Sometimes life throws you a few curve balls and then sometimes it bowls you over. I have not been very active nor interested in doing much of anything since the death of my parents. Weird how having all the time in the world doesn't fit in with my goofing-off schedule of loathing and self-doubt. But through it all it was the little things that kept me going. Loving my wife, enjoying sports, in particular Football and Formula One. Looking forward to a thing brings you forward I believe. So I am back. Though there is no one who even knows I'm here, I'm back anyway.
OK, I am going to begin by inviting several of my rare friends who enjoy F1 to come and explore our thoughts on the sport. Here's hoping we get a few in here and become good friends.
The 2012 season has only a few more races and it's been a season to remember, hasn't it? Who do you think will come out on top? Any thoughts of the coming season and/or how the new regulations will effect the sport? I'm all open to hear your thoughts on just about anything racing and to answer any questions you may have.
Glad to be rattling the keyboard again. Real glad...
Rick
Friday, October 19, 2012
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Trulli: It is 'the end of qualifying'
After the Grand Prix of Turkey and China, an interesting strategy has emerged that is highlighted in Jarno Trulis comments after the last GP. How do you think this will pan out over the season? Or will Pirelli get their act together and bring better rubber the rest of the season?
Lotus driver Jarno Trulli says the Turkish Grand Prix marked what he believes is "the end of qualifying" in Formula 1
The degradation of Pirelli's soft tyres meant several drivers decided to do just one run in qualifying in Turkey, with Ferrari's Felipe Massa even deciding to not go for a second run despite failing to set a time in his first one.
Several other drivers decided to compromise their qualifying position in order to have a new set of tyres for the race.
Trulli believes the evidence from Turkey suggests qualifying has changed completely.
The Italian, writing in his column for Repubblica newspaper, also reckons the 2011 rules have had mixed effects, with the races being more spectacular but also more confusing.
"Like everything in life, the 2011 changes in F1 have some pros and cons," Trulli wrote.
"The pros are more exciting and spectacular races, which the public seem to like; the cons are grands prix that are a bit less comprehensible and, since Istanbul, what I call 'the end of qualifying.'
"For the first time this year we've seen that, once Q3 is reached, instead of trying to snatch pole position off the others like they always do, drivers and teams preferred to make their calculations and just be content.
"The truth is that strategy this year has a more decisive role than usual. Here at Istanbul, for example, the race started before the race itself by saving tyres. As I've always said, everyone's mission at this time is to learn the Pirellis. Well, after three races we finally have an initial and reliable measure of the level of tyre degradation.
"So, whoever had the capability and the strength to save a set of tyres on Saturday did just that. This thing obviously involved the drivers that made the top ten. As soon as they made the Q2 cut, they started to make their calculations. For many the problem was whether to utilize or not the remaining set of tyres. The ones that got into Q3 by a whisker, the outsiders, didn't even try.
"The top guys set the laptime then stopped. The others, the ones who usually animate the fight, did one try and quit at the first mistake. Some feel a formula that worked has been ruined. I don't want to say that. I simply observe that these are the rules and the drivers have adapted to them.
"There are pros and cons, I repeat: the pros are better races decided in the last 10-15 laps depending on the strategies and the tyres, while the cons are that qualifying is less spectacular and more tactical."
By Michele Lostia and Pablo Elizalde Tuesday, May 10th 2011, 10:48 GMT
From Autosport
Lotus driver Jarno Trulli says the Turkish Grand Prix marked what he believes is "the end of qualifying" in Formula 1
The degradation of Pirelli's soft tyres meant several drivers decided to do just one run in qualifying in Turkey, with Ferrari's Felipe Massa even deciding to not go for a second run despite failing to set a time in his first one.
Several other drivers decided to compromise their qualifying position in order to have a new set of tyres for the race.
Trulli believes the evidence from Turkey suggests qualifying has changed completely.
The Italian, writing in his column for Repubblica newspaper, also reckons the 2011 rules have had mixed effects, with the races being more spectacular but also more confusing.
"Like everything in life, the 2011 changes in F1 have some pros and cons," Trulli wrote.
"The pros are more exciting and spectacular races, which the public seem to like; the cons are grands prix that are a bit less comprehensible and, since Istanbul, what I call 'the end of qualifying.'
"For the first time this year we've seen that, once Q3 is reached, instead of trying to snatch pole position off the others like they always do, drivers and teams preferred to make their calculations and just be content.
"The truth is that strategy this year has a more decisive role than usual. Here at Istanbul, for example, the race started before the race itself by saving tyres. As I've always said, everyone's mission at this time is to learn the Pirellis. Well, after three races we finally have an initial and reliable measure of the level of tyre degradation.
"So, whoever had the capability and the strength to save a set of tyres on Saturday did just that. This thing obviously involved the drivers that made the top ten. As soon as they made the Q2 cut, they started to make their calculations. For many the problem was whether to utilize or not the remaining set of tyres. The ones that got into Q3 by a whisker, the outsiders, didn't even try.
