And with the lower down force it should make for a more fun wet weekend than usual. Here's hopping to see some of Schumi's in-the-wet brilliance of year's past.
I'd think that before anyone got their panties in a bunch, maybe they should figure out whether it even helps or not? Rain always makes an F1 race interesting, mostly because they run in it! Wonder how the Reds Bull drivers will deal with the extra moisture from their "driver cooling duct" on the step?
I think your calculation is a bit light, you don't account for tipping, or other expanses (and there will be, trust me!) and what about all those touristy things you mentioned? They cost money too. And $20/day for transportation, not even close I'd say....wouldn't begin to cover a rental car, anywhere in the world. I think the grand total would easily be better than $100K. And what if you tried to fly home in between some of the the races? Like over the 4 week summer break? I guess the offset of the hotel cost would cover that? Sounds like a fun year! Be even more fun if you could travel with the teams and have access as a blogger or something!
Because of what Alonso was able to do last weekend, Ferrari fans and media in Italy are out for Massa's head. Ferrari are giving him a new chassis for the Malaysia race so they can decide whether to blame the man or the machine...
Watched practice live last night. Good show. I do have to say this (let me preface that I fully understand how far any game play is removed from reality): But having been around the Sepang track in couple of iterations of the F1 PS3 game I can say I am familiar with the track layout and have a wee bit of understanding of some of the trickier corners. It was fun to watch the real guys have difficulties in the same corners that I found challenging. I also have great appreciation for just how smooth Kimi is. It would be nice to see him in a better chassis (I hear a red seat might be up for grabs soon).
Not to start any rumors... But Kimi and Alonso both in red cars at the same time. That would be interesting for sure. Which would get #1 status?
This........one thing I enjoy doing is taking a few laps on the PS3 in cockpit view before the race just to get "into" the race...:biggrin5:
Interestingly enough, you don't hear that talk from the McLearen boys. Unless I've missed something, they've not had the #1 vs #2 drama since Alonso left. And certainly the past couple of years Button has been every bit as good, if not better than Hammie. I also never understood the thought process that having two competitive drivers results in one cannibalizing points from the other.
I think you can take away a few things from Friday practice.....the Big Macs are as fast or faster on the prime tire (slower by 1.5 sec) that the rest are on the option tire -they are clearly the class of the field this season so far and will be the team to chase. And while the Hamster had his share of off track shenanigans he was still quicker than anyone else - however, that may affect his finish in the race if he can't keep it on track. Button as always was Mr. Smooth...... It's now clear to me that this year's MBZ was designed more for MS's talents than Rosbug's - he's absolutely enjoying himself and will factor in this season - podiums for sure, and maybe a win if the track or weather comes his way. Fun to see the old man getting it right these days! Remember Minardi? Well the now Toro Rosso boys are definitely movin on up, they were strong in Australia and they seem stronger here. Good for them, and nice to see two "new guys" getting a good ride and a chance to show what they have. Caterham is a real disappointment so far, they have a lot of promise for this season, and so far have been let down by reliability issues, I hope they get it all under control - if they do, they will be solidly mid-pack IMHO. Renault has a new steering rack for KIMI that's supposed to be much more to his liking, he looked smooth today - and smooth is always fast. The Reds Bull are struggling, an unusual place for them, but I absolutely do not count them out. I think both Webbo and Vet-tel are relishing the fight.... Ferrari is not as bad as some are making out, Alonso can set pace and while he's not running at the front yet - well at least he's not where poor Massa is. The rumor mill strongly has Perez wearing red, maybe as soon as the next race..... Williams and Force India continue to impress and will also factor in the race.... I'm seeing a lot of strength in the mid pack teams and if the right (bad) thing happens on an opening lap, or if someone miscalcualtes tire wear or something you could easily see them on the podium this season. Looks like Marussia and HRT wil both get in the show this weekend, and good for them!
Problems for Lotus. Kimi gets a 5-place grid penalty for a gearbox change and then this: Lotus hospitality unit destroyed in Malaysian Grand Prix paddock fire (AUTOSPORT.com)
A statement from the team said it lost catering equipment, food and drink as well as media and marketing materials. "In addition, a spare helmet for Kimi Raikkonen perished in the blaze. Further driver equipment was rescued, albeit covered in soot," it said. "The team asks for forgiveness for certain personnel who will be rather smoke-fragranced today as they had to enter the fire-damaged facility. “Many team members may also look rather hungry for a short time."
Here's another pic. Apparently Merc and Ferrari spaces were affected as well, though it may be mostly smoke damage for them.
Brawn says rival teams should protest on Thursday if they have a problem with Mercedes DRS f-duct (AUTOSPORT.com)
Incredible... 9 different teams in the top 10 this time around. I gotta say, I think today sealed the fate of Massa too.