2012 Formula One Season

[Mosha]

Star sports really need to get rid of that <deleted> Slater. How can any commentator call it wrong so many times. He even called a second pitstop for Hamilton when he didnt realise it was a reply of his botched stop. Pr1ck!

Vent over.

Posted with Thaivisa App http://apps.thaivisa.com

You obviously never watched BBC F1 reporting in the Murray Walker era

At least Murray had character, and was entertaining.

[rixalex]

Star sports really need to get rid of that <deleted> Slater. How can any commentator call it wrong so many times. He even called a second pitstop for Hamilton when he didnt realise it was a reply of his botched stop. Pr1ck!

Vent over.

Posted with Thaivisa App http://apps.thaivisa.com

You obviously never watched BBC F1 reporting in the Murray Walker era

At least Murray had character, and was entertaining.

For me Murray and Slater are of the exact same mould. Both intensely irritating.

Good race. Kimi has been so impressive since he came back, and i must admit, it has shocked me. When he left F1, he just seemed so non-plussed about it all. Never imagined he would find the hunger and the drive to compete at the top level ever again. Shame he didn't strike whilst the iron was hot and make a move on Vettel when he had the chance. Oh well, second and third was a great result for Lotus.

What do you guys think about the incidents with Rosberg. I was surprised to see Hamilton driving off the track as his did, and thought a penalty might well come, but obviously the stewards felt it didn't warrant one, and on reflection, unlike when a corner is cut, it is not like any time was gained by going off track. I guess there could be a safety issue though. With Alonso, it did look like Rosberg drove him off the track somewhat. Guess Alonso could have pulled out of the overtake if he had ran out of track, but maybe he was already committed. Anyway, Alonso has complained about Rosberg's driving, so he obviously feels he was wronged.

That stuff aside, i was a bit surprised to see the Merecedes going backwards as badly as they did. After China, really expected more. McClaren on the other hand didn't surprise. With the exception of Button's win in the opener, i think their race performance has been average at best, and nothing like how they have done in qualifying. Add that to questionable race strategy at times, and mistake prone pit stops, i think they really do have work to do.

[F1fanatic]

Star sports really need to get rid of that <deleted> Slater. How can any commentator call it wrong so many times. He even called a second pitstop for Hamilton when he didnt realise it was a reply of his botched stop. Pr1ck!

Vent over.

Posted with Thaivisa App http://apps.thaivisa.com

You obviously never watched BBC F1 reporting in the Murray Walker era

At least Murray had character, and was entertaining.

For me Murray and Slater are of the exact same mould. Both intensely irritating.

Good race. Kimi has been so impressive since he came back, and i must admit, it has shocked me. When he left F1, he just seemed so non-plussed about it all. Never imagined he would find the hunger and the drive to compete at the top level ever again. Shame he didn't strike whilst the iron was hot and make a move on Vettel when he had the chance. Oh well, second and third was a great result for Lotus.

What do you guys think about the incidents with Rosberg. I was surprised to see Hamilton driving off the track as his did, and thought a penalty might well come, but obviously the stewards felt it didn't warrant one, and on reflection, unlike when a corner is cut, it is not like any time was gained by going off track. I guess there could be a safety issue though. With Alonso, it did look like Rosberg drove him off the track somewhat. Guess Alonso could have pulled out of the overtake if he had ran out of track, but maybe he was already committed. Anyway, Alonso has complained about Rosberg's driving, so he obviously feels he was wronged.

That stuff aside, i was a bit surprised to see the Merecedes going backwards as badly as they did. After China, really expected more. McClaren on the other hand didn't surprise. With the exception of Button's win in the opener, i think their race performance has been average at best, and nothing like how they have done in qualifying. Add that to questionable race strategy at times, and mistake prone pit stops, i think they really do have work to do.

Kimi's return hasn't impressed me as much as it seems to have impressed everyone else. His team mate Grosjean, a rookie, is doing nearly as well. I'd be more impressed with his results if the Lotus Renault was a 'dog', rather than suprisingly good and/or he was seriously out-performing his team mate. Early days though and he may well yet do so.

