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[LewEngBridewell]

Just a quick side note about the attendance for qualifying.

82,710 fans turned up at the Circuit of Americas today. Hopefully, there'll be even more tomorrow! The grandstands and bankings looked pretty vibrant on the TV

120k capacity and it's sold out, I'm sure tomorrow is going to be an insane crowd. Take that Inida, and Korea and Abu Dhabi and China and why bother Bahrain. If you're going to hold a GP in a place where the fans don't show up to races, why bother?

Tickets for tomorrow purchased from all 50 states and 40 countries.

Let's hope they'll have a good show.

[f1boy]

Uncle Ron looked furious because he's got a number one driver thats about as much use as a chocolate fireguard.

McLaren are looking ridiculous these days, as Lewis is quite clearly the driver they should have kept and made number 1.

[Hammer278]

Uncle Ron looked furious because he's got a number one driver thats about as much use as a chocolate fireguard.

McLaren are looking ridiculous these days, as Lewis is quite clearly the driver they should have kept and made number 1.

Uncle Ron has a right to be furious with himself. Lost his protege who's still keeping McLaren at the sharp end, but it all ends in just 2 races. Next year, he'll have to invest in some extra 'grip' and a dictionary of updated excuses for the new No.1, and a better insurance policy for all the crashes and splinters the new No.2 will be achieving through a season.

[vlad]

OK, I expect everyone to burn their tires a bit more in the warm up lap than usual, especially off the line. It's a clear thing that Alonso's Ferrari is tuned for the race and higher fuel load. They know their strengths and they're using them. He will probably gain 2 positions straight off the line and will "pass" Massa later. But the real problem starts with Raikkonen, Webber, Hamilton and Schumacher. We'll see what happens. But, I expect a podium from Alonso. There are plenty of overtaking spots and DRS too.

[kerc]

Just want to mention that I was at the track yesterday. Awesome facilities at COTA. It's HUGE. The elevation changes are really noticeable. I sat at turn 9, seems like turns 7 to 11 will be an area that will definitely have some action.

First time ever seeing F1 cars race live. Amazing stuff. The sound in incredibly deafening, and the speeds are ridiculous. Television really slows things down!

[vlad]

Nice, man! Will you be there tonight for the race?

[kerc]

Nice, man! Will you be there tonight for the race?

Unfortunately, no. I wasn't able to buy my tickets on time due to family medical expenses. The MIS Vice-President for the company I work for (so he's the boss of my boss ), who is also a hardcore F1 fan, gave me those two tickets for qualifying. Those were his own tickets--but he was on the track that day, so I think that he was invited by some friends or something like that, thus having his tickets available, including parking ticket.



Next year I'm hoping to get my butt there for the whole weekend. I mean, $150 General Admission for the whole weekend is a heck of a deal. Food and drink are hideously expensive in the track, though, as is F1 merchandise, so I gotta save up a few. Kinda hard to do sometimes when you're the father of two (including a teenager!).

Oh, did I mention that the Safety Car sounds *glorious*?

[racechick]

Sounds awesome. Glad you had a good time.

[vlad]

I'm really glad you managed to get there and feel the vibe. Next year is your year. Remember me when you're there and drink an expensive beer, for me, haha!

[What's Burning?]

Hey kerk how's security going into the venue and do they let you bring your own food and beverages?

[Denthúl]

Ted Kravitz ‏@tedkravitz

Checked the sporting regs, there's nothing to stop Ferrari changing MAS g'box to move ALO 1 place up and onto clean grid side. Will report

Jon Noble ‏@NobleF1

Ferrari is considering replacing Felipe Massa's gearbox for the USGP due to unspecified problem. Full story soon

Hmm. Could help Alonso out there, if they do...

[What's Burning?]

apparently they were looking into actually cleaning up the off line side of the grid so that may not be necessary if they do clean it up.

[vlad]

@Denthul
That would be so LAME...

[Denthúl]

That would be so LAME...

I think at the moment, they'll take any legal means of holding on to the chance of a championship. It's not really any worse than compromising one driver's race by pitting them early/late to aid the other driver.

[vlad]

This takes away everything Massa has worked for in Qualis... It's so unfair to him. And they could even do worse like this, by not having their man in front, to help Alonso...