With Bahrain on Sunday I'd thought I'd ask for your predictions of the new season.
The teams and drivers are as follows;
Renault
F Alonso
G Fisichella
McLaren
K Räikkönen
J Montoya
Ferrari
M Schumacher
F Massa
Toyota
R Schumacher
J Trulli
Williams
M Webber
N Rosberg
Honda
R Barrichello
J Button
Red Bull
D Coulthard
C Klien
BMW Sauber
N Heidfeld
J Villeneuve
Midland
T Monteiro
C Albers
Toro Rosso
V Liuzzi
S Speed
Super Aguri
T Sato
Y Ide

There's definitely going to be a lot of competition on Sunday.
Defending champions Renault are back to well defend the championship! Ferrari should be strong this year and it will be intresting to see the new drivers talent and what they are going to bring into F1. I've seen Scott Speed at the A1 and i know he's a good driver.
The other superpower will be McLaren Kimi has a VERY big chance this year...and don't forget Red Bull..
so for Bahrain I reckon;
1. Kimi
2. Fernando
3. Micheal

God damn you Cheeky. I was just about to make an F1 predictions thread.

Alright, here I go:

Renault:

Alonso: Will the comic book hero pull off another championship this season? Who knows. I think they have a 60% chance. Now that McLaren can make a fast car, they can make that fast car realiable. With each year, we're seeing the McLaren boys improve little by little. This will be the big competition for Renault. Ferrari obviously isn't going to take the 2005 season lying down. Those two will constantly be breathing down Alonso's neck (or lack there of).

Fisichella: This man has a great job. I mean, it's rather pathetic, but it's a sweet gig none the less. The sad part is that he was predicted as the next world champion when he was a rookie. I definetly think he has the talent. He's been consistantly quick. Now that he's with Renault, he has the ability to be that world champion. Sadly, he'll never get that chance. He's always going to be Renault's second driver because he's just too old. However, he's got a sweet gig because he really doesn't have to push himself that hard. He doesn't have the pressure to really perform. All he has to do is defend Alonso if needed.

McLaren-Mercedes:

Raikkonen: This was my boy last year. He got me interested in F1. Once I started reading about his past, I knew he would change the F1 world around. He has absolutely amazing talent. He never seems to make a mistake. I think he's going to be the next Schumacher. Look at what he did last year. He'd come from all the way in the back of the grid to winning the race. Amazing! His all-out driving style won't change, so if McLaren doesn't improve their cars, 2006 will be just like 2005.

Montoya: I love this guy. He reminds me of Alberto Ascari. He's the most average current formula 1 driver. He's a little pudgy and he's got character. He's a good guy. He has some serious talent. See, this is why I love McLaren. Who were the two real driver's to challenge Ferrari's domination pre-2005? These two. They were the rebels. They both came out of no where. Yet, I think they're total opposite as drivers. Montoya makes mistakes, but he recovers from them. When Kimi makes mistakes, he rarely recovers. He's more of the tortise to Kimi's hare. I don't know if we'll see a championship from him, but he's got a chance. He could totally eclipse Kimi this year.

Alright, I'll do the rest of the drvers tommarow. I'm much too tired now.

hmmm well it all depends whether or not McLaren can get together a reliable car, if they can then I reckon Kimi will have a big chance to do well within the championship. However, I don't think Montoya quite has the potential to be World Championship, he seems too nice. Alonso will return, refreshed and ready to win...not come second...win.

Isn't it nice to not be talking about Ferrari in the top two F1 teams!

Ferrari is totally unpredictable. They might totally dominate this year.

Ferrari

Schumacher: Nobody can deny this guy's god-like talent as a driver and a team leader. I mean, I'm always for the underdog, so I can't root for him. But I know he's a good guy, and he's the best driver in the world. He may have quite a large ego, but that's expected. If Ferrari can get their act together, he's going to be a championship fighter. No doubt about it. I think the days of Ferrari totally dominating are gone, but they're still one of the top teams.

Massa: This kid might just be the next Senna. He finished better than his former world champion team mate last season, and now he's got a great gig with Ferrari. He's young, and he's going to do some things this season. I have no doubt about it. I'd watch out for this kid.

The way I see it, there are three real levels of F1 teams. You have the championship runners, which I just finished. Next, you have the podium finishers. This level you really get the best racing, because alot of these teams are really closely matched. Last, you have to budget teams. These are the teams that support the rookies and such. I don't know what to think about this level. You might see some suprises from them.

Alright, here are the podium finishers:

Toyota

Schumacher (R): He gave a suprising run last year. For a good portion of the season, he was doing better than his brother. Trippy. He's going to have some decent finishes, maybe even some podiums. However, he's not a front runner. Unlike his brother, he makes some serious mistakes. He's a good driver, but he's not very predictable.

Trulli: Toyota in general was a fast team last year. They started off with a bang and sort of drifted down from there. Didn't he get a pole or two last season? He'll get some podiums, but I don't think he's going to be a championship fighter. He can't keep it together for the whole race. But who knows. He could totally suprise me. Toyota has a big budget and a fast car.

God damn, this is going to take a long time. I'll finish them whenever.

you know R Schmacher earns the 2nd biggest money in F1. i don't think he deserves it.
and Ferrari well who knows what's gonna happen..i'm guessing a top runner this year and even a posibility for the championship..I know Micheals got another one in him..he's so very nearly beaten all the records..he might as well beat the last few

Schumacher makes money more because of his name than his current ability as a driver

Which team is that newbie F1 driver on (the one I'm supposedly am from that F1 driver quiz)? The guy with the bleached hair

Schumacher makes money more because of his name than his current ability as a driver
yeah i know but still it's a bit stupid

[-X With Bahrain on Sunday I'd thought I'd ask for your predictions of the new season.
The teams and drivers are as follows;
Renault
F Alonso
G Fisichella
McLaren
K Räikkönen
J Montoya
Ferrari
M Schumacher
F Massa
Toyota
R Schumacher
J Trulli
Williams
M Webber
N Rosberg
Honda
R Barrichello
J Button
Red Bull
D Coulthard
C Klien
BMW Sauber
N Heidfeld
J Villeneuve
Midland
T Monteiro
C Albers
Toro Rosso
V Liuzzi
S Speed
Super Aguri
T Sato
Y Ide

There's definitely going to be a lot of competition on Sunday.
Defending champions Renault are back to well defend the championship! Ferrari should be strong this year and it will be intresting to see the new drivers talent and what they are going to bring into F1. I've seen Scott Speed at the A1 and i know he's a good driver.
The other superpower will be McLaren Kimi has a VERY big chance this year...and don't forget Red Bull..
so for Bahrain I reckon;
1. Kimi
2. Fernando
3. Micheal it will be michael kimi and giancarlo, not fernando. there is a rumour that he may have heat stroke, yay!. This, if true, will help sink the floating pile of junk that is the renault team for a while:mad:

you must mean the new super aguri team with takuma sato and yuri ide at the wheel. how can they expect a single point for this season with old arrows bodies on their cars. come 2009, goodbye super aguri!

his ability is still the best in f1. you know i am right as if it wasn't, then why would he be racing this year when he could have taken early retirement instead

:cool: Ferrari is totally unpredictable. They might totally dominate this year.

Ferrari

Schumacher: Nobody can deny this guy's god-like talent as a driver and a team leader. I mean, I'm always for the underdog, so I can't root for him. But I know he's a good guy, and he's the best driver in the world. He may have quite a large ego, but that's expected. If Ferrari can get their act together, he's going to be a championship fighter. No doubt about it. I think the days of Ferrari totally dominating are gone, but they're still one of the top teams.

Massa: This kid might just be the next Senna. He finished better than his former world champion team mate last season, and now he's got a great gig with Ferrari. He's young, and he's going to do some things this season. I have no doubt about it. I'd watch out for this kid.

The way I see it, there are three real levels of F1 teams. You have the championship runners, which I just finished. Next, you have the podium finishers. This level you really get the best racing, because alot of these teams are really closely matched. Last, you have to budget teams. These are the teams that support the rookies and such. I don't know what to think about this level. You might see some suprises from them.

Alright, here are the podium finishers:

Toyota

Schumacher (R): He gave a suprising run last year. For a good portion of the season, he was doing better than his brother. Trippy. He's going to have some decent finishes, maybe even some podiums. However, he's not a front runner. Unlike his brother, he makes some serious mistakes. He's a good driver, but he's not very predictable.

Trulli: Toyota in general was a fast team last year. They started off with a bang and sort of drifted down from there. Didn't he get a pole or two last season? He'll get some podiums, but I don't think he's going to be a championship fighter. He can't keep it together for the whole race. But who knows. He could totally suprise me. Toyota has a big budget and a fast car.

God damn, this is going to take a long time. I'll finish them whenever. toyota and bar honda are definitley podium finishers. what is your view on the super aguri, midland and torro rosso teams this year then.:twisted:

hmmm well it all depends whether or not McLaren can get together a reliable car, if they can then I reckon Kimi will have a big chance to do well within the championship. However, I don't think Montoya quite has the potential to be World Championship, he seems too nice. Alonso will return, refreshed and ready to win...not come second...win.

Isn't it nice to not be talking about Ferrari in the top two F1 teams! mclaren will play 3rd team again this year as i predict at least 5 retirements,(max=7) from the 18 races of the season. heaven knows, they may even retire from free practice :driving :-# :smt021 :smt076

It is geting close...i cant wait...
I think Renault will be best at the begining and McLaren will have problems finishing, but when they ll sorted that out the bettle for #1 will begin.
Ferrari will be close too, mybe even the best, mybe again dominating after 1 year of 'holldays'...i just hope they ll fight for 1st place.
Toyota ll be 4th but it is capeble of suprice.
And ofcourse Renault can be crap....as can anybothy else... it is so unpreditcable couse of new engine and completly redesignht aerodynamic couse of that. The only think i m shure is McLaren esp. Kimi (he is so unfortunate but my favorite driver) in white smoke on one of first 3 races... they allways have great design but too complicated to finish it in time.
I just hope it ll be interesting season without 'red' or just any domination even that Sccuderia Ferrari is my favorite team.
THE Sunday is comming...

It is geting close...i cant wait...
I think Renault will be best at the begining and McLaren will have problems finishing, but when they ll sorted that out the bettle for #1 will begin.
Ferrari will be close too, mybe even the best, mybe again dominating after 1 year of 'holldays'...i just hope they ll fight for 1st place.
Toyota ll be 4th but it is capeble of suprice.
And ofcourse Renault can be crap....as can anybothy else... it is so unpreditcable couse of new engine and completly redesignht aerodynamic couse of that. The only think i m shure is McLaren esp. Kimi (he is so unfortunate but my favorite driver) in white smoke on one of first 3 races... they allways have great design but too complicated to finish it in time.
I just hope it ll be interesting season without 'red' or just any domination even that Sccuderia Ferrari is my favorite team.
THE Sunday is comming...
yep soooooo close :)

lol, i only realised last night that f1 was starting again. I think that McLaren will have sorted out there reliabily issues for this year and I have a feeling that renaults year will be fairly unspectacular. Although aparently Toyota are leading in the development of V8 engines and Ferrari are struggling, saying that a few years ago Prost were way out in front in pre season testing and then completely bombed in the actual seasons. I also hope Jenson gets a look in but I fear he won't

edit - dam, Bahrain = early start

Pre-Practice results
12:42 ENGINE FAILURE FOR KIMI: Raikkonen's McLaren has stopped and it looks like an engine failure... The car is stuck in gear and there is smoke bellowing out of the cockpit...

Unpleasent surprise:
Rubens,Button,Webber,Toyota

Driver Teams Time Diff lap
1 A. Davidson (GBR) Honda 1:31.353 28
2 M. Schumacher (GER) Ferrari 1:31.751 +0:00.398 15
3 A. Wurz (AUT) Williams 1:31.764 +0:00.411 27
4 F. Massa (BRA) Ferrari 1:32.175 +0:00.822 13
5 F. Alonso (ESP) Renault 1:32.538 +0:01.185 13
6 V. Liuzzi (ITA) Toro Rosso 1:32.703 +0:01.350 24
7 R. Doornbos (NED) Red Bull 1:32.926 +0:01.573 24
8 G. Fisichella (ITA) Renault 1:33.215 +0:01.862 14
9 R. Kubica (POL) BMW 1:33.244 +0:01.891 25
10 C. Klien (AUT) Red Bull 1:33.557 +0:02.204 8
11 K. Raikkonen (FIN) McLaren 1:33.577 +0:02.224 11
12 J. Montoya (COL) McLaren 1:33.726 +0:02.373 15
13 N. Heidfeld (GER) BMW 1:33.848 +0:02.495 9
14 N. Jani (SUI) Toro Rosso 1:33.900 +0:02.547 24
15 S. Speed (USA) Toro Rosso 1:34.284 +0:02.931 22
16 D. Coulthard (GBR) Red Bull 1:34.432 +0:03.079 7
17 T. Monteiro (POR) Midland 1:34.459 +0:03.106 14
18 N. Rosberg (GER) Williams 1:35.356 +0:04.003 3
19 R. Barrichello (BRA) Honda 1:35.464 +0:04.111 3
20 M. Winkelhock (GER) Midland 1:35.686 +0:04.333 24
21 J. Trulli (ITA) Toyota 1:35.898 +0:04.545
22 J. Villeneuve (CAN) BMW 1:36.264 +0:04.911 8
23 R. Schumacher (GER) Toyota 1:36.687 +0:05.334 8
24 M. Webber (AUS) Williams 1:37.012 +0:05.659 3
25 C. Albers (NED) Midland 1:37.667 +0:06.314 3
26 T. Sato (JPN) Super Aguri 1:38.047 +0:06.694 5
27 J. Button (GBR) Honda 1:38.469 +0:07.116 3
28 Y. Ide (JPN) Super Aguri 1:39.021 +0:07.668 13

This is the result of the top six and bottom six of secter 1 qualifying.

F Alonso
J Button
G Fisichella
N Rosberg
J P Montoya
M schumacher


R Shumacher
C Albers
Monteiro
Ide
Sato
K Raikonnen (suspension failure resulting in red flagged crash).
so much for reliable McLarens....

lol, looks like my prediction for increased reliability from McLaren is already being proved wrong

Empire strikes back
Pole for Schumacher

Sauber Petronas....new team in the house......but I think this year is no more Renault....I said this year is the Ferrari and McLaren.....IMO...

** I think i'm wrong...mayb Renault will be in the Fight.....mayb **

petronas in formula 1? i thought they were just bikes?

they make fuel and they been sponsored sauber before they got bought out by BMW

I cant decide between Honda and Mclaren for who to support.
I haven't watched F1 in the past so I have no idea who will win.

mclaren all the way

Yeah McLaran all they way......McLaren roxxx......cool.....Kimi I support you ! Do you think ferrari can win this season ? Who knows ?

wow really, really nice lap from alonso just in time as well

Did anyone notice that lowly test driver Tony Davidson set fastest time of all sessions in the Honda?

i reckon HONDA this year ;) with their two amazing divers J.Button and R.Barichello... and 3rd driver that's setting the fastest times during free practice in Bahrain.
McLaren can't pull together a proper car, proof, technical problems during free pratices and Kimi's suspension broke during his qualifying lap, result: he starts last for the race on sunday...

i reckon HONDA this year ;) with their two amazing divers J.Button and R.Barichello... and 3rd driver that's setting the fastest times during free practice in Bahrain.
McLaren can't pull together a proper car, proof, technical problems during free pratices and Kimi's suspension broke during his qualifying lap, result: he starts last for the race on sunday...
yeah intresting to see how long it takes him to get back up through the pack....he will be pushing until his engine wears out...

woops sorry //double post//

After Qualifying....
1 5 Michael Schumacher Ferrari 1:33.310

2 6 Felipe Massa Ferrari 1:33.579

3 12 Jenson Button Honda 1:32.603

4 1 Fernando Alonso Renault 1:32.433

5 4 Juan Pablo Montoya McLaren-Mercedes 1:33.233

6 11 Rubens Barrichello Honda 1:33.922

7 9 Mark Webber Williams-Cosworth 1:33.454

8 15 Christian Klien RBR-Ferrari 1:34.308

9 2 Giancarlo Fisichella Renault 1:32.934

10 16 Nick Heidfeld Sauber-BMW 1:33.374

11 17 Jacques Villeneuve Sauber-BMW 1:33.882

12 10 Nico Rosberg Williams-Cosworth 1:32.945

13 14 David Coulthard RBR-Ferrari 1:33.678

14 8 Jarno Trulli Toyota 1:33.987

15 20 Vitantonio Liuzzi STR-Cosworth 1:34.439

16 21 Scott Speed STR-Cosworth 1:33.995

17 7 Ralf Schumacher Toyota 1:34.702

18 19 Christijan Albers MF1-Toyota 1:35.724

19 18 Tiago Monteiro MF1-Toyota 1:35.900

20 22 Takuma Sato Super Aguri-Honda 1:37.411

21 23 Yuji Ide Super Aguri-Honda 1:40.270

22 3 Kimi Räikkönen McLaren-Mercedes

well not a good start...double Ferrari :( but it's good for Jenson..so go him

Montoya will Win. I just hope so.

Yeah Montoya......

Anyone Notice this one
"Forumla F1"

??

Is formula F1 not "forumla F1 "

no it's F1
Formula 1

It starts in 1 hour and 20 min.

After Qualifying....
1 5 Michael Schumacher Ferrari 1:33.310

2 6 Felipe Massa Ferrari 1:33.579

3 12 Jenson Button Honda 1:32.603

4 1 Fernando Alonso Renault 1:32.433

5 4 Juan Pablo Montoya McLaren-Mercedes 1:33.233

6 11 Rubens Barrichello Honda 1:33.922

7 9 Mark Webber Williams-Cosworth 1:33.454

8 15 Christian Klien RBR-Ferrari 1:34.308

9 2 Giancarlo Fisichella Renault 1:32.934

10 16 Nick Heidfeld Sauber-BMW 1:33.374

11 17 Jacques Villeneuve Sauber-BMW 1:33.882

12 10 Nico Rosberg Williams-Cosworth 1:32.945

13 14 David Coulthard RBR-Ferrari 1:33.678

14 8 Jarno Trulli Toyota 1:33.987

15 20 Vitantonio Liuzzi STR-Cosworth 1:34.439

16 21 Scott Speed STR-Cosworth 1:33.995

17 7 Ralf Schumacher Toyota 1:34.702

18 19 Christijan Albers MF1-Toyota 1:35.724

19 18 Tiago Monteiro MF1-Toyota 1:35.900

20 22 Takuma Sato Super Aguri-Honda 1:37.411

21 23 Yuji Ide Super Aguri-Honda 1:40.270

22 3 Kimi Räikkönen McLaren-Mercedes


Because of that I have finaly decided to support Honda and therefore I think they will win.

How is it Mark Webber always qualifies between 5th and 10th yet rarely ever finishes a race?

Good job by Alonso.

GREAT job by Kimi; last to 3rd, only 18.1 seconds behind!

Good job by Williams-Cosworth drivers Webber and Rosberg (rookie sets fastest lap in F1 debut) for 6th & 7th.

That was an incredible race...real racing for once.
all you people said that Alonso dodn't win fairly, wasn't that proof he did?? he kept michael behind for ages...
Button's effort was simply brilliant
Kimi also did well

Great finish for Rosberg & Klien though

Super Aguri need to work on their pitstops!

We reckon they've all been told to calm the racing down a bit though

it made my grandads 90th birthday anyway :):)


1 1 Fernando Alonso Renault 57 Winner 4 10

2 5 Michael Schumacher Ferrari 57 +1.2 secs 1 8

3 3 Kimi Räikkönen McLaren-Mercedes 57 +19.3 secs 22 6

4 12 Jenson Button Honda 57 +19.9 secs 3 5

5 4 Juan Pablo Montoya McLaren-Mercedes 57 +37.0 secs 5 4

6 9 Mark Webber Williams-Cosworth 57 +41.9 secs 7 3

7 10 Nico Rosberg Williams-Cosworth 57 +63.0 secs 12 2

8 15 Christian Klien RBR-Ferrari 57 +66.7 secs 8 1

9 6 Felipe Massa Ferrari 57 +69.9 secs 2

10 14 David Coulthard RBR-Ferrari 57 +75.5 secs 13

11 20 Vitantonio Liuzzi STR-Cosworth 57 +85.9 secs 15

12 16 Nick Heidfeld Sauber-BMW 56 +1 Lap 10

13 21 Scott Speed STR-Cosworth 56 +1 Lap 16

14 7 Ralf Schumacher Toyota 56 +1 Lap 17

15 11 Rubens Barrichello Honda 56 +1 Lap 6

16 8 Jarno Trulli Toyota 56 +1 Lap 14

17 18 Tiago Monteiro MF1-Toyota 55 +2 Laps 19

18 22 Takuma Sato Super Aguri-Honda 53 +4 Laps 20

Ret 23 Yuji Ide Super Aguri-Honda 35 +22 Laps 21

Ret 17 Jacques Villeneuve Sauber-BMW 29 +28 Laps 11

Ret 2 Giancarlo Fisichella Renault 21 +36 Laps 9

Ret 19 Christijan Albers MF1-Toyota 0 +57 Laps 18

Fastest Lap: Nico Rosberg 1:32.406

That was the best F1 race I've seen in a long time. McMerc really need to get their act together. if they do I can see lots of entertaining battles for the top spots. Rosberg also had a good race, theres gonna be lots fo people watching him closely this season. Looks like Ferrari and Schumacher are back to. Both Williams' had a good race, both cars getting points. I've got a good feeling about this season.

bravo alonso...nice job
kimi is unlucky but very capable!!
Rosberg... that kid is fast
Montoya.. i was supporting this guy but he run with 70%-80% of what he can really do... i am sure he is thinking cheeks and booze

Rosberg entered the garage during the race and 10sc later he was on track again. he was cliped from behind and lost more time in the first lap and look what he managed. he knows how to drive.

It starts in 1 hour and 20 min.

After Qualifying....
1 5 Michael Schumacher Ferrari 1:33.310

2 6 Felipe Massa Ferrari 1:33.579

3 12 Jenson Button Honda 1:32.603

4 1 Fernando Alonso Renault 1:32.433

5 4 Juan Pablo Montoya McLaren-Mercedes 1:33.233

6 11 Rubens Barrichello Honda 1:33.922

7 9 Mark Webber Williams-Cosworth 1:33.454

8 15 Christian Klien RBR-Ferrari 1:34.308

9 2 Giancarlo Fisichella Renault 1:32.934

10 16 Nick Heidfeld Sauber-BMW 1:33.374

11 17 Jacques Villeneuve Sauber-BMW 1:33.882

12 10 Nico Rosberg Williams-Cosworth 1:32.945

13 14 David Coulthard RBR-Ferrari 1:33.678

14 8 Jarno Trulli Toyota 1:33.987

15 20 Vitantonio Liuzzi STR-Cosworth 1:34.439

16 21 Scott Speed STR-Cosworth 1:33.995

17 7 Ralf Schumacher Toyota 1:34.702

18 19 Christijan Albers MF1-Toyota 1:35.724

19 18 Tiago Monteiro MF1-Toyota 1:35.900

20 22 Takuma Sato Super Aguri-Honda 1:37.411

21 23 Yuji Ide Super Aguri-Honda 1:40.270

22 3 Kimi Räikkönen McLaren-Mercedes


Because of that I have finaly decided to support Honda and therefore I think they will win.

Screw that.
After watching the race I have decied to support Kimmi.
If had started in the top 3 he might of been able to get 1st or 2nd.

That was the first time I have ever seen the whole race.

Fantastic start to the 2006 F1 season.Looks like Ferrari is coming back strong.At least better than 2005.Kudos to Kimi.
Most memorable line of the race.
"THis are the winning laps mate....."

Rosberg is a star in the making. No doubt. But I guess he gets it from his father.

I missed it! Aaargh!

Thanks for posting the times Cheeky, I'm kinda glad Alonso won that, and I hope Raikkonen can close that massive gap as the season progresses

Rosberg is a star in the making. No doubt. But I guess he gets it from his father.
yeah def...he has potential

I second that.....great driver.