FORUMula1.com - F1 Forum

[formula1man]

i didnt actually watch qualifying as its 6 hours delayed in Australia. So im not sure if it was raining, but looking at the times it wasn't.

looking at the gap from Q2 - Q3
Hamilton and Massa were both 1.3 seconds slower, while Kovalinen 1.7, and Kimi 1.8.
so im guessing kimi is heavier, even a small amount more would make a big difference over such a long fast lap. So wen Ham in Massa pit a few laps early (if they make it to the pitstop. lol) will be considerably slower after letting kimi catch up.
does this make sense? or do i not have a clue wat im talking bout (probably, lol)

[AKR]

POLE!!!!!! Shame Heiki didnt make it a 1/2

Pole and hopefully into a pole! The championship belongs to Massa and Ferrari so tomorrow Lewis Hamilton had better back off and let Massa and Kimi finish 1 and 2.

So your admitting Hammy would have to back off a bit for it to be a Ferrari 1-2. Your wise beyond your years young Jedi

Yeah basically that is what I am saying. I don't know what it is going to take but Lewis Hamilton needs to be stopped again from winning the title. If this can happen enough times and then Ron Dennis can retire from McLaren then maybe Lewis Hamilton who feels he owes a lot to Ron Dennis can decide to change teams and go to say Ferrari where he will not need to ever back off for anyone.

[McLaren Fan]

cant wait to see F1's at this track. its almost religious this place

Spa Francorchamps is simply amazing. If you really want to know why Formula One was better ten or fifteen years ago than what it is today, is because of classic, older circuits in a similar mould as Spa.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=JAgXhCyjoog

If you were to draw up a list of the top ten or twenty Formula One moments, I wonder where that would be placed.

Trust you to say something like that. Why is it stupid? All I said is that Lewis Hamilton is Catholic and that because I am obviously Catholic as well, then I like that about Lewis Hamilton. You should probably realise by now that the only reason why I do not actually go for Lewis Hamilton is because he drives for McLaren thus the reason for the "Nightmares", which isn't supposed to be literal either, it is because the guy is ok but doing his wins for the very team I despise. If Lewis Hamilton drove for Ferrari (Which I know will never happen) then I would probably be one of his supporters. Maybe if he can just hold off on winning an inevitable championship for until Mercedes fully takes over McLaren and calls it Mercedes, then I would be sort of happy for him when he eventually wins.

Trust you to come out with thus rubbish. Politics, relgion etc. has no place in Formula One. As for the Mercedes name change, you've said all of this before.

I never said that so assume what you like. Once again, all I said was that because he is Catholic that is a positive thing. To me that means that he, Lewis Hamilton shares a comon thing with myself (As he has many other comon things with me that I am starting to discover). That is all I said, nothing more and nothing less. But of course people like yourself want to "exagerate" things. You should be a journalist Bud. That is what journalists are good at. Exagerating peoples comments and pushing them way out of context.......

It's bull s*** to say that Hamilton is a Roman Catholic. He may have a Catholic background of some sort, but he's hardly a practising Catholic, and, therfore, not a proper one. umpalumpa before marriage is not allowed under Christian teaching. You can't pick and choose which bits of Christian doctrine you adhere to.

Yeah yeah slant it which ever way you like we all know what you meant! You love your tribal s*** AKR whether it be Italian, Slovenian, Ferrari, Soccer or Religion it all comes down to the tribe for you and its associations to you!

[...]

Tribal again

I'd hate to see AKR living in Ireland.

The best driver on the day deserves to win. If you aren't the best guy on the day, you don't really deserve the win, in my opinion. You may have done enough to get it, either through someone else's misfortune or some Heidfeld-style craftiness, but that doesn't mean you're the guy who deserves to take it. Of course, Formula 1 (and sport in general) doesn't always benefit the person who deserves it.

I agree. I can think of numerous drivers who would easily have won titles in a good car. Sometimes, the best drivers don't always end up with the most victories, titles etc. Just ask Sir Stirling Moss or, in modern Formula One, a guy like Mark Webber. Then, compare their talent with a misfit like Jacques Villeneve.

http://en.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/080901094855.shtml



Spa Francorchamps, the much loved but longest layout on the F1 calendar, may have to be shortened for future editions of the historic Belgian Grand Prix.

It is being reported in Belgium, including by f1-club.be, that a portion of the 7km circuit is proposed to be cut out.

