| cdvma | 06-02-2007 11:29 PM |
[QUOTE=parker/slc/gc8fan;18265246]AFIK They sponsor F1, not Honda.
F1 sponsors the teams (travel reimbursments, etc.). And requires the teams run the sticker. Just like that Marelli sticker (Required ECU of F1)[/QUOTE]
Right they sponsor F1 but Honda does get benefit from that...which means the money they get from Bridgestone as a waterfall effect is still, IIRC, the largest sponsorship Honda gets.
I will concede that its gray area to call them "Honda sponsors" but I think you know what I mean.
F1 sponsors the teams (travel reimbursments, etc.). And requires the teams run the sticker. Just like that Marelli sticker (Required ECU of F1)[/QUOTE]
Right they sponsor F1 but Honda does get benefit from that...which means the money they get from Bridgestone as a waterfall effect is still, IIRC, the largest sponsorship Honda gets.
I will concede that its gray area to call them "Honda sponsors" but I think you know what I mean.
| parker/slc/gc8fan | 06-10-2007 07:14 PM |
Yeah, but if that is the argment I'd say formula one is a bigger sponsor. Since they provide money for travel and distribute some of the T.V. money.
OK, so, after Canada and Lews' first win. He is now in the points lead by 8 over his teamate and 15 over Phil Massa (as Sr. Hobbes is calling him).
Can we say that Lewis is the nubmer one Driver? I know Mclaren has no real record of doing this, but. In the first few races Fernando had his choice of fuel strategy. Does Lewis now deserve/get this team favor?
Can he pull out the championship? I think the better question is can he beat his teamate.
What position does Lewis finish in the championship? It's obvious he's allready a contender.
I'm rooting for him.
OK, so, after Canada and Lews' first win. He is now in the points lead by 8 over his teamate and 15 over Phil Massa (as Sr. Hobbes is calling him).
Can we say that Lewis is the nubmer one Driver? I know Mclaren has no real record of doing this, but. In the first few races Fernando had his choice of fuel strategy. Does Lewis now deserve/get this team favor?
Can he pull out the championship? I think the better question is can he beat his teamate.
What position does Lewis finish in the championship? It's obvious he's allready a contender.
I'm rooting for him.
| cdvma | 06-10-2007 08:26 PM |
I wouldn't go as far as say he is now the McLaren #1 driver but he certainly does have their respect. I think if it came down to it in a certain race, the team would make an on the fly choice to benefit the team the most.
The championship? I certainly think he is capable and has a team that will let him do it if he earns it. This is tricky if Fernando is also in the running and it ties back into your first question. Its a complicated answer. He can beat his teammate.
If he keeps this up, I'd definitely put him in the top 3.
The championship? I certainly think he is capable and has a team that will let him do it if he earns it. This is tricky if Fernando is also in the running and it ties back into your first question. Its a complicated answer. He can beat his teammate.
If he keeps this up, I'd definitely put him in the top 3.
| mrbigisbudgood | 06-10-2007 09:32 PM |
[QUOTE=parker/slc/gc8fan;18353552]Yeah, but if that is the argment I'd say formula one is a bigger sponsor. Since they provide money for travel and distribute some of the T.V. money.
OK, so, after Canada and Lews' first win. He is now in the points lead by 8 over his teamate and 15 over Phil Massa (as Sr. Hobbes is calling him).
Can we say that Lewis is the nubmer one Driver? I know Mclaren has no real record of doing this, but. In the first few races Fernando had his choice of fuel strategy. Does Lewis now deserve/get this team favor?
Can he pull out the championship? I think the better question is can he beat his teamate.
What position does Lewis finish in the championship? It's obvious he's allready a contender.
I'm rooting for him.[/QUOTE]
McLaren isn't going to put Fernando in a yellow helmet, that's for sure. Does McLaren give the rookie strategy over the World Champ? Will the Ferraris, the dominant car at Indy, take Indy 1 2? Will Kimi have upgraded software for Indy? Will Fernando start running M&S tires with his new race line strategy? Will Spyker finish a race? Will Takuma get a podium this year? Good Lord this is a good season of F1.
That said.....who's going to Indy? I am. :disco:
OK, so, after Canada and Lews' first win. He is now in the points lead by 8 over his teamate and 15 over Phil Massa (as Sr. Hobbes is calling him).
Can we say that Lewis is the nubmer one Driver? I know Mclaren has no real record of doing this, but. In the first few races Fernando had his choice of fuel strategy. Does Lewis now deserve/get this team favor?
Can he pull out the championship? I think the better question is can he beat his teamate.
What position does Lewis finish in the championship? It's obvious he's allready a contender.
I'm rooting for him.[/QUOTE]
McLaren isn't going to put Fernando in a yellow helmet, that's for sure. Does McLaren give the rookie strategy over the World Champ? Will the Ferraris, the dominant car at Indy, take Indy 1 2? Will Kimi have upgraded software for Indy? Will Fernando start running M&S tires with his new race line strategy? Will Spyker finish a race? Will Takuma get a podium this year? Good Lord this is a good season of F1.
That said.....who's going to Indy? I am. :disco:
| OnTheGas | 06-10-2007 09:34 PM |
Fuel strategy decisions @ McLaren
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[QUOTE=parker/slc/gc8fan;18353552]...In the first few races Fernando had his choice of fuel strategy...[/QUOTE]Really? How do we know that is true?
Who decides the fuel strategies for the two cars at McLaren?
Who decides the fuel strategies for the two cars at McLaren?
| wvallwheeldrive | 06-10-2007 09:36 PM |
Macca allowes who ever qualifes better to choose there stratigy first
| parker/slc/gc8fan | 06-10-2007 10:13 PM |
[QUOTE=OnTheGas;18354621]Really? How do we know that is true?
[/QUOTE]
It may not be completely true, especially of the opener. But, Alonso has mentioned this in post race interview on T.V. (Sometimes quali, sometimes after the race)
That being said, the question isn't really affected by The honesty of that statement.
Would you hire the world champ and then make him think he is number two to a rookie? Sounds like a great way of risking morale and confidence of the team.
[/QUOTE]
It may not be completely true, especially of the opener. But, Alonso has mentioned this in post race interview on T.V. (Sometimes quali, sometimes after the race)
That being said, the question isn't really affected by The honesty of that statement.
Would you hire the world champ and then make him think he is number two to a rookie? Sounds like a great way of risking morale and confidence of the team.
| OnTheGas | 06-11-2007 12:01 AM |
McLaren fuel strategies
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[QUOTE=wvallwheeldrive;18354643]Macca allowes who ever qualifies better to choose there strategy first[/QUOTE]OK, thanks! So whoever is fastest in either q1, or q2, has their choice of strategy going into q3... is that correct?
Which means the drivers and their engineers both estimate what they think would be the optimum strategy, and then they calculate what would be the best alternate strategies. The engineers would need to know both drivers' optimum strategy prior to the q1 session, since there is not enough time to calculate that between q2 & q3.
So then it would be an open system, with no favorites. Very good!
thanks! :)
Which means the drivers and their engineers both estimate what they think would be the optimum strategy, and then they calculate what would be the best alternate strategies. The engineers would need to know both drivers' optimum strategy prior to the q1 session, since there is not enough time to calculate that between q2 & q3.
So then it would be an open system, with no favorites. Very good!
thanks! :)
| nKoan | 06-11-2007 12:32 AM |
Well, kinda.
Whoever finishes higher in q3 gets final choice in strategy. You are right, they have to decide on starting loads before q3, but there is more to strategy than just starting fuel loads. If both drivers pick a load that would put them in on the same lap, the higher qualified driver chooses if they want to come in first or second and the lower qualified driver has to choose a strategy around the first.
Whoever finishes higher in q3 gets final choice in strategy. You are right, they have to decide on starting loads before q3, but there is more to strategy than just starting fuel loads. If both drivers pick a load that would put them in on the same lap, the higher qualified driver chooses if they want to come in first or second and the lower qualified driver has to choose a strategy around the first.
| OnTheGas | 06-11-2007 12:42 AM |
Oh OK! I didn't realize they were qualifying with the same amount of fuel on board in q3.
So then it must be a joint effort by both drivers, their engineers, and team leaders to calculate the best fuel / tire strategies for both cars prior to the qualifying sessions. Then they load the cars up in q3 w/the same amount of fuel, and the drivers fight for it on the track.
Got it! Thanks!
So then it must be a joint effort by both drivers, their engineers, and team leaders to calculate the best fuel / tire strategies for both cars prior to the qualifying sessions. Then they load the cars up in q3 w/the same amount of fuel, and the drivers fight for it on the track.
Got it! Thanks!
| nKoan | 06-11-2007 01:20 AM |
Actually, they don't necessarily start with the same fuel loads. I was just saying its a possibility.
The two drivers (and their respective head engineers) will be constantly changing their strategy throughout qualifying depending on how they think they will qualify. Whoever finishes higher gets first choice at strategy, but if there is no conflict than the second driver can run their optimal strategy as well. If there is a conflict, it is the lower placing drivers prerogative to change his strategy, not the higher placing driver.
Also, this is only how McClaren says they run it. Other teams may do it differently, but I assume its similar or they just give their number one first choice at strategy no matter what.
The two drivers (and their respective head engineers) will be constantly changing their strategy throughout qualifying depending on how they think they will qualify. Whoever finishes higher gets first choice at strategy, but if there is no conflict than the second driver can run their optimal strategy as well. If there is a conflict, it is the lower placing drivers prerogative to change his strategy, not the higher placing driver.