"The top guys set the laptime then stopped. The others, the ones who usually animate the fight, did one try and quit at the first mistake. Some feel a formula that worked has been ruined. I don't want to say that. I simply observe that these are the rules and the drivers have adapted to them.
"There are pros and cons, I repeat: the pros are better races decided in the last 10-15 laps depending on the strategies and the tyres, while the cons are that qualifying is less spectacular and more tactical."
By Michele Lostia and Pablo Elizalde Tuesday, May 10th 2011, 10:48 GMT
From Autosport
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
A History of Formula One Racing
For those of you who are new to the sport, here is a link to view the history of Grand Prix racing.
Just like baseball or football, Formula One has a rich history going back to the turn of the 20th century. There is more American history to F1 than you might imagine.
Just like baseball or football, Formula One has a rich history going back to the turn of the 20th century. There is more American history to F1 than you might imagine.
News Corp and Agnellis planning F1 bid
Why would one 80+ billionaire sell his business to another 80+ billionaire? There's never a lack of intrigue in Formula One.
Story from ESPN F1
The battle for the control of Formula One hotted up last night with news that Exor, an investment firm controlled by the Agnelli family who run the car giant Fiat which in turn owns Ferrari, has confirmed it is investigating the prospect of a takeover bid with News Corporation.
A fortnight ago reports suggested News Corporation and Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim were looking to launch a co-bid, but the announcement yesterday by Exor seems to have circumvented that.
"Exor, one of Europe's largest listed investment companies, and News Corporation, the global media group, confirm that they are in the early stages of exploring the possibility of creating a consortium with a view to formulating a long-term plan for the development of Formula One in the interests of the participants and the fans," read the statement.
"Over the coming weeks and months, Exor and News Corporation will approach potential minority partners and key stakeholders in the sport. There can be no certainty that this will lead to an approach to Formula One's current owners."
The current ownership structure of Formula One's commercial rights is complex but the majority is owned by CVC Capital Partners and it is run by Bernie Ecclestone. Ecclestone maintained that a sale was unlikely unless News Corporation and Exor were willing to pay over the odds.
"You would think if somebody wanted to buy it they would approach the people who own it to see if they want to sell it," he told the Guardian. "Personally, I know CVC don't want to sell, so it's going to be a bit difficult. I can see CVC in for the long haul, absolutely, 100%.
"If somebody came along and offered them a lot more money than it's worth, they would obviously say: 'Sit down, let's have a chat.' But I get the distinct feeling that's not going to happen. I can't understand why a company as big as News Corp need to keep looking for partners. First it was Carlos Slim, and now we've a new one."
CVC, which purchased its holding for £1.8 billion in 2006, confirmed that it has been approached, with Rupert Murdoch's son James the News Corp representative.
"CVC can confirm that it has recently received an approach from the EXOR News Corporation consortium," a spokesman said. "James Murdoch has informed us that the approach is friendly, at a very preliminary stage, and that they acknowledge that Formula One is privately owned by CVC and not currently for sale.
"CVC recognises the quality of Exor and News Corporation as potential investors, but any investment in Formula One will require CVC's agreement and will need to demonstrate that it is in the interest of the sport and its stakeholders, taken as a whole."
Exor, which is listed on the Borsa Italiana, is a major shareholder in Fiat Group, the car manufacturer that owns the Ferrari, Maserati and Alfa Romeo brands. It also owns 60% of Juventus.
© ESPN EMEA Ltd.
Story from ESPN F1
A fortnight ago reports suggested News Corporation and Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim were looking to launch a co-bid, but the announcement yesterday by Exor seems to have circumvented that.
"Exor, one of Europe's largest listed investment companies, and News Corporation, the global media group, confirm that they are in the early stages of exploring the possibility of creating a consortium with a view to formulating a long-term plan for the development of Formula One in the interests of the participants and the fans," read the statement.
"Over the coming weeks and months, Exor and News Corporation will approach potential minority partners and key stakeholders in the sport. There can be no certainty that this will lead to an approach to Formula One's current owners."
The current ownership structure of Formula One's commercial rights is complex but the majority is owned by CVC Capital Partners and it is run by Bernie Ecclestone. Ecclestone maintained that a sale was unlikely unless News Corporation and Exor were willing to pay over the odds.
"You would think if somebody wanted to buy it they would approach the people who own it to see if they want to sell it," he told the Guardian. "Personally, I know CVC don't want to sell, so it's going to be a bit difficult. I can see CVC in for the long haul, absolutely, 100%.
"If somebody came along and offered them a lot more money than it's worth, they would obviously say: 'Sit down, let's have a chat.' But I get the distinct feeling that's not going to happen. I can't understand why a company as big as News Corp need to keep looking for partners. First it was Carlos Slim, and now we've a new one."
CVC, which purchased its holding for £1.8 billion in 2006, confirmed that it has been approached, with Rupert Murdoch's son James the News Corp representative.
"CVC can confirm that it has recently received an approach from the EXOR News Corporation consortium," a spokesman said. "James Murdoch has informed us that the approach is friendly, at a very preliminary stage, and that they acknowledge that Formula One is privately owned by CVC and not currently for sale.
"CVC recognises the quality of Exor and News Corporation as potