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#311809
So, now it's time for Lew's thoughts on the race.

Despite a quiet period in the middle of the race, I still think the Grand Prix at Silverstone lived up to the exciting standards we've come to expect from 2012. There was overtaking aplenty, some good wheel-to-wheel action and a fantastic fight for victory in the dying laps. So, all the ingredients were there.

First and foremost, a big congrats to Mark Webber. It's always a pleasure to see him do well, even more so after his hardships of 2011. Hopefully, his year will continue to be strong, even AFTER Korea this time!

Mention must also go to Felipe Massa, who has finally had a result to shout about. It's the first time he's smiled in a long time, but the fact it's only 4th sums up his recent difficulties pretty well. Also, Bruno Senna dragged his Williams into the points, but the team will still be disappointed at yet MORE points being thrown away, yet again in the hands of Maldonado. I'm not surprised at Perez's comments (especially after Monaco), and if his words about communal discontent over the Venezuelan's driving are true, then it should be of great concern to Pastor. He raced so well in Barcelona, but silly coming togethers are darkening his season, and also giving him a firmer reputation as a brute on the track.

Like McLaren, Caterham will be disappointed at their performance. They came into this weekend full of confidence, claiming to have found an extra half a second. It was certainly enough to give the Toro Rosso boys long faces, but in the end, all the promise came to nought. They did look fast in Valencia though, so maybe we'll see more improvement in races to come.

McLaren have a great deal of work to do. If one team is capable of rescuing a dire situation, it is McLaren. We've seen it time and time again, when the team have started a season on the back foot. What bothers me, however, is that the team started THIS season very much on the right foot, and have declined. Given their proven ability of getting out of the darkness, this seems to me a terrible waste of what looked set to be a strong year.
#311833
Racechick's report coming tomorow. Too tired and in need of a shower now. Great weekend but Mclaren!!I give up!! what was it they said few weeks ago? They wanted to take the best of Jens and lewis' set-ups and bring them closer together. Well congratulations Mr Whitmarsh, you've achieved it. Instead of lewis in the top three and jenson 14th or so, You have Lewis 8th and jenson 10th. Result!
Anyways. Silverstone is still magic and I have some good stories....not good pics though, just mud. :hehe: (Eric Vergne came on the stage....he's rather sweet :D:P )
#311836
I got a question for you UK guys, I was checking BBC one's site and didnt see the race listed... so i thought maybe they wherent broadcasting it.. then I see the race listed on Iplayer. Did they show the race or do they still send a crew out to cover it and put em up on iplayer? I'm planing to take a watch to the pre-race show, i think BBC is alot better than sky and also our american Speed coverage pre-race.
#311854


[biting]I wouldn't of spent the last 5 days knee deep in mud and and suffere monsoon rains, at a cost of near on £500, if I wasn't a 'real fan'.[/biting]

I suggest next year you go to Valencia, it's nicer weather there :wink:


But where would the fun be in that!! It's my annual spa retreat, seeing as Glasto isn't on this year......
#311855
I got a question for you UK guys, I was checking BBC one's site and didnt see the race listed... so i thought maybe they wherent broadcasting it.. then I see the race listed on Iplayer. Did they show the race or do they still send a crew out to cover it and put em up on iplayer? I'm planing to take a watch to the pre-race show, i think BBC is alot better than sky and also our american Speed coverage pre-race.


Yes it was on BBC :yes: And the red button was from the live stage :D
#311856
I got a question for you UK guys, I was checking BBC one's site and didnt see the race listed... so i thought maybe they wherent broadcasting it.. then I see the race listed on Iplayer. Did they show the race or do they still send a crew out to cover it and put em up on iplayer? I'm planing to take a watch to the pre-race show, i think BBC is alot better than sky and also our american Speed coverage pre-race.


To answer your question specifically - no it wasn't on BBC one, which is why it won't have been in the listings you looked at. It was on BBC two (and BBC HD) because the Wimbledon mens final was on BBC one. So yeah it'll be on i-player as usual, but explains why you wouldn't have seen the listing.
#311914
Ah! a much clearer answer from Zurich Allen :D . In my defence i didnt watch it on tv but :D knew it was BBC cos I saw them filming it, and was having it recorded.
#311956
Ah! a much clearer answer from Zurich Allen :D . In my defence i didnt watch it on tv but :D knew it was BBC cos I saw them filming it, and was having it recorded.


+1 - That halestorm was awful though :lol:

To sum up the race, great race. Ferrari and Red Bull seem to have pulled away from McLaren and Mercedes on pace, although Lotus are still very quick, and should have done better than 5th and 6th.

Nothing to choose between Alonso and Webber all race, both were about half a second a lap faster than the other when they had the better tyre. For me, the defining moment was when Alonso lost 2-3 seconds behind Hamilton, who pitted before Webber caught him. Those 3 seconds probably cost Alonso the margin he needed to hold Webber back late on, however, I think Alonso will have taken 3 podiums and a 5th in the last 4 races, all 4 of which he has been very competitive. I think it should be mentioned that the battle between Alonso and Webber was as usual hard but fair, Alonso left a space for one car and Webber fairly took it, unlike another incident between a Williams and a Sauber.

Massa has had a great weekend, his best result of the season, and for a while. Almost had a podium, but got jumped by Vettel at the stops and couldn't catch him although his pace was very good. Ferrari now up to 2nd in the Constructors Championship. If Massa can keep his Silverstone form up and Ferrari can find a few tenths, I see no reason why they can't fight for the Constructors championship with Red Bull.

Schumacher drove well, best of the rest after RBR, Ferrari and Lotus. Think that was the most he could get out of the car. Hamilton likewise in 8th got the most out of his car.

Personally, I think that Kobayashi getting fined by the FIA is a bit harsh, since he was the one most affected as the guys servicing his car were under his car. It was a team issue and should have been dealt with internally imo.

And finally, a quick note to the weather - You can rain, you can deluge, you can persistently rain, you can throw halestones at us, but you will NEVER stop us Brits enjoying our Grand Prix, so what about giving up and making next year's race hot and sunny please (wishful thinking :lol: )
#311984
Interesting to see the loads going through the car. You'll spot the front wing flexing immediately, but then look at the rear wheel and wing as well. Pretty fascinating. Still ruminating on what I make of it all

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