Most liked posts in thread: F1 - 2012

It's a heckofa precedent to set. What if things change and he wins more races? More free Ferraris? Definitely makes it look like the folks at Maranello expected a win-less season.

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLvRp5g0Ybc]Formula One 1973 Emerson Fittipaldi pit stop - YouTube[/ame]

Just for fun, here's a quick comparo. Two wheels above, four wheels below.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZW2VSt_VfGM]Sebastian Vettel - Four Second Pit Stop - YouTube[/ame]

 

A cool video montage from 1950-2009 in less than 7 minutes. I like it for the progression of car styles through the years.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oO9_JhiSXIo]History of Formula 1 - YouTube[/ame]

 

One more cool flashback, this one much more recent:

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmBl_XT0BpU]Lewis Hamilton drives Ayrton Senna's McLaren on BBC Top Gear - YouTube[/ame]

 

Yep, and Ross Braun says it's cheap to build, just a couple carbon tubes...on the other hand integrating it into your car after it's already been designed is another story.

He also made a good point about the RRA (Resource Restriction Agreement). Other teams are complaining about how expensive it will be for them to develop a similar system but he wonders where they would get the money to do it if they're already working to the limit of the RRA...

 

This one is a little confusing. Lotus drops out of F1 sponsorship but Lotus are still in F1...

More important I think is the news (to me) about Group Lotus. This is the first I've heard of Group Lotus -- not the F1 team but the sportscar manufacturer -- having "financial uncertainties" and that's a bit worrying.

I'm just as surprised to learn of the Lotus F1 team owner considering taking over Group Lotus. I guess I haven't been paying attention.

Lotus F1 team committed to name despite end of title sponsor deal (AUTOSPORT.com)

 

Here's the dilemma for the teams. Like that article says "Until now the teams and sponsors have kept quiet, maintaining a united front and leaving the big decision to the men who rule the sport." But Bernie the Muppet head is not willing to call it off. He claims it isn't about money but no surprise there, that's not the first lie he's ever told. He now says it's up to the teams, and it is. Trouble is, the teams know if they don't go they're in breach of contract which has more than monetary implications. They also know if they decide not to go that they are making a political statement. This last bit may seem like a good thing to many, let the teams show themselves to be more socially responsible than Bernie and the FIA, but it's very unfamiliar ground for them and they're uncomfortable to say the least. A number of teams also have big gulf area sponsors which further complicates their decisions.

Ecclestone: Teams will decide if Bahrain happens (GPUpdate.net)

Another article claims: "All teams are now believed to be planning a Saturday meeting in Shanghai, in which they will decide whether or not to travel to Bahrain. It is being reported by a number of newspapers that some of the larger, wealthier outfits have already purchased two sets of airline tickets for staff in order to bypass the country if the race is cancelled."

 

And again, but maybe for the last time...

Mercedes rear wing declared legal (GPUpdate.com)

 

Hamilton hit with 5-place grid penalty (GPUpdate.net)

 

China practice starts in about 9 hours. Remember this from 2 years ago in China? Looks like he pushed a front wheel ejection button:

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1aUvp48Qmp0]F1 China 2010 - Buemi Practice Crash + Interview - YouTube[/ame]

 

It's raining on first practice in Shanghai. Dry weather predicted for tomorrow but more rain expected Sunday...