2012 Formula 1 Thread

[Bob Holmes]

All things Formula One for 2012.

With Oz just a few long days away, we need to get this party started. There were some specious and ill-informed opinions made known on the Facebook page, but we'll just count those as a case of ignorant exuberance.

Lets start with the year long predictions, top five for constructors, top five for WDC.

Top five constructors:
1. McLaren
2. Redbull
3. Lotus/Renault
4. Ferrari
5. Mercedes

Top 5 WDC
1. Button
2. Vettel
3. Hamster
4. The Brow
5. The Convict

For shits and grins worse 5 constructors (dead last first)
12. Marussia
11. HRT
10. Williams
9. Caterham
8. Sauber
7. Toro Rosso

Shits and Grins II

How many times will Hamster and that "Brazilian who has forgotten how to drive" run into each other in 2012: 5 times

Shits and Grins III

Will one of the backmarkers drop out of the championship this year? Yes

On to Australia.

Pole: Hamster
Winner: McLaren

[MikeFleming]

Hammy usually does very well in Mell-bun.

BTW - I entered the first 8 or so races into the site's calendar. With fastest lap records.

[Bob Holmes]

Nice.

[Raven855]

Bob, your sig is worse than ALL CAPS!!!!!!!

[Patrick]

all caps?

[Bob Holmes]

Several replies, but no one wants to jump in with predictions?

C'mon!!!

[Raven855]

I'm in shock from your list. 2 years ago you thought that Button should retire from F1 and now you have him #1! The FORCE is in turmoil! What is this world coming too! What is going to happen next? The sun will not rise tomorrow, you will go racing and not break something. The red SVO will start and run! I'm going to go buy some more guns and move to the mountains...

[Bob Holmes]

Very true, I really thought that Button was a mid-field hack, blessed by truly odd circumstances.

However, last year I changed my mind. He had a couple of epic drives, and was given a contract that makes you wonder if the Hamster is a #2. Last to first at Montreal will go down as a modern classic. The guy can race...unfortunately he still can't qualify worth a damn.

Until Hammy starts getting laid again on a regular basis, his perfomance will suffer

[MikeFleming]

Tony - even if you don't move to the mountains, you should buy more guns.

And don't forget to get more ammo. Most guns make lousy clubs.

[Raven855]

The first race will reveal lots and some stuff we already know. Red Bull is fast, so is McLaren. Will the rule changes be enough to unseat Vettle is the question. I think not, Vettle #1 for Australia. Where is McLaren? They will start off better than last year and the Hamster is ready and on the Podium at #2. The last spot should belong to Button. #4 is the biggest question. Ferrari is not bluffing, they are terrible. Can Ferando squeek out a forth? I say no, look for him to be #6. There are just too many good drivers and cars for him to do better. If Webber shows up to race look for him to be ahead of Alonso, if not if will be behind him and ahead of Massa. I just do not have a good feel on how good the Lotus or Mercedes is. If the Shoe beats Alonso, they have a good car. How good is the Lotus? That may be some of the Best racing to happen down under with Kimi and Alsonso. If they have a really good car maybe Kimi, Rosberg, and Webber getting in the way. Of course all this goes out the window if Kobioshi screws everyone up.

[Raven855]

The Australian qualifing results are in:
1# Hamilton
2# Button
3# Grosjean
4# Schumacher
5# Webber
6# Vettle
7# Rosberg
8# Maladono
9# Hulkenberg
10# Ricciardo

And so the season starts! Lots of surprises. We will now get to see how good of a driver Vettle is and there are more questions than answers. Has McLaren improved their starts? Has RedBull? Will the shoe let Webber pass? How bad will the iceman crash in his first race? Who will Massa complain about? Will Williams beat the Ferraris' and finish in the top 10 in Australia?

[Bob Holmes]

Looks like some guys are having a lot more trouble than others with the reduced rear grip.

Looks like we'll be spared the Massa/Hamilton cockups except when Hamilton is lapping Massa. :fi_av_smiles_y_2:


I agree about Vettel, guess we'll get to finally find out if he can race through the field. Its a bit troubling to see Msc (the rolling block) qualify so high. We'll see if the new Schumacher rule abates the problem.

[Raven855]

Nothing posted since the first race? Hmmmm. I have struggled with the results, got some of them right and missed on some others. Is the McLaren that good this year? What about the Hamsters performance? His Mental fitness. What about Alonso? How will they do in the next race? The Williams car sure took a big step up. The Mercedes seems to be better with the same problems, mainly the lack of race pace. The Lotus could surprise us. The next race is a more typical F1 race, faster pace, not as bumpy and with some high speed corners. So before I get into predictions how about listing your biggest surprise of the season. After careful consideration for me it has to be how well the Williams is doing with what I consider such mediocre drivers. These drivers are in F1 because they have paid to be here, Barricello is still better than either of them. Can you emagine the outrage in Italy if Williams had kept Barricello and they were beating Alsonso and Ferrari! The press would be going crazy!

[Bob Holmes]

Ferrari has to be the surprise of the season. The good showing by Alonso...is about how good Alonso is.