Also, this is only how McClaren says they run it. Other teams may do it differently, but I assume its similar or they just give their number one first choice at strategy no matter what.
| KAX | 06-11-2007 02:10 AM |
seems silly to run the risk of one of your drivers having to run a less then optimum strategy. id think they'd want to decide that before qualifying to select the fuel loads.
but thats why I am here and Ron Dennis is the head of McLaren.
but thats why I am here and Ron Dennis is the head of McLaren.
| OnTheGas | 06-11-2007 04:14 PM |
Which McLaren driver gets first choice of strategy?
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[QUOTE=nKoan;18356548]Actually, they don't necessarily start with the same fuel loads. I was just saying its a possibility.[/QUOTE]The reason I concluded the mac drivers start on the same fuel load in q3, is because you said, "Whoever finishes higher in q3 gets final choice in strategy."
So, if McLaren is waiting to see who is faster in q3 to determine priority over conflicting race strategies, it would make sense to have each driver head out with equal amounts of fuel, to make it a fair fight.
But I would be surprised if the drivers start q3 on the same fuel load, since it would mean that the first driver to pit will have ran the first stint with a weight penalty of extra fuel.
Since there is very little time between q2 & q3, to make careful, analytical decisions, I assume that these decisions on tire and fuel strategies are made prior to q1, but are adjusted slightly as needed prior to q3, to compensate either for, surprises seen in the lap / sector times of the competition during q1 & q2, or if one driver's strategy conflicts with his team-mate's. If the strategies of team-mates conflict, I assume priority is given to the driver who turns the fastest empty tank lap (in either q1 or q2).
If my understanding is incorrect, let me know.
So, if McLaren is waiting to see who is faster in q3 to determine priority over conflicting race strategies, it would make sense to have each driver head out with equal amounts of fuel, to make it a fair fight.
But I would be surprised if the drivers start q3 on the same fuel load, since it would mean that the first driver to pit will have ran the first stint with a weight penalty of extra fuel.
Since there is very little time between q2 & q3, to make careful, analytical decisions, I assume that these decisions on tire and fuel strategies are made prior to q1, but are adjusted slightly as needed prior to q3, to compensate either for, surprises seen in the lap / sector times of the competition during q1 & q2, or if one driver's strategy conflicts with his team-mate's. If the strategies of team-mates conflict, I assume priority is given to the driver who turns the fastest empty tank lap (in either q1 or q2).
If my understanding is incorrect, let me know.
| nKoan | 06-11-2007 07:28 PM |
First off, I want to say I'm only going off what I've gleaned from reading articles and watching the races. I don't think anyone definitively knows the exact workings of inter-team politics and strategy choosing outside of that team. Ron Dennis has said nothing about giving priority before Q3, only after. Maybe the running order falls that early, maybe not. Ron's statement was probably less of an insight into their actual strategy making process, and more a statement that he doesn't favor one driver over the other.
I think your reasoning is sound, but there are too many what if's to say whether that is exactly how they do it or not. In my opinion, there is no need for them to start Q3 on the same fuel loads, but they could. Its up to the driver and their engineers to chose their strategy. Most likely they chose the main strategy before Q1 starts (and probably before even showing up to the track) and then they change it as necessary.
I do disagree with one of your assumptions. You are saying there is not enough time to make analytical decisions between the qualifying sessions. These strategies are probably very complex and have hundreds of variables and contingencies. The engineers are probably massaging the strategy constantly [i]during[/i] qualifying. The amount of time between sessions is irrelevant because they are constantly thinking about it regardless of how much time is left. With the amount of data the teams collect throughout the weekend, and the natural instincts they have developed, the strategy is constantly changing up until they are forced to make a decision. One decision to make is fuel loads and that has to be made before Q3. But, thats only one decision in thousands.
In all honesty, I doubt this is ever a real big problem. I brought up the idea of them starting with the same fuel loads to bring an example of a potential conflict. If they start with the same loads, in theory they would optimally come in on the same lap. This is a potential conflict. So basically, what McClaren are saying is that the higher qualified driver can say "I want to come in on lap x" and he gets his way. If the lower qualified driver wanted to come in on the same lap, he now has to plan on staying out a little longer or come in a little earlier. Its really not the end of the world in normal race circumstances.
I think your reasoning is sound, but there are too many what if's to say whether that is exactly how they do it or not. In my opinion, there is no need for them to start Q3 on the same fuel loads, but they could. Its up to the driver and their engineers to chose their strategy. Most likely they chose the main strategy before Q1 starts (and probably before even showing up to the track) and then they change it as necessary.
I do disagree with one of your assumptions. You are saying there is not enough time to make analytical decisions between the qualifying sessions. These strategies are probably very complex and have hundreds of variables and contingencies. The engineers are probably massaging the strategy constantly [i]during[/i] qualifying. The amount of time between sessions is irrelevant because they are constantly thinking about it regardless of how much time is left. With the amount of data the teams collect throughout the weekend, and the natural instincts they have developed, the strategy is constantly changing up until they are forced to make a decision. One decision to make is fuel loads and that has to be made before Q3. But, thats only one decision in thousands.
In all honesty, I doubt this is ever a real big problem. I brought up the idea of them starting with the same fuel loads to bring an example of a potential conflict. If they start with the same loads, in theory they would optimally come in on the same lap. This is a potential conflict. So basically, what McClaren are saying is that the higher qualified driver can say "I want to come in on lap x" and he gets his way. If the lower qualified driver wanted to come in on the same lap, he now has to plan on staying out a little longer or come in a little earlier. Its really not the end of the world in normal race circumstances.
| Ferg | 06-12-2007 10:36 AM |
Old Guard set to stay...
[QUOTE]Veteran trio set to get new F1 deals
By Jonathan Noble Tuesday, June 12th 2007, 10:17 GMT
Formula One's oldguard of Rubens Barrichello, Giancarlo Fisichella and David Coulthard all look set to be re-signed for another season in the sport, autosport.com has learned.
The three men are the oldest on the grid but, despite the huge impression being made by young rookie Lewis Hamilton, the trio have impressed their bosses enough to be tipped to keep their jobs for 2008.
Barrichello has enjoyed a rejuvenation of form this year, despite the struggles that his Honda Racing team have faced.
The Brazilian has outqualified his teammate Jenson Button for the last four races, and is far more comfortable with the characteristics of this year's Bridgestone tyres than he was with the Michelins he had last season.
Despite the team evaluating Marco Andretti in testing, and having been approached by Nick Heidfeld's management, sources have revealed that Honda intend to retain Barrichello for another campaign.
It is suggested that an announcement could be made as soon as next month, with the team keen to ensure that their attempts to improve the car are not compromised by a lack of stability on the driver front.
When asked by autosport.com whether he was happy with his chances of staying with Honda next year, Barrichello said: "I am quite relaxed. I have a lot of speed in myself and I have no intention to stop, so there is no big deal."
Fisichella has also made improvements to his attitude and form this year, with many of his critics certain that this would be his last season in F1 over the winter after two disappointing campaigns alongside Fernando Alonso at Renault.
His team are understood to be impressed with the commitment that the Italian has made to helping the French car manufacturer resolve their current problems, and his chances of being retained have been boosted by Heikki Kovalainen's inconsistent form so far.
At Red Bull Racing, Coulthard is the oldest driver on the grid but team chiefs are believed to be happy with his continued speed, and especially like the experience he can bring to the improving team.
Coulthard has made no secret of the fact that he wants to stay on board for another campaign and, although formal discussions have not begun in earnest for 2008, sources have told autosport.com that both parties are keen for their partnership to continue.
The F1 driver market looks set to remain pretty stable into next season, with driver moves only likely to take place further down the grid.
Of the front-running teams, Ferrari and McLaren's current drivers are already contracted for next season, while BMW Sauber are almost certain to take up Nick Heidfeld's option in the next few months.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Veteran trio set to get new F1 deals
By Jonathan Noble Tuesday, June 12th 2007, 10:17 GMT
Formula One's oldguard of Rubens Barrichello, Giancarlo Fisichella and David Coulthard all look set to be re-signed for another season in the sport, autosport.com has learned.
The three men are the oldest on the grid but, despite the huge impression being made by young rookie Lewis Hamilton, the trio have impressed their bosses enough to be tipped to keep their jobs for 2008.
Barrichello has enjoyed a rejuvenation of form this year, despite the struggles that his Honda Racing team have faced.
The Brazilian has outqualified his teammate Jenson Button for the last four races, and is far more comfortable with the characteristics of this year's Bridgestone tyres than he was with the Michelins he had last season.
Despite the team evaluating Marco Andretti in testing, and having been approached by Nick Heidfeld's management, sources have revealed that Honda intend to retain Barrichello for another campaign.
It is suggested that an announcement could be made as soon as next month, with the team keen to ensure that their attempts to improve the car are not compromised by a lack of stability on the driver front.
When asked by autosport.com whether he was happy with his chances of staying with Honda next year, Barrichello said: "I am quite relaxed. I have a lot of speed in myself and I have no intention to stop, so there is no big deal."
Fisichella has also made improvements to his attitude and form this year, with many of his critics certain that this would be his last season in F1 over the winter after two disappointing campaigns alongside Fernando Alonso at Renault.
His team are understood to be impressed with the commitment that the Italian has made to helping the French car manufacturer resolve their current problems, and his chances of being retained have been boosted by Heikki Kovalainen's inconsistent form so far.
At Red Bull Racing, Coulthard is the oldest driver on the grid but team chiefs are believed to be happy with his continued speed, and especially like the experience he can bring to the improving team.
Coulthard has made no secret of the fact that he wants to stay on board for another campaign and, although formal discussions have not begun in earnest for 2008, sources have told autosport.com that both parties are keen for their partnership to continue.
