The Official 2007 SECCS Fantasy Formula 1 League!

[sperry]

Okay, the website is getting its final testing wrapped up, so I wanted to kick off the official FF1 discussion thread.

For those that competed last season, nothing is really different, other than the lack of drops (no more MikeK and skimonkey30 out smarting the rest of us... :P) and the new website.

Click on over to http://ff1.seccs.org and check out the FAQ for this season's rules.

For those interested, please post here or PM me, and I'll set up your account just as soon as we're satisfied with our site tests!

If there are any questions about how the site works, feel free to ask them here!

[MattR]

I'm in...I will not suck as badly this season.

[tysonK]

I'm in!

I want to get more lucky picks this year.

[tysonK]

Scott I like your F1 Fantasy site better than the real F1 site!

as far as getting information and layout..

[Motoring]

Count me in! :)

[sperry]

Okay all you "I'm in" people, where's your $21.20? :P

<-- paid today

[Nick Koan]

I'm in like Flynn.

(and paid too).

[sperry]

Nick's paid! Account info coming in a PM... please login and change your password!

[Nick Koan]

Sweet. And I'm in first place too!

[sperry]

Sweet. And I'm in first place too!
Looks like you're tied for 1st to me. :P

[MattR]

I paid. Where's my password.

[tysonK]

I paid. Where's my password.

[sperry]

PM's coming...

...except for Tyson because his bank is so crappy that it will take a week for his "e-check" payment to paypal to clear. :roll:

[tysonK]

I think you have the same bank as me..

[sperry]

I think you have the same bank as me..
Have you not confirmed your bank account w/ PayPal then? You're the only one that has to wait for a clearance process for the transfer to go through!

Also... I talked Lisa into playing along this season. :)

[tysonK]

Maybe I don't have enough in my checking.

Anyways.

Looks like it's going to be an interesting season with everyone joining in. If it's anything like fantasy football beginers luck is a powerful force.

[zpeed]

Ok I'm in but still confuse please help me out here. I never play fantasy football so it is hard for me try to understand this.

# A participant may not pick a driver more than 8 times during the season
For example We have 17 Rounds, but I can only pick Sato for 8 rounds right.

[tysonK]

# A participant may not pick a driver more than 8 times during the season
For example We have 17 Rounds, but I can only pick Sato for 8 rounds right.

are you joking?



you can only pick him 8 times.

[skimonkey30]

im in

[sperry]

Ok I'm in but still confuse please help me out here. I never play fantasy football so it is hard for me try to understand this.

# A participant may not pick a driver more than 8 times during the season
For example We have 17 Rounds, but I can only pick Sato for 8 rounds right.
Yeah you got it. The idea is that you won't be able to pick all the heavy hitters for the whole season... you have to manage getting as many points per round while knowing that if you pick Alonso for every round, by round 8, he won't be available.

[skimonkey30]

man i shouldve read the directions :lol:

I'm paid up scott

[sperry]

I got you David!

[sperry]

Hey Matt... when's Carrie signing up?

Also, what's it gonna take to get Aaron in this year... has he learned anything since last season? :lol:

And, has anyone seen Pat online lately? I wonder if he'd be interested even though he's off in AZ.

I was hoping for 15 or 20 people this season... I'm tempted to post up on NASIOC, but then I'm afraid we'd get a buttload of random people... I invited the group that I race with online occasionally, but they don't seem interested. Can anyone think of any SCCA people I should contact?

[Nick Koan]

On NASIOC, you could probably cut down on the randoms by posting the invite only in the F1 thread (instead of a new thread in Motorsports or god forbid OT).

[zpeed]

Sperry: ok sign me up. let me know so I can paypal.

[tysonK]

Scott, you should get a mail from the dude at work who I chat F1 with. His name is Shandise Mehfrokanham(sp, this is close though).

I told him to get on it, but I'm not his supervisor so I don't know how much weight that carries.

[sperry]

Sperry: ok sign me up. let me know so I can paypal.
I've got you all set, send your entrant fee via the paypal link on the FF1 site, and I'll activate your account!

[sperry]

Scott, you should get a mail from the dude at work who I chat F1 with. His name is Shandise Mehfrokanham(sp, this is close though).

I told him to get on it, but I'm not his supervisor so I don't know how much weight that carries.
Nothing yet, but I'll keep an eye out for his mail.

[sperry]

Sperry: ok sign me up. let me know so I can paypal.
I got a paypal from Nat, was that for you zpeed?

[SteveM]

I'm in. Looks like fun.

[sperry]

I'm in. Looks like fun.
I got you! Check your PMs.

Also, MikeK's friend Milan joined today as well. :cool:

[Kevin M]

Yeah, Nat=zpeed.

[Motoring]

Hey Matt... when's Carrie signing up?


I just sent you some money.

BTW - The site looks great!!!

[sybir]

Also, what's it gonna take to get Aaron in this year... has he learned anything since last season? :lol:



I ain't learned shit!
My attention span is too short. I like watching, but not analyzing it too much :D

You should put in a randomizer for choices, I want the shotgun approach :p

[sperry]

Carrie, you're all set, check your PMs. Also, the PM notification email to you bounced, so you might want to check the email address you have for the board. ;)

[zpeed]

thank you BAN SUV. That's me Nat = Zpeed
Yeah, Nat=zpeed.

[sperry]

Holy crap, I just got a paypal from Loren (aka Mel Torme) for the league... I hope he knows he's joining a round late!

[Tahoe C5]

Thanks Scott,

Better late than never?! I guess I'll have to consult my psychic advisor to catch up!

[sperry]

Thanks Scott,

Better late than never?! I guess I'll have to consult my psychic advisor to catch up!
Cool, I'll email you your account info in a second!

Good luck, you're now the official underdog! :cool:

[sperry]

Loren, I mailed your info to the email address you provided with your paypal payment. Let me know if you have any issues getting in.

[MattR]

Loren will be fine...I should have started a round late too :rolleyes:

[sperry]

Just thought I'd post a reminder in this thread since it's been 20 days since the last round...

ONE HOUR 'till picks are due! :devil:

[MikeK]

I found this link on NABISCO: http://www.visionf1.com/

You can replay animations of F1 races for the last 3 years

[sperry]

I found this link on NABISCO: http://www.visionf1.com/

You can replay animations of F1 races for the last 3 years
No USA '05? I wanted to see just 6 dots race.

[MikeK]

Religious people think a dead pope saved Kubica (http://uk.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUKL2886632020070628)

Poltergiests to be banned by the FIA for 2008?

[Nick Koan]

Religious people think a dead pope saved Kubica (http://uk.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUKL2886632020070628)

Poltergiests to be banned by the FIA for 2008?

Its the only logical explanation.

[MikeK]

Indianapolis dropped from the 2008 F1 calendar (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/2007/07/12/umindy112.xml)

[MattR]

Looks like Christjian Albers lost his seat at Spyker...Rumor is that Christian Klien is testing for the seat.

[skimonkey30]

Looks like Christjian Albers lost his seat at Spyker...Rumor is that Christian Klien is testing for the seat.

Winkelhock looks to be in line for the European GP

http://www.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/070717100132.shtml

[sperry]

Well, as soon as it's official, I'll update the site w/ the new Spyker driver (not that it'll matter :lol: ).

[Nick Koan]

Okay, its offical now. Winkelhock will drive a Spyker.

http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2007/7/6480.html

[MattR]

Winklehock is a chump. He's been a pinball all year in DTM. Anyway, I just wish the Spyker was slightly interesting to watch, the car is so uncompetitive it's rediculous. Winklehock's small victory will come if he manages NOT to drive away from the pits with the fuel rig in tow.

[sperry]

Alonso sucks:

According to Agence France-Presse, European Grand Prix winner Fernando Alonso accused Felipe Massa of deliberately hitting his car during the duel that opposed both drivers at the end of Sunday's race on the Nürburgring track.

A few minutes before the traditional ceremony, Ferrari's Felipe Massa approached McLaren's Fernando Alonso and shook his hand in the room adjacent to the podium. The folllowing conversation ensued in Italian.

FA: "You can't do things like that."

FM : "What are you talking about?"

FA: "Don't play smart with me, you know very well. You hit me on purpose, you turned the wheel to push me off."

FM : "What? Go f--k yourself!"

FA : "You f--k off! Next time I'll push you into the wall."