The Rosberg incidents happened so quickly (and I don't think the coverage showed what happened from the beginning?), leaving me unable to make up my mind. I was hoping to see the incidents from different angles and/or from Hamilton and Alonso's car cameras - but haven't seen anything new yet. Without this - on one hand I think if the stewards decided it was OK, then it probably was but, on the other hand, twice in one race is a bit odd.

I agree with your comment that Hamilton going off-track to overtake did not benefit him but... Alonso complains about EVERYTHING that impedes him - so I no longer take his complaints seriously.

Edit - Slater was talking more rubbish than usual this GP for some reason. Perhaps he was just having a bad day.

Edited April 24, 2012 by F1fanatic

[apetley]

Star sports really need to get rid of that <deleted> Slater. How can any commentator call it wrong so many times. He even called a second pitstop for Hamilton when he didnt realise it was a reply of his botched stop. Pr1ck!

Vent over.

Posted with Thaivisa App http://apps.thaivisa.com

You obviously never watched BBC F1 reporting in the Murray Walker era

I did and for all his faults I could forgive him a few mistakes because he had character and enthusiasm.

Here's a little info about Muddly Talker. I used to mechanic for a friend in the UK Superstocks motorcycle series. MW used to commentate and hours before every race he visited every team taking copious notes that he may use in his commentary. He is a great bloke and a pillar of the sport commentary community.

Slater on the other hand is an irritation. Calling it wrong and butting in with unfunny witicisms deserves a kicking at the very least!

[madjbs]

Rosberg pushed Hamilton off the track first! Hamilton just kept on the gas and overtook regardless. If a penalty was going to be given it would have been to Rosberg not Hamilton. Alsonso was completely behind Rosberg when it happened again so Rosberg did nothing wrong on that occasion.

[rixalex]

Kimi's return hasn't impressed me as much as it seems to have impressed everyone else. His team mate Grosjean, a rookie, is doing nearly as well. I'd be more impressed with his results if the Lotus Renault was a 'dog', rather than suprisingly good and/or he was seriously out-performing his team mate. Early days though and he may well yet do so.

I personally wouldn't describe Grosjean as being a rookie. He already has quite a bit of experience in F1. And being young and hungry, i expected him to - at least in the early races of Kimi finding his feet again - get the better of his team mate. Perhaps after a season back, then Kimi might have started challenging. But it hasn't worked out like that. Kimi has come straight back in with great pace. My money would have been on Schumi doing that, perfectionist that he is. But whereas Schumi has thus far failed (relatively speaking), Kimi has been succeeding. Yes the Lotus is obviously a good package, but still, what he is doing is an achievement, in my book.

[waza]

Seems to me that Webber has lost some agression in his driving, 3 x 4th places so far is OK, but he needs to show more. He seems quiet underwieght maybe he is lacking some stamina.

Edited April 25, 2012 by waza

[b19bry]

Star sports really need to get rid of that <deleted> Slater. How can any commentator call it wrong so many times. He even called a second pitstop for Hamilton when he didnt realise it was a reply of his botched stop. Pr1ck!

Vent over.

Posted with Thaivisa App http://apps.thaivisa.com

You obviously never watched BBC F1 reporting in the Murray Walker era

I did and for all his faults I could forgive him a few mistakes because he had character and enthusiasm.

Here's a little info about Muddly Talker. I used to mechanic for a friend in the UK Superstocks motorcycle series. MW used to commentate and hours before every race he visited every team taking copious notes that he may use in his commentary. He is a great bloke and a pillar of the sport commentary community.

Slater on the other hand is an irritation. Calling it wrong and butting in with unfunny witicisms deserves a kicking at the very least!

I don't doubt MW's enthusiasm and commitment, but it didn't stop him calling it wrong over and over, in my books he was just irritating. When James Hunt joined him in the commentary team he just showed him up.

[b19bry]

Kimi's return hasn't impressed me as much as it seems to have impressed everyone else. His team mate Grosjean, a rookie, is doing nearly as well. I'd be more impressed with his results if the Lotus Renault was a 'dog', rather than suprisingly good and/or he was seriously out-performing his team mate. Early days though and he may well yet do so.

The Rosberg incidents happened so quickly (and I don't think the coverage showed what happened from the beginning?), leaving me unable to make up my mind. I was hoping to see the incidents from different angles and/or from Hamilton and Alonso's car cameras - but haven't seen anything new yet. Without this - on one hand I think if the stewards decided it was OK, then it probably was but, on the other hand, twice in one race is a bit odd.

I agree with your comment that Hamilton going off-track to overtake did not benefit him but... Alonso complains about EVERYTHING that impedes him - so I no longer take his complaints seriously.

Edit - Slater was talking more rubbish than usual this GP for some reason. Perhaps he was just having a bad day.

In fairness I think both Kimi and Grosjean are looking good and the Lotus is clearly a good package which is good to see. However, the last race where Kimi went from 11th on the grid to almost winning showed he has not lost his touch and he certainly edged Grosjean.

I think the overtaking moves on Rosberg were more a product of the tracks and the ridiculous run-off areas on this and many other tracks. Rosberg knew he could push any passing driver to the edge of the track and even off it with really no consequence. He didn't need to give the passing driver 'room' as he would have been obliged to on tracks without such run-off areas. Hamilton was fortunate enough to have carried enough momentum to complete the pass off the track, which should not have been possible on a conventional track, he'd have been into the barriers.

This is not about Rosberg, Hamilton or Alonso as individual's it's more about the current tracks and what is perceived to be an acceptable standard of driving.

[b19bry]

Seems to me that Webber has lost some agression in his driving, 3 x 4th places so far is OK, but he needs to show more. He seems quiet underwieght maybe he is lacking some stamina.

It's actually 4 x 4th places from 4 races, if he maintains that with the current points system and a different winner each race he could take the Championship

[waza]

Seems to me that Webber has lost some agression in his driving, 3 x 4th places so far is OK, but he needs to show more. He seems quiet underwieght maybe he is lacking some stamina.

It's actually 4 x 4th places from 4 races, if he maintains that with the current points system and a different winner each race he could take the Championship

Unless I am very much mistaken, you are right. Consistency wins the championship for sure, but I love seeing him on the podium.

Edited April 26, 2012 by waza

[Mosha]

Lewis starting on the back row, after failing to return to the pit with the car.

[KeyserSoze01]

Lewis starting on the back row, after failing to return to the pit with the car.

Shame after the lap he put in for the poll. This means Maldonado is on poll. It's been a long time since a Williams was on poll. Congrats to Sir Frank and the team.

[rixalex]

Lewis starting on the back row, after failing to return to the pit with the car.

I did wonder about that. Was sure there was a rule about being able to get back to the pits. Was surprised nothing was mentioned by the commentators about it. Is it perhaps that if the car simply breaks down, that is ok, but if it is because it was running too low on fuel, that is not ok?

Either way, a massive blow to be right at the back after the lap he did, low on fuel or not. Still i'm sure Alonso's fans will be ecstatic.

[Sophon]

Is it perhaps that if the car simply breaks down, that is ok, but if it is because it was running too low on fuel, that is not ok?

You are correct about that. There is a rule that you have to have enough gas to return to the pit after your run plus an extra litre for testing.

You could argue that the penalty is maybe too harsh, and Lewis should only have his last run (where he didn't have enought fuel) or maybe the whole Q3 cancelled. But McLaren trying to argue that one of their crew putting in too little fuel amounts to "force majeure", that is just ridiculous.

Sophon

[rixalex]

Is it perhaps that if the car simply breaks down, that is ok, but if it is because it was running too low on fuel, that is not ok?

You are correct about that. There is a rule that you have to have enough gas to return to the pit after your run plus an extra litre for testing.

You could argue that the penalty is maybe too harsh, and Lewis should only have his last run (where he didn't have enought fuel) or maybe the whole Q3 cancelled. But McLaren trying to argue that one of their crew putting in too little fuel amounts to "force majeure", that is just ridiculous.