The F1 driver market looks set to remain pretty stable into next season, with driver moves only likely to take place further down the grid.
Of the front-running teams, Ferrari and McLaren's current drivers are already contracted for next season, while BMW Sauber are almost certain to take up Nick Heidfeld's option in the next few months.[/QUOTE]
| Ferg | 06-12-2007 10:51 AM |
And yeah...
Matchett mentioned an interesting rumor during one of the telecasts...that Toyota will pack up their German base and move it to Grove, after writing Sir Frank a check for a hefty sum.
Odds on Toyota buying Williams?
I'd give it a 70/30 in favor of it happening.
Matchett mentioned an interesting rumor during one of the telecasts...that Toyota will pack up their German base and move it to Grove, after writing Sir Frank a check for a hefty sum.
Odds on Toyota buying Williams?
I'd give it a 70/30 in favor of it happening.
| StuBeck | 06-12-2007 11:40 AM |
I'm not sure. I could see them starting to work closer together, but I don't see Toyota going back and dropping their old team. Maybe go into a situation like Honda and Super Aguri have, Williams make the chassis and gearbox, Toyota makes the engine.
| parker/slc/gc8fan | 06-12-2007 12:01 PM |
[QUOTE=Ferg;18370996]And yeah...
Matchett mentioned an interesting rumor during one of the telecasts...that Toyota will pack up their German base and move it to Grove, after writing Sir Frank a check for a hefty sum.
Odds on Toyota buying Williams?
I'd give it a 70/30 in favor of it happening.[/QUOTE]
Wow, then I guess Franks thought on teh red bull torro rosso customer car point of view changes.
I wonder what Toyota thinks of Williams pace, these are quotes we never get. :(
Matchett mentioned an interesting rumor during one of the telecasts...that Toyota will pack up their German base and move it to Grove, after writing Sir Frank a check for a hefty sum.
Odds on Toyota buying Williams?
I'd give it a 70/30 in favor of it happening.[/QUOTE]
Wow, then I guess Franks thought on teh red bull torro rosso customer car point of view changes.
I wonder what Toyota thinks of Williams pace, these are quotes we never get. :(
| Ferg | 06-12-2007 12:19 PM |
[QUOTE=StuBeck;18371584]I'm not sure. I could see them starting to work closer together, but I don't see Toyota going back and dropping their old team. Maybe go into a situation like Honda and Super Aguri have, Williams make the chassis and gearbox, Toyota makes the engine.[/QUOTE]
The Colonge base is absolutely hemorrhaging money without producing results. That can't go on forever, maybe a few more seasons... Meanwhile Frank and Patrick are getting on in years and need to secure the future of the team. Like Peter Sauber knew, the only way to do that in the current F1 climate is to sell up to a car manufacturer. Toyota are the only ones with the motivation to buy and have the money Sir Frank is no doubt going to demand.
Being based in Germany is one of Toyota's biggest problems, it's hard to convince top level F1 people to leave England...although Ferrari and BMW seem to have overcome that... Buying Williams, moving shop to Grove, and dumping that vast budget into an already strong team would be a very smart move. Of course Toyota have not made many of those recently...
Any deal with Toyota would certainly contain a No Ralfie clause from Williams.
"Yes yes, the check cleared fine, just don't bring that damn Schumacher with you!"
The Colonge base is absolutely hemorrhaging money without producing results. That can't go on forever, maybe a few more seasons... Meanwhile Frank and Patrick are getting on in years and need to secure the future of the team. Like Peter Sauber knew, the only way to do that in the current F1 climate is to sell up to a car manufacturer. Toyota are the only ones with the motivation to buy and have the money Sir Frank is no doubt going to demand.
Being based in Germany is one of Toyota's biggest problems, it's hard to convince top level F1 people to leave England...although Ferrari and BMW seem to have overcome that... Buying Williams, moving shop to Grove, and dumping that vast budget into an already strong team would be a very smart move. Of course Toyota have not made many of those recently...
Any deal with Toyota would certainly contain a No Ralfie clause from Williams.
"Yes yes, the check cleared fine, just don't bring that damn Schumacher with you!"
| sirfrankwilliams | 06-12-2007 01:06 PM |
One just hopes it would go better than when Honda bought out BAR
| mixhard | 06-12-2007 01:23 PM |
[QUOTE=mrbigisbudgood;18354607]McLaren isn't going to put Fernando in a yellow helmet, that's for sure. Does McLaren give the rookie strategy over the World Champ? Will the Ferraris, the dominant car at Indy, take Indy 1 2? Will Kimi have upgraded software for Indy? Will Fernando start running M&S tires with his new race line strategy? Will Spyker finish a race? Will Takuma get a podium this year? Good Lord this is a good season of F1.
That said.....who's going to Indy? I am. :disco:[/QUOTE]
After being in the stands (Grand Stand 11) and watching all the practices and qualifying, it was clear that this was Hamiltons race to win. No one was taking that corner as well as he was. Everyone was making a ton of mistakes, and well the Woodchuck that caused Trulli to go off course was hillarious.
Then at the start of the race when Alonso almost took out Hamilton.. that was just brutual. I think that Hamilton is the future of F1 and the best thing that has happened to the sport in a long time. I would definately put him as the #1 driver, over Alonso.
That said.....who's going to Indy? I am. :disco:[/QUOTE]
After being in the stands (Grand Stand 11) and watching all the practices and qualifying, it was clear that this was Hamiltons race to win. No one was taking that corner as well as he was. Everyone was making a ton of mistakes, and well the Woodchuck that caused Trulli to go off course was hillarious.
Then at the start of the race when Alonso almost took out Hamilton.. that was just brutual. I think that Hamilton is the future of F1 and the best thing that has happened to the sport in a long time. I would definately put him as the #1 driver, over Alonso.
| StuBeck | 06-12-2007 01:40 PM |
[QUOTE=Ferg;18372103]The Colonge base is absolutely hemorrhaging money without producing results. That can't go on forever, maybe a few more seasons... Meanwhile Frank and Patrick are getting on in years and need to secure the future of the team. Like Peter Sauber knew, the only way to do that in the current F1 climate is to sell up to a car manufacturer. Toyota are the only ones with the motivation to buy and have the money Sir Frank is no doubt going to demand.
Being based in Germany is one of Toyota's biggest problems, it's hard to convince top level F1 people to leave England...although Ferrari and BMW seem to have overcome that... Buying Williams, moving shop to Grove, and dumping that vast budget into an already strong team would be a very smart move. Of course Toyota have not made many of those recently...
Any deal with Toyota would certainly contain a No Ralfie clause from Williams.
"Yes yes, the check cleared fine, just don't bring that damn Schumacher with you!"[/QUOTE]
I understand all of that. I just don't know if Toyota is going to want to buy another team to do what they already have for the last 6 years. It seems the problems both teams have is with the philosophy's of their parent company's. I could see Toyota moving, but I find it somewhat difficult to see them buying out another team.
Being based in Germany is one of Toyota's biggest problems, it's hard to convince top level F1 people to leave England...although Ferrari and BMW seem to have overcome that... Buying Williams, moving shop to Grove, and dumping that vast budget into an already strong team would be a very smart move. Of course Toyota have not made many of those recently...
Any deal with Toyota would certainly contain a No Ralfie clause from Williams.
"Yes yes, the check cleared fine, just don't bring that damn Schumacher with you!"[/QUOTE]
I understand all of that. I just don't know if Toyota is going to want to buy another team to do what they already have for the last 6 years. It seems the problems both teams have is with the philosophy's of their parent company's. I could see Toyota moving, but I find it somewhat difficult to see them buying out another team.
| OnTheGas | 06-12-2007 05:17 PM |
Starting two cars w/equal fuel levels
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[QUOTE=nKoan;18364620]...If they start with the same loads, in theory they would optimally come in on the same lap... So basically, what McClaren are saying is that the higher qualified driver can say "I want to come in on lap x" and he gets his way. If the lower qualified driver wanted to come in on the same lap, he now has to plan on staying out a little longer or come in a little earlier. Its really not the end of the world in normal race circumstances.[/QUOTE]The weight of the fuel required for one lap is a significant penalty which can be measured in tenths of a second. So, at some courses, the penalty may be less, (perhaps a tenth, or less), but at other courses the penalty can be more than a tenth.
If a team starts both cars w/the same amount of fuel, it would be surprising. McLaren has in the past (as do many teams) planned for one car to go a little longer in the first stint than the other car prior to q3. The car going shorter would carry less fuel in q3, and to the grid.
If a team starts both cars w/the same amount of fuel, it would be surprising. McLaren has in the past (as do many teams) planned for one car to go a little longer in the first stint than the other car prior to q3. The car going shorter would carry less fuel in q3, and to the grid.
| KAX | 06-12-2007 06:09 PM |
[QUOTE=StuBeck;18373201]I understand all of that. I just don't know if Toyota is going to want to buy another team to do what they already have for the last 6 years. It seems the problems both teams have is with the philosophy's of their parent company's. I could see Toyota moving, but I find it somewhat difficult to see them buying out another team.[/QUOTE]
obviously, if they knew they would be getting the same results, they wouldn't waste their time. But I think their point is that Williams have the knowledge that Toyota needs, and Toyota has the money Williams needs, and with that they should be able to make a pretty good formula 1 team, much like BMW is doing now. Im all for it, and hope it actually happens. Im afraid that it wont though, because I don't see Sir Frank caving in that easily when he been one of the biggest supporters of private teams.
plus itll allow for another new team, which will be good as well.
obviously, if they knew they would be getting the same results, they wouldn't waste their time. But I think their point is that Williams have the knowledge that Toyota needs, and Toyota has the money Williams needs, and with that they should be able to make a pretty good formula 1 team, much like BMW is doing now. Im all for it, and hope it actually happens. Im afraid that it wont though, because I don't see Sir Frank caving in that easily when he been one of the biggest supporters of private teams.
plus itll allow for another new team, which will be good as well.
| StuBeck | 06-12-2007 08:45 PM |
I didn't mean that they will get the same results. I meant that they have both been building cars during the time, just that Toyota started in 01 and competed in 02. Honda wasn't building chassis (well...they did in 99, but never competed since the 60's) when they bought out, and its not often that an established team buys another one out to run as their main team.
| MER | 06-12-2007 09:25 PM |
Anyone in here going to Indy? If I'm in the wrong thread kill me.
| Ferg | 06-12-2007 09:40 PM |
[QUOTE=StuBeck;18378428]...and its not often that an established team buys another one out to run as their main team.[/QUOTE]
True enough but we've been sailing in uncharted waters for a good ten years now. Ever since the car manufacturers decided to bring their checkbooks and agendas to Bernie's little circus it's been a case of [i]anything[/i] is possible.
