Formula One Season 2009!

[Zulu Romeo]

The madness begins again this weekend!

And it's looking like a very interesting set-up so far. The pre-season testing and free practice for the Australian GP have shown the McLarens being decidedly off the pace, but for me the real shock is the miraculous performances of Williams, Toyota and the phoenix-like Brawn GP (formerly Honda) teams.

So many new rule changes: funny-looking front and rear wings, the infamous KERS energy-redistributing devices, the return of pure Slicks (thank God), those controversial rear diffusers that seem to give the aforementioned teams a big performance edge...

And of course there's the recent news of the protest from Ferrari, Renault and Red Bull regarding the suspicious performances of Williams, Toyota and Brawn... that's going to cloud things once again. Who knows - if the courts rule in favour of the (dare I say) lesser teams (why do these things always go to the courtroom? ), could we see Kazuki Nakjima or Jenson Button become World Drivers Champion this year?

 

[backstept]

why the frak isn't F1 more popular in the states?
I have no idea when or where to watch the races . . .

 

[Zulu Romeo]

Didn't they drop the US Grand Prix recently? I can't remember if there was a 2008 race there.

And now this year they're not even going to Canada (due to financial difficulties I think) which is a big shame - it was one of my favourite races.




Me, I'm also glad they overturned a last-minute decision to change the points system from a standard points classification to a "who wins the most races wins the championship" medals system (which Bernie Ecclestone still wants to use in 2010). I can see a few problems with that system: 1) the driver with the most points under the old system could in theory lose the championship (on the other hand, if this system had been adopted in the last few decades we'd have seen very different world champions including Stirling Moss and excluding Nelson Piquet); 2) the championship could in theory be decided by the half-way mark or so, going back to the old days of Schumacher dominance with dead rubbers as season closers; 3) the drivers could adopt a "win at all costs attitude" which, while it makes for exciting racing in theory, could lead to on-track dirty tactics and "taking out the opponent" tricks - who wants to see the best drivers in the world take each other out in every single race?

Anyway, can't wait to see what other surprises will happen this next few races. Jenson Button finally with a chance, anyone?

 

[Deckerd]

D'you think the Beeb will bring back Fleetwood Mac? It would have droves of middle-aged petrolheads sniffing into their hankies.

 

[Zulu Romeo]

I have heard that "The Chain" is definitely back. Although somewhat worryingly, the trails I've heard for F1 on the radio feature a somewhat 21st Century remixed version...

On the other hand, anything is better than the ITV's attempts to capture the magic (although I did like their version of "You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet" in the early 2000s...).

 

[Jadzia]

I have a rather jaded view of the car races. I just see cars going around in circles; and it's always the same.

But I like that it happens. The summer just wouldn't feel right without it. And it does always remind me of the summertime.

I've never liked the fact that teams are a random mixup from all over the place -- drivers from various countries, and car manufactures from another. If I wrote the rules I'd say that the teams should be national teams (eg, the British team would have British made vehicles with British drivers).

Or would that not go down well?

 

[ITL]

Didn't they drop the US Grand Prix recently? I can't remember if there was a 2008 race there.

And now this year they're not even going to Canada (due to financial difficulties I think) which is a big shame - it was one of my favourite races.




Me, I'm also glad they overturned a last-minute decision to change the points system from a standard points classification to a "who wins the most races wins the championship" medals system (which Bernie Ecclestone still wants to use in 2010). I can see a few problems with that system: 1) the driver with the most points under the old system could in theory lose the championship (on the other hand, if this system had been adopted in the last few decades we'd have seen very different world champions including Stirling Moss and excluding Nelson Piquet); 2) the championship could in theory be decided by the half-way mark or so, going back to the old days of Schumacher dominance with dead rubbers as season closers; 3) the drivers could adopt a "win at all costs attitude" which, while it makes for exciting racing in theory, could lead to on-track dirty tactics and "taking out the opponent" tricks - who wants to see the best drivers in the world take each other out in every single race?

Anyway, can't wait to see what other surprises will happen this next few races. Jenson Button finally with a chance, anyone?

I prefer the points system as it rewards consistency. Under Ecclestone's proposed system a driver could win the championship by winning a few races and getting DNFs in the rest. No thanks.

I'm looking forward to this season and love how the teams are all over the place - I like a good shake up!

 

[Zulu Romeo]

I have a rather jaded view of the car races. I just see cars going around in circles; and it's always the same.

But I like that it happens. The summer just wouldn't feel right without it. And it does always remind me of the summertime.

And of course, memories of getting up early in the morning to see the Japanese Grand Prix (due to time zone differences) only to see Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna crash into each other *yet again*...

