On that note: Shame to see still no French GP. Granted Magny Cours was abysmal.... A few years ago I came up with a 20 race schedule (now not so ridiculous) that had certain GP's alternating tracks, and European GP that would be in a different location every year. This allowed traditional European Races, expansion for future, the USGP and a way to still visit some classic tracks all within a 20 race schedule. I wanna be head of the FIA! |
Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: March 08 2011 at 09:49
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^The Austin track looks good, especially since they're building it in a place that has hills, so it wont be flat.
I dont know why Bernie doesnt just have the Paul Ricard circuit sorted for racing again, it would be an excellent venue for the French GP. I guess he couldnt squeez the $$$ out of it since he owns the track. ------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: March 08 2011 at 12:35
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Can you take Matt with you, Brian? Thanks. -------------
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Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: March 08 2011 at 13:12
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Damn Sleeper, need to listen to TPC now And yes, quite hilly. Also the overall height difference over the track is supposedly going to be the third greatest only behind Suzuka and Spa!
He always seems game to do things, is just stuck there. But if I'm driving all the way to Texas why the hell not get him? |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: March 08 2011 at 13:14
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Exactly but I fear he won't be able to afford it.
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Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: March 08 2011 at 13:24
I probably won't be able to  I remember a long time ago, when they went to Indy, asking and people said it'd be $100 at least. Plus gas (alot) and I guess somewhere to stay. oi.... |
Posted By: rushfan4
Date Posted: March 08 2011 at 13:26
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They used to run a Grand Prix in downtown Detroit every year, but that ended a number of years ago. I never made it to any of those races. ------------- 
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Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: March 08 2011 at 13:29
That they did. Do you enjoy racing? If not probably for the best you didn't Just wiki'd it, looked like a decent track actually. |
Posted By: rushfan4
Date Posted: March 08 2011 at 13:35
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I'm not a big fan of racing, but I'll watch a few laps of NASCAR or various Indy Car races from time to time, when flipping through the channels. I can only remember going to one race in my lifetime, and it was while we were on vacation in Vermont. We drove over to a track in New Hampshire and watched a race. I think it was just a local race track, nothing like NASCAR or Indy. It was fun, but I remember that it was really loud too. -------------
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Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: March 08 2011 at 13:39
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Ah there ya go. Also, instead of building a new track...could just use the Long Beach Circuit? Its already used for open wheel racing so I know its fine. |
Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: March 08 2011 at 14:33
------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: March 08 2011 at 14:36
------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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Posted By: rushfan4
Date Posted: March 08 2011 at 14:38
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Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: March 08 2011 at 14:40
Figured it was that. I want to know what F1 standards are. It seems to be the death of a lot of acceptable tracks. I know they are strict but wow... Also I know Senna was beloved but seeing some conspiracy comments on the internet about it is insane Oh and yes, 1982 to 1988 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit_Grand_Prix" rel="nofollow - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit_Grand_Prix |
Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: March 09 2011 at 09:09
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Final spot on the grid at HRT has gone to Tonio Liuzzi. ------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: March 13 2011 at 05:11
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Sooo Petrov and Kubica were both on Renault. Kubica was obviously the number one driver, he then has terrible accident. And Petrov is Russian.....while Robert is Polish.... Not implying anything. I'm sure Vitaly has no idea where the break lines on a rally car is anyway! *looks nervously* |
Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: March 13 2011 at 07:08
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Oh and speaking of Hispania... How has their offseason been? Just saw an article (a bit old though) that due to a shortage with parts it was expected they may not even log a lap before the first GP. I hope they managed to get some practice in! Imagine 0 testing over the whole off season then having to start the year! |
Posted By: toroddfuglesteg
Date Posted: March 13 2011 at 07:32
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Hispania......... They claim some suspension bits were stucked in the toll customs. B******* !!! I did not know there was a toll custom border between United Kingdom and Spain. The new Schengen deal and the European Union has done away with toll customs many, many years ago. The far too many excuses Hispania has come up with since the end of the 2010 season is feeble and frankly unworthy of the F1 world. I would have had sympathy with them if they had been honest. But open dishonesty does not win many friends. I also have my serious doubts about the signing of the rather painfully slow Narain Karthikeyan. He did not impress in his year in Jordan six years ago and did not set the world on fire in any other series either. I think the 107 % rule will expose him and the team pretty badly with some no-shows at the first races.