True enough but we've been sailing in uncharted waters for a good ten years now. Ever since the car manufacturers decided to bring their checkbooks and agendas to Bernie's little circus it's been a case of [i]anything[/i] is possible.
| StuBeck | 06-12-2007 09:42 PM |
[QUOTE=MER;18378883]Anyone in here going to Indy? If I'm in the wrong thread kill me.[/QUOTE]
I am I'm packing right now...and remembering how easy packing is, yet how I freak out because I think I'm going to forget something stupid...like pants.
I am I'm packing right now...and remembering how easy packing is, yet how I freak out because I think I'm going to forget something stupid...like pants.
| sirfrankwilliams | 06-12-2007 09:58 PM |
[quote=StuBeck;18379064]I freak out because I think I'm going to forget something stupid...like pants.[/quote]
it has happened :(
it has happened :(
| Dogbert2 | 06-13-2007 08:54 PM |
Hmmmmm.
[QUOTE]McLaren try to cool Alonso - Hamilton row
Ron Dennis reiterates equal treatment
13/06/07 11:41
McLaren Mercedes has moved to quell claims of an internal feud following Lewis Hamilton's maiden championship victory at the Montreal Grand Prix last weekend.
Hamilton's surge atop the championship's driver standings has rankled with his team-mate Fernando Alonso, who has complained that the English rookie is being given favourable treatment.
"Since the beginning I did not feel at all comfortable," he told Spanish radio Cadena Ser on Tuesday. "I am with an English team-mate, at an English team, which is brilliant. We know that all of the help goes his way. I've understood that from the first moment and I'm not complaining about it."
McLaren team chief Ron Dennis however claims both drivers have a 'positive and growing partnership' and insisted there is no favouritism towards the young Briton.
In a statement on the team's website Dennis added: "It's completely understandable that the results of each Grand Prix are going to provide both the British and the Spanish media with an opportunity to hang on every word that the drivers say - and sometimes quotes are taken out of context which can put a completely different spin on an innocent remark.
"The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team is made up by extremely passionate and competitive people and there is a healthy competition between the teams working on each car - this is inevitable and there is no issue with that.
"However I can categorically state once again that both drivers have equal equipment, equal support and equal opportunity to win within the team and both Fernando and Lewis know and support this.
"Fernando's comments when read carefully are correct; he hasn't been with the team long and the relationship can only continue to develop. The team is not going to do anything to jeopardise this positive and growing partnership."
[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]McLaren try to cool Alonso - Hamilton row
Ron Dennis reiterates equal treatment
13/06/07 11:41
McLaren Mercedes has moved to quell claims of an internal feud following Lewis Hamilton's maiden championship victory at the Montreal Grand Prix last weekend.
Hamilton's surge atop the championship's driver standings has rankled with his team-mate Fernando Alonso, who has complained that the English rookie is being given favourable treatment.
"Since the beginning I did not feel at all comfortable," he told Spanish radio Cadena Ser on Tuesday. "I am with an English team-mate, at an English team, which is brilliant. We know that all of the help goes his way. I've understood that from the first moment and I'm not complaining about it."
McLaren team chief Ron Dennis however claims both drivers have a 'positive and growing partnership' and insisted there is no favouritism towards the young Briton.
In a statement on the team's website Dennis added: "It's completely understandable that the results of each Grand Prix are going to provide both the British and the Spanish media with an opportunity to hang on every word that the drivers say - and sometimes quotes are taken out of context which can put a completely different spin on an innocent remark.
"The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team is made up by extremely passionate and competitive people and there is a healthy competition between the teams working on each car - this is inevitable and there is no issue with that.
"However I can categorically state once again that both drivers have equal equipment, equal support and equal opportunity to win within the team and both Fernando and Lewis know and support this.
"Fernando's comments when read carefully are correct; he hasn't been with the team long and the relationship can only continue to develop. The team is not going to do anything to jeopardise this positive and growing partnership."
[/QUOTE]
| sirfrankwilliams | 06-13-2007 10:31 PM |
I doubt it could get any worse than [URL="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7X3qH7RVzg"]1989[/URL]. Infact, I think that because of 1989 Ron Denis wouldn't allow things to get to that point.
| parker/slc/gc8fan | 06-14-2007 01:06 AM |
I wonder how far this helathy competition goes.
Fernando commenting about choosing fuel strategies, Hamilton commenting on mistakes made by Alonso, the competition sounds healthy to me.
Luckily they are both great drivers and we wont really quesiton that, I just worry what else will be questioned based on what they do. Ther becomes a point when securing championships is more important that ensuring healthy intr-team competition. I think Ron Dennis really hopes to have it be an intra team championship. I seem to remember him waiting as long as he possibly can to call points into priority though, which is good imo.
Judging by the year so far, he may just get it.
Fernando commenting about choosing fuel strategies, Hamilton commenting on mistakes made by Alonso, the competition sounds healthy to me.
Luckily they are both great drivers and we wont really quesiton that, I just worry what else will be questioned based on what they do. Ther becomes a point when securing championships is more important that ensuring healthy intr-team competition. I think Ron Dennis really hopes to have it be an intra team championship. I seem to remember him waiting as long as he possibly can to call points into priority though, which is good imo.
Judging by the year so far, he may just get it.
| KAX | 06-16-2007 12:42 AM |
one more step towards the night race
[IMG]http://www.autosport.com/images/upload/1181878330.jpg[/IMG]
[QUOTE]Exclusive: FIA tests night racing at Indy
FIA tests night racing at Indianapolis
The FIA has conducted its first viability test for night racing, autosport.com can reveal, with a special evaluation taking place at Indianapolis on Thursday night.
With moves being made to put on Formula One's first night race in Singapore next year, the sport's governing body began a surprise evaluation into whether tracks will be safe enough to race at night.
At around 9:30 pm on Thursday night, once it had got dark, a number of lights that had been set up during the evening were turned on at the first few corners of Indianapolis' Grand Prix circuit specifically to test visibility for cars running at speed.
American company Musco lights, which has done NASCAR, IRL and Champ Car night races in the United States, was asked to providing the lighting clusters for the tests.
The FIA's safety car, with Bernd Maylander at the wheel, and medical cars drove through the corners backwards and forwards for about 30 minutes to check on visibility.
As well as that, television cameras were used to evaluate whether or not it would be easy to film cars in a night race situation.[/QUOTE]
[IMG]http://www.autosport.com/images/upload/1181878330.jpg[/IMG]
[QUOTE]Exclusive: FIA tests night racing at Indy
FIA tests night racing at Indianapolis
The FIA has conducted its first viability test for night racing, autosport.com can reveal, with a special evaluation taking place at Indianapolis on Thursday night.
With moves being made to put on Formula One's first night race in Singapore next year, the sport's governing body began a surprise evaluation into whether tracks will be safe enough to race at night.
At around 9:30 pm on Thursday night, once it had got dark, a number of lights that had been set up during the evening were turned on at the first few corners of Indianapolis' Grand Prix circuit specifically to test visibility for cars running at speed.
American company Musco lights, which has done NASCAR, IRL and Champ Car night races in the United States, was asked to providing the lighting clusters for the tests.
The FIA's safety car, with Bernd Maylander at the wheel, and medical cars drove through the corners backwards and forwards for about 30 minutes to check on visibility.
As well as that, television cameras were used to evaluate whether or not it would be easy to film cars in a night race situation.[/QUOTE]
| parker/slc/gc8fan | 06-16-2007 11:26 AM |
IT would be neat to see a night race at indy, Much different track conditions too. It obviously works well for Stock cars.
I think alot mroe people would watch if there were nights races. That being said, F1 has bigger problems than when they race.
I think alot mroe people would watch if there were nights races. That being said, F1 has bigger problems than when they race.
| OnTheGas | 06-16-2007 01:06 PM |
They won't race F1 cars in the dark @ Indy... They want to race some of the pacrim F1 races in the dark so that they are broadcast at better hours in Europe for a bigger TV audience there.
I hope this does not come to pass.
I hope this does not come to pass.
| meebs | 06-16-2007 05:04 PM |
I bet Bridgestone will have to come up with an entirely different compound, one to cope with the track temps being probably half of what is normal.
Edit: oh and speaking of Prost vs. Senna: [url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKRii2xBpDU[/url] :D
Edit: oh and speaking of Prost vs. Senna: [url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKRii2xBpDU[/url] :D
| Counterfit | 06-17-2007 01:02 PM |
Vettel qualified 7th in his first GP. I know there was another German who did that. Shoe-something-something.... :D
| Ferg | 06-20-2007 10:54 AM |
Too bad that other German bitched his clutch at the start and didn't complete a lap. I hear it all worked out in the end though :lol:
In other news...
[QUOTE][B]FIA considers freeing up aero rules[/B]
By Jonathan Noble Wednesday, June 20th 2007, 09:21 GMT
The FIA is considering a radical plan to allow flexi wings in Formula One if teams reject its push for a standard chassis in the future, autosport.com has learned.
Talks are currently ongoing to frame future regulations from 2011, with the FIA making it clear it wants more road-relevant energy efficient engines to be introduced.
As well as that, the FIA wants an overhaul of car regulations too. The governing body has made no secret of the fact that it believes a standard chassis would be the best way of reducing costs and improving the show.
Its stance was made clear in a letter circulated to F1 team principals earlier this month, a copy of which has been seen by autosport.com, in which FIA president Max Mosley outlined his vision for the future.
Meetings are scheduled between the FIA and the teams for after the British Grand Prix to discuss the radical plan and come up with alternative proposals if the teams are not happy.
"We believe that a standard chassis is the best solution," wrote Mosley in his letter. "The competition would then be between drivers armed with rival, fuel-efficient drive trains but otherwise in equal cars. Painted differently and with different sponsors, the cars would look as different as they do today to anyone but an expert.
"But if the teams want to continue to make individual chassis, we need some proposals which really do meet the four agreed objectives of road-relevance, safety, cost reduction and improving the show. We also need to ensure the survival of the independent teams."
Mosley acknowledges that teams are unlikely to accept plans to adopt a standard chassis, but he believes that only a radical alternative solution will be of any benefit.
And that is why he has suggested the idea of freeing up the aerodynamic regulations to allow flexi wings - which have been banned for many years in F1.
"One example of radical change would be to permit moveable aerodynamic devices," added Mosley. "Arguably, the safety problems of 40 years ago no longer exist.
"Modern Formula One technology is sufficiently mature to eliminate the risks of both passive and active aero devices. Moreover, the FIA is already confronted with ever-more sophisticated moving bodywork. Engineers appreciate that when subjected to a force, everything moves � it is just a question of how much.
"Immense time and effort is currently going into making bodywork which moves enough to enhance performance, however slightly, but not enough to excite the interest of the regulator or rival teams. This is not satisfactory; it is wasteful, expensive, ultimately pointless and contrary to sporting fairness.
"With moveable aero devices, both active and passive, designers would have an incentive to build a car which the driver could adjust to optimise performance when following another car. This would facilitate wheel-to-wheel racing.
"There are also a number of areas where active aero could be road-relevant, for example cooling systems. But part of any discussion on moveable devices would have to be how to contain the resulting increase in performance.
"In the hope of starting a useful debate on a new approach to chassis design with variable aerodynamics, we are preparing a discussion paper similar to the one on engines.
"Among other things this will look at the implications of moveable devices and any changes to engine output, which might become necessary in order to contain speeds. This paper will be circulated as soon as it is ready.
"We think it might perhaps be useful to follow it up with a discussion in the second week of July (after the British Grand Prix), at which each team would be given an opportunity to present its ideas (ideally in writing beforehand) and answer questions on future Formula One regulations, either alone or jointly with other teams."[/QUOTE]
And anyone want to through in with Flav on this?
[QUOTE][B]Briatore: Alonso will be champion[/B]
By Pablo Elizalde Wednesday, June 20th 2007, 09:48 GMT
Renault team boss Flavio Briatore is convinced Fernando Alonso will win this year's championship, despite teammate Lewis Hamilton's impressive start to the season.
The British driver has finished on the podium in all seven races so far and has won the last two Grands Prix to move 10 points ahead of Alonso in the standings.
Hamilton's sensational start to his rookie season has led to many in the paddock believing that the Briton is favourite to clinch the title.
However, Briatore, Alonso's former team boss, reckons the Spaniard will eventually finish on top.
"Fernando will win, I'm 100 per cent sure," Briatore said in an interview with AS newspaper. "He knows what he needs to do. Last year there was a moment when it looked like he would lose the title. Everybody thought he was going to lose it. But pushing together we ended up winning.
"To win, he must do the same thing he did in the last four races last year. Focus on his work in the car, not let outside voices distract him. He's not alone. He has a wonderful family following him. There's Luis (his manager), who supports him. There's us, who cheer for him from the other side."
Briatore added: "I think Fernando, above all, is a champion. Like everybody, he is having difficulties to adapt to a new team. He has gone from using Michelin tyres to using Bridgestone, while Hamilton already knows the tyres from GP2.
"He (Alonso) has experience and, if the McLaren stays ahead of the Ferrari, he must remain clam, focus on himself, forget about the rest, and that way he will win the title."
Alonso, who recently admitted he was not feeling totally comfortable at McLaren, left Renault last year after five seasons with the French squad.
Briatore said he had no advice to give to McLaren boss Ron Dennis on how to help Alonso feel better within the team.
"I'm not going to teach Ron absolutely anything," he said. "I'm just saying that we built a fantastic relationship with Alonso, with the Spanish press. When I go to Spain and I feel like home.
"That's Ron's problem now. He has enjoyed a lot of success with his way of doing things. I have a different one. We are different. I'm not going to criticise him."[/QUOTE]
In other news...
[QUOTE][B]FIA considers freeing up aero rules[/B]
By Jonathan Noble Wednesday, June 20th 2007, 09:21 GMT
The FIA is considering a radical plan to allow flexi wings in Formula One if teams reject its push for a standard chassis in the future, autosport.com has learned.
Talks are currently ongoing to frame future regulations from 2011, with the FIA making it clear it wants more road-relevant energy efficient engines to be introduced.
As well as that, the FIA wants an overhaul of car regulations too. The governing body has made no secret of the fact that it believes a standard chassis would be the best way of reducing costs and improving the show.
Its stance was made clear in a letter circulated to F1 team principals earlier this month, a copy of which has been seen by autosport.com, in which FIA president Max Mosley outlined his vision for the future.
Meetings are scheduled between the FIA and the teams for after the British Grand Prix to discuss the radical plan and come up with alternative proposals if the teams are not happy.
"We believe that a standard chassis is the best solution," wrote Mosley in his letter. "The competition would then be between drivers armed with rival, fuel-efficient drive trains but otherwise in equal cars. Painted differently and with different sponsors, the cars would look as different as they do today to anyone but an expert.
"But if the teams want to continue to make individual chassis, we need some proposals which really do meet the four agreed objectives of road-relevance, safety, cost reduction and improving the show. We also need to ensure the survival of the independent teams."
Mosley acknowledges that teams are unlikely to accept plans to adopt a standard chassis, but he believes that only a radical alternative solution will be of any benefit.
And that is why he has suggested the idea of freeing up the aerodynamic regulations to allow flexi wings - which have been banned for many years in F1.
"One example of radical change would be to permit moveable aerodynamic devices," added Mosley. "Arguably, the safety problems of 40 years ago no longer exist.
"Modern Formula One technology is sufficiently mature to eliminate the risks of both passive and active aero devices. Moreover, the FIA is already confronted with ever-more sophisticated moving bodywork. Engineers appreciate that when subjected to a force, everything moves � it is just a question of how much.
"Immense time and effort is currently going into making bodywork which moves enough to enhance performance, however slightly, but not enough to excite the interest of the regulator or rival teams. This is not satisfactory; it is wasteful, expensive, ultimately pointless and contrary to sporting fairness.
"With moveable aero devices, both active and passive, designers would have an incentive to build a car which the driver could adjust to optimise performance when following another car. This would facilitate wheel-to-wheel racing.
"There are also a number of areas where active aero could be road-relevant, for example cooling systems. But part of any discussion on moveable devices would have to be how to contain the resulting increase in performance.
"In the hope of starting a useful debate on a new approach to chassis design with variable aerodynamics, we are preparing a discussion paper similar to the one on engines.
"Among other things this will look at the implications of moveable devices and any changes to engine output, which might become necessary in order to contain speeds. This paper will be circulated as soon as it is ready.
"We think it might perhaps be useful to follow it up with a discussion in the second week of July (after the British Grand Prix), at which each team would be given an opportunity to present its ideas (ideally in writing beforehand) and answer questions on future Formula One regulations, either alone or jointly with other teams."[/QUOTE]
And anyone want to through in with Flav on this?
[QUOTE][B]Briatore: Alonso will be champion[/B]
By Pablo Elizalde Wednesday, June 20th 2007, 09:48 GMT
Renault team boss Flavio Briatore is convinced Fernando Alonso will win this year's championship, despite teammate Lewis Hamilton's impressive start to the season.
The British driver has finished on the podium in all seven races so far and has won the last two Grands Prix to move 10 points ahead of Alonso in the standings.
Hamilton's sensational start to his rookie season has led to many in the paddock believing that the Briton is favourite to clinch the title.
However, Briatore, Alonso's former team boss, reckons the Spaniard will eventually finish on top.
"Fernando will win, I'm 100 per cent sure," Briatore said in an interview with AS newspaper. "He knows what he needs to do. Last year there was a moment when it looked like he would lose the title. Everybody thought he was going to lose it. But pushing together we ended up winning.
"To win, he must do the same thing he did in the last four races last year. Focus on his work in the car, not let outside voices distract him. He's not alone. He has a wonderful family following him. There's Luis (his manager), who supports him. There's us, who cheer for him from the other side."
Briatore added: "I think Fernando, above all, is a champion. Like everybody, he is having difficulties to adapt to a new team. He has gone from using Michelin tyres to using Bridgestone, while Hamilton already knows the tyres from GP2.