Sauber...wow. Didn't expect that.

Grosjoan (sp?) Wow, didn't expect that.

Button out dragging Hammy at the start...didn't expect that. And his ability to pull away to more than a second within two laps (ala Vettel 2011) that was new.

But, I agree, we probably won't see the true pace of the cars until Malysia. I expect Kimi to perform far better.

I keep thinking that Rosberg is on the cusp of winning, but no. I think he's turning into the new "old Button." A journeyman that will keep you in the hunt but never gets the prize.

[Raven855]

Well 2 races down now and there are more questions than answers. Will the Hanster get out of his funk? How many races till the Red Bull is competitive? Will Vettle respond to the latest race results and beat Webber and get on Podium? Why is the McLaren and the Mercedes having so much trouble in the dirty air. The Sauber was really good and with a good driver seems to be doing well. Will they see another podium in China? Rosberg is having a hard time in the new Mercedes, will he replace Massa? Or will Perez? If Massa does not get out of Q1 and does not do well in the next race how quickly will he be replaced. How soon before the Ice Man gets a podium? Will we get a new Ferrari soon? Will Sutil replace KarthaKain?

[MikeFleming]

I predict Perez to replace Massa by Monaco.

[Patrick]

Louis is not taking very good care of his tires. Kimi is, and some of the new faces (Perez, Maldonado, Grosjean) appear ready to occupy some podiums. It doesn't appear that Massa will last very long if he doesn't have a good weekend sometime soon.

[MikeFleming]

Methinks that even if Massa got the next two consecutive top podium places that his job is done at Ferrari.

[Bob Holmes]

Agree, Massa is toast. His driving is just flat out erratic. Notice his attempt to sideswipe Button?

I think it'll be Perez. Ferrari engines in the Sauber. But, I don't think that Ferrari typically takes on unproven drivers, so no one will be moving over from Toro Rosso. How about Timo or Heikki? Both are experienced drivers in a machine that is beneath their abilities.

I still don't think we have a good read on the capabilities of the cars. Rain races are no yard stick to measure them by.

[Patrick]

By the way that the low rear downforce stuff appears to be working, I think that Monaco could be a barn burner with an upset or non conventional winner.

[MikeFleming]

Agree, Massa is toast. His driving is just flat out erratic. Notice his attempt to sideswipe Button?

I think it'll be Perez. Ferrari engines in the Sauber. But, I don't think that Ferrari typically takes on unproven drivers, so no one will be moving over from Toro Rosso. True - it's generally Sir Frank that takes on the new, unproven drivers. But that may be because he firmly believes that it's the car that wins races - drives are only necessary to stand on the podium after that car has won a race and carry the trophies back to the pits.

And to get the chassis up to minimum weight. And to blame when things go wrong.

[Bob Holmes]

Boy, Williams has had all the upper managment but Sir Frank leave. Adam Parr's last day is Friday. Some crap must surely be happening there.

[Patrick]

They said last week that Frank is already gone. He's still around, but not in charge.

[Raven855]

I think it'll be Perez. Ferrari engines in the Sauber. But, I don't think that Ferrari typically takes on unproven drivers
While I tend to agree, I do think that Perez has already been scouted by Ferrari. He did go through their driving school and did quite well. Plus Ferrari does like that Spanish connection.

[Bob Holmes]

So they float an IPO and then the management scatters. Sad way for one of the greatest teams in F1 to act.

At least the car is better this year.

[MikeFleming]

Bahrain in question [again]?

http://worldnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/04/11/11135181-bahrain-grand-prix-for-formula-one-racing-politics-is-always-in-pole-position?lite

http://www.bahraingp.com/Pages/default.aspx

What kind of a dictatorship are we running here? Can't squash a simple uprising in a YEAR? Need new management?

[Patrick]

What kind of a dictatorship are we running here? Can't squash a simple uprising in a YEAR? Need new management?

Where do them trodden down peeples get off thinking that they have rights and start spoiling Bernie's Formula 1 season? Why didn't Bernie offer them free tickets like he does in China or buy them off or something? We may as well have an F-1 race in Tripoli or Uganda at this point.

[Bob Holmes]

Petty despots paying for legitimacy. Take their money and move on. It just pisses me off that traditional Euro circuits are dropped for these excercises in futility.

[MikeFleming]

It just pisses me off that traditional Euro circuits are dropped for these exercises in futility. But they're *really* nice tracks when they're not lined with those moving human pylons. Those things (the roaming humans) would do serious aerodynamic damage to an F1 car.

Then again, the bloodsport - brought to you in HD widescreen - of people being chopped down (literally) by fast-moving F1 cars would certainly be better to watch than that Ultimate Fighting series. So do you start on inters planning on the track being bloodied quickly or just in spots? Or start with full wets? Then back to slicks as it drys? What about bone punctures? I bet McLaren already has a plan for this.

If we could get Jean-Claude Van Damme and Mel Gibson to star in the movie version, I bet Bernie would sign up for it:. "Bahrain 2015 - Formula One Drive To the Death!"

[Bob Holmes]

Did you get into my meds, I wondered where that bottle went.

I fear that you are correct about Bahrain and that there will be blood. Political statement suicide by F1 car is a horrendous possibility.

[MikeFleming]

YOUR MEDS? What'd they give you? I bet I have more than you do.

Don't know if you noticed, but the original (Chinese) developer and top two levels of managers at the Singapore facility are now in jail.

[Bob Holmes]

Yep, not sure it was a career enhancing move to develop an F1 course in China.

Wild starting grid, eh?

What an interesting year this is going to be.

[MikeFleming]

At least now Massa can claim he's [almost] as fast as Vettel by being only one qualifying spot behind him.. That should make the Scuderia proud!

[Patrick]

At least now Massa can claim he's [almost] as fast as Vettel by being only one qualifying spot behind him.. That should make the Scuderia proud!

I guess that's one way of looking at it.


( o) .. (o )

[Bob Holmes]

Wow, what a race.

Well, for every position but first.

[MikeFleming]

Button: "Again, congratulations to Nico for his first win and I hope there are many more to come. Just not this year."

[Patrick]

Maldonado got short changed at Spain in the post race coverage department. They went to a soccer game rather than show the complete podium events and post race interviews.

[Raven855]

The post race interviews will be on tonight. Quite a race. Disappointed in McLaren, but the year is not over yet.

[MikeFleming]

Maldonado got short changed at Spain in the post race coverage department. They went to a soccer game rather than show the complete podium events and post race interviews. And the post-raceinterviews, and the explosion/fire in the Williams pit after the race, and Schumaker getting a well-deserved 5-place penalty for hitting Senna, ...

Lots of stuff not covered in the post-race stuff.

On a related note: How does a soccer team have enough extra money to help float a Formula 1 team? WTF?

[Patrick]

... On a related note: How does a soccer team have enough extra money to help float a Formula 1 team? WTF?

Isn't the soccer team owner the principal who bought~51% of Williams?

BTW, I couln't help but notice that Maldonado's car actually had a number that you could read on the side of it.

[Patrick]

There are sooo many workers in the pits an paddock wearing fire resistent clothing, but who is fighting the fire? crew members in tee shirts and shorts.


http://sidepodcast.com/post/garage-fire-curtails-celebration-at-williams

[Raven855]

On a related note: How does a soccer team have enough extra money to help float a Formula 1 team? WTF?

This is 3 or 4 years ago, but the AVERAGE premier league soccer player in England makes about $1.8 million US. The teams pay the taxes, so that is after taxes basically. That does NOT include individual sponsorships or endorsements. Many players are reportedly making over a million a week. It's big business over there.

[schlot]

Any guesses on Monaco? Another team and driver to take the race? Kimi and Lotus perhaps?

[Patrick]

^^^ Kimi or one of the new guys.who I've already mentioned.

Don't forget that there ia a special Thursday edition of Friday practice for Monaco. Friday is a non-track day there.

[Raven855]

Low speed traction is a premium asset, so is strategy. Passing will be difficult, weather should be clear. Vettle, Hamilton and Kimi on the podium! Alonzo forth.

[schlot]

I'm going with Kimi, Hamster and Button. Is both P1 and P2 tomorrow and P3 and Quali on Saturday?

[Patrick]

I'm going with Kimi, Hamster and Button. Is both P1 and P2 tomorrow and P3 and Quali on Saturday?

Yup, that's the schedule.SPEEDTV.com shows the non televised practice sessions live on the internet.

[schlot]

Glad they stream the other practices but too bad they don't have commentary from Hobbs and Matchett.

[Patrick]

^^^ Actually, I preferred the engine noise.

[Raven855]

What! You don't like Hobbs! Did he beat you in a race or something?

[Patrick]

I'll tell you Hobbs stories next time we're at the same place in person. I have stories that he would not want anyone to hear. This from his mechanics, crew chief, and car owner.

[Raven855]

I met Hobbs back in 76,77 and 78 at the SCCA Ponca City track. He was driving a Lola. I was with Fred Parkhill driving a McLaren. He seemed like a nice enough guy.

[Patrick]

Yes, he was a nice enough guy. Stories are in regard to test driving and setup.

[Bob Holmes]

Well, I'm baffled this year when it comes to cars. No way would I expect Williams and a pay driver to win a race, no way!!

I'm going with Hammy, Alonso, and Kimi. This is definitely a driver's course. And I don't think the Ferrari is as bad as they've tried to lead everyone to believe. Its just that poor Massa has flat fallen off the pace. No way he remains in the car for the rest of the season at his current perfomance level.

[schlot]

Well, I'm baffled this year when it comes to cars. No way would I expect Williams and a pay driver to win a race, no way!!

I'm going with Hammy, Alonso, and Kimi. This is definitely a driver's course. And I don't think the Ferrari is as bad as they've tried to lead everyone to believe. Its just that poor Massa has flat fallen off the pace. No way he remains in the car for the rest of the season at his current perfomance level.

Hobbs seems a bit of a loose cannon, but that's why I like him. But then again I've never met him....although I have read all the Calvin and Hobbes books.

So who do you think replaces Massa...Sergio or someone else?

[Bob Holmes]

So who do you think replaces Massa...Sergio or someone else?

Man, that's a hard question. Ferrari seems to prefer experienced drivers. But If you're an experienced driver in a competitive car (which is a significantly larger pool than normal) do you want to move to Ferrari knowing that you'll be #2 as long as Alonso is still there? Obviously, if you're a Kovalinien or a Glock (both guys were in top tier cars just a couple of years ago), in a crappy bottom tier car, you'd jump at the chance. Does Ferrari look to Nick Heidfield to fill in, hell he still had the most points at Lotus (nee Renault) last year even though they threw him out for a pay driver half way through last year, and then grab Perez or Maldonado or??? for 2013. There are a number of guys available in 2013 (including the Chin!!) that are top flight. I think even the Hamster is available, he's had a sucky year so far due to McLaren screwups and has the burr under his saddle of having Button already getting a contract that should see out Button's career. But then again, he's already had a dose of Alonso as a team mate.

This is a strange year, and I think just about anything could happen other than Pedro De La Slow or Kartnacan'tdrive going to Ferrari.

[Raven855]

although I have read all the Calvin and Hobbes books.
I knew there was a reason that I like you!

[schlot]

...and here I thought if was my natural aroma.

[Raven855]

...and here I thought if was my natural aroma.

Wet poodle dipped in motor oil?

[MikeFleming]

While not directly related to this weekends race, here's two interesting videos. The first one shows a Renault F1 engine being exercised on the dyno. VERY interesting how much fuel reversion there is at high RPM. And kind of surprising that they're not flat shifting. Most paddle-shifting street cars do flat shifting - keeping the throttle full open when changing gears. One can clearly see the throttle palts snapping closed & the fuel stopping briefly when it changes gears (which is merely a dyno simulation in load).

Second vid is a Cosworth F1 engine during an brief, stepped excursion to 20,000 RPM.

I definitely want one of those engines. And the dyno room too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dB0J94ayu5k

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPdm51QwZEw

[Bob Holmes]

We get fuel standoff over the ramtubes for our IR Hemi. Very interesting to see.

[Raven855]

We get fuel standoff over the ramtubes for our IR Hemi. Very interesting to see.
I can get fuel fog on the 28 pict carburetor on a 66 1300 cc Volkswagen! I guess they are about the same age, now that I think about it....

[Bob Holmes]

The Hemi we use is a '54.

[Raven855]

On the VW many people exchanged out the oil bath air cleaner and would put on an paper element. What they didn't realize was the depression caused by the oil bath element enhanced fuel dispersion especially with the acceleration circuit. Taking off the oil bath moved it down and actually into the T of the intake manifold upset fuel distribution. 54 was a very good year!

[Bob Holmes]

Wow, things get weirder and weirder.

Nice to see the Chin show some speed.

[Raven855]

Wow, things get weirder and weirder.

Nice to see the Chin show some speed.
X2. I'm going to stick with my prediction, it's as good as anything. Plus I will make some more. Webber will lose the lead within 15 laps. Nico will retire from the race or be out of the top 10.

[MikeFleming]

So Shumi gets a 5-spot penalty for an obvious racing error that takes both Senna and Shumi out of the last race while Maldonado gets a TEN spot penalty for moving over a little too soon into Perez during Prac 3 that didn't do damage to either car? WTF, O? A SEVERE mis-judgemnt gets five spots while a MINOR one gets TEN?


Why double the penalty for the less severe incident? I thought the "special rules" only applied to Ferrari drivers.

[Bob Holmes]

That's the problem with the change in stewards for every race. They need to select a group of consistent, professional stewards instead of this haphazard country by country bs.

[Patrick]

1/2 price sale at Sauber. Click below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Wn1EFLa2C8&feature=player_embedded

[MikeFleming]

Fascinating video. However I don't think that will make Saubers any faster - even at 1/2 the weight.

[Raven855]

As strange as this season has been they could end up on the top step of the podium!

[Patrick]

As strange as this season has been they could end up on the top step of the podium!

Not if they carry that weight savings tactic on to the driver!

[SVOinDC]

If Hamilton gets anything that even resembles a pit crew look out Red cars......sorry Mr. Fleming! At least I hope so anyway.

[Raven855]

I like the way you think!

[Bob Holmes]

If Hamilton gets anything that even resembles a pit crew look out Red cars......sorry Mr. Fleming! At least I hope so anyway.

The fu is strong in this one. He can stay around.

[Bob Holmes]

Six winners in six races, who would have thought that Hamilton wouldn't have been one of the winners?

Loving this year

[Raven855]

Six winners in six races, who would have thought that Hamilton wouldn't have been one of the winners?

Loving this year
It will be a better year when the boys get back on podium!

[MikeFleming]

And a big thanks to our northern neighbors for hosting this weekends race! Ehh?

[Patrick]

I was setting up the weekends TV recordings and I noticed that SPEED (a FOX station) has the Canadian GP pre race on at 8PM Sunday evening, several hours AFTER the race broadcast on the FOX network.

[MikeFleming]

The FOX broadcast sucks, imho. Bad announcers, no pre-race coverage, etc.

[MikeFleming]

Tickets are now on sale for the Grand Prix of the Americas in Austin, TX, the weekend of Nov 18th. Three day passes start at $159. Sales are currently only open to VIPs through a presale, and will be available to the public on the 10th. General Admission will probably sell out really fast, and the next cheapest option is about 2x the price.

http://circuitoftheamericas.com/tickets

852

[Bob Holmes]

Agreed, they don't do it just.

A bunch of folks use torrent to get the BBC version. I just wish I knew what torrent is. LOL

[MikeFleming]

I just wish I knew what torrent is. LOL "torrent" is an Internet file transfer protocol that is commonly used for malware transmission, illegal audio/mpeg and video file sharing. it is also commonly used to legitimately transfer very large files such as video movies and Linux distributions.

Nice features include the ability to move from host to host when d/loading files as a faster source is found, mid-transfer - without interrupting the d/load. It;s not as useful as a streaming protocol as it has no QoS features.

Unfortunately most current torrent traffic is illegitimate or illegal and that gives it a bad name. We block all torrent traffic at our border routers and many ISPs follow same.

[Bob Holmes]

Whoa, that sounds bad.

[Bob Holmes]

There will be significant carnage by turn 1 at the start of the Austin GP. Another race that Roman Grosjean won't make it through a single lap. LOL

[Raven855]

"torrent" is an Internet file transfer protocol that is commonly used for malware transmission, illegal audio/mpeg and video file sharing. it is also commonly used to legitimately transfer very large files such as video movies and Linux distributions.


Nice features include the ability to move from host to host when d/loading files as a faster source is found, mid-transfer - without interrupting the d/load. It;s not as useful as a streaming protocol as it has no QoS features.

Unfortunately most current torrent traffic is illegitimate or illegal and that gives it a bad name. We block all torrent traffic at our border routers and many ISPs follow same.

I agree with Bob, That sounds nasty! Good thing I use BitTorrent then, Huh!

[MikeFleming]

BitTorrent is same protocol, just renamed. Like "Premium" 91 octane petrol.

[Bob Holmes]

I'm soooooo confused. Must be something associated with electrons.

[Patrick]

^^^ Or elections.

[Bob Holmes]

And with that result, all is right with the world!!!

[MikeFleming]

A very well deserved win for Mr. Hamster!

[Patrick]

7 winners in 7 races.

[MikeFleming]

7 winners in 7 races. We're attempting to get one win for each and every driver - Bloody good thing we don't have 25 races this year.

[Bob Holmes]

So next first winner...Perez or Grosjean?

[MikeFleming]

Kimi.

[Bob Holmes]

Let me clarify, first-time winner. Kimi's been a WC.

[Patrick]

^^^ First time this season.

[MikeFleming]

Valencia Summary:
Vettels car stopped because his left glove overheated. You can clearly see him throw it away (adding to the debris on track!).

Schumacher had about ten cars all piled up behind him at one point while he was weaving back and forth to keep any of them from passing. He should be penalized for blocking.

Maldonado clearly ran into Hamilton. Look at the line Hamilton is on when Maldo jerks hard right into him. Sure Lewis "could have" given up the position - he could have pulled over and stopped at any point in the race to let everyone else pass - while Maldonado picked a horribly bad place to complete his failed pass attempt when there were sooo many other better areas for passing a crippled car. WHY the announcers said it was all Hamilton's fault is totaly beyond me. Did they watch the video?

Maldonado's opinion:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/formulaone/article-2163989/European-Grand-Prix-2012-Pastor-Maldonado-blames-Lewis-Hamilton-crash.html

Fortunately the stewards agree with me. So Pastor gets a 20 second penalty, loosing his tenth place finish.

Alonzo MUST get a penalty for stopping on track and not returning, without collecting things, to Parc Ferme (TWO bads). Hamilton got a ten spot penalty for stopping a few races back. Oh, sorry I forgot. Rules don't apply to Ferrari.

Alonzo also must be jailed for treason for placing his country's flag on the ground. Clearly an American driver would be executed for that.

Kobayashi continues to be the most dangerous driver in the field.

[Bob Holmes]

I thought that Maldonado was the most dangerous driver in the field. And Silverstone certainly proved that.

Button, oh Button. You get paid the big bucks and then turn back into the journeyman hack that I knew you were. Ballers aren't the only ones that take the money and lie down.

AnybuddybutAlonso. Yeah, hate to say it but he's the class of the field. I'm starting to like the guy. Stop the madness!!!

So does Hamilton stay, or does he go go?

Kimi's being outshone by a punk who's attempt at facial hair ranks right up there with Meotch's.

Can the convict win it all? I think he has a better car than AnybuddybutAlonso. It'd sure piss off the chosen one.

[Raven855]

It has turned into quite an involving season, frustrating and disappointing also. The first, Maldonado. Get rid of this guy before he kills someone and the same goes for Kobayashi. Both of these guys have been driving like this for years.

I think the dragon has awoke in Massa and I think we will see him on the podium very soon. Getting therapy has definitely improved his form and he has been very competitive with Fernando.

And in the mind game Vettle has suffered but he will be back with a vengeance. But the loss of the blown diffuser has been a major setback for him. RB is pulling out all of the stops to make up for it but Webber has been able to capitalize on them better though. Look for problems between them very soon. With all of that family infighting will it be Alonso who will win, just like in 2010?

But where is McLaren? I see no major updates coming and the car desparitely needs it! They seem to be focusing on the front end and making changes to the rear. ?????? What the heck are they doing. They plan on copying Ferraris rear suspension, (seems fair, Ferrari is copying their exhaust) Hamilton was openly criticized for the Maldonado incident by Whitmarsh. That was stupid, it was Maldonados fault. Is this why McLaren is nowhere, Management has gone stupid?

Enough rambling, how about some predictions for the next race. Starting grid Vettle, Massa, Hamilton, Webber and then Alonso. For the win, Vettle, Webber and Kimi on the Podium. I'll miss the race and will not find out until after Hungary, Canoeing in Canada.

[schlot]

It's a great season for sure...even with Mr. Mal-y-nada and Kobicrashy still out there increasing the danger level ten fold.

Was anyone else getting tired of hearing the "chosen one" Perez being mentioned for a Ferrarri crown?

Has it come down to rooting for anyone but Alonso this season?

[MikeFleming]

Alonzo has been known to be a monster of a driver in a capable car. He has driven the best "my car is wider than yours" race that I recall in F1 when he kept The Shoe, in the very capable Ferrari, behind his Renault. A very well deserved win and championship.

I don't like him for what he did to McLaren. He's gonna have to be saintly for a very long time to recover from that, imho.

[schlot]

What happened at Singapore with Alonso and Piquet Jr. smelled pretty foul to me....of course with this heat I smell pretty bad too.

[MikeFleming]

Will Hockenheim be the race where both Mal-di-nada and Kobicrashy don't hit anyone?

Will it rain during the race?

I needs to know.

[MikeFleming]

A recent Tech Support contact replied with:

"Anything else I can do? "

naturally I replied with:

"Anything? Can you tell me the winner of this weekends Formula One race in Hungary? That would be cool to know.""

His last reply was:

"Mike,
After further review to answer your question I would have to say Ferrari's Fernando Alonso, there are too many good things happening to him and its the easiest track in years - so they say here :) Good luck!!"

So there we have it. VMware is voting Alonzo.

[Bob Holmes]

I'm still waiting for the other shoe to drop on the Red Bull controversy.

McLaren seemed to have some form back. Too bad Button can't qualify any better than a mid-packer.

When is Lotus (what will they be called next year as the hangover from Danny Behar extends into the motorsports programs) going to win?

So as much as it pains me...AnybuddybutAlonso.

[MikeFleming]

^
IMHO Kimi is almost there.

[Pat]

Kimi was all set to rock n roll but couldn't find that last second in the final 10 laps. He had fresher tires and still couldn't attack Hammy. There was much less passing than in previous races this year. This one in Hungary was a yawner compared with the year so far.

[MikeFleming]

In any case a well deserved pole and win for Lewis. Even with a 4-second pit stop.

[schlot]

Good lord this summer F1 break has been going on forever.....bring on Spa!

[MikeFleming]

One of my co-workers recently put in her notice. She accepted a job with the future European Mars Lander project as an engineeer and will be moving to Belgium soon. But probably not soon enough to be at this years Spa event.

[Bob Holmes]

I love Spa, its a bitchin race course.

So what did we learn during the break.

That an 80+ year old man is attractive to a 35 year old woman.
That Mercedes is likely to leave the sport.
That Ross Brawn thinks the sport is too unpredictable and that it would be better if a couple of mega teams duked it out (Neither would be yours Ross!)
That Valentino Rossi will spend the rest of his career getting his butt kicked by Jorge Lorenszo.

I can't wait to get back to the racing.

[Bob Holmes]

Youse guys missed a an entertaining Spa weekend.

Monza, next week. Lotus finally wins...and that means only one driver...

[MikeFleming]

Anyone catch the Spa GP2 race? THAT was a fun to watch race.

[schlot]

Still on the DVR waiting to be watched.

The stunt show at turn 1 was Nascar nasty. Starting to hear more about enclosed cockpits in F1 now.

[MikeFleming]

If you liked the bumper-car show in F1, you will LOVE the GP2 race. Except for the red flag delay.

[MikeFleming]

Recent news:

Monza grid penalties for Maldonado02 Sep 2012:
http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2012/9/13741.html

Grosjean handed one-race ban after first-lap collision:
http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2012/9/13740.html

[Bob Holmes]

Hmmmm, and McLaren obviously used their time wisely during the break. Red Bull, not so much.

[Patrick]

McLaren obviously used their time wisely during the break...

That's against the rules.

[MikeFleming]

And at Ferrari's home track? Those bastards!

Everyone that out-qualified Alonzo is officially BANNED!

