:: The Formula 1 - 2008 Season Thread

Who do you think will win this season?

This is the calander:
012008 FORMULA 1 ING AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX (Melbourne)14 - 16 Mar
022008 FORMULA 1 PETRONAS MALAYSIAN GRAND PRIX (Kuala Lumpur)21 - 23 Mar
032008 FORMULA 1 GULF AIR BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX (Bahrain)04 - 06 Apr
04FORMULA 1 GRAN PREMIO DE ESPANA TELEFONICA 2008 (Catalunya)25 - 27 Apr
052008 FORMULA 1 PETROL OFISI TURKISH GRAND PRIX (Istanbul)09 - 11 May
06FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX DE MONACO 2008 (Monte Carlo)22 - 25 May
07FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX DU CANADA 2008 (Montreal)06 - 08 Jun
08FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX DE FRANCE 2008 (Magny-Cours)20 - 22 Jun
092008 FORMULA 1 SANTANDER BRITISH GRAND PRIX (Silverstone)04 - 06 Jul
10FORMULA 1 GROSSER PREIS SANTANDER VON DEUTSCHLAND 2008 (Hockenheim)18 - 20 Jul
11FORMULA 1 ING MAGYAR NAGYDIJ 2008 (Budapest)01 - 03 Aug
122008 FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX OF EUROPE (Valencia)22 - 24 Aug
132008 FORMULA 1 ING BELGIAN GRAND PRIX (Spa-Francorchamps)05 - 07 Sep
14FORMULA 1 GRAN PREMIO SANTANDER D'ITALIA 2008 (Monza)12 - 14 Sep
152008 FORMULA 1 SINGTEL SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX (Singapore)26 - 28 Sep
162008 FORMULA 1 FUJI TELEVISION JAPANESE GRAND PRIX (Fuji Speedway)10 - 12 Oct
172008 FORMULA 1 SINOPEC CHINESE GRAND PRIX (Shanghai)17 - 19 Oct
18FORMULA 1 GRANDE PREMIO DO BRASIL 2008 (Sao Paulo)31 Oct - 02 Nov

Dont you think it depends how the teams start the season? The answer is not so simple as the question.

F1 is definitely not a competition that is easy to predict but in my opinion Ferrari would be the favorites to win with Renault coming second. I see the competition between Ferrari, Williams and Renault.

I would be gunning for Force India also. I hope we better the tally with at least 10-20 points. Last year Spykar had a lone star 1 point.

I also did not like the use of word "India" in "Force India Team" in all these years no team had their country’s name in the team name why should India be part of any F1 team, and that too for a loosing team (well the team has not been doing well till now)

M

hailgautam said:
I also did not like the use of word "India" in "Force India Team" in all these years no team had their country’s name in the team name why should India be part of any F1 team, and that too for a loosing team (well the team has not been doing well till now)

That's the owner's decision. And how can it be called loosing team even before the season's started?

Oh bloody hell .. its started .. The F1 2008 thread .. oh ya ... I am in guyz ..

Wish this will be another gr8 year

1st gr8 guestion ...

Who do you think will win this season?

Cant comment before the first race ... as renault hasnt opened his cards yet, only after 1st race I can say..

But for now - Ferrari, with McLaren and Renault following.
Driver - I just wish its Filiepe Massa .. this guys is like Schumi always go happy, not like Kimi who is always self sufficient.

@hailgautam
I also thought the same

.. its good not that I am not patriotic but just that ForceIndia would be my second choice.
instead he should rather given Indian a drive.. what the heck every1 does it,
Williams always prefer Ex-Champ son over anyother,
Honda-2nd team was made just for a Japanese Driver(you know who),
Then there are other preferences given to people,
the Chota Schumacher was never a good. . just average guy in good car.

mehulved said:
That's the owner's decision. And how can it be called loosing team even before the season's started?

adding to my above line .. Williams always prefer Ex-Champ son over anyother,
Honda-2nd team was made just for a Japanese Driver(you know who),
Then there are other preferences given to people,
the Chota Schumacher was never a good. . just average guy in good car. But Surname pays back.

and

My QUESTION>> Where the hell will be HondaF1 this year?
2
3
4
5
or loosers

N

u didnt mention Mclaren in the poll

i'm really curious to see Hamilton do something this yr and also Kimi,Button

^^
Yea. McLaren is missing!!
I vote for McLaren

ahem!
Ferrari, McLaren, Renault, Williams...???

did you forget about #3 spot BMW (#2 due to DQ of McLaren).

this year, i hope its going to be a 3 way battle, between Ferrari, McLaren (obviously) & BMW.

but BMW will not win the Driver's title, as Nick is not a fighter & Robert has'nt found the grip yet.

Renault - they didnt put much time in developing the car, they were busy getting Alonso & even he cant help them to be in competitve position.(as he cudn't spend much time with car dev.).

Williams - get some 'non punk ass b1tch' drivers who can race

Ferrari- my bet's on Massa this time :))

McLaren - obvioulsy Hamilton will outperform his team mate.

lywyre said:
^^
Yea. McLaren is missing!!
I vote for McLaren

Yep galti se mistake ho gaya...if mods can help?

This year it is definitely going to be a 3 way race between Ferrari, McLaren and Renault, with Kimi, Hamilton and Alanso eying for each other’s blood it is a season to watch out. But my bet is with Kimi.

Heard Singapore later this year is going to be a night show!

ForceIndia is going gaga over its new owner calling the vehicle VJM1 – as if we don’t know what it means.

i would like see what maclaren does through the year 2008

R

mclaren without a doubt is the most glamorous team in F1 i support them but wan't kimi to retain.i think nelson piquet is gonna surprise everyone or atleast fernando with his ability.

the only thing i hated all this while was how badly the media has treated kimi.the guy bcomes champ for the 1st time and pulled of a major upset in the last but all i saw was papers and year reviews only bout hamilton.

I support kimi all the way

Michael vs Kimi
*topgear.com/content/news/stories/2642/

H

I bet Michael would still own these kiddies (if he ever returned) with a car designed for him.

Having said that, Kimi has grown up a lot at the Ferrari camp last year, and he is also my favourite this year.

Dunno who will win...but considering that I'm in Switzerland at the moment...I am SO gonna be there for Hockenheim & Nurburgring!

Anyone else jealous?

ITV to broadcast for free, the Friday practice on web
*itv.com/

~1hr. 24mins to go

Thursday's press conference - Australia

s18000rpm said:
ITV to broadcast for free, the Friday practice on web
*itv.com/

~1hr. 24mins to go

Thursday's press conference - Australia

wooo thanx champ ... if its working then gr8,
bcoz I am not sure of my cableguy to give non stop reception of the race and moreover as for the friday practice man
.. starsports dont deliver so this will gr8 man. thx

EDIT: ... can we really see that today .. in 57 mins .. the press conference live ???

H

Wow cool webcast, oh boy can't wait till Sunday

I just wanna say:
HitIT Force-india!!
But i do think Renault will excel in this season,!

rollcage said:
EDIT: ... can we really see that today .. in 57 mins .. the press conference live ???

not the press conf., its already over, click & read it

its the friday practice session which'll be on web.
----------------------
practice starts at 13th, march, 11:00pm IST

s18000rpm said:
not the press conf., its already over, click & read it

its the friday practice session which'll be on web.
----------------------
practice starts at 13th, march, 11:00pm IST

ohkk but why was it showing .. minutes remaining?

^what?

*itv-95.vo.llnwd.net/d1/broadband/itvf1/default.html

i got this msg.

Not Authorized

You don't have permission to access /broadband/f1/simulcastPlayer.html on this server.

I see a message saying "Forbidden" when I try to watch the live stream. Why is this?

We do not hold international rights to all of our programming so video content is supplied only to users with IP addresses in the UK. Some users in Britain may be affected by such geographic blocking if their internet service provider uses servers outside the UK.

lets try some proxy

nish_higher said:
u didnt mention Mclaren in the poll
i'm really curious to see Hamilton do something this yr and also Kimi,Button

Don't worry, main hoon na.

I really hope McLaren Mecedes and Force India rock this season.

McLaren Mecedes, FTW!

Button? Button is racing with a bullock cart. Honda has now become a regular back marker.

I think this year it will be

1-2) Ferrari vs McLaren
3-4) BMW vs Renault
5-7) Williams vs Red Bull vs Toyota
8-9)Toro Rosso vs Force India
10-11) Super Aguri vs Honda

I hope Heikki do to Lewis what Lewis did to Alonso.

s18000rpm -
Isn't the streaming not working?

Please keep us updated on this streaming thing.

Thread stuck and will remain that way till the season ends.

^gurdgy .. misspell

and

s18000rpm said:
lets try some proxy

ya Please...

nope, none working

rollcage said:
^gurdgy .. misspell

Please don't tell anyone what word I misspelt.
/me should do penance
/me should drop his head in shame

*www.myinternetproxy.com/proxy.php?...vYnJvYWRiYW5kL2YxL3NpbXVsY2FzdFBsYXllci5odG1s

*www.myinternetproxy.com/proxy.php?...vZDEvYnJvYWRiYW5kL2l0dmYxL2RlZmF1bHQuaHRtbA--

this one works (maybe), but the practice session has ended

^^
I'll check again tomorrow. Please tell when the practice starts.

Also what's the status of today's session.

FRI Practice 1 - 04:30
FRI Practice 2 - 08:30
SAT Practice - 05:30
SAT Qualifyin - 08:30
SUN Race - 10:00

IST

www.f1.com says practice starts at 4am (IST) & itv says it ended?

[edit]
hmmm, now *www.itv-f1.com/home.aspx showing ~4 hrs left.

@s18000rpm
yesthat a good web proxy site .

but if we find a proxyserver of UK .. then we can watch it with ease.

found it

155.136.224.10 : 80 anonymous Great Britain (UK)

thx ya .. the link is working
but I stil cant watch it .. why bcoz I have pretty slow connection 128kbps DSl ..

man is there any lowband live link

Thanks for the update. The second practice should start in 30 mins.

Dunno if it'll work as I have a slow speed connection - 256k.

live streaming not working.

btw, p2 has started

M

Do try, seems quite decent even on 256k connection. But, I have downloads running in the background that I don't want to stop.

Streaming is working but it's buffering a lot. Seems that we need atleast 512k for a proper view. But something is better than nothing.

Hamilton sets the fastest time!

R

Kimi Raikkonen and Ferrari set the initial pace as practice for the Australian Grand Prix opened today in Melbourne’s Albert Park, in 39 degrees Celsius ambient temperature and a healthy wind.

The first 45 minutes saw the Ferraris battling each other for fastest time, with Felipe Massa gaining that with 1m 27.524s ahead of Kimi Raikkonen 1m 27.709s....

hammy 2nd,massa 3rd,heikki 4th.webber 5th.

webber sets another blazing lap.that means another blazing retirement during the race

w00t w00t.

M

Are any of you able to get full picture at that itv site? I only get the top half, bottom half is missing

mehulved said:
Are any of you able to get full picture at that itv site? I only get the top half, bottom half is missing

Yeah, but the streaming size is small. The quality is good, we need to have a faster connection or a better proxy. The site didn't work in Safari, had to use Firefox.

*img.skitch.com/20080314-e52ij828dip92dbgixatcjcfqj.jpg

Good P2 session. Hamilton sets the fastest time and almost by a second faster than the next fastest.

Red Bull and Force India (Fisechella sets 9th fastest time) put a surprisingly good show.

Without the tracsion control, we saw a lot of drivers running wide, getting in the grass & gravel trap and skidding in the corners, etc.. but there's still one more practice and qualifying so things should be fine on the Race day.

Go McLaren Mercedes, Go Hamilton!

M

That's weird. I only get top half of the picture, both in opera and firefox.

F1 AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX
Friday Practice 1
1 Kimi Raikkonen - Ferrari 1:26.461
2 Lewis Hamilton - McLaren-Mercedes 1:26.948
3 Felipe Massa - Ferrari 1:26.958
12 Giancarlo Fisichella - Force India-Ferrari 1:29.230
17 Adrian Sutil - Force India-Ferrari 1:30.155

Friday Practice 2
1 Lewis Hamilton - McLaren-Mercedes 1:26.559
2 Mark Webber - Red Bull 1:27.473
3 Felipe Massa - Ferrari 1:27.640
9 Giancarlo Fisichella - Force India-Ferrari 1:28.469
17 Adrian Sutil - Force India-Ferrari 1:29.161

I will not consider P1 and P2 results as many teams seems to do different component checks rather than going fast on track.

rollcage said:
found it

thx ya .. the link is working
but I stil cant watch it .. why bcoz I have pretty slow connection 128kbps DSl ..
man is there any lowband live link

155.136.224.10 : 80 anonymous Great Britain (UK)

how to use it? :))

the link i gave, shows only a picture (holding-slate) & no player.

*s2.supload.com/thumbs/default/holding-slate.gif

I cant see BMW Trainee's vote in this poll

s18000rpm said:
155.136.224.10 : 80 anonymous Great Britain (UK)

how to use it?

the link i gave, shows only a picture (holding-slate) & no player.
*s2.supload.com/thumbs/default/holding-slate.gif

You just post that Proxy Server in ur web browser thats it..
very simple
If you using firefox (work with other also just location ofthe setting is on different tab that it)
ok tell u IE 7 bcoz its more supported at that site

In Internet Explorer > Go to> Tools> internet Options> Connections > Lan Settings > use Proxy Server> 155.136.224.10 port 80

Done..

^thanks.

Schedule: (IST)
Practice 3 Sat 05:30-06:30

Qualifying Sat 08:30-09:30

The Race Sun 10:00-12:00

will try to watch in morning.

H

And don't forget RaceDay at 9am before the actual race, ah I am so glued to the chair.

rollcage -
The site didn't work in Safari. Worked in FX only.

I didn't understand what meant by "If you using firefox (work with other also just location ofthe setting is on different tab that it)".

What I need to enter in the URL bar?

Wow... yet another season.. and this time a whole nation is gonna keenly follow it for the first time...

My bets are with the McLaren to win the season, although Kimi in Ferrari is gonna be a title contender too.. Hope Force India finishes with at least a few points.. Fisichella gave some hope in the FP2..

BTW, what was the poll for ?? Constructors championship or driver's..??

H

The poll is for Constructors, the driver title is very vast and nothing can be said as of now.

Hitboxx said:
And don't forget RaceDay at 9am before the actual race, ah I am so glued to the chair.

Me too... and thats the only part when I see Pit Babes.

also the celebs like
the legend Kylie Minogue last year in Melbourne, and Keanu Reaves at Chinese Grand Prix.

drgrudge said:
rollcage -
The site didn't work in Safari. Worked in FX only.

I didn't understand what meant by "If you using firefox (work with other also just location of the setting is on different tab that it)".

What I need to enter in the URL bar?

Oh that was for using a proxy yaar,
You just open the site normally.. i.e.

Code:

*www.itv-f1.com/videohome.aspx

and the site is more supported in Internet Explorer
I cant use it in firefox .. like the all government sites

bsnl, mtnl, company law board, incometax sites etc.

anyways.. that proxy does open the site.
and you can try to find few more proxy on google.

let us know which works best bro.

between the main prob is we are on low bandwith ..even if the site works its no use .. bcoz it needs non stop 512k line.

so Brothers please find some other live link .. .please please please ... hmmm

Too bad. I'm not able to see the streaming, even with the proxy.

prasad_den said:
Wow... yet another season.. and this time a whole nation is gonna keenly follow it for the first time... My bets are with the McLaren to win the season, although Kimi in Ferrari is gonna be a title contender too.. Hope Force India finishes with at least a few points.. Fisichella gave some hope in the FP2..

BTW, what was the poll for ?? Constructors championship or driver's..??

nope. not McLaren. They have kids driving their cars. Remember how Lewis succumbed under pressure in 2007? The experience of Kimi and Massa is certainly going to make a difference and that will be a huge contributing factor for Ferrari. McLaren should not have ignored Alonso. Had they made Alonso No.1, they would've got 2007 drivers championship and the best car for this season.

However Alonso cries, he is a master of tactics and his inputs are the best in current generation.

Just a quick heads up boys. This link works:*www.myinternetproxy.com/proxy.php?...vYnJvYWRiYW5kL2YxL3NpbXVsY2FzdFBsYXllci5odG1s

It comes with commentary! Better still McLaren is leading now! And Car 1 (Kimi) will not take part in qualifying.

kimi not going to take part in Q2 of qualifying due to engine issues.

H

Not only that he is completely out of it and start the race in 16th place

drgrudge said:
Too bad. I'm not able to see the streaming, even with the proxy.

\

My cablewala again messed up...

I can see the video, with proxy setting its working .. but man we need a norrowband live link badly,

*img182.imageshack.us/img182/3711/thhku7.jpg

Please someone find a narrowband link .. I am begging ..

drgrudge do something ya ///

^^
Yaar, wat can I do. I'm also looking for a low quality streaming.

But tomorrow, I'll go to my cousin's house who has Home 500 (upto 2m).

lewis, kubica, kovalainen, massa, heidfeld, trulli, rosberg, david, timo, vettel mark the top 10 places on the grid.

McLaren rules! Hope they finish 1-2 tomorrow. :))

BMW is starting to be a great competitor now

@drgrudge .. hmmm good for you man, :0

by the way qualifying just ended,
I was watching like ... parts .. in glimpses on my norrowband connection

P1--> Hamilton
Massa did good .. but not better than mclaren
Kimi out of top 10 due to gear box problem
Force India qualifies in top 10 in S Vettel

H

Yes, BMW is very strong now and if not for the mistake(awesome car control btw) by Kubica, Lewis wouldn't be on pole.

But Kimi

, alas I hoped I would get his victory as my b'day gift, thats out of the window now. Atleast Massa is up there but I'm not sure about him, hoping for a Ferrari/BMW victory. Looks like its gonna be another lousy b'day :\

rollcage said:
@drgrudge .. hmmm good for you man, :0

Force India qualifies in top 10 in S Vettel

^^Lol.

Vettel drives Toro Rosso. Force India qualified in 17th and 19th places

Fisi -17
Sutil -19

^oopsy ... hota hai hota hai //
but fisi was quick on firday. he was 9th

Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari (16th, Q1 - 1m 26.140s):
"Clearly I am disappointed. A few corners from the end of my in-lap, I had a problem with the electronic fuel pump which forced me to stop near the pit lane and so it was impossible for me to get back to the garage to try and fix the problem. These things happen, but it's definitely not the best way to start the season. Now we must try to do our best to pick up some points tomorrow, because it is important to score something in every race."

Fernando Alonso, Renault (12th, Q2 - 1m 26.188s):
"As expected the times were very close and while I was reasonably satisfied with the performance of my car this morning, a failure of the differential upset the balance and made it extremely difficult to drive. I am sure we can bounce back in the race and we will work hard tonight to make sure that is the case."

Lewis Hamilton, McLaren (1st, Q3 - 1m 26.714s):
“I couldn’t have wished for a better start to the season, and it’s great to see Heikki (Kovalainen) and my friend Robert (Kubica) doing well, and the team has done a super job in getting all the necessary parts ready in time. During Q1 I was held up in traffic, but everything just came together when it mattered in Q3. The track conditions were a bit easier today compared to yesterday as it wasn’t as hot. I think the start will be interesting tomorrow due to the change in regulations. Last year it was relatively easy where as now it’s dependent on the driver, so I want to get that right. Fortunately I am starting from the clean side of the track for once, and hopefully that will help a bit, but it will be a long and tough race.”

Robert Kubica, BMW Sauber (2nd, Q3 - 1m 26.869s):
"P2 is a great achievement for the whole team, and that's a good start to the season! I took a lot of risks in the second run of Q3, but finally it didn't pay off. I went wide in corner twelve and ran on the artificial grass. This cost me between two and three tenths of a second and maybe pole position. We had quite a difficult day yesterday, but we were able to make a lot of progress. The F1.08 is a very quick car, but quite delicate to set-up and to drive. When I look back on what level we started testing, I have to give a big compliment to the whole team in Munich and Hinwil. Everybody worked hard analysing the problems and improving the car."

Heikki Kovalainen, McLaren (3rd, Q3 - 1m 27.079s):
“I am pleased to qualify third, but there is still room for improvement. It was a fairly smooth lap, and the balance of the car felt good. At the end I didn’t nail a perfect lap, but throughout the weekend I have just been taking things steady, not making any mistakes and keep pushing harder and harder.

Felipe Massa, Ferrari (4th, Q3 - 1m 27.178s):
"I failed to get the most out of my final set of tyres for the day, because I had traffic on my out-lap and this meant I was unable to get the tyres up to temperature. I am happy with the handling of the car, which is well balanced and we know we can run at a good race pace. It will be a very tough race, especially as we can expect high temperatures. Anything can happen and I think I can fight for the very top places."

---------
F1 Screensaver & Wallpapers
*www.formula1.com/services/downloads/

Force India debut lasts only for 10 laps.

H

Yes A hard knock of reality. Hopefully they will improve as the season goes on.

They were good in practice sessions. Yes, hopefully they will improve.
Btw, Kimi in 3rd place right now. What a race he is having.
And Hamilton leads.

H

Oh god, bad day for Ferrari, Kimi made a mistake, Massa out

Half of the drivers are out retired

Edit: All the drivers running will earn points as only 7 of them are remaining.

Edit: Final Results
F1 AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX Results
1 L Hamilton - McLaren
2 N Heidfeld - BMW
3 N Rosberg - Williams
4 F Alsonso - Renault
5 H Kovalainen - McLaren
6 R Barichello - Hinda
7 K Nakajima - Williams

Seems that I'm going to be tired of posting this the whole season:
"McLaren Mercedes Rules!"

:))

McLaren won...!! And Ferrari ended up with 0 points....

Kovailenen also did a great job for McLaren.. And the final two laps contest betweeen Alonso and him were great..

Classified:

Pos Driver Team
1. Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes (B)
2. Heidfeld BMW Sauber (B)
3. Rosberg Williams-Toyota (B)
4. Alonso Renault (B)
5. Kovalainen McLaren-Mercedes (B)
6. Nakajima Williams-Toyota (B)
7. Bourdais Toro Rosso-Ferrari (B)
8. Raikkonen Ferrari (B)

World Championship standings, round 1:

Drivers:
1. Hamilton 10
2. Heidfeld 8
3. Rosberg 6
4. Alonso 5
5. Kovalainen 4
6. Nakajima 3
7. Bourdais 2
8. Raikkonen 1

Constructors:
1. McLaren-Mercedes 14
2. Williams-Toyota 9
3. BMW Sauber 8
4. Renault 5
5. Toro Rosso-Ferrari 2
6. Ferrari 1

how Kimi scored 1pt. => Barrichello disqualified from Australian GP

how Alonso scored 4th place - *www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/65814

did any one know the current ECU's (Electronic Control Unit) for all teams is supplied by McLaren & Microsoft :shock:

*s2.supload.com/thumbs/default/digitecu.JPG

no wonder McLaren won & Ferrari was slower & had problems

in few more years the FIA Boss Max Mofosley will make F1 same as A1 GP

all componenets, tyres... made by sole company

god ! fire him

he'll make the glorious 4WD WRC into a GAY 2WD racing

^ **** man .. wtf

i wish its not so

@s18000rpm

The problems Ferrari had were not with or in any way related to the ECU. You did saw BMW, William and Renault perform. They too ran the same ECU.

I still can't believe how Bernie Eccleston favoured McLaren over Ferrari !!!

FIA is not stupid to allow someone negate performance of their competitor.

BTW, it's said that it's not a problem with the ECU.

lywyre said:
@s18000rpm

The problems Ferrari had were not with or in any way related to the ECU. You did saw BMW, William and Renault perform. They too ran the same ECU.

I still can't believe how Bernie Eccleston favoured McLaren over Ferrari !!!

desiibond said:
FIA is not stupid to allow someone negate performance of their competitor.

BTW, it's said that it's not a problem with the ECU.

OH com'on it was just a joke.

Arsenal Gunners was right.

btw did anyone notice that Microsoft is also involved in ECU developement?

why in all the **** FIA didnt consider BOSCH as ECU supplier?

OMG!!!
Max Mosley could stay on for fifth term

M

s18000rpm said:
7. Bourdais Toro Rosso-Ferrari (B)
8. Raikkonen Ferrari (B)

That's funny.

there seems to be some problem with the Ferrari engines, not a single car of the 6 running on the Ferraris completed the race, inculding 2 each from toro rosso and force india, and they need to use the same engines in the next Malaysian grand prix as well, god save the force india....

man never new that the lack of traction control will mean such a big mess to the cars.

Toro Rosso team put up for sale

@hailgautam, play any F1 game without TC, you'll understand how damn hard it is to clear a corner, a bit too much power & you'll spin out, the biggest deal wud be for a decent start.

when its so hard in jus a game, imagine wat the real drivers have to go thru.

H

It will bounce back, no worries, always has and always will. I have been watching and am a fan of Ferrari for the last 12 years and there is no doubt in my mind it is the most passionate team in F1, history speaks for itself. If anyone has seen the production of those exotic cars in the Maranello factory, you will know, every little detail is done manually, from the starting composite to the end product. Splendid

Todt steps down as Ferrari CEO

Sepang to make decision on night race

^^ Night racing would be very exciting... but player safety would be a concern..

H

SOURCE:

Raikkonen confident of Ferrari comeback

Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen believes the Italian team will quickly reemerge as championship contenders, despite their poor showing at the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday. Raikkonen and his team mate Felipe Massa retired from the Melbourne race after both their F2008s suffered engine troubles.

“I know that back in Maranello the team is working hard to solve our problems,” he told Ferrari’s official website. “I'm not worried at all about the performance and the competitiveness of the car. The first race was like it was, but we know that we have a really good car. I know that the team will never lose its focus. They've shown that already in the past - Ferrari will be back!”

The world champion did eventually score one world championship point at Albert Park, thanks to the disqualification of Honda’s Rubens Barrichello, but was left largely frustrated by Ferrari’s performance over the course event. However, confident the team will be able to solve the issues, Raikkonen is now focusing on the next race in Malaysia.

“There's really not much to say about the first race weekend of the season,” the Finn added. “The only positive thing is that it's all behind us. Obviously we are really disappointed. We have to give our best and need to try to get the most points in every single race.”

Ferrari are currently sixth the constructors’ standing, 13 points adrift of McLaren, who take up the top spot, following Lewis Hamilton’s dominant victory and Heikki Kovalainen’s fifth-placed finish in Australia.

F1 Australian GP, repeat goin on in Star Sports. :))

the real race was of Kimi, but sadly his 1 stop strategy was too much on the car, weakned the brakes, thus losing the almost 2nd spot.

kubica was jus unfortunate. alonso's race showed that he is World Champ., but at the same time Heikki showed he can be a WC too

poor S. Bourdias

Red Bull asked to supply technical report
coz the car broke after going over a few bumps

look at this vdo

coulthard crash malaysia
*youtube.com/watch?v=xVM1xsiI4tM

Malaysia Friday quotes: Ferrari

Kimi Raikkonen - 2nd: "This morning I lost time because of a communication problem within the team, but we made up for it in the second session. The car seems to be going well and I am pleased with the work we have done. I worked mainly on the harder tyres, but I think that even with the softs, from what we have seen, we can be competitive. It is always difficult to say where we are compared to our rivals, but I think we can face the rest of the weekend with confidence."

Felipe Massa - 3rd: "I am very happy with these two sessions. The car proved to be very quick and consistent on both types of tyre. It's a shame I was unable to get the most out of the second set of soft tyres, when I found myself behind Hamilton who was going slowly. We are working in the right direction for qualifying and the race."

*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/65961

Malaysian GP this week?

If yes, then Date and timing of the various practice, Qualifying and Race.. in IST.

LOOOOOOOOOL
D. Coulthard, demanded an apology from Brazilian Felipe Massa for causing the accident that destroyed his car on lap 26 of the race.

And the Red Bull driver turned the air blue in a live TV interview, claiming: "If he doesn't, then I'm gonna kick three colours of s**t out of the little b*****d!"
*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/65934

-----------------------

Friday Practice 2

1. Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:35.055
2. Massa Ferrari (B) 1:35.206
3. Raikkonen Ferrari (B) 1:35.428
4. Button Honda (B) 1:36.037 this one's a shocke :shock:

5. Vettel Toro Rosso-Ferrari (B) 1:36.474
6. Trulli Toyota (B) 1:36.493
7. Kovalainen McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:36.512
8. Kubica BMW Sauber (B) 1:36.671
9. Fisichella Force India-Ferrari (B) 1:36.756 OMG!!! :shock:

13. Heidfeld BMW Sauber (B) 1:37.106
14. Alonso Renault (B) 1:37.328

predictions of thunderstorms throughout the weekend
*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/65939

@grudge
SAT Practice 08:30
SAT Qualifying 11:30
SUN Race 12:30

Friday practice is over
*www.formula1.com/results/season/2008/788/6487/

--------------
go here www.autosport.com & watch the Sepang Virtual Lap :))

^^
Thanks. Will check the practice and qualifying tomorrow. :))

H

A flying lap of the Sepang circuit with me

*www.imgx.org/pfiles/6111/Screenshotaab.png

^F1C?
that car infront of you, pulled away so efforlessly

this one's from rFactor *www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZATTaTr75g
around sepang on BMW F1.07 (f1 2007 mod)

H

Yeah F12002 practice session keyboard driven.

Qualification goin on, Q1 - 12mins left

rain shower expected, all the drivers doing 3 lap run

as usual its Ferrari & McLaren at top spot.

-----------------
Result - Ferrari 1-2 :twisted:

P1. Massa
P2. Kimi
P3. Heikki
P4. Hamilton (thanks to Toyota's Glock

)
5. Trulli
6. Kubica
7. Heidfield
8. Webber
9. Alonso

10. T. Glock

Yeehaa. Go Ferrari Go. Definitely a Ferrari 1-2 win at Sepang.

Nice kick in Lewis's a$$.

result with time sheet
*www.formula1.com/results/season/2008/788/6489/

H

I'm surprised with the form shown by Trulli, very impressive., just wonder why couldn't Glock manage the same.

More or less its gonna be a wet race tomorrow and will be a field day for Lewis. Go Ferrari go

Alonso and Heidfeld complain to stewards

Fernando Alonso and Nick Heidfeld have complained to the stewards after they encountered slowing cars on their final qualifying attempts.

Heidfeld was forced to jink off line to avoid a collision after he encountered several cars on their slowing down laps in the final moments of qualifying for the Malaysian Grand Prix in Sepang. The German claims that the incident cost him at least 0.2 seconds, the difference between third and seventh on the grid.

"That's the disappointing part," he told UK broadcaster ITV. "Q1 and Q2 went pretty smooth and then in Q3 most of the cars were already very, very slow when I was on my flying lap.

"They were just like parked on the circuit, I think it was both of the McLarens in front of Turn 4, being in the middle of the racing line. I could not be on the line I wanted, especially for braking. I have lost some time there, I think I lost two tenths, and if you look at the times they were very, very close.

"I would have been third, but what can you do now? Very clearly [it needs to be looked at] and I reported that on the radio. From my point of view it is not correct what they did."

BMW team principal Mario Theissen also told Autosport that he wanted clarification over the situation.

"I am not happy because it was so tight," he said. "Five cars within 15 hundredths so instead of P7 we could have in P3, and especially Nick wasn't happy because on his final fast lap there were a few other cars on the racing line on their in-lap so he certainly lost a few hundredths and maybe even P3

"I think nick is talking to the stewards right now"

Double world champion Alonso also went to visit the stewards with Renault engineer Steve Nielsen, with the team's principal Flavio Briatore telling autosport.com that 'it looks like' he encountered similar problems.

*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/65989

-----------------------------------------
Qualifying - selected driver quotes
Ferrari’s Felipe Massa on scoring his first pole position of 2008 at Sepang; McLaren’s Heikki Kovalainen on edging out team mate Lewis Hamilton to take third on the Malaysian grid; and Giancarlo Fisichella on just missing out on Q2 for Force India. All 22 drivers report back on Saturday’s action…

Felipe Massa, Ferrari (1st, Q3 - 1m 35.748s):
"I am very happy! In the final part of qualifying, I managed to put together two really good laps after struggling a bit in Q2. Right at the end there were a few drops of rain, but it had no effect whatsoever on the performance. It is very important to start from the front and I hope I can have a good race. We know our car is very competitive over a long run, but it is also clear we face a long tough race. All the same, we can only be confident about tomorrow."

Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari (2nd, Q3 - 1m 36.230s):
"Of course, I would prefer to have taken pole, but second place is definitely not bad and I am happy that the team got the best result possible. In Q3, I was not able to get the tyres to work as well as possible, especially on my second run, after having had a good lap in Q2. The track seemed to be a bit more slippery and I was not able to get everything out of the car. Tomorrow's race will be very tough: I made a good start in Melbourne and I hope I can do the same tomorrow."

Heikki Kovalainen, McLaren (3rd, Q3 - 1m 36.613s):
"I am pleased to have qualified third for the second consecutive time. Of course, we would have preferred a position on the front row, but Felipe and Kimi have been strong here all weekend and as a result third place is the maximum we could achieve. I have improved step by step throughout all the sessions, and my lap in the third qualifying was really good. Now we have to wait and see how the strategies will unfold in the race. With rain expected tomorrow anything could be possible."

Lewis Hamilton, McLaren (4th, Q3 - 1m 36.709s):
"There didn't seem to be as much grip in the tyres during the final session, and I just struggled a bit. Also it was tough finding a gap in the traffic, which had an effect on my ability to warm up the brakes and manage the tyres. To be honest I didn't do a perfect job today, and I will study the data to see how I can go faster tomorrow. We have to stay positive though as we are still in a good position and anything can happen in the race."

...more - *www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2008/3/7540.html

-----------------------------
LATEST NEWS

McLaren drivers summoned by stewards

McLaren drivers Lewis Hamilton and Heikki Kovalainen have been called to see the race stewards at Sepang after Nick Heidfeld and Fernando Alonso complained that they had been blocked at the end of qualifying.

Many of the front-runners completed their Q3 laps earlier than normal because of the threat of rain, and then slowed down on their in-laps to conserve fuel for the first stint of the race.

But other drivers were still completing their flying laps as the leading pole contenders backed off, and both Alonso and Heidfeld felt they had been impeded.

*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/65998

------------------------
LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL
McLaren drivers docked five places

Lewis Hamilton and Heikki Kovalainen have each been moved five places down the grid for blocking rival drivers in qualifying for the Malaysian Grand Prix.

The McLaren pair were investigated by the stewards after qualifying following claims that they had impeded Nick Heidfeld and Fernando Alonso in the closing stages of the session.

The two drivers were driving slowly back to the pits, having completed their final qualifying efforts, while other drivers were still on their fast laps.

Following several hours of deliberation by the stewards about whether or not the McLaren pair had done anything wrong, it was eventually decided that the duo should be punished.

A McLaren spokesman confirmed that the two drivers had been moved back five places each. He also said the team would not appeal the decision.

Hamilton was penalised for blocking Heidfeld, while Kovalainen got his penalty for blocking both the German and Alonso.

It means Kovalainen will now start from eighth place on the grid, with Hamilton one place behind him.

BMW Sauber's Robert Kubica, who was lapping on the track close to the McLarens, said he felt Alonso was hurt more than Heidfeld by the blocking.

"I saw clearly that Alonso's lap was screwed because of, I think, Kovalainen staying on the racing line," he said. "Nick was a bit more lucky because his incident was before braking, so he could rejoin the good line.

"But Alonso, he had to brake inside and he lost for sure there a lot of time. It was quite dangerous."

Revised grid:
1. Massa Ferrari
2. Raikkonen Ferrari
3. Trulli Toyota :shock:

4. Kubica BMW Sauber
5. Heidfeld BMW Sauber
6. Webber Red Bull-Renault
7. Alonso Renault
8. Kovalainen McLaren-Mercedes *

9. Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes *

10. Glock Toyota
11. Button Honda
12. Coulthard Red Bull-Renault
13. Piquet Renault
14. Barrichello Honda
15. Vettel Toro Rosso-Ferrari
16. Rosberg Williams-Toyota
17. Fisichella Force India-Ferrari
18. Bourdais Toro Rosso-Ferrari
19. Sato Super Aguri-Honda
20. Sutil Force India-Ferrari
21. Davidson Super Aguri-Honda
22. Nakajima Williams-Toyota **

* Penalised for blocking
** Penalised for his crash in Australia

*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/66021

Alonso critical of McLaren drivers

"We had four (cars) in Turn Four, and then the two Ferraris I think somewhere else, so six cars or something like that," said Alonso.

"Four of them were off line, not disturbing (anyone), and two of them were on the racing line. The two McLarens."

LOOOOOOOOLLLLL.....poor McLarens.....

M

Man that cryonso, can't he ever stop crying?

H

What did he do? As a driver, he presented his situation to the race stewards, every driver will do that. And so did Nick.

If Lewis was in that situation, I bet he would have shouted at the top of his voice.

rollcage said:
You just post that Proxy Server in ur web browser thats it..
very simple
If you using firefox (work with other also just location ofthe setting is on different tab that it)
ok tell u IE 7 bcoz its more supported at that site

In Internet Explorer > Go to> Tools> internet Options> Connections > Lan Settings > use Proxy Server> 155.136.224.10 port 80

Done..

Is this working for anyone as i am unable to use it this week..Last week it was tip top...:O

Guess ill hv to chalao with bloody chinese commentary

with Sopcast

mehulved said:
Man that cryonso, can't he ever stop crying?

Alonso didnt cry this time

BMW Sauber's Robert Kubica, who was lapping on the track close to the McLarens, said he felt Alonso was hurt more than Heidfeld by the blocking.

"I saw clearly that Alonso's lap was screwed because of, I think, Kovalainen staying on the racing line," he said. "Nick was a bit more lucky because his incident was before braking, so he could rejoin the good line.

"But Alonso, he had to brake inside and he lost for sure there a lot of time. It was quite dangerous."

Dipen01 said:
Is this working for anyone as i am unable to use it this week..Last week it was tip top...:O

Guess ill hv to chalao with bloody chinese commentary with Sopcast

That link worked for me and I did see some part of the Qualifying yesterday. Going to my cousin's house (Home 500) to catch up with the race.

Hope it rains at KL. Been a long time since I saw a rain marred race.

race starts at 12.30pm [ist]

--------------------------------------
Todt touted again as Mosley's successor

Jean Todt says he is 'open' to the idea of moving to a new role within motorsport, amid speculation that he could be set for a switch to the FIA in the coming years..more

OH PLEEEeeeeeEEEESE. Kick out that Mosley.*www.getsmile.com/emoticons/smileys-91853/a0/peace.gif

Damn i still cant watch it..

Watchin CCTV- China

lap 55/56
1. massa
2. kimi
3. kubica
4. webber
5. hamilton

read lap by lap *www.formula1.com/services/live_timing/live_timing.html

OMG
what a battle. alonso & DC.

obviously FA got thru
no wonder Alonso is a 2 time WDC :twisted:

I am watching 1.5Mb stream.. Looks better than TV

But only that its chinese...

FA was super in his weak car (This is probably the 1st time when i actually have praise for FA)

Ferrari flying at Sepang

I hope they arent ultra light

i think they are not light, both ferrari's using hard compound tires.

lewis closing on webber

damn, so much of ads.

heikki in 7th place.

Massa pits..

I knew they were light...

LOOOL

Kimi takes the lead aftr pit stop

Bloody Pitstop partiality

Kimi ahead of Massa :))

Not a huge diff in fuel levels for Mclarens and Ferrari's

Lewis has a disastrous pit stop

20 secs.

his righ front tyre stuck

**** i missed something... Why did lewis need 19 secs?

^his right fr. tyre's nut got stuck

kubica re-joins 3rd place.

lewis still stuck behind webber :))

Before the pitstop he was behind webber ?

So how come hes still behind webber...

The feed that i m watchin is 30 second delayed..nevertheless the quality is good...

ya. lewis was behind weeber.

*www.formula1.com/services/live_timing/live_timing.html

live timing with commentary

So how come after 10 second pitstop disaster... he is still on webbers tail..shouldnt he be far behind webber ?

he is in 7th place.

from 5th to 7th.

thats a sh1t situation & to be stuck behind webber is piss situation

1. kimi
2. massa
3. kubica
4. heikki
5. trulli :))

6. webber
7. ham.
8. nick
9. alonso
10. DC

lol lewis cant even pass webber with faster car and ppl compare him to MSC/Senna :))

OMGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG

massa spun & stuck

Massa's race over

Massa screwed..

massa out

Shitt... Massa was doing really good...

He screwed a potential Ferrari 1-2

He is having tough time without Traction control...

ya.

he spun out at the start in australian gp & now here.

this was completely his fault

damn.
8 pts for constructors champ. down the drain.

secnd round of pit stops to start shortly

another fastest lap from kimi
gap increased to 24.5 seconds

Lewis has chance come out before Webber...

But he has to gain some seconds when webber goes in..

kimi pits & re-join in 2nd spot 8)

WC at work

and kimi pits for 8.5 sec and Kubica takes the lead for the time being

8.5 secs...kinda extra fuel for Kimi...

Lol Lewis still behind webber :))

Has to be the highlight of the race

webber on hard pits
lewis on soft (has to go for hard) & was still behind webber

webber on soft & rejoins at 7th

fisichela pits and out on 15th position

We can expect fastest lap from Lewis now... (I doubt it though)

kimi back to P1

kubica pits & rejoins 2nd behind kimi

ham rejoins 5th before nick

batlle for 7th

Alonso chasing Webber

if alonso overtakes webber, thhen it'll be a shame for mclaren

Why do i think that trulli's gonna mess up in the end and let hamilton go..

me too thinking the same.

lets hope he doesnt screw up

2 laps to go

lewis really close

Kimi Wins

Kimi wins

Here is a provisional list of top 8 drivers
K Raikonen
R Kubica
H Kovalainen
J Trulli
L Hamilton
N Heidfeld
M Webber
F Alonso

2.KUBICA
3. HEIKKI
4. TRULLI
5. ewis
6. nick
7. webber
8. Alonso

Fisichela finishes 12th for Force India

lewis - 14
kimi - 11
nick - 11

mclaren - 24
bmw - 19
ferrari - 11 (kimi's contribution, none frm massa)

M

Outstanding race from Kimi

And kudos to Hamilton and Alonso who both did quite well despite things being against them.
If not for that problem in the pits Hamilton could easily have got 3rd or maybe even 2nd position.

And surprising to see heidfeld put in the fastest lap right at the end.

Also worthy mention... - Heiki's 2nd consecutive podium

This guy is also good... I hope he pwns Hamilton

^who know heikki may break lewis's record of concs. podiums :))

World Championship standings, round 2:

Drivers:
1. Hamilton 14
2. Heidfeld 11
3. Raikkonen 11
4. Kovalainen 10
5. Kubica 8
6. Rosberg 6
7. Alonso 6
8. Trulli 5
9. Barrichello 3
10. Webber 2
11. Nakajima 2
12. Bourdais 1

Constructors:
1. McLaren-Mercedes 24
2. BMW Sauber 19
3. Ferrari 11
4. Williams-Toyota 8
5. Renault 6
6. Toyota 5
7. Honda 3
8. Red Bull-Renault 2
9. Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1

mehulved said:
Outstanding race from Kimi
And kudos to Hamilton and Alonso who both did quite well despite things being against them.
If not for that problem in the pits Hamilton could easily have got 3rd or maybe even 2nd position.

And surprising to see heidfeld put in the fastest lap right at the end.

Na 2nd was not possible the difference betn Kubica and Hamilton was a 26 sec. So lets deduct 10 sec mishap.. and he still is way behind..

May be small chance of 3rd place..

Edit :- Wopps.. Heiki didnt score Podium in last race

But nevertheless he is good

Dipen01 said:
Heiki's 2nd consecutive podium This guy is also good... I hope he pwns Hamilton

In your dreams.

McLaren didn't have the fastest car around and had a lot of set backs; yet he managed something.

I actually didn't see the race fully (Webcast sucked - even in Home 500/2mbps). What happened to Massa?

massa powered a bit early out of corner, but saying "something wrong at rear of car that sopt" :))

if it wanst for his nooby error, ferrari wud be hav been in 2nd spot in Constructor's with 19 pts

massa ruined the day a bit for Ferrari...it could have been easily a 1-2 finish for Ferrari....damn......why do massa looses his head when required......

A

Well, Kimi won in Malaysia. Kubica was 2nd and Kovallainen was 3rd(finished nearly 40sec after kimi).

Hamilton had a bad race, finished 5th. He had a 20sec 1st pit stop.

But SURPRISE SURPRISE, Fisichella was 12th, finished ahead of both the Williams, Aguri and Barichello.
But Sutil failed again, spinning off the track in lap 6.

I am very happy for Force India.

Massa also spun off the track.

drgrudge said:
In your dreams. McLaren didn't have the fastest car around and had a lot of set backs; yet he managed something.

I actually didn't see the race fully (Webcast sucked - even in Home 500/2mbps). What happened to Massa?

Lol yeah as of now Heiki still plays second fiddle

But that was my wishlist (albeit realistic one) when i said he can pwn Hamilton :))

Are even i am on 2Mbps and i was watching 1MB CCTV stream.. it was damn clear... IF you were watching through Sopcast then it sucks at times...

Anyways.. Massa was doing good and under 4 secs of Kimi.. and coming out of corner he just oversteered a bit and then tried to correct the error but as there was no traction he couldnt control it.. His car spun on to gravel and he got stuck there..

My first post here

. Thanks god Force India driver were able to finish the race. Commendable performance by Fisichella, but hope we get more juice out of Sutil the next time.

H

Whoops, am late for the party here, yay Kimi won, absolutely pwned the competition

way to go.

And for Massa, as appropriately said by Slater, he just let his heart think over the head. But still Bahrain is in two weeks and he won there last year, so nothing much is lost yet for him, if he wins there, he will up in the table.

Heikki is super smooth, I like this guy, Lewis got competition.

M

Dipen01 said:
Na 2nd was not possible the difference betn Kubica and Hamilton was a 26 sec. So lets deduct 10 sec mishap.. and he still is way behind..

May be small chance of 3rd place..

And deduct the time he wasted fighting slower cars. His pace was upto the mark when he got clear run. It's an outside chance but who knows. He would have got the 3rd surely if not for the mishap.

YAY ! Kimi won !! but that stupid Massa spoiled the Ferrari Party a lil

anyways, i have a small doubt regarding the points system..

in the last race, kimi did not finish but he still got a point 'coz Barrichello was disqualified...but what i fail to understand is why/how was he awarded a point despite him not even finishing the race ???

H

n6300 said:
YAY ! Kimi won !! but that stupid Massa spoiled the Ferrari Party a lil

anyways, i have a small doubt regarding the points system..

in the last race, kimi did not finish but he still got a point 'coz Barrichello was disqualified...but what i fail to understand is why/how was he awarded a point despite him not even finishing the race ???

As per the rules of the FiA, drivers who drop out at the end of the race within a certain no of laps (..not sure how many..probably 3..) are qualified as finishers.

FIA post-race press conference - Malaysia
*www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2008/3/7552.html

mehulved said:
And deduct the time he wasted fighting slower cars. His pace was upto the mark when he got clear run. It's an outside chance but who knows. He would have got the 3rd surely if not for the mishap.

I knew u were gonna say that...

Well because of mishap he was stuck behind webber... had it not happened he would have stuck behind Trulli

Hamilton is not used to chasing cars...

Out of 19 starts.. Only 2 times he has qualified outside of 4th place .. Once in Europe last yr where he qualified 10th and came 9th in the race..

And today's was the 2nd time when he qualified 9th and came 5th...

Also All his wins are scored only when he was on Pole..

So may be he is good at leading and not chasing cars

Hitboxx said:
As per the rules of the FiA, drivers who drop out at the end of the race within a certain no of laps (..not sure how many..probably 3..) are qualified as finishers.

I guess its 10% of the laps...

^^ Agreed, Only few drivers like Kimi, Alonso are good at overtaking cars. These guys have to potential to finish on podium even if they start at 22nd place.

Hamilton, not at all. He always gets stuck behind when he doesn't get pole position. Even yesterday, he jumped from 9th to 5th at the 2nd corner because of Jarno-Nick collision that slowed them down.

F1 Champions when they were kids (except Ralf

)

*s2.supload.com/thumbs/default/f1_champs.jpg*s2.supload.com/thumbs/default/f1_champs_(4).jpg*s2.supload.com/thumbs/default/f1_champs_(5).jpg
*s2.supload.com/thumbs/default/f1_champs_(3).jpg*s2.supload.com/thumbs/default/f1_champs_(2).jpg

Celebrity pictures when they were kids or teens
*www.stumbleupon.com/tag/humor/

hehe nice pics dude thanks for posting

lol...Nice find s1

Hakkinen looks photo copy of his childhood.

F1 2008 - Released for GTR2!!!
[mod]

1= *files.filefront.com/F12008Modv10GTR2rar/;9880695;/fileinfo.html
2= ftp://85.25.145.59/F1.2008.Mod.v1.0.GTR2.rar

[293MB]

NEWS

Jordan blocks Force India access road :))

Former Formula One team owner Eddie Jordan has had the main entry road to Force India's Silverstone factory blocked off in a dispute over access across land he owns.

The Irish entrepreneur sold the team that is now Force India to Midland before the 2006 season but kept ownership of some of the surrounding land.

Local sources said concrete blocks had been placed across the main access while Force India were in Malaysia for last weekend's second race of the season and employees were having to use another entrance.

Jordan told Reuters on Wednesday that he had waited for two years for the factory owners to open talks about buying the rest of the land.

"I had to make a stand, they have to come and talk to me," he said. "I paid for the road and put it on my land."

"I've got no problem with (Indian billionaire and Force India co-owner Vijay) Mallya," he added. "It's the people who are managing the business who don't want to talk."

Schumacher to help distribute McLaren fine

Massa says new rules make Q3 boring

Dennis: McLaren have rebuilt Kovalainen

Ferrari not concerned by Massa's form

s18000rpm said:
NEWS

Jordan blocks Force India access road

Schumacher to help distribute McLaren fine

Massa says new rules make Q3 boring

Dennis: McLaren have rebuilt Kovalainen

Ferrari not concerned by Massa's form

Looks like Eddie is financially week now and hence trying to sell ROAD

H

@s18, How is the mod? I got F12007 last week and been playing it. Everything is nice about the game, from graphics to gameplay, especially the car detail. Sakhir circuit is cool, will soon post a flyby for the upcoming race in 10 days.

gtr2 f1 mod is a "ok" mod

, as its not official (stolen works), the helmets are screwed-up.
AI are too much, Force India in podium :shock:

rFactor's f12008 ('07 too) is the best one.
--------------------------------------------------

Bridgestone eyeing slick warm-up cure

s18000rpm said:
gtr2 f1 mod is a "ok" mod, as its not official (stolen works), the helmets are screwed-up.
AI are too much, Force India in podium

rFactor's f12008 ('07 too) is the best one.
--------------------------------------------------

Bridgestone eyeing slick warm-up cure

Can you give me the download link for rfactor's F1 2007 and F1 2008 GTR2 patches. Can't download torrent's

link to f1 2008 for GTR2 *www.thinkdigit.com/forum/showpost.php?p=786198&postcount=168

rFactor - www.rfactor.net
mod - *www.virtualr.net/f1rft-2008-10-released/

s18000rpm said:
link to f1 2008 for GTR2 *www.thinkdigit.com/forum/showpost.php?p=786198&postcount=168

rFactor - www.rfactor.net
mod - *www.virtualr.net/f1rft-2008-10-released/

thanks a ton.

FIA to tweak qualifying for Bahrain

The FIA is to revise the rules for qualifying in time for the Bahrain Grand Prix in a bid to ensure there is no repeat of the controversy that marred the session in Malaysia, autosport.com has learned.

In Sepang, a quirk in the current regulations meant that several drivers were touring slowly back to the pits in a bid to conserve fuel while other drivers were on their final qualifying laps.

This led to dangerous scenes when Nick Heidfeld and Fernando Alonso had to weave their way past much slower cars, and resulted in Heikki Kovalainen and Lewis Hamilton being penalized for blocking their rivals.

With that scenario having prompted widespread calls for the qualifying rules to change, the FIA is to issue an imminent clarification to the teams imposing a maximum laptime for drivers in qualifying.

This will prevent drivers from going too slowly after they have finished their qualifying runs.

It is similar to the rule that is in place for drivers on their reconnaissance laps to the grid - which was prompted by fears of collisions between cars going slowly to conserve fuel and those going fast to evaluate their set-up.

An FIA spokesman confirmed that teams will be notified of the decision to impose a maximum time limit, which is likely to be 120 percent of a normal lap.

"The matter is under discussion and our clarification to the teams and drivers will be that cars returning to the pits having completed their flying lap or laps will be required to do so within a time that we will set," the spokesman told autosport.com.

"This could be approximately 120% of the 'normal' time as we do to prevent drivers going very slowly to the grid to save fuel."

Lewis to get dream car – if he wins title.

Lewis Hamilton has been promised the car he used to dream about when he was still a young teenager, but there is just one catch – first he must win the 2008 Formula 1 World Championship.

According to British newspaper The Sun, McLaren-Mercedes team principal Ron Dennis has promised to award the Stevenage-born ace with one of McLaren Automotive's most prized possessions – one of only five McLaren F1 LM editions, the world's rarest supercar and each valued at over $2 million. All he has to do now is lead the Woking-based outfit to both the drivers; and constructors' laurels this year.

“If Lewis can win the two titles, the car is his,” Dennis joked. “Fortunately, our deal gives me a bit of time to save up!”

...

All five commemorative road-going editions were painted in Bruce McLaren's trademark papaya orange racing colour, and feature a stripped-out interior, shorter gearing and enhanced aerodynamic and handling set-ups.

What's more, the car boasts a staggering 680bhp from its BMW-derived V12 powerplant, enabling it to hit 60mph in a shade under three seconds and go on to a top speed of 225mph.
*img248.imageshack.us/img248/8467/f1lmlt4.jpg

*www.f1newsportal.com/fullstory/view/251168/Lewis_to_get_dream_car___if_he_wins_title/

damn, McLaren are so desparate.

btw Mr. Ron always said there's no #1 or #2 drivers in theer team, then WTF is this. Why isnt Heikki being mentioned for a Car?????

FERRARI COULD BE AN OPTION FOR ALONSO

Former world champion Fernando Alonso has admitted that he can leave Renault at the end of the season - with rivals Ferrari a possible destination.

Alonso rejoined his former team Renault during the winter after a torrid season alongside Lewis Hamilton at McLaren, but has struggled with an uncompetitive car in the first two races of this season.

Now the Spaniard, who won back-to-back world championships with Renault in 2005 and 2006, says that if the car remains as it is he will have to look elsewhere, with Ferrari the obvious destination.

"I'm at Renault because we won in 2005 and 2006 and I want to get back to that, if not this year then next year," he told Spanish newspaper AS.

"But as I have a clause that allows me to leave I will try to be in the best car possible, and it's clear that Ferrari is one of the best."

Rumours were rife at the end of last season that the Italian team was his preferred destination, but with current world champion Kimi Raikkonen and second driver Felipe Massa under contract until the end of 2010, his path to the 'Scuderia' was blocked.

But now he admits Massa's under-par performances so far this season, which have seen him retire from both races, plus the fact that Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has made no secret of his admiration for Alonso, has meant speculation linking him to the Italian team has resurfaced.

"It's early to talk about moves and rumours, but Massa has had two bad races with mistakes and that has sparked speculation," Alonso said.

"It's logical, but like I said it's too early."

With regard to this season, the 26-year-old has little hope of mounting any kind of championship challenge with Renault after just two races, and has told his fans not to expect anything.

"Take a sabbatical, or enjoy the season for the spectacle of Formula One and not for my chances of success," he said.

He added sarcastically: "The first place (in the world championship) has got 14 points, and after two more or less average races I've picked up six.

"Plus I'm only five points off Raikkonen."

*www.sportinglife.com/formula1/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=formula1/08/03/25/AUTO_Alonso.html

OMG ROFL
F1 boss Max Mosley has sick Nazi orgy with 5 hookers

FORMULA One motor racing chief Max Mosley is today exposed as a secret sado-masochist sex pervert.
*img528.imageshack.us/img528/4599/3003orgy01bo8.th.jpg
Formula One's governing body, the FIA, has kept its distance from sexual allegations in a British tabloid newspaper about its president Max Mosley.

The News of the World reported in a front page story that FIA president Mosley, 67, had taken part in a 'sadomasochistic orgy' with five prostitutes that was alleged to involve Nazi role-playing.

A video was also posted on the newspaper's website (notw.co.uk).

The news prompted an angry response from Jewish organisations, who called for Mosley's resignation.

Karen Pollock, chief executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, told The Times: "This is sick and depraved. For anyone to be in such a position of influence and power beggars belief. I am absolutely appalled."

Stephen Smith, director of the Holocaust Centre, added: "As Mr Mosley has condemned the racism in motor sport he should live up to the standards he sets. This is an insult to millions of victims, survivors and their families. He should apologise. He should resign from the sport." .......for more <goto link>

*www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/3003_nazi_orgy.shtml

No comment from FIA over Mosley scandal

*www.getsmile.com/emoticons/smileys-91853/c0/rotlaugh.gif*www.getsmile.com/emoticons/smileys-91853/c0/laugh.gif*www.getsmile.com/emoticons/smileys-91853/aiw/laugh.gif

*www.getsmile.com/emoticons/smileys-91853/aiw/tease.gif

thanks to Arsenal Gunner.

notw.co.uk <- LOOL Noob of the week*www.getsmile.com/emoticons/smileys-91853/aiw/tongue.gif

GTFO MOsley.

WoW, Todt can be the next FIA president*www.getsmile.com/emoticons/smileys-91853/a0/peace.gif

^^^ or else it could well be Ron Dennis. He was considered to be the successor to Bernie.

^Ron is still a team boss, he cant become the pres.

whereas Todt is retired, & is one of ... Board of Directors @ Ferrari.

yes. but isn't Bernie a McLaren supporter and doesn't want to see someone like Todt in the hot seat?

off-topic
f1 2008 v1.1 for gtr2 *files.filefront.com/F12008Modv11GTR2rar/;9924910;/fileinfo.html

on-topic
FIA is not only about F1, all kinds of motorsport come under it, so its not about Ferrari or McLaren here.

s18000rpm said:
off-topic
f1 2008 v1.1 for gtr2http://files.filefront.com/F12008Modv11GTR2rar/;9924910;/fileinfo.html

Thx .. dude is there any torrent link, cant download from that

nope, no torrents so far.
web page - *www.esport-racing.de/include.php?path=content/download.php&contentid=1172
ftp - ftp://85.25.145.59/F1.2008.Mod.v1.1.GTR2.rar

check that filefront link again.

btw, you'll need GTR2 game for this mod to work & race tracks too

^ have you played it yet> post some screenshots!

^^a practice run

(actually there's no practice session, its Quali -> Race).
its kind of difficult now

, the car spins out in 5th turn in Sepang, needs some setting up.
*img404.imageshack.us/img404/3293/grab021lz2.th.jpg*img291.imageshack.us/img291/4619/grab022nw4.th.jpg*img388.imageshack.us/img388/9613/grab023el0.th.jpg*img511.imageshack.us/img511/6185/grab025yx8.th.jpg
*img135.imageshack.us/img135/4269/grab028by3.th.jpg*img135.imageshack.us/img135/6532/grab027ul7.th.jpg*img201.imageshack.us/img201/1976/grab024xz7.th.jpg*img511.imageshack.us/img511/6323/grab026gj8.th.jpg

------------------------------------------

Mosley apologises and vows to stay

Max Mosley has apologised to members of the FIA for any embarrassment caused by the recent revelations about his private life, but made it clear he remains fully committed to his role as president of motor racing's governing body.

In a letter sent on Tuesday to all presidents of the national FIA clubs, all members of the FIA Senate, the World Motor Sport Council and the World Council for Mobility and the Automobile, Mosley blames the allegations about his sexual conduct on a 'covert' operation to discredit him.

"Regrettably you are now familiar with the results of this covert investigation and I am very sorry if this has embarrassed you or the club. Not content with publicising highly personal and private activities, which are, to say the least, embarrassing, a British tabloid newspaper published the story with the claim that there was some sort of Nazi connotation to the matter. This is entirely false.

"It is against the law in most countries to publish details of a person's private life without good reason. The publications by The News of the World are a wholly unwarranted invasion of my privacy and I intend to issue legal proceedings against the Newspaper in the UK and other jurisdictions."

Although there have been calls by some for Mosley to resign in the wake of the scandal, in the letter he claims that he has received support from a number of parties who wish him to stand firm in light of the controversy.

"I have received a very large number of messages of sympathy and support from those within the FIA and the motor sport and motoring communities generally, suggesting that my private life is not relevant to my work and that I should continue in my role," wrote Mosley. "I am grateful and with your support I intend to follow this advice.

"I shall now devote some time to those responsible for putting this into the public domain but above all I need to repair the damage to my immediate family who are the innocent and unsuspecting victims of this deliberate and calculated personal attack.

"You can, however be certain that I will not allow any of this to impede my commitment to the work of the FIA."
Although Mosley is scheduled to attend this weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix, it is looking increasingly likely that he will choose to skip the event.

Although the news of Mosley's antics has generated a lot of coverage and reaction in the media, so far Formula One teams and manufacturers have remained silent over the matter.

BULLSH1T!

BMW, Mercedes slam Mosley's behaviour

German car manufacturers BMW and Mercedes-Benz have issued a statement labeling FIA president Max Mosley's behaviour as 'disgraceful'.

In the first public comment made by Formula One competitors since details of Mosley's private life were revealed in the News of the World, the car makers say that they distance themselves from what has happened.

And they make it clear that the implications for the revelations go far beyond just F1.

A joint statement issued by them said: "The content of the publications is disgraceful. As a company, we strongly distance ourselves from it.

"This incident concerns Max Mosley both personally and as President of the FIA, the global umbrella organisation for motoring clubs. Its consequences therefore extend far beyond the motor sport industry. We await a response from the relevant FIA bodies."

Mosley wrote a letter to the FIA earlier this week apologising for any embarrassment caused by the News of the World story, but emphasising that he intends to carry on in his role with motor racing's governing body.

In the wake of the story, however, Mosley has cancelled a planned visit to this weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix. This morning's Times newspaper revealed that the Bahraini royal family had written to Mosley making it clear that they did not wish him to turn up.

*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/66291

Mosley responds to BMW, Mercedes

*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/66297

FIA president Max Mosley claims BMW and Mercedes-Benz should have contacted him before issuing their joint statement criticising his behaviour.

The German car manufacturers labelled the allegations about Mosley's private life in the News of the World as 'disgraceful', as F1's competitors ended their silence over the controversy of Thursday.

But Mosley said he was not surprised by BMW and Mercedes-Benz's statement, but suggested that they were criticising him for something which may not be true.

Speaking to Reuters, Mosley said: "Given the history of BMW and Mercedes Benz, particularly before and during the Second World War, I fully understand why they would wish to strongly distance themselves from what they rightly describe as the disgraceful content of these publications.

"Unfortunately, they did not contact me before putting out their statement to ask whether the content was in fact true.

"No doubt the FIA will respond to them in due course as I am about to respond to the newspaper in question."

Mosley has indicated that he is preparing legal action against the News of the World for invasion of privacy over the report in last Sunday's newspaper.

Mosley gone retard?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Toyota also criticises Mosley's actions

Honda asks FIA to consider Mosley's role

Bahrain Prince asked Mosley not to attend

Sheikh Salman Bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, the Crown Prince of Bahrain, says it would be inappropriate for FIA president Max Mosley to attend this weekend's race following revelations about him in a tabloid newspaper.

The FIA head was originally scheduled to attend the race, but a spokesman said on Thursday he would not travel to Bahrain as he was busy with legal matters.

"The FIA President was originally scheduled to attend the race in Bahrain but legal matters have detained him in London," he said.

The Times newspaper, however, reports that the Crown Price of Bahrain had asked Mosley not to attend the event in order to keep the focus on the grand prix.

It it unknown if the letter had been sent before or after the FIA confirmed Mosley would not travel to Bahrain.

"In light of the allegations, I suspect you may be deliberating on your planned attendance at the Grand Prix here in Bahrain later in the week," The Times quoted the Crown Prince as writing in a letter to Mosley.

"I therefore felt it important to convey the position of Bahrain and its people.

"Clearly of paramount importance is the success of the event for all concerned — the Kingdom of Bahrain, Formula One and spectators. The focus quite rightly should be on the race.

"With great regret, I feel that under the current circumstances, it would be inappropriate for you to be in Bahrain at this time."

*www.autosport.com/news/

THE BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX

Practice 1 Fri 12:30-14:00

Practice 2 Fri 16:30-18:00

Practice 3 Sat 13:30-14:30

Qualifying Sat 16:30-17:30

The Race Sun 17:00-19:00

Times are in IST :))

^^
There was another F1 game, i just dont remember the name..

Which other games have played that are in lines with F1 and which was the best one ?

EA's F1 Challenge ('99-'02) [F1C], F1 2002.
Geoff Crammond's Grand Prix 4 (GP4)

havent played GP4, but F1-C still tops.

get rFactor & F1 2007/08 mod for it, as it has all the lastest cars, tracks & regularly updated mods

Mosley calls extraordinary FIA meeting

-------------------------------

Thursday's press conference - Bahrain

Q. A question for every driver: do you have any opinion about Max Mosley's party last week and about the discussions since?

Nick Heidfeld: Nothing I want to share with you.

Lewis Hamilton: Same.

Jarno Trulli: No, no comment.

Nico Rosberg: Nothing.

Q. (Ed Gorman - The Times) Could I also ask all four drivers: Honda today said that 'it is necessary that senior figures in sport and business maintain the highest standards of conduct in order to fulfil their duties with integrity and respect.' Could each driver please tell me whether they agree with that statement and whether they feel that Max Mosley is upholding those standards by remaining in his position as president of the FIA?

JT: I drive a car, so all I can say is about my car and my team, nothing else.

NR: I think, in general, yes, if you're a figure like us who are racing drivers or something, you've got to try and set a good example in general, because a lot of people are watching you and also looking up to what you do and things like that.

I think it's important to also think about other people and young people or whatever. I'm just talking about my situation, young drivers coming up or whatever and I think it's important to try and set a good example for people who are coming up.

LH: Yeah, I think that's key, to set a good example. We all, especially the young people, we're always looking up to at least someone to show us the way and set a good example is the best way of saying it. I totally agree with what they were saying.

NH: Again, I don't want to comment on the subject.

Oh yeah i played rFactor couple of months back..

It was damn difficult to race in it.. So after a while i got bored and deleted it

I had F1C too

Let see might try it again..

‘On the limit of rules, on the limit of driving’

Former F1 champ Michael Schumacher Says He Made Mistakes & Learnt From Them

Ruhi Batra | TNN

*img87.imageshack.us/img87/1388/getimageyv7.jpg
Schumacher in Brussels on Wednesday for a campaign against drunk driving

Brussels: For those who threw the words ruthless and manipulative at Michael Schumacher, the man has a simple answer. “I was there to win. That’s what the sport was about.”

Sure there are things he regrets. Sure there are things the seven-time world champions would’ve done differently. But he had a purpose. His job was to win and he did. Unapologetically.

“Ruthless? I don’t think so. Yes I was there to win. Everybody puts in a lot of effort. There is a lot of investment. There was a lot of personal investment. There were rules that you were allowed to act into. Most of the times, I was exactly within the rules. I was on the limit of the rules but at the same time I was on the limit of driving. Some people may agree and some may not,” he says with consummate ease.

In a career that spanned 16 years and seven world titles, there were times and occasions when his sporting ethics were called into question. Schumacher, however, drove on, his sense of purpose and destiny unmatched by any man in the sport’s history.

Now, retired and probably having time to reflect on things other than lap times, Schumacher knows he pushed the limits a few times but he won’t give you the impression that he regrets doing anything. “Certain things I would do differently. Absolutely yes. I was in Formula One for 16 years and it would be pretentious to say that I never made mistakes. That’s what life is about. To make them and learn from them,” he says, his face never betraying a single inner thought.

A career that spanned 250 races, there’s one that will always occupy a special place in the regenmeister’s heart. “Suzuka 2000,” he answers, without hesitation. “It was a big milestone for the team and personal career. In light of the things that had developed just beforehand, it was a very important moment for all of us.”

Schumacher spent his career seeing off one challenge after another. Pretenders came and went. But now Schumacher has taken on a task that isn’t as easy overtaking a car that’s in your way.

Nearly half of the road accident fatalities all over the world are put down to drunk driving.

A staunch supporter of road safety campaigns and part of the “Think Before You Drive” campaign, Schumacher has lent his name to Bacardi’s latest social responsibility initiative — Champions Drink Responsibly, launched here at the Autoworld, a museum dedicated to automobile history.

It’s a cause that he feels very, very strongly for. One would imagine that he has personal experience of the problem and its afflictions. But Schumacher dismisses that notion immediately.

“It’s not a personal campaign. I’ve the luxury with my fame, so-called, to reach people who like to listen to us. If I can save one person’s life because I’m raising their attention to the problem of drunk driving, it’s great. This is the best thing that could happen to me. If I could save one person’s life, it would give me great satisfaction. It’s not about money, it’s about giving back,” explains the man, who single-handedly donated $10m to the 2004 tsunami relief fund.

About moving away from F1 racing, Schumacher says, “Retirement isn’t that bad.”

If you could drive a Ducati monster when you wanted to, even you wouldn’t complain. “I want to enjoy life. With my family and friends. I’d been in certain strict routines and machinery that I wanted to step out from and now I’m searching for things to enjoy. I’ve the luxury so why not try. There are no serious intentions. I’m sure you understand, I’m paying for it, not getting paid for it (laughs). So I’m just doing what I enjoy doing.”

Any plans of coming to India?
“I’ve no plans right now but I wouldn’t rule it out. Your country is a very nice country. I haven’t been in India properly to see the country but I’ve friends who’ve been there and they enjoyed it. So who knows one day I might pass around but certainly incognito rather than one big promotion tour,” he signs off with a teasing smile.

Source :- TOI Newspaper

H

A flying lap of Sakhir circuit in Bahrain with me, on occasion of this weekend's Grand Prix.

*i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb178/ferrous_cranus/img1.jpg

^nice

mod looks nice too

yee haa. Ferrari 1-2 in practise 1 and practise 2.

H

s18000rpm said:
^nice
mod looks nice too

No no its not a mod, it is F1-2007 (F1C_99-06) if you will.

Massa & Kimi fastest as Hamilton crashes out
*img292.imageshack.us/img292/5102/f1timejp8.jpg

-----------------------------------------------------

ADAC tells Mosley to reconsider his role

The ADAC, Germany's national motoring body, has written to FIA president Max Mosley asking him to 'reconsider' his position in the wake of the controversy over his private life.

Mosley has called an extraordinary meeting of the FIA membership to discuss the fallout from the tabloid revelations that have dominated headlines in recent days. It is understood Mosley wants to hold the meeting to provide 'total clarity' on the situation for members of motor racing's governing body.

With car manufacturers BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Honda and Toyota having issued statements in Bahrain expressing their concern about the revelations made by the News of the World last weekend, now ADAC has also voiced its own worries about the impact of the affair.

In a statement issued by the organisation, it confirmed that it had written to Mosley asking him to consider his future, as it did not feel it appropriate he could continue in his role against the backdrop of the scandal.

The release said: "In a letter to FIA president Max Mosley, the ADAC has distanced itself from events surrounding his person. According to the ADAC, the role of an FIA president who represents more than 100 million motorists worldwide should not be burdened by such an affair. Therefore, we ask the president to 'very carefully reconsider his role within the organisation'.

"According to the ADAC, the appropriate FIA process has to take care of the matter. It is in the interests of this world organisation to carry on with its duties without the burden of this affair."

Mosley wrote to all FIA national bodies, including the ADAC, earlier this week to apologise for any embarrassment that the affair had caused. He made it clear, however, that he had no intention of stepping down from his position because of what had happened.

"I have received a very large number of messages of sympathy and support from those within the FIA and the motor sport and motoring communities generally, suggesting that my private life is not relevant to my work and that I should continue in my role," wrote Mosley in the letter.

"I am grateful and with your support I intend to follow this advice."
*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/66319

-----------------------------------------------------
Dutch federation wants Mosley to quit

The Dutch motorsport federation has added it voice to calls for FIA president Max Mosley to resign over the revelations about his private life.

With German's national motoring association, ADAC, having issued a statement earlier today stating that it wanted Mosley to 'consider' his position in the wake of the reports about Mosley's behaviour, the KNAF has gone one step further and indicated it wants the FIA president to step down.

With representatives from all of the FIA's members due to attend an extraordinary meeting of the body's assembly in the next few weeks to discuss the matter, the Dutch organisation has indicated it will push for Mosley to step down if the matter is put to a vote.

KNAF president Arie Ruitenbeek told the BBC: "Because of his high-profile position, this can't be accepted. I have not received my invitation yet (to the FIA meeting), but we will go and will vote for him to resign."

Car manufacturers BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Honda and Toyota issued statements on Thursday expressing their concern about the matter, and hoping the FIA would take swift action.
*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/66324

FIA confirms qualifying changes

The FIA has confirmed the change it will make to the regulations for the final qualifying session in a bid to avoid a repeat of the problems that marred the Malaysian Grand Prix.

Calls to introduce a maximum laptime were made in the wake of Heikki Kovalainen and Lewis Hamilton being penalized for getting in the way of Nick Heidfeld and Fernando Alonso in the closing seconds of Q3 at Sepang.

More worrying that the sporting aspect, however, was the fact that the closing speed of the cars on flat-out qualifying laps and those cruising back to the pits made the situation very dangerous.

With the FIA having looked into the matter over the past two weeks, Formula One race director Charlie Whiting has confirmed that drivers will be forced to complete a certain section of a lap during qualifying in a maximum time.

In a statement issued on Friday, Whiting said: "In order to avoid the possibility of an incident caused by the speed differential of cars on out laps and in laps during Q3, in addition to reconnaissance laps whilst the pit lane is open for the race, any driver deemed to be driving unnecessarily slowly during these laps, or in a manner which might endanger other drivers, will be reported to the stewards.

"Cars leaving the pits will be timed between SC (safety car) line 2 (50 metres before turn 1) and SC line 1 (after turn 15), any car exceeding a time of 1.39.0s between these points will be deemed to have been driven unnecessarily slowly."

*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/66352

Hamilton's crash: *www.dailymotion.com/video/x4yglt_hamilton-crash-in-prac-2-of-bahrain_sport

Ye Massa Kaise Fast Ho Jata Hai baar baar

I just wish he start winning man 8)

Rosberg fastest in final practice - Bahrain
*img297.imageshack.us/img297/6994/f1capturelo7.th.jpg

Kubica scores his first pole..

A small error by Massa costs him podium..

Why do i feel that Kmi is quite heavy on fuel as compared to others..

H

Dipen01 said:
Kubica scores his first pole..

A small error by Massa costs him podium..

Why do i feel that Kmi is quite heavy on fuel as compared to others..

Yeah, nice to see BMW on pole.

Lol, not podium., podium is the celebration stand for the first 3 places after the race

I too think Kimi is heavy on fuel and so is Lewis.

Hitboxx said:
Yeah, nice to see BMW on pole.

Lol, not podium., podium is the celebration stand for the first 3 places after the race

I too think Kimi is heavy on fuel and so is Lewis.

I know

lol actually i didnt sleep last nite and controlled it whole day to get back on track.. so umm hota hai

P1. Kubica
P2. Massa
P3. Hamilton

*img146.imageshack.us/img146/4369/f1qualidj9.jpg

Kimi always says about Quali. perf.

his race setup is awesome, but he cant get the car to p1 in quali.
+
he carries more fuel, Sepang he ran an extra ap than Massa & overtook him in pits

yeah besides Massa has been sharp in Quali since schumi times.. Kubica is ultra light, I bet he he stops in 8-9 laps.. Massa might be a lap or two lighter than Kimi.

Now trick here is to pass Hamilton as soon as possible may be on 1st corner (yeah its gonna be tough) but kimi always gets perfect starts

lets see..

why Kubica has been quicker

Q: It's as if you now have to patent your Robert Kubica weight-loss diet. You lost six kilos before the season started, how much of a factor is that in your performance this year?

Robert Kubica: I don't know. It's difficult to say but we have seen that with lighter drivers, if I was lighter, I would go a bit quicker, so I decided with my engineer to make a maximum effort to reduce weight from the car and from myself and I worked hard and this is the kind of result we can get from it. It was maximum effort, very hard for myself, but still I managed it.

Post-qualifying press conference - Bahrain

crazy pole

lol

I knew for sure that atleast one newspaper will give post the headline "Pole on Pole:

OMG

LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL

Alonso vs. ham

ham got his nose broken

WOOOW

kimi overtook kubica frm outside

massa took 1st place

now
1.massa
2. kimi
3. kubica

Kubica is not leaving Raikonnen as he is lighter...

I see another overtaking.. But i think Kimi should let him pass..

Ham has pathetic start..seemed as he was sleeeping

cant say about hamilton but his car was definetly sleeping

did alonso (fa) did it on purpose?

I guess couple of more disqualifications and Hamilton might break into top 6... as certainly he will be on 1stop fuel now...

lol no... Ham accelerated very fast...

As expected Kubica was the lightest..

and ferrari are recording fastest laps

button is having a bad day

fisichella in points for now

he hasnt stopped

I hope hes on 1 stop....

But nah hes lapping pretty good.. he will pit soon...

he is doing good to resist hamilton

Lap times of Massa are getting slower as compared to Kimi

And Fisi loses

Ham Pits

Raiko fastest..

Both Ferrari faster by .5 secs than BMW..

Ppl thought BMW was fastest

^ which ppl said bmw was the fastest?

bmw pwning mclaren

ham is a noobo.

cant fight

btw maybe kimi is holding back, coz anyway he wil lead the championsip today, why not give the much needed points to massa.

whats your take?
---------------------------------

race result
p1. massa
p2. kimi
p3. kubica
4. nick
5. heikki
6. trulli
7.webber
8.rosberg

10. fa
12. fisi

13. ham

----------------------------
LOOOOOL

BMW leads the conts. championship :twisted:

How does the fact that Kubica is lighter help in better qualifying times ? If I remember correctly there is rule mandating that the car weight+fuel weight+driver weight should not be less than 600 KG at any point of the race.
In fact weren't Honda fined for a similar thing sometime ago.

whats your take?

I think kimi was just offpace today.. As in yeah in the Middle stint he was superawesome.. actually both the Ferrari's but at the start he couldnt get away from Kubica...

And his lap times were slower than Massa even though he was lighter.. Ofcourse he was holding back lightest Kubica... but i thought he would get away easily

During middle stint kimi did pretty good..

Kubica should thank his 3rd place to ham..

damn he was sleeping at the start

and banged into alonso later on

(Actually it may be both ways.. Alonso mite have braked suddently too.. nevertheless his laptimes were horrible 1.5 sec offpace througout the race

and 1 sec offpace to Heiki ? i think his car must have taken some damage)..

H

Yehaa, Ferrari 1-2. Nice race for Robert too. Mehul, I nailed it with my prediction

As for Lewis, lol, what an ass of a driver. Did you see how he used to hand signal Fisichella and co., as if they were supposed to let him just go without even racing for the place. He cannot drive from the back of the grid, as said many times before.

I don't think Kimi was off the pace, all credit goes to Felipe for that stunning(read non-anxious) drive.

R

all 3 top drivers now have a win.felipe drove very well throughout but i did feel that if there was anyone other than his team mate ahead kimi would have gone for the kill.

well done fisi loved the battle with hammy.that's the difference between a guy like kimi and ham.kimi has driven from the back to top 5 on numerous occasions while ham struggled even to make it to top 10.

Positive end to difficult weekend for Kimi

Kimi Raikkonen is relieved to have walk away from the Sakhir circuit with eight points.

Raikkonen started the race on the second row of the grid, but moved into second place behind team-mate Felipe Massa on the first lap.

The Ferrari driver, who has finished third in his three previous races in Bahrain, is now top of the Championship standings with 19 points.

"The whole weekend has been pretty difficult," he said. "One of the things was that we couldn't get the car really right.

"We look at a bad weekend and we finished second, so never mind, next race will be different.

"We are leading the Championship and that is the main thing, but it was not the easiest weekend for sure.

"It hasn't been perfect all weekend but the problem is we haven't found perfect balance, but that is life.

"I never am too happy at this circuit, but I think out of these first three races it is important to get many points.

"I am happy to be leading and when we go back to Europe we hope we can be strong in the next races."

------------------------------------------------------------

I knew he was offpace or atleast not at its best.. Something was definitely wrong with him/his car

i recorded this on my camera

will upload recorded version (in TV) later.

Picture :
LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL
*img526.imageshack.us/img526/3066/kimidv3.th.jpg

notice something?
NOOBs at Star sports

*i.ytimg.com/vi/wKcG1iUi1XI/default.jpg
Hamilton on Alosno's back

Steve Slater - Ferrari's performance in Bahrain GP

in this video, you can see Kimi overtaking Kubica in the second lap

perfect race for Ferrari. Hope they continue this in GP's like Monaco where they struggled a lot last year.

I mean slow tracks

The Future of the FIA

Gascoyne and others about Hamilton gestures towards Fisichella

Force India technical director Mike Gascoyne has added his voice to those who blasted Lewis Hamilton's performance in Bahrain last weekend – by describing the McLaren-Mercedes ace's angry gesture towards Giancarlo Fisichella as ‘totally unnecessary'.

Hamilton entered the weekend leading the championship but departed again down in third place, after committing a litany of errors that ultimately left him well outside the points at the chequered flag, having botched his start and then run into the back of former team-mate Fernando Alonso.

On his way back up through the field, the 23-year-old spent some time trying to find a way past Fisichella's Force India – the Italian punching well above the squad's weight in what is still only its third grand prix – and shook his fist at his rival when he finally got by. The pair ultimately finished the race in twelfth and 13th positions – with Fisichella ahead.

“I don't know why he did that,” an unimpressed Gascoyne told Swiss publication Motorsport Aktuell. “Fisichella was fighting with him for position, and he can't expect to just be let past.

“The gesture was totally unnecessary, so it was especially good to be in front of him at the end.”

Following even more severe criticism from three-time world champion Nike Lauda [see separate story – click here], Hamilton did receive support, however, from a fellow former grand prix star in the shape of Hans-Joachim Stuck.

“The pressure on him is enormous,” the Austrian told Germany's Bild newspaper, suggesting the spotlight on the Briton is too intense for what is still only his second season in the top flight. “He is the team leader at McLaren-Mercedes and has so much hype surrounding him. F1 is on such a high level that even tiny errors are punished harshly.”

*www.crash.net/motorsport/f1/news/161795-0/gascoyne_lewis_cant_expect_to_be_let_by.html

Slick test :))

Ferrari's the fastest.
2nd place McLaren (De La Rosa) is 2.5 seconds off

---------------------------
Ferrari show off radical new nose cone

*img135.imageshack.us/img135/2095/1208190493ph6.jpg

After much speculation, Ferrari's radical new nose cone was finally unveiled today during testing at the Barcelona circuit.

As Felipe Massa tested the F2008 on Bridgestone's slick tyres, the car was fitted with a slotted nose cone.

This 'hole in the nose' is aimed at making use of the high-pressure air that builds up between the front wing and the underside of the nose.

This would improve the car's downforce by sending a better airflow to the rear wing.

What Ferrari have done is to create a channel inside the nose cone that takes this high-pressure region and vents it over the top of the chassis.

From overhead shots the hole's outlet can be seen, with one large exit split into two. This probably helps the exit flow merge with the flow already passing over the car.

Ferrari were testing an array of pitot tubes in front of the engine's inlet snorkel. These sensors would have picked up the differing air speed going into and over the airbox.

This set-up would give Ferrari a comparative reading for the new nose's effect.

If the test goes well, Ferrari are expected to give the new nose its race debut in Spain in two weeks' time.

Massa finished the day over 2.5 seconds ahead of his closest rival.

*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/66640

-----------------

after this season only "Slicks" will be used, no more "grooved" tyres

then it'll be like Indy 500/A1 GP

all these F1 teams have been pushed by that arse Mosley

damn

H

That nose really looks radical, only race test will say the result. And Renault is sporting a new engine cover with wings for next race in Spain.

*www.f1technical.net/images/development/2008/renault-cover-bar.jpg

Source: *www.f1technical.net/development/145

Honda also introduced lot of updates and most visible is elephean ears on the front wing. (like BMW's horns) They look very ugly and might well be banned by FIA as they might block drivers vision. They are huge and are right on top of car's nose.

H

I don't think it is blocking the vision, although it appears big and there isn't anything ugly in F1

Rubens goes fastest on 2nd day of testing.

Rubens Barrichello finished the second day of testing this week at Barcelona on top of the timesheets as he continued to evaluate slick Bridgestone tyres. His best lap of 1m18.928s was 0.8s ahead of Fisichella's Force India, also set on slick tyres. Felipe Massa was third fastest, the quickest driver running on grooved tyres, 1.3s behind Barrichello who was also testing Honda's new aero package, which included two prominent winglets on top of the car's nose.

David Coulthard was fourth in his Red Bull on slick tyres while Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso ended fifth and sixth on grooved tyres. Alonso completed the most mileage of any driver today with 118 laps as he tested Renault's major aero update and was within 0.4s of Massa's best lap.

Nico Rosberg finished the day seventh for Williams ahead of Toyota's Timo Glock and BMW's Nick Heidfeld.

Testing continues tomorrow when Michael Schumacher will test slick tyres at Ferrari.

Source:*f1.gpupdate.net/en/news/2008/04/15/barrichello-goes-fastest-in-barcelona/

Also *f1.gpupdate.net/en/news/2008/04/15/force-india-flying-at-barcelona/

Force India Flying

Force India's Giancarlo Fisichella has finished the team's second day of testing at the Circuit de Catalunya, Spain, with the second fastest time of the nine-man field. The Italian recorded a 1m19.721s lap on 2009-spec slick tyres. His best lap on grooved tyres was still 1min 20.7s. The team's previous fastest lap round Barcelona this year, a 1min 22.233, was set by Giancarlo in February.

"The car went much better this time out than the last time we tested in Barcelona, which you can see in the considerable improvement in our lap times," said Fisichella. "This is largely due to the new parts we have introduced since the start of the season and the last time we were here. I tested the new 2009 slick tyres here today - which was the reason for my fastest lap - but we were also much quicker on the 2008 grooved rubber too. The best lap we did here in February was a 1min 22.3 and now we are at 1min 20.7, so we're really moving forward."

Looks like slicks are making all the difference.

Porsche: scandal makes F1 unattractive

Car makers Porsche and Volkswagen have ruled out entering Formula One, saying high costs and a sex scandal involving motorsport chief Max Mosley made the sport unattractive to them.

"300 million euros a year - that is just burning money," Volkswagen chairman Ferdinand Piech told German news magazine Stern on Friday.

"And after the affair with Max Mosley and the women it would not be very savoury to get involved (in Formula One) now," added his Porsche counterpart Wolfgang Porsche.

Porsche are in the process of acquiring a majority shareholding in Volkswagen and both German companies have been seen as potential Formula One entrants in the past.

Photographs and a video of Mosley involved in what British Sunday newspaper News of the World described as a Nazi-style orgy with prostitutes have led to strong criticism of the International Automobile Federation (FIA) boss, particularly in Germany.

German Formula One car makers BMW and Mercedes, which owns 40 percent of McLaren, issued a joint statement this month questioning the 68-year-old Englishman's future at the helm of the sport's governing body.

Mosley has denied any Nazi connotations and is claiming unlimited damages against the News of the World. He has resisted calls to resign.

The Briton has also filed legal action in Paris to prevent the News of the World video being accessed from France via the Internet.

Judicial sources said on Friday that a ruling was expected on April 29 after the French judge considered the request.

*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/66708

Renault's way to reduce the distance to Ferrari
*img136.imageshack.us/img136/5372/sanstitre2fv6.jpg

:))

(look at the wings)

H

Holy cow

, are they planning to leave the ground?

Just kidding, I know they are testing aero parts but very weird to look at.

H

The qualifying results

1 Kimi Räikkönen Ferrari 1:21.813
2 Fernando Alonso Renault 1:21.904
3 Felipe Massa Ferrari 1:22.058
4 Robert Kubica BMW Sauber 1:22.065
5 Lewis Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes 1:22.096
6 Heikki Kovalainen McLaren-Mercedes 1:22.231
7 Mark Webber Red Bull-Renault 1:22.429
8 Jarno Trulli Toyota 1:22.529

Alonso has severely compromised his race strategy, but atleast he's on the front row and that's what the full packed grandstand had come to see since Friday.

Force India could only manage 21(Giancarlo) and 22(Adrian), something didn't go right there.

Hitboxx said:
Holy cow , are they planning to leave the ground?

Just kidding, I know they are testing aero parts but very weird to look at.

thats a photoshopped renault

Emotional Alonso surprised by pace

Fernando Alonso admitted he could not be happier after a surprising performance in qualifying for the Spanish Grand Prix.

The Renault driver, whose team have endured a shaky start to the season, was only outqualified by world champion Kimi Raikkonen, who was less than a tenth quicker than the Spaniard.

Renault introduced several updates in their car for this weekend's race, and although Alonso played down the improvements before today's session, the two-time champion and teammate Nelsinho Piquet were very competitive all day.

Alonso admitted he did not expect to be so strong, not even later in the season.

"I think it was very exciting when I crossed the line because I knew the time was good," said Alonso.

"I knew that only Kimi was running behind so when I crossed the line I knew it was front row in the worst case, so that is something we didn't expect at all, not in this race or maybe during the whole season, so I cannot be more happy than I am now."

The Renault driver, winner in Spain in 2006, is adamant his team have taken a significant step forward.

"The car feels better. I am happy with the car and we made a step forward no doubts. We found more at the test when we compared the changes back-to-back and we saw here a clear result, a big improvement in the car.

"All weekend it has been difficult with the track conditions. For the race we will see what we can do. But this second place of today is more than we expected for the whole weekend."

Alonso confessed seeing all the hard work during the winter paying off was a fantastic feeling.

"Unbelievable. It is difficult to describe or say anything because the team did a huge effort to improve the car and we keep doing it, working in Enstone and in France as well.

"We started season with a bit of disappointment. In the winter we expected to be stronger than we were in the first three races, but now there's no time to relax. We need to work hard, there are more aggressive steps coming in the next few races so we must work step by step and that makes me happy and optimistic for the future."

*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/66893

Just saw the Q3 of the qualifying. I faced a lot of 'pressure' to switch channels to watch the Chennai Super Kings (they rule!) match.

Dunno if my people will allow to watch the race....

H

s18000rpm said:
thats a photoshopped renault

Get outta here

Hahahaha!! nice one, I got bafooned totally

I can now see they flipped the wings and fins.

Henyone online ?

H

Shh.. watching the race

Heikki had a big head on collision into the tyrewall, reminded me of Michael's accident in Silverstone '99. Hope he is alright.

good news is that fisi is on 12th

seems that alonso is in trouble

barichello out

and alonso also.
that puts fisi to 10th spot, 2 spot away from points.

fisi in point scoring position

seems like fisi will have to contend with 10th spot.

and kimi wins

ferrari 1-2

FORMULA 1 Spain - Results
1 Kimi Raikkonen
2 Felipe Massa
3 Lewis Hamilton
4 Robert Kubica
5 Mark Webber
6 Jenson Button
7 Kazuki Nakajima
8 Jarno Trulli

Driver Standing
1 Kimi Raikkonen 29
2 Lewis Hamilton 20
3 Robert Kubica 19
4 Felipe Massa 18
5 Nick Heidfeld 16
6 Heikki Kovalainen 14
7 Jarno Trulli 9
8 Mark Webber 8

Constructors Standing
1 Ferrari 47
2 BMW Sauber 35
3 McLaren-Mercedes 34
4 Williams-Toyota 12
5 Toyota 9
6 Red Bull-Renault 8
7 Renault 6
8 Honda 3

H

Yeah, a Ferrari 1-2, Kimi and Felipe, followed by Lewis in third.

Its final.. The inevitable has happened.. Super Aguri out of F1..!

The Super Aguri team have withdrawn from the Formula One World Championship because of a lack of funding.

The Japanese team have wound up their racing activities with immediate effect and will not compete at this weekend's Turkish Grand Prix.

Super Aguri have been struggling for survival since the collapse of a takeover deal by the Dubai-based Magma Group in April.

It means British driver Anthony Davidson is now without an F1 drive.

Team founder Aguri Suzuki, who broke the news in Japan, said: "Regretfully I must inform you that the team will be ceasing racing activities.

"The loss of financial backing put the team into financial difficulties.

"With the help of Honda, we somehow managed to keep the team going, but we find it difficult to establish a way to continue the activities in the future so I have concluded to withdraw.

.
.
.
.

Source

Well F1 is a costly sport... I hope Mallya will be able to sustain the finances for Force India

H

Argh!! Should not have happened, bad news. Hopefully someone will get interested in the future. I hate to see less then 22 cars on the starting grid.

some one will buy it in due time

"Everybody makes mistakes. I'm sure Nelson Mandela, at 90-odd, still makes mistakes. That's life.
What people say about my performances does not really bother me - what does concern me is doing the job to the best of my abilities" - Lewis Hamilton

P.S :- Not a Hamilton fan and infact i kinda get happy when he crashes

prasad_den said:
Its final.. The inevitable has happened.. Super Aguri out of F1..!

Source

BTW, It was the politics played by Nick Fry (blocking funding for aguri and blocking their transportation) that actually killed th Aguri F1 team.

*en.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/080507091812.shtml

does super aguri make any difference in F1?

the fight is always between the big guys - Ferrari, McLaren, Renault, BMW, Williams.

F1 should be of only Manufacturers. these "customer" teams suck, look at red bull, two teams of same owner.

but still Toro Rosso outperformed Honda last year. Right??

H

s18000rpm said:
does super aguri make any difference in F1?

the fight is always between the big guys - Ferrari, McLaren, Renault, BMW, Williams.

F1 should be of only Manufacturers. these "customer" teams suck, look at red bull, two teams of same owner.

How do you think the BIG guys became the big guys?

Take the smaller teams out of Formula 1 and the sport is as good as dead.

How good F1 will be if FIA invests in these small teams and make them competitive (atleast to be in mid-field).

eg: Spyker was on back of the grid team last year but now, after Mallya's investment, they are now showing good pace and in few races, they will be competing with Toyota's and Red Bull's.

H

Yes, FIA is doing such things, IIRC, something of this sort was undertaken around 2004 when Michael and Ferrari were dominant and outsiders considered the sport as a bore. No idea what happened after that, I remember only that they changed the rules completely.

And when big money is involved, there is politics naturally, which is such a shame really, in this pure art of racing.

H

Ferrari's on top in Friday practice in Istanbul.

With successive wins in 2006 and 2007, Ferrari arrive at Istanbul Park with an enviable track record at the Turkish circuit. And there were signs that their run of good fortune may well continue on Friday, with Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen topping the times in the morning and afternoon practice sessions respectively.

That said, with McLaren pushing the red cars hard and Red Bull coming on strong, there's still everything to play for ahead of qualifying on Saturday, with no guarantees that Ferrari are going to have it all their own way…

Read more at SOURCE

And this weekend's Turkish Grand Prix marks the historic 257th race start of Rubens Barrichello, (the highest ever) that's an awesome feat. His helmet and car will be sporting a livery displaying 257.

Just to put that into perspective, imagine 16 races per year, that accounts to 16 years in F1, 16 years of constant sponsoring, constant fitness, constant growth and still going strong. Who would have thought this after his horrendous crash in qualifying at Imola in May 1994, the same weekend the late great Senna lost his life? Simply amazing. A round of beer for Rubino please!!..

FORZA FERRARI!!!!!!!

Fisichella runs red light, drops three grid places

Stewards at the Turkish Grand Prix in Istanbul have given Force India’s Giancarlo Fisichella a three-place grid penalty for Sunday’s race for exiting the pits under a red light.

The infraction is understood to have occurred at the very start of Friday’s opening practice session, in which the Italian was among the first to take to the track for an initial installation lap.

The stewards’ decision means three places will be added to whatever position Fisichella achieves in Saturday’s qualifying session.

H

Felipe, Heikki, Lewis, Kimi., ..1, 2, 3, 4.

Felipe's 3rd consecutive pole in Turkey.

Kimi was awesome in Q2 but dunno what happened to him in Q3, Although it might be slight mistake on his part. I don't think he is very slow. On the other hand Massa is absolutely flying even though i suspect he is lightest of top 4 but still he was phenomenal.

hamilton leads from massa

hamilton on 3 stop strategy?

massa wins
hamilton second followed by kimi

Turkish Grand Prix Results
01 Felipe Massa
02 Lewis Hamilton
03 Kimi Räikkönen
04 Robert Kubica
05 Nick Heidfeld
06 Fernando Alonso
07 Mark Webber
08 Nico Rosberg

DRIVER STANDINGS
01 Kimi Raikkonen 35
02 Felipe Massa 28
03 Lewis Hamilton 28
04 Robert Kubica 24
05 Nick Heidfeld 20
06 Heikki Kovalainen 14
07 Mark Webber 10
08 Fernando Alonso 9
09 Jarno Trulli 9
10 Nico Rosberg 8

CONSTRUCTOR STANDINGS
01 Ferrari 63
02 BMW Sauber 44
03 McLaren-Mercedes 42
04 Williams-Toyota 13
05 Red Bull-Renault 10
06 Toyota 9
07 Renault 9
08 Honda 3
09 STR-Ferrari 2
10 Force India-Ferrari 0

Just one sentence - Kimi was not motivated enough in today's race..

H

Then how did he get the FLAP (fastest lap)? He was on an old engine while the others were on a fresh engine., remember the one engine two races rule

, watch for him in Monaco in two weeks time.

^^ Monaco is not a happy hunting ground for Ferrari. Last year, Ferrari was lapped by Alonso on his way to victory.

Hitboxx said:
Then how did he get the FLAP (fastest lap)? He was on an old engine while the others were on a fresh engine., remember the one engine two races rule , watch for him in Monaco in two weeks time.

FLAP isnt that important.. he squandered his start.. Was below average in first stint and after second stint he didnt look competitive... Well what he says (Front Wing Damage) is correct and it affected his balance/speed then i cant say anything but if not then he just didnt give his best..

H

desiibond said:
^^ Monaco is not a happy hunting ground for Ferrari. Last year, Ferrari was lapped by Alonso on his way to victory.

Yes I understand that but things change and we all like a change, so just watch for Kimi

Edit: And IIRC, it is Michael in a Ferrari who has the most number of victories in Monte Carlo, so don't rule anything out.

hope so.

Kimi is superb calculator. He takes calculated risk. yes. he didn't push hard yesterday. He had to save his engine as it already had a full race weekend and moreover, the past race was hot spanishGP which is always extremely hard on engine.

remember how kimi killed everyone else during second half of 2006-2007 season. Expect the same this time. Once he gets going (flying to be precise), noone can even touch him.

Due to the longer wheelbase, F2008 is certainly gonna struggle to match McLaren in Monaco or in tight track where there are too many tight corners. Monaco is such a tight and tiny track that it's near impossible to overtake. This is the race where everything happens inside the pit.

Schumi might have won max number of races in Monaco but things have changed

Look at the 2006/2007 season. Ferrari were extremely competitive till Monaco. They won 3 of four races and they just couldn't match McLaren here. McLaren actually lapped19 cars last year in monaco. The only driver not lapped was Massa and he too was 70sec away from these two.

I am a Ferrari fan but I am not confident that Ferrari could pull it this time. The last time Ferrari won at Monaco is in 2001.

F1 aims for 110m Euro budget cap

Formula One is aiming to establish a 110 million Euro budget cap by the 2011 season, this week's Autosport magazine reveals.

A budget cap is set to be introduced in the sport from the start of 2009, and FIA consultant Tony Purnell has written to all Formula One teams with the figures the governing body would like to be set as a starting point for future discussions.

The figures proposed are 175 million Euro for 2009, 140 million by 2010, and 110 million a year later.

The cap would not cover expenditure on engines, KERS systems, marketing costs or driver and team principal salaries.

The figures, however, have received mixed reactions from some team bosses.

"Next year's figures are workable, but Honda is a little concerned about the glide-path, which needs more discussion," Honda Racing CEO Nick Fry told Autosport.

"By pushing the number too low, we may not only attract marginal operations but also alienate those at the top who want to develop high technology."

Renault boss Flavio Briatore said his team were already spending less than the suggested cap

"I already pay 40 per cent less than the cap. If I want to keep to the limit then I need to spend more. It's nonsense.. (LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL )

"Formula One is part of the environment and the economical situation and the sponsors, the manufacturers - we are part of the economical world. Maybe not today or tomorrow but surely in the future it will affect us. F1 needs to be competitive, F1 is a better show and less investment and costs less."

Toyota's team president John Howett admitted he was worried the introduction of a budget cap could backfire due to the "controlled environment".

"It's a very broad discussion, you can achieve anything. The one issue is how low the FIA wants it to go over time and the impact on people's livelihoods. That's the biggest concern I have," he said.

"I think in the end it can be enforced. The real issue is whether business becomes more healthy when you have a controlled environment: normally competition is better for business.

"So my worry to some extent that it will have a negative effect. If you put businesses into a non-competitive environment and say from a point of view of business, I'm not personally convinced it's the right thing to do."

McLaren boss Ron Dennis, meanwhile, said he was not sure the FIA would be able to control the amount of money spent by a team.

"I don't see a budget cap as a regulatory process more the application of common sense," Denni said.

"I don't think it's a question of enforceability but if there's a general ability to control costs when you've got the complicity of companies that have their R&D facilities in other countries where these programmes are in very difficult to understand languages and documents.

"I just have concerns you can monitor costs if you're policing them in Germany or China or Japan. How can you do that? We embrace anything that reduces the costs of F1 as long as it can be practically evaluated."

FIA president Max Mosley revealed earlier this year that a special 'finance commission' would be created to ensure the teams comply with the rules.

*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/67410

another bs from max mosley

----------------------------------------
Renault launch Youtube channel

The Renault Formula One team have launched their official channel on video-sharing website Youtube.

The French squad said they are aiming to give "privileged access to fans of the sport and supporters of the team" as well as capturing a new audience.

Content on their channel already includes the team launch, reports on the drivers and interviews with team members, among other things.

Renault's Youtube channel can be found at: *fr.youtube.com/INGRenaultf1Team

FIA looks at ECU safety car solution

The idea is for the standard ECU to be used to provide a display to the drivers informing them of how quickly they can return to the pits once the safety car has been deployed.

Although the introduction of such a system is not easy, it is understood that the initial suggestion from the FIA's software experts is that it is possible to make it work.

However, the solution would need to be fully tested prior to its use at a grand prix - which is why it is likely any plans to introduce it will have to wait until the French Grand Prix in July at the earliest.

That timetable for introduction means that the current rules will remain in place for the Monaco and Canadian Grands Prix - two races where there is a high likelihood of safety cars and therefore more controversy about the current rules.

Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA) director Mark Webber has said he thinks everyone in the sport is keen for a change.

"It's under discussion but it's still a few races away at least," he said. "As we've said before, everybody would like it tidied up - drivers, team management and the FIA."

*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/67425

Nick Heidfeld Shows Us What NOT To Do While Demonstrating The BMW Sauber F1 Car

BMW thought it would be a good idea to bring out the new Sauber F1 car for a bit of fun at the BMW plant in Munich. Why not halt ze making of ze Bimmers for a few minutes and give the 5,000 or so workers a little entertainment? Well, we can think of a reason. BMW's driver Nick Heidfeld zooms down the strasse and does a donut for the crowd yesterday without incident. Apparently pleased with himself, he guns that big engine and heads down the street for an encore. This is where things start to fall apart. Literally. Overcome with the joy of a well executed donut, Heidfeld loses track of where the barrier is. Oops. At least he missed the medical car. Thankfully, someone made a video of it because the official F1 press release was typically mum about the incident. We tell ya, Bernie's yet to find a problem he can't ignore.

*www.liveleak.com/view?i=dd3_1209119794

:))

Noob-field

^

nice find man but it was not that bad

H

Haha nice Nick, the most underrated driver in F1 today.

H

Qualifying podium for Monaco
---------------------------

1) Felipe Massa
2) Kimi Raikkonen
3) Lewis Hamilton

Now what did I say about things changing?

It was almost Kimi, though honestly I think Felipe is light on fuel, he had the same consistent time for all Qs. I expect him to push like mad in tomorrow's race to make up the gap. Nonetheless a Ferrari 1-2 is good enough for me

and it's gonna end Ferrari 1-2 tomorrow. I am praying to god for rain. That will charge up the race and the race will become totally unpredictable.

Lewis will definitely make lot of mistakes coz he is gonna feel the pressure a lot.

H

LOL haha yeah, if it rains, it's going to be a topsy-turvy affair, very interesting.

Hey, btw, is the race on ESPN or Star Sports, coz today Q was on ESPN!

Race will be telecasted in ESPN.

are yaar, you should have informed when the quali. was goin on.
i missed the quali

anyways

1. Massa Ferrari (B) 1:15.190
2. Raikkonen Ferrari (B) 1:15.717
3. Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:15.582
4. Kovalainen McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:15.295
5. Kubica BMW Sauber (B) 1:15.977
6. Rosberg Williams-Toyota (B) 1:15.935
7. Alonso Renault (B) 1:16.646
8. Trulli Toyota (B) 1:16.306
9. Webber Red Bull-Renault (B) 1:16.074
10. Coulthard Red Bull-Renault (B) 1:16.086

19. Sutil Force India-Ferrari (B) 1:17.225
20. Fisichella Force India-Ferrari (B) 1:17.823
Charu Sharma, Dravid & co will be LMAO'ing right now :))

H

Er., lol ok, next time I will announce 24 hours before

s18000rpm said:
are yaar, you should have informed when the quali. was goin on.
i missed the quali

anyways

1. Massa Ferrari (B) 1:15.190
2. Raikkonen Ferrari (B) 1:15.717
3. Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:15.582
4. Kovalainen McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:15.295
5. Kubica BMW Sauber (B) 1:15.977
6. Rosberg Williams-Toyota (B) 1:15.935
7. Alonso Renault (B) 1:16.646
8. Trulli Toyota (B) 1:16.306
9. Webber Red Bull-Renault (B) 1:16.074
10. Coulthard Red Bull-Renault (B) 1:16.086

19. Sutil Force India-Ferrari (B) 1:17.225
20. Fisichella Force India-Ferrari (B) 1:17.823
Charu Sharma, Dravid & co will be LMAO'ing right now

I missed it too

Infact i fell asleep after Q1 lol... Dint sleep last night so was sleepy whole day and in the end couldnt control

Anyways they will telecast it again at 4.30 tomorrow so dont worry

DC gets five-place grid penalty

David Coulthard is to be moved back five places on the grid for the Monaco Grand Prix as the result of a gearbox change required after his qualifying crash.

*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/67715

=======================

Drivers 'nervous' ahead of wet Monaco

Mark Webber has admitted that a number of Formula One drivers are 'nervous' about racing in the wet in the Monaco Grand Prix.

With frequent showers during Sunday morning soaking the track, it is looking increasingly likely that F1's blue-ribband event on the streets of Monte Carlo will be run in the wet.

And with the tight confines of the track increasing the difficulties caused by the lack of driver aids like traction control and engine braking, Webber himself is worried about the race turning into a crash fest.
...*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/67714

==============================

M.Schumacher to head up FIA safety fund

Michael Schumacher has been elected as the head of the FIA's Motor Sport Safety Development Fund, created as a result of the $100 million (USD) fine that McLaren paid for spying last year.

The Fund will distribute a number of grants around the world to help young drivers, improve safety skills for officials and help the development of motor sport venues in emerging motor racing nations.

Schumacher will be joined on the Fund board by FIA president Max Mosley, Nick Craw, the president of the Automobile Competition Committee for the United States, Ferrari board member Jean Todt and Mercedes-Benz motorsport boss Norbert Haug.

...*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/67713

====================

hoping for a wet race :))

P

Highly suspect timing for Raikonen's drive throught penalty.

I mean, Hamiltom shoots himself in the foot by hitting the barrier and wrecking his right rear tyre, and immediately after that, no sooner is back on track with a new tyre, than the message pops up that Raikonen has been awarded a drive-through penalty.

It seems someone is being heavily favoured this race.

I wonder who it could be.....

LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL

what a race.

poor kimi

so sorry for Sutil mamu, he was crying.

superb drive by kubica & massa

LOOOL

cant b'live ferrari made such a noobie mistake at start (kimi's go thru penalty)

^^ Don't think too much into it.

This will be last time that I cheered for Kimi. Reason??

Look at what he did to Force India's hopes and Adrian Sutil's perfect 4th place. When there is no opportunity for overtaking, he tried too much and sent Sutil out of the race by banging into the rear of his car. Really, today he drove like a noob.

I just can't control my anger over him. So does my friends. We "WERE" Kimi fan's but now, we are gonna cheer for Massa and boo Kimi. I will be the first one to boo kimi when he comes to Delhi. Grrrrrrrrr.

hmmm

but thats racing dude.
you take risks to get a win or atleast points.

ferrari's are much much more quicker than force india (obviously), so kimi took the chance, but unfortunately lost his car under braking (happened wit DC, same place)... crashed unto sutil's back. simple.

kimi has lost a lot of ground at monaco, could have been a 1-2 ferrari again, but look at Nick, he lost completely when alonso hit him.

if you're a true fan of motorsport (F1), you wont be talkin like this.

*img234.imageshack.us/img234/2104/f1monacony0.jpg
*img234.imageshack.us/img234/2104/f1monacony0.b00ef8383c.jpg

H

Ah please, in an already wet Monaco where drivers had agreed to be nervous pre-race, there are bound to be casualties and errors. Don't read too much, it's a racing accident, I got angry too but it's ok though certainly felt bad for Adrian. More times will come, this is just but once race.

And also I missed the first 50 laps, damn weather in my place, I overslept

K

Anyone know where I can get a vid of today's race? I was studying when it was coming, and damn it sounds like i missed an important one.

Yeah even i was damn pissed at Kimi when he banged into Sutil..

But after cool-off period i realised, that he was just doing his job.. He took a chance and lost the control... What could he do..

Besides he never looked(looks) comfortable in rain.. He had to drive through Pits five times..

2 - Pitsops and 2 - Accidents and 1 - Drive Through.. It was terrible race for him..

Everybody made mistakes but the Lewis was very lucky due to safety car which brought him right on 4th even after this first unscheduled Pitstop.. I guess Kubica didnt make any.. Massa did make one which let Kubica through...

Sutil drove pretty well.. And i was very confident that even with slow pace he could have held off Kimi for 10 more minutes.. Overtaking at Monaco as it is, isnt very easy and Kimi was having a bad day..

^^ yep. but I am still very very furious over kimi. He doesn't deserve the tag's "Flying Finn" and "Iceman". Monaco is THE REAL test for drivers and for second straigh year, he failed to come out good. Last year, he crashed his own party and this year, he crashed his own and Force India's. How can F1's highest paid driver and reigining world champion drive like this.

BTW, Sutil was holding Kimi since his scheduled pit stop. There is no way Kimi would've overtook Sutil. It was well locked 4th place for sutil. At the start of the final countdown Kimi was right on the Sutil's read and before the accident, while coming out of the tunnel, Sutil had opened up a gap and he was clearly having the pace and mechanical grip.

Mistakes hapeen.. Even the best commit mistakes

Well Monaco is nothing like test or anything.. Some drivers are comfortable with certain tracks and arent with other.. As simple as that.. Eitherways its the Rain that was the culprit for Kimi.. He has never been comfortable in rain.. I remember watching his candid interview back in 05 and he bluntly said that he just doesnt like driving in wets.. So may be he was hesistant from the start and didnt get the best out the car..

Raikkonen apologises to Sutil

World champion Kimi Raikkonen said he felt sorry for Adrian Sutil after forcing the German out of the Monaco Grand Prix.

The Force India driver was set for a fourth place finish after one of the best drives of his career when Raikkonen, running fifth, lost control of his car and hit the German's car from behind with just a few laps of the race left.

The damage left Sutil out of the race and in tears, while Raikkonen drove back to the pits to finish outside the points.

"Basically I just think my brakes were a bit too cold and I locked the rear," Raikkonen told reporters. "I nearly lost the car but unfortunately I hit him - and it is sad for them because they are not very often in the position to finish in the points.

"So, I feel a bit sorry for him - but I could not do anything. I tried to slow down but there was nowhere to go and nowhere to slow down - and I lost fifth place."

He added: "I said I am sorry for him and his team because probably they are not going to be often in the position to score a fourth position. Plus it was in Monaco. So it was harder for him than for me, but it was a racing incident and I could not go anywhere. There wasn't much space and I could not slow down.

"It was just a racing incident. I just locked the rear brakes on the bump and you cannot really slow the car after that. There was nowhere to go, and not enough space to try and avoid him."

The accident completed a weekend to forget for Raikkonen, who was unable to match the pace of Ferrari teammate Felipe Massa and also lost the championship lead to Lewis Hamilton.

"It was not one of the best races, but that is racing – sometimes it goes right and sometimes it goes wrong," the Finn added.

"I made some mistakes and the team made some mistakes, and we paid the price. But we will go to the next race and hope to do better."

^^ Saying sorry after crashing others party doesn't make any any sense. If Alonso crashes on Kimi in the same way, will you take it just as a racing incident and hail alonso for saying sorry?? Ferrari will then bark like anything, shouting and appealing for penalty. I still feel that it was noob drive by Kimi. A real driver should be comfortable with any track and with any climate. Now, I feel that Lewis, though not having that much of experience looked more determined than any one in Ferrari. In the end, Ferrari handed over the championship lead to Lewis. Great going!!!!

For the first time in my life, I am totally totally furious over Kimi and Ferrari. Pathetic strategy, pathetic driving and pathetic planning.

PS: Unable to digest yesterday's incidents.

when it comes to strategy, no one can match McLaren.

kimi has started race from last place & won it when he was in McLaren.

c'mon man, kimi is the biggest loser of that race, as he lost 5th place & thus champ. lead
mistakes happen.

btw if it wasent a force india, would you have cared bout it.?

why arent you talkin of BMW here, alonso ruined nick's race

s18000rpm said:
when it comes to strategy, no one can match McLaren.

kimi has started race from last place & won it when he was in McLaren.

c'mon man, kimi is the biggest loser of that race, as he lost 5th place & thus champ. lead
mistakes happen.

btw if it wasent a force india, would you have cared bout it.?

why arent you talkin of BMW here, alonso ruined nick's race

Yes. The worry is the way that he drove around the track. with 5 runs into the pits, two crashes. After looking at Adrian Sutil's drive, I will still blame Kimi whatever team Adrian is in. Again, last year, I was totally upset over Lewis when due to his mistake Webber and Vettel crashed out. I hate those who ruin other's race by their errors.

Nick will have lot many chances and he might even land in podium in next race. That's not the case with Force India. This was their chance to score 4th and god knows when they will get this chance again.

Its race and you race against other drivers so your mistakes will definitely affect them so will thiers.. Sutil has ruined Vettel's race twice and i dunno.. According to me he was the biggest loser of all 22 drivers right from Race - 1.. Every time crashed into first corner and probably ruined someones race... So why dont you blame him..

Just because a driver from superior team crashed into him.. You wanna empathize.. What if he crashed into Hamilton, then i am damn sure you wont iterate the same feelings towards Hamilton...

Well i understand your sentiments that he being a driver of Force India so little bit of patriotism comes into picture but senseless and Illogical grousing over same issue is just childish.

E.g -
Same thing happens to me.. These days I am playing 'GRID Demo' and in a particular race..4 out of 5 times my race is ruined by other bloody cars.. Sometimes while taking turn.. They crash into me.. Other times they brake too hard/too early and i end up losing my momentum .. And i end up cursing them.. Well yeah its a game...

So What..

Well If one is to be so concerned and bothered by others mistakes then one should rather drive alone in thier own lane..

Dipen01 said:
Just because a driver from superior team crashed into him.. You wanna empathize.. What if he crashed into Hamilton, then i am damn sure you wont iterate the same feelings towards Hamilton...

Yep. That's the reason why I am angry. Sutil crashing into someone else shows he is still learning and Kimi crashing into someone doing a dream run is ....

Same thing happens to me.. These days I am playing 'GRID Demo' and in a particular race..4 out of 5 times my race is ruined by other bloody cars.. Sometimes while taking turn.. They crash into me.. Other times they brake too hard/too early and i end up losing my momentum .. And i end up cursing them.. Well yeah its a game...

why are you comparing casual PC gaming in your house on your PC with pinnacle of motorsport.

Damn.. You still dont get it do you..

Nevermind.. I am in no mood to start something out of nothing..

I rest my case..

P.S :- Ofcourse i feel sad for Sutil too..

K

Look, getting rear-ended is the fault of the crasher.. not the crashee.
I doubt anyone expected sutil to be in that position in the race, so it hurts even more.
No-one notices a pig wallowing in the dirt, but have a speck of dirt on your white shirt and everyone gives you nasty looks.(wierd allegory, but yeah). Hence people are a lot angrier that it was Kimi who did the actual crashing. If it were the other way round, it wouldn't be that bad.

Hard luck Adrian Sutil

my sports india said:
Well, the qualifiers at Monaco didn’t throw anything new at us as far as Force India is concerned, Fisichella & Sutil qualified 19th & 20th respectively or was it the other way around with Sutil 19th? Can’t remember for sure. But raceday sure had something special for Adrian Sutil, the German after 66 laps in the Monaco race was running at 4th with some 7 minutes left in the race, the Force India pit garage was pretty gay, Sutil was driving contentedly for a finish and probably planning how he’ll throw his fist in the air and the celebrations back in the team garage. And well, it just was not to be, the car behind him; the finish Sutil oh so wanted was ruined by the Finnish driver behind him. The Ferrari of Kimi Raikkonen lost control at the exit of the tunnel and crashed with Sutil’s Force India car. There was news that Raikkonen did go and apologize to Sutil for spoiling his race but that did not console the German Force India driver.

Kimi could quit end of 2009 season

Kimi Raikkonen has admitted that rumours that he could quit F1 at the end of his current Ferrari deal are not rumours - it is true.

The reigning F1 World Champion has long been rumoured to want out of F1, oftening stating in the past that he was not looking to break either Michael Schumacher's records or become the longest serving driver in F1.

This led to reports that Raikkonen could in fact quit at the end of his current Ferrari contract, which expires at the end of next season.

Asked about this during Thursday's press conference in Montreal, Raikkonen did little to stop the tifosi from worries that the Scuderia could soon lose their star driver.

"There has been rumours like that many years," Raikkonen said with regards to rumours he could retire at the end of next season. "I always say I have a contract until the end of next year.

"I haven't made any decision if I'm going to keep going or not. That is the last contract I have and we will see what happens this year and next year."

As for what could persuade Raikkonen to sign another contract, the 28-year-old says he'll only stick around if he's still enjoying the racing.

"I wouldn't stop if I felt I would miss it afterwards. For sure I would find something else to do and maybe that I would enjoy more," he said.

"I don't know what is going to happen after next year, I haven't made my mind up. Who knows maybe I make my decision this year.

"I think I will race as long as I enjoy it, it is the right thing for me. It could be in four years' time. It is too early to say."

However, the Ferrari driver admits that there are also things in F1 that could persuade him not to re-sign.

"I like the racing and the other stuff is not always the best thing," he said. "Everyone in F1 is here because they love racing and driving, but when there are too many things that you don't enjoy or too many things you don't want it is time to go away.

"It can be anything. When you find something you don't want to do or don't enjoy... If there are things like that or don't work out anymore. There can be many things apart from racing, then probably it is the best time to go away."

PlanetF1

Atleast 1 week to Controversy/Rumours ke bina pass karo

Massa tops damp first practice - Canada

The Ferrari driver's lap time of 1:17.553 was good enough to fend off several last-ditch attempts from rivals as the timesheet resembled a fruit machine in the final moments of the 90 minutes.

In the end, it was BMW's Robert Kubica who got closest to the Brazilian's time, eclipsing Heikki Kovalainen and Nick Heidfeld, both of whom had in turn usurped Kimi Raikkonen from second place moments before.

But it was a question of being out on track at the right time as Jenson Button discovered when he dropped from fourth to last in just eight minutes.

The track was declared wet at the start of the session and predictably, only the Force India drivers ventured out initially. Giancarlo Fisichella having the measure of team-mate Adrian Sutil when the track was at its most treacherous....

*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/68008

---------------------------------------

today

THE CANADIAN GRAND PRIX
Qualifying Sat 22:30-23:30

if you cant watch (like me), login & see the live timing :))

*www.formula1.com/services/live_timing/live_timing.html

q1 result
*img516.imageshack.us/img516/8555/f1q1lq6.jpg
*img516.imageshack.us/img516/8555/f1q1lq6.6ae4e09f97.jpg

Q2 result

*img387.imageshack.us/img387/8206/f1q2sy9.jpg
*img387.imageshack.us/img387/8206/f1q2sy9.948791fc1d.jpg

FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX DU CANADA 2008 (Qualifying)
P1 Lewis Hamilton
P2 Robert Kubica
P3 Kimi Raikonen

*img100.imageshack.us/img100/3865/f1qcpt8.jpg
*img100.imageshack.us/img100/3865/f1qcpt8.528b952358.jpg

at ferrari

Cant help it re...

Sector 3 was terrible for them.. The gap of half second just in Q3 sucks.. Dunno what happened to Massa but he overpowered Kimi in Q1 and Q2.. I reckon Hamilton is avg on fuel as always.. and Kubica is lighter of Top 3.. Kimi and Ham must have similar fuel loads..

I think this S3 is going to hamper them tomorrow also and as track is breaking down , and graining factor.. We might just have an interesting race..