The famous Eau Rouge section is safe, but the proposal for the new shortened circuit in the Ardennes is to connect the current Pouhon left-hand sweepers with Blanchimont.

Left out of the new layout, therefore, is the high speed Fagnes chicane and Stavelot, and the existing Pouhon and Blanchimont are likely to be altered.

The report said the modifications could take place prior to next year's Belgian Grand Prix, or in time for the 2010 race.



Championship leader Lewis Hamilton said last week that the disappearance of many of the more challenging 'driver tracks' is a shame.

"You really feel the history of those places whenever you race there; they have real character," the McLaren driver said.

"Each time they are refurbished, they lose a little more of their individuality - but they are made safer, so we can continue to race on them - so that's a good compromise."

Source: GMM
© CAPSIS International

If that happens, I'll be seriously, seriously annoyed. There is no reason whatsoever to do this. As for Hamilton's remarks, he should get a life and grow some balls.

[7UpJordan]

If that happens, I'll be seriously, seriously annoyed. There is no reason whatsoever to do this. As for Hamilton's remarks, he should get a life and grow some balls.

If you had James Hunt back from the dead and 20 years younger racing today and you talked to him about shortening Spa, he'd probably come out with a profanity. And Senna would blame Balestre or Prost.

[McLaren Fan]

In terms of the racing, it's been a bit of a surprise. In free practice, Ferrari looked about three tenths of a second faster than the McLaren. The cooler temperatures didn't seem to be an issue for the F2008. In qualifying, however, the MP4-23 looked much better. I daresay that Hamilton is running lighter on fuel than Massa, but Hamilton did a great lap (save for a locked wheel in La Source) nevertheless. This is by no means going to be an boring race. I predict the Ferraris will improve over the course of the race, so Massa, with more fuel, is a big, big threat. Raikkonen seems to come alive in the race, usually carries more fuel, likes Spa, knows his title challenge is on the line and has bags of talent, so will also cause problems. Kovalainen did a decent job, but could have done a little better I think. McLaren really needed him to be on the front row and he needs to improve for McLaren to win the constructors' title. My impatience and frustration continues to grow.

Also surprising was how the BMW's improved a lot. They looked to be absolutely nowhere all weekend, but improved a fair bit this morning. Congratulations to Heidfeld on out-qualifying Kubica, but more still need to be seen from him. It's true that Kubica did not drive as well as he can, but that's not Heidfeld's problem.

Webber did a great job, once again making Coulthard look like a complete idiot. He should just retire now. His performances are absolutely embarrassing and he is doing a demolition job of his reputation as a good driver. I'm surprised how fast the Red Bulls were. I expected them to struggle because of the lack of power from the Renault engine, but the quality of their chassis and aerodynamics made up for it. Imagine how fast they would be with a Ferrari or BMW engine!

Both Toro Rossos looked great, unsurprisingly, given that they are using a Red Bull chassis and Ferrari engines. Vettel showed his class and - somehow - Bourdais looked like he could compete with him and out-qualified him! The car looked bolted to road, which accounts for some of this, for Bourdais is a little like Coulthard. When the car suits his style, he's fast, but when he has to adapt a little bit, he struggles.

Piquet - once again - did not impress me. Alonso creamed him yet again. How long can this go on for? It's disgusting that a driver can qualify half a dozen places behind his teammate. Renault as a team have a chance of making up some ground against Toyota this weekend, given that they can't get their cars working as well in cooler temperatures. Renault would be able to do more damage if they had two good drivers, rather than Alonso and a misfit.

Yet another shocking performance from Williams. This is getting absolutely embarrassing. Making matters worse is how they keep on saying something like our car suits this track, we've made improvements to the car so should go faster etc. We've heard it all before - and none of it is true. Fair enough, their car is slow, but do they have to embarrass themselves by making such comments? I just can't take Williams seriously anymore, which is tragic state of affairs given the history Williams have. Rosberg seems to have got his act together again. Until a month of so ago, Nakajima impressed me. He didn't make the gaffes that we thought he would and was not too much slower than Rosberg. Things have gone stale now and perhaps the gulf in quality is really starting to show.

Sutil impressed me today. His driving style is great to watch and he was very good on the brakes. If his application was better, he would be a great driver.