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Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: March 13 2011 at 17:48
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^I remember him being quite quick, but his learning curve flat lined pretty early on at Jordan. As for going to the first race without testing, well they should be used to it now after last year. Though Geoff Willis is a good designer, I still see them struggling with the 107% rule, and thats both drivers. ------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: March 14 2011 at 04:59
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Ah, forgot they were installing the 107% rule again. Well, if any team will struggle with it I am sure it'll be Hispania... I did not know they went the 2010 offseason without logging any laps either. Jeez..... As for Narain, I think every F1 driver is quick. At that level I am sure you have to be good. Of course you may still be slow relatively....and if you can't keep up then you just can't. Equipment and the mental ability to handle it then come into play. But yeah, if HRT wasn't bad enough I can't say the lineup of Karthikayen and Liuzzi really impresses me. A 34 year old driver with one year experience, and has been out of the sport for 5 years, and managed one point finish which was at the 05 USGP....and Liuzzi as a teammate. That is not exactly a big help for the team. |
Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: March 14 2011 at 10:23
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The first laps they did last year were in qualy at Bahrain, they couldnt even do practice the car was so unreliable. Its actually amazing that Senna made it to lap 17 in that race. For referance, Ferrari have done 120+ laps every day during testing with the new car.
------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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Posted By: toroddfuglesteg
Date Posted: March 14 2011 at 13:50
| I would not be happy if I was involved in Virgin too. Their car seems to be a dog and they have been hopeless off the pace so far. I believe they too will get problems with that 107 % rule. |
Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: March 14 2011 at 16:25
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Well let's face it...you don't really wanna be on any of the lower teams Yeah we know how much work teams put in for F1. It boggle my mind that a team can have zero offseason practice and just show up for the GP... |
Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: March 14 2011 at 18:06
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Virgin will be fine, by all accounts they've made an improvement over last year, but nowhere near as much as Lotus have, which is unsurprising.
------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: March 14 2011 at 19:19
| I have no idea how off season testing goes, but in terms of season production Force India seems to have made improvements over the years. |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: March 14 2011 at 19:37
Unless you're Luca Badoer. -------------
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Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: March 14 2011 at 22:53
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hehe ohyouuuuu But really, how else can you make it that far? Also taking a quick look at wiki..look at the teams he was on: Lola, Minardi and Forti (!? what?) then 2 races with Ferrari in 09 That is one sad career to have |
Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: March 15 2011 at 08:10
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^He was a brilliant test driver but a bit lacking in racing.
------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: March 15 2011 at 10:43
Could be, as I said I think every F1 driver has skill but do they have enough for race day? Or maybe just that something it takes. Reminds me of Marc Gene who seems to be a perpetual test driver. |
Posted By: toroddfuglesteg
Date Posted: March 15 2011 at 11:48
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He was excellent in Formula 3000 and equally excellent with the awful Lola that Scudera Italia used in 1993 before they folded after the European races. Luca outqualified and outraced Michele Alboreto most times. He was also clearly faster than Andrea Montermini. Montermini has a very good reputation. Luca was very unlucky to not finish in the points in the Euro 1999 race for Minardi too (where Marc Gene scored one point). But ten years as a test driver and return to an undriveable Ferrari (which the other drivers also struggled with) he had not tested properly in 2009 will be what he is sadly remembered for. I think that is deeply unfair towards this softly spoken gentleman. |
Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: March 15 2011 at 12:17
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Yeah look at Schumi, (regardless of feeling toward one of the best drivers ever in F1) 3 years out and on a new team and he only did alright. Imagine 10 years out of the sport, not to mention starting on a track you've never raced and in a top seat (way more than he'd be used to). It's amazing he didn't crash out! I believe Hamilton echoed the sentiment. |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: March 15 2011 at 12:42
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But didn't Fisichella come in and win in the same car? Admittedly he been driving all year but still...
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Posted By: toroddfuglesteg
Date Posted: March 15 2011 at 12:45
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Nope. He was far of the pace in that far from good car. And that after ten + races in a rather good Force India car. But his Ferrari races was his worst of the season. |
Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: March 15 2011 at 14:03
Nope. He got a second place finish, with Force India! After that he was given the seat at Ferrari. He didn't score a single point with them. Though I always remember hearing he always wanted to drive for Ferrari so at the very least he got his dream! Edit: The race after his podium, Adrian Sutil scored a 4th place finish, and got fastest lap, also in Force India. They also scored more consistently in 2010. If they continue improving, they may be a decent ride this season! |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: March 15 2011 at 15:20
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Ah, that's right. My memory is shot. He got a second in Force India and then moved to Ferrari and did terribly.
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Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: March 15 2011 at 18:34
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To be fair to Badoer, what did him in was the testing ban. The KERS made the car very difficult to drive and as he hadnt touched it in more than 6 months, he was always going to struggle. I remember that race at the Nurburgring that Johnny Herbert won for Stewart, I dont blame Luca from crying after the car failed when in 4th (ahead of both Ferrari's and Hakkinens McLaren)! ------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: March 15 2011 at 18:39
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Anyway, Sebring 12 Hours this weekend and the start of the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup, a world championship in all but name, though there's only a manufacturers title. My money is on Peugeot and their new 908 winning, though I hate that they've kept the name as its completely different to the old car. Audi is racing a revised version of the R15+ as the R18 isnt ready yet, and Aston wont be racing the AMR-One (not to be confused with the old AMR-1 Group C car of '88) as its also not really ready. The GTs should be fun with Ferrari vs BMW vs Porsche vs Chevrolette with a Jag at the back and a new Panoz along latter this year. ------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: March 15 2011 at 23:31
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Ah 12 hours of Sebring. Excellent, been a long while since I've watched some sports car racing. |
Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: March 16 2011 at 17:25
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To be honest you'll get a better racing from LMS round one at Paul Ricard since it'll be new Aston vs new Peugeot vs new Audi. Sebring is still quite a spectacle though.
------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: March 16 2011 at 17:29
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Also it's just a classic. Besides, I like the Sebring track. We're 99% sure the NFL is going to have a lockout this season so I may have to watch NASCAR for the first time in years! Also up my Indy and sports car racing. |
Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: March 16 2011 at 17:50
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Have you seen what Indy are doing for the season final, $5mil for any outsider that comes in and wins the race. Apparently former world rally champion Petter Solberg is considering it.
------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: March 17 2011 at 05:12
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Ah I remember Solberg! Was the WRC champ in 03, first year I started watching it! And last time some French guy didn't win it. I did not hear about that. An interesting attempt to grab some attention I suppose. Would be something if it actually happened. Not sure how many would bother but $5 mil is pretty good, and of course racing pride. I'd hope a few people would give it a stab. |
Posted By: toroddfuglesteg
Date Posted: March 17 2011 at 06:35
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This $5 mill prize offer is a true piece of genious PR from the managing director of the Indycar series; Randy Bernhard. Before the prize was offered; hardly anyone was talking about the Indycar series which was dying on it's feet (make that; wheels). Now, everyone is talking about Indycars. The fun thing is that it will not cost the series a single penny, this $ 5 million thingy. An insurance company is picking up the bill. It is a win win situation for the Indycar series. Even Jackie Stewart has been mentioned now as a participant in this max 30 cars field in Las Vegas. If more than 30 cars (there are already 26 regular entries in the Indycar series); there will be qualifying. A sure bet is that many of the prize hunters, with no preparations for the race or even driving on an 1.5 miles oval, will not qualify for the race. Hence; this is one of the best marketing stunts I have ever seen in my long life. |
Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: March 17 2011 at 16:22
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Oh this is superb marketing. Even here in the states indy racing was not very big. Outside the Indy 500 can't say I knew anyone that really watched it. Except for the occasional race. The popularity of Indy was in decline thanks to NASCAR which really boomed during the 90's and the Indy/Cart split really killed the series. I know it's unified again but it never recovered. Anyway to get interest back is awesome! But this is indeed just a stunt. Wish it was more popular. I would love a North American open wheel series (a popular one of course). Hell, all the America's! Outside of Brazil, F1 seems to have few regulars from this side of the Atlantic. And there are some great tracks here. I still would love to see open wheel cars racing at LaGuna Seca, Sebring (though that track may destroy them!) Road Atlanta, the classic Watkins Glen. Ah! Just so many great tracks. |
Posted By: toroddfuglesteg
Date Posted: March 17 2011 at 16:36
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I have to admit I really like the US motorracing scene. In particular NASCAR. The France's family's (the owner of NASCAR) success is very simple: The customer is the king. That means they offers excellent track facilities which caters for the whole family, customer orientated racing drivers (signing autographs and speaking with the paying punters is in their race driver contracts) and thorough good entertainment. In Europe, the customers are treated badly, the track facilities are non excistent, the racing drivers are not approachable and the entertainment are pretty poor. The race goers are mainly single males who still lives with their mums. Bill France and his family has got NASCAR just right. |
Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: March 17 2011 at 16:59
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It is true, NASCAR has a rep of being the most fan friendly sport, and it really is. I'm sure it started as good ol boy Southern Hospitality and now it's more a business model, but regardless you are right, it is a HUGE success. I remember the F1 commentators being so amazed when they went to Indy because anyone could go on the track and see the facilities. Hell, when dad and I went to NASCAR we'd get the pit pass, you could walk the pit lane, see everything! They gave rides in the pace car around the track, and the facilities are great and the teams are as well. Right to the moment we have to leave the track drivers will be around signing autographs, you can chat with the teams. I remember once sitting down for a while on pit wall and the pit crew (of Sterling Marlin's team) took a break I guess. They were sitting right next to me. I was scared to, but tried talking to them and they had no problem with it, ( I was probably 13 at the time). France family may have a dictatorial hold on NASCAR but it works damn well. |
Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: March 17 2011 at 17:00
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^The attention paid to the fans is exceptional, but the racing is terrible and has a reputation for blatent cheaters and being contrived, which is why its American only. ------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: March 17 2011 at 17:01
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Oh and despite the jokes, including from many here, NASCAR is interesting stuff. Varies depending on track but the racing is really fun to watch. I've turned a few people onto nascar by telling them to actually watch the racing, look at strategy and all the little things. And in terms of flat out excitement, there's more than F1. Remember one race that had 50+ lead changes, and that was at the line. I think there were 20 some more unofficial! |