I've never liked the fact that teams are a random mixup from all over the place -- drivers from various countries, and car manufactures from another. If I wrote the rules I'd say that the teams should be national teams (eg, the British team would have British made vehicles with British drivers).

Or would that not go down well?

If only F1 was as idealistic as having national teams with national drivers and, um, national engines. I can see Britain not doing too well in that last regard. Even Lewis Hamilton, a British driver in a British team such as McLaren (even though it was founded by Kiwi legend Bruce McLaren) had to rely on a German engine manufacturer (Mercedes) to lose the championship by one point in 2007, win the championship on the last corner but one in 2008, and languish in the back of the grid with an underperforming car in 2009. Although it could work easier for some countries e.g. France, Germany, Italy, Japan... On the other hand, the mix of nationalities is no different in principle to top flight club football in Europe today (with players and staff of many nationalities), and of course it allows the fans to cheer on their favourite team AND their favourite drivers.

Actually, the A1 Grand Prix series may be the closest thing motorsport has to a purely "national" competition - however, all the cars in the contest come from one chassis manufacturer and one engine make (Lola-Zytek in the past) while draped in national liveries of its driver, making it a test of pure skill as opposed to "technological ingenuity" (as some F1 lawyers like to call it ).

 

[BRG]

I'm looking forward to this season more than any I can remember! F1 is back on the Beeb, and at last, they are back on slick tyres!

For Austrailia, I would love to see Brawn win their first GP, the have the speed to do it, you just wonder if they have the reliability after a very limited winter testing. The Williams and Toyota's also looked lightning fast in free practice, and would be great to see either team take the top step on sunday. But I have a feeling over a full race distance, Ferrari may still have the edge.

Over the whole season, I expect the big teams to pull away, especially when we get into the European rounds. By the second half of the season I predict Ferrari, BMW and Renault will be fighting for the title. McLaren, it appears, have made a balls-up in their car design. While I would never count them out, especially Hamilton, they look like they are too far away for a title push, but I expect race wins for Lewis this year.

My predictions. Raikkonen for his second WDC, with Ferrari claiming another WCC. Toyota to win a race, Rosberg will do enough to win a McLaren seat in 2010, and Alonso & Kubica will shine but ultimately be let down by their teams.
BRG

 

[Zulu Romeo]

The KERS device will probably be the single biggest unknown this year. While it's very top-heavy and seriously unbalances the cars' weight distribution, it promises a boost of speed from the energy collected from braking - if it works. Many of the big teams are using it this weekend - it could very well make or break a driver's season.

I really hope Brawn GP do well too this year, after the turmoil of the last few months when the team formerly known as Honda couldn't even make it to the grid until a few weeks ago. Maybe this will also be the similarly recession-hit Williams team's last chance at glory - the pre-season testing and intial Friday practice today strongly suggest they could do very well this year and give Nico Rosberg his long-awaited first win.

And yes, the coverage. No more in-race ad breaks! I'm glad the Beeb retained Martin Brundle for their commentary (he's also going to do the Pit Walks again), and also brought back ex-Five Live F1 commentator Jonathan Legard for TV. Eddie Jordan and DC could prove interesting in the studio.

 

[BRG]

Got up for qualifying this morning, and when The Chain started playing, I was grinning like an idiot! Simply perfect.

The BBC was excellent in their first session, no ad breaks, and they even toned down the Lewis lovefest which ITV rammed down our throats. Only problem I had was Legard, he needs to realise that TV is differant to radio and calm down a bit, he was constantly shouting over Brundell. These two will no doubt develop a chemistry over the coming races, but it just is not there at the moment.

But what a thrilling session! Our Jense on pole! Rubens along side him, with Ferrari, McLaren & Renault nowhere! Vettel, Glock & Rosberg also impressed, With KERSless Kubica puting his BMW 4th, and Quick Nick only putting his KERS equiped Beemer 11th!
Unfortunatly, Force India and Toro Rosso look well off the pace, and Piquet & Nakajima did their reputations no favors.

Can't wait until tomorrow! Button putting the Brawn on pole is the first time a new team has accieved that on their debut since Jackie Stewart in his Tyrrell in Canada 1970. If they win tommorow, it will be the first time a new team has won their debut race since Jody Scheckter in the Wolf back in Argentina 1977.
History colud be made! Miss this one at your peril.
BRG

 

[ITL]

I'm LOVING the mixed up grid! Should be a great race. Come on Jensen!

 

[Zulu Romeo]

My only fear is whatever great result occurs tomorrow could still be overturned at the court of appeal in April (after Malaysia).

But still, Jensen Button hasn't had a better chance to get a great start to his season. Convert it, Jense!

 

[BRG]

My only fear is whatever great result occurs tomorrow could still be overturned at the court of appeal in April (after Malaysia).