[Meotchh]

Finally got to see what happened during lap 1 in Belgium:

http://youtu.be/b-agfTgUVKw

So how would Alonso have benefitted from a closed cockpit? Stupid ppl think F1 cars should become Lemans Prototype cars...

1525

I don't think so...

[MikeFleming]

Well, I must say that I have now lost some respect for Niki Lauda. Pity.

He called Sergio "Pedro" during the interview. Tsk, tsk.

[Bob Holmes]

That's against the rules.

Hmmm, given that comment comes from you, Pat, I realize that I don't need to reply. :stick_poke:

[Patrick]

But you did anyways.:stick_poke:

[Ethans84]

Is there any place to watch F1 online, I don't have cable anymore and haven't been able to watch an F1 race in a while. Serious withdrawals are still happening.

[MikeFleming]

Start here:

http://formula-one.speedtv.com/

They stream (on-line) the early and late practice sessions (ones that are not broadcast on cable) without commentary. I suspect they may also have *some* broadcast sessions available on the site, but I haven't used them.

Seems I found a bunch of 2TB e-SATA drives to connect to my Directv receiver to archive all the F1 & GP2 races. YEE-HAW!

[MikeFleming]

Korea starts Tonight

BE THERE!!!

[Bob Holmes]

I fear that RBR and Vettel are going to take the championship again. At least this time it's been a fight.

No comments on the Hamster and Schumi schmoozle?

[MikeFleming]

No comments on the Hamster and Schumi schmoozle? A good move for Hamster $$-wise, but he won't win many (any?) races for a long time with Merc. I heard McLaren countered with the same $$ though.

Was definitely time for the old guy to stop driving - and move into team management. IMHO, he would shine in that capacity.

And Lauda over Shumacher as team principle at Merc?? WTF, O? IMHO it would be very difficult to beat a Shumi/Merc/Copious $$/Hamilton/Brawn combo (with fries). And even harder if they had any testing going on.

But what do I know? I'm just a red car kind of guy.

[Patrick]

NBC gets the broadcast rights.

http://www.theaustingrandprix.com/news/2012/10/12/formula-1-leaves-speed-network-in-2013.html

[MikeFleming]

^
More commercial time, less racing, less F1 coverage, more money for Bernie.

Big Sigh.

That does it. I'm giving up on Formula 1 and becoming a NASCAR fan. Now where'd I leave my beer? Oh yeah - in the cooler-recliner. OK, bring it on.

[Patrick]

^...That does it. I'm giving up on Formula 1 and becoming a NASCAR fan.....

Dude, that's totally awesome to hear. We'll make you an SVO pickup truck and do a waterproof Rhino liner coating in the bed. Then you can dump all the ice, Pabst Blue Ribbon, Budweiser, Colt 45 and Coors Light right into the tailgate. Then we can drink beer, throw cans on the track, and bad mouth all them "frooty car" drivers!

I'll warn Earnhardt Nation to expect you.

:like2:

[Patrick]

First lap footage from Circuit of the Americas, with Mario Andretti.

http://www.theaustingrandprix.com/news/2012/10/23/mario-andretti-takes-first-lap-at-cota-opening-ceremony.html

[Patrick]

I am particularly fond of the new braking markers ...


1792

[MikeFleming]

"... took their shoes off .. " LOL'd.

No on-board camera footage? Why didn't someone stick a GoPro on for those laps? Watching a car go by from the front straight is so .. uh, so 70's. Oh, yeah. Right. Mario's era.

nevermind

[Bob Holmes]

LOL...

[Patrick]

Pit to Vettel: "Stop the car!".

Vettel goes from front row to back row because of being 150 milliliters short of the fuel requirement.

I think that he hates the metric system now.

[Bob Holmes]

Wow, what a race. Wildest one of the season.

[MikeFleming]

And there were a few times during the radio transmissions and post-race interviews where English blue content was [almost] blocked.

Definitely fun to watch. Next race will eb fun too.

And what's up with all these middle-of-the-race technical failures at McLaren for The Fast Hamster? Payback?

[Bob Holmes]

No, I can't believe payback. Remember that they are fighting with Ferrari for second in the constructors. Millions and millions at stake, no way would you sabotage the hamster and lose out on that money.

[Patrick]

"Just leave me alone. I know what to do."

[TheSVOTrust]

http://autos.yahoo.com/news/how-woman-survived-brutal-formula-one-crash.html

Mark

[Meotchh]

When was this & who was driving?
1935

[Meotchh]

Who is this hippie future F1 driver, eh?

1937

[Patrick]

Brabham BT52, Team owned by Bernie Ecclestone, designed by Gordon Murray. 1983, Nelson Piquet World Champion.

Villeneuve. (Somebody else can tell us which one)

[Bob Holmes]

Black and White photo...Gilles.

[Raven855]

Black and White photo...Gilles.
I'm with Bob on the pic, although he's usually wrong.

[Patrick]

There's just something goofy looking about F-1 drivers wearing stetson hats.

[Bob Holmes]

It was odd, but seemed to work.

Not a bad race. But Vettel and Hammy flat left the rest of the field.

