316 replies to this topic

[gybe-ho!]

Thiepval:
I don't watch Nascar, how many times do I have to tell you that.

Oh, you just SOUND like you watch Nascar.

Look dude, I respect you for your sailing, for what you've done in your 2.4, and why, and for what you've done here too, but this vitrious xenophobic bile that you spout ad infinitum does you a huge injustice - you need to get out and see the world, you need to realise that the rest of the world doesn't actually pander to what America wants....

You don't like F1 the way it is? Tough. Instead of being arrogant, and expecting it to be tailored to your every whim, find your own game.

He has...Indycar, just like Nascar, but looks like F1!

So why does Dawg come in here then? if Indycar is his game, then let him start Indycar anarchy.....

This is a bit like me saying to the MotoGP guys - "this two wheel stuff is shit, get yerselves cars, boys...."

No dog in this fight, just wanted to toss a comment in, thought it was funny...guess it came off flippant. Nothing to see here, move on.

[doghouse]

You people are all hilarious. I can't for the life of me understand why any motorsport fan would disparage any other form of it. NASCAR, F1, Indy, IHRA, SCCA, whatever, it's all fun to watch. F1 is the technological pinnacle, NASCAR is far and away the most competitive, the touring series the most all around, etc., etc...

Just enjoy it for chrissakes.

[Soley]

You people are all hilarious. I can't for the life of me understand why any motorsport fan would disparage any other form of it. NASCAR, F1, Indy, IHRA, SCCA, whatever, it's all fun to watch. F1 is the technological pinnacle, NASCAR is far and away the most competitive, the touring series the most all around, etc., etc...

Just enjoy it for chrissakes.

Are you serious? On this site that has more infighting than any other I have seen. You complain when we fight over the varying aspects of motor sport? HTFU.
F1 and WRC are the only motor sports I can really watch the rest seems to be catered too much for yankee hicks.

[doghouse]

You people are all hilarious. I can't for the life of me understand why any motorsport fan would disparage any other form of it. NASCAR, F1, Indy, IHRA, SCCA, whatever, it's all fun to watch. F1 is the technological pinnacle, NASCAR is far and away the most competitive, the touring series the most all around, etc., etc...

Just enjoy it for chrissakes.

Are you serious? On this site that has more infighting than any other I have seen. You complain when we fight over the varying aspects of motor sport? HTFU.
F1 and WRC are the only motor sports I can really watch the rest seems to be catered too much for yankee hicks.

This is generally the intelligent part of the site, i guess I had higher standards for this part. I apologize for such a rash line of thinking, clearly I overreached.

FWIW, I would much rather hang out with hicks than yankee assholes, and we would much rather you not attach the word yankee to us. Thanks.

[Soley]

Don't give a crap if you are north or south of some imaginary line, Nascar fans are hicks yankee or otherwise.

[Anthonyvop]

Got this press release this morning from Lotus. Gutsy!

11 April 2012



Never let the facts get in the way of a good story….



Take a little look at what we found online. Don't you think it's funny? We do. We had a good old giggle. After all, we love a bit of self irony, just as well really. Although it's funny, this one's not accurate but then again, why let the facts get in the way of a good story? The inconvenient truth is – surprise, surprise – we have never said that there are no problems at Lotus.



So whilst lots of people obviously feel the need to comment on Lotus' current situation in the absence of proper facts or evidence, we can't ignore these particular mistruths any longer even if we would like to, so we have decided to turn a negative into a positive and use this hilarious piece of 'art' to set the record straight regarding the status quo at Group Lotus and try to return a little stability to a fast changing situation.



False rumour #1: Dany Bahar is no longer CEO of Group Lotus.

Fact: Rubbish – Dany Bahar still is.



False rumour #2: Dato' Sri Syed is no longer Managing Director of Proton.

Fact: Again rubbish. He still is.



You can thank good old Tony Fernandes for these two. Don't take everything he tweets too seriously – perhaps he's still frustrated about owning Caterham instead of Lotus and the fact that he fights HRT and Marussia instead of Mercedes and Ferrari in F1.



And whilst we're on the subject of jokes - do you know the latest F1 joke? Mike Gascoyne, Caterham Group's Chief Technical Officer, has gone missing. Why? He's looking for the 30 to 40 points he predicted for the last F1 season. Funny.



Speaking of F1: It seems that one special so called 'independent' source is at the root of the lion's share of damaging rumours and misleading stories. The delightful Joe Saward which leads us nicely to….



False rumour #3: Joe Saward is JUST an independent journalist.

Fact: He is an active Director for the Caterham Group.



And unlike some, we don't want to get too personal, so we'll leave it to you to judge how 'independent' his stories about Lotus are.



False rumour #4: Group Lotus is no longer involved in F1.