Alonso, decidely in a provocative mood, turned and smiled at the live TV camera as Massa walked away very upset, his dark mood still quite apparent during the podium ceremony.

Once tempers had calmed down as the post-race FIA press conference began, Fernando Alonso admitted that he had over-reacted.

"We touched each other two times and I apologise to him (Massa) because I was so stressed when I finished the race because we nearly didn’t finish the race. Now I try to enjoy the victory and forget everything," the Spaniard said as he sat next to Massa, quickly touching his neighbour's forearm in a friendlier gesture.

The Brazilian was still somewhat flared however: "I was really surprised when he came to say that I did that on purpose.
Cliquez ici...
I would never do something like that on purpose. Like I said in Barcelona, it was normal, here it was normal and it's going to be like that. So if he was a little bit unhappy, it's not my problem."

"With Felipe at the end it was close but as I said before, I apologise if I said anything to him, because it's motor racing and it's a fight," added Alonso.

"We finished the race, so I don't want to talk any more about this and I want to enjoy the win," he stated, wishing to close the matter.

Prompted by the assembled journalists, Alonso returned to the delicate subject a few minutes later.

"I was not too happy at the end of the race because we touched each other but now, five minutes later on the podium I realised that this is motor racing, so I will not talk any more," he repeated.

The subject seemed to be closed for Massa also: "If somebody tells me something I did wrong and I didn't, I will be unhappy. That is normal. But if he has apologized, then that's fine. He knows he was not right after the race."

Bad tempers and apologies – on certain occasions, both are a part of motorsports...

http://www.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/070723165104.shtml

I'm glad I called the win and got 10 points and all... but Alonso's kinda of a dickhead. I like him less and less, meanwhile I've grown to like Massa more and more. I hope Felipe whoops Alonso good in Hungary.

[MattR]

I have become a Massa fan as well. He's been an underdog from day one at Ferrari, no one gave him a chance. Hungary is one of my favorite circuits, I'm looking forward to their battle.

[tysonK]

Winklehock is a chump.

He did have a 30+ second lead on the entire field at one point!:lol:

[sperry]

He did have a 30+ second lead on the entire field at one point!:lol:
Which lasted all of about 30 feet on the restart. :lol: 'Course the Spyker is the dog of the field by like 5 seconds a lap...

[MattR]

Winklehock is not really a chump, I actually thought it was pretty cool that he got to lead his home grand prix.

[MPREZIV]

I know I was cheering for him!

[MattR]

Looks like the horrible managemnet at STR is close to firing Speed and Liuzzi. Speed may have lost his seat already, I'm sure we'll hear for sure by the morning.

http://www.speedtv.com/articles/auto/formulaone/38964/

[MPREZIV]

Speed was saying in an interview pre-race last weekend that he "didn't think he'd be there next year".

[Nick Koan]

Looks like Sakon Yamamoto is going to be the second driver for Spyker for Hungary and probably the rest of the year. He'll be picking up right where he left off, and 22nd. But, it sounds like this time he won't be a rolling chicane like last year.

So far this year Yamamoto has attempted to establish himself in Europe, signing to race in the GP2 Series with BCN Competicion and although his season has yet to produce any points, he has nonetheless not disgraced himself on what are entirely new circuits.

http://www.crash.net/news_view~cid~1~id~151886.htm

GPUpdate is reporting this as fact, but everywhere else still seems to be treating this as a rumor with an official announcement coming tomorrow.

http://f1.gpupdate.net/en/news/2007/07/25/yamamoto-joins-spyker/

[Nick Koan]

Confirmed. Yamamoto in a Spyker.

http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2007/7/6534.html

[Nick Koan]

Also, the big McLaren news, no penalty will be issued over the spying charges. But the FIA is reserving the right to call them back later.

The WMSC is satisfied that Vodafone McLaren Mercedes was in possession of confidential Ferrari information and is therefore in breach of article 151c of the International Sporting Code. However, there is insufficient evidence that this information was used in such a way as to interfere improperly with the FIA Formula One World Championship. We therefore impose no penalty.

"But if it is found in the future that the Ferrari information has been used to the detriment of the championship, we reserve the right to invite Vodafone McLaren Mercedes back in front of the WMSC where it will face the possibility of exclusion from not only the 2007 championship but also the 2008 championship.

The WMSC will also invite Mr Stepney and Mr Coughlan to show reason why they should not be banned from international motor sport for a lengthy period and the WMSC has delegated authority to deal with this matter to the legal department of the FIA.

[sperry]

Also, the big McLaren news, no penalty will be issued over the spying charges. But the FIA is reserving the right to call them back later.
Good news. I think that's the right call... everything I've heard sounded like Ferrari got screwed by an ex-employee, and McLaren fired their half of the situation before the stolen info ever really made it to the engineers.

Hopefully both Ferrari and McLaren are satisfied in the situation and let the winner get decided on track. I'd hate to see this become a big legal deal.

[sperry]

So much for Ferrari taking the high road and going after McLaren on the track:

http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2007/7/6542.html

Ugh.

[MattR]

"They took our Jorb!" Scott Speed loses STR seat to Vettel.

story (http://www.speedtv.com/articles/auto/formulaone/39096/)

I hope Seb knows what a pile of shit that STR is compared to his Sauber BMW. I doubt he'll have as much fun as he did at Indy.

[Nick Koan]

Too bad for Scott. Hopefully he'll find a drive back in F1 soon, or something like that.

[skimonkey30]

So much for Ferrari taking the high road and going after McLaren on the track:

http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2007/7/6542.html

Ugh.

Ferrari isnt going to drop it. Mosley has re-opened the case

http://www.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/070731170134.shtml

[sperry]

Man, some crap news from F1 lately...

[Nick Koan]

This really sums up the Nurburgring this year.

http://www.neurosybir.net/nkoan/images/nurburgring2007.jpg

[MattR]

Well, well...Looks like Alonso may be looking to return to Renault.

http://www.speedtv.com/articles/auto/formulaone/39250/

[sperry]

Well, well...Looks like Alonso may be looking to return to Renault.

http://www.speedtv.com/articles/auto/formulaone/39250/
That would be sweet. I hate Alonso, and I'm not a fan of Renault. Putting them back together works for me. Plus, I like Fisi, I wonder how he'd fare in a McLaren. :devil:

[Nick Koan]

Yeah, after this weekend, there have been tons of reports that Alonso is trying to figure out a way of his contract and that Ron Dennis is openly admitting that there is a rift between his drivers, even larger than perhaps the legendary Senna-Prost issues from years past.

I wonder who would fill Alonso's seat if he were to leave? For some reason, I have a hard time thinking it would be Fisi :p

Maybe good ol' Nick Heidfeld.

[sperry]

Yeah, after this weekend, there have been tons of reports that Alonso is trying to figure out a way of his contract and that Ron Dennis is openly admitting that there is a rift between his drivers, even larger than perhaps the legendary Senna-Prost issues from years past.

I wonder who would fill Alonso's seat if he were to leave? For some reason, I have a hard time thinking it would be Fisi :p

Maybe good ol' Nick Heidfeld.
Scott Speed?












:lol:

[skimonkey30]

rumors are swirling that Jean Todt wants to sign Lewis Hamilton away from Mclaren as well

the silly season is getting under way......

[sperry]

rumors are swirling that Jean Todt wants to sign Lewis Hamilton away from Mclaren as well

the silly season is getting under way......
Hammy and Massa on the same team would basically put my two favorite drivers together... well, unless Massa and Sato were together... but I don't see Sato in a Ferrari or Massa in a Super-Best-Friends any time soon. :lol:

[sperry]

So, I'm reading more about the whole Hamilton/Alonso beef.

Here's the sequence of events as far as I can tell:

- Hamilton ignores team orders to let Alonso by during Q3, since it's Alonso's turn to get the ideal strategy for his golden lap.

- McLaren then holds Alonso for like 30 seconds during their 1st stop to get him back on schedule for his golden lap, but when they go to send the car out, there's a 5 seconds additional delay as the RF tire blanket is stuck on the brakes.

- During the last stop, Alonso is told on the radio he will be held for 20 seconds (for traffic?) before being set out on for his golden lap. Hammy ends up being stacked in the pits waiting for Alonso to be released. After 20 seconds, the lolipop goes up, but Alonso sits for 10 more seconds on his own.

- Hammy pits and goes out for his golden lap, but can't complete his out lap before the checkered flag by about 3 seconds.