Raikkonen very critical of track problems

Kimi Raikkonen says the Canadian Grand Prix could become a nightmare if the track surface keeps breaking up like during qualifying.

Drivers complained about the lack of grip at Turn 10, where the surface began to break up, leaving debris which made the cars lost grip.

Although the marshals tried to sweep the debris off the racing line before the final qualifying segment, Raikkonen said the issue cost him a chance of fighting for pole.

The Ferrari driver finished in third place, nearly a second behind pole-sitter Lewis Hamilton, and the Finn slammed the track as a "joke".

"The car has been good all weekend but this morning was even very good and going into qualifying is quite a joke with the circuit," said Raikkonen. "The circuit breaks down and it is like you missed the corner because there is so much sand.

"I lost so much time in Turn 10 I couldn't turn around and went straight on. We had the car to fight for qualifying (pole).

"We will see how it is in the race but it will be a nightmare. We have a lot of laps and it broke up after two laps so it will be interesting."

He added: "I have a very good car all weekend, then suddenly because the weather heat up a little bit and the circuit didn't last very long. The problem is black patches, they redo it every year and every year they break down."

*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/68076

so thats the reason kimi was slow

Trulli slams 'disastrous' track conditions

Toyota duo Jarno Trulli and Timo Glock have joined the group of drivers concerned about the track conditions in Canada.

The track surface kept breaking up during qualifying, despite repairs done before this morning's practice, meaning drivers struggled for grip.

Trulli said the conditions were disastrous, and the Italian admitted it is a huge concern for tomorrow's race.

"Qualifying was exceptionally difficult today because the track conditions were a disaster," said Trulli after qualifying in 14th."The surface was breaking up and getting worse with every lap. I don't know what was going on but I did my best lap at the beginning and then I couldn't repeat it any more.

"I spun on my quickest lap at the start of Q2, otherwise maybe I could have been in the top ten. But after that the track just got worse. Today was all about getting a clear, lucky lap. I don't know how the race will go but the track surface is a huge concern."

Glock, who just missed on a top ten grid position, admitted he was fearing "major problems" tomorrow.

"That was just a really difficult session," he added. "It was very hard to find a good balance and I was far from happy. The main problem was as each session went on, the track just started to fall away. That made the second and third runs very difficult and everyone was making mistakes.

"In the end I just got the lap together for P11 and we were unlucky not to reach the top ten. It would have been good to make it back into Q3 but it just didn't work out.

"Now we will have to see what happens in the race. It is usually possible to overtake here but if there are similar track conditions it could cause major problems."

*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/68079

lol i seriosly hope that US GP 2005 isnt in the making today

Leaving the track issues aside, did you notice the speed classification? Mclaren and BMW were faster than Ferrari. Massa who was classified 8th was the fastest Ferrari.

I like the track of the Canadian GP. Waiting to see a thrilling race. Hamilton was amazing and I guess he'll pull away in the drivers championship points.

Hamilton is crashing onto wall of champions today

anyways.. BMW are not faster than ferrari.. They are lighter

Everytime Kubica snatches a near Pole..He has been Ultralite.. Checkout He is slower than Ferrari's in Q1 and Q2... Hamilton is purely faster with equal fuel loads..

And as to Massa.. Its his mistake that costed the time and not the cars.. Also in S1 and S2 Kimi is at par at Hamilton.. Infact faster in S2.. Its the hairpin thats killing Ferrari...

Nevermind.. Massa will be having tough time for Podium from 6th.. Kimi still has a shot if he manages to pass Kubica on 1st turn.. Kubica tends to be nervous during starts.. He hasnt had many good starts from starting grid

Although even Kimi hasnt had any good starts this year.. Lets see, I am hopeful that this will be good race..

Hamilton was slower in S1 and S2. Kimi managed -0.0xx in S1 and -0.25x in S2 wrt Lewis and still was slower. The straight lines in S3 is doing the trick for Mclaren.

H

OMFG, Lewis Hamilton what a fscking moron!!!

Where are you eyes man? pathetic..

He should be penalized for that.

kimi hit by lewis :lol:

that too in pitlane :lol:

H

Awesome move Felipe, two birds in one stone

Now hunt down David and podium is yours.

A superb drive by Robert results in a BMW 1,2 and he leads the championship now.

1)Robert 2) Nick 3)David

well great race by BMW's... hamilton destroyed the race by his silly mistake for his team and for Ferrari....

Great comeback by massa too ...

s18000rpm will be a happy man

Robert totally deserved it.. Even thought he hadn't won the race if not for Hamilton (You bloody Ham) kicking Kimi's butt...

Anyways.. Its nice to see a slightely different race for a fun.. Bechara DC got on Podium lol...

Sad for kimi.. I He would have surely won the race if not for Ham..

Congrats.. BMW.. It will be interesting if 3 way battle continue till the end..

Btw whats the problem with Heiki..??

Its like he is using a weaker car... I mean he isnt that bad a driver to drive at the back of the pack...

wow.

i missed the race

Ham kissed kimi's arse???

wow, i thought robert will hae to wait for victory.

seems like robert is the "last years' hamilton"

*www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8S9FeJU7hA
Lewis Hamilton Crashes Into Kimi Räikkönen :))

Hamilton apologises to Raikkonen

An angry Raikkonen spoke to Hamilton after the crash, pointing at the light.

*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/68130

pehle baap, ab beta? (making mistakes)

M

Hitboxx said:
OMFG, Lewis Hamilton what a fscking moron!!!

Where are you eyes man? pathetic..

He should be penalized for that.

Yeah both Kimi and Lewis should be thrown out of this year's Championship Race for such stupid stunts.

^what did kimi do?

^^ Don't remember he was the one who crashed into Force India's Sutil the last time?

@Mehul: If only you were a moderator in the real world eh!

(insert speed racer muttley laugh)

1. Kubica 42
2. Hamilton 38
3. Massa 38
4. Raikkonen 35

1. Ferrari 73
2. BMW Sauber 70
3. McLaren-Mercedes 53

M

s18000rpm said:
^what did kimi do?

*www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2008/5/7840.html

mehulved said:
*www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2008/5/7840.html

how can you compare kimi's shunt to ham's shunt?

DC lost his car at the same place where kimi did, but kimi controlled the car from spinning out. unfortunately hitting sutil :))

thats pushing-losing (car)-getting back on

what ham did was, unacceptable, not keeping his eyes on the lights

, when there's sooooo many "new" rules put bout Pit Lights (during SC period)

btw, sutil caused this ham-kimi shunt, indirectly

nico just cruised into ham's back, lool,.

watch this *www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8S9FeJU7hA , at 22 secnd, see the lights changing.

Hamilton, Rosberg hit with grid penalty

Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg will lose ten places on the grid at the French Grand Prix following their pitlane incident in Canada.

Hamilton crashed into the back of Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen at the end of the pitlane on lap 20, when the Finn braked to stop in front of the red light. The Briton said he saw the light too late and could not avoid hitting the Ferrari.

Both men retired in the accident.

Rosberg could not stop in time either and hit Hamilton from behind, although the Williams driver was able to continue in the race.

Both Hamilton and Rosberg will be hit with a 10-place grid penalty in France in two weeks' time.

*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/68140

Raikkonen 'unhappy' about Hamilton's error

Kimi Raikkonen said he was unhappy about Lewis Hamilton's mistake during the Canadian Grand Prix, especially as it happened in the pitlane.

The McLaren driver crashed into the back of the Ferrari after failing to see the red light at the end of the pitlane in time to stop.

The accident damaged the cars and both men had to retire.

Raikkonen accepted that everybody can make mistakes, but he was annoyed that it happened in the pitlane.

"There's not much I can say. My race was ruined by Hamilton's mistake," said Raikkonen, who had crashed into the back on Adrian Sutil in Monaco two weeks ago.

"Obviously, anyone can make mistakes, as I did two weeks ago in Monaco, but it's one thing to make a mistake at two hundred per hour but another to hit a car stopped at a red light. I am not angry because that doesn't achieve anything and does not change my result.

"I am unhappy, because I had a great chance of winning. Once the graining had gone from the tyres, the car was going very well.

"I have failed to score in these last two races and now it's time to start winning again. There is still a long way to go in the championship and it is still very close and we have everything we need to regain the ground we have lost."

Felipe Massa completed a disappointing day for Ferrari, finishing in fifth position after having to pit three times due to a problem with the refueling rig during his first stop.

The Brazilian admitted, however, that he was pleased to score some points which allowed him to join Hamilton in second place in the standings.

"It's hard to express my feelings after a race like this," he said. "On the one hand, I am disappointed because, without my refueling problem, I could have been fighting for a place on the podium.

"On the other hand, I am happy to have brought home four points at the end of a very difficult race run on a track surface that was in really poor condition.

"Once I found myself at the back, I tried to climb back up again, but in the end, when I was behind Glock, I could not get past him and also I didn't want to run the risk of ending up off the track after all the trouble I'd been to to get that far.

"I would like to congratulate Kubica and BMW: they worked really well and deserved this success. They are very strong, but I think we are working in the right direction, as could be seen from our performance level every day here."

*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/68148

what is this i read in the paper the first ever race in the night. when is it?
TOI says its in singapur. but the schedule is not given.

Lewis and Rosberg handed a 10 gridplace penalty for French GP. Yee haaa. stupid n00b. He said he couldn't see the lights in time? What about two cars stopped metres ahead of him. Truly stupid jesture by him and also by Rosberg. This is F1 dude. There is no chance for mistake or lazyness.

Thanks to the Lewis mistake, the race turned into a thriller and boy, what a drive by Massa. Deserves a pat on the back.

Championship opened up too with Kubica leading the drivers championship (not for long anyways) and Massa, Lewis in joint second, Kimi in fourth. Ferrai extend their lead over McLaren and BMW just 3 points away from Ferrari.

What a season this is turning into. Feels like I am back in late 90's and early 2000's where championship wins happen with slightest margin.

Its the stupid rule that led to the crash, not just Lewis. Why close the pitlane exit when the entry is open? And also, when a driver just gets into the lane again from his pitstop he would not be expecting two cars side by side which is more than enough to loose his sight of the Red signal. And it was Lewis also who lost the race who was also equally potent to win the race.

M

lywyre said:
And it was Lewis also who lost the race who was also equally potent to win the race.

Due to his own mistake, but not so for raikonnen.

lywyre said:
Its the stupid rule that led to the crash, not just Lewis. Why close the pitlane exit when the entry is open? And also, when a driver just gets into the lane again from his pitstop he would not be expecting two cars side by side which is more than enough to loose his sight of the Red signal. And it was Lewis also who lost the race who was also equally potent to win the race.

Dude. it's F1, not a cheap street racing. Team will be fully aware when the pit lane is open and when it isn't. If he wasn't informed that the pit lane exit is still closed, it's a mistake by him and his team. If he was aware that pit lane exit is closed and still went on max pit lane speed, it was totally his mistake.

All in all, it's pure error done purely due to lack on experience and also we all know how well he succumbs to pressure. Watching two cars move ahead of him certainly made him nervous.

lywyre said:
Its the stupid rule that led to the crash, not just Lewis. Why close the pitlane exit when the entry is open? And also, when a driver just gets into the lane again from his pitstop he would not be expecting two cars side by side which is more than enough to loose his sight of the Red signal. And it was Lewis also who lost the race who was also equally potent to win the race.

Na Kimi already had the track position ahead of Hamilton

So ideally Lewis wasnt gonna win it..It was Kimi's race to lose..

Well all we can say is it was a honest mistake.. But one cannot overrule that it wasnt a MISTAKE..

Anyways.. I was just about to fall asleep while watching it live and then after this bang boom.. I was sitting again

Basically it got interesting..

H

OMG, you wanted to sleep?

On live telecast? I would lose a foot and a toe to watch it

I agree it was Kimi's race, especially since his pace leading upto the pitstop when he caught Robert back, and Lewis got desperate after seeing him upfront. I do wonder what happened to Niko though, maybe following Lewis too close and just followed whatever he did. Nevertheless, things like these in pitlane and that too under a safety car period shouldn't happen and it's only the inexperience of Lewis to blame.

I kinda liked how Kimi told Lewis after the incident though, like saying, "Where are you eyes dude.. you need to use them..!"

Ha. Lewis was the Race leader before the pits. And what? he was a fraction behind at the exit.

More Ferrari Favourism by FIA [Max Mosley]: *www.bleacherreport.com/articles/28268-Formula-One-Once-Again-Ferrari-Wins-Others-Lose

^thats bs by some brit-ham-mclaren fanboy

kimi's acc. was pure racing incident. he didnt lose the car intentionally, c'mon he lost the champ. lead to ham.

ham's incident was 100% driver+team error.

monaco race, sutil was not given 25secnd penalty (for overtakin under yellow flag, tho he had no option), so is FIA favouring Mallaya?

Q & A with Kimi Raikkonen

...
Q: What did you think of what Hamilton did?

Raikkonen: "I'm maybe not the best person to say because in the last race I made a mistake. But this is two completely different stories, you can lose control at 300kph on a circuit and hit someone, or go along on the pitlane speed limiter and don't watch in front of you. That's a bit silly."
...

*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/68160

Yes, it was driver error. You Ferrari fans talk as if Hamilton ruined it on purpose. And I don't know how that could be a team error. Please explain.

team should have told ham. that the pit lane light = red, as SC was comin .

ferrari & bmw informed their resp. drivers about it.

ham's mistake was not completely his, his team should take the blame for it too. coz the drivers whie comin out, they adjust so much of things on steering wheel.... & ham. had huge pressure, as the two guys who came behind him were in front of him while goin out

lywyre said:
Yes, it was driver error. You Ferrari fans talk as if Hamilton ruined it on purpose. And I don't know how that could be a team error. Please explain.

Are bhai that was a honest mistake agreed na..

But that doesnt mean you will get away with it.. Even Hamilton wanted to earn some points for his championship so that was not intentional at all..

But it was a stupidity on part of his Engineer who didn't warn/inform him about that. So all in all If ham wants to blame himself or him team... Mclaren Camp is at blame...

Ab khush ..lol..

mehulved said:
Yeah both Kimi and Lewis should be thrown out of this year's Championship Race for such stupid stunts.

Why should Kimi should be thrown out, for no reasons, do u think stopping under red light in pits and following the F1 rules and regulations is stupid.

Closing pitlane during safety car period was a stupid rule.

McLaren not informing Lewis about red light was even more stupid.

Lewis not checking red light was most stupid.

desiibond said:
Closing pitlane during safety car period was a stupid rule.

McLaren not informing Lewis about red light was even more stupid.

Lewis not checking red light was most stupid.

desibond i agree with you.... 100%.

H

channabasanna said:
Why should Kimi should be thrown out, for no reasons, do u think stopping under red light in pits and following the F1 rules and regulations is stupid.

LoL, don't read Mehul seriously, he's a die hard fan of F1, so he likes to say things like these.

Lewis now says:

"We are in a race. How can you see a red light at the end of the pit lane?"

A writer for The Daily Mail wrote: "Shame on you, Lewis, not for an exhibition of driving which would have cost you your no-claims bonus on the streets outside your Geneva home, but for a lack of contrition."

Even Sir Jackie Stewart, one of Hamilton's staunchest supporters, is questioning his level of maturity in the wake of the Montreal howler.

"When he looks back in four or five years he will question himself about what sort of person and driver he was in 2007 and 2008," the Scot said.

lol. Rules are rules. You have to make sure that you are following them.

*img171.imageshack.us/img171/223/woodeneye2rf5.jpg

^^LOL

M

Hitboxx said:
LoL, don't read Mehul seriously, he's a die hard fan of F1, so he likes to say things like these.

And a bigger fan of ferrari.

Raikkonen: Hamilton penalty was deserved

Kimi Raikkonen believes Lewis Hamilton got the penalty he deserved following their crash at the Canadian Grand Prix.

The British McLaren driver will lose ten places on the grid in France after crashing into the back of his Ferrari rival's car at the end of the pitlane in Montreal.

Although Hamilton said the penalty was harsh, Raikkonen in fact reckons the Briton deserved it.

"I still can't believe it, that someone can hit you while you are standing at the red light next to another car," said Raikkonen. "I can't imagine how Hamilton could not see the red lights and the two cars standing in front of him.

"I think that Hamilton deserved the penalty. He loses ten positions on the grid for the next race in France, which will make it more difficult for him at Magny-Cours."

He added: "Anyway we lost the possibility to have a good result in Canada. At the moment when the safety car came on the track, my car was running very fast: we could have won, or, in the worst case, come second.

"I was ready to fight and overtake Kubica, once the lights were green. But I didn't have the time, as Hamilton crashed into my back and the race was over. I'm not angry. Just disappointed, surprised and frustrated at the same time. He knew that the lights were red.

"Accidents happen, but it's difficult not to see two cars stopped."

The Finn has not scored a point in the last two races and has dropped from first to fourth in the standings.

But Raikkonen is adamant that Ferari are strong and that he will return to winning ways soon.

"I came back from Montreal with a really good impression of the F2008 and I'm sure that we can win again very soon," he said. "Because now we go to circuits where we are usually very strong.

"You know that I don't like to look behind: I'm concentrated on the French GP, where I want to repeat last year's result, when we brought home a wonderful one-two win."

*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/68210

--------------------------------------------------------

Hamilton says he can still win in France

Briton Lewis Hamilton believes he can still win the French Grand Prix despite the penalty he was given in Canada.

The McLaren driver will lose ten grid positions at the Magny-Cours race after crashing into the back of Kimi Raikkonen when he failed to see the red light at the end of the pitlane in time.

Although that means Hamilton will start from at least 11th place in France, he is still confident he can finish on top.

"I feel quite confident that we can still win there. That's my job," Hamilton was quoted as saying by Reuters.

"I've got to have that belief in myself and the team. I still feel we can finish in the top three but it's going to be a real challenge."

Hamilton also dismissed suggestions that the Montreal incident was a career low.

"It was nowhere near one of my lowest points. I don't even particularly feel it was a low point. It was one of those things you just have to come to terms with and move on. In the race I was on top of my game," he said.

The Briton lost the championship lead to BMW Sauber's Robert Kubica in Canada and is now four points behind the Pole.

He added: "I believe it is going to be very difficult to win but I don't plan on it going to the last race. We will push as hard as we can to do the job, it doesn't matter if it is early or the last race. So long as we get it done."

*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/68208

Massa wary of McLaren, BMW threat

Felipe Massa has downplayed talk that Ferrari are hot favourites to win the French Grand Prix, as he reckons McLaren and BMW Sauber will be a big threat.

The Italian squad have dominated the race at Magny-Cours, with seven victories in the last ten races.

Rivals McLaren have only won once, in 2000, at the French circuit.

Last year, Ferrari scored a one-two victory and arrive in France having shown strong form in the previous races.

But Massa reckons McLaren and BMW cannot be ruled out, although the Brazilian is optimistic his team will be very competitive.

"In recent years, people would say that Canada and Monaco suited McLaren better than Ferrari, while it was the other way round in France and Britain, but I don't think that is really the case this year, as apart from any other factors, we have to consider the BMW team in this equation," said Massa.

"This year in Monaco, Ferrari had the whole front row of the grid, even though I think we had more fuel than McLaren and in Canada our race pace was very good too. In other races we have all been very close. But I hope we will be very competitive this weekend.

"I like Magny-Cours: I came second here last year, having started from pole, but then I lost a bit of time in traffic and I also came third in 2006. It's a good track for me. Let's hope we can repeat last year's one-two finish, but maybe in a different order."

*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/68399

Massa quickest in practice 1 - France

Felipe Massa was fastest for Ferrari by a comfortable seven tenths of a second in an uneventful opening practice session for the French Grand Prix.

The McLarens were second and third quickest, with Lewis Hamilton fractionally quicker than teammate Heikki Kovalainen, while Kimi Raikkonen completed the top four in the second Ferrari.

It took almost half an hour before the session got underway in earnest, with Williams' Nico Rosberg finally becoming the first man to set a flying lap after 26 minutes.

Sebastian Vettel (Toro Rosso) then briefly had a turn on top, before the leading contenders all emerged as practice neared the halfway point.

Kovalainen and Massa both led the way for a few minutes, but it was Hamilton who ended up at the head of the timing screens with a 1:16.002, and he remained fastest until Massa re-emerged just after the hour mark.

The Brazilian produced three laps beneath Hamilton's benchmark, eventually ending up on a 1:15.450, while Hamilton went wide at the Adelaide hairpin on his equivalent run and failed to improve.

Massa then shaved a further tenth off his time when he rejoined for a final run, lapping in 1:15.306 to cement his dominant position.

Hamilton remained second, while Kovalainen was fortunate to avoid an accident on his last lap when he ran wide into the Estoril gravel trap at high-speed and came close to hitting the concrete wall as he wrestled the car back under control.

Raikkonen was 0.767 seconds slower than Massa in fourth, ahead of championship leader Robert Kubica (BMW Sauber), who was one second off the pace in fifth place.

Fernando Alonso took sixth place, but stopped on the approach to the 180 corner in the final minutes after suffering what appeared to be a substantial engine failure. The Renault came to a halt in the run-off area with white smoke bellowing from its rear end.

Jarno Trulli escaped a quick spin at the Adelaide hairpin to take seventh for Toyota, with Vettel, Nick Heidfeld (BMW) and Timo Glock (Toyota) completing the top ten.

*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/68428

Qualifying Sat 17:30-18:30

The Race Sun 17:30-19:30

H

Yay!! Kimi on pole

A decent drive from Trulli too..

I wonder why is there a huge gap in performance between Lewis and Heiki , similarly Kubica and Heidfield... and not this particular race since very beginning..

H

Preference? I pity Nick though, he's been here so long and driven for many teams, but the poor guy hasn't gotten the recognition and a car he deserves. Highly underated

13th place for lewis, he has to race against sutil & nick

lewis has no records of finishin in pts. after starting below 10th.

kimi in 2005, started frm 13th & finished 2nd

can lewis do that?

btw did you see the new nike ad.
WOW!

H

Ever seen a spanish "bull" fight?

*www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSWJw353PME

Awesome

Kovalainen penalised for impeding

Heikki Kovalainen has been handed a five-place grid penalty at the French Grand Prix for blocking Mark Webber, the FIA has confirmed.

The McLaren driver had qualified sixth fastest but will now move down the order because the stewards felt he had impeded Webber, who was on a fast lap.

A statement issued by the FIA said "the driver of car 23 was driving very slowly during an out lap and thereby hindered the driver of car 10 who was on his fast lap."

Kovalainen's penalty is a double blow to McLaren, who have seen their other driver Lewis Hamilton slip down to 13th on the grid because of the 10-place penalty he was handed after crashing in the pitlane in Canada.

Hamilton's penalty means that Kovalainen will start from 10th place on the grid.

*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/68521

Hitboxx said:
Preference? I pity Nick though, he's been here so long and driven for many teams, but the poor guy hasn't gotten the recognition and a car he deserves. Highly underated

Are no re , why would there be anything like Preference.. I mean if Nick were compete with Kubica then it preference comes into play but he has looked a lot weaker than Kubica in every race..

Same with Heiki and Lewis, now today Mclaren had to get thier solo car out front, still they couldnt do it..

Also why would someone give underrated cars to thier drivers.. Strategy wise preference can be given but i dont think overall u can discriminate..

McLaren frustrated by Kovalainen penalty

McLaren boss Ron Dennis has expressed his frustration at the five-place penalty handed to Heikki Kovalainen for blocking Mark Webber in qualifying.

Kovalainen will drop from fifth to 10th on the grid after the stewards felt that he had held up Webber, who was on a quick lap, in Q1.

But Dennis says that the team and driver were simply caught out by bad circumstances - as Kovalainen got caught up close on track to Kazuki Nakajima.

"With Heikki, obviously we get phenomenally frustrated when we try to do everything right," said Dennis. "He had I think Nakajima behind him, they were both trying to stay out of everybody's way, and Nakajima overtook him into the final two corners.

"I think really the pace that they went into that last sector prior to starting their own laps was so slow that it caught everybody out, and really he had nowhere to go."

Dennis said McLaren changed Kovalainen's strategy for Q3 when it became apparent that he would be penalised - so as not to be stuck too far down the field with a light fuel load.

"It's not the way we wanted it to be, but in the end, once it had happened we changed strategy to try to minimise the damage tomorrow, and that clearly put Heikki down the grid," he explained.

"So he did a great job I think, and retrospectively tomorrow when you look at the stops and everything, fuel-corrected he did a great job.

"Overall the performance of the drivers and the cars is not reflected in the grid positions, but tomorrow is the race and there is a long way to go in this season."

Kovalainen himself was keen not to talk about what happened, clearly disappointed by the turn of events.

"I honestly don't want to get into that," he said when asked about the penalty. "I tried to stay out of the other drivers' way when I was on my warming-up lap, and the stewards decided to give me a five-place penalty. I don't want to talk about it any more."

*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/68522

H

Bad luck Kimi, lucky Felipe, awesome drive by Jarno

race summary - *www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/68549

FIA to discuss team entry fees hike *www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/68602

The FIA is to discuss a dramatic rise of almost 150 percent in the entry fees for teams competing in Formula One next year, to help pay for services and equipment, in its World Council Meeting in Paris tomorrow.

Less than a week after drivers went public in venting their frustrations at the escalation in the cost of their mandatory superlicence, the FIA is to consider raising the cost of a team's entry in F1 from this year's 300,000 euros to 740,000 euros.

The move comes because the FIA wants the teams to pay for improved safety and logistical facilities provided at races, as it is no longer willing to bankroll their provision itself. The plans have been revealed in an agenda for tomorrow's meeting in Paris that has been seen by autosport.com.

The services that the FIA wants teams to pay for from the start of next year are:

1) A marshalling and positioning system (known as F1MS) that provides race control with real time information about a car's location on the track and enables light signals to be sent to cars. The total cost for this is 1,026,000 euros.

2) The increased use of light panels around the track to supplement flag signals - which not only provide better visibility for drivers but also give race control a more accurate record of what signals are shown when. The total cost for this is 1,232,000 euros.

3) The Surveillance Data Record (SDR), which is fitted to cars to monitor car parameters and also gather data in the event of a crash. This has been used for the past six years and, although the teams have previously paid the supplier directly, this will now be sourced directly through the FIA. The cost of this is 130,900 euros.

4) A new Pit Lane and Garage Network to provide a totally secure messaging service to replace the need for paper copies of documents from race control or the stewards. All FIA communication with teams would be done via this network and, with teams having to acknowledge receipt, it would prevent the kind of situation that happened in Japan last year when Ferrari claimed they failed to receive an email detailing the use of wet tyres. The network would also distribute the F1MS information, weather data and car data from the SDR and Standard ECU. The cost of this is 70,400 euros for each team.

5) Weather forecast. The provision of weather information to the teams costs the FIA 485,000 Euros per year.

6) Pit wall intercom system. The intercom system that has been used by teams for the past six years to speak directly to race control has cost 780,000 euros. The cost of this will be split between the teams, with the FIA also making an equal contribution.

Based on ten teams competing, the raft of safety and logistical measures will cost each outfit 428,700 euros per year.

That is why the FIA wants to raise the entry fee from this year's 300,000 euros up to 740,000 euros, which also takes into account an index link rise of 3.7 percent.

Although such an increase in fees may at first appear draconian, it comes on the back of FIA president Max Mosley making it clear that he wants the sport's commercial rights holders to increase the amount of money they pay the teams from track and television rights. The FIA is set to indicate on Wednesday that it will only sign a new Concorde Agreement if there is a dramatic rise in the income that the teams receive from Ecclestone.
...

FIA announces provisional 2009 Formula One calendar

Formula One racing’s governing body, the FIA, has released a provisional calendar for the 2009 world championship. The addition of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix makes for a 19-round season - one more round than in 2008.

The Australian Grand Prix will kick off proceedings on March 29, followed by Malaysia and Bahrain, before the championship heads to Europe. In a change to the traditional calendar the British Grand Prix will take place before the French race.

In another shift, the Turkish event will revert back to its more traditional August date, following this season’s earlier May slot. The championship will draw to a close in mid November with the inaugural Abu Dhabi race.

2009 FIA Formula One World Championship calendar (provisional)
29 March Australia
5 April Malaysia
19 April Bahrain
10 May Spain
24 May Monaco
7 June Canada
21 June Great Britain
28 June France
12 July Germany
26 July Hungary
9 August Turkey
23 August Europe (Valencia)
6 September Italy
13 September Belgium
27 September Singapore
11 October Japan
18 October China
1 November Brazil
15 November Abu Dhabi

19 races for next year

Source

H

And hopefully it will be a complete 20 with the induction of India from 2010

M

WTH is wrong with them. They come to asia from europe, then go to americas for the 2nd last race then return back for the last one?

H

Maybe some other sporting event in one of the countries clashes with it at that time.

Hitboxx said:
And hopefully it will be a complete 20 with the induction of India from 2010

I doubt it.. The Plans arent even discussed yet.. 2008 is halfway gone.. I dont think 2yrs is enough to raise a full fledged circuit.. be it a street one .. Anyways first lets hope that Force India does well..

SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX

28 September 2008
interactive track - *www.formula1.com/races/in_detail/singapore_801/circuit_diagram.html

*img366.imageshack.us/img366/2424/f1singaporebn5.th.jpg

Silverstone loses British GP to Donington

The British Grand Prix will leave Silverstone and move to Donington Park from 2010, the FIA announced on Friday.

After months of speculation about whether or not Silverstone would retain the race, Donington Park has moved to complete a deal to secure the future of the event.

FIA President Max Mosley said: "After many years of patient but fruitless negotiation with the BRDC, we are delighted that Bernie has nevertheless been able to ensure that the British Grand Prix will keep its place on the Formula One World Championship calendar.

"We understand that the development programme planned for Donington will achieve the very high standards we and FOM expect from a modern F1 circuit. Finally, British Formula One fans will get the Grand Prix venue they deserve."

Bernie Ecclestone, FOM President, added: "Finally the uncertainty is over. A contract has been signed with Donington Park and the future of the British Grand Prix is now secure.

"We wanted a world class venue for Formula One in Britain, something that the teams and British F1 fans could be proud of. The major development plans for Donington will give us exactly that. A venue that will put British motor sport back on the map.

"I am sorry that we could not have helped Silverstone to raise the money to carry out the circuit improvements and run Formula One. I believe that the government should have supported them which would have cost probably less than .002% of the government's commitment for the Olympic Games."

*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/68828

H

The interactive thing is not working for me

. Is it supposed to do something? Coz of I get like this when I click on the Start/End point.