Fact: Lotus F1 Team and Group Lotus have reshaped their commercial relationship earlier this year. The new governance agreement signifies the continued commitment of Group Lotus to the team and the sport.



Group Lotus' branding and marketing rights and subsequent activities remain unaffected by the new agreement until at least 2017. Alongside continued branding and title partnership status, Group Lotus is also the exclusive master licensee for all Lotus F1 Team merchandise.



The new agreement was reached following Group Lotus owners Proton providing team owners Genii with a £30m loan which is repayable within three years. In order to secure the loan Genii used 100% of the F1 team's assets as collateral meaning that under the conditions of the loan agreement Proton have been given full title guarantee to all plant, machinery, show cars, computers, office and the Lotus F1 Team headquarters.



In addition Proton retains the rights to purchase 10% of the F1 team. Another 10% share option will be activated if the team default on their loan obligations with Proton.



Again we leave it to your judgement how 'bad' Lotus' current situation in F1 is. And speaking of bad situations…..

<b><br style="page-break-before:always" clear="all"> </b>

False rumour #5: Group Lotus is going into administration.

Fact: Rubbish. The takeover of our parent company Proton by DRB-HICOM couldn't have come at a worse time, but up until that point Proton was (and still remains) fully committed to our five year business plan to create jobs and to expand the factory and business. With the takeover process the funding has been restricted and DRB-HICOM is taking time to understand what to do with the business. DRB-HICOM is currently in the middle of due diligence of Group Lotus and there have been and continue to be positive discussions between Group Lotus senior management and senior management at DRB-HICOM both here in Hethel and in Malaysia. At no point has DRB-HICOM indicated to Group Lotus that it intends to put the company into administration. The over-active rumour mill is seriously damaging our business reputation, image and credibility but it is what it is.



The simple fact is, and we haven't denied this - Lotus is going through a very difficult phase at the moment but we are showing true fighting spirit every day in trying to keep this vision alive. This is also a fact – no matter what people outside of Lotus may say or tweet or blog.

[peejay]

Great win for Rosberg today, not only beating his competitors, but also having to fight his own team, who do everything possible to favour their second best driver.

[Soley]

I don't think thats true. Schumi looked very much second in the team orders and very happy to see Nico do well.

The last ten laps was some of the most spectacular racing in motor sport.

[JBSF]

I'm not a NASCAR fan, but the one F1 race I saw live I thought was boring. Yes, they are incredible racing machines - but the race was essentially won at the start with so few passing lanes. It was a single file race to the end. The couple of races I've seen of NASCAR on TV (again, I'm not a motorsports fanatic), I thought NASCAR was more fun to watch in terms of the tactical racing and jostling and pit strategies, etc.

Whatever floats your boat though.... As doghouse said, why disparage another's sport. They are all good in their own way. F1 is just not my cup of tea. I had free tix to a recent race and it was fun to go be a part of the live racing. But I doubt I would pay for it.

Edit to add: I will say the F1 apres race party at Yas Marina was a concentration of some of the hottest women I've seen on the planet. Yowza!

[I'moutahere]

I'm not a NASCAR fan, but the one F1 race I saw live I thought was boring. Yes, they are incredible racing machines - but the race was essentially won at the start with so few passing lanes. It was a single file race to the end. The couple of races I've seen of NASCAR on TV (again, I'm not a motorsports fanatic), I thought NASCAR was more fun to watch in terms of the tactical racing and jostling and pit strategies, etc.

Whatever floats your boat though.... As doghouse said, why disparage another's sport. They are all good in their own way. F1 is just not my cup of tea. I had free tix to a recent race and it was fun to go be a part of the live racing. But I doubt I would pay for it.

Edit to add: I will say the F1 apres race party at Yas Marina was a concentration of some of the hottest women I've seen on the planet. Yowza!

Didn't you go to the "apres race party" just to try and pick up one of the drivers? Too much competition from the girls was there? Oh well, you'll have to stick with the camels then. Or do you prefer goats?

[JBSF]

I'm not a NASCAR fan, but the one F1 race I saw live I thought was boring. Yes, they are incredible racing machines - but the race was essentially won at the start with so few passing lanes. It was a single file race to the end. The couple of races I've seen of NASCAR on TV (again, I'm not a motorsports fanatic), I thought NASCAR was more fun to watch in terms of the tactical racing and jostling and pit strategies, etc.

Whatever floats your boat though.... As doghouse said, why disparage another's sport. They are all good in their own way. F1 is just not my cup of tea. I had free tix to a recent race and it was fun to go be a part of the live racing. But I doubt I would pay for it.

Edit to add: I will say the F1 apres race party at Yas Marina was a concentration of some of the hottest women I've seen on the planet. Yowza!

Didn't you go to the "apres race party" just to try and pick up one of the drivers? Too much competition from the girls was there? Oh well, you'll have to stick with the camels then. Or do you prefer goats?

Thus sayeth my new stalker.....