Sophon

Yes i agree, and considering the margin by which Lewis ended up qualifying on pole, what a stupid, costly and unnecessary error. Can't help feeling that since Ron has taken a step back, things over race weekend just seem prone to silly school boy type mistakes. Last time wheel nuts, this time empty tank. It's hardly rocket science.

[KeyserSoze01]

Is it perhaps that if the car simply breaks down, that is ok, but if it is because it was running too low on fuel, that is not ok?

You are correct about that. There is a rule that you have to have enough gas to return to the pit after your run plus an extra litre for testing.

You could argue that the penalty is maybe too harsh, and Lewis should only have his last run (where he didn't have enought fuel) or maybe the whole Q3 cancelled. But McLaren trying to argue that one of their crew putting in too little fuel amounts to "force majeure", that is just ridiculous.

Sophon

Yes i agree, and considering the margin by which Lewis ended up qualifying on pole, what a stupid, costly and unnecessary error. Can't help feeling that since Ron has taken a step back, things over race weekend just seem prone to silly school boy type mistakes. Last time wheel nuts, this time empty tank. It's hardly rocket science.

It is ironic as the force majeure rule was imposed stating that the cars must make it back to the paddock under their own power after qualy. The rule was imposed after Lewis did the same thing at Canada in2010 after being instructed by the team to stop on track after Q3.

McLaren is fast this year, but their strategy and pit work have been killing them. I agree that Martin Whitmarsh is not the team principal that Ron Dennis was.

At least we know why Lewis was the only driver in the 1:22's. They didn't put enough fuel in the car to get back to the pits and still have the mandatory fuel left for FIA inspection after qualy, thus saving weight.

[b19bry]

5 races and 5 different winners, what a great result for Maldonado and 70th birthday present for Frank Williams

Good to see Lotus finishing strongly again, and a great drive from Kobayashi.

It's been a while since we saw Williams, Ferrari and Lotus together on the podium ?

[Mosha]

http://sport.uk.msn.com/f1/articles.aspx?cp-documentid=161367749

Thankfully no one was killed.

[tinfoilhat]

Lewis starting on the back row, after failing to return to the pit with the car.

Shame after the lap he put in for the poll. This means Maldonado is on poll. It's been a long time since a Williams was on poll. Congrats to Sir Frank and the team.

there was a vote? did i miss it?

[rixalex]

Can't help feeling that since Ron has taken a step back, things over race weekend just seem prone to silly school boy type mistakes. Last time wheel nuts, this time empty tank. It's hardly rocket science.

Apologies for quoting myself, but i think there is some relevance to do so considering yet another McClaren botch. What was it this time? Driving over a wheel in the pits! My god. Pure comedy gold. Lewis says he is confident their luck will change, but it isn't the luck they have been having a problem with, it's basic organisation and team work on race weekend.

Congrats to Williams. Great to see them back. They've shown great determination to stick at it during what must have been a very humiliating time over the last few years.

Who would dare predict which way this season will go? I know i wouldn't.

[tinfoilhat]

Sam Michael is the bane of any teams existence, Williams got rid of him and look at the turn around there.

Now he is with Maclaren and they cant even manage a pitstop, or to put gas in a car a properly.

Michael's explanation of the blunder was laughable at best:

Sam Michael (McLaren's sporting director) stated that the car stopped on the circuit for reasons of force majeure. A team member had put an insufficient quantity of fuel into the car, thereby resulting in the car having to be stopped on the circuit in order to be able to provide the required amount for sampling purposes.

"As the amount of fuel put into the car is under the complete control of the competitor, the stewards cannot accept that this is a case of force majeure."

Force Majeure?

Did a sudden tornado whip through the garage creating a vacuum that sucked fuel from the tank?

Did a Tsunami wash the refueling rig away before receding and leaving no trace?

No, a TEAM member cocked up the refueling. Gary Andersen stated that he had seen the fuel rig lever set to "drain" rather than "fill", and by the time the TEAM member realized the mistake, it was too late to completely fuel the car.