*www.imgx.org/pthumbs/small/9396/f1a.jpg *www.imgx.org/pthumbs/small/9397/f1b.jpg

*[URL="*www.imgx.org/pfiles/9397/f1b.jpg]"

I have got all plugins installed for FF3, happens both in Linux and Windows.

yup
start/finish button doesnt do anything

but others work (sectors & grandstand)

H

Woah!! What an outstanding lap by Mark Webber, amazing!

Heikki -1, Mark - 2, Kimi -3

Watch out now, half way through season and Heikki will be a big headache to Lewis, and expect to see more of his faces on the camera

N

What a dramatic race today.
1.lewis hamilton w00t!!
2.nick heidfeld
3.r.barrichello
awesom stuff by lewis

H

Hehe yeah, very dramatic

Very nice drive Lewis, and Rubens, what a super 3rd place, his kiddo's prayers were answered.

Ferrari botched up Kimi's podium possibility with that stupid tyre decision, they should have given him fresh wets. I'm sure he and Lewis would be fighting.

And Felipe lol, probably setting up the record for the most spins in a race

Also, expect rain in the next German Grand Prix as well, just like last year.

Drivers:
1. Hamilton 48
2. Raikkonen 48
3. Massa 48
4. Kubica 46
5. Heidfeld 36
6. Kovalainen 24
7. Trulli 20
8. Webber 18
9. Alonso 13
10. Barrichello 11
11. Rosberg 8
12. Nakajima 8
13. Coulthard 6
14. Vettel 5
15. Glock 5
16. Button 3
17. Piquet 2
18. Bourdais 2

Constructors:

1. Ferrari 96
2. BMW Sauber 82
3. McLaren-Mercedes 72
4. Toyota 25
5. Red Bull-Renault 24
6. Williams-Toyota 16
7. Renault 15
8. Honda 14
9. Toro Rosso-Ferrari 7

wow

3 guys at same pts.

only the indian team yet to score pts.

I didn't like the race .. it was pathetic...

tennis was way better option on Sunday, awesome final.

H

Forgot to say one more thing, if I remember correctly, Fernando did the entire 2nd stint on slicks, he didn't change the tyres :shock:

, this when people around him were spinning and offtracking on wets. Respect for Fernando ^_^

N

Hitboxx said:
Forgot to say one more thing, if I remember correctly, Fernando did the entire 2nd stint on slicks, he didn't change the tyres , this when people around him were spinning and offtracking on wets. Respect for Fernando ^_^

yea..i was about to write this here

that was a very good run by him.exactly opposite to Massa's

Hitboxx said:
Forgot to say one more thing, if I remember correctly, Fernando did the entire 2nd stint on slicks, he didn't change the tyres , this when people around him were spinning and offtracking on wets. Respect for Fernando ^_^

LOL. Slicks? There are no slick tyres in Formula1.

Dry Weather:

1) Hard
2) Soft
3) Supersoft

Wet Weather:

1) Intermediate tyres
2) Full Wet tyres
3) Extreme Wet tyres

He didn't change his tyres (intermediates) during the first pit stop. As a result, he too struggled for pace like Kimi. Finally, he came in for second stop on lap 27 and put on Full Wet tyres and finished the race.

btw, do you really think that he can even pass one corner on dry weather tyres with the amount of rain falling and water standing on the track?

lol.. yeah..
and i remember Steve Slater going "Felipe's doing more spin cycles than my washing machine right now!"

desiibond said:
LOL. Slicks?

btw, do you really think that he can even pass one corner on dry weather tyres with the amount of rain falling and water standing on the track?

c'mon hitboxx, you play f1 game, even in the game, its impossble to race with dry's in wet condition.

i miss schumi, the true rain master

s18000rpm said:
i miss schumi, the true rain master

First thing that came in my mind when seeing masa and kimi struggling on the silverstone track .. man these guys are nothing in front of Schumi :lol:

.. he "was" the master..

www.formula1.com/services/play_video.html

select britain video.

listen to that song

that f1 revving = my new ringtone :))

Vettel confirmed at Red Bull Racing

Sebastian Vettel will join Mark Webber at Red Bull Racing next year, the Milton Keynes-based team confirmed at Hockenheim on Thursday

...more - *www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/69187

Christian Horner : Timing not right for Alonso deal

Christian Horner says the timing was not right for Red Bull Racing to try and hire Fernando Alonso for next season.

The Milton Keynes-based team confirmed Sebastian Vettel will replace David Coulthard at the team in 2009, ending speculation about a possible move by Alonso from Renault.

Horner said the two-time champion was never an option for the team because of the current situation of the team and the driver.

"That was never an option," Horner told reporters in Germany. "Sebastian has been a member of the Red Bull young driver programme for many years now and he had demonstrated obvious potential.

"So after David announced his retirement it was an easy and natural decision to replace him with Sebastian.

"Fernando is a fantastic driver, I have got huge respect for him. I think he is one of the best three in the world, but the timing wasn't right for Red Bull Racing and him.

"It's early in the year to have both drivers confirmed but we decided to have stability in the team, to give clarity to the engineering staff. Now is the best time to make a commitment to what we knew was a 99% certainty anyway, and focus on the future."

Horner revealed, however, that Red Bull would have only considered Alonso had they not hired Vettel.

He added: "For us the only other driver we would have considered other than Sebastian was Fernando, but as I said, the timing wasn't right for either party in terms of what they were looking for out of a potential relationship."

*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/69194

W

hope their arent many montoya fans

*f1chronicles.com/2008/07/14/juan-pablo-montoya-stupid-video-files-p/

Qualifying Sat 17:30-18:30

The Race Sun 17:30-19:30

Hamilton also dominates second practice
*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/69219

*img166.imageshack.us/img166/5069/screenshot001fg2.jpg
*img166.imageshack.us/img166/5069/screenshot001fg2.83992cebb7.jpg

K

God damned fiitjee phase test- ill miss hockenhiem.

H

I'm also in the bucket

With the current setup of powercuts here, I'm scheduled to miss the important first hour of the race, from 5:30 to 6:30 and can only see the concluding 1/2 hour or so. I'm praying they sort out the issue before tomorrow!

Hamilton beats Massa to German GP pole

Lewis Hamilton beat Felipe Massa to pole position for the German Grand Prix after a thrilling battle between the pair throughout qualifying.

The duo had topped a segment apiece in Q1 and Q2, before Massa put his Ferrari on provisional pole with his first flying lap of Q3, beating Hamilton by 0.4 seconds at that stage.

Massa then dug deeper and improved to 1:15.859 with his second lap, putting himself half a second clear of the field and looking assured of pole.

But Hamilton made an even greater gain, going over one second quicker than his previous run to beat Massa by nearly 0.2 seconds.

*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/69270

*img379.imageshack.us/img379/5633/screenshot001qe3.jpg
*img379.imageshack.us/img379/5633/screenshot001qe3.5e31ba72e9.jpg
WTF!!!!
kimi behind alonso

M

Why is the thread unstickied?

Alonso is really the CHAMPION.

hamilton never deserved it (in 2007)

even with a crap car, he beats a top team's car.

btw, indian gp y 2010 , confirms mallaya.

a track will be built near delhi.
*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/69244

what i dont get is, why delhi???

chennai & mumbai(pune) seems better option, as their are many car factories

--------------------
Kovalainen fined for refuelling breach

Heikki Kovalainen was fined 5,000 euros for a breach of the refuelling regulations during the second part of qualifying for the German Grand Prix.

The McLaren Mercedes driver was penalised by the stewards for a breach of Article 29.2 of the sporting regulations.

A statement read: "Car 23 was refuelled during Q2 using equipment that was not an FIA approved race refuelling system, and therefore the engine should have been stopped during the refuelling process."

Kovalainen's third-placed grid position has not been affected by the penalty.

crap

, 5 place penatly on grid wud have been better :))

H

Guys, like I said I will miss the 1st hour here now, please post any incidents if happens withing this hour.

Hitboxx said:
Guys, like I said I will miss the 1st hour here now, please post any incidents if happens withing this hour.

1) Lewis running away 0.5sec a lap over Massa.
2) Kimi stuck behing Trulli and losing 2sec's a lap to Lewis.

Max Kimi can get to is 3rd or 4th. And if by any chance, Trulli stays longer, it's race over for Kimi. He will be stuck behing Trulli forever.

Vettel is driving his heart out in there.

Lewis has 10sec lead at the end of 16th lap.

what a crap

kimi struggling at 6th after 18 laps

lewis leads by 11seconds to 2nd place massa

Irony is Lewis takes early pit stop on lap 16 and still comes ahead of Kimi. That slow Kimi is due to that stupid Toyota.

H

Hehe thank you for that, power is still on, so still watching it

Lewis on 3 stops?! :O

omg!
lewis still ahead of kimi after 1st pitstop

Trulli and Alonso into the pit's. Kimi now has clear track ahead of him

sob govt.
making only chennai come under cas crap

*www.formula1.com/services/live_timing/live_timing.html to the rescue :))

live timing commentary says kimi at p4, but tie chart showing p9
wth!!!!!!!!

where the heck is kimi???

H

WtH!! It seems all are running 3 stops

maybe except Mark Webber.

edit------------------

kimi at p7

-=====
wth, why kov. pit again?
or is live timing commentary is fed bya drunk?

Kimi's at P5 now.

Lewis, Massa, Heikki, Kubica, Kimi, Trulli, Vettel, Glock, Alonso.

H

heavy accident for timo glock, surely safety car!!

zomg

very big acc. i guess

LOOOOOOOOOOL

almost all in pits

Glock's car has tyre hub failure in start/finish straight. Hits the sidewall at 250kmph.

No injury. Just holding his back, pain caused due to the hit.

Ferrari **** up Kimi's strategy again. They bring Massa and Kimi at the same time when most of the cars came in. Result: He comes out at 14th. He was running 5th before pitstop.

*img501.imageshack.us/img501/3622/screenshot001lt7.th.jpg

wth, kimi & kov a lap down????????

Massa now has a real chance to win this race because he is in 4th place with Lewis, Heidfeld and Piquet still to pit. All the cars behind Safety car.

Podium is out of reach for Kimi. Massa on the other hand has awesome chance.

Kimi has moved up to 9th place now

Heikki in 6th place.

Lewis is now increasingl lead by 1sec every lap.

piquet on one stop strategy. (live timing says

)

massa dont screw this up

PS: Live timing on F1 site is totally erraneous

whoa, kimi now on attack mode i guesses

yes. He is doing some aggressive racing. I think he needs Alonso down his ass for him to go flat out

kimi at p8 now

But, damn, he is once again behing Trulli.

p7

wow

Yee haaa. Full throttle for Kimi, gets past Trullis.

Gap between Lewis and Massa looks threatning for Ferrari. 12.5 secs in 5 laps. 5 more laps and Lewis will be comforable ahead of Ferrari to take pit stop.

What the heck is the problem with Massa. He couldn't even reach Piquet. Do the same for few more laps and once again he will be the n00b of F1.

Lewis in Pit now

Lewis drops to 5th place.

lewis behind his team mate & ferrari

desiibond said:
Gap between Lewis and Massa looks threatning for Ferrari. 12.5 secs in 5 laps. 5 more laps and Lewis will be comforable ahead of Ferrari to take pit stop.

What the heck is the problem with Massa. He couldn't even reach Piquet. Do the same for few more laps and once again he will be the n00b of F1.

maybe massa saving the tyres

massa-lewis gap = under 4 secs.

Heikki alows Lewis to go through. Now, Lewis is just 2.5secs behind Massa.

worst thing is Lewis is 1sec a lap faster than Massa.

piquet leads
nick at p4 after pits

wth kimi, still behind robert. damn the other cars are so slow :))

, made it look like kimi "drove"

Definitely Massa is going to lose position to Lewis. And then it will just be matter of time for Lewis to take atleast P2.

massa slower than piquet, lewis faster than everyone

My prediction: Lewis wins the race and Massa may come 2nd or 3rd based on whether Piquet pits or not.

H

Felipe Massa is a waste driver in Ferrari!

massa screwed it up

well done

noob cud'nt overtake a noob

Really man, this is worst driving by Massa. He has clear advantage to win the race and he ****ed up real bad. Couldn't even overtake Piquet. Huh.

Schumi, we want you back in Ferrari.

LOOOOL

look what alonso told on nooz.
Alonso: Renault need points from Piquet
now look at the race

Lewis takes the race lead. Heidfeld trying to take position from Massa.

Kimi takes the 6th place from Kubica.

:O
nick on massa's noob arse
lool

wow
kimi at p6

:O
nick on massa's noob arse
lool

wow
kimi at p6
lewis at top

nothings worse than getting beaten by a underpowerd slow renault.
last year, massascrewed up at nurburgring just like this, to alonso

, screwing up dueto pressure

Steve Slater says : After beate by Lewis like that, Massa will not have the stomach to challenge Lewis again. So, the Championship fight will be between Kimi and Lewis.

My Prediction: Lewis easily gets drivers championship with 1 or 2 races to go and Ferrai and McLaren fight for Constructor's crown till the end of final races.

Look at Kimi in the first part of the race. He was too conservative. Had he did aggressive driving in the first stint, he would've been on 1st position

what a huge diffrence between ham & kov.

ham was behind kov. jus around 10 laps ago & now leads the race & kov. still at same place

N

Wow
1.lewis
2.piquet
3.massa

great renault strategy and a great run by lewis once again

H

Ferrari should fscking kick Massa out of the team!

Ferrari will be the n00b of this race. They couldn't make their cars competitive on track, couldn't make their drivers go flat out in the first stint.

*img410.imageshack.us/img410/9137/screenshot001mc2.jpg
*img410.imageshack.us/img410/9137/screenshot001mc2.6ebf9e3174.jpg

lewis=58
massa=54
kimi=51

N

Hitboxx said:
Ferrari should fscking kick Massa out of the team!

yea and imo alonso/kubica should be part of ferrari

Hats off to Lewis for the amazing drive. I have a feeling that he could well be the successor to Schumi. Perfect driving in both dry and wet conditions, going flat out when needed, being defensive at the best, doing aggressive overtaking without fearing of going off the track.

nish_higher said:
yea and imo alonso/kubica should be part of ferrari

If Alonso comes into Ferrari, Ferrari will win Constructors championships for atleast a decade. He brings so much balance to the car and makes the car so much competitive (though has bad mouth)

N

right
i can count on kubica as well.both are hardworking drivers and push to the limits.and no doubt about lewis being schumi ver 2.0 someday if he continues driving like this.

H

desiibond said:
Hats off to Lewis for the amazing drive. I have a feeling that he could well be the successor to Schumi. Perfect driving in both dry and wet conditions, going flat out when needed, being defensive at the best, doing aggressive overtaking without fearing of going off the track.

Honestly I believe Fernando is the successor to Michael

Ferrari is technically a sharp car while Mclaren is a much more flowing car and Fernando can put the Ferrari where he wants to, just like Michael did. Just imagining him do fastest laps on fastest laps gives me goosebumps

Hitboxx said:
Honestly I believe Fernando is the successor to Michael

Ferrari is technically a sharp car while Mclaren is a much more flowing car and Fernando can put the Ferrari where he wants to, just like Michael did. Just imagining him do fastest laps on fastest laps gives me goosebumps

yeah but it's his bad mouth that is keeping him away from ferrar

N

and that last year ferrari breach .if i remember correctly alonso knew abt it

Fisichella handed 25-second penalty

Giancarlo Fisichella has been handed a 25-second penalty at the German Grand Prix after unlapping himself when he was not allowed to.
...
The penalty moves Fisichella from 14th to 17th position.

*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/69349

================
Massa: I didn't have the car to fight
*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/69337

Massa didn't have the fight?? LOL

He didn't have the courage to fight. He tamely surrendered to Lewis. It was clear that there isn't much difference between Ferrari and McLaren. It's just that Lewis drove his heart out

^nah, i guess ferrari is weaker at this track.

F1 Germany 2008 - Glock crashes
*www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDlshfBMIiU
omg

that must have hurt his back real bad.

a rear end first crash

===================\

Raikkonen admits McLaren now quicker

Kimi Raikkonen conceded that Ferrari have now fallen behind McLaren after a difficult German Grand Prix for the Italian squad.

While McLaren's Lewis Hamilton recovered from a less-than-ideal strategy to charge through from fourth and claim a memorable victory, Ferrari duo Felipe Massa and Raikkonen could only finish third and sixth.

When asked if the Hockenheim results meant that McLaren were now the quicker team, Raikkonen replied: "It looks like it."

"Definitely this weekend they were very strong," he added. "Also in the last race they were very good. Hopefully we will find the solution for our problems and we will be back where we should be."

The reigning champion said he had never been able to get his Ferrari to his liking at Hockenheim.

"It's not exactly what we were hoping for," said Raikkonen. "It was pretty difficult all the way through. Then in the end the car was a bit better but it was very difficult for the whole weekend. We need to look and find an improvement.

"I don't know whether it the set-up or what, but we had difficult handling all weekend and it was harder in the race in the beginning.

"We improved at the end, but we must look in the test and find a solution and just work and improve because this weekend has been very difficult. Unfortunately we lost some points, but that's racing, we need to just look forward and not worry about it too much.

"Sure in the testing we will try to find the solutions to the problems we have had this weekend - it was a very difficult weekend. But after a race like this we just have to work hard and improve."

In the final stint after the safety car Raikkonen produced a series of assertive passing moves to get ahead of Nico Rosberg, Fernando Alonso, Sebastian Vettel, Jarno Trulli and Robert Kubica, but felt this late charge was more a case of damage limitation than a cause for celebration.

"It was good, but without those (passes) we would have ended up with an even worse position!" he said. "We lost some points to Hamilton and Massa but there are still plenty of races, as long as we find some solutions. But of course it doesn't make it any easier."

*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/69357

N

well massa in the official press interview said he had braking and handling problems but his driving didn't reflect that anywhere in the race

He is just trying to blame the car

BMW mechanic escapes KERS scare

Questions about the safety of Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems (KERS) in Formula One were raised again on Tuesday when a BMW Sauber mechanic suffered an electric shock after touching a car fitted with the device during testing at Jerez in Spain.

BMW Sauber were conducting further evaluation of their KERS on the first day of this week's test, with Christian Klien at the wheel of a modified car that featured some 2009-aero concepts and an early version of their energy recovery device.

Klien had just completed a three-lap installation run in the morning when he returned to the pits. After stopping in the pitlane, mechanics attended to the car to wheel him backwards into the team's garage - but the first mechanic to touch the car fell to the ground after receiving an electric shock.

He was pulled to his feet by fellow team members and, after being examined in the medical centre, he was found to have suffered no serious injury.

Klien has not yet returned to the track and is unlikely to do so until the team fully understands what went wrong this morning.

A team spokesman told autosport.com: "During the testing of the KERS car at the Jerez test track today, there was an incident involving a mechanic when the car returned to the pits. He touched it and suffered an electric shock.

"He sustained slight injuries to his left hand and grazing on his left arm. After a brief examination at the track's medical centre, he has returned to the test team. We are currently investigating the incident."

The Jerez pitlane incident comes less than a week after Red Bull Racing were forced to evacuate part of their factory in Milton Keynes after a battery system test of their KERS went wrong.

The issue of KERS safety has been discussed between the teams already this year, but with work now accelerating on getting the devices ready for 2009, there is a renewed urgency to the matter.

Toyota team principal John Howett told autosport.com in Hockenheim: "I think all of these issues have been on the table from the beginning. So you have voltage issues, you have the battery issues; you have the cost of registering the batteries to transport them. People who use high-speed rotating flywheels have also got issues there.

"The perception of KERS is very simple, but the execution is incredibly difficult and the road car applications are completely different from a race car. Whereas the motor, the control unit, the battery, and the basic concept is similar, the actual sophistication and needs of a road car are completely different from what we are having to develop in Formula One. So there is a big difference"

*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/69391

IMO, Kimi did a worse job this weekend than Massa. Massa was just unfortunate to have come in the way of a flying McLaren. The rate at which Lewis caught up to him, there was no way Felipe could have saved himself and that too on a track like this.

And Lewis reminded me of MS - absolutely flawless driving!

Lewis Hamilton to visit Mumbai on 24th July

Fresh from his back-to-back title victories at Silverstone and Hockenheim, Germany earlier this month, British race sensation and 2008 Grand Prix leader Lewis Hamilton is to visit Mumbai for a promotional tour on July 24.

The 23-year-old Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team's red hot property, who has scorched the tracks in only his second year in Formula One, would be seen driving a go kart for a lap at the Hakone track in Powai, according to sources connected with organising his visit to India.

"Hamilton will be giving Formula One enthusiasts a rare opportunity to meet him and race against the fastest time set by him. He will also be interacting with Vodafone customers and media persons," they said.

Hamilton (58 points), who finished second overall behind Finnish ace Kimi Raikkonen in his debut Formula One season, last year, is currently ahead of second-placed Brazilian Felipe Massa (Ferrari) by four points.

*www.expressindia.com/latest-news/F-1-leader-Lewis-Hamilton-to-visit-Mumbai/338915/

Mosley wins privacy lawsuit

friday practice : F1 Grand Prix Budapest, Hungary
click to watch

not now

, friday 14:30 - 16:00 [IST]

Hamilton quickest in second practice
*img402.imageshack.us/img402/7488/screenshot001fr6.jpg
*img402.imageshack.us/img402/7488/screenshot001fr6.9aa504a99e.jpg

*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/69558

Kimi & massa down at 5 & 6th

hamilton still strong

got Q1 pole
Q2 goin on

trulli/toyota stronger than ferrari

============================================

One - Two for McLaren

*img144.imageshack.us/img144/9020/screenshot002ov4.jpg
*img144.imageshack.us/img144/9020/screenshot002ov4.d53968d178.jpg

P1. Lewis
P2. Heikki
P3. Massa
P4. Kubica
P5. Glock
P.6 Kimi

N

omg this is great
lewis again

too bad i missed the session today

Raikkonen rues costly driving error

Kimi Raikkonen blamed a driving error for his disappointing result in qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix.

The Finn will start the race from sixth position, on the dirty side, at a circuit where overtaking is virtually impossible.

World champion Raikkonen is under no illusions about the difficulty of the task ahead of him tomorrow, but he has vowed not to give up.

"I made a mistake on my final flying lap which cost me precious time, and that followed on from not having got a great lap on my previous attempt, which explains why I'm sixth," said Raikkonen.

"Of course I am not happy and, starting from the third row, my race will be an uphill struggle. I will try and make the most of this situation, given that the car today was not that bad.

"We are going through a bit of a difficult time but we mustn't give up: all we need to do is put together all the pieces of the jigsaw and then the results will come to us again."

*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/69621

Pole counts in Hungary. very difficult track to overtake.

Dennis dismisses Alonso's claims

McLaren boss Ron Dennis has hit back at claims by former driver Fernando Alonso that he may not have had the chance to fight for the championship this year if he had stayed at the Woking-based team.

Alonso said in the build-up to the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend that he is not dispirited by the season he has had at Renault because there was no guarantee he would have gone any better if he had remained at McLaren.

"Last year again it is true that I had a possibility to fight for the championship and it was okay," said Alonso, who McLaren replaced with Heikki Kovalainen.

"I knew that this year it was not possible any more. But if I was racing for McLaren now at this moment maybe I would be in the same position as I am now without the possibility to win."

Alonso's comments are believed to revolve around his suspicions that McLaren's focus may have been on Lewis Hamilton - which would have effectively made him the team's number two.

But on the anniversary of Alonso's row with the team in Hungary last year, Dennis has rubbished the Spanish driver's claims – and insists his team have always operated a policy of equality, and will continue to.

Speaking on Sunday morning about Alonso's provocative remarks, Dennis said: "Firstly, when the contract with Fernando was terminated there were pre-conditions which determined the behaviour of both parties post-termination. We have no intention of breaching that agreement. His opinion is his opinion - I'm not going to voice my opinion about anything that Fernando has done or said.

"What I would say is you can't see any strings leading to Heikki's shoulders and he's an honest guy. He will more than convince anyone who talks to him that this is a team absolutely committed to equality. It always has been, and it always will be.

"People will point to the last grand prix and say it's absolutely obvious there were team orders in that event because it was clear that Heikki moved over and let Lewis past. The essential fact was that throughout that race Lewis was nearly seven-tenths of a second faster than Heikki and he knew that, he was told that. He was not told to let Lewis past.

"But when you are in a team and you know that your teammate has the opportunity of winning the race and you don't, if you have the right values and values that are not lodged solely and exclusively in your own motives, your own objectives and your own selfishness, then you take a decision. Which is allow the driver past to have a chance of winning the race - which he did."

Dennis added: "The proof of the pudding is in the eating. You could go back through the entire history of McLaren, you could talk to any driver that has driven for McLaren and you will not find anyone - save for one - who will not verify that this team always runs on the basis of equality and always will."

*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/69647

WFT, did you guys see Massa overtaking Lewis in the very first corner. Just awesome. braking late and then pulling away and away.

Heikki wins the race

1) Heikki Kovalainen
2) Timo Glock
3) Kimi Raikkonen
4) Fernando Alonso
5) Lewis Hamilton
6) Nelson Piquet
7) Jarno Trulli
8) Robert Kubica
9) Mark Webber
10) Nick Heidfeld
11) David Coulthard
12) Jenson Button
13) Kazuki Nakajima
14) Nico Rosberg
15) Giancarlo Fisichella
16) Rubens Barrichello
17) Felippe Massa (engine Failure)
18) Sebastian Bourdais
19) Adrian Sutil (Brake failure)
20) Sebastian Vettel (Retired)

Drivers:

1 Lewis Hamilton British McLaren-Mercedes 62
2 Kimi Räikkönen Finnish Ferrari 57
3 Felipe Massa Brazilian Ferrari 54
4 Robert Kubica Polish BMW Sauber 49
5 Nick Heidfeld German BMW Sauber 41
6 Heikki Kovalainen Finnish McLaren-Mercedes 38
7 Jarno Trulli Italian Toyota 22
8 Fernando Alonso Spanish Renault 18
9 Mark Webber Australian Red Bull-Renault 18
10 Timo Glock German Toyota 13
11 Nelsinho Piquet Brazilian Renault 13
12 Rubens Barrichello Brazilian Honda 11
13 Nico Rosberg German Williams-Toyota 8
14 Kazuki Nakajima Japanese Williams-Toyota 8
15 David Coulthard British Red Bull-Renault 6
16 Sebastian Vettel German STR-Ferrari 6
17 Jenson Button British Honda 3
18 Sebastien Bourdais French STR-Ferrari 2

19 Giancarlo Fisichella Italian Force India-Ferrari 0
20 Takuma Sato Japanese Super Aguri-Honda 0
21 Adrian Sutil German Force India-Ferrari 0
22 Anthony Davidson British Super Aguri-Honda 0

Constructor:

01 Ferrari 111
02 McLaren-Mercedes 100
03 BMW Sauber 90
04 Toyota 35
05 Renault 31
06 Red Bull-Renault 24
07 Williams-Toyota 16
08 Honda 14
09 STR-Ferrari 8
10 Force India-Ferrari 0

Honda may offer Alonso short-term deal

Honda Racing may be willing to risk signing Fernando Alonso with only a short-term commitment as part of a renewed push to lure the Spaniard on board.

Autosport exclusively revealed in June that Alonso was Honda Racing's main target for 2009, but one of the stumbling blocks to a deal is the fact that the double world champion wants to keep his long-term options open as he eyes potential vacancies at Ferrari.

Alonso is believed to crave the chance to lead efforts at Ferrari, but his hopes of racing there do depend on the future of Kimi Raikkonen, whose current contract expires at the end of 2009.

The desire not to miss out on a 2010 chance has left Alonso unwilling to commit elsewhere for more than the next season - something few teams would be willing to do.

However, with Honda Racing believed to crave a big-name driver to make the most of a 2009 car that has been spearheaded by team principal Ross Brawn, high level sources within the team have revealed that they are now mulling over gambling on only a one or two year deal.

The hope is that the machinery produced will be enough to keep Alonso on board for longer than the initial single year. And the experience of Alonso at McLaren, where they parted company after one year despite a multi-season agreement, has taught the team that even long-term deals provide no security.

When asked by autosport.com if it was vital Alonso committed for more than one year, Brawn said: "I think any team would want to have a longer term deal – any driver for one year is difficult.

"But if you have one year and do well, then it becomes two years and three years. It depends how well you do. I am sure the McLaren deal was more than a one-year deal and that didn't last beyond a year."

Brawn would not comment on how far talks with Alonso had progressed, or make any predictions on the chances of a deal being put together.

"Fernando is one of the top drivers in F1," he said. "And I think every team apart from one in the pitlane would welcome him. We are no different, but whether it happens, who knows?"

Honda Racing are likely to keep Jenson Button on board for 2009 whatever happens, with Rubens Barrichello's future dependent on the success of the team's plans to capture Alonso.

*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/69683

Heh... it is solely Alonso's attitude that is having him run pillar to post for a good team. Serves him right!

No offense to his fans! Just my opinion... you're welcome to disagree.

THE EUROPEAN GRAND PRIX - Valencia

Raikkonen steals Alonso's thunder in FP2

Kimi Raikkonen beat home crowd favourite Fernando Alonso to the fastest time in the second free practice session at the new Valencia street track.

Until Raikkonen's last gasp lap, Alonso looked set to end the day at the top of the timesheets, having leapt to the front of the field on the supersoft Bridgestones with four minutes remaining, only for the reigning champion to pip him by 0.020 seconds in the closing moments

...more

*img184.imageshack.us/img184/8162/screenshot002ym7.jpg
*img184.imageshack.us/img184/8162/screenshot002ym7.ea4e4d0969.jpg

H

Ah, its back from the break, happy

Qualifying today as 5:30 and Race tomorrow at the same time.

Woah, cool circuit Valencia, and what a qualifying session, Sebastian Vettel in a Toro Rosso beat all in Q1 and Q2, but couldn't manage it on a brim filled Q3, have to watch out for him tomorrow.

Final Result:
-----------
1. Felipe Massa
2. Lewis Hamilton
3. Robert Kubica
4. Kimi Raikkonen
5. Heikki Kovalainen
6. Sebastian Vettel

Massa beats Hamilton to Valencia pole

Felipe Massa beat Lewis Hamilton to pole position for the first Grand Prix to be held at the Valencia street circuit.

The duo battled fiercely in Q3, with Ferrari driver Massa initially taking provisional pole by a commanding half a second after Hamilton made an error in the final sector.

Undaunted, Hamilton (McLaren) tried again and on his second run he was able to edge ahead of the Brazilian by 0.2 seconds, only for Massa to find even more time and leap back to the timesheets in a 1:13.989.

After topping final practice, Robert Kubica again showed very strong pace as he grabbed third on the grid for BMW - forcing Kimi Raikkonen's Ferrari and Heikki Kovalainen's McLaren down to fourth and fifth.