- Hamilton sits on his earlier lap time, Alonso takes P1. The stewards later doc Alonso 5 grid spots for "blocking" Hamilton in the pits.


So, who's the bigger dick? Did the stewards make the right call? What's going to happen at McLaren?


IMO, it was not cool for Hamilton to ignore his team's policy for qualification strategy... but I can't blame him. First, he's the championship leader... if his teammate was just about anyone else, McLaren would be ensuring he gets the prime strategy each race. Since team orders are technically illegal, he must have figured the FIA would do nothing for him ignoring the "let Alonso by" request. Hell, he was the one with track position during Q3, and he was faster, I wouldn't have slowed down either.

Next, Alonso's maneuver in the pits *was* blocking. He slowed the progress of the car behind him. Once that lollipop is up, he's supposed to go... he didn't, and the rules are in place at the steward's discretion: if they deem someone holds up another driver, they issue a penalty. It happened to Fisi too that race. So, even if Alonso was waiting for a go call on the radio, he *looked* like he was holding up Hammy, and that is grounds for penalization. If it really was McLaren's fault and not Alonso's personally, the penalty still stands 'cause then it was McLaren's fault... same as if they put an illegal part on the car.

So, personally, I agree with the penalty on Alonso, but none on Hammy. Though, I'm not sure where I stand on the whole "no manufacturers points" penalty. I guess if McLaren hadn't tried to cover up Alonso's move and explain it away, it would have been a grid penalty only?

Either way, now there are rumors that Alonso wants out of McLaren... and frankly, good riddance. I was really impressed with Alonso in '05 when he held of Shumi in masterful fashion for the championship, but it's been all downhill since then. Too much attitude, too much arrogance, too much hypocrisy... Alonso only won last year 'cause Ferrari dropped the ball, and Michael had that one DNF. Clearly he wasn't the best driver last season. And IMO, that's true this year... I think Hamilton is obviously better... so much so that even though Alonso's getting preferential treatment (despite his claims he gets screwed 'cause he's not British :roll: ) from the team, Hamilton is still leading him in the championship.

All I know is that I'd much rather see two good teams, each with one great driver and one great support driver, fighting for the championship, than one team with two great drivers fighting amongst themselves. IMO, F1 is a team sport... both cars should be running for the goal of the team championship... that way the FIA can keep its rules out of what a team is allowed to do with their own cars.

[Dean]

They should settle this like men... Sabers or Pistols at dawn!

Sorry, couldn't resist. Going back to my NASCAR thread now... ;)

[Kevin M]

They should settle this like men... Sabers or Pistols at dawn!

Sorry, couldn't resist. Going back to my NASCAR thread now... ;)

Champagne corks at 10 paces.

[sperry]

They should settle this like men... Sabers or Pistols at dawn!

Sorry, couldn't resist. Going back to my NASCAR thread now... ;)
That wouldn't work... Alonso does his killing after lunch.

[sperry]

Rumors in F1 tend to have legs:

http://www.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/070807114126.shtml

Looks like Alonso is going to be released at the end of the season... how much you wanna bet if he can swing an earlier departure he will? I just hope he doesn't go to BMW. Back to Renault with you Alonso!

[tysonK]

Yeah it's been building all season I think.

I'm not a Hamilton fan he seems self absorbed and he still a little too cocky for me.

Ever since his first win he's getting more and more entitled it annoys me. Yeah he's good I know.

I hate his smirky face during after race interviews.

[sperry]

Well, Hamilton shows the most promise of any driver in the history of F1. And, he's backing it up with impeccable driving, and displays wisdom that maybe only Schumacher displayed after years of racing.

If anyone in F1 has the right to be cocky, it's Lewis Hamilton... he's the real deal. Not that that's reason to like him... but it does explain his sense of entitlement... he's entitled.

[MattR]

Bordais officially confirmed for Toro Rosso seat in 08. Bleh, I can't wait to root against him...I'm not a big Seb fan. Liuzzi???

http://www.speedtv.com/articles/auto/formulaone/39335/

[sperry]

Bordais was going to have a hard time in F1 no matter what... but with the Toro Rosso clusterfuck of a team behind him, it'll be easy to laugh at his guaranteed failure.

I've lost all love for STR after the poor handling of the Scott Speed incident. To claim they dropped him for "performance" reasons while his on track stats outperformed Tonio across the board is bullshit. Hell, Tonio hasn't even finished in what, like 9 GPs straight? :roll: I've got no dislike for Liuzzi, but he was the weaker of the two drivers. I hope he gets a ride elsewhere as well. Maybe STR can pick up Albers or something. Albers and Bordais. :lol:

[Nick Koan]

STR has already confirmed Vettel for '08 as well.

Looks like two good drivers might be ruining their careers for Team Sea Bass.

[sperry]

STR has already confirmed Vettel for '08 as well.

Looks like two good drivers might be ruining their careers for Team Sea Bass.
I missed that! So it's Seb and Seb... and I'm guessing they'll still be one of those "wow they got one of their drivers past Q1!?" type teams next season.

[Nick Koan]

Looks like Speed is heading to NASCAR

http://www.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/070814163710.shtml

[sperry]

Looks like Speed is heading to NASCAR

http://www.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/070814163710.shtml
Boo! Unless he goes in there as a massive hot-shot asshole that just wrecks up everyone. I'd watch that.

[sperry]

Well... that'll do it:

http://www.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/070814144009.shtml

Honda designed and has developed its disastrous RA107 single seater with an incompetent wind tunnel, according to team driver and Formula One veteran Rubens Barrichello.

Just prior to the recent Hungarian Grand Prix, where the Brazilian and his teammate Jenson Button embarrassingly languished as backmarkers, Barrichello travelled to the Japanese team's Brackley base in the UK.

He said he wanted to meet Honda's two new aerodynamic acquisitions: Williams' Loic Bigois and John Owen, who came from BMW.

"We had a very long talk and they made a great impression," Barrichello said.

"I heard from them exactly what I expected to. They believe that our wind tunnel's calibration is wrong and because of that everything that has been developed has not been effective."

"We will have to change many things -- even parts of the structure inside the tunnel. It will be about a month until we are able to see changes," Barrichello reported.

:lol:

[MattR]

OMG, so their shitty windtunnel is to blame for all this? hahahah.

[sperry]

Awesome news: Prodrive will be the McLaren B-Team in '08! IMO, they should be at least middle-pack right from the get-go... no Super Aguri or Spyker languishing for them!

http://www.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/070815165730.shtml

[Kevin M]

I'd love to see delaRosa as a Prodrive driver next year, and McLaren is awesome news!

Now make some freakin crew shirts for me to buy already Richards! :mad:

[MattR]

Well, the only team that seems to make sense to me anymore is Sauber BMW...They made a smart move by signing Kubica and Heidfeld for 08, I think they have the best team chemistry in F1 right now, if only they could pick up a win!!!!

http://www.speedtv.com/articles/auto/formulaone/39609/

[skimonkey30]

Well, the only team that seems to make sense to me anymore is Sauber BMW...They made a smart move by signing Kubica and Heidfeld for 08, I think they have the best team chemistry in F1 right now, if only they could pick up a win!!!!

http://www.speedtv.com/articles/auto/formulaone/39609/

well I guess that means the only option for alonso should he choose to opt out would be to head back to renault

[Nick Koan]

well I guess that means the only option for alonso should he choose to opt out would be to head back to renault

And its sounding like that's the most realistic destination, if he leave McLaren. Telefonica is already will to put a ton of money behind his return to Renault.

[skimonkey30]

And its sounding like that's the most realistic destination, if he leave McLaren. Telefonica is already will to put a ton of money behind his return to Renault.

if he doesnt leave mclaren this will be one of the most boring silly seasons ever :lol:

I did hear that Telefonica rumor as well

[Joeyy]

Just a Michael Schumacher note.

http://f1.gpupdate.net/en/news/2007/08/20/michael-schumacher-joins-karting-team/

[skimonkey30]

Just a hunch but I think Nelson Piquet Jr. is going to be driving for Renault next year. They had him testing the 2007 car with the 2008 ECU package with no driver aids

http://www.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/070828210353.shtml

[sperry]

So, who's starting the unofficial 2008 driver's line-up? I will!