Btw, are you 11?

[I'moutahere]

I'm not a NASCAR fan, but the one F1 race I saw live I thought was boring. Yes, they are incredible racing machines - but the race was essentially won at the start with so few passing lanes. It was a single file race to the end. The couple of races I've seen of NASCAR on TV (again, I'm not a motorsports fanatic), I thought NASCAR was more fun to watch in terms of the tactical racing and jostling and pit strategies, etc.

Whatever floats your boat though.... As doghouse said, why disparage another's sport. They are all good in their own way. F1 is just not my cup of tea. I had free tix to a recent race and it was fun to go be a part of the live racing. But I doubt I would pay for it.

Edit to add: I will say the F1 apres race party at Yas Marina was a concentration of some of the hottest women I've seen on the planet. Yowza!

Didn't you go to the "apres race party" just to try and pick up one of the drivers? Too much competition from the girls was there? Oh well, you'll have to stick with the camels then. Or do you prefer goats?

Thus sayeth my new stalker.....

Btw, are you 11?

I follow F1 occasionally. We have one race in Aus that I have been to, once. I looked here to see what comments about China. WTF would I want to stalk a wanker like you? You aren't important enough. If you want a stalker go to one of your gay websites.

[scottmax]

Well deserved win to Mercedes and Rosberg, great race with a truck load of position changes. Button was a bit hard done by with his last stop, it would have made it interesting to see he and Rosberg fight to he end but it was not to be.
Nice to see Webber get past Vettel on the second last lap after a 3 stop strategy to Vettels 2 stopper.
If this is the future of F1 I am certainly in for the season.

[Anthonyvop]

Well deserved win for Ross Brawn!

[Cruisin Loser]

When Kimi's tires went off, they sure went all the way, all at once. What was it, 2nd to 10th in 2 laps?

[mad]

Maybe having the Bahrain Grand Prix isn't such a good idea after all.

Force India team members were forced to flee as petrol bombs were hurled over their vehicle on their way back from the Bahrain Grand Prix track.

My link

[Mr. Squirrel]

Maybe having the Bahrain Grand Prix isn't such a good idea after all.

Force India team members were forced to flee as petrol bombs were hurled over their vehicle on their way back from the Bahrain Grand Prix track.

My link

So we should cancel the Brazilian GP as well? Remember when the Sauber mechanics were robbed and Button barely escaped?

http://www.totalf1.com/full_story/view/358234/Sauber_mechanics_robbed_in_Brazil/

It is what it is, but all this hand wringing is annoying. China has one of the worst human rights record on the planet, but nobody said not to go to Shanghai.

MS

[mad]

Maybe having the Bahrain Grand Prix isn't such a good idea after all.

Force India team members were forced to flee as petrol bombs were hurled over their vehicle on their way back from the Bahrain Grand Prix track.

My link

So we should cancel the Brazilian GP as well? Remember when the Sauber mechanics were robbed and Button barely escaped?

http://www.totalf1.com/full_story/view/358234/Sauber_mechanics_robbed_in_Brazil/

It is what it is, but all this hand wringing is annoying. China has one of the worst human rights record on the planet, but nobody said not to go to Shanghai.

MS

Good point, its all down to Bernie and $$$$

[movable ballast]

4 starts, 4 winners. shaping up to be a great season. Red Bull finally up to speed and a new aero package for the F2012 for spain.

[Terrorvision]

I'm equally impressed with Lotus and their drivers. Kimi has come back much quicker than the wunderkid at Mercedes....

[movable ballast]

Without a doubt the loti were fast. They also managed the tyre situation very well. McLaren did not... I also hope Rosberg will stop running folks off the road, just as in NASCAR if he gets a "reputaion" no one will ever give him a break (kinda like LH last year). Looking forward to Spain.

[Anthonyvop]

Without a doubt the loti were fast. They also managed the tyre situation very well. McLaren did not... I also hope Rosberg will stop running folks off the road, just as in NASCAR if he gets a "reputaion" no one will ever give him a break (kinda like LH last year). Looking forward to Spain.

Apparently the FIA stewards had no issue with Rosberg's driving

[Terrorvision]

Without a doubt the loti were fast. They also managed the tyre situation very well. McLaren did not... I also hope Rosberg will stop running folks off the road, just as in NASCAR if he gets a "reputaion" no one will ever give him a break (kinda like LH last year). Looking forward to Spain.

I think the collective term for more than one Lotus is Lotii.........

I missed the Rosberg incident, I have to watch it on live streaming and the connection was shit to say the least.

[Trovão]

Without a doubt the loti were fast. They also managed the tyre situation very well. McLaren did not... I also hope Rosberg will stop running folks off the road, just as in NASCAR if he gets a "reputaion" no one will ever give him a break (kinda like LH last year). Looking forward to Spain.