But still, Jensen Button hasn't had a better chance to get a great start to his season. Convert it, Jense!

Indeed. Formula 1 has a habit of shooting itself in the foot, with results being messed about, either by stewards, or the top brass in Paris. If we get a fairy tale victory for Brawn tomorrow, lets hope they let it be.

But alas! The shenanigan's have already begun! I see Toyota's car has been deemed illegal for this weekend, and both cars have been demoted to P19 & P20 for tomorrow's race. And Hamilton has been forced to change his gearbox, so he drops to P18.

But I concur, C'Mon Jense! Bring it home lad!!
BRG

 

[JoeZhang]

Why isn't this in HD?

 

[BRG]

Why isn't this in HD?

I'm by no means an expert on the subject, but from what I read online, the lack of F1 HD coverage is down to Formula 1 itself, not the BBC, who take the world feed picures.

It would not suprise me if Bernie has a hand in this, with a view to make more money. Remember his failed PPV season on Sky? What are the odds he tries it again with a HD stream.

But I gather the BBC are keen on airing F1 in HD, and are pushing for it in the future.
BRG

 

[Zulu Romeo]

If I gather this correctly, it is Formula One Management (FOM) that is the company that handles local feeds from all races and distributes them worldwide (the exceptions being Tele Monte Carlo for Monaco and Fuji Television for Japan), so the quality of the broadcasts has traditionally been down to the local broadcasters. For instance, several years ago, not every race was even in widescreen, and it wasn't even until a few years ago that FOM allowed this in all races (I think ITV was one of the few broadcasters who filmed the race in widescreen back then). Perhaps it's time for HD broadcasts and interactive feeds (via the Red Button™) to take precedence. Perhaps the BBC can lead the way with this?

 

[BenRoethig]

why the frak isn't F1 more popular in the states?
I have no idea when or where to watch the races . . .

Between the greats being succeeded by a bunch of whiney T.O. wannabe prima-donnas who can't live without drivers aids and the art of actually being able to pass someone on track unfortunately seeming to pass along with Senna, F1 isn't all that interesting anymore.

 

[Koinek]

JEN-SON BUTT-TON!

WTF Mate? That's the best I've got. Totally gobsmacked that a dead team won. My dear lord....

Everyone at Honda must be sitting in front of their favorite deities rocking back and forth saying "Honda must protect its core business activities...Honda must protect its core business activities". Poor idiots. I'm going to bet that car will be chalk full of sponsor decals by next weekend.

BTW, if Brawn keeps it up, it will destroy most fantasy F1 competitions because of how low the team were rated.

And poor poor Vettel-Kubica. Could that finish have been any worse for them? It'll be interesting to see if either of them get a penalty but IMO it was a 50-50 mistake. Vettel made an error and was stuck braking. Instead of taking the safer line and just watching him go wide, Kubica decided to shut the door and killed them both.

And my poor poor Scuderia Ferrari. Kimi finally outclasses Massa but the team's australia gremlins are back in full force. Sigh...

Anyway, I might be missing something here because I only caught the last hour or so. But great race!

 

[BRG]

Brilliant Jenson! And a huge well done to Brawn GP. Pole position, then a 1-2 in your first Grand Prix is an astonishing result!

Button was pierless today, following his pole with a lights-to-flag victory in a car which had not been tested over a full race distance is the stuff of Formula 1 legend. While he may never win a WDC(although I hope he does), this weekends work will be remembered long after we are all dead & buried.
Rubens had the most eventful race possible. Anti-stall ruined his start, he was then punted up the arse by Kova's McLaren which caused first corner chaos, and a few laps later he made a hash of a pass on Kimi, knocking the Finn off, and damaging his front wing, yet his seemingly bullet-proof Brawn soldierd on, and the late tangle between Vettel & Kubica insured a dream 1-2 for the new team!

I was also impressed by Kubica & Vettel, despite the pointless and clumsy crash which ruined both their races. Both men got the best out of their machines, with Kubica on the prime tyre in with a real shot at catching Button.
Also star performances from Both Toyota's who charged from the pit lane through the field for points.
Hamilton showed why he is World Champion by taking a dog of a car from the back of the grid into the points, if McLaren get this car sorted, he will be hard to stop.
And a mention to Buemi, who had an excellent first GP. Raced hard, beat his team mate with ease, and nabbed a point to boot!

So an excellent start to the season. Only downside for me was my favorite, Alonso, really struggled in the Renault. But a fairy tale start for Ross Brawn & Jenson Button.
Roll on Maylasia!
BRG

PS- There seems to be confusuion about who finished 3rd. On the BBC interactive forum(red button post race) McLaren say Trulli passed Hamilton under a safty car, and the stewards are looking into it.
The BBC seem to think it is a slam dunk in Hamilton's favour.