I want to drive that track.

[Bob Holmes]

All I could think during that race, as Hammy made his way to the front was "which is worse, Hammy in a Mercedes, or McLaren without a #1 driver." I think they both made themselves into "also-rans." Sad

[MikeFleming]

I did not see any alternate track layout roads. There HAS to be more than just the one configuration, No?

[SVOC]

I want to drive that track.


We checked in to renting it to put on an HPDE................ $50k a day, and a 25 car cap.

Just so you don't feel like you got the screw job, I'll let you stay here at the house for free.

[MikeFleming]

^
Does that $$ include track, insurance, emergency crews and corner workers?

[SVOC]

No it doesn't

[Patrick]

How about umbrella girls?

[Bob Holmes]

I can't believe that I'm sitting here, rooting for AnybodybutAlonso...

How things change. His performance this year has been fantastic.

[Bob Holmes]

Holy crap!!!

[Patrick]

Holy crap!!!

Holy Crap II !

[Bob Holmes]

What a great year. Lots of different winners, lots of different podium participants, a great new track in Austin, driver shuffles...

Has to go down as one of the best.

So my driver rankings.

Best of the best

Vettel
Alonso
Hamilton
Raikonen

(those are easy)

Best of the rest:

Button
Webber
Massa (after he got his contract and out qualified Alonso for the last two races!)

Mid-packers (even if their cars sucked)

Perez
Kovalinen
Glock
Vergne

Crashers (or, yeah you know how to go fast but you don't know how to drive!) This is too easy

Grosjean (or "how to steal a championship from Ferrari") Does this guys red mist ever lift?
Maldonado (or "thank god I have a whole country delivering cash to Williams or I'd be the guy out of a drive")
Kobayashi (...but I podiumed in Japan:( )

Those that terminally underachieved

Anyone driving a Mercedes


What are your ratings for the year?

[Patrick]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=oe73fex_E1Q

[MikeFleming]

^
Excellent!

[Raven855]

That was a great KIMI link. I like him more and more everyday as a driver. One of the most consistent drivers this year. This has been a great year for F1 racing. Next year could be good too. I think Massa was the most improved Driver. His improvement came when he started seeing a therapist about his injury according to him. The improved performance lead directly to his contract extension. Schumacher is still a good driver, his problem is he does not understand the tires and how to make them work. Some car designs seem to be better with the tires like the Saubers. If you could put Button, Vettle, Alonso and Hamiliton in the same car it would be a toss up to who would win. It would depend on the track. I do think that in CHANGING conditions Button is best, wet conditions would be another story.

[MikeFleming]

Most dfefinitely a very fun year. And with six champions competing? Fantastic. Only five next year though.

Personally I think Shu should go into team management.

[Bob Holmes]

Button, what are you kidding me?! Put Kimi in that place and I would agree.

[Raven855]

I know you don't like Button Bob. Care for a little wager? I'll take my boring Button to your cautious Kimi and the first one on podium buys the first round at Knotts.

[Bob Holmes]

Not exactly an even bet, Button manages to go slow in the fastest car on the grid, Kimi hammers away at the 4th best car on the grid. But, being the sporting guy that I am, I'll take your bet. :)

[Raven855]

Not exactly an even bet, Button manages to go slow in the fastest car on the grid, Kimi hammers away at the 4th best car on the grid. But, being the sporting guy that I am, I'll take your bet. :)
Not an even bet? How about a different match up? How about another bet? Say Hamilton Vs Kimi? You gonna make excuses on that one too? Since I don't think Kimi will make podium the first race, or Mercedes for that matter, the one with the highest placement in the first race for the second round at Knotts.

[Bob Holmes]

I took your bet already, so quit your belly aching!!

Second bet, I like that one, you're on. I assume you're taking the Hamster?

[Patrick]

Bob and Raven, you are both banned for discussing the 2013 Formula 1 season in the 2012 Formula 1 thread.

http://www.svocop.com/forum/showthread.php?1306-2013-Formula-1-thread&p=10113#post10113 (http://www.svocop.com/forum/showthread.php?1306-2013-Formula-1-thread&p=10113#post10113)

^^^^-------------------LOOKY HERE--------------------^^^^

[Raven855]

I will be taking the Hamster. The only thing better than a beer is a FREE beer! I take that back, TWO FREE BEERS! Hahahaha!

[Bob Holmes]

More likely is that I'll be purchasing the first round, you'll be purchasing the second.

Hammy can't pick that garbage scow up and make a winner out of it.

[MikeFleming]

What is it with Mr. Vettel and the Aldolf 'stashe? Is that a German thing?

[Patrick]

That just looks like peach fuzz. He hasn't started shaving yet, has he? (meaningless attempt at a carriage return) So Alonso passed under a yellow in lap 38-39? Did the stewards do anything?

[MikeFleming]

So Alonso passed under a yellow in lap 38-39? Did the stewards do anything? Rule #1 in Formula One:
Ferrari does not serve penalties!!

[Bob Holmes]

Ok, you bozos, this thread is locked. Go to the 2013 thread.