"He (Alonso) has experience and, if the McLaren stays ahead of the Ferrari, he must remain clam, focus on himself, forget about the rest, and that way he will win the title."
Alonso, who recently admitted he was not feeling totally comfortable at McLaren, left Renault last year after five seasons with the French squad.
Briatore said he had no advice to give to McLaren boss Ron Dennis on how to help Alonso feel better within the team.
"I'm not going to teach Ron absolutely anything," he said. "I'm just saying that we built a fantastic relationship with Alonso, with the Spanish press. When I go to Spain and I feel like home.
"That's Ron's problem now. He has enjoyed a lot of success with his way of doing things. I have a different one. We are different. I'm not going to criticise him."[/QUOTE]
| rupertberr | 06-20-2007 11:43 AM |
Not sure what to say. I think I got run over by Hamilton as I jumped off the Kimi bandwagon on to the Alonso bandwagon.:alien:
and another point of view:
[QUOTE]Fittipaldi backs Hamilton for title
By Alan Baldwin Tuesday, June 19th 2007, 19:47 GMT
Brazilian Emerson Fittipaldi, once Formula One's youngest champion, is backing Lewis Hamilton to win the title and take the record from Fernando Alonso.
McLaren's first world champion, who took his second crown with the team in 1974 after a first with Lotus as a 25-year-old in 1972, told Reuters on Tuesday that his money was on the team's 22-year-old British rookie.
"For the championship, I would go for Lewis now. For sure," said Fittipaldi, the first Brazilian world champion and the youngest until Spaniard Alonso won with Renault in 2005 at the age of 24.
"When you are so young and suddenly you are leading and winning, it is a tremendous pressure and he (Hamilton) is taking the pressure in a positive way," he said.
Hamilton, the first black driver to win a Grand Prix, has triumphed in Canada and the United States last weekend to lead McLaren teammate and double world champion Alonso by 10 points.
He is already the youngest championship leader, the youngest Briton to win a grand prix and the only driver since the series started in 1950 to finish all his first seven races on the podium.
Likening the rookie to Tiger Woods in golf or Pele in soccer for his ability to take the sport to a broader public, Fittipaldi saw Hamilton opening up an exciting new era.
"I see we are going to reach beyond the borders of motor racing with Lewis Hamilton like we never have before," he declared.
"If you look at all the world champions before, even the best that we had never reached the public that Lewis can reach."
Fittipaldi was in Montreal for Hamilton's first Grand Prix victory and was struck by how relaxed the youngster appeared off the track and how in control he was behind the wheel.
He watched the race from the outside of the first chicane and observed how Hamilton caressed the car through while Alonso fought it.
"Lewis talks to the car and the car talks to him. They understand each other very well and Fernando I think was screaming to the car. He was not having a conversation," said the Brazilian.
"But Alonso can be very strong, I still believe he is going to be tough competition and Ferrari can come back strongly again. It's not going to be easy for Lewis."
Fittipaldi, who runs the Brazilian team in the A1 Grand Prix series, will join Hamilton at Goodwood in southern England this weekend for the annual Festival of Speed.
Fittipaldi will drive the Lotus type 49, with which he made his debut at Brands Hatch in 1970, up the Goodwood hill while Hamilton will be in a McLaren. The Brazilian said he would love to swap cars.
"I'd pay anything to try the McLaren," he said.[/QUOTE]
and another point of view:
[QUOTE]Fittipaldi backs Hamilton for title
By Alan Baldwin Tuesday, June 19th 2007, 19:47 GMT
Brazilian Emerson Fittipaldi, once Formula One's youngest champion, is backing Lewis Hamilton to win the title and take the record from Fernando Alonso.
McLaren's first world champion, who took his second crown with the team in 1974 after a first with Lotus as a 25-year-old in 1972, told Reuters on Tuesday that his money was on the team's 22-year-old British rookie.
"For the championship, I would go for Lewis now. For sure," said Fittipaldi, the first Brazilian world champion and the youngest until Spaniard Alonso won with Renault in 2005 at the age of 24.
"When you are so young and suddenly you are leading and winning, it is a tremendous pressure and he (Hamilton) is taking the pressure in a positive way," he said.
Hamilton, the first black driver to win a Grand Prix, has triumphed in Canada and the United States last weekend to lead McLaren teammate and double world champion Alonso by 10 points.
He is already the youngest championship leader, the youngest Briton to win a grand prix and the only driver since the series started in 1950 to finish all his first seven races on the podium.
Likening the rookie to Tiger Woods in golf or Pele in soccer for his ability to take the sport to a broader public, Fittipaldi saw Hamilton opening up an exciting new era.
"I see we are going to reach beyond the borders of motor racing with Lewis Hamilton like we never have before," he declared.
"If you look at all the world champions before, even the best that we had never reached the public that Lewis can reach."
Fittipaldi was in Montreal for Hamilton's first Grand Prix victory and was struck by how relaxed the youngster appeared off the track and how in control he was behind the wheel.
He watched the race from the outside of the first chicane and observed how Hamilton caressed the car through while Alonso fought it.
"Lewis talks to the car and the car talks to him. They understand each other very well and Fernando I think was screaming to the car. He was not having a conversation," said the Brazilian.
"But Alonso can be very strong, I still believe he is going to be tough competition and Ferrari can come back strongly again. It's not going to be easy for Lewis."
Fittipaldi, who runs the Brazilian team in the A1 Grand Prix series, will join Hamilton at Goodwood in southern England this weekend for the annual Festival of Speed.
Fittipaldi will drive the Lotus type 49, with which he made his debut at Brands Hatch in 1970, up the Goodwood hill while Hamilton will be in a McLaren. The Brazilian said he would love to swap cars.
"I'd pay anything to try the McLaren," he said.[/QUOTE]
| rupertberr | 06-20-2007 11:45 AM |
I would like to see this::cool:
[QUOTE]Fittipaldi: Piquet can be Brazil's Hamilton
By Alan Baldwin Tuesday, June 19th 2007, 19:50 GMT
Nelson Piquet junior could prove as much of an eye-opener as Lewis Hamilton if Renault were to give him a Formula One drive this season, former champion Emerson Fittipaldi believes.
"Nelson and Lewis were the two hardest competitors in GP2 last year," the 60-year-old told Reuters in an interview on Tuesday.
"He's extremely talented and if you ask me what is the next hope for Brazil, I think it's Nelson Piquet junior.
"Talking about natural talent, I think Nelsinho could surprise as much as Hamilton has surprised," added the Brazilian.
He said that was not meant as any disrespect to Felipe Massa, the Brazilian who has won two races for Ferrari this year and was tipped by many before the start of the season as a title favourite.
"Felipe has been in Formula One for a long time, I have a lot of respect for him and he has a lot of talent," said Fittipaldi. "But I think Nelsinho will bring it to the next level, similar to Hamilton."
Fittipaldi is a close friend of Piquet's father, triple world champion Nelson Piquet, and hired the youngster to race for Brazil in the A1 Grand Prix series. He won on his debut.
Piquet, 21, is now the test driver for Formula One champions Renault, whose current lineup is 34-year-old Italian Giancarlo Fisichella and Finnish rookie Heikki Kovalainen.
Kovalainen has had a difficult start after replacing departed double world champion Fernando Alonso but has scored points in the last two races.
Hamilton, 22, leads the Formula One standings and is 10 points clear of double champion and McLaren teammate Fernando Alonso after winning the last two races. He has been on the podium after all his seven starts so far.
"I talked to (Renault team boss) Flavio Briatore in Canada. I said 'Flavio, you want to put Nelsinho in immediately,'" said Fittipaldi of his protege.
"He likes the idea but he said 'but I want my cars to be stronger for Nelson to be a competitor.'
"If I were Flavio I'd put him in this year," he added.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Fittipaldi: Piquet can be Brazil's Hamilton
By Alan Baldwin Tuesday, June 19th 2007, 19:50 GMT
Nelson Piquet junior could prove as much of an eye-opener as Lewis Hamilton if Renault were to give him a Formula One drive this season, former champion Emerson Fittipaldi believes.
"Nelson and Lewis were the two hardest competitors in GP2 last year," the 60-year-old told Reuters in an interview on Tuesday.
"He's extremely talented and if you ask me what is the next hope for Brazil, I think it's Nelson Piquet junior.
"Talking about natural talent, I think Nelsinho could surprise as much as Hamilton has surprised," added the Brazilian.
He said that was not meant as any disrespect to Felipe Massa, the Brazilian who has won two races for Ferrari this year and was tipped by many before the start of the season as a title favourite.
"Felipe has been in Formula One for a long time, I have a lot of respect for him and he has a lot of talent," said Fittipaldi. "But I think Nelsinho will bring it to the next level, similar to Hamilton."
Fittipaldi is a close friend of Piquet's father, triple world champion Nelson Piquet, and hired the youngster to race for Brazil in the A1 Grand Prix series. He won on his debut.
Piquet, 21, is now the test driver for Formula One champions Renault, whose current lineup is 34-year-old Italian Giancarlo Fisichella and Finnish rookie Heikki Kovalainen.
Kovalainen has had a difficult start after replacing departed double world champion Fernando Alonso but has scored points in the last two races.
Hamilton, 22, leads the Formula One standings and is 10 points clear of double champion and McLaren teammate Fernando Alonso after winning the last two races. He has been on the podium after all his seven starts so far.
"I talked to (Renault team boss) Flavio Briatore in Canada. I said 'Flavio, you want to put Nelsinho in immediately,'" said Fittipaldi of his protege.
"He likes the idea but he said 'but I want my cars to be stronger for Nelson to be a competitor.'
"If I were Flavio I'd put him in this year," he added.[/QUOTE]
| StuBeck | 06-20-2007 12:43 PM |
[QUOTE=OnTheGas;18420199]They won't race F1 cars in the dark @ Indy... They want to race some of the pacrim F1 races in the dark so that they are broadcast at better hours in Europe for a bigger TV audience there.
I hope this does not come to pass.[/QUOTE]
Yeah, its not going to happen here. The only reason they did the test here was because the company they are going to use the lights from is located here, so it made more sense to do it during a GP weekend then force them to haul their crap overseas for a 30 minute test.
I hope this does not come to pass.[/QUOTE]
Yeah, its not going to happen here. The only reason they did the test here was because the company they are going to use the lights from is located here, so it made more sense to do it during a GP weekend then force them to haul their crap overseas for a 30 minute test.
| ptclaus98 | 06-20-2007 04:02 PM |
I hope Renault throws Piquet in for Kovi midseason.
That way when Kovi is whooping Renault in a Williams I can jump around the house.
That way when Kovi is whooping Renault in a Williams I can jump around the house.
| Ferg | 06-21-2007 01:54 PM |
Somewhat bizarre...
[QUOTE][B]Ferrari's Stepney faces criminal enquiry
[/B]
By Jonathan Noble and Biranit Goren Thursday, June 21st 2007, 17:17 GMT
The Modena district attorney in Italy has opened criminal investigation against Ferrari stalwart Nigel Stepney, after the Maranello outfit filed a formal complaint earlier this week.
The team would not divulge the nature of their complaint or what Stepney is accused of, but a team spokesman has confirmed to autosport.com that the Briton is at the centre of investigation.
"Ferrari have taken action against Nigel Stepney, and there is now an investigation," the spokesman said, adding that Stepney is still an employee of Ferrari.
Ferrari refused to offer any additional information, saying they will refrain from making any comment on the matter while the investigation is ongoing.
Stepney himself is currently on holiday, and all attempts to reach him for comment over the last few days have failed.
Autosport.com understands the Modena district attorney has launched a criminal investigation after receiving Ferrari's complaint with accompanying documents. A public defence lawyer has been appointed to represent Stepney in the investigation in his absence.
Just a few months ago, two former Ferrari employees were found guilty of taking team secrets to Toyota.
Stepney is responsible for team performance development at Ferrari, having been the Scuderia's race and test technical manager until earlier this year.
The Briton, who joined Ferrari a decade ago from Benetton, was moved to his new position after claiming he was unhappy at the technical department following Ross Brawn's departure.
Stepney had hoped to be able to take a sabbatical this year, but that request was declined by the team who instead gave him a new factory-based role.
Speaking to Autosport magazine earlier this year, he said: "I am looking at spending a year away from Ferrari.
"I'm not currently happy with the situation within the team - I really want to move forward with my career and that's something that's not happening right now.
"Ideally, I'd like to move into a new environment here at Ferrari - but if an opportunity arose with another team, I would definitely consider it."
Stepney has been widely linked with a possible move to Honda.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE][B]Ferrari's Stepney faces criminal enquiry
[/B]
By Jonathan Noble and Biranit Goren Thursday, June 21st 2007, 17:17 GMT
The Modena district attorney in Italy has opened criminal investigation against Ferrari stalwart Nigel Stepney, after the Maranello outfit filed a formal complaint earlier this week.
The team would not divulge the nature of their complaint or what Stepney is accused of, but a team spokesman has confirmed to autosport.com that the Briton is at the centre of investigation.
"Ferrari have taken action against Nigel Stepney, and there is now an investigation," the spokesman said, adding that Stepney is still an employee of Ferrari.
Ferrari refused to offer any additional information, saying they will refrain from making any comment on the matter while the investigation is ongoing.
Stepney himself is currently on holiday, and all attempts to reach him for comment over the last few days have failed.
Autosport.com understands the Modena district attorney has launched a criminal investigation after receiving Ferrari's complaint with accompanying documents. A public defence lawyer has been appointed to represent Stepney in the investigation in his absence.
Just a few months ago, two former Ferrari employees were found guilty of taking team secrets to Toyota.
Stepney is responsible for team performance development at Ferrari, having been the Scuderia's race and test technical manager until earlier this year.
The Briton, who joined Ferrari a decade ago from Benetton, was moved to his new position after claiming he was unhappy at the technical department following Ross Brawn's departure.
Stepney had hoped to be able to take a sabbatical this year, but that request was declined by the team who instead gave him a new factory-based role.
Speaking to Autosport magazine earlier this year, he said: "I am looking at spending a year away from Ferrari.
"I'm not currently happy with the situation within the team - I really want to move forward with my career and that's something that's not happening right now.
"Ideally, I'd like to move into a new environment here at Ferrari - but if an opportunity arose with another team, I would definitely consider it."
Stepney has been widely linked with a possible move to Honda.[/QUOTE]
| Ferg | 06-21-2007 01:57 PM |
Nice little two fingers to the press from the McLaren boys.
[QUOTE]Hamilton, Alonso form pact of silence
By Alan Baldwin Thursday, June 21st 2007, 16:09 GMT
McLaren rookie Lewis Hamilton and double world champion teammate Fernando Alonso have agreed not to talk about each other in future unless both are present.
Asked about reports that he had been muzzled by McLaren, eager to quash reports of increasing tension between their drivers after Hamilton's sensational debut, the 22-year-old Formula One championship leader said on Thursday that he and the Spaniard had an understanding.
"We get on really well," said Hamilton when asked to put the record straight at a news conference organised by sponsor Vodafone.
"Obviously him being Spanish, the media in Spain are trying to twist things and I think its the same with the British media," he said.
"We are very, very supportive of each other. Obviously we are very competitive, we both want to win but we have a great deal of respect for each other," he added. "We've never had a fallout.
"Even after I won at the weekend, he came up afterwards and said congratulations.
"It's just at the moment we feel it's better if we speak about each other when we are both there because he can read something in the papers that someone might have twisted that I have said," added Hamilton.
"I'd never make a negative comment about him because I've got a lot of respect for him and there's no need."
McLaren boss Ron Dennis told reporters at Indianapolis last weekend that measures had been taken to limit the possible distraction for drivers.
The Times newspaper interpreted this as the first restrictions being imposed on Hamilton's freedom: "The muzzle is being applied," it said.
Hamilton, returning to Britain as the country's youngest Grand Prix winner as well as championship leader, has triggered a surge of media interest with much of it focused on his relationship with Alonso.
The Spaniard has been clearly unsettled by the internal euphoria over Hamilton's success, saying this month that he was not completely comfortable at McLaren and suggesting that the Briton was being favoured.
"I try not to read too much into the papers. It's great to see there's a lot of good pictures in there and I just check if I'm looking good," said Hamilton.
"But in general I try not to focus too much on it. I've obviously seen how many newspapers I've been in and its a lot more than I ever expected.
"The more I come back, the more I get out my car at the petrol station and walk down the street, the more people are coming up to me," he said of the response to his meteoric rise to the top.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Hamilton, Alonso form pact of silence
By Alan Baldwin Thursday, June 21st 2007, 16:09 GMT
McLaren rookie Lewis Hamilton and double world champion teammate Fernando Alonso have agreed not to talk about each other in future unless both are present.
Asked about reports that he had been muzzled by McLaren, eager to quash reports of increasing tension between their drivers after Hamilton's sensational debut, the 22-year-old Formula One championship leader said on Thursday that he and the Spaniard had an understanding.
"We get on really well," said Hamilton when asked to put the record straight at a news conference organised by sponsor Vodafone.
"Obviously him being Spanish, the media in Spain are trying to twist things and I think its the same with the British media," he said.
"We are very, very supportive of each other. Obviously we are very competitive, we both want to win but we have a great deal of respect for each other," he added. "We've never had a fallout.
"Even after I won at the weekend, he came up afterwards and said congratulations.
"It's just at the moment we feel it's better if we speak about each other when we are both there because he can read something in the papers that someone might have twisted that I have said," added Hamilton.
"I'd never make a negative comment about him because I've got a lot of respect for him and there's no need."
McLaren boss Ron Dennis told reporters at Indianapolis last weekend that measures had been taken to limit the possible distraction for drivers.
The Times newspaper interpreted this as the first restrictions being imposed on Hamilton's freedom: "The muzzle is being applied," it said.
Hamilton, returning to Britain as the country's youngest Grand Prix winner as well as championship leader, has triggered a surge of media interest with much of it focused on his relationship with Alonso.
The Spaniard has been clearly unsettled by the internal euphoria over Hamilton's success, saying this month that he was not completely comfortable at McLaren and suggesting that the Briton was being favoured.
"I try not to read too much into the papers. It's great to see there's a lot of good pictures in there and I just check if I'm looking good," said Hamilton.
"But in general I try not to focus too much on it. I've obviously seen how many newspapers I've been in and its a lot more than I ever expected.
"The more I come back, the more I get out my car at the petrol station and walk down the street, the more people are coming up to me," he said of the response to his meteoric rise to the top.[/QUOTE]
| TimStevens | 06-21-2007 02:07 PM |
[QUOTE=Ferg;18475402]Somewhat bizarre...[/QUOTE]
Wasn't there talk about Toyota stealing info from Ferrari or something like that...? Maybe he's a spy...
DISCLAIMER: I did just see The Good Shepherd
Wasn't there talk about Toyota stealing info from Ferrari or something like that...? Maybe he's a spy...
DISCLAIMER: I did just see The Good Shepherd
| StuBeck | 06-21-2007 02:08 PM |
I heard about that earlier, seems to make sense, although its a little juvenile too.
| StuBeck | 06-21-2007 02:08 PM |
[QUOTE=TimStevens;18475606]Wasn't there talk about Toyota stealing info from Ferrari or something like that...? Maybe he's a spy...[/QUOTE]
That was in 02, and it was only the employee's who did it, not Toyota.
That was in 02, and it was only the employee's who did it, not Toyota.
| rupertberr | 06-22-2007 06:53 PM |
A good read. Hamilton hysteria in England:
[url]http://www.pitpass.com/fes_php/pitpass_feature_item.php?fes_art_id=31845[/url]
[url]http://www.pitpass.com/fes_php/pitpass_feature_item.php?fes_art_id=31845[/url]
| StuBeck | 06-22-2007 07:22 PM |
I was reading something similar on autosport, looks like I won't be able to walk over to his house when I'm nearby.
| Ferg | 06-22-2007 10:23 PM |
[QUOTE=rupertberr;18491592]A good read. Hamilton hysteria in England:
[url]http://www.pitpass.com/fes_php/pitpass_feature_item.php?fes_art_id=31845[/url][/QUOTE]
Wow, there's a definite undercurrent of Hamilton-backlash-tone in that piece.
[url]http://www.pitpass.com/fes_php/pitpass_feature_item.php?fes_art_id=31845[/url][/QUOTE]
Wow, there's a definite undercurrent of Hamilton-backlash-tone in that piece.
| rupertberr | 06-22-2007 10:26 PM |
[QUOTE=Ferg;18493147]Wow, there's a definite undercurrent of Hamilton-backlash-tone in that piece.[/QUOTE]
I don't think it is a Hamilton backlash. Its a backlash against the British press going nuts over him at the expense of all else. Kind of like a Princess Diana thing.
I don't think it is a Hamilton backlash. Its a backlash against the British press going nuts over him at the expense of all else. Kind of like a Princess Diana thing.
| rupertberr | 06-22-2007 10:42 PM |
My friends and relatives in England who never mention anything about racing in the past even though they know what I do for a living can't stop talking about Hamilton now. Another NASIOCer across the pond half jokingly stated that the media breaks into regularily scheduled programing with a news flash that Hamilton is getting a sip of water. I feel sorry for Lewis.
[QUOTE]Hamilton may move to protect privacy
By Simon Rabinovitch Friday, June 22nd 2007, 08:48 GMT
Formula One championship leader Lewis Hamilton has recognised that he may have to leave Britain to protect his privacy amid a surge of interest in his sensational debut.
The McLaren rookie said his preference would be to stay in England, where his family and friends live, but that this could become impossible due to the attention he has had since his first race wins this month.
"It's just getting worse and worse," he told Reuters at the launch of Vodafone Mobile Internet on Thursday.
Asked about comments by McLaren team principal Ron Dennis that the youngster may have to relocate, Hamilton said: "When you don't have any privacy, it's going to be extremely tough, so it might be something I have to do."
A crush of photographers camped outside Hamilton's family house earlier this season and although the 22-year-old said the media had since backed off, he was recognised whenever he ventured out.
"It's just people noticing me in the streets. I'm struggling to go around without someone noticing me," said Formula One's first black driver.
Many of his rivals, including Britons Jenson Button and David Coulthard, live in Monaco while others prefer Switzerland.
England cricketer Kevin Pietersen, at the same event as Hamilton, advised the driver to ignore the media attention and other distractions to stay level-headed and focused on the task at hand.
"Make sure nothing gets in the way, none of these events, the nights out, the parties," Pietersen told Hamilton. "Don't let any of the nonsense get in the way of your preparation because preparation is the key to all success."
The cricketer also added a warning: "It's going to get a lot worse and it's going to get a lot bigger than I'll ever, ever know, mate."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Hamilton may move to protect privacy
By Simon Rabinovitch Friday, June 22nd 2007, 08:48 GMT
Formula One championship leader Lewis Hamilton has recognised that he may have to leave Britain to protect his privacy amid a surge of interest in his sensational debut.
The McLaren rookie said his preference would be to stay in England, where his family and friends live, but that this could become impossible due to the attention he has had since his first race wins this month.
"It's just getting worse and worse," he told Reuters at the launch of Vodafone Mobile Internet on Thursday.
Asked about comments by McLaren team principal Ron Dennis that the youngster may have to relocate, Hamilton said: "When you don't have any privacy, it's going to be extremely tough, so it might be something I have to do."
A crush of photographers camped outside Hamilton's family house earlier this season and although the 22-year-old said the media had since backed off, he was recognised whenever he ventured out.
"It's just people noticing me in the streets. I'm struggling to go around without someone noticing me," said Formula One's first black driver.
Many of his rivals, including Britons Jenson Button and David Coulthard, live in Monaco while others prefer Switzerland.
England cricketer Kevin Pietersen, at the same event as Hamilton, advised the driver to ignore the media attention and other distractions to stay level-headed and focused on the task at hand.
"Make sure nothing gets in the way, none of these events, the nights out, the parties," Pietersen told Hamilton. "Don't let any of the nonsense get in the way of your preparation because preparation is the key to all success."
The cricketer also added a warning: "It's going to get a lot worse and it's going to get a lot bigger than I'll ever, ever know, mate."[/QUOTE]
| parker/slc/gc8fan | 06-23-2007 12:51 AM |
I feel bad for the guy. I'm sure he's smart enough to know it comes with the territory.
I really do think tabloids are evil though. (WAPCE's read them afterall)
Common sense seems to be prevailing here. I can't remember seeing so many stories about the media backing off of someone since Britney Spears got married (one of those times)
I really do think tabloids are evil though. (WAPCE's read them afterall)
Common sense seems to be prevailing here. I can't remember seeing so many stories about the media backing off of someone since Britney Spears got married (one of those times)
| Ferg | 06-23-2007 10:32 AM |
More on the growing Stepney maybe-scandal.
[QUOTE]Stepney lawyer rules out sabotage claims
By Michele Lostia and Jonathan Noble Saturday, June 23rd 2007, 10:58 GMT
The Italian lawyer representing Nigel Stepney has ruled out suspicions of sabotage in the action Ferrari have taken against his client.
Stepney is being investigated by Italian legal authorities after Ferrari lodged an official complaint about his behaviour. No details have been forthcoming on exactly what he is alleged to have done.
Rumours over the last 48 hours have hinted at a possible sabotage attempt on Ferrari's cars prior to the Monaco Grand Prix, although this has not been confirmed by the team.
But Stepney's lawyer Luca Brezigher told Gazzetta dello Sport that he was unaware of what the legal enquiry was looking into.
"I can only say with certainty that Stepney is formally investigated, but the charge against him at the moment is rather unspecified," he said.
"From what I've learned, many types of offences can be identified, such as aggravated damage or sporting fraud, but I'd rule out sabotage.
"On the matter of Stepney being unreachable, it must not be considered as an attempt to flee. I'm convinced he is on vacation and in the dark about this story.
"I don't find it credible that a professional of his calibre could damage his own team."
Stepney has been uncontactable and is believed to be away on holiday at the moment.
Brezigher, who confirmed that Stepney's apartment in Serramazzoni had been searched, said that he expected the investigation to last at least one year before any formal charges were considered.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Stepney lawyer rules out sabotage claims
By Michele Lostia and Jonathan Noble Saturday, June 23rd 2007, 10:58 GMT
The Italian lawyer representing Nigel Stepney has ruled out suspicions of sabotage in the action Ferrari have taken against his client.
Stepney is being investigated by Italian legal authorities after Ferrari lodged an official complaint about his behaviour. No details have been forthcoming on exactly what he is alleged to have done.
Rumours over the last 48 hours have hinted at a possible sabotage attempt on Ferrari's cars prior to the Monaco Grand Prix, although this has not been confirmed by the team.
But Stepney's lawyer Luca Brezigher told Gazzetta dello Sport that he was unaware of what the legal enquiry was looking into.
"I can only say with certainty that Stepney is formally investigated, but the charge against him at the moment is rather unspecified," he said.
"From what I've learned, many types of offences can be identified, such as aggravated damage or sporting fraud, but I'd rule out sabotage.
"On the matter of Stepney being unreachable, it must not be considered as an attempt to flee. I'm convinced he is on vacation and in the dark about this story.
"I don't find it credible that a professional of his calibre could damage his own team."
Stepney has been uncontactable and is believed to be away on holiday at the moment.
Brezigher, who confirmed that Stepney's apartment in Serramazzoni had been searched, said that he expected the investigation to last at least one year before any formal charges were considered.[/QUOTE]
| sirfrankwilliams | 06-23-2007 12:22 PM |
[SIZE=1]Any chance this Stepney got his hands on your dad's vette?[/SIZE] :confused:
| Counterfit | 06-23-2007 07:28 PM |
My suggestions to Hamilton, pick 2: U.S. (well, offseason anyway), Suisse (I wonder if Schumi is looking for a neighbor...) Monaco (Hakkinen, Trulli, DC, pretty much everyone)
| artkevin | 06-23-2007 11:03 PM |
I find it funny that 2 time WC Alonso picked England to live in to get away from the press now Lewis is trying to get out of England to avoid the press...
| artkevin | 06-24-2007 11:43 AM |
I've never seen this singing Renault before, could be WTLY though since it is last year's car:
[url]http://break.com/index/we-are-the-champions.html[/url]
[url]http://break.com/index/we-are-the-champions.html[/url]
| andyswagon | 06-24-2007 11:54 AM |
our man lewis is absolutley awesome!! keep it up lewis!!
| Wr4wrX | 06-24-2007 03:55 PM |
[url]www.formula1.com[/url] has a new layout if anybody's interested. A bit more hip and 21st century than the previous site.
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