This is the thread where you can post any news, any stories, any testing times throughout the 2007 FIA Formula One World Championship. Hopefully this thread will clear up the stories clogging up race weekend threads, and stop threads being created for one news story.

Massive thanks to CarRocker aswell who was basically the inspiration for this thread, so big shout to him.

PS would it be possible if this thread were to be made Sticky? News, features, info from F1 could be easily accessed if it was.

I'll start off with the possibility of a Melbourne night race:
http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=39294

And better signs for Button and Honda:
http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=39292

Well, i'll still make my PRE GP threads. Since this is where NEWS are being posted not predictions/comments.

Sebastien Bourdais, master of Champ Car (boy does the French TV rave about him...) could finally be coming to F1:

http://www.eurosport.com/formula1/season/2007/sport_sto1184214.shtml

Hmm the news about Australia holding a night race is a little slack. Bernie says that if Australia don't make the Melbourne GP a night race they could be kicked off the calendar. Isn't that a little harsh? But it's also a good thing since it would be cool having a night race in Australia. So it's pretty much mixed feelings for me...

Oh and nice thread Bennyboy, now the other F1 threads won't be as clogged i guess. Good job!=D>

Testing:

Paul Ricard Day 1, Hamilton Fastest:
http://www.formula1.com/news/6104.html

Paul Ricard Day 2, Hamilton Fastest:
http://www.formula1.com/news/6108.html

Paul Ricard Day 3, Raikkonen Fastest:
http://www.formula1.com/news/6112.html

Paul Ricard Day 4, Raikkonen Fastest:
http://www.formula1.com/news/6116.html

Ooo, go away Raikkonen, unless your prepared to be a team player...:S

Ooo, go away Raikkonen, unless your prepared to be a team player...:S

LOL !!!!

I like that lol !

In other news Lewis Hamilton is overated !! Nah but seriously he is !

^^ Haha, someone else in the World thinks like me :)
The number of times people have tried to tell me he's so great bla bla --> one example
"Hamilton has far exceeded all expectations and has performed the best out of any of the drivers on the grid so far this year, partly because of his sheer relentless pace, partly because he hasn't made a mistake of note yet. Alonso has (foolishly had the audacity to try and overtake at Barcelona...) Raikkonen has (generally looked bored and anonymous the last three races, as well as messing up after the safety car in bahrain) and Massa has (fell off the track and made to look like a dunderhead in Malaysia)."

Arghh!

ITV F1 win BAFTA!
http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=39295

^^ Haha, someone else in the World thinks like me :)
The number of times people have tried to tell me he's so great bla bla --> one example
"Hamilton has far exceeded all expectations and has performed the best out of any of the drivers on the grid so far this year, partly because of his sheer relentless pace, partly because he hasn't made a mistake of note yet. Alonso has (foolishly had the audacity to try and overtake at Barcelona...) Raikkonen has (generally looked bored and anonymous the last three races, as well as messing up after the safety car in bahrain) and Massa has (fell off the track and made to look like a dunderhead in Malaysia)."

Arghh!

Great Minds think alike lol !!

ITV F1 won Bafta cool but it isn't hard is it ? I mean come on Match Of The Day who wants to watch a couple of middle aged men moan about 22 men kicking a ball ?? I mean come on get a life lol ! I'm just gathering that it won best sport programe !

LOL !!!!

I like that lol !

In other news Lewis Hamilton is overated !! Nah but seriously he is !

^^ Haha, someone else in the World thinks like me :)
The number of times people have tried to tell me he's so great bla bla --> one example
"Hamilton has far exceeded all expectations and has performed the best out of any of the drivers on the grid so far this year, partly because of his sheer relentless pace, partly because he hasn't made a mistake of note yet. Alonso has (foolishly had the audacity to try and overtake at Barcelona...) Raikkonen has (generally looked bored and anonymous the last three races, as well as messing up after the safety car in bahrain) and Massa has (fell off the track and made to look like a dunderhead in Malaysia)."

Arghh!

Just out of pure curiosity, why do you think he is overated? (You as in both of you)

^^ OK, well, he's a rookie right, he deserves the same attention as everyone else. But, he's been elevated to such high status, that when he falls back down to the earth, everything's gonna crash down on him!

He's only just started racing in the World's view and everyone in England {anyway} has got soooo excited about him. I mean, I'm sure he's a lovely person {etc.} but I hate the way he's been manufactured into the position he's in. Anyone would be winning, if you get put in the second best car then yeah, of course, it's gonna happen.

It's not that I don't like him as a person, I just don't like the stigma that surrounds his name, everyone instantly believes that he is the best. But he isn't, there's no way he can be. After 3 races maybe he has proved he can cope, but I just don't think people have given him the chance to grow and show what he really can do.

Kimi Raikkonen..should start a gallery ;)
http://im.rediff.com/sports/2006/may/26kimi.jpg

^^ OK, well, he's a rookie right, he deserves the same attention as everyone else. But, he's been elevated to such high status, that when he falls back down to the earth, everything's gonna crash down on him!

He's only just started racing in the World's view and everyone in England {anyway} has got soooo excited about him. I mean, I'm sure he's a lovely person {etc.} but I hate the way he's been manufactured into the position he's in. Anyone would be winning, if you get put in the second best car then yeah, of course, it's gonna happen.

It's not that I don't like him as a person, I just don't like the stigma that surrounds his name, everyone instantly believes that he is the best. But he isn't, there's no way he can be. After 3 races maybe he has proved he can cope, but I just don't think people have given him the chance to grow and show what he really can do.

I think hes going through a 'dream period' where everything he does is just going right but this period has to end sometime doesn't it ?

I feel the same way about him ! I will probably like him as a person If I meet him its just well what you said Cheeky. You summed it up perfect.

^^ OK, well, he's a rookie right, he deserves the same attention as everyone else. But, he's been elevated to such high status, that when he falls back down to the earth, everything's gonna crash down on him!

He's only just started racing in the World's view and everyone in England {anyway} has got soooo excited about him. I mean, I'm sure he's a lovely person {etc.} but I hate the way he's been manufactured into the position he's in. Anyone would be winning, if you get put in the second best car then yeah, of course, it's gonna happen.

It's not that I don't like him as a person, I just don't like the stigma that surrounds his name, everyone instantly believes that he is the best. But he isn't, there's no way he can be. After 3 races maybe he has proved he can cope, but I just don't think people have given him the chance to grow and show what he really can do.

So then you (and Nemphis, who shares the same view) hate the media rather than the driver?

^^ That's hard to answer, I will start to hate him if he gets to big for his boots, yeah.

I just heard from an article from formula1.com that the Monaco GP might be a wet race. The last wet race held in Monaco was in 1997.

It will be sunny with a temperature of 26°C on Wednesday and Thursday but 2°C will be lost and cloud will gather on Friday which makes a chance of rain higher for Saturday and Sunday. That makes the temperatue drop to a max of 21°C and a 60% chance of rain!

http://www.formula1.com/news/6128.html

I think it would be pretty cool to have a wet race in Monaco, i have never seen one before in my whole life so this should be interesting. It would be so cool to see cars going around a track that requires lots of grip in the rain...

^^ That'd be awesome. I remember the Monaco gp from '96, which was also a wet race, vaguely. My dad watched F1 back then, and I watched it with him.
Panis won in a Ligier, Coulthard second in a mclaren, and Herbert third in a sauber. And that were the ONLY people who passed the chequered flag. That race was one big chaos

Best wet race ever: Hungary 2006.
Second best wet race ever: Spain 1996.

^^ I dont see whats so great about those races that it makes them the best, I can recall a few races that were probably as good as those two; Spa '98, Donnington '93, Hockenheim '00, Brasil '05 and the above mentioned Monaco GP

Jenson Button overtaking eight cars in the first four laps or whatever it was was brilliant to watch, and two of the front-runners dropping out held quite a few surprises. There was action, overtaking, and a well-deserved winner in the form of Button.

1996 was Schumacher completely dominating in the wet in a Ferrari, with a fastest lap 2 seconds faster than anyone else..

News:

Donington possible to hold British GP after 2010:
http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=39358

2010 ??

That won't happen ! You wanna know why well theres loads of circuits in the F1 Calander that make Silverstone look small, cheap and tacky so Donnington isn't has good as Silverstone is it ??

So I say we find some rich people get a nice big piece of land in England and bulid a circuit to rival Malaysia, Bahrain & Turkey etc etc then I will be happy !

Crazy Idea I know but it might come true ? Oh sorry it won't because of the Envronmentalists ! Stupid people !!!!

Hmmm..I've been to Donnington it would take a lot to get it up to F1 standards. You'd need a proper paddock, proper stands, proper advertising boards, a better entry gate, more facilities, which all = more money!

^The pit and paddock were upgraded to F1 standards (I think, might have been smaller series' like GP2) last year, but yeah, it does need a bit more than a lick of paint, although Silverstone is hanging onto the deal quite nicely now I think, although there's always room for change in the near future.

^^ Yeah we went there for the Renault World Series {http://www.sportscarforums.com/f7/world-series-renault-14189.html}
Wasn't too bad, except, well, the foot bridge going from the car park too the entry doesn't work, you have to walk under a tiny tunnel to reach the race track too. Oh, and the queue on the motorway will be massive too, I don't think it'll happen!

Hamilton to drive a McLaren F1 car (not sure which one yet) around Goodwood in June:
http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=39421

http://f1.gpupdate.net/en/news/2007/05/28/mclaren_team_orders_under_investigation/
ut-oh...

http://f1.gpupdate.net/en/news/2007/05/28/mclaren_team_orders_under_investigation/
ut-oh...

Yeah, i remember reading this somewhere. Apparently Ron Dennis was being interviewed by ITV Sport and he said that he told Hammy and Alonso to drive conservatively as soon as it became clear that McLaren was in leading after the first pit stops so they can have as much points as possible. So that is basically giving team orders which is not allowed i think.

This incident is very similar to the on in Austria 2002 where Rubens Barichello let Michael Schumacher win on the last corer of the last lap beacuse of team orders from Ferrari.

Looks like ITV have won more F1 awards:
http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=39436

Ecclestone dreams about F1 race in Paris:
http://f1.gpupdate.net/en/news/2007/05/31/ecclestone_dreams_about_f1_race_in_paris/

^That would be great, and it could be possible because F1 will quit Magny-Cours after 2007:
http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=39446

I'm beginning to think that F1 is turning into the 'F1 Street Race Championship' I mean Valencia, Monaco and now Ecclestone wants a race in Paris ! Come on race circuits is the home of F1 cars not Street circuits !

what do you all think of the news about a night race in far-east Asia and in Australia ? or other far-east GPs that could join this club ?

with all due respect to him, the safety issues pointed by Alonso seem a bit... stupid to me ("what if the power goes down and the lights go out ?"). I don't like the racing in the US that much, but night racing is one of the achievements I admire them for. plus, it would be easyer for us europeans to not to have to wake up at 5 or 6 in the morning (yes, selfishness :D).

Valencia secures F1 street race
http://i15.tinypic.com/6bwqdzc.jpg
Ecclestone (left} has sealed his deal to hold a race in Valencia
Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone has sealed a deal to hold a Grand Prix on a circuit around the streets of the Spanish city of Valencia from 2008.
The race, to be called the European Grand Prix, will be the second Spanish race on the F1 calendar.

Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya recently extended its contract to host the Spanish Grand Prix until 2016.

Valencia has signed a seven-year contract, and the race is expected to be held late in the season.

Ecclestone told the Reuters news agency on Friday: "The agreement was signed this morning along exactly the same lines as we agreed last month."

At that time, Ecclestone caused a political storm in Spain by saying the deal was conditional on the Partido Popular holding power in local elections.

But Ecclestone later denied that was the case, saying: "I said I wouldn't formalise the contract until after the elections because I didn't know who I would be signing it with."


To have a race on the streets when we have a circuit only 20 or 30km away in Valencia is a little bit difficult to understand

Fernando Alonso
Popular's Francisco Camps was re-elected president of the Valencian regional government last month.

The Valencia circuit will be between 4.1-4.3km (2.5-2.7 miles) long and will be based around the city's America's Cup port.

Its harbourside location is bound to draw comparisons with the Monaco Grand Prix.

Valencia's willingness to pay an estimated 26m euros (£17.5m) to stage each race as well as the boom in popularity of F1 in Spain, sparked by the emergence of double world champion Fernando Alonso, are seen as major factors behind the decision.

At last month's Spanish Grand Prix, Alonso said he had mixed feeligns about a race in Valencia.

"Four years ago, we didn't have even TV coverage and now we will have two Grands Prix, so that's very special," said the two-time world champion.

But the McLaren driver added that he was at a loss to understand though why there will be a street circuit when the Ricardo Tormo track lies on the outskirts of the city.

"The direction Formula One has tried to go in the last couple of years is to improve safety," added Alonso ahead of his home race this weekend in Barcelona, which has an agreement to stage a race until 2011.

"We have changed the last couple of corners here in Barcelona to slow down the cars.

"Now, to have a race on the streets when we have a circuit only 20 or 30km away in Valencia, that is a little bit difficult to understand what the Formula One bosses want.

"But for us, so far as it is safe and they put in what is required to make it safe, we will race anywhere."

what do you all think of the news about a night race in far-east Asia and in Australia ? or other far-east GPs that could join this club ?

with all due respect to him, the safety issues pointed by Alonso seem a bit... stupid to me ("what if the power goes down and the lights go out ?"). I don't like the racing in the US that much, but night racing is one of the achievements I admire them for. plus, it would be easyer for us europeans to not to have to wake up at 5 or 6 in the morning (yes, selfishness :D).

I think it's quite good that F1 races are beginning to happen in more eastern places. A few years ago, F1 used to be pretty much ran in European countries, but I think it's good that F1 is expanding it's horizons, because we need all the races spread out all over the world, not bunched in one continent. So, personally I think it's great, and it will give other countries the oppurtunity to sense an F1 race, which is always good.

I'm beginning to think that F1 is turning into the 'F1 Street Race Championship' I mean Valencia, Monaco and now Ecclestone wants a race in Paris ! Come on race circuits is the home of F1 cars not Street circuits !

I'm all for street racing, we only have one out of like, 17 races, so it's good to have more street races. Now we have 2, that's even better, but you can't forget the greats like Spa, Silverstone and the like.

@LP640, that news was confirmed ages ago.

I'm sure they are only supposed to have one race in each country, I thought the reason for which they stopped the European GP was to prevent this, but no.

^Yeah me too, but Ecclestone said that a big reason for why there is a second Spanish GP is because of Alonso - Alonso brings a lot of money into the sport with all his Spanish fans, so why not have two races, which equals double the money.

^^ Lol, that makes sense, it's all about money, no doubt.

^Yeah me too, but Ecclestone said that a big reason for why there is a second Spanish GP is because of Alonso - Alonso brings a lot of money into the sport with all his Spanish fans, so why not have two races, which equals double the money.

What happens when Alonso has retiired or is no longer performing to his best and there are no other Spanish alternatives ??

Them two GP's turn into massive money loosing GP's !!

^Yeah me too, but Ecclestone said that a big reason for why there is a second Spanish GP is because of Alonso - Alonso brings a lot of money into the sport with all his Spanish fans, so why not have two races, which equals double the money.

aHA ! so that's why there aren't 2 GP's in Germany anymore: Michael retired ! :D

seriously now, I even heard of a "Suzuka comeback" for 2009... with still a race at Fuji. that's two races for Spain and for Japan. what's Ecclestone's excuse for that ? with all due respect to him (I even like the guy), I don't think Sato brings on so much money in the F1 or the FIA treasury. also, what will he do if Kubica becomes world champion ? a GP in Poland ?... sure sounds good though...

Hmm, this is really getting confusing. First there might be a street race in Paris, then Magny-Cours might be kicked out of the calendar, and now there might be 2 Japanese GPs and 2 Spanish GPs. I don't know whats going on:confused:...i think that Ecclestone is just doing it for cash like what Bennyboy said.

But its not necessarily a bad thing becuase we will have more races throughout the season which makes it more exciting to watch. But it might cost more for the teams because you have to fly around a lot more from country to country...

But its not necessarily a bad thing becuase we will have more races throughout the season which makes it more exciting to watch. But it might cost more for the teams because you have to fly around a lot more from country to country...

indeed. 19 GPs seem already a lot or even too much, not only for the teams, but also for the guys in the cars.

again, I quote Alonso who said a 19 stage championship was "too hard for the drivers". and again, I don't agree. with what they get payed, those guys could manage to race every week, from march to october. someone like Stirling Moss would've been more than glad to race more, because it was according to that that they were payed in his days. and that wasn't much !

it's a bit the same with footballers in my opinion, but this is off topic. I really don't find this normal but... Ecclestone made Formula One what it is today. if it's good or bad, that's all personal judgement. so I'll just say that I too, like any F1 fan, would be glad to have more and more races per year.

What happens when Alonso has retiired or is no longer performing to his best and there are no other Spanish alternatives ??

Them two GP's turn into massive money loosing GP's !!

That's a long time away but yes, I believe something like that will happen. When races are boring for the fans, and they don't bring in any revenue, then the liklihood is that they will be scrapped, unless it is one hell of a circuit, like Spa. There are no Belgian drivers in F1, but due to the greatness of the track, it remains on the F1 calendar.

aHA ! so that's why there aren't 2 GP's in Germany anymore: Michael retired ! :D

seriously now, I even heard of a "Suzuka comeback" for 2009... with still a race at Fuji. that's two races for Spain and for Japan. what's Ecclestone's excuse for that ? with all due respect to him (I even like the guy), I don't think Sato brings on so much money in the F1 or the FIA treasury. also, what will he do if Kubica becomes world champion ? a GP in Poland ?... sure sounds good though...

It's probably why the German GPs and the Nurburgring went down, yes. Hockenheim was a great circuit, but still lost some of it's essence when it was cut back in 2001. But, the fan numbers I would expect to drop for this year, so the revenue is lost, so therefore the race slides down the priority calendar.

But, Suzuka could be coming back onto the F1 calendar yes, but this time not because of Sato, but to fill in the three week gap between the 2nd and 3rd GPs. Just to keep the fans entertained, basically. Suzuka is a great track, and Bernie must have been on the loopy juice to drop it from the calendar. But, another race, under the ''Pacific GP'' moniker, would be great to watch and see. A Polish GP race is a long way away, but it could be on the cars. There was a shout for an Indian GP because of Narain Karthikeyan, but unfortunately he didn't really deliver.

Hmm, this is really getting confusing. First there might be a street race in Paris, then Magny-Cours might be kicked out of the calendar, and now there might be 2 Japanese GPs and 2 Spanish GPs. I don't know whats going on:confused:...i think that Ecclestone is just doing it for cash like what Bennyboy said.

But its not necessarily a bad thing becuase we will have more races throughout the season which makes it more exciting to watch. But it might cost more for the teams because you have to fly around a lot more from country to country...

There may be a street race in Paris to replace Mangy-Cours. Magny-Cours has been kicked off the 2008 F1 Calendar, so there could be no French GP in 2008. But, all the double races are going on for a reason. Bernie is a great supremo for F1 I think, and he knows what he is doing, but it is most likely for cash, I would suppose.

indeed. 19 GPs seem already a lot or even too much, not only for the teams, but also for the guys in the cars.

again, I quote Alonso who said a 19 stage championship was "too hard for the drivers". and again, I don't agree. with what they get payed, those guys could manage to race every week, from march to october. someone like Stirling Moss would've been more than glad to race more, because it was according to that that they were payed in his days. and that wasn't much !

it's a bit the same with footballers in my opinion, but this is off topic. I really don't find this normal but... Ecclestone made Formula One what it is today. if it's good or bad, that's all personal judgement. so I'll just say that I too, like any F1 fan, would be glad to have more and more races per year.

In 2005, 19 GPs was incredible. It kept the bloody flowing from week to week and we had an incredible season. I agree with you Windir, with the amount of money they get and the amount of fun they have, they would race every weekend I would think. Yes, 19 races might be a bit hard, because you have to fly intercontinental like, all the time, which can be stressful, but maybe a slight re-shuffle of the races to make things more accessible and easy for both drivers and teams would be welcome.

Bernie also wanted a 20 F1 race calendar by 2009, so I'm all for that. Go Bernie!

What happens when Alonso has retiired or is no longer performing to his best and there are no other Spanish alternatives ??

Them two GP's turn into massive money loosing GP's !!

Most likely, to some extent, what happened to Hockenheim & Nurburgring, and Monza & Imola. Yes, Shumacher was still around, but his popularity wasn't getting people to races. It may have been that over the years of his career his popularity dropped, or his national interest dropped as his audience became more specific, but nonetheless, 2 races wasn't working, so now we have 1.

As for Italy, well, they haven't had any fantastic world beater drivers for a while, and even if they do have Ferrari, they had the same situation as Germany. They weren't raking in the money, so out goes Imola.

It's kind of like starting a new enjoyable project. It's the thing you do the most, say in, day out, until you start to get sick of doing it, and the popularity drops. In Spain, Alonso has brought F1 to so many new people, and over time, the popularity will eventually go down, but it's main fan base interest will intensify. Something like that happened here when Webber came into the F1 scene, he was pretty big, but now after so many races of null-results, I think populairty in him AND F1 is slipping.

Of course, unlike in Germany and Italy, Spain and us only have one driver an/or team in F1 to call our own, so in effect the popularity increase and decrease is more likely to be more severe, but who cares about that on a car forum anyway :D

In short, business goes where money goes. If there is money to exploit, you can be sure the good businessman (I.e, Bernie) will exploit it for all it's worth. By doing so, you also give the people (I.e, the fans) what they want, and when they're done with it, the businessman moves on, the people move on, and the only people left high and dry are the middlemen in between the businessman and the people (I.e, the organisers of grands prix).

Bernie also wanted a 20 F1 race calendar by 2009, so I'm all for that. Go Bernie!

now that's some good news. I didn't know. :)
yes ! go Little-old-man-with-glasses-boss-of-F1 !!

^It might not happen, what with F1 races being spread far and wide now, but we can all hope, it's got a good chance of happenine though, hopefully it will. :)

Got some big news:

Alonso reveals he's not yet 100% comfortable at McLaren:
http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=39593

Kubica ready to race:
http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=39598

Trulli crash 'understandable' after clippage from Kubica:
http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=39597

British GP tix soar (yay):
http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=39592

Damon Hill: Hamilton for 2007 title:
http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=39584

Dennis: SC rule changes needed:
http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=39587

That's typical Alonso, good thing about Kubica, I guess seeing that could excuse Trulli, of course the GP is gonna be busy, Hammy could win, don't think he will but, hey, and the SC rule needs to be changed, already said that one.

Wow, Cheeky you really are a die hard F1 fan.

That's typical Alonso, good thing about Kubica, I guess seeing that could excuse Trulli, of course the GP is gonna be busy, Hammy could win, don't think he will but, hey, and the SC rule needs to be changed, already said that one.

I'm surprised it took Dennis this long to speak out about it, considering Alonso's race was tarnished because for the 10s stop/go (which also took Rosberg, and have been vocal about elsewhere so won;t go into detail here :p). I guess everything with Kubica may have understandably delayed his reactions.

But PLEEEEAAASSSEEE change it, I just want it to be clarified! I just want to know what drivers and team will be expected to do in the event that your pitstop coincides with the start of a safety car period.

India set for race on 2009 F1 Calendar. Good news I reckon, nice to see F1 expanding it's horizons.

http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=39614

^^

This is bad, just how many races does Bernie Ecclestone think we can have ???

Next he will say something like 'I want a 52 races on the calender to show the world F1 is the greatest !'

More races means more stress on drivers because more travelling, less family time etc etc and of course all the mechanics etc which means drivers don't perform aswell. I personally think there is enough races already and anymore is stupid IMO ! I think we should get rid of another race like Spain for example they have Valencia street circuit now soo they don't need another GP and then replace India with Spain !

^Replacing India with Spain will never happen in the next few years. The whole reason Spain has two GPs is because Alonso is bringing money into the sport. More money for Bernie means more money for teams which means faster cars, which means more confident drivers. (Yeah, I know not necessarily but I assume you catch my drift.)

I think it's good that there are more Asian races on the F1 Calendar. It's no good having them scrunched up into one continent, is it. And more people will start to get into F1 aswell.

I personally think 20 races or 20+ races is perfectly fine for F1. I hate having to wait more than a fortnight for F1 races. With this it will never happen.

Vettel to race at Indy in place of Kubica:
http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=39621

^^ Yeah, I didn't think he would race!

^^^

It was always likely that he was never gonna be fit to race in the the Indy GP anyway !

The thing is, though, is that he is actually physically fit to race. He passed the FIA medical test, but just as a precautionary measure, they have told him that he could not race.

I'm guessing that main reason for this is that there is a possibility of something re-occurring to him, perhaps something straining or even lapsing back into a slight concussion.

India set for race on 2009 F1 Calendar. Good news I reckon, nice to see F1 expanding it's horizons.

http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=39614

Probably 2009 will be a hectic season. There will probably be like more than 20+ races in the season. It's a good thing becuase now F1 is moving into non F1 countries such as India and there will be more f1 to watch, yay! But the bad thing is that the teams will have a hard time traveling since races will be more bunched up and there will be more money used for flights and logistics.

Vettel to race at Indy in place of Kubica:
http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=39621

Thats good news, if Kubica raced then he could injure it even more! Good choice by BMW Sauber.

The thing is, though, is that he is actually physically fit to race. He passed the FIA medical test, but just as a precautionary measure, they have told him that he could not race.

I'm guessing that main reason for this is that there is a possibility of something re-occurring to him, perhaps something straining or even lapsing back into a slight concussion.

Yes that's correct, I read the other day that he was feeling fine, no headaches, he felt ''100%'' and ''brand new.''

Now that proves Kubica is a proper F1 driver, after only a few days after having an 180mph crash and being lucky to escape with his life, he feels 100% and fine? Respect Kubica, respect.

Probably 2009 will be a hectic season. There will probably be like more than 20+ races in the season. It's a good thing becuase now F1 is moving into non F1 countries such as India and there will be more f1 to watch, yay! But the bad thing is that the teams will have a hard time traveling since races will be more bunched up and there will be more money used for flights and logistics.

Yes, 2009 will be quite hectic indeed. I really would like to see 20+ races, I think the more races the better, although it will be a rush to get from one place to another, moving all your equpiment, if you have flyaway races, but generally flyaway races tend to be in the same continent, so it's not all bad. But yeah, bring in 2009.

Dennis fears for Hamilton's privacy (says he might have to move):
http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=39713

^^^ i thought these fears would of came earlier tbh

Apparently a local tabloid has run a story saying that Switzerland wants to have is GP back as well. I reckon it could work. Switzerland has some great places for race tracks and every second person here has a Ferrari sticker on something.

^Doesn't Switzerland have really strict laws on motorsport/pollution/sound and stuff?

^^

No, last week the Swiss Government lifted that law about no racing or something like that but would F1 be suited to Switzerland ? No because the swiss our passionate about low CO2 emissions and F1 is not a low CO2 producer !

Stupd people !!!!!!!!!

^Good that they lifted the ban....but people in Swizterland might complain because of all the noise, etc etc, but if a track was built there it would be great, you would have some uphill/downhill sections and the great scenery in the background..something like Hungary, possibly.

EDIT: Toyota fastest on opening two days of Silverstone test:
http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=39714
http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=39720

Exactly, thats why I want it to come here. A WRC round would be nice as well.

^^

No, last week the Swiss Government lifted that law about no racing or something like that but would F1 be suited to Switzerland ? No because the swiss our passionate about low CO2 emissions and F1 is not a low CO2 producer !

Stupd people !!!!!!!!!

You never know, there are alot of Ferrari F1 supporters around and it would bring a lot of money into the country as theres very easy access from Germany, Italy, France, Austria and Lichtenstein.

I just found the perfect place to build a track as well.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5e/Karte_Z%C3%BCrichsee.png/720px-Karte_Z%C3%BCrichsee.png
Down near where the bridge is there is a place called Latchen. Just east of there is some pretty flat farm land right on the lake. The gov could buy that land and build a track there. It would have lake and mountain views (trust me on that) and it just off the highway, train system and its right next to a small airport and dock.

BTW I live in the town called Horgen about halfway along if anyone cares.

I have some pretty huge news that may be not set but deserves a thought.

Kimi Raikonnen might be leaving Ferrari after this year.

Here is the link and the article.
http://www.motorauthority.com/news/motorsport/kimi-to-leave-ferrari-reports/

I bolded some interesting points.

Kimi Raikkonen could depart Ferrari as soon as the end of this season, according to reports. Germany’s Auto-Bild-Motorsport said the beleaguered Maranello based team has already commenced its search for the Finn’s successor, after failing to live up to his reputation and newfound status as the highest earning F1 racer following his switch from McLaren for 2007.
Not only is the 27-year-old struggling to keep up with Felipe Massa in the other F2007, Ferrari bosses are apparently also concerned about Kimi’s lack of focus and rookie errors — such as failing to get his car quickly off the line. Part of the Auto-Bild-Motorsport rumour is that newly retired Michael Schumacher is the obvious choice to replace Raikkonen, but paddock rumblings have also hinted at McLaren’s disgruntled Fernando Alonso or Williams’ impressive Nico Rosberg to fill the seat. The speculation may also be related to new gossip this week that says Toyota could be eyeing Raikkonen as a replacement for Ralf Schumacher next year and beyond.
Ferrari is now coming under intense pressure from the notorious and influential Italian media, with La Gazzetta dello Sport headlining this week that the trip to North America was a “total failure” for the Prancing Horse. Regarding Raikkonen, meanwhile, the sports daily wrote: “Hopes that he is Michael Schumacher’s heir are gradually fading.
“Australia aside, Kimi has never been brilliant in a Ferrari.” (GMM)

WOW is all I have to say, believable but a little early.

Sorry if its a repost but I couldn't find it elsewhere on the site.

Lol, Tim & I have been saying this about Raikkonen ever since his 'team' skills were shown to us. He really is not the Schumacher, they were hoping for. Ferrari pretty much made a rookie's error taking him on, if I say so myself!

Hey Nico Rosberg in a Ferrari sounds good if you ask me lol !

I think Ferrari need to get their car sorted then judge him IMO !

Schuy coming out of retirment to race, i'd like to see that, but doubt it will happen.
But nico or alonso sounds promising. That would be so cool to see McLaren and ferrari have a swap, kimi for alonso, lol

Exactly, thats why I want it to come here. A WRC round would be nice as well.



You never know, there are alot of Ferrari F1 supporters around and it would bring a lot of money into the country as theres very easy access from Germany, Italy, France, Austria and Lichtenstein.

I just found the perfect place to build a track as well.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5e/Karte_Z%C3%BCrichsee.png/720px-Karte_Z%C3%BCrichsee.png
Down near where the bridge is there is a place called Latchen. Just east of there is some pretty flat farm land right on the lake. The gov could buy that land and build a track there. It would have lake and mountain views (trust me on that) and it just off the highway, train system and its right next to a small airport and dock.

BTW I live in the town called Horgen about halfway along if anyone cares.

A WRC round in Switzerland would be fantastic. I am a fan of tarmac rallies and I assume that tarmac would be the dominant surface if there was a round in Switzerland. You have fast, flowing sections, with tight twisty ones aswell, making for great and close racing. That could be something to look out for.

As for the track, that would be a great position to place it in, I reckon. Like you said, you have the views, the lakes, and there's facilities around that place. Sure, you will need to make the place easily accessible from everywhere (but you've already proved that there is), so that could be a great place for a GP.

I have some pretty huge news that may be not set but deserves a thought.

Kimi Raikonnen might be leaving Ferrari after this year.

Here is the link and the article.
http://www.motorauthority.com/news/motorsport/kimi-to-leave-ferrari-reports/

I bolded some interesting points.


WOW is all I have to say, believable but a little early.

Sorry if its a repost but I couldn't find it elsewhere on the site.

Holy sh*t!!!!! News of the season so far I reckon! Raikkonen possibly going after only one year? Wow. I mean, to be honest, his performance have been rubbish, and I knew that Raikkonen would never be good in a Ferrari. He doesn't fit the tight-knit schedule that the Scuderia run. But I doubt Alonso would go to Ferrari, because he's having a great time at McLaren, but nothing's sealed yet.

But I would LOVE, LOVE LOVE to see Schumacher back in the seat of Ferrari. He's the mesiter, he's the best in my opinion; it was saddening for me when he left F1. If there were to be a Schumacher/Hamilton battle.....oh my god, I'd pay money to see that.

And if Raikkonen goes to Toyota, I think he will never be world champion.

Bearing in mind that these rumours are only very, very slight, I'm not saying anything will happen, I'm just basing that reply on what could happen.

Hey Nico Rosberg in a Ferrari sounds good if you ask me lol !

I think Ferrari need to get their car sorted then judge him IMO !

Nico in a Ferrari would be awesome...I'd love that! He definitely has the skills to win races, just the car sometimes lets him down. Would really like to see that.

And you have another very valid point, if Ferrari get on the pace, we could see Raikkonen do well again.

Schuy coming out of retirment to race, i'd like to see that, but doubt it will happen.
But nico or alonso sounds promising. That would be so cool to see McLaren and ferrari have a swap, kimi for alonso, lol

Yeah that would be good, but you never know, with Raikkonen's luck Ferrari would be top dog again and McLaren would be off the pace. ;)

I wouldn't doubt it if Kimi would be out after one year, if Ferrari were winning (even if it were Massa), Kimi would be comfortable in his job, but once Ferrari starts losing, nothing is permanent.

I wonder if they'll go after Rossi again, I mean, he is a popular Italian driver and a very good one, just on two wheels.

A WRC round in Switzerland would be fantastic. I am a fan of tarmac rallies and I assume that tarmac would be the dominant surface if there was a round in Switzerland. You have fast, flowing sections, with tight twisty ones aswell, making for great and close racing. That could be something to look out for.

As for the track, that would be a great position to place it in, I reckon. Like you said, you have the views, the lakes, and there's facilities around that place. Sure, you will need to make the place easily accessible from everywhere (but you've already proved that there is), so that could be a great place for a GP.
I would love to have it on gravel/dirt roads but I can still think of a lot of great rally roads on tarmac. Shove the thing up in the alps, they can't do much more damage to the environment than hundreds of cars filled with people and skis coming up there every year.



I wouldn't be surprised if Kimi ended up leaving Ferrari or vice versa but I would be very surprised by a MS return to the sport. But as Ben said, a MS v Hamilton would be great.

I wouldn't doubt it if Kimi would be out after one year, if Ferrari were winning (even if it were Massa), Kimi would be comfortable in his job, but once Ferrari starts losing, nothing is permanent.

I wonder if they'll go after Rossi again, I mean, he is a popular Italian driver and a very good one, just on two wheels.

Very good point there Phoeniz, I had all but forgotten that Rossi had a few tests for Ferrari a few years ago..he was only a few tenths slower than Schumacher when he ran against him when he had the tests, and Rossi said he would be available for Ferrari in 2008, but only as a full-time race driver. I'm not sure about his Yamaha contract (or is it Honda now?) runs out, but Rossi/Schumacher/Hamilton? It's the perfect combination.

I would love to have it on gravel/dirt roads but I can still think of a lot of great rally roads on tarmac. Shove the thing up in the alps, they can't do much more damage to the environment than hundreds of cars filled with people and skis coming up there every year.



I wouldn't be surprised if Kimi ended up leaving Ferrari or vice versa but I would be very surprised by a MS return to the sport. But as Ben said, a MS v Hamilton would be great.

I don't really know the scenery of Switzerland that well, but perhaps a mixed surface event is feasible, because that would be really, really good. In the Alps would be fantastic aswell, loads of people would come to see that and it would be a great spectacle.

And yes, Hamilton vs Schumacher...we can only dream! :D

^Imagine stereotypical Australian scenery (big, flat, empty, red desert) and then imagine the polar opposite you'll have Swiss views.
You can also use google earth if you want to see different parts of it.

This is the place I though that a race track would work
http://www.swisscastles.ch/aviation/schwyz/photos/lachen888_36.jpg

Favorite snowboarding location (some great roads around there for a rally stage)
http://images.gadmin.ch/26758/images/FlumserbergWinter.jpg
https://www.swissrent.com/images/orte/flumserberg.jpg
When the snow melts there are dirt/grass tracks that would be great for the rallies
http://grether-reisen.de/images/images-skikarten/chos-flumserberg-gross.jpg


Sorry for hi-jacking the thread.

Hi-jacking the thread? Keke Rosberg won the last (1982) Swiss GP (albeit at Dijon FR). Seems relevant.

Seriously, anything is possible. They told a bike collector he couldn't build a race track on a strip mine-turned-landfill. The result is Barber MS Park in Birmingham Alabama USA, possibly the second most beautiful man-made terrain (after Augusta National) in the US.

http://www.barbermotorsports.com/trackmaps.php

Googlemap Barber Motorsports...

THAT's hi-jacking a thread!

I have some pretty huge news that may be not set but deserves a thought.

Kimi Raikonnen might be leaving Ferrari after this year.

Here is the link and the article.
http://www.motorauthority.com/news/motorsport/kimi-to-leave-ferrari-reports/

I bolded some interesting points.


WOW is all I have to say, believable but a little early.

Sorry if its a repost but I couldn't find it elsewhere on the site.

No way. In my opinion i think it's just way to early for him to leave. Yes, Kimi and the team is in bad form right now but it's just his first season and it takes some time getting used to the crew, car etc etc. I think he should stay for one more season or more, then he should decide weather to leave or not.

And lambo or holden, that place seems great for rallying, a snow or tarmac stage would be great there in summer or winter. Like bennyboy, i like tarmac races more, they tend to be more exciting.

Well I've been thinking, and I've come to the conclusion that it's not Kimi's fault, it's the car's fault. There's only been one occassion where Kimi has snuffed up his F2007 and that was when he clipped the wall in Monaco qualifying.

Their car is not fast enough, simple as that. They are four tenths of a second slower than the McLaren on a single lap dash. Think back to Montreal; fifth was the best he could do. Last weekend's US GP, 4th was the best he could do overall. He really is trying, it's just that the car won't let him exploit his potential. If the car was faster, with the way he's driving I'm sure he would be winning races and none of this moving talk would be going on. Anyway, doesn't he have a contract for at least another few years?

But I do think he could make himself a bit more tight-knit, work a little harder within the team, and keep his head down and drive fast.

For the move; nothing has been confirmed as of yet, it's just rumours right now.

@LoH, fair play that does look like a good sight for a GP. You have the views, you have the hospitality and whatnot. Now all you need is for your Government to file for an application to get onto the F1 Calendar. They could also file for a WRC event aswell, because as you said, there's some good roads in the pictures you posted.

Anyway, some news, some regarding Ferrari:

Massa says Schumacher will never go back to Ferrari to race:
http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=39735

Hamilton and Alonso have a pact:
http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=39733

Button happy with tests:
http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=39730

Testing times: Silverstone, last day:
http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=39729

come on, Massa fastest in practice for sliverstone

also news flash, big time
ferrari sabotaged
http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=39737

^^

Excellent is this the start of a Ferrari domination ????

I hope so I can't stand to see McLaren on the podium lol !

come on, Massa fastest in practice for sliverstone

also news flash, big time
ferrari sabotaged
http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=39737

I remember Stepney saying something about how he was unhappy with the way the team was being run and wished to step down or something. It's rather interesting, because of that white powder and stuff, but I'm anxiously waiting to see what the charge is.

Are they all doing testing right now in Silverstone?

Because Wurz's boat was in the marina where my dad's company is based. And he came into our shop and he was dressed ever so casually. He was wearing old, scruffy clothes and women's cleaning shoes. I was really surprised to see a F1 driver looking like that.

I wanted to say "Well done for Montreal" but didn't in the end...

He only bought a couple of screws though lol...

^^well a few drivers are over there, not all the teams are though, sort of a quite testing really
though it just ended, and he'll be off the france soon

^^well a few drivers are over there, not all the teams are though, sort of a quite testing really
though it just ended, and he'll be off the france soon

Oh ok because I was wondering if it was actually him, but it seems it was. What is the dude doing pottering around on his boat instead of F1 driving ?

Are they all doing testing right now in Silverstone?

Because Wurz's boat was in the marina where my dad's company is based. And he came into our shop and he was dressed ever so casually. He was wearing old, scruffy clothes and women's cleaning shoes. I was really surprised to see a F1 driver looking like that.

I wanted to say "Well done for Montreal" but didn't in the end...

He only bought a couple of screws though lol...

You got to see Wurz? Wow, well done man! You should have gone up to him and shook his hand or something, but I could understand, pretty surprised to see an F1 driver just saunter into your shop lol, but must have been quite a nice sight. :)

And yes, the testing at Silverstone just finished, today, it was only a three day test, Williams were there, might have been their test driver and Rosberg only there, not sure.

^^well a few drivers are over there, not all the teams are though, sort of a quite testing really
though it just ended, and he'll be off the france soon

9 teams are there, the other two (Honda and Super Aguri) were in Jerez, testing out new parts aswell, I think they will be flying off to France in the next few days, yes.

Oh ok because I was wondering if it was actually him, but it seems it was. What is the dude doing pottering around on his boat instead of F1 driving ?

He might not have been at the test....I assume he will be going off to France in the next few days. :)

Oh ok because I was wondering if it was actually him, but it seems it was. What is the dude doing pottering around on his boat instead of F1 driving ?
ends up roseberg and the teams test driver where over testing, must of gotten a day of the lucky duck

also, the F2007 seems to be gaining pace at last
http://www.formula1.com/news/6331.html

Seen as this thread has got no attention lately I'll update it:

Super Aguri pleased with 07 Season so far and are hungry for more points:

http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=39751

Renault restructures Aero team in a bid to close gap on rivals:

http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=39753

Continuing with Renault, Symonds praises Fisi & Kovi for their outstanding North American drives:

http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=39754

Sorry Bennyboy I had too I was bored and saw new news so I thought I would ;) lol !

^No problem mate, thanks for updating. :) Haven't checked up on anything in the last few days, so thanks for updating. :)

Big big news:

http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=39769


Check out these radical plans and just read for yourself, then comment back!!

1.3 litre engines is bad, but no RPM or boost limit is good, but take a read about the adjustable downforce settings and less drag and more downforce, that seems good, but downsizing engines is not my thing.

1.3 4 cyl engines:eek: Thats just retarded, no other word.

Other things sound allright compared to the engine proposal, but it's still bringing the F1 down to a lower platform.