Apparently the FIA stewards had no issue with Rosberg's driving

or maybe bernie told them not to mess with the team of one of the biggest car makers of the world.

[southportK2]

Without a doubt the loti were fast. They also managed the tyre situation very well. McLaren did not... I also hope Rosberg will stop running folks off the road, just as in NASCAR if he gets a "reputaion" no one will ever give him a break (kinda like LH last year). Looking forward to Spain.

Apparently the FIA stewards had no issue with Rosberg's driving

or maybe bernie told them not to mess with the team of one of the biggest car makers of the world.

Or maybe he only made one move like the rules allow

[Anthonyvop]

Apparently the FIA stewards had no issue with Rosberg's driving

or maybe bernie told them not to mess with the team of one of the biggest car makers of the world.

You do realize that FIAT (The owners of Ferrari) significantly dwarfs Mercedes Benz don't you?

[BAR KARATE]

Apparently the FIA stewards had no issue with Rosberg's driving

or maybe bernie told them not to mess with the team of one of the biggest car makers of the world.

You do realize that FIAT (The owners of Ferrari) significantly dwarfs Mercedes Benz don't you?

Fix It Again Tony .......

[movable ballast]

Without a doubt the loti were fast. They also managed the tyre situation very well. McLaren did not... I also hope Rosberg will stop running folks off the road, just as in NASCAR if he gets a "reputaion" no one will ever give him a break (kinda like LH last year). Looking forward to Spain.

Apparently the FIA stewards had no issue with Rosberg's driving

yep, I think it was a bad decision... I think the FIA are swayed by situational decisions, they want Mercedes to stay in F1. Beating them up right after a race would not complement that desire. I have no proof, just one opinion.

[movable ballast]

My bigger concern for Rosberg is that if he continues to "make one move" and force competitors completely off the track, Just as they do in NASCAR the competitors will take care of the problem themselves...

[Quagers]

I really don't see a problem with Rosberg's move, it was completely ok by the regs and the fact of the matter is that both Alonso and Hamilton could have got out of their by just backing off the throttle, but their racers and their not gonna do that. The problem with F1 at the moment is that the moment anything actually interesting happens (close racing, rain etc.) the FIA and stewards immediately get involved and try to stamp it out.

I think for once they actually got it right.

Also you can only apply the regulations, dont like them, fine get them changed but at this time they are as they are and that move was ok. If fact there is a school of thought that things Hamilton should be penalised for overtaking outside of the confines of the track. Which is not allowed by the regs, but thankfully they didnt do that either.

[Anthonyvop]

Without a doubt the loti were fast. They also managed the tyre situation very well. McLaren did not... I also hope Rosberg will stop running folks off the road, just as in NASCAR if he gets a "reputaion" no one will ever give him a break (kinda like LH last year). Looking forward to Spain.

Apparently the FIA stewards had no issue with Rosberg's driving

yep, I think it was a bad decision... I think the FIA are swayed by situational decisions, they want Mercedes to stay in F1. Beating them up right after a race would not complement that desire. I have no proof, just one opinion.

Mercedes just came off their first win as a manufacturer since the 1950's They aren't going anywhere.

The Idea that the FIA would side with them in a case vs Ferrari is silly. It is Ferrari that has of late threatened to leave F1 and start their own rival series.

[movable ballast]

Mercedes just came off their first win as a manufacturer since the 1950's They aren't going anywhere.

Would not be so sure about that....

May 8 (GMM) Mercedes' continued participation in formula one could be put to a shareholders' vote at the end of the year.

That is the claim of the respected French commentator Jean-Louis Moncet, writing in his Auto Plus column.

Norbert Haug on Monday denied reports the German carmaker is on the verge of quitting the sport because it is not being offered the same Concorde Agreement deal as rival top teams Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull.

But Moncet's apparently 'well-informed source' said: "The Mercedes directorate will vote on whether to stop the F1 programme at the end of 2012, and consequently (Mercedes) will not sign the agreements offered by Bernie Ecclestone."

The source said "the majority" of shareholders may veto Mercedes' F1 activities, which includes its own works team and the supply of engines to McLaren and Force India.

"The future of the (Mercedes) team is also tied to investment and sponsorship and the outcome of the arm-wrestling with Ecclestone," Moncet's source added.

[tigger12]

Thirty years ago today ... Gilles Villeneuve takes his last lap.

[Anthonyvop]

Thirty years ago today ... Gilles Villeneuve takes his last lap.

His death affected me most.





Behind the wheel of what is the most beautiful F1 car

The Ferrari 312 T3

[Anthonyvop]

[Major Tom]

What a race today! Catalunya served up an excellent race, 5th different winner in 5 races. Well done Maldanado, Alonso and Raikkonen.

[chuso007]

Too bad Alonso's tires died a few laps too early...

[Major Tom]

Too bad Alonso's tires died a few laps too early...