But the real star of qualifying was Sebastian Vettel, who was fastest of all in Q2 and then claimed a superb sixth on the grid for Toro Rosso, with his teammate Sebastien Bourdais reaching Q3 for the first time and taking 10th.

Jarno Trulli (Toyota) also had the chance to top a session, leading the way in Q1, and then qualified seventh ahead of BMW's Nick Heidfeld and Williams' Nico Rosberg. The former was fortunate to reach Q3 after having to take to the asphalt run-off in Q1 due to a misunderstanding with Timo Glock in traffic.

One of the biggest shocks of qualifying was home favourite Fernando Alonso's absence from Q3. The former champion had been rapid in both practice and first qualifying, only to run wide over a high kerb on his final Q2 lap and end up 12th, with his Renault teammate Nelson Piquet also struggling in 15th.

Williams' Kazuki Nakajima came within 0.092 seconds of joining teammate Rosberg in the top ten, but there was a bigger gap between the Toyota pair, as Timo Glock lagged half a second behind Trulli and could only qualify 13th.

Red Bull continued to struggle, as they had in practice. Mark Webber made it to Q2, whereas David Coulthard was left 17th, but the Australian was unable to better 14th position.

Also in trouble were Honda, with Jenson Button knocked out in Q1 and left with 16th, and Rubens Barrichello requiring a huge effort just to beat Force India's Adrian Sutil to 19th.

*img365.imageshack.us/img365/6007/screenshot001cz1.jpg
*img365.imageshack.us/img365/6007/screenshot001cz1.84db6e5e54.jpg

It's definitely going to be Massa vs Hamilton for this years championship. Yummy!!!

Two young and hot blooded racers fighting for championship.

For me 2007 championship's three way fight was much much more intense than this year's. rather boring races.

PS: Still waiting to see Schumi like overtakings and flat out drives.

Massa Won.
1. Massa
2. Hamilton
3. Kubica

Kimi out with a blown engine.. He was also responsible for a accident, he tried to drive away before the fule rig was off the car, taking a mechanic with him.

I don't think it wa him, the flag was green the hose was stuck, the other guy trying to release the hose also couldn't do it easily.

^^^ I saw the replay .. the light never turned green. RED then both RED and Amber .. but didnot turn to green.

the ": Beijing Olympics Closing ceremony" was awesome :))

didnt "miss" F1 this time

Poor Alonso :lol:

H

Ooh splendid drive Felipe

Poor Kimi, is it luck or what?! Has the iceman turned into ice?

I sometimes feel that Ferrari is rooting the same treatment to Kimi that Mclaren did to Alonso last season., what's with Michael always cheering Felipe and Kimi's (non)antics with the car. Kimi is usually very cool headed unlike the pit incident today. I hope I'm wrong.

It's just that Kimi didn't get the car that he wanted this year. Moreover, seems like he lack motivation.

2009 will be Kimi's year. I think he is gonna sit with engineers and get the car designed to suit his driving style.

For this year, clearly it will be Lewis vs Massa unless Kimi finds his form back.

still 6 more races to go.

1) SPA. This one has been Kimi's favourite track and with a new engine under the hood, expect Kimi dictating terms here. Ferrari has the edge
2) Italy. Ferrari's home race. McLaren has been challenging Ferrari for past 4 years but overall, it's a Ferrari's track
3) Singapore. Looks like a tight street racing circuit. McLaren's may have advantage.
4) Japan. McLaren all the way here. Ferrari always struggled in Japan
5) China. Ferrari's hunting ground this one is.
6) Brazil. Massa's race this will be. You just can't stop him on this track.

By the look of it, I think Ferrari and Massa have clear edge in Constructors and Drivers championship respectively.

Nicole Scherzinger writes song for lover Lewis Hamilton

By ANI

London, Aug 28 (ANI): American pop/R and B singer Nicole Scherzinger has written a song for her lover, British Formula One racing driver Lewis Hamilton.

The song called 'I Think I'm In Love', according to Scherzinger, has a very personal meaning.

"It is a very personal song. It's very in-depth and emotional, a real song that I know is going to connect with people," the Sun quoted her as saying.

The singer has not been able to decide whether to make the song a late edition to the band's album Doll Domination, which is out next month, or save it for her solo album to follow.

"She has only just finished it but it could be rushed on to the new album," a source said.

"There are reports on the internet claiming to have the tracklist but so far only about seven songs are definite.

"Nicole is really proud of this new one and they could squeeze it on," the source added.

Hamilton and Scherzinger had first met at the MTV Europe Music Awards in Munich last November.

They began stepping out as a couple earlier this year and have become almost inseparable. (ANI)

source - yahoooo

Nicole Scherzinger - Pussy Cat Dolls band
*img354.imageshack.us/img354/1777/nicolescherzingereventsyj9.th.jpg

Hamilton storms to Belgian GP pole

Lewis Hamilton took a dominant pole position for the Belgian Grand Prix, resisting a strong challenge from his main title rival Felipe Massa.

Heikki Kovalainen put the second McLaren third on the grid, but three-time race winner Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari) will start only fourth this time.

McLaren looked on course for a front row sweep after the first flying laps of Q3, with Hamilton and Kovalainen provisionally holding first and second.

Massa was back in fifth thanks to a scruffy first run, but he recovered well to set a 1:47.678 lap at the second attempt to usurp Hamilton.

The Briton was already responding, however, beating all three of Massa's new benchmark sector times and producing a 1:47.338 to snatch pole back by over three tenths of a second.

Kovalainen, who had topped Q2, had to settle for third, just over a tenth quicker than Raikkonen.

Nick Heidfeld out-qualified his BMW teammate Robert Kubica for only the second time this year as the German took fifth, alongside Renault's Fernando Alonso, while Kubica had to settle for eighth....

*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/70333

Another mistake by Kimi in final fllying lap. Surely, he does look out of touch this year.

It's gonna be Massa vs Lewis for the driver's championship.

What a way to lose the race for Kimi

H

Shite! What a race! What a time to rain! Well, f*ck Lewis!

^^ Someone said, "At SPA, if it rains, it will be a lottery of F1 win".

Do you guys think that Lewis is the new rain master.

My pick will be Alonso. He bloody overtook four cars on the final lap.

Heidfeld too overtook 4 drivers

Seriously, I want to see Alonso in red dress next year

The only way for Ferrari to go far ahead of McLaren is by getting Alonso into the team. He is the only one that can boost the Ferrari and make it downright reliable and moreover, he is the rainmaster and he has extreme hatred on McLaren.

^Alonso changed to wet-weather tyres for the last lap and got the advantage.
Kimi got bogged by that traffic when Hamilton over-took him and it seems Kimi either wants to win the race or throw it away and it has happened too many times.

H

I just hate such type of races, Lewis absolutely never deserved to win this race!! Just terrible luck for Kimi, looks like the reputed Finnish luck has hit him again this season, I just hope he doesn't go the Mika's way of sudden retirement..

Monza in one week, I'm already fired up!

another race worthy of missing

^Formula 1 has never been the same since Michael left

rahimveron said:
^Formula 1 has never been the same since Michael left

+1

It's been ages since I last saw an entire race...

^Exactly for me. Previously i was glued to the races and wont budge to do anything, but now its so boring and un-interesting and prefer to watch a soccer match of local Kolkata League

Ah... I missed the race.. "Again"

Hamilton Stripped Of The Belgian GP Win

*www.planet-f1.com/story/0,18954,3213_4113949,00.html

^

Raikkonen: Second was not enough

Kimi Raikkonen said he did not want second place at Spa after crashing out on the penaultimate lap while battling for the lead with Lewis Hamilton

Well doen stewards, chor ko achchaa sabak sikhayaa :))

^^^That is totally overpunishment by the stewards. Last time Massa overshooted in pitlane and all that FIA did is put a fine in US dollars. They didn't add extra time. This is not fair at all.

Clearly, Lewis gave back the lead to Kimi after coming out of that final corner. But Lewis took the lead just coz Kimi braked too early at the first corner and Lewis braked extremely late and slided his car nicely making Schumi like overtaking manuevre. Really,this is downright frustrating.

if only hamilton didnt talk so much about "how easily he wins...", i'd have supported him.

=====================================

01 Lewis Hamilton 76
02 Felipe Massa 74
03 Robert Kubica 58
04 Kimi Räikkönen 57
05 Nick Heidfeld 49
06 Heikki Kovalainen 43
07 Jarno Trulli 26
08 Fernando Alonso 23
09 Mark Webber 19
10 Timo Glock 15
11 Nelsinho Piquet 13
12 Sebastian Vettel 13
13 Rubens Barrichello 11
14 Nico Rosberg 9
15 Kazuki Nakajima 8

==================

did hamilton really slow down?

www.youtube.com/watch?v=70rXr2Mkq_M

see this onboard, he didnt slow down, he just let kimi get a little ahead of him, & thats it, ham. floored & tucked behind kimi.

=-=-=-=-=-=
Trulli: Hamilton gained an advantage

Jarno Trulli says he has no doubts that Lewis Hamilton did gain an advantage by cutting the chicane at the Belgian Grand Prix.

As the controversy rages over whether the race stewards were right to hand down a 25-second penalty for Hamilton's driving, Trulli thinks that the McLaren driver did benefit from missing out the final corner.

"In my opinion Hamilton got an advantage by cutting the chicane," Trulli told Gazzetta dello Sport. "Had he stayed on the road, he wouldn't have had the speed to overtake the Ferrari.

"In the same way at Monza someone could cut the first chicane, catch a rival's draft, and overtake him under braking at Roggia.

"When you attack on the outside, you do it at your own risk, because who's on the inside has the right to do the corner. If there isn't enough room, then you lift.

"Had there been a wall there, instead of the surfaced escape route, would Lewis have attacked anyway? Had there been gravel, he wouldn't have had the chance to attack when rejoining the track because of dirty tyres."

McLaren are due to decide today whether or not to press ahead with their plans to appeal Hamilton's penalty, which dropped him from first to third in the race results.

*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/70435
====================================

Singapore confirms timetable overhaul

Singapore Grand Prix officials have confirmed a major timetable overhaul to allow for more night running over the weekend, as autosport.com exclusively predicted in May.

Following concerns from F1 teams about not enough track time in the dark with the original timetable, the running for practice and qualifying has now been moved back.

First practice will start at 7pm local time on Friday, when the sun sets, with second practice scheduled for 9.30pm.

Saturday's free practice session is at 7pm, with qualifying taking place at 10pm. The race remains at its original starting time of 8pm.

Ticket sales for the inaugural Singapore Grand Prix have gone well, with only 1000 three-day grandstand tickets still available.

*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/70439

H

There is no doubt he gained the advantage by cutting the corner, one of which could be of better positioning of his car to attack in the next corner. Rest all favouritism and controversies are just exaggerated gibberish.

H

Hamilton says Kimi has got no balls to race.

Hamilton was handed the penalty after the race stewards deemed he had benefited from jumping the final chicane when fighting with Kimi Raikkonen.
The duo battle for several corners and made contact a few times, but eventually Hamilton emerged in front.
And the Briton denied Raikkonen was braking too early during his fight.
"Well, that's his driving, that's all," he said. "That is how he drives. If you don't have the balls to brake late then that is your problem! At the end of the day, in those situations it is the driver who can feel the grip more and put the car more on the edge.
"And I know I am great in those conditions. I felt the grip more than him, I knew where to place my car and I did place it in different positions to him and I found the grip."

EDIT: *www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/70474
Too arrogant of a pig according to me.

^^OMG.

He didn't know that he is dealing with a sleeping lion.

Kimi will now make him rue this for his entire life.

Gone bugger Gone!!!!

Slowly but certainly, ego is creeping into Lewis's mind. now, he is showing his true character.

I do hate the Attitude of Lewis, so every race i expect him to crash out, but i like HK in Mclaren, and always wish those Reds win, FERRARI rules ...

"I don't mind that. Like I said he has his own opinion on anything, but that is not what happened at the first corner. It is more about what happens when you cut a chicane and get an advantage or not.

"If you put the concrete wall there you could never come there in the first place, it is more about that than what happened at the first corner."

That is Kimi's response. "Zor ka jhatka dheere se".

These drivers should take him as role model while talking before press.

Decent, expressionless and totally mature. Thinks 100 times before giving a statement.

H

*www.ogreview.org/spa/

ROFL

H

Too bad Lewis, with statements like those, he will only demean himself and the sport.

If anything to go by, let him sit in any other car and then talk.

Hackattack said:
*www.ogreview.org/spa/

ROFL

I just laughed so loud after looking at that page that everyone in office was suddenly looking at me .

superb.

Hackattack said:
*www.ogreview.org/spa/

ROFL

LOOOOOL
----------------

last & current season, if McLaren is doing any good, then its all thanks to that "dossier"

, lets see next year if Lewis has any balls to match Ferrari.:twsited:

H

This season isn't over yet, what if Lewis or Felipe crash out every race.,

Remember last season, all discounted Kimi, yet he pulled it in the last two races. It's not over until it's over!

^^ Ejjactly.

last year

5 races left. Lewis has 18pt advantage over Kimi.

This year, it's 19pt.

and he just tried to hit at Kimi

Hackattack said:
*www.ogreview.org/spa/

ROFL

LMAO .. That was a good one :lol:

Ferrari extend Raikkonen's contract

Ferrari have extended reigning world champion Kimi Raikkonen's deal to the end of the 2010 season, ending speculation that Fernando Alonso will be joining the team.

A team statement read: "Ferrari announces that it has extended its agreement with Kimi Raikkonen to the end of the 2010 race season.

"Therefore, the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro driver line-up remains unchanged for the next two coming seasons."

Raikkonen's teammate, Felipe Massa, signed a deal through to the end of 2010 last year.

Raikkonen has endured a difficult season in 2008 and his chances of retaining his crown look slim with five races to go.

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo said last month, however, that he expected Raikkonen to return to his best form soon.

"All this criticism (of Raikkonen) reminds me of when (Filippo) Inzaghi was at Juventus: if he didn't score for three games, everyone would say he was in crisis," said di Montezemolo.

"It can't be forgotten that he's the world champion, and that last year he won in his first season with Ferrari, while many people never thought he would do so. Now he has 17 victories and I hope he'll get back to winning ways in the next Grand Prix in Belgium. Anyway, he's not a driver in crisis.

"Kimi is motivated and we must work to put him in the conditions to start races nearer the front, especially on these new circuits which I don't like and are bad for F1: you can't overtake on them, and nine times out of ten the man on pole wins."

*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/70498
=====================================

Webber: Driving etiquette easy to clarify

Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA) director Mark Webber thinks it will be easy to clarify driving etiquette regulations about cutting chicanes to prevent a repeat of the Spa controversy.

"I think it is quite straightforward," he said. "All you have to do is make sure it goes back to position at the next corner.

"It is like here at Monza. If I miss the first chicane and let the guy back through, jump back on his tail and do him at the second chicane, then I would never have done that if I hadn't jumped the first chicane.

"That is something I should be penalised for - and it is exactly what Lewis did."

Webber also rubbished any suggestions that the penalty handed down to Hamilton at Spa is going to act as a deterrent for other drivers when it comes to overtaking.

"You don't get penalised for overtaking people. Lewis did not get penalised for the move itself. He got penalised for taking an advantage from the previous corner."

He added: "I was a bit surprised that he lost the victory but I also felt that if he passed him after Eau Rouge then it would not even have been a subject. But it is very, very easy to think like that and talk like that after the event.

"He was clearly in a good position to attack at La Source because of missing the chicane at the previous corner. Speeds over the start/finish line are totally irrelevant because I think when you miss the previous corner then Kimi is on full throttle, he had no choice but to be full throttle, but Lewis could tune his attack for the next corner.

"So it made it a lot easier for him to attempt an overtaking move."

*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/70490
that makes...Only McLaren's & their fanboys think FIA supported Ferrari

==============================================

Sutil quickest in very wet first practice

Adrian Sutil emerged fastest for Force India in a very wet opening practice session for the Italian Grand Prix, having been one of the few drivers to set a flying lap when the circuit was vaguely dry.
*img521.imageshack.us/img521/6421/screenshot001td3.jpg
*img521.imageshack.us/img521/screenshot001td3.jpg/1/w551.png
...more

.. Hope it rains cats and dogs tmro and also on race day

H

Charan said:
.. Hope it rains cats and dogs tmro and also on race day

Both Fisico and Sutil set their best time in lesser wet conditions, later it started raining heavily, but ya i am happy to see Force India on top

Anyway don't pray for rain as Ferrari are crap in rain.

^Force India has a long way to go and cant wait for this weekend...ohhh...its 2morrow

and Kimi takes the position 1 in practise 2

H

Just look at this website Planet-f1 they are so biased towards their boy Lewis hamilton( a guy born with a golden spoon in his mouth and has incredibly huge balls), just look at the photo they chose for Kimi,

*www.planetf1.com/story/0,18954,3213_4135040,00.html

Just pathetic journalism.

And also take a look at their main site. *www.planetf1.com/

Kimi has to put some seriousness in his head as he said after Spa that he didnt wanted the 2nd place and pushed himself too much. Having some points is good than having nothing at all.
Extension of his contract? Does it mean Alonsa would replace Massa? It will be a disater, not that i hate Alonso. But we should learn from McLaren debacle of 2 championship contenders in the same team.

Lewis tries to portray himself as sweet, honest 10 year old but he is playboy :evil:

*www.planetf1.com/story/0,18954,3262_4130386,00.html
LOOOL

that site's of U.K.

wth you expect from the brits

, who have lewis as their only god, they've forgotten Jenson, DC

btw, Massa also has contract till 2010

The more wet races, the lower are chances for Massa to win the championship.

Ferrari should fix this problem that they have in wet conditions. I believe they haven't won a single wet race this year (on merit).

Moreover, They are unable to get to terms with KERS that will be deployed in the cars in next season. Let's hope that they fix everything for the next race.

Main problem for them is getting heat into the tyres. That is what is killing their chances to quality in first row and that is what is killing their pace in wet races.

Vettel takes sensational maiden win

hamilton was the guy who made the race interesting with some superb overtaking (& some not so superb).

at one point ham. was set finish on podium

kimi better finds a way to make his car work instead of partying

*img301.imageshack.us/img301/4107/f11lb0.jpg

*img213.imageshack.us/img213/2936/f12bi1.jpg

Rivals slate Hamilton's F1 driving standards.
Fernando Alonso and Timo Glock both claimed F1 pace-setter Lewis Hamilton made 'unnecessary movements' while battling at the Italian Grand Prix.

Formula 1 World Championship leader Lewis Hamilton has again come under fire in the wake of the Italian Grand Prix at the weekend – this time for his driving etiquette.

The McLaren-Mercedes star – who divided paddock opinion with his chicane-cutting during the Belgian Grand Prix just over a week ago, and who only very recently criticised the behaviour of some of his fellow drivers during qualifying [see separate story – click here] – qualified just 15th at Monza after making a severely misguided tyre choice in Q2.

That left him having to fight his way up through the order to his eventual seventh place finish at the chequered flag – rather too robustly on occasion, some have claimed.

“There were some unnecessary movements he made,” former team-mate and sworn rival Fernando Alonso told reporters at the famous Italian circuit, “and he repeated them with [Timo] Glock and [Mark] Webber. It is his way of racing.”

“I do not know what he was thinking,” agreed Toyota ace Glock – Hamilton's successor as GP2 Series Champion last year – in an interview with German broadcaster RTL. “I was right next to him, but he left me no room.

“Sometimes he drives as though he is completely alone on the track. The next time I am with him on-track, I will behave with him in exactly the same way.”

The contact with Webber to which Alonso referred came late on in the race, as the Australian and Hamilton tussled over seventh place and locked wheels going into the first chicane – though the latter is adamant he did nothing wrong.

“I made sure I covered my inside spot, but I didn't want to stay there on the wet patch or I wouldn't have made the corner,” the 23-year-old explained. “He (Webber) just clipped my front wheel and went on.”

Following the race, Hamilton now holds a slender one-point advantage over Ferrari's Felipe Massa in the title chase, pending McLaren's Spa-Francorchamps appeal.

Source

^^ Yeah. He should share some scotch to his car tyres. That will make them heat up faster and let him make fast laptimes

..and thus goes kimi's chance in this years championship.

so its between hamilton and massa this time... hope massa comes on top of this

H

Lewis will get some discussion in the drivers' conference room, after that type of driving and especially since Mark Webber is the chairman/leader/head or something of the drivers union

What he did on Fernando was totally uncalled for, that should have been considered as dangerous driving and served a penalty but nobody did nothing, I'm surprised!

M

Hitboxx said:
nobody did nothing

bad negation.

th webber thing is like the Spa version. lewis had the "right" to take whatever line he prefered & he took the racing line, just as kimi.

alonso one, well atleast they didnt touch

the glock one is something to talk about

=================
:))

are the McLaren cars gonna compete in Rally?

*img520.imageshack.us/img520/1029/screenshot001zc5.jpg *img143.imageshack.us/img143/1046/screenshot002ql6.jpg

McLaren boys will be lighting up the Rally Singapore , oops i mean Race

McLaren’s Hamilton Spa appeal ruled inadmissible

The FIA’s International Court of Appeal has thrown out McLaren’s case against Lewis Hamilton’s recent Belgian Grand Prix penalty on the grounds that their appeal was inadmissible.

Hamilton had 25 seconds added to his Spa race time for gaining an advantage by cutting a chicane. This was given in place of a drive-through penalty as the incident occurred late in the race, and drive-throughs are not susceptible to appeal under the International Sporting Code.

Source

*www.redbullracing.com/4th-Sector/Webber-Singapore/

The RedBull Racing preview video

============

Chicane modified at Singapore's Turn 10
*img521.imageshack.us/img521/7871/1222419527zx3.jpg[/URL]
*img521.imageshack.us/img521/1222419527zx3.jpg/1/w275.png

Singapore Grand Prix race officials have made modifications to the Turn 10 chicane on the Marina Bay circuit following concerns about the bumps on the kerbs.

A number of Formula One drivers said that changes needed to be made to the high bumps that had been put on the kerbs to try and prevent drivers from cutting straight across the chicane.

The drivers were worried that hitting the bumps could cause suspension damage or even damage a tub. They also raised concerns that the bumps would pitch them into the wall on the outside of the corner.

Honda Racing's Jenson Button told autosport.com: "If you run over that kerb it is going to do a tub and probably your spine as well. It is strange we haven't tested it before, and only here.

"I know the reason for it as it is to stop us cutting the kerbs which is understandable, but it doesn't account for a locked up wheel or a failure."

But following an inspection by F1 race director Charlie Whiting on Thursday afternoon, modifications have been made to the second series of bumps on the right hand kerbs ahead of today's first practice session.

The bumps have been ground down so the edges are now smoothed off, which will allow cars to ride up over them in case anyone makes a mistake and runs wide.

[url]*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/70847

===================================
===================================

Hamilton tops first ever night practice

Lewis Hamilton emerged fastest for McLaren in the historic first practice session for the Singapore Grand Prix, as Formula One cars took to the track under floodlights for the first time ever.

The Ferraris took second and third, with Felipe Massa just 0.080 seconds behind Hamilton and four tenths of a second ahead of teammate Kimi Raikkonen.

Heikki Kovalainen completed the top four in the second McLaren, followed by BMW's Robert Kubica.

Giancarlo Fisichella (Force India) and Jenson Button (Honda) had the honour of being the first men to take to the track and the first to set a flying lap respectively, but it was Toyota's Timo Glock and Renault's Fernando Alonso who emerged as the early pace-setters after the opening runs.

The title contenders started cautiously and gradually built up speed, with Hamilton the first of them to hit the front when he lapped in 1:47.160 as the session passed its halfway point.

Alonso briefly got back ahead of Hamilton with his next flying lap, before the Ferraris each took a turn at the top with half an hour remaining.

....*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/70864

*img244.imageshack.us/img244/459/capturejf2.jpg

H

Just finished watching the second practice session.

1) Fernando
2) Lewis
3) Felipe

It's an awesome track and the night mode is just the icing on the cake

^link us to the saturday practice session :))

H

I mean on TV. They are showing it on Star Sports.

The 3rd session is tomorrow 4:30pm followed by qualifying at 7:30pm.

Hitboxx said:
I mean on TV. They are showing it on Star Sports.

The 3rd session is tomorrow 4:30pm followed by qualifying at 7:30pm.

on start sports???
zOMG

thanks :))

=====================

Trulli reprimanded and fined

Jarno Trulli has been handed a reprimand and a 10,000 Euro fine for driving on the track in the wrong direction after a spin in first practice.

The Italian lost control of his Toyota at the exit of the final turn and ended up sitting sideways across the track.

Rather than spinning around and rejoining the circuit, Trulli drove back up the circuit and swung around into the pitlane.

After being summoned to see the race stewards, Trulli was handed a reprimand and a 10,000 Euro fine for driving his car in the opposite direction to the race, and for crossing the line that separates the pitlane deceleration zone and the track.

lazy noob

*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/70866

*images.gpupdate.net/large/110971.jpg

yeap. Star Sports gave live telecase of practise sessions.

Steve Slater and Schumi commentary

Sir Jackie Stewart and Paula from the studios

shiny cars and well lit track.

Now, I want to see at least half of the races in the dark

at fisi, two times, same mistake, same corner (i think)

WOW last lap by Massa

Massa keeps Ferrari as the ONLY threat to podium. as Kimi has still to wake up

Singapore Circuit is boring

*img521.imageshack.us/img521/3613/f1singid5.jpg
*img521.imageshack.us/img521/f1singid5.jpg/1/w585.png

-------------
when i wanted to record the qulai on my TV, after a min. into recording, TV displayed a msg. "content protected by copyright... , stopping recording"

R

amazing race.ferraris throw away the race.

it was like the ipl of f1.

btw any idea where i can watch the next race live on my pc

crap race

track was so boring that i fell asleep midaway

, but thats when Kimi woke up & started overtaking :))

noob massa, cudnt even feel that jerk of fuel nozzleripping off

H

Woah that was a looong race, the drivers got tired as they were, even I got tired watching. So many turns and so many corners and that too anti-clockwise, poor Jarno Trulli was on the edge of passing out.

Bad day for Ferrari!

$hit race except for the surprising uprise of KIMI .... just too little too late !!

and WTF was wrong with massa ??? bloody $hit guy might just have handed the championship to hamilton

Hahahah Alonso pwns all

It's a historic race.

Team mate's crash propelling a driver to win the race from 15th and giving the constructor first win in two years. Historic!!!

ING F1 Racing Magazine Global Fan Survey 2008 [click]

Have your say on the future of F1

2008 is turning into a classic year of grand prix motor racing - and now it's time for you to get involved.

The Global Fan Survey carried out by ING and F1 Racing magazine is the only worldwide poll of grand prix fans. The survey offers you a unique opportunity to share your opinions on everything from your favourite drivers to next year's exciting new rule changes with the key decision makers of the sport.

The results will be published later this year.

The survey won't take you long, and when you're finished we will enter you into an exclusive competition to win a crash helmet signed by one of this year's star drivers, or one of 50 packs of F1 team gear. Good luck!

Provisional 2009 F1 calendar

Melbourne March 26-29
Kuala Lumpur April 3-5
Bahrain April 17-19
Catalunya May 8-10
Monaco May 21-24
Montreal June 5-7
Silverstone June 19-21
Magny-Cours June 26-28
Nurburgring July 10-12
Budapest July 24-26
Istanbul August 7-9
Valenica August 21-23
Monza September 4-6
Spa-Francorchamps September 11-13
Singapore September 25-27
Suzuka October 9-11
Shanghai October 16-18
Sao Paulo October 30 - November 1
Abu Dhabi November 13-15

H

Driver controlled moveable front wings from nextseason

The 2009 Formula One season could see a lot more passing manoeuvres thanks to a unique collaboration between three of the sport’s leading teams. Backed by the FIA, top design engineers from Ferrari, McLaren and Renault worked together to help frame changes to the aerodynamic regulations that should make overtaking far less of a rarity.

Under current regulations, a driver typically needs to be as much as two seconds a lap faster than the car in front to have a realistic chance of passing. That should be cut to around a second next year thanks to a host of bodywork changes, including wider front wings that can be adjusted by the driver from the cockpit - a Formula One first.

SOURCE

Wow, a surprising and interesting move by the FIA, good good, all the better, more the action, more the fun

"Unfortunately when we race on tracks where staging a circus or something else would be better, anything can happen, because the spectacle is supplied by the Safety Car," di Montezemolo was quoted as saying by Gazzetta dello Sport.

"This is humiliating for F1."

Ecclestone has told the Ferrari boss that he should have kept quiet after the problems his team had in Singapore.

"After the weekend Ferrari had, their president should have shut up and kept his head down," Ecclestone was quoted as saying by the Mail on Sunday.

"If Massa loses the world championship, he will know the team were responsible. He would have destroyed everybody in Singapore if he had kept going."

Felipe Massa lost all chances of a good result in Singapore when he was given the green light to leave the pits before the fuel hose had been removed from his car.

"If I wanted to be a smart-arse, I'd have devised a system so that the light goes green to release the driver at the same time as the coupling hose comes off the car," Ecclestone added.

"If it's a matter of turning a switch, which I am led to believe is how it works, then why not stick with the 'lollipop' man of old? Why do you want to have some other piece of technology that can go wrong? It's over the top."

the best line :
"If the Ferrari president is right about the Singapore Grand Prix being a circus," Ecclestone told The Mail on Sunday, "then we have to be grateful to him for providing the clowns.

*www.getsmile.com/emoticons/smileys-91853/c0/evillol.gif

*www.getsmile.com/emoticons/smileys-91853/a0/peace.gif

*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/71186 + *www.planetf1.com/story/0,18954,3213_4247691,00.html

This year's Canadian Grand Prix was the race in Montreal as the FIA announced the 2009 Formula One calendar on Tuesday afternoon. The Canadian Grand Prix was absent for the first time since it first hosted the race back in 1987.

The 2009 F1 season counts a total of 18 races and sees the season begin in Melbourne, Australia at the end of March and the season will come to an end November 15 in Abu Dhabi.

I will miss North America , too bad we wont see two excellent circuits any time soon.

Source

Force India, Mercedes in cooperation talks

Mercedes-Benz and McLaren are in advanced talks with Force India about an engine supply and technical cooperation deal for next year, autosport.com has learned.

Although Force India have a customer engine contract with Ferrari for 2009, it is understood that they are reevaluating their engine situation because of the raft of regulation changes that are being made for next season.

Sources have revealed that discussions have opened with Mercedes-Benz and McLaren about a deal which could eventually expand beyond just a simple customer engine relationship.