[7UpJordan]

Yet another shocking performance from Williams. This is getting absolutely embarrassing. Making matters worse is how they keep on saying something like this car suits our track, we've made improvements to the car so should go faster etc. We've heard it all before - and none of it is true. Fair enough, their car is slow, but do they have to embarrass themselves by making such comments? I just can't take Williams seriously anymore, which is tragic state of affairs given the history Williams have. Rosberg seems to have got his act together again. Until a month of so ago, Nakajima impressed me. He didn't make the gaffes that we thought he would and was not too much slower than Rosberg. Things have gone stale now and perhaps the gulf in quality is really starting to show.

Tell me about it, but at least Nico didn't say his trademark line today. It's annoying me how they keep saying "we've fixed our problems" yet they're still there and haven't been fixed at all! I'm pretty sure they're just using a repainted version of the first front wing of the season and have tried to pass it off as a "new" front wing. Even Patrick Head said the new front wing would work and he always knows what he's talking about, so maybe the press quoted him wrong there.

They're obviously too focussed on 2009 now because Sam Michael this week came out and admitted they've been working on the FW31 since June and this has hampered the FW30 development. If this had been any other season this stupid aerodynamics problem would have been sorted sooner rather than later. I just hope all this blood sweat and tears over this season's crap performances are worth it next year when they surprise everyone, because quite frankly I am going to lose interest in this season at this rate, and I don't want that to happen, I knew what happened last time I lost interest in a season.

I know they have the good mechanical grip which is why they're always mixing in at the top at tracks like Monaco and Canada, and they don't have as much aero rubbish to worry about next year, but I am worried they'll do something stupid over the winter, especially as I keep having to put up with other Williams fans already writing off next season thinking they know everything. It's times like these you just want to use that quote by Enzo Ferrari on aerodynamics being for people who don't build fast enough engines or something along those lines.

[headless]

Did you hear James flaming Allen when Hamilton had got pole. He was screaming and shouting what everybody else was doing and completely ruining the show. Gave me a bloody headache.

[darwin dali]

Both Toro Rossos looked great, unsurprisingly, given that they are using a Red Bull chassis.

AND have Ferrari power!

Making matters worse is how they keep on saying something like this car suits our track,

U got that the wrong way me thinks

Sutil impressed me today. His driving style is great to watch and he was very good on the brakes. If his application was better, he would be a great driver.

Care to elaborate on 'application'?

[McLaren Fan]

Both Toro Rossos looked great, unsurprisingly, given that they are using a Red Bull chassis.

AND have Ferrari power!

Quite true. It just shows how good the Red Bull must be around this circuit if they are still doing well despite being a rumoured 25 bhp down compared to, say, Toro Rosso.

Making matters worse is how they keep on saying something like this car suits our track,

U got that the wrong way me thinks ?

Yip, I shall have to edit that.

Sutil impressed me today. His driving style is great to watch and he was very good on the brakes. If his application was better, he would be a great driver.

Care to elaborate on 'application'?

Some rumours have been on the go recently that his attentions have not been fully focused on Formula One, mainly to do with his private life. Since then, he's come out and said he's not interested in women etc. as he wants to concentrate on his racing, which is a positive thing in my view. Aside from that, Sutil is still very prone to making silly errors and gaffes. I don't know why; momentary lacks of concentration or something? The guy clearly has a lot of talent. He's generally performed very well in wet or changeable conditions, like topping the time sheets at a rainy Monaco, for instance, but he seems to shoot himself in the foot not unfrequently. That's what I mean about application; if he applied the abundance of skill he had a lot better, he'd be a top drawer racing driver.

[8-ball]

http://en.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/080901094855.shtml



Spa Francorchamps, the much loved but longest layout on the F1 calendar, may have to be shortened for future editions of the historic Belgian Grand Prix.

It is being reported in Belgium, including by f1-club.be, that a portion of the 7km circuit is proposed to be cut out.

The famous Eau Rouge section is safe, but the proposal for the new shortened circuit in the Ardennes is to connect the current Pouhon left-hand sweepers with Blanchimont.

Left out of the new layout, therefore, is the high speed Fagnes chicane and Stavelot, and the existing Pouhon and Blanchimont are likely to be altered.

The report said the modifications could take place prior to next year's Belgian Grand Prix, or in time for the 2010 race.



Championship leader Lewis Hamilton said last week that the disappearance of many of the more challenging 'driver tracks' is a shame.

"You really feel the history of those places whenever you race there; they have real character," the McLaren driver said.

"Each time they are refurbished, they lose a little more of their individuality - but they are made safer, so we can continue to race on them - so that's a good compromise."