McLaren - Lewis Hamilton, ???
Ferrari - Felipe Massa, Kimi Raikkonen
Renault - Fernando Alonso, Nelson Piquet Jr.
BMW/Sauber - Nick Heidfeld, Robert Kubica
Toyota - Giancarlo Fisichella, ???
Honda - Jensen Button, Rubens Barrichello
Williams - Nico Rosberg, Alexander Wurz
Red Bull - Mark Webber, David Coulthard
Torro Rosso - Sebastian Bordais, Sebastian Vettle
Super Aguri - Takuma Sato, Anthony Davidson
Prodrive - Pedro DeLaRossa, ???
Spyker - Out of Business

Make up your own Silly Season 2.0! :lol:

[MattR]

McClaren #2 = Jeff Gordon!!!!!!

[sperry]

:lol:

[Kevin M]

McClaren #2 = Jeff Gordon!!!!!!

Dammit you beat me. :lol:

[Nick Koan]

Jarno has a contract with Toyota next year (or 09), so I expect him there. There are also rumors that Timo Glock is lined up to join Toyota, though there is also talk of Nico Rosberg going there as well. I think Giancarlo will be gone from F1 next year. Gary Paffett is linked to the other Prodrive drive.

So,
McLaren - Lewis Hammilton, Fernando Alonso
Ferrari - Felipe Massa, Kimi Raikkonen
Renault - Hekki Kovalinen, Nelson Piquet Jr
BMW - Nick Heidfed, Robert Kubica
Toyota - Jarno Trulli, Nico Rosberg
Honda - Jenson Button, Rubens Barrichello
Williams - Timo Glock, Kazuki Nakajima
Red Bull - Mark Webber, David Coulthard
Toro Rosso - Team Sea-bass
Super Aguri - Taku and Ant
Prodrive - PDLR, Gary Paffett
Orange India - Adrian Sutil, Narain Karthikeyan.

[sperry]

No way Alonso is at McLaren next season. I'm surprised he's attempting to stick it out in '07 as it is. He obviously wants to be gone, McLaren seems like they would rather have Hammy, and with the Telefonica money and Renault's desperate need of a top-caliber driver, I've got to think Alonso will just go back there.

[Nick Koan]

I agree its probably more likely, but I don't think its a foregone conclusion just yet.

Plus, I couldn't figure out a team where Hekki would go (maybe Williams instead of Nakajima), and I think he'll stay in F1 next year even if he leaves Renault.

[skimonkey30]

No way Alonso is at McLaren next season. I'm surprised he's attempting to stick it out in '07 as it is. He obviously wants to be gone, McLaren seems like they would rather have Hammy, and with the Telefonica money and Renault's desperate need of a top-caliber driver, I've got to think Alonso will just go back there.

Rumors are swirling that Alonso's manager has possibly found a loophole in his contract that allows him to get out of it because Mclaren was found guilty of violating the sporting code in the Stepney-Gate saga.

Another Rumor is that Alonso will suit up for BMW in 09 which is why Mario Thissen is not speculating on how long Nick Heidfeld's actual race contract is past 08

ahh silly season how I've missed you :lol:

[sperry]

Rumors are swirling that Alonso's manager has possibly found a loophole in his contract that allows him to get out of it because Mclaren was found guilty of violating the sporting code in the Stepney-Gate saga.

Another Rumor is that Alonso will suit up for BMW in 09 which is why Mario Thissen is not speculating on how long Nick Heidfeld's actual race contract is past 08

ahh silly season how I've missed you :lol:
I thought McLaren already said they'd be happy to release Alonso from his contract at the end of the season?

[Nick Koan]

I don't think that statement is official yet, and Norbert Haug keeps saying the contract is still valid and that Alonso will be driving for McLaren in 08.

[Nick Koan]

I don't know if its confirmed as fact yet, but there is a lot of buzz about the Skyker F1 team being sold,to Michael Mol (who is currently team principal and until a few weeks ago an exec at Spyker cars) and Indian billionaire Vijay Mallya. In other articles I've read, Mallya is the owner of many different companies in India including Kingfisher which currently sponsors Toyota.

http://www.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/070902111545.shtml

Anyways, looks like Narain might be on his way back to F1.

[sperry]

As soon as I saw "Indian Billionaire" I though of Karthikeyan. :lol:

[skimonkey30]

new evidence??? Uh-oh

http://www.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/070905182039.shtml

discuss

[sperry]

I saw that. The silly season would be complete if the 1st person ever to win the championship in his rookie season was stripped of the title due to his team cheating.

[skimonkey30]

From what I heard Varsha talking about this morning it sounds like De La Rosa and Alonso are bringing the new evidence in the Stepney Gate.

Apparently De La Rosa sent an email to Alonso detailing some secret ferrari setup info he got from Mike Coughlin

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/62097

[sperry]

From what I heard Varsha talking about this morning it sounds like De La Rosa and Alonso are bringing the new evidence in the Stepney Gate.

Apparently De La Rosa sent an email to Alonso detailing some secret ferrari setup info he got from Mike Coughlin

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/62097
Oh snaps! I think McLaren is fucked.

Also in F1 news, Q3 is finally getting rid of the goofy fuel credit nonsense:

F1's Sporting Working Group has agreed to rid the current qualifying format of the controversial phenomenon known as 'fuel burning' ahead of the 2008 season.

Because of the format's clash with the parallel parc ferme regulations, drivers currently approach the opening laps of the top-ten runout with the objective of simply burning fuel and earning 'credits' to add more fuel before the race.

Renault Technical Director Bob Bell remarked that the unrefined system is at the moment "a completely strange thing to do given we're all becoming eco-friendly".

The agreed solution for 2008 is twofold; the final Q3 session will be reduced from 15 minutes to a new (unknown) timeframe, and teams will no longer be able to replace burned fuel prior to Sunday's race.
Cliquez ici...


The tweaks effectively mean that competitors will have to approach the battle for pole position with an initial load of fuel for the race, plus an additional amount for qualifying.

Should drivers make an error on a flying lap, therefore, they will have to weigh up the benefit of another qualifying attempt with possibly compromising the desired strategy for the first stint of the race.

The revised format will now be sent to the World Motor Sport Council for approval.

It means Q3 times will be even slower than Q2, but it does make the rules a bit clearer, and adds that extra element of strategy, where staying out one extra lap means being that much faster and grabbing pole, but also means pitting one lap sooner in the race. Hell, what it really means is that the race *starts* when the pit lane opens in Q3.

Which asks the question, why not put the cars into Parc Ferme at the start of Q1? Meaning the cars have a fixed fuel load from the start of qualifying. Spyker could run light fuel and get themselves into Q2 only to run out of gas on the starting grid! :lol:

[sperry]

More on the DLR/Alonso emails:

http://www.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/070907204845.shtml

If this goes down like it sounds like it will, it's going to SUCK for McLaren. They'll be DQ'd for all this season, and likely all next season. Their two new drivers likely have clauses in their contracts allowing them to leave the team if the team is found guilty of rules infractions, so say hello to two of the best drivers in F1 on the free market for next year. Lewis is going to lose his record breaking rookie championship season that he likely deserves, even if McLaren got tire/setup info from Ferrari.

And just to be devil's advocate, McLaren's use of setup info (if it really is just tire related data) would just be leveling the playing field since Ferrari really had an unfair advantage over everyone else 'cause they were the only competitive Bridgestone team before Michelin left the sport.

[Nick Koan]

I was just reading that article. This sounds pretty bad now for McClaren. I'm also wondering if this takes PDLR out of the running for the Prodrive seat next year. :eek:

[sperry]

I was just reading that article. This sounds pretty bad now for McClaren. I'm also wondering if this takes PDLR out of the running for the Prodrive seat next year. :eek:
I doubt DLR is going to be in any sort of real trouble. If the excerpts from the email are the most damming thing, it doesn't sounds like DLR or ALO had real "cheater" info, they just knew that it existed and didn't tell the FIA when they were asked.

Likely the FIA will give them a talking to, but I doubt they'll be excluded from next season.

[skimonkey30]

Mclaren has apparently been disqualified from the 07 and 08 championships according to first reports

more to come the F1 sites are updating right now

[skimonkey30]

Ok maybe not just yet......here is what i got from f1-planet


According to reports on the BBC, the FIA's World Motor Sport Council has proposed that McLaren are excluded from the 2007 and 2008 World Championships.


However, the corporation claims that the exact nature of the punishment which will be meted out is still being discussed.