Too aggressive too early, he should have waited until 5 or 6 laps to go before attacking.

[Anthonyvop]

It disgusts me that F1 allows the Williams situation to continue.

[Terrorvision]

It disgusts me that F1 allows the Williams situation to continue.

Go on.....

[gybe-ho!]

Anyone catch the footage of the fire that happened in the Williams garage after the race? Holy shit. Film of multiple different team's members carting barrels of fuel and other flammables out of the back door as at least 3 teams battled the fire from the front of the garage.

Some details here from formula1.com's site: Clicky

[Terrorvision]

Anyone catch the footage of the fire that happened in the Williams garage after the race? Holy shit. Film of multiple different team's members carting barrels of fuel and other flammables out of the back door as at least 3 teams battled the fire from the front of the garage.

Some details here from formula1.com's site: Clicky

[sarcasm]It is quite obvious who is to blame- it was Michael Schumacher getting his own back on Senna.[/sarcasm]

[Chris in Santa Cruz, CA]

Whats up with the tickets for the Austin race. Not for sale yet that I can find.

[SailfastDrinkhard]

Whats up with the tickets for the Austin race. Not for sale yet that I can find.

individual seats not yet for sale, mailing list for notice of the on sale date at the bottom of this page, (the buy now is not what you want), http://circuitofthea...cas.com/tickets or http://www.formula1....ets_and_travel/

October race is on sale now so Austin seats should be in the next month or two.

[DaveK]

It was funny, they had this interview on NPR the other day about the race and what to expect and how they are preparing Austin for it. It's about the same number of people we get for SXSW music event and how they were saying most people will be from Europe or S. America and how they are not expected to tip very well. Well you fukers better tip while your here and I'd be happy to sell you a house while your at it! They said restaurants may raise their prices that weekend but were trying to make sure everyone was on extra special super duper nice behavior to convey to the rest of world how wonderful a place Austin is. Kinda like when the Olympics were held in 1936 Germany when Hitler was in charge. Then once you leave, we'll go back to hating you again and hopefully succeed from this Union.

[Chris in Santa Cruz, CA]

Thanks for the info. The 13 and the 11 year olds are hounding the shit out of me to get tickets.

[movable ballast]

My wife and I have been on the waiting list for about a year... They keep saying soon. You can buy season tickets now but not individual races.

[Phil]

Monaco- Aussie, Aussie, Aussie

[gybe-ho!]

Awesome race, amazing to see the front runners so close at the end, Rosberg crossing the finish line just 0.6secs behind Webber. Yet again, Red Bull delivered at Monaco, 3 wins in 3 years, that pool's gonna get a work out tonight!

[movable ballast]

Awesome race, amazing to see the front runners so close at the end, Rosberg crossing the finish line just 0.6secs behind Webber. Yet again, Red Bull delivered at Monaco, 3 wins in 3 years, that pool's gonna get a work out tonight!

everyone jumped in execpt Vettel...

[Mr. Squirrel]

Then once you leave, we'll go back to hating you again and hopefully succeed from this Union.

I think you mean secede....

An interesting, but generally dull race. Other than the swimming pool complex the coverage is pretty dull.

MS

[Terrorvision]

Awesome race, amazing to see the front runners so close at the end, Rosberg crossing the finish line just 0.6secs behind Webber. Yet again, Red Bull delivered at Monaco, 3 wins in 3 years, that pool's gonna get a work out tonight!

everyone jumped in execpt Vettel...

You gotta think though, this time last season Vettel was untouchable. A very different story for him this time round and I bet he feels it pretty deep, especially when his team mate, who has never driven to his full potential, is now starting to hit stride.

[scottmax]

Awesome race, amazing to see the front runners so close at the end, Rosberg crossing the finish line just 0.6secs behind Webber. Yet again, Red Bull delivered at Monaco, 3 wins in 3 years, that pool's gonna get a work out tonight!

everyone jumped in execpt Vettel...

You gotta think though, this time last season Vettel was untouchable. A very different story for him this time round and I bet he feels it pretty deep, especially when his team mate, who has never driven to his full potential, is now starting to hit stride.

I think this is a pretty unfair statement about Webber, in my view he has always driven the ring out of all the cars he was given, with the exception of last year, he was a bit off. No team mate untill Vettel could get near him.
This year the car seems to suite Webber over Vettel, I also think Vettel is getting the 20's somthing I am to good for all this shit attitude just like his mate Hamilton.

I still think if he had the support Vettel had 2 years ago he would have won the Championship.

[Terrorvision]

Awesome race, amazing to see the front runners so close at the end, Rosberg crossing the finish line just 0.6secs behind Webber. Yet again, Red Bull delivered at Monaco, 3 wins in 3 years, that pool's gonna get a work out tonight!

everyone jumped in execpt Vettel...

