Reports are that Hammy is going to McLaren. F1Today.net has had sources reveal to them that Hamilton visited the Woking base three weeks ago to sign for the team starting from next season. The source said: "Lewis was in the Woking factory three weeks ago. He arrived by helicopter, had a conversation about two hours with the management and then left with a big smile on his face. He signed here, I can assure you. A seat fitting has not happened yet, but that will take place in the foreseeable future." Full article - 'Hamilton signs for McLaren for 2015' - F1Today.net Formula 1 news
Another article I read said Alonso signed a contract with Honda, not McLaren...which, I suppose, isn't quite the same.
I'm watching practice 1 at Sochi. It's the first good look I've had and it looks like it's flat as a board; little to no elevation change on a nearly 6 km track.
Rumors of Hamilton's departure shot down. Lewis Hamilton '100%' committed to Mercedes after McLaren return reports | Sky Sports
Charlie Whiting's report on Bianchi's incident is already in Jean Todt's hands. I don't imagine the full report will ever be released to the public but, based on things I'm reading today, signs of the investigative team's thoughts are emerging through statements by Whiting in press conference. More careful use of tractors and possible changes to procedures are being discussed but it seems like most of his comments center around slowing cars under yellow flag conditions. CW: "Decision to slow down should be taken away from drivers. Meeting with teams tomorrow morning to discuss that." Apparently something automatic and akin to pit lane speed limiters is being discussed as one option. That should go over like a lead balloon with the GPDA who've cautioned against knee-jerk reactions.
So an F1 car goes into a corner hot then a caution pops up & his car automatically cuts revs to slow it down. I see cars sliding off track as a result of such a knee jerk change. The telemetry now shows who lifted & who didn't for a caution flag. Use that info to penalize the guilty. Won't be long before eve the dumbest driver gets the point.
I agree. But I also know the trouble with the "punish the guilty" logic is it happens post-incident, and where safety is concerned post-incident can be after a disaster like Bianchi's. For all I know, the telemetry, etc, may show he slowed the least of all drivers and he was the most likely to have deserved punishment. I agree, though, that taking sudden control of the speed of cars from race control or via computers blindly controlled by telemetry is a horrible idea that can cause more harm than good. Looks like I fell into the trap of listening to attention-whore sensationalist media types who were quick to post up only the juiciest bits, out of context. Having read something that looks a bit more complete (below), I'd say despite the fact Whiting said "grand prix racing needs to find a system where the speed of cars when double yellows are out is controlled by the FIA, rather than relying on drivers to do what they think is best", there is a chance somewhat more intelligent solutions are in the works. Taking the decision out of the hands of the drivers may come in the form of better signaling and specifying more specific, and perhaps more significant, required deltas and then letting the drivers figure out how to comply...maybe. F1: FIA plans yellow flag speed limits (racer.com) F1: More Bianchi crash details revealed (racer.com)
A few repeats here but still worth the read, I think, if you're interested in this business. Bianchi crash: Key questions answered (racer.com)
What is all the debate? There should never be cars racing on any part of the racetrack when there are safety vehicles and safety workers on any part of the racetrack. Case closed, it had nothing to do with when the race started or if it was raining or not. Had a full course caution with a pace car been out until the tractor had left the track, Bianchi would be talking about and preparing for the Russian GP.
For me & my thinking that tractor being out in front of the barriers was a terrible idea. As I've said before boom cranes behind the barriers should have been used. Safety vehicle on track safety car for sure. My thinking is that maybe flagging standards should be changed or tweaked. Possibly a yellow needs to be shown earlier so drivers have more time to react. The tracks seem to be divided in thirds, maybe a yellow should cover the third of the track the incident is in.
Bernie is showing his true colors again. Check out this article over on Jalopnik. That's right, Bernie, Putin is a great guy...and there's no corruption in Russia, none at all. :rolleyes5:
Not much post-Sochi chatter in here. Maybe an outcome of the limited list of bona-fide highlights: (1) Nico making it back to the podium on a single set of tires after zoning out in Turn 2; and (2) the after-party in the Mercedes garage. Though, watching Vlad hand out trophies made for a few good chuckles. :arf:
Any hopes of an interesting race ended on the first turn as Nico skidded away any chance for a race for the win and most likely the Championship itself. Great drive from the back but other than that, the race was a yawner... Hats off to Putin and the Russians for building a very nice circuit, possibly too nice... Bernie and Putin glad handing in the bleachers was a bit surreal.. So we are all left wondering where Alonso will go or stay, thoughts?
It was a nice drive by Nico, after he cracked under pressure I think the announcers had it right when they said that Pirelli was to cautious with the tire compounds this year. I have a felling that this race will look different next year with more pit stops.