As such, Lewis Hamilton's World Championship bid may yet be rekindled, with McLaren expelled from the Constructors' Championship but both Alonso and Hamilton permitted to compete for the Drivers' title.


The FIA has confirmed that a definitive verdict is now imminent.


ALL THE DAMN F1 SITES ARE DOWN!!

[Nick Koan]

Just read the news. Damn.

I'm curious to see what the final verdict is going to be.

[skimonkey30]

here it is

http://www.planet-f1.com/story/0,18954,3213_2726904,00.html

Booted from 2007 Constructors Championship
Hamilton and Alonso can still compete for the Drivers Title
$100 million fine
2008 cars have to be examined prior to taking to the track

Mclaren is to hold a press conference in 30 mins

[skimonkey30]

totally seperate from the Stepneygate saga

but it looks like renault might be in trouble for espionage as well

http://www.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/070913174203.shtml

[sperry]

Silly season. Indeed. :(

[Kevin M]

$100million???? Holy carp!

[sperry]

Looks like it's just constructor points and the $100M fine...

http://www.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/070913194710.shtml

The McLaren Mercedes team has been docked all of their points in the constructors' championship for their role in the spying affair on rivals Ferrari, the FIA announced today.

The news means that Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso are still leading the drivers' championship from their Ferrari rivals.

However, the team has also been hit with a 100 million (US) dollar fine and will have their 2008 challenger, the MP4-23, under observation ahead of next season to ensure that intellectual property rights belonging to Ferrari are not implemented.


McLaren Mercedes led the constructors' championship with 166 points, 23 ahead of Ferrari prior to the announcement. The loss of points will also bring a financial penalty to the team in the longer-term.

The good news is that I don't have to recalculate the FF1 standings! :lol:

[Nick Koan]

$100million???? Holy carp!

That's not even the half of it.

McLaren could lose even more money than that by losing their constructors points. They now lose this years travel budget and TV earnings alloted to them by Formula 1 Management.

[skimonkey30]

That's not even the half of it.

McLaren could lose even more money than that by losing their constructors points. They now lose this years travel budget and TV earnings alloted to them by Formula 1 Management.

exactly

I dont even want to know what a teams travel costs every year :eek:

[Nick Koan]

Actually, it turns out I was wrong.

I found this blurb


“Furthermore, the team will pay a fine equal to $100m, less the FOM income lost as a result of the points' deduction."

So, they aren't getting hit with a double whammy of losing FOM income (from losing points) AND getting fined.

[MikeK]

The official site has already updated the contructor standings:

http://www.formula1.com/teams_and_drivers/teams/

[sperry]

The official site has already updated the contructor standings:

http://www.formula1.com/teams_and_drivers/teams/
:lol:

According to that list... McLaren's "DSQ" is once place higher than Spyker's "0".

[Nick Koan]

:lol:

According to that list... McLaren's "DSQ" is once place higher than Spyker's "0".

:lol:

I wonder how that math works.

Especially since STR is still above the McLarens :lol:

EDIT: I think it goes by non-points paying finishes.

Both STR and McLaren have one 9th place finish which ties them, but since McLaren has no other non-points paying finishes, STR comes out on top with the greater number of 12th place finishes (or whatever it really is).

Since Spykers best finish this season is a 13th, they are actually behind the DSQ'd Macca. :lol:

[sperry]

That doesn't make sense. McLaren was penalized by removal of points not finishes. They still have all sorts of wins/seconds/thirds/etc. So they should be leading all teams with 0 points, or they should be dead last with a DSQ for every round of the manufacturer's championship. It makes no sense to DSQ only their points finishes... either they cheated or they didn't, right?

[Nick Koan]

I think the algorithm for teams with zero points must only takes into account 9th-22nd finishes. I dunno for certain, I'm just guessing on the evidence that STR is somehow ahead of McLaren in the zero points battle.

I'll bet its just an inconsistency in the rules, as there might be no contingency for figuring out final standings with one team being disqualified.

[Nick Koan]

Yeah, according to another news report the actual standings are as follows, with McLaren specifially excluded.

1. Ferrari 143 points
2. BMW Sauber 86 points
3. Renault 38 points
4. Williams-Toyota 25 points
5. Red Bull-Renault 16 points
6. Toyota 12 points
7. Super Aguri-Honda 4 points
8. Honda 2 points
9. Scuderia Toro Rosso-Ferrari 0 points
= Spyker-Ferrari 0 points

EX. McLaren-Mercedes 166 points.

[Nick Koan]

I haven't had a chance to read it, but the full FIA findings have been released.

http://www.planet-f1.com/story/0,18954,3213_2728560,00.html

[skimonkey30]

I haven't had a chance to read it, but the full FIA findings have been released.

http://www.planet-f1.com/story/0,18954,3213_2728560,00.html

Well we know that alonso was involved for sure now. At least Hamilton wasnt involved

[skimonkey30]

In the penalty section 9.2 it states that:

McLaren will be permitted to race in the remaining rounds of the 2007 Championship but will not be permitted to score points in the Constructors Championship or attend the podium in the event of a top three finish in any of the remaining races in the 2007 season


does this mean that if Alonso and Hamilton 1-2 (or some combination of a top 3) there will only be the third place finisher on the podium?? The only time I cant think of a mclaren employee (besides hamilton and alonso) going up there is if they win the race to accept the constructors trophy

[Dean]

If you can believe what they were talking about during practice, apparently Alonso was attempting to blackmail Mclaren into sacking Hamilton and making him the number 1 driver with somebody replacing Hamilton. Now that is F'd up if true.

[sperry]

If you can believe what they were talking about during practice, apparently Alonso was attempting to blackmail Mclaren into sacking Hamilton and making him the number 1 driver with somebody replacing Hamilton. Now that is F'd up if true.
Even if it's not true, Alonso's a dickhead. Hammy's a bit cocky too, but at least he's not two-faced the way Alonso is... watching his interviews remind me of watching a presidential press conference w/ all the spin coming out of his mouth.

[Dean]

Well, now that the FIA has said they are going to watch to make sure there is no retaliation against Alonso, apparently he thinks he thinks he can get away with anything.

That start was a blatant attempt to put Hamilton off track IMHO and he could well have damaged one or both cars. I'd fire him anyway!

[sperry]

I didn't get to see the race... my DVR went haywire and recorded 12 hours of Comedy Central because it thought there was an infinitely long episode of Scrubs. :mad:

If anyone's got it, please save it! I don't want to check out the standings before seeing it.

[Dean]

I didn't get to see the race... my DVR went haywire and recorded 12 hours of Comedy Central because it thought there was an infinitely long episode of Scrubs. :mad:

If anyone's got it, please save it! I don't want to check out the standings before seeing it.I've got it still and can burn it to a DVD if you want.

[sperry]

I've got it still and can burn it to a DVD if you want.
My hero!!

[skimonkey30]

http://www.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/070917181815.shtml

interesting.......it sounds as if Mclaren could actually score 15 more points this year to bring the $100m fine down based on their FOM earnings

[Nick Koan]

Yeah, they can't get the points, but it'll help offset the costs on the $100m fine.

[MikeK]

http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5jD1UTHUKPZwCFZHKugRtk7Km787w

India will host a race in Dehli in 2010

[MattR]

It looks like I still have Spa on my DVR if you haven't yet seen it Scott.

[sperry]

It looks like I still have Spa on my DVR if you haven't yet seen it Scott.
Dean hooked me up w/ it on DVD, so I've seen it.

...and, welcome back! :)

[MattR]

It's f'n nice to be back home. I don't think I'll be out tonight, but see you all soon.

[sperry]

McLaren won't appeal the WMSC penalty:

http://f1.gpupdate.net/en/news/2007/09/21/mclaren-won-t-appeal-against-wmsc-decision/

Good for McLaren to suck it up, and move on with life. I'm sure they could have at least gotten the fine reduced (considering how massive it was) on an appeal. I just hope the reason they're not appealing is 'cause Ron Dennis is an upstanding guy that just wants to do what's best for his sport, and not 'cause there's more info out there that may have gotten his driver DSQ'd as well.

Assuming McLaren's really taking the high-road, I think it makes Ferrari look kinda like a spoiled brat... Bitching about the original decision in order to get the Manufacturer's Championship handed to them instead of going out there and earning it, which they are capable of.

[MattR]

The Spyker sale to an Indian Billionaire was made official today. No word on planned changes for this year's team, but I would expect some big changes for 08. The New Spyker chassis showed HUGE improvements at Spa, with Adrian Sutil running as hi as 12th place and looking very racey.