Rather than taking an additional 3-4 seconds to put the proper amount of fuel into the car, the TEAM released Hamilton and sent him qualifying, where he crossed the line with 20 seconds to spare.

perhaps they were worried about track position, but a poor run would have been better than the run he got in the end, wouldn't it?

The Mclaren pits under Michael and Whitmasrh have been a comedy of errors rivaled only by ferrari with the electronic lollipop fiasco other mistakes in the void created by the absence of Brawn and Todt.

The left-rear gun issue, the refueling cock up, running over the-left rear tyre, and so on and so on and so on.

Heads have to roll at Mclaren, somebody isn't up to the task.

[rixalex]

Sam Michael is the bane of any teams existence, Williams got rid of him and look at the turn around there.

Now he is with Maclaren and they cant even manage a pitstop, or to put gas in a car a properly.

Michael's explanation of the blunder was laughable at best:

Sam Michael (McLaren's sporting director) stated that the car stopped on the circuit for reasons of force majeure. A team member had put an insufficient quantity of fuel into the car, thereby resulting in the car having to be stopped on the circuit in order to be able to provide the required amount for sampling purposes.

"As the amount of fuel put into the car is under the complete control of the competitor, the stewards cannot accept that this is a case of force majeure."

Force Majeure?

Did a sudden tornado whip through the garage creating a vacuum that sucked fuel from the tank?

Did a Tsunami wash the refueling rig away before receding and leaving no trace?

No, a TEAM member cocked up the refueling. Gary Andersen stated that he had seen the fuel rig lever set to "drain" rather than "fill", and by the time the TEAM member realized the mistake, it was too late to completely fuel the car.

Rather than taking an additional 3-4 seconds to put the proper amount of fuel into the car, the TEAM released Hamilton and sent him qualifying, where he crossed the line with 20 seconds to spare.

perhaps they were worried about track position, but a poor run would have been better than the run he got in the end, wouldn't it?

The Mclaren pits under Michael and Whitmasrh have been a comedy of errors rivaled only by ferrari with the electronic lollipop fiasco other mistakes in the void created by the absence of Brawn and Todt.

The left-rear gun issue, the refueling cock up, running over the-left rear tyre, and so on and so on and so on.

Heads have to roll at Mclaren, somebody isn't up to the task.

100% agree.

You have to say it's darn lucky they don't have refuelling during races any more otherwise i'm sure we'd see the MP4-27 in a ball of flames.

[rixalex]

On another topic, what do you guys think about Schumi's penalty? Personally, although i think the vast majority of the blame did lie with him, i do think it was just another racing incident and not the product of dangerous driving per say. Must be so bizarre for a man like Schumi, considering how he was once able to get away with deliberately driving into other cars, and now he can't get away with making a genuine unintentional mistake. I just think things have gone too far with the interference from above.

Another example was the business with Vettel's penalty. In the replay Button was right on his tail when the yellow flags were being waved. Perhaps Button didn't set fastest sector time, but he looked to be keeping pace with Vettel. Just seemed a bit unfair. Perhaps there was more too it.

[F1fanatic]

On another topic, what do you guys think about Schumi's penalty? Personally, although i think the vast majority of the blame did lie with him, i do think it was just another racing incident and not the product of dangerous driving per say. Must be so bizarre for a man like Schumi, considering how he was once able to get away with deliberately driving into other cars, and now he can't get away with making a genuine unintentional mistake. I just think things have gone too far with the interference from above.

Another example was the business with Vettel's penalty. In the replay Button was right on his tail when the yellow flags were being waved. Perhaps Button didn't set fastest sector time, but he looked to be keeping pace with Vettel. Just seemed a bit unfair. Perhaps there was more too it.

I agree. The majority of the blame for the Schumi incident rested on Schumi .

Even so, initially I thought it was a 'racing incident' and un-deserving of a penalty but, thinking about it, at the back of my mind I have a feeling that he often gets too close to cars before overtaking? If so, then perhaps the stewards were trying to make a point?

Not sure about Vettel's penalty but have to assume that there was some form of incriminating evidence against him and Massa.