Here are the full articles from the FIA:
http://www.fia.com/resources/documents/1775783383__2011_Chassis_Regulations_Fra mework.pdf

http://www.fia.com/resources/documents/332668895__2011_Power_Train_Regulation_F ramework.pdf

Most of these new regulations sound pretty promising. But downsizing engines to a pissy 1.3 to 1.5 4 cylinder engine is just stupid. Evey year they get smaller, but now they went crazy and instead of making it a 2.2 V6 they made it to a tiny 4 cyl engine.

As for the movable aero around the car, that sounds awesome, that way cars can be faster on the straights, and the corners. Also teams might use them as an 'air brake' to slow the car down rapidly during braking...cool! I also like how they are going to put no limit on the boost or revs, that way F1 can be more competitive.

Here are the regulations that might come into plan:

Regulations

The best estimates of what these measures will mean in terms of regulations are currently as follows:
• 1.3-1.5 litre, 4-cylinder engine;
• no RPM or boost limit;
• energy flow rate to generate 300kW, including energy recovery from the exhaust;
• 200kW brake energy recovery, front and rear axle;
• 400-600kJ energy return per straight;
• pump-legal bio-fuel;
• FIA specified and supplied undertray and possibly other aerodynamic components;
• 50% 2007 downforce;
• adjustable, regulated wings and cooling;
• automatic downforce adjustment when following another car;
• lap times and top speeds maintained at 2009 levels;
• over 50% reduction in fuel consumed.

As I said, I'm all for moveable aero parts which will make overtaking a hell of a lot easier, so we get a lot more on track action, but 1.3 4 bangers? No thanks, that's pathetic.

It's says no boost limit, that intending turbos ? Cos then I'm all for 1.3 litre engines. 15 years a go, 1500hp in qualifying trim. Yes thanks. I like the idea of aero too. That's just awesome, however, a quote from the site.

"including chassis and fuel cells that last the season and standard wheels, brakes and uprights."

Why ? That sounds far to much like F3, or GP2. There just isn't any point in making them have standard features. The whole point of F1 is innovation. Making standard features on car's just destroys the entire idea and aspect of this. Boooo Bernie Eccelstone you rich little bowl haired troll.

^^^ lol, i so agree its destroys the point of racing, which i believe is customizing the performance of your car as much as you can then you race it so you can test its ability as well as yours.

It's says no boost limit, that intending turbos ? Cos then I'm all for 1.3 litre engines. 15 years a go, 1500hp in qualifying trim. Yes thanks. I like the idea of aero too. That's just awesome, however, a quote from the site.

"including chassis and fuel cells that last the season and standard wheels, brakes and uprights."

Why ? That sounds far to much like F3, or GP2. There just isn't any point in making them have standard features. The whole point of F1 is innovation. Making standard features on car's just destroys the entire idea and aspect of this. Boooo Bernie Eccelstone you rich little bowl haired troll.

I suppose you're right on the first paragraph. I mean, no matter what the engine size, with no RPM limits or boost limits, you will have crazy horsepower numbers, but that 1500bhp back in the 80s was the most powerful F1 car ever recorded. If we go back to those tiny engines, it will take a hell of a long time for the engineers to get 1500bhp out of the engines, let alone make it driveable (as traction control will be gone), reliable and safe. Anything around 900bhp, with the moveable wings, will make for incredibly fast lap times.

And I agree with you aswell on your quote, making stuff standard in F1 is not right. You don't put ''F1'' and ''standard'' in the same sentence.

In other news, Nigel Stepney has been dismissed from Ferrari:
http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=39875

Big news again:

McLaren suspend senior employee (who hasn't been named) for receiving information from Ferrari employee:
http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=39887

^^ Something to do with Nigel, I presume.

Sounds like it
but it seems now it wasn't Nigel, but someone from mcLaren, wonder how this will turn out. It could end up being the reason ferrari fell behind.

What would happen then but.

^Nigel was definitely involved with it, my first insticts were something to do with Stepney. We'll just have to wait and find out; until the court case is over, then we will know.

I suppose you're right on the first paragraph. I mean, no matter what the engine size, with no RPM limits or boost limits, you will have crazy horsepower numbers, but that 1500bhp back in the 80s was the most powerful F1 car ever recorded. If we go back to those tiny engines, it will take a hell of a long time for the engineers to get 1500bhp out of the engines, let alone make it driveable (as traction control will be gone), reliable and safe. Anything around 900bhp, with the moveable wings, will make for incredibly fast lap times.

And I agree with you aswell on your quote, making stuff standard in F1 is not right. You don't put ''F1'' and ''standard'' in the same sentence.

In other news, Nigel Stepney has been dismissed from Ferrari:
http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=39875

Hmmmm, I'll have to disagree with you there. The car's they were using in the 80's, had the technology that we are seeing in today's supercars. 1500hp would come in a blink of an eye. However, your completely right on the traction front. I know they are talented drivers, but I don't think many of them could control that much power on a hairpin. But they are kinda introducing ground effects again possibly. There talking about scrapping flat under trays, and having STANDARD sculpted trays. Standard, not a word we should ever see in F1.

The thing I don't like is they are always banging on about making it more affordable for the smaller teams. Them coming into F1 is their choice. If they can't afford it, then pfffffff. I'm not saying make ridiculous prices, but we aren't exactly expecting to see people like Kia in F1 are we ? I'm all for making F1 more competitive and driver orientated, but I also don't want to see it turn into A little bit quicker version of F3. That's why I stopped watching it a few years ago. It just got boring and backwards.

^^ Something to do with Nigel, I presume.

Sounds like it
but it seems now it wasn't Nigel, but someone from mcLaren, wonder how this will turn out. It could end up being the reason ferrari fell behind.

What would happen then but.

^Nigel was definitely involved with it, my first insticts were something to do with Stepney. We'll just have to wait and find out; until the court case is over, then we will know.

What have I done ??? LOL !!!!!

........................................ ..

and its Nige not Nigel ! lol !

^ I don't think they're on about you, Nigel! ;)

Oh my lord. I like the idea of a 1.3 turbo, but I don't like the sound of an I4. Use a 1.3 V6 by any means; that sounds good. But I don't think 1.3 I4 sounds very racey to me. The engines will be crrrazy powerful, and I can't wait to hear the noise they'll make!

50% less downforce than 2007? What the hell... :mad:

'Standard' parts like the underbody, brakes and wheels? Ugh... That's crap. :mad:

Movable aerodynamic parts? Nice! Sounds very good... :)