[sperry]

Oh... my... god... :lol:

http://www.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/070922154959.shtml

So, can McLaren now sue the FIA for their $100M back? :lol:

[Kevin M]

That.... is... awesome! :lol:

[Nick Koan]

Oh damn.

Alonso to Ferrari (Rumor)

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/24/breaking-alonso-to-ferrari-for-40-mil/

Massa talking to Toyota

http://www.crash.net/news_view~cid~1~id~154835.htm

Wow.

[sperry]

Massa at Toyota would kinda suck. I'm really starting to love watching Massa drive, and I'd like to see him in a top tier team. Not that Toyota is a back-marker team, but they're certainly not Ferrari or McLaren.

To be honest, Massa and Hamilton at McLaren would be ideal to me as a fan. For some reason I see their personalities working in the teams favor even if they're fighting amongst themselves for "team leader", rather than this Alonso/Hammy garbage.

[Kevin M]

Kimi + Alonso would be fun too.

[Nick Koan]

Kimi + Alonso would be fun too.

Fun in the same way that watching prima donnas in a fist fight is fun.

[Kevin M]

Ed Zachary.

[Nick Koan]

Gonna have to update my predictions.

McLaren - Lewis Hammilton, Adrian Sutil
Ferrari - Fernando Alonso, Kimi Raikkonen
Renault - Hekki Kovalinen, Nelson Piquet Jr
BMW - Nick Heidfed, Robert Kubica
Toyota - Jarno Trulli, Felipe Massa
Honda - Jenson Button, Rubens Barrichello
Williams - Nico Rosberg, Kazuki Nakajima
Red Bull - Mark Webber, David Coulthard
Toro Rosso - Team Sea-bass
Super Aguri - Taku and Ant
Prodrive - Timo Glock, Gary Paffett
Orange India - Roldan Rodriguez, Lucas di Grassi

[skimonkey30]

im burning all my ferrari gear if alonso comes to the scuderia

[Pat R.]

im burning all my ferrari gear if alonso comes to the scuderia

+1

Thankfully the only Ferrari gear I have is a book of matches!

[skimonkey30]

+1

Thankfully the only Ferrari gear I have is a book of matches!

can i borrow one? :lol:

[MattR]

nick, I think your picks are pretty close to what will actually happen. Sutil is on the hot list right now, especially after his drive in Spa, he's getting noticed. You really think Paffet will finally get a seat? I hope so.

[MattR]

I am anti Alonso as well, i used to respect the guy, and I believed that a lot of these stories were just media hype, but now I see that he's truly a baby who instigates drama.

[Nick Koan]

nick, I think your picks are pretty close to what will actually happen. Sutil is on the hot list right now, especially after his drive in Spa, he's getting noticed. You really think Paffet will finally get a seat? I hope so.

Yeah, the last two are really up in the air. I think both Prodrive and Spyker (whatever it turns into) will be pulling mainly from GP2 and current test drivers. Sutil going to McLaren is a longshot as well, but I really think he's got a good shot. He's shown that he has the potential to be successful in a good car, and the fact that most of the other decent drivers have already signed makes me think he's on the short list to occupy the second McLaren seat next year.

[sperry]

I am anti Alonso as well, i used to respect the guy, and I believed that a lot of these stories were just media hype, but now I see that he's truly a baby who instigates drama.
The one time I was impressed by Alonso was his drive in '05 (at Interlagos IIRC) to hold off Michael and lock-up the championship. He did a fantastic job of being just fast enough to keep from being passed, but slow enough to ruin Schumacher's chance of capitalizing on fuel load. I thought it was a brilliant drive and deserving of a world championship.

Since then, I've seen less and less brilliant driving, and more winning due to circumstance. Last year's championship was won only because Ferrari had some bad luck. If it had come down to brilliant driving in '06 rather than "who had the least bad luck" Michael would have chewed Alonso up and spit him out on the way to #8 and a retirement championship.

After seeing Alonso become more and more of a whiner and a punk... it hurts more and more that Michael didn't beat him for the championship last year. :(

[Nick Koan]

STR docked their 8th place finish from last night. Sutil gets his first point!
Liuzzi gets a 25 second penalty for passing under yellow.

http://www.crash.net/news_view~cid~1~id~155180.htm


Also, Vettel gets a 10 grid spot penalty for his shennanigans.
http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2007/9/6904.html

Also Webber and Vettel are sharing some nice words. Vettel almost blames Hammilton too.

Vettel:
“I made a good start and the race was going well. Then, with the final safety car, I was behind Lewis and Mark and exiting Turn 13, I looked to the right and saw Lewis going really slowly, I don't know why, but I thought he had a problem.

“Probably he was heating his brakes. Then, by the time I looked forward again, I was already in the back of Mark's car and I think he had also reacted to Lewis. I apologise now to Mark because I ruined both our races.”

Webber
“That was a completely disastrous finish. Vettel was a bit wild behind me during the first safety car period and then did a very good job of hitting me very hard under the second safety car. I think today he will have learnt a very valuable lesson.”

“We were in very, very good shape to challenge Lewis for first today. We were strong and I didn't make any mistakes despite the tricky conditions, cars were aquaplaning and the visibility was very poor. Fernando's crash caused the second safety car stint, which bunched everyone back up again. That wasn't great; I would have liked to have continued to the end of the race.”

[Dean]

The world feed sucks!!!! The coverage of the battle at the end was hideous.

I'd love to see a well edited version of it.

[Nick Koan]

Yeah, I love hearing the broadcasters saying "No, don't cut away. Argh"

And another battle that didn't get televised was that Kimi got around Heikki for a few corners, but Heikki says he re-passed Kimi a few corners later.

http://www.crash.net/news_view~cid~1~id~155154.htm

That would have been a cool battle to watch as well.

[Dean]

Yeah, I love hearing the broadcasters saying "No, don't cut away. Argh" Agreed. It was all part of the same thing they should have been covering on the last lap. They had been following the closing gap for 2 laps and then decided to follow Hamilton as he drove around alone... And they apparently didn't even have it on "tape" to go back to and show us. If this is the premier racing league, why do they have third rate video coverage week after week? Lowest bidder? Speed manages to cover battles throughout the field in ALMS, GT, Touring car, etc. with 3 guys and some camcorders. :)

Is it a dedicated F1 video crew or is it a different crew for each country? Either way, somebody needs to be fired.

[Nick Koan]

Each country has a different company take the pictures for the world feed. So, Fuji TV can take full responsibility for the third rate video coverage.

Anyway, in other spoiler news:


Hammilton is under investigation for his safety car tactics. There is new evidence that may actually link his driving to the Vettel/Webber crash.
http://www.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/071004133219.shtml

Also, here is a video of the crash from a different angle than speed showed us
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeOklNLuUoU

[sperry]

Okay, so F1 opens an investigation based upon a video on YouTube... then makes YouTube take the video down citing copyright. :rolleyes:

Give me a break.

[skimonkey30]

Okay, so F1 opens an investigation based upon a video on YouTube... then makes YouTube take the video down citing copyright. :rolleyes:

Give me a break.

the one in the f1-live article is still up

[sperry]

the one in the f1-live article is still up
I saw the article on GPUpdate, and the link there was down:

http://f1.gpupdate.net/en/news/2007/10/04/stewards-investigating-hamilton-for-webber-vettel-crash/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hWIfBkVQUk

And, after watching the F1 Live link... I don't see how anything's Hamilton's fault. Sure he slowed the pace, but he was way off line... Webber and Vettel were fine to roll past him temporarily in the name of not crashing. But Webber put the binders on unnecessarily hard, and Vettel was tailgating, which IMO is where the fault lies.

No offense intended to Vettel, he's not a bad kid, but he should have known people will heat the brakes behind the SC, and if you follow closely at least be off-line from the guy in front. Hell, that's not just basic race-craft, that's basic driving in traffic knowledge. I bet if Vettel had had a plain-old normal driver's license for more than 2 years, that accident wouldn't have happened. I really feel for the kid, 'cause he had a real shot at a podium spot that race... but if he's that quick in the wet (the great equalizer), if he ever gets a front-row car under him, he'll be back.