[rixalex]

On another topic, what do you guys think about Schumi's penalty? Personally, although i think the vast majority of the blame did lie with him, i do think it was just another racing incident and not the product of dangerous driving per say. Must be so bizarre for a man like Schumi, considering how he was once able to get away with deliberately driving into other cars, and now he can't get away with making a genuine unintentional mistake. I just think things have gone too far with the interference from above.

Another example was the business with Vettel's penalty. In the replay Button was right on his tail when the yellow flags were being waved. Perhaps Button didn't set fastest sector time, but he looked to be keeping pace with Vettel. Just seemed a bit unfair. Perhaps there was more too it.

I agree. The majority of the blame for the Schumi incident rested on Schumi .

Even so, initially I thought it was a 'racing incident' and un-deserving of a penalty but, thinking about it, at the back of my mind I have a feeling that he often gets too close to cars before overtaking? If so, then perhaps the stewards were trying to make a point?

Actually i don't think Schumi gets any closer than anyone else prior to overtaking. If you have much greater straight line speed than the person in front of you, you may not need to get up their bumper, but if there is not much in it, it does usually require getting sucked right in to the toe and ducking out of their slipstream at the last possible second. Obviously there is great skill and reflexes involved and sometimes they get it wrong. In Schumi's case he obviously underestimated how slowly the car ahead of him was going. Perhaps that is the advantage of tailing someone a couple of corners before overtaking, as you get to see what sort of shape they are in.

Not sure about Vettel's penalty but have to assume that there was some form of incriminating evidence against him and Massa.

You are probably right. I must admit i haven't looked too closely into it.

[PattayaParent]

Must be so bizarre for a man like Schumi, considering how he was once able to get away with deliberately driving into other cars, and now he can't get away with making a genuine unintentional mistake.

Edited May 16, 2012 by PattayaParent

[rixalex]

Congrats to Michael for a great qualifying that truly turned back the clock... although thankfully didn't turn it back to the time when he mysteriously stalled and blocked others from qualifying!

Makes the incident for which he received the penalty a couple of weeks ago all the more painful. A shame too as it would have been interesting to see him out front and leading.

Some interesting stuff on the BBC this morning. Often wonder how much of Alonso and Hamilton's feelings for each other come under mutual admiration and how much comes under mutual hatred. Well, i'm still not sure but what i will say is that they do quite a good job of hiding the hatred, judging by these comments:

Ferrari's Fernando Alonso believes Lewis Hamilton is the favourite to win the world championship this year.

Earlier in the Monaco weekend, Alonso had said of Hamilton: "It is impossible to predict how the season will evolve, but I would hardly believe it will stay like this.

"Still, if I can tip one driver, I would pick him because he's the only one who can make a difference even with a car that is not a winner."

Hamilton said: "It is always a pleasure to have my former team-mate, a two-time world champion, who is regarded as one of the best drivers if not the best driver here, saying positive things about me.

"I feel very, very similar - once he has the car, which he has done in some of the races, he will be extremely quick and very difficult to beat."

Good to see some graciousness from both of them. Refreshing....

http://www.bbc.co.uk...rmula1/18221419

Edited May 27, 2012 by rixalex

[carmine]

Yes it was great to see that lap from Schumacher, a real trip down memory lane, but did you have to spoil your post reminding me of that stalling "incident." He deserved to be lumped for that one!

I wonder if and when he reviews what has been a glittering career he would wish he could scrub out certain actions that have left indelible black marks against his otherwise phenominal driving?

Anyway it seems like the Mercedes is quick and he still has it in him so for me atleast this generates a lot more interest. Like him or not, its amazing that he still has the abilities to go toe to toe in this sport with guys half his age.

[rixalex]

Congrats to Mark.

Have to say though, in spite of how tightly packed the top five or six were at the end, i can't remember a much more boring Monaco race. Yes we all know that over-taking is nigh on impossible, but usually there is a bit of vying and challenging going on. Today they were bumper to bumper but nobody ever looked like they even contemplated making a move.

Shucks if Button can't make a move on a Caterham, what possible chance is there of a Red Bull making a move on a Ferrari, or a Mercedes on a Red Bull?

Found it all pretty anticlimactic tbh.