You gotta think though, this time last season Vettel was untouchable. A very different story for him this time round and I bet he feels it pretty deep, especially when his team mate, who has never driven to his full potential, is now starting to hit stride.

I think this is a pretty unfair statement about Webber, in my view he has always driven the ring out of all the cars he was given, with the exception of last year, he was a bit off. No team mate untill Vettel could get near him.
This year the car seems to suite Webber over Vettel, I also think Vettel is getting the 20's somthing I am to good for all this shit attitude just like his mate Hamilton.

I still think if he had the support Vettel had 2 years ago he would have won the Championship.

I agree, I should have been clearer in what I said. He hasn't had the chance to drive to his potential is what I meant. Now he is being given the chance and he is taking it.

[Presuming Ed]

No, Mr Sauber, I expect you to die!

Slicing up a car. Embed doesn't work in GA?

[gybe-ho!]

Very cool find Ed.

[derelicte]

No, Mr Sauber, I expect you to die!

Slicing up a car. Embed doesn't work in GA?

that is cool. nice find!

it would have been nice if they had higher res shots of the different sections.

[Chris in Santa Cruz, CA]

Another good race in Montreal. Poor Alonso slogging around at the end was brutal to watch. Someone forgot to do the math in the Ferrari pit.

Just booked the trip to Austin in November. Got tickets and flights for me and the boys. Can't wait.

[movable ballast]

yes that was painfull to watch... a podium or win wasted away.

[movable ballast]

Our tickets for Austin just confirmed, turn 12. Should be able to see 11 through the exit of 15.

[billy backstay]

Awesome season!! Hope they come to new yersey next year, I heard that tickets for Austin are a fortune?

[mad]

Our tickets for Austin just confirmed, turn 12. Should be able to see 11 through the exit of 15.

Pics.... or it never happened. (Inserting smiley thing here.) (this piece of shit BB has gone to new levels of useless)

Any pointers for the weather for that area come race time? Wet, Humid etc?

[Anthonyvop]

yes that was painfull to watch... a podium or win wasted away.

Ferrari could have matched McLaren pit-stop for Pit-stop and settled for a nice easy 2nd or 3rd but instead they rolled the dice and went for the win and lost.

Have to admire them for that.

If Alonso tires had given him 5 or 6 more "good laps" we would be talking about their great strategy.

[movable ballast]

Awesome season!! Hope they come to new yersey next year, I heard that tickets for Austin are a fortune?

yes they are...

[movable ballast]

yes that was painfull to watch... a podium or win wasted away.

Ferrari could have matched McLaren pit-stop for Pit-stop and settled for a nice easy 2nd or 3rd but instead they rolled the dice and went for the win and lost.

Have to admire them for that.

If Alonso tires had given him 5 or 6 more "good laps" we would be talking about their great strategy.

No doubt, the Lotus podiumed in one stop, so it was possible.

[Anthonyvop]

Awesome season!! Hope they come to new yersey next year, I heard that tickets for Austin are a fortune?

yes they are...

$159 3-day general admission is a "Fortune"?

[movable ballast]

Awesome season!! Hope they come to new yersey next year, I heard that tickets for Austin are a fortune?

yes they are...

$159 3-day general admission is a "Fortune"?

When I get the chance to go to these events I want to do it as best I can afford, did not want to fight for a seat or grass space in GA. A Premium grand stand seat for three days is a wee bit more...

[Chris in Santa Cruz, CA]

I bought the GA tickets. I'm assuming that there will be plenty of grass and it looks to be in good places. Also, I can't sit in one place at a race track. Have to move around and get different perspectives.

Now a seat in the grandstands at the exit of the last turn at the Milwaukee Mile is pretty cool. Did that once with a bunch of fat pink people with no shirts.

[Anthonyvop]

Awesome season!! Hope they come to new yersey next year, I heard that tickets for Austin are a fortune?

yes they are...

$159 3-day general admission is a "Fortune"?

When I get the chance to go to these events I want to do it as best I can afford, did not want to fight for a seat or grass space in GA. A Premium grand stand seat for three days is a wee bit more...

Still for 3 days even the most expensive ticket at $499 isn't that bad.

[punter]

Awesome season!! Hope they come to new yersey next year, I heard that tickets for Austin are a fortune?

yes they are...

$159 3-day general admission is a "Fortune"?

When I get the chance to go to these events I want to do it as best I can afford, did not want to fight for a seat or grass space in GA. A Premium grand stand seat for three days is a wee bit more...

Still for 3 days even the most expensive ticket at $499 isn't that bad.

Ticket prices here for the Singapore Grand Prix. Some of the prices are rather large: http://www.singapore...icket_price.php

S$1,288 for 3-day pit grandstand...

[Cruisin Loser]

We looked at really good seats for a group, the required season liscenses were pretty steep, my family wasn't really interested and I don't have that many actual friends, OK, maybe not any. A buddy was delegated and I think he got GA tics. Maybe we should have an SA banner on the grass and meet for drinks.