As well as possible technical cooperation on the car itself, there are also suggestions that part of the deal could also include Force India running Briton Paul di Resta, who could be groomed for a future switch to McLaren.

A McLaren spokesman confirmed to autosport.com that talks with Force India were ongoing, but insisted that nothing had been agreed.

"McLaren and Mercedes-Benz are convinced that the independent teams are of vital importance for F1 - in fact they are the bedrock on which Grand Prix racing has been built," said the spokesman.

"Therefore, should we be in a position to cooperate with an independent team and should such a cooperation make economic sense, we would be prepared to do so. Nothing has been decided yet, but we are engaged in various discussions and will inform the media of their outcome as soon as we are able to do so.

"We are also in discussions with, and seeking the guidance of, FIA president Max Mosley in connection with the matter."

Force India team principal Colin Kolles would not comment on the state of the discussions with Mercedes-Benz and McLaren. When asked in Japan about his team's engine situation for 2009, he said: "All I can say is we will have an engine next year."

*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/71239

=================================

THE JAPANESE GRAND PRIX

Practice 1==============Fri 06:30-08:00

Practice 2==============Fri 10:30-12:00

Practice 3==============Sat 07:30-08:30

Qualifying==============Sat 10:30-11:30

The Race==============Sun 10:00-12:00

Glock puts Toyota on top at Fuji

Timo Glock gave circuit owners Toyota a boost by setting a surprise fastest time in the second free practice session at Fuji.

In another totally dry session, Glock's early 1:18.383 lap remained unbeaten in the latter part of the afternoon despite the bigger names' best efforts.

Singapore winner Fernando Alonso continued Renault's fine form to take a close second, 0.043 seconds behind Glock, with McLaren's Lewis Hamilton only 0.037 seconds slower than the Spaniard in third, as the top 18 cars all lapped within a second.

The session got off to a much busier start than morning practice, with the McLarens leading the order early on before being usurped by Felipe Massa's Ferrari after 15 minutes.

Alonso then became the first to try soft tyres and looked set to go fastest, only to run wide at the final corner.

Force India had a brief moment of glory as Adrian Sutil grabbed first place for around a minute before first Toyota's Jarno Trulli then Toro Rosso's Sebastian Vettel hit the front.

But it was home team Toyota who would lead the way for the majority of the session, as Glock set a 1:18.383 on soft tyres just after the half-hour mark to beat Vettel by nearly 0.4 seconds.

As had been the case in the morning, most of the quick times were set relatively early in the session, so with few making big improvements, Glock remained unchallenged. Alonso, Hamilton and Massa all closed right in, but none of them managed to beat the Toyota's time, allowing Glock to end Friday practice as the pace-setter.

Kimi Raikkonen took fifth in the second Ferrari, while Mark Webber thrust Red Bull into contention by jumping to sixth with his final lap.

Kazuki Nakajima continued Toyota's good day by taking seventh in his Toyota-powered Williams, ahead of Vettel, Heikki Kovalainen (McLaren) and Trulli.

But while Toyota prospered, their Japanese arch-rivals Honda continued to struggle, with Rubens Barrichello only 15th and Jenson Button slowest of all.

*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/71257
*s3.supload.com/thumbs/default/ScreenShot001-20081010123757.jpg
URL=*www.supload.com/]Image hosting[/URL]

H

Just finished watching Qualifying.

1) Lewis 2) Kimi 3) Heikki 4) Fernando 5) Felipe

Felipe should have run a little light. Tough luck tomorrow but its an open race and anything can happen.

The track seems ok but I don't like this one bit, Suzuka was so much better.

Felipe had Tyre Grip problems

anyway he said "The first corner? It's similar to the one at the Hungaroring, so I hope I can manage to repeat the good start I got there.".

lets see what happens, i'm gonna miss this race

Japanese GP Qualifying.

Suzuka is much better than Fuji, but Fuji is a lot better than half of the other circuits.

lotsa overtaking oppurtunities at fuji.

H

Miss the race?

How on the earth can you miss? Only 3 more to go!

coz me in chennai, no star sports

, no dth

H

A little far fetched for you maybe but I have done it in the past..

"Go book a cheap motel with TV and Star Sports"

lol

H

Only a Fernando can take a Renault to victory twice in succession. Nice drive Fernando.

Lewis proves yet again why he is disliked and criticized for his driving, that penalty hopefully should make him learn.

Alonso takes second win in a row at Fuji

Fernando Alonso took his and Renault's second shock victory in succession in the Japanese Grand Prix, as title contenders Felipe Massa and Lewis Hamilton finished only eighth and 12th after a series of controversial early incidents.

Both Hamilton (McLaren) and Massa (Ferrari) were delayed by drive-through penalties - the Briton for forcing Kimi Raikkonen wide at the start, and Massa for pushing his title rival into a spin shortly afterwards.

Robert Kubica kept himself in title contention by finishing second for BMW, fending off Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen.

Hamilton made a slow start and was behind Raikkonen going into Turn 1, where the McLaren dived down the inside with a tyre-smoking move that took not only Hamilton and Raikkonen wide onto the run-off, but also caused their teammates Heikki Kovalainen and Massa to go off in avoidance.

That allowed Kubica and Alonso to slip into first and second ahead of the recovering Kovalainen, while Massa, Hamilton and Raikkonen fell back into the traffic.

On the next lap Massa ran wide into the Turn 10 chicane, allowing Hamilton to slip past and into fifth place, but the Ferrari fought back across the kerbs at the second part of the corner, punting Hamilton into a spin.

Both Hamilton and Massa would later receive drive-through penalties for their respective aggressive moves, consigning the title contenders to unproductive afternoons in the midfield.

At the front, Kubica held a narrow lead over Alonso and Kovalainen through the first stint, with Raikkonen swiftly hacking through the field and back up to fourth, then closing right in on the closely-matched top three.

But at the first stops Alonso managed to leapfrog Kubica and take the lead, and was able to charge away at the front.

Kovalainen's shot at victory ended at the same time, as his McLaren suffered what the Finn believed to be an engine failure.

By the time Alonso came in for his final stop on lap 43, he had established a 13-second lead over Kubica and an 18-second advantage over Raikkonen, and although both his pursuers were running several laps longer, neither was able to get anywhere near the flying Renault.

Alonso duly pulled away again after pitting, taking another comfortable victory that demonstrated Renault's huge improvements in recent weeks.

Raikkonen picked up his pace significantly prior to his second stop and was able to rejoin just metres behind Kubica. The pair then commenced a spectacular battle for second, running wheel to wheel into the first corner several times in the closing laps.

As they battled, Nelson Piquet closed in after a superb drive from 12th in the second Renault. A good start and very long stints allowed the under-pressure Brazilian to come through the field, and as Kubica and Raikkonen lost time fighting with each other, Piquet moved into podium contention.

Ultimately Piquet dropped back when he ran wide at Turn 5 in the closing laps, while Kubica managed to edge clear of Raikkonen as the Ferrari's tyres faded.

Jarno Trulli took fifth for home team Toyota, losing out to Piquet at the last stops, but his teammate Timo Glock was an early retirement with suspension damage from the first lap incidents.

Toro Rosso got both cars into the points, with Sebastien Bourdais and Sebastian Vettel coming home sixth and seventh, ahead of the flying Massa, who at least reduced Hamilton's lead to six points.

Massa managed to salvage a point despite spinning when he banged wheels with Bourdais as the Toro Rosso rejoined following its final pitstop - an incident that will be investigated by the stewards after the race.

The Ferrari survived that tangle and produced a series of late passes to claim eighth, with Red Bull's Mark Webber his final target. The Australian had driven well on a one-stop strategy, but couldn't fend off Massa at the end.

BMW's Nick Heidfeld also used a one-stop plan to progress to 10th, ahead of Nico Rosberg (Williams) and the delayed Hamilton, who had pitted and taken on heavy fuel immediately after his tangle with Massa. This strategy failed to pay off, as although he was rapidly catching Massa in the middle of the race, he lacked the pace to make progress during his long final stint.

The sole Japanese driver in the field, Kazuki Nakajima, saw his first home race ruined at the start, when he lost his front wing on David Coulthard's Red Bull as it veered across his path after a dramatic suspension breakage. Coulthard, who suspected his suspension had been weakened in first corner wheel-banging, slammed into the barriers but was unhurt.

*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/71342

WOW

did anyone record this race?

Bourdais given 25-second penalty, Massa at 7th place in podium

Sebastien Bourdais has received a 25-second post-race penalty for his tangle with Felipe Massa in the Japanese Grand Prix.

The stewards' decision drops Bourdais from sixth to 10th in the race results - and also affects the title battle as it elevates Massa to seventh and therefore reduces Lewis Hamilton's championship advantage to five points.

Bourdais had been rejoining after his second pitstop on lap 50 just as Massa, who had yet to stop, turned into the first corner.

The Ferrari attempted to pass the Toro Rosso around the outside, but they made contact, sending Massa spinning. He rejoined and ultimately finished eighth.

The penalty moves Bourdais' teammate Sebastian Vettel up to sixth ahead of Massa, and gives Red Bull's Mark Webber a point for eighth place.

*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/71351

=========================
Hamilton vs Massa @ fuji + shows 1st lap of race
*www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0HX9x-mQqg

video show how Hamilton wet into a spin

Alonso says he will help Massa if possible

Renault driver Fernando Alonso says he will do all he can to help Ferrari's Felipe Massa win this year's championship.

"Yes, no doubt, if I can help, I will help Massa," Alonso was quoted as saying by AS newspaper following his victory in the Japanese Grand Prix.

"They have lost a lot of points," added Alonso about Massa and title rival Lewis Hamilton. "After 16 races the leader has 84 points. In 2006 I had 82 in nine races.

"In this championship the drivers who are up there have scored few points. But in the end the one who makes the least errors will win. We'll see," concluded the Spaniard, who had a torrid season as Hamilton's teammate at McLaren in 2007.

Massa is five points behind Hamilton with just two races to go.

The two-time champion scored his second consecutive victory against all odds last Sunday, having also emerged on top at the Singapore Grand Prix two weeks ago.

Alonso admitted the Fuji win tasted better.

"It was a great race, especially because of the win, which was again unexpected," he said. "In Singapore there was luck involved with the safety car and with the favourites having problems, like Massa's pitstop and all that.

"Here there was nothing strange, it was a race with no safety cars and we won, so it tastes better than in Singapore."

The Renault driver said he was not sure about what to expect from the final two races of the season following his upturn in form.

But Alonso confessed his feeling is that he will be able to fight on top again.

"I don't know what to say now, I haven't thought about it yet, but my heart says that we will," the Spaniard said. "We have been fourth on the grid on a regular track.

"I'm confident for the next races. Maybe not enough about winning, but podiums are now possible. We are four tenths a lap behind Ferrari or McLaren."

*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/71379

Alonso: Title rivals fear mistakes

Former world champion Fernando Alonso believes the fear of making mistakes is now a bigger worry for title rivals Lewis Hamilton and Felipe Massa than the pressure of trying to win the crown.

Alonso has good experience of title showdowns following his title successes in 2005 and 2006, and thinks the pressure on drivers changes when the end of the season gets near.

"More than the pressure is also the worry about making a mistake or that something goes wrong in the car," said Alonso.

"You think constantly during the weekend that everything has to go right and you cannot do any mistake driving, or you cannot make a mistake with the car in terms of breaking any part.

"You spend too much effort thinking that anything can go wrong and this is putting some pressure to you every time."

Alonso believes the situation is particularly worrying for the title rivals this year because of Massa's engine failure in Hungary - which highlighted how late in races things can go wrong.

"Every race will be difficult to manage and unpredictable to the last moment in Brazil when you take the flag.

"Massa was winning the race very clear in Hungary and on the last lap you have engine failure, you lose ten points, and this can happen to anyone. And it maybe happens to Lewis as well."

*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/71403

what if Kubica wins

, he's in similar situation like Kimi was in last year.
But Kubica wont make a worthy champ, the guy who posted more wins is a worthy champ.
=================================

Japanese Grand Prix footage - what do you think?

*www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2008/10/8530.html (vdo showing the opening lap & the spins

)

Fear of loosing the title

Raikkonen backs off and give massa 2nd place

, 4 laps to go.

So it's gonna be Felipe Massa OR Lewis Hamilton?

Check out to BRAZIL.

Massa

Re: Fear of loosing the title

Charan said:
Raikkonen backs off and give massa 2nd place , 4 laps to go.

Kimi was being a team mate

, nothing wrong in backing off.

btw the race was boring

, Ham. was in his own class.

lets see how it goes at Brazil, i dont want either of the contenders to retire

, or a noob with just 1 win might own these guys :))

ratedrsuperstar said:
amazing race.ferraris throw away the race.

it was like the ipl of f1.

btw any idea where i can watch the next race live on my pc

Download Sopcast and enjoy

Re: Fear of loosing the title

s18000rpm said:
Kimi was being a team mate, nothing wrong in backing off.

nothing wrong!!! there are twenty guys trying to win. Massa took the credit for all the hardwork kimi had done. This is racing for read not for charity.. Kimi had nothing to loose, Massa had everything to gain. Massa should have given atleast a fight!!

Re: Fear of loosing the title

Charan said:
nothing wrong!!! there are twenty guys trying to win. Massa took the credit for all the hardwork kimi had done. This is racing for read not for charity.. Kimi had nothing to loose, Massa had everything to gain. Massa should have given atleast a fight!!

come on yaar, Kimi cant win the title even if he won that race. & massa cant lose points at this stage.

But massa thought he passed kimi coz he was faster. LOOL

Q. And your pass on Kimi towards the end?

FM: Well, it was the best time for me in the race, I was quite strong and then I caught him and I passed him, so that was the good part of the race....

LOOOOOL

Kimi's reply

Q. Kimi, Lewis has just said it was inevitable that Felipe would finish second. Talk us through the last phase of the race.

Kimi RAIKKONEN: I mean we know what we want as a team and that's what we did it. It is normal in these situations....

owned!!!

*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/71609

^^ OK yaar no problem

how Alonso will help Massa *www.getsmile.com/emoticons/smileys-91853/c0/evillol.gif

*uk.youtube.com/watch?v=J-zjsw-XRAI

LOOOOOOOOOOOL*www.getsmile.com/emoticons/smileys-91853/aiw/lol.gif*www.getsmile.com/emoticons/smileys-91853/c0/rotlaugh.gif

watch the video

*www.getsmile.com/emoticons/smileys-91853/aiw/laugh.gif @ 1.08

Unhappy Heikki 'to consider his position'?

Heikki Kovalainen's apparent 'happiness' at McLaren-Mercedes may in fact be little more than a front, it has been suggested - with claims he is already beginning to picture a future away from Woking...

It has been claimed that Heikki Kovalainen is growing increasingly disenchanted at having to regularly play second fiddle to Lewis Hamilton at McLaren-Mercedes – to such an extent that he is already eyeing the end of his tenure with the squad.

Whilst the Finn has repeatedly insisted in public that he is ‘really, really happy' at McLaren, where he will remain in Formula 1 for a second consecutive season in 2009, Singapore broadsheet The Straits Times suggests that he is frustrated at having been cast into a mere supporting role to Hamilton at the Woking-based outfit.

The newspaper explains that chief amongst Kovalainen's gripes is the fact that he is invariably sent out in the crucial Q3 phase of qualifying with more fuel on-board his MP4-23 than the sister machine – a situation that has contributed to Hamilton having led the way twelve-five in terms of grid positions thus far this season, and one that has tended to leave the driver of the #23 car with an uphill climb on race day.

Whilst the Briton has set no fewer than seven pole positions this year, Kovalainen has managed just one, at Silverstone back in July – though unlike his team-mate, he has at least started every race from inside the top ten.

Moreover, the 27-year-old's challenge was hampered in the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai last weekend, when a set of ‘mis-matched tyres' and braking issues held the man from Suomussalmi back in the early stages before a puncture and subsequent hydraulic failure ultimately sidelined him for good and made it three outings in succession and four from the last five in which he has failed to score – leaving him as the only driver from the established ‘top three' teams of McLaren, Ferrari and BMW-Sauber not sitting inside the top six in the title standings one race from the end of the campaign.

According to The Straits Times, on the back of all this Kovalainen has told friends ‘that if his interests are not better served next season, he may have to consider his position'.

-----------------------------

Chandhok set for F1 test role in 2009.

Red Bull-backed GP2 Series front-runner Karun Chandhok may be set to remain in the F1 feeder category in 2009 – but it now looks certain that he will be combining it with test driving duties for Force India.

-------------------------------

Schumi: Hamilton record 'speaks for itself'.

F1 World Championship leader Lewis Hamilton has received a ringing endorsement from no less than legendary seven-time title-winner Michael Schumacher, as the McLaren-Mercedes ace bids to clinch the drivers' crown in Brazil.

Jordan: Hamilton must be ruthless

Former team boss Eddie Jordan says Lewis Hamilton must be prepared to ruthlessly retaliate in the event of a repeat of his Fuji collision with Felipe Massa.

"If he tries that on then Lewis has to turn his wheel into Massa to ensure he does not finish the race either - he has to take his wheel off."

"What happens next in the championship depends on whether Lewis has learnt from his last two races," he said.

"He was brilliant in China when he drove flawlessly to victory but awful, just awful in Japan. If the Hamilton of China turns up in Brazil, he will be world champion.

"I don't think he needs to go for broke but that is what he is inclined to do.

"He needs to be careful. He knows that right now the world is against him – the other drivers are against him and the stewards are against him. Yet I think what happened to him after his win at Spa was ghastly and his penalty in the Japanese Grand Prix was harsh too. That's what he has to contend with."

Hamilton also needs better support from his McLaren teammate Heikki Kovalainen, according to Jordan.

"I do believe Ron Dennis and his McLaren team need to get more out of Heikki Kovalainen because his input to the cause has been minimal," Jordan said.

"They have to aim to get Kovalainen on the first two rows of the grid in Brazil. That would dramatically improve McLaren's chances.

"Kovalainen always seems fuelled-up with a very heavy car and that makes him slow at the start, makes the car more difficult to control and is harder on the tyres. They should look to have him qualify fast and lighter from the start of the race. If he could get into the Ferraris it would really help Lewis."

*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/71710

H

OMG what happened to today's Qualifying broadcast? I couldn't find the listing on espnstar.com on either ESPN or Star Sports. However there is a telecast tomorrow at 1:30 noon on Star Sports. What about today's Live!..?

^^ The race is in SA and not Europe , the quali starts at 9:30 PM tonite, tmro the race starts at 10:30 PM

.

qualifying is in ESPN I think and it's at 9:30pm IST.

Alosno tops all 3 practice sessions :lol:

Renault's Fernando Alonso overshadowed the championship combatants again in final practice at Interlagos, beating Lewis Hamilton into second place with his final lap.

Hamilton's McLaren teammate Heikki Kovalainen took third, with Felipe Massa (Ferrari) having to settle for fourth position.

The title rivals moved to the front as soon as they started their first runs, quickly pushing previous pace-setters Kovalainen and Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari) back to third and fourth.

Hamilton was immediately quicker than Massa, lapping in 1:12.278 compared to the Brazilian's 1:12.427.

But they then found it hard to improve on those times, both making minor errors in the middle sector on their next laps. Hamilton would improve his first sector time on a subsequent outing, only to lose nearly two seconds with another mistake in sector two, while Massa had fewer dramas on his next run but was still a few fractions slower than his earlier mark.

When they switched to soft tyres for the final qualifying simulations, it was McLaren who fared better. Kovalainen briefly went fastest, before Hamilton beat his time by 0.013 seconds, despite encountering traffic in the middle sector.

Massa was within a few thousandths of a second of Hamilton's pace for the first two-thirds of his own soft tyre lap, but lost out in the final sector - crossing the line exactly one tenth slower than his championship opponent.

But then in a repeat of yesterday afternoon's session, Alonso vaulted from the midfield with his last gasp low fuel run and outshone the title rivals. The Spaniard's 1:12.141 beat Hamilton by 0.071 seconds, pushing Kovalainen and Massa back to third and fourth.

Toro Rosso had a very strong session, challenging for the top six throughout and eventually taking fifth and seventh places with Sebastian Vettel and Sebastien Bourdais. They were split by BMW's Nick Heidfeld.

Mark Webber took eighth for Red Bull, ahead of Nelson Piquet's Renault and Jarno Trulli's Toyota.

Raikkonen ended up only 12th in the second Ferrari, having failed to improve on his soft tyre run.

*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/71895

R

where can i watch the race online!!!!!!

Holy Moly... the track is slippery and everyone has gone on slicks .. :shocks:

Ha Ha Ha its over, Massa win , Hamilton Champion .
Every one thought Massa was the champ, only to realise that hamilton finished 5 cause glock droped to 6

R

massa should have won.but hamilton deserved to win the champioship for his performance throughout the season

Heartbroken Massa gracious in defeat.

Ferrari’s Felipe Massa put in the drive of his life at Interlagos on Sunday, doing everything within his power to become 2008 world champion. And as he took the chequered flag he, his team and his family all thought he had done it.

But jubilation rapidly turned to disbelief as just seconds later title rival Lewis Hamilton passed the Toyota of Timo Glock at the final corner to clinch the fifth place he needed to snatch the drivers’ crown from Massa’s grasp. The Brazilian knew how close he had come, but had nothing but praise for the McLaren driver.

"It was an exciting day,” he said. “We did everything to perfection and we almost managed to pull it off. Then, as I crossed the line, (race engineer) Rob (Smedley) told me that Hamilton had finished fifth and therefore he took the title by one point. Sport is like this and one has to accept that. Congratulations to Lewis: whoever gets the most points deserves the title.”

ratedrsuperstar said:
massa should have won.but hamilton deserved to win the champioship for his performance throughout the season

ahaa.

Hamilton deserved to win??

Massa has more wins
Massa has more 2nd place finishes
Massa has same number of fastest laps as Lewis.
Unlike Lewis, He commited too few driver errors and less number of penalties (I think just 1)
Ferrari has the constructors c'ship

Lewis won the championship because of two reasons:

1) that technical error with those Ferrari's pit lights in singapore
2) Timo Glock

^^ Why are you so defensive? its all part of the race isnt it!! No matter how good the driver is, the guy with the most number of points wins the championship. the whole world knew about the calculation.

i did wished that ham. wins the title, coz of all that racial sh1t.

YAY!!!

but i feel a bit let down, coz ham won just by LUCK. (noob toyota) no other reason.

i thought ham was a rain master,but nope, its vettle.

anyways, i feel happy for ham, i just hope he doesnt over do's somehin, like opening his mouth

maassa has just become stronger. :twisted:

[--------------\
:lol:

the way ham raced was just pathetic, he should have atleast fought for 4th or a podium finish :lol:

what made me upset was that "pussy cat doll's" b1tch

btw, i missed this race too

Deserving or not, Ham is the champ...

but its alright..hopefully next year Kimi will wake up and get going and replace this noob !!

@s18000rpm
man, you wanted Ham to win because of some racial $hit ??? c'mon!! its F1 !!
but you are spot on about Vettel !! GAWD that guy is good in rainy conditions !!

Next year, Alonso will repeatedly hit Ron Dennis head

With KERS to give 80bhp power extra while coming out of corner, it's going to be Renault vs McLaren vs BMW next year.

Ferrari are struggling to understand KERS.

Alonso will make Ron Dennis run and Lewis run for cover.

he played his part in this year's c'ship result. If it wasn't Timo Glock....

IMO, Two drivers Alonso and Vettel drove their heart out. They helped their teams make their cars better and reliable.

What a shame for Redbull that their second team STR outclassed them totally.

yup, i really wished that ham wins the title.

he's the only black dude in racing, f1 is overly over hyped motorsports, & the way he has owned the pro's here is just blooody awesomeness.

the racial crap was not just one time instance, it happend too many times in this overly self pro-claimed "pinnacle of motorsports"

a bloody big time dent on the f1's image

all i wish now is, that he behaves like a champ.

@desiibond

what is this KERS... i tried to google and even hit on wikipedia... but couldn't understand what is this KERS thing doing in F1 and why are Ferrari not understanding it...

Kynetic Energy Recovery System. Think of the end result as kind of booster (1st phase: by pressing a button) (and like NOS in cars)

think about it like this:

When a driver brakes, Kinetic energy is lost or dissipated, say that it converts into heat.

The kinetic energy of an object is the extra energy which it possesses due to its motion. It is defined as the work needed to accelerate a body of a given mass from rest to its current velocity. Having gained this energy during its acceleration, the body maintains this kinetic energy unless its speed changes. Negative work of the same magnitude would be required to return the body to a state of rest from that velocity.

What KERS does is, it converts this kinetic energy into electrical energy to provide boost for fraction of time whenever the driver wants.

take Massa for example, after some braking into some corners, his car stores some KE as electic energy. Then he comes near to a car, say Lewis's McLaren. At next corner, usually cars slow down and takes few seconds to get to full speed. If Massa wants to overtake Lewis immediately, while coming out of the corner he uses the stored electric energy to give boost to the engine and overtakes Lewis. Without KERS, he has to depend on his car's acceleration and grip while coming out of corner.

It may look easy on paper, but it's a very complex mechanism.

^^ thanks for the explanation..but doesn't Ferrari have engineers who are atleast on par with those at other teams ?? it shouldn't be that difficult for a team like ferrari to get hold of this KERS !!

can't say dude. Can't say. Remember, how much of a disaster 2005 season was for Ferrari.

Remember how Renault slumped from title defender to mid field performer last year.

all i can say about KERS is - IT DOESNT BELONG IN F1

imagine that faggy button which gives you boost, its like NFS games, ike the NOS keeps refilling, this K.E. gets stored in batt...

btw, a similiar but different concept is already in A1GP, a boost button.

F1 commentators, drivers.... said it was crap system.

look now

btw, the way max mo(fo)sley is goin, by the end of 2012, F1 & A1GP will have toooo little diffrence :lol:

, so little that people will prefer watching a1gp & hail a1gp as pinacle of motorsports

--------
:roll: :roll::roll::roll::roll::roll::roll::roll::roll:

*fotos.subefotos.com/a984babe3db3feffe4e295c5e18197cfo.gif
LMAO

*s1.subirimagenes.com/imagen/1386821hamilton-f1.gif
LOOL

Renault retain Alonso and Piquet

Renault have confirmed an unchanged driver line-up for 2009, with Fernando Alonso agreeing a two-year extension to his deal and Nelson Piquet re-signed for at least one more season

*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/72010

------------

Hamilton pledges future to McLaren

Lewis Hamilton has told the entire McLaren team that he would be happy to stay with them for the rest of his Formula One career

*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/72009

s18000rpm said:
all i can say about KERS is - IT DOESNT BELONG IN F1

imagine that faggy button which gives you boost, its like NFS games, ike the NOS keeps refilling, this K.E. gets stored in batt...

btw, a similiar but different concept is already in A1GP, a boost button.

F1 commentators, drivers.... said it was crap system.

look now

btw, the way max mo(fo)sley is goin, by the end of 2012, F1 & A1GP will have toooo little diffrence, so little that people will prefer watching a1gp & hail a1gp as pinacle of motorsports

--------
:roll: :roll::roll::roll::roll::roll::roll::roll::roll:

Add to this the new rule that Engine should last three race weekends.

What the hell is happening. It's pinnacle of motorsport and team's that can spend the money should be there.

bullocks!!!

Put bullock carts na, That will do wonders to Indian viewers.

The Shanghai Grand Prix moved to the third race on the 2009

Force India part ways with Ferrari

Force India are clear to conclude a technical partnership deal with McLaren-Mercedes for next year, as autosport.com revealed last month, after announcing on Friday they are to end their current engine deal with Ferrari.

Force India are now clear to conclude a technical partnership deal with McLaren-Mercedes for next year, as autosport.com revealed last month, after announcing on Friday they are to end their current engine deal with Ferrari.

The Silverstone-based team have been in discussions with McLaren and Mercedes about a tie-up for 2009, with Force India chief Vijay Mallya keen to conclude a deal for an entire drive train package.

It had been hoped that matters could get concluded at last week's Brazilian Grand Prix, but it is understood final contractual matters relating to Ferrari ending their customer deal with the team early could not be sorted in time.

McLaren F1 CEO Martin Whitmarsh was seen in lengthy discussions with Mallya in the Force India offices at Interlagos - with Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone also intervening at times.

There had been speculation a press statement would be issued on Sunday morning, but in the end matters waited until today.

In a statement issued on Friday, Force India and Ferrari confirmed that they were bringing an immediate end to their partnership - paving the way for the deal with McLaren and Mercedes.

The statement said: "The Force India Formula One Team today announces that it has ended its contract with Ferrari. The agreement signed in 2007 also provided for a supply of engines in 2009, but will now terminate ahead of schedule at the request of Force India.

"Force India wishes to thank Ferrari for its much appreciated and valued support to date, which has always been carried out at the highest level; technically and professionally and within an excellent relationship."

There was no mention in the statement about the progress of the talks between Force India and McLaren, although it is understood the situation will now be sped up now that the Ferrari situation has been sorted.

*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/72034

==================================
Kolles, Gascoyne to leave Force India

Colin Kolles and Mike Gascoyne have parted company with Force India in a major management reshuffle that has taken place ahead of an announcement about their future technical plans early next week.

Team principal Kolles and chief technical officer Gascoyne will no longer play any formal role at the team, with Force India owner Vijay Mallya taking full responsibility for running the outfit.

Mallya will be assisted in his new role of team principal by Robert Fernley, director of Force India. On the technical side, design director Mark Smith and technical director James Key will share responsibility for the design of future cars.

Speaking about the changes, Mallya said: "Force India is my most difficult project to date and it has become clear that it requires more direct input from my side and greater performance accountability.

"We have come a long way this season, but we need more and that requires some radical reorganisation of the management structure to ensure the maximum productivity.

"I would like to thank Colin Kolles for his tireless efforts in keeping such a small team alive and to Mike Gascoyne for bringing his wealth of technical expertise. Both have played an instrumental part in making the team what it is today.

"On Monday November 10th, I will announce the new technical direction of the team as well as the appointment of a new Chief Operating Officer who will assume overall responsibility for our Silverstone and Brackley facilities, Race and Test operations."

Force India are expected to conclude a technical partnership deal with McLaren-Mercedes, having announced earlier on Friday that they have ended their engine deal with Ferrari.

*www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/72038

change that name already ffs

force india! :barf:

Raikonnen's fuel stash
*img76.imageshack.us/img76/1829/kimiraikkonensdrinksuppok6.th.jpg*img76.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif

Raikkonen's emotions
*img76.imageshack.us/img76/5692/kimiraikkonenemotionsgn4.th.jpg*img76.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif

^^

nice one

:: The Formula 1 - 2008 Season Thread ::