[Nick Koan]

As expected, Hammilton has been cleared of the charges.

http://f1.gpupdate.net/en/news/2007/10/05/no-penalty-for-hamilton/

[MattR]

I watched China practice before work this morning, and Peter Windsor says the word in the paddock is that Timo Glock will be taking Ralf's Toyota seat next year.

[Nick Koan]

Vettel's 10 grid penalty was rescinded.

http://www.f1technical.net/news/7322

[sperry]

Vettel's 10 grid penalty was rescinded.

http://www.f1technical.net/news/7322
Good news. Poor Vettel's probably been beating him self up enough as it is... to also hurt his chances in China for some points seemed unfair.

[Nick Koan]

Yeah, it was pretty heartbreaking seeing him in the garage after he limped his car back.

Rookie mistake, especially in such horrid conditions. Chalk that one up to experience and call it a day.

[Nick Koan]

http://www.crash.net/news_view.asp?cid=1&id=155619

Wurz has announced that he is retiring from F1 immediately.

Williams will have a new driver for Brazil. I'm putting my money on Nakajima.

[Nick Koan]

Yup, not really a surprise, but Kazuki Nakajima will be driving for Williams in Brazil.

That makes 3 Japanese drivers in Brazil. So, along with the German drivers and the Itallian drivers, we're almost 50/50 axis vs. allies in Brazil.

[sperry]

Give me a break.

http://www.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/071009163435.shtml

No way McLaren would sabotage Alonso. In fact, if you want to talk about sabotaging a driver, I would say that leaving Hammy out for too long sounds an awful lot more like sabotage than a few pounds too much air in the tires. Over-inflating tires is a mistake... if it even occurred. Alonso's tuned into a huge baby. I hope Massa punts him to help Kimi to the win in Brazil, and Hammy takes the championship with a podium finish. :cool:

[tysonK]

I still don't really like Hamilton all that much.

[Kevin M]

For a top-notch F1 driver, his ego is pretty much in check and he says the right htings.

[Nick Koan]

He is kinda smug though.

[Kevin M]

Well yeah, but he's arguably one of the 5 best drivers in the world, and has a reasonable claim to being the best. So I'm saying that on the scale of ridiculously talented people who are paid millions of dollars to do something completely and totally non-essential to human development... he's pretty low key.

[MikeK]

Give me a break.

http://www.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/071009163435.shtml


This says more about the FIA than about anything else. These retards are out of control lately, some of the crap they've come out with over the last few races is completely ridiculous.

[Nick Koan]

The headline says it all. Prodrive-McLaren deal is off.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/63182

Prodrive probably won't have enough time to build their own car now for the 08 season.

[Kevin M]

Hmm.... sounds like McLaren is getting cold feet over the Williams legal issue. Could that be resoved in tiem for McLaren to follow through with the deal after all?

[Nick Koan]

In 2 weeks there will be a hearing on whether or not customer cars will be allowed.

[sperry]

That sucks. But it opens the doors for a Prodrive chassis running a subaru v8 F1 motor! :lol:

[Nick Koan]

Another one where the headline says it all.

http://f1.gpupdate.net/en/news/2007/10/11/fia-appoints-special-scrutineer-to-keep-eye-on-alonso-s-car/

FIA appoints special scrutineer to keep eye on Alonso's car

Hopefully now, Alonso will be in no danger of Hamilton letting air out of his tires.

[MikeK]

Since when is it the FIA's jorb to give 1 driver special treatment? I have no idea why I watch F1 anymore.

[skimonkey30]

time to update the driver list again Nick

http://www.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/071011094058.shtml

[sperry]

Since when is it the FIA's jorb to give 1 driver special treatment? I have no idea why I watch F1 anymore.
McLaren should just set Alonso's rev limiter to 8,000 rpm for the race. WTF is a scrutineer going to do to prevent that? More importantly, what business is it of the FIA's to regulate that a driver gets a particular level of support from his team? Is the FIA going to doc Hamilton points or something if Alonso is unhappy with his car? It's not like they can take away constructor's points. :roll:

If I were McLaren, and I knew my driver was being a bitch about driving what's arguably the best prepared car in F1, and I knew he's trying to leave the team at the end of the year, I would just fire his ass now. The team has already lost their chances of a manufacturer's championship, so the only incentive they have for continued success is loyalty to their drivers. You'll have a hard time convincing me that Alonso's earned the loyalty of his team.

I'd love to see Alonso's tire changers "accidentally" drop their lugs at every pit stop. :lol:

[Nick Koan]

time to update the driver list again Nick

http://www.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/071011094058.shtml

And this:
http://www.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/071011101759.shtml

And this:
http://www.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/071011100957.shtml

Hooray Silly Season.

[skimonkey30]

And this:
http://www.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/071011101759.shtml

And this:
http://www.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/071011100957.shtml

Hooray Silly Season.

oh lord ralf schumacher to spyker??

Well I guess that is a good thing considering he will be out of the way of everyone else for most 2008 :lol:

[Nick Koan]

Well, that settles that.

http://www.speedtv.com/articles/auto/formulaone/41025/

Massa at Ferrari for 3 more years.

[MattR]

Nice, good for massa....I'm a massa fan

[sperry]

Nice, good for massa....I'm a massa fan
+1 :cool:

I saved him for my last top tier driver pick, just so I could root for him at his home GP this weekend. :D

[Nick Koan]

Another one where the headline says it all.

http://f1.gpupdate.net/en/news/2007/10/11/fia-appoints-special-scrutineer-to-keep-eye-on-alonso-s-car/

FIA appoints special scrutineer to keep eye on Alonso's car

Hopefully now, Alonso will be in no danger of Hamilton letting air out of his tires.

Hah, even Alonso thinks its pretty retarded.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7051428.stm

And Alonso said: "It is not up to us, but I don't agree with it - we do not need anything like that in the garage."

[Dean]

OMGIt was Hamilton's to lose and he did just that. Could have just run around not banged his equipment up, but no, had to fight and then bang his car of the curbs too hard (supposedly) and break his electronic clutch control or whatever...

I do think they should have let the Ferrari drivers really battle for the race win, but oh well. No team orders, but come in a few laps too early and we will have a 2 second too long pit stop waiting for you... :rolleyes:

At least Alonso ended up third for the race and season.

[skimonkey30]

Unbelievable race for ferrari and Kimi!!! What a way to end the season!![/

Bring on the silly season :lol:

[MattR]

Not so fast!!!!!!!! Sauber BMW and Williams cars all failed post race inspection, due to a fuel issue. FIA is meeting right now to decide what will happen. If they are excluded, it will shake up todays points and change the championship results!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[MattR]

Okay, looks like an update came as I typed above...No change on points, it looks like the fuel irregularity was only in fuel temps from the rig ???? WTF??? Never heard of that one before.


The BMW Sauber and Williams teams will not be penalized despite discrepancies in their fuel sample temperatures during the Brazilian Grand Prix, the race stewards said. The results of the Brazilian Grand Prix have been officially confirmed, and Kimi Raikkonen’s World Championship victory is now official.

Fuel samples taken from both cars of both teams during their pit stops in Sunday's race showed temperature degrees outside the permitted variation. Article 6.5.5 of the Formula 1 technical regulations states: "No fuel on board the car may be more than 10 degrees centigrade below ambient temperature."

FIA technical delegate Jo Bauer said all fuel samples from the four cars showed temperature of 12 to 14 degrees centigrate lower than the ambient temperature at the time. However, after deliberations at Interlagos, the race stewards decided not to penalize the teams

[sperry]

But deciding the driver's champ in a courtroom would have been the most fitting end to the season! How dare the stewards decided to let the on-track racing determine the result, this is F1! :roll:

[MPREZIV]

That, was, an, AWESOME race! I was at the edge of my seat the entire thing! Great season ender!

[MikeK]

I love that Kimi took a swig before the anthems played :lol:

[Nick Koan]

Okay, looks like an update came as I typed above...No change on points, it looks like the fuel irregularity was only in fuel temps from the rig ???? WTF??? Never heard of that one before.

Well, now McLaren is appealing the stewards decision.

http://www.crash.net/motorsport/f1/news/156288-0/raikkonen_title_not_quite_his_-_yet.html

So, yeah.

Anyway, the race was great. I'm am a little sad for Hammilton (if the decision of the stewards stands up in arbitration) but I am extremely happy for Kimi. He finally did it (if the decision of the stewards stands up in arbitration)

[MPREZIV]

I love that Kimi took a swig before the anthems played :lol:

As has been said before, Kimi is THE MAN!!! :D


Yeah, it's rough that Hammy worked so hard, and was on his way to an unheard of season, but sometimes that's the way the cookie crumbles.

[sperry]

Well, now McLaren is appealing the stewards decision.

http://www.crash.net/motorsport/f1/news/156288-0/raikkonen_title_not_quite_his_-_yet.html

So, yeah.

Anyway, the race was great. I'm am a little sad for Hammilton (if the decision of the stewards stands up in arbitration) but I am extremely happy for Kimi. He finally did it (if the decision of the stewards stands up in arbitration)
Now it feels like F1.

[sperry]

Holy crap:

http://en.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/071022220432.shtml

Lewis Hamilton has admitted that his bid for this year's Formula One Championship seemingly came to an end during the last race of the season following a moment of human error.

"My finger slipped on the steering wheel and I accidentally pressed the button used for the starting sequence," Hamilton confided several hours after the event, according to Montreal's French-language daily newspaper La Presse.

That error cut power to his McLaren for an interminable minute, dropping him down to 18th place as the Brazilian Grand Prix entered its eighth lap on the Interlagos circuit.

"The car went into neutral and I had to reinitialize the system, that is, reload the gearbox management program," he explained. The onboard camera recorded images of Hamilton pressing several buttons on his steering wheel while other drivers sped by.

...

Why in the world is there a button on the wheel that you can bump to enter the starting sequence? Shouldn't it be active only when the car's on the limiter in pit lane or something?

[MikeK]

Why in the world is there a button on the wheel that you can bump to enter the starting sequence?

Kimi put it there!

[Nick Koan]

I imagine next year the button will look a little bit more like this...

[Kevin M]

Dammit, why is that the only thing you can get with a GIS of "self destruct button?" :lol:

[Kevin M]

Also, everyone knows you punt your championship by messing with your brake bias in a tunnel. Frickin' n00bs.

[Dean]

I didn't realize they used Windows Vista on F1 cars... The whole reboot your car joke from years ago has come true.

[tysonK]

Hamilton sucks.

I knew it.

[MPREZIV]

Hamilton sucks.

I knew it.

:lol:

I hate to quote just to put in an LoL, but dammit that was funny!

[Nick Koan]

McLaren's appeal date is set for Nov. 15th.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/63664

Good news for Kimi though

But speaking about the upcoming appeal today, FIA president Max Mosley downplayed the potential threat to Raikkonen's title.

"For us the world championship is over, the result is what it is," he said today. "A team presented an appeal; at the moment, this doesn't change anything - it's up to them to prove they are right."

[sperry]

Okay, now it was just a mis-quote:

http://en.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/071028153747.shtml

Hammy says his mistake was just his poor driving that dropped him to 8th at the start of the race... the gearbox failure was purely mechanical.

'Course, with spin on every story as strong in F1 as it is in politics... I'm not sure what to believe. But given the author of the original story saying Hammy hit the neutral button is admitting to have misquoted Lewis, it's probably true that there was a real mechanical failure.

[Nick Koan]

Now here's a silly season article for everyone. It's pure speculation, not even a hint of a rumor (I don't think anyway)

But, Fernando Alonso to drive for Lexus Williams.

http://www.crash.net/motorsport/f1/feature/12227-0/the_car_in_front_is_a_lexus.html

[sperry]

Now here's a silly season article for everyone. It's pure speculation, not even a hint of a rumor (I don't think anyway)

But, Fernando Alonso to drive for Lexus Williams.

http://www.crash.net/motorsport/f1/feature/12227-0/the_car_in_front_is_a_lexus.html
It may be all made up, but that is some marketing genius...

...plus how sweet would an IS350 Williams F1 Edition be? Screw BMW's M and Merc's AMG, I want a WF1 Lexus! :lol:

[skimonkey30]

Silly Season commence!

Alonso is out at McLaren
http://en.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/071102130518.shtml

Mclaren confirms
http://en.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/071102131232.shtml

[Kevin M]

IBNASCARrumors

[Nick Koan]

Silly Season commence!

Alonso is out at McLaren
http://en.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/071102130518.shtml

Mclaren confirms
http://en.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/071102131232.shtml

Williams Lexus!

[sperry]

So, where's he going? I'd like to see him back at Renault... and so would Flav I bet... but I'm not so sure anymore that's what'll happen.

[MattR]

India!

[Nick Koan]

Great silly season, or greatest silly season?

http://www.crash.net/motorsport/f1/news/156843-0/schumacher_to_partner_hamilton_at_mclaren.html

Patrick Head of Williams makes some off-hand quip that McLaren should hire Michael Schumacher. Suddenly, its become a full blown rumor :lol:

[Nick Koan]

Kaz Nakajima gets a full time drive next year with Williams!

http://f1.gpupdate.net/en/news/2007/11/07/williams-confirms-nakajima-in-2008-line-up/

I'm really excited for this kid, though its a year earlier then I expected.

[Nick Koan]

Also,

I'm in the market for a lawn mower.

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/07/f1-lawn-mower-cuts-down-the-competition-like-schumacher/

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/compo-mini-tondeuse1.jpg

[Kevin M]

do want. And I don't even have a lawn...

[zpeed]

I want that for my Christmas red one please Santa.

[MattR]

OKay, is this for real???? Renault being accused of spying on McLaren now? What's next?

http://www.speedtv.com/articles/auto/formulaone/41498/

[MattR]

So if this shakes out...the constructors championship for 07 should go...

1. Ferrari
2.BMW
3. Williams

:lol:

[sperry]

So if this shakes out...the constructors championship for 07 should go...

1. Ferrari
2.BMW
3. Williams

:lol:
Except, in F1 everyone cheats and spies as much as they think they can w/o getting caught. So really, Constructors' champ goes to Honda... as they're the only team that's obviously not spying. :lol:

[Nick Koan]

Except, in F1 everyone cheats and spies as much as they think they can w/o getting caught. So really, Constructors' champ goes to Honda... as they're the only team that's obviously not spying. :lol:

Yeah, but they are reverse spying by illegally giving info to Super Aguri.

[Nick Koan]

Alright, Ross Brawn to Honda.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/63908

And Todt replaced by Domenicali at Ferrari.

http://en.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/071112130033.shtml

[Joeyy]

Ferrari news for you all...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7080715.stm

[skimonkey30]

Raikkonen is confirmed as the 2007 champ

http://en.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/071116205710.shtml

FIA court of appeal threw out Mclarens appeal

[sperry]

Raikkonen is confirmed as the 2007 champ

http://en.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/071116205710.shtml

FIA court of appeal threw out Mclarens appeal
Finally! I can close out the fantasy season and send out some prize money!

[MattR]

Timo Glock Confirmed at Toyota, replacing Ralf.

timo (http://www.speedtv.com/articles/auto/formulaone/41703/)

[sperry]

So I'd really like to pay out to the winners of the fantasy F1 season... I need a paypal address for motoring and Olivier... can anyone provide me with 'em?

Matt, I think I have Carrie's email for her paypal, can you PM me just to make sure?

Mike, do you have a way to get money to Olivier via Milan or something?

[MikeK]

Mike, do you have a way to get money to Olivier via Milan or something?

I'll tell Milan tomorrow, he can get Olivier in touch with you.

[skimonkey30]

no schumacher-raikkonen head to head battle during the next Jerez tests

http://en.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/071128083942.shtml

[Nick Koan]

Renault off the hook. Guilty but no penalty.

Renault is also looking at suing McLaren for "leaking" false accusations.

http://www.crash.net/motorsport/f1/news/157977-0/renault_let_off_and_gunning_for_mclaren.html

[Nick Koan]

Explanation from the FIA on the verdict.

http://www.crash.net/motorsport/f1/news/157991-0/fia_reveals_renault_reasoning.html

the meeting of the WMSC found that three of the four drawings viewed by Renault engineers – including the fuel system and gear layout of the McLaren car - were of no use to the team, with the only one used by Renault relating to the so-called 'J-damper' in use by the Mercedes-powered squad.

However, 'fundamental misunderstandings' on the part of Renault into the workings of the system led the FIA to deem that an effect on the championship couldn't be established.

In other words "Your engineers suck so bad they can't even get stolen documents right"

[MikeK]

In other words "You're engineers suck so bad they can't even get stolen documents right"

They're engineers suck!

[Nick Koan]

Fuck, I blame that one on my head cold.