I actually made an informed choice - expensive seats for me and a few friends, or equip a small machine shop for the high school robotics team I sponsor and mentor. They have a really cool new mill and lathe with digital readouts. Money well spent, I think.

[movable ballast]

Awesome season!! Hope they come to new yersey next year, I heard that tickets for Austin are a fortune?

yes they are...

$159 3-day general admission is a "Fortune"?

When I get the chance to go to these events I want to do it as best I can afford, did not want to fight for a seat or grass space in GA. A Premium grand stand seat for three days is a wee bit more...

Still for 3 days even the most expensive ticket at $499 isn't that bad.

All sold in hours. try buying one for that price now... I would not normally drop the coin (a mill and lathe sound great, or a new light #1), but it's my 50th B-Day gift from my wife. I am a lucky guy.

[Chris in Santa Cruz, CA]

We looked at really good seats for a group, the required season liscenses were pretty steep, my family wasn't really interested and I don't have that many actual friends, OK, maybe not any. A buddy was delegated and I think he got GA tics. Maybe we should have an SA banner on the grass and meet for drinks.

I actually made an informed choice - expensive seats for me and a few friends, or equip a small machine shop for the high school robotics team I sponsor and mentor. They have a really cool new mill and lathe with digital readouts. Money well spent, I think.

I'll be the guy wearing a hat. Meeting for drinks one night after is a cool idea.

[Major Tom]

What a race today, Alonso went from 11th on the grid to 1st, Vettel dnf, hamilton dnf. Hopefully Ferrari have not used up all their good luck for the season!

[Terrorvision]

Hamilton is a class-A dildo.

[gybe-ho!]

Hell of a race today, plenty of action and overtaking on a track that 'you can't overtake on'. Plenty of drama, some swapping of paint, well carbon, and the Maldonado/Hamilton coming together should keep the stewards busy for a while...Fuck Hamilton by the way.

Vettel's dominance from the front of the grid was truly amazing, building a sufficient lead to pit and still get out in 1st place on the track. Grosjean drove the shit out of the Lotus for most of the race until the alternator shat the bed. Great finish for Schumacher, a podium finally and a great run by Webber from 19th to finish 4th and get to 2nd in the driver overall points with both Vettel and Hamilton not finishing.

Alonso's little time infront of the home crowd was well deserved and entertaining. With Raikkonen second and Schumacher third...3 World Champions on the podium and all 3 have been/are Ferrari drivers, awesome stuff.

[southportK2]

First off I hate fox and there stupid tape delay and excessive commercial breaks

Second Hamilton is a massive dong for somhow finding a way to run into everyone on the track

Third the stewards are massive dongs for penalizing everyone that Hamilton runs into rather than hamilton for running into them.

Other than that it was a good race once Vettels car broke

[Anthonyvop]

First off I hate fox and there stupid tape delay and excessive commercial breaks

Stop complaining. You got your money's worth

[billy backstay]

First off I hate fox and there stupid tape delay and excessive commercial breaks

Stop complaining. You got your money's worth

Who watches commercials?? Get a freaking DVR!!

Awesome race!!! Best season I can ever remember. Love him or hate, it was nice to see Schumi on the podium after a 6 year drought.

[Dawg Gonit]

Who watches commercials?? Get a freaking DVR!!

Awesome race!!! Best season I can ever remember. Love him or hate, it was nice to see Schumi on the podium after a 6 year drought.

I would get a DVR but I'm unwilling to pay for the service. Cable or Satellite costs too much as it is. I know I can get a DVR and program it like an old style VHS but, I'm just not ready.

But YES that had to be the best Race I have seen in the last 20 odd years. Valencia is usually a parade of corners.

The season is shaping up nicely and the Mid Pack fight really is making this season the tops.

[Footlong]

First off I hate fox and there stupid tape delay and excessive commercial breaks

Second Hamilton is a massive dong for somhow finding a way to run into everyone on the track

Third the stewards are massive dongs for penalizing everyone that Hamilton runs into rather than hamilton for running into them.

Other than that it was a good race once Vettels car broke

X2

Hamilton was greedy when his tire went away. He could have settled for third, but he chose to block and it cost him.

[Anthonyvop]

First off I hate fox and there stupid tape delay and excessive commercial breaks

Second Hamilton is a massive dong for somhow finding a way to run into everyone on the track

Third the stewards are massive dongs for penalizing everyone that Hamilton runs into rather than hamilton for running into them.

Other than that it was a good race once Vettels car broke

X2

Hamilton was greedy when his tire went away. He could have settled for third, but he chose to block and it cost him.

And yet it is Maldonado that was penalized.