Source: GMM
© CAPSIS International

Spa is what all circuits should be like a challenging layout with a fantastic scenery. If they change the track then i will cry like a baby

[inspiredbyzane]

Ok guys. Quali is over and Raikkonen failed to capture pole and was outpaced by Massa once more. A little disappointing for me cause his lap actually looked pretty good. Surprising also was seeing Bourdais outpacing Vettel (and in the top ten) and Heidfeld in front of Kubica, but it all add to the excitement of tomorrow's race. Back to Kimi tho. I think his his performance in quali is all in his head. He just doesn't seem as if he's driving on the edge like he use to in his Mclaren days, but I must give credit to Massa who has clearly improved and has his confidence at an all time high. As for the circuit. Its a thrill to watch the drivers work they way around it, more so than Valencia two weeks ago. I dont think Hamilton will let Massa pull off the move he did back in Hungry at the start.

It's annoying how STR blatantly have enough pace to get well into Q3, but when they get there they just go defensive on the fuel strategy!

I couldn't agree more. They should really use the opportunity to jump up in the constructors championship. It will be interesting to see what Vettel does in the Renault powered RBR next season.

[7UpJordan]

Well, Sir Frank has come out and has had enough of the FW30 and has ordered all focus on the FW31 for next year from now on.

The FW30 should be put in the hall of shame, it's just far too slow, at least the FW12 from 20 years ago was pretty quick when its Judd engine didn't overheat and go up in smoke all the time.

[f1ea]

As ussual... race strategies will make the race more interesting. And to think some people are talking about taking pit stops away...

Mclaren is really strong and of course I thought they were sandbagging in pratice; but if it is the same as in Hungary and Valencia, with Ferrari having a much better race pace, then there is no reason to think Massa can't keep close to Lewis and maybe out strategize him or make a move. I doubt anythting like the start at Hungary... cause a move into that hairpin is a whole other bussiness

Kimi... as more or less I expected, is not going to be able to easily bounce back for the rest of the championship, as he is definitely fighting uphill against Massa and Lewis who seem extremely confortable in 2008.

The Toro Rossoes are doing really good. They are always flirting with good results and unless there is some unlucky weird stuff, they sometimes manage to come up with nice drives... its ussually exciting to see the smaller teams making progress and moving around the field... unfortunately for Williams they seem to have switched the brake and accel pedals...

Still... Massa for the Win. Lewis 2nd and Kimi 3rd

[AKR]

As for the Mercedes name change, you've said all of this before.

I know, but I know it annoys you a lot given it is true and there is nothing you can do about it so that is why I say it Chris. By the way welcome back. Long time no speak.

It's bull s*** to say that Hamilton is a Roman Catholic. He may have a Catholic background of some sort, but he's hardly a practising Catholic, and, therfore, not a proper one. umpalumpa before marriage is not allowed under Christian teaching. You can't pick and choose which bits of Christian doctrine you adhere to.

I don't go to church every week. Means nothing. umpalumpa before marriage...... camon Chris everyone does it these days before marriage. Who are you kidding. According to your reasoning then no one would be a Catholic these days then. But hey better not discuss that here as it has nothing to do with F1.

Yeah yeah slant it which ever way you like we all know what you meant! You love your tribal s*** AKR whether it be Italian, Slovenian, Ferrari, Soccer or Religion it all comes down to the tribe for you and its associations to you!

[...]

Tribal again

I'd hate to see AKR living in Ireland.

Why would I do bad in Ireland. The Irish are ok. They are passionate. I see nothing wrong with them. Besides during the war in the early 1990s in ex Jugoslavija, the Irish did help the Croats get weapons to fight with. Well done Ireland. The Italians and the Germans were great too but an obvious ally thus many times weapon delivery by them were intercepted by the ememy. Not the ones that came from Ireland though. Sorry this is an F1 forum. No need to reply to this. Really no need.

[AKR]

Im just thinking, if the top four finishes are the same as they are in qualifying it is going to be bad. It would mean Lewis Hamilton increase his lead to Massa by 2 points and McLaren closes the gap to Ferrari in the constructors by a point as well making Ferrari's lead 7 points. It is a crap outcome if it ends up like that. Really Massa should of won in Hungary and be leading by now which that win would mean Ferrari would still have a good lead in the constructors. All I hope is that this time it happens to Lewis Hamilton. That way Massa can win and hopefully Ferrari get maximum constructors points. After Hungary I would say that that would be a very fair outcome.