[movable ballast]

Great race for Alonso and Ferrari, LH is a douche and paid the ulimate price. If he loses the championship by less than 20 points he can remember Valincia... Felt bad for Grosjean (sp?) he deserved the points, but that's racing. Vettel, well it's Vettel, he's a machine almost perfect.

[movable ballast]

Page 12 rescue....

Farrari is back! The commitment to the car is paying off! Will Alonso win his first Championship with Ferrari this year?

[Anthonyvop]

Yesterday was an incredible race. Never did Alonso have a chance to relax. Even the slightest mistake and either Vettel or Button was there ready to pounce.

With Vettel's penalty Alonso now has a 34 point lead over Webber.

[Chris in Santa Cruz, CA]

Yesterday was an incredible race. Never did Alonso have a chance to relax. Even the slightest mistake and either Vettel or Button was there ready to pounce.

With Vettel's penalty Alonso now has a 34 point lead over Webber.

I agree. Alonso earned his dough and the pressure was on. Enzo is smiling in his grave. The tech guys are improving the car and they have a lion of a driver in Alonso.

Glad to see Button back up front. Hopefully he's gotten un-lost.

Hungary is next. Anyone have a good goulash recipe?

[Ned]

Hamilton's move on Vettel was fabulous. I think it rattled Vettel enough to get desperate and earn the overly harsh penalty.

Kudos to Alonso. He's certainly the top of the fleet this year.

[movable ballast]

Hamilton's move on Vettel was fabulous. I think it rattled Vettel enough to get desperate and earn the overly harsh penalty.

Kudos to Alonso. He's certainly the top of the fleet this year.

I don't know that the penalty was overly harsh, you must pass a car ON the track... SV was clearly OFF the track to make the pass work.

[krash]

I went back and watched the pass. Button took Vettel off the track. If Vettel had held his outside lane, then Button would have hit him.

[Trovão]

I went back and watched the pass. Button took Vettel off the track. If Vettel had held his outside lane, then Button would have hit him.

button was on the inside, so he had the preference on the right turn.

if there was a wall instead of an escape area, vettel would have reduced speed and entered behind button.

[Mr. Squirrel]

A bit of a surprise....

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/102891
Sergio Perez gets Lewis Hamilton's McLaren seat

Lewis Hamilton's switch to Mercedes has been confirmed after McLaren announced that Sergio Perez is joining its squad for 2013.
Ahead of an official announcement from Mercedes about its driver line-up plans, McLaren ended weeks of speculation about Hamilton's plans with the Perez swoop.

MS

[gybe-ho!]

Wouldn't have tipped Perez for the ride, thought maybe de Resta was more likely, interesting times and Hamilton gets to keep his Merc collection rolling along, hopefully Perez will be more team minded than Hamilton was.

On a separate note, slightly linked, there was an awesome wrap up/highlight show on UK TV last night from the 2012 Goodwood Revival. Great racing with vintage and f'n expensive hardware. An all Cobra race in memory of Carol Shelby, a full grid of Dan Gurney cars. Nick Mason's Ferreri GTO battling with Adrian Neweys's Lightweight Jag E-Type. Spitfires, glamorous girlies in vintage clothing...what's not to like?

Below is a clip of a 50's era race for Saloon Cars, a MkI Jag and an Austin A40 going at it, enjoy.

http://m.youtube.com...h?v=S05p9hle748

[derelicte]

wow. does this mean schumi is retiring (again)?

[Anthonyvop]

Smart move for LH. 100 Million reasons for the move.

I am a big Perez fan and think he is the real deal. Big move for him and I wish him the best but can't say I am not bummed he is going to the Cheaters from Woking.

[tuf-luf]

wow. does this mean schumi is retiring (again)?

Word.

[Trovão]

it seems the 2013 season will be pretty interesting.

[southportK2]

wow. does this mean schumi is retiring (again)?

or going to Ferrari to replace Massa

[dash34]

Perhaps they discovered that the big shunt in Singapore was actually driver error. Schumi was blaming the car, but the telemetry will tell the story. If it was all driver error then it might be that Schumi decided to pack it in. Getting a 10-place penalty for someone of Schumi's experience has to be a bit embarrassing. Anyone heard anything more about this?

[gybe-ho!]

According to The Times this morning, Hamilton decided to go with the Mercedes ride over the issue of 'Image Rights'. In other words he would be allowed to have his own sponsors outside of Mercedes as Shumacher has had for some time. The McLaren team would not allow this. It's quoted that he's likely to be paid estimated &pound;12million per annum with the Silver Arrows over 3 years (around &pound;3million less than he had been getting at McLaren) yet could earn up to &pound;10million in sponsorship deals outside of his immediate Mercedes contract with his own commercial deals. Mercedes had previously paid half his salary back when he was karting, interestingly racing alongside Nico Rosberg.

[wal']

.... which may put him at the highest paid driver that's unlikely to win another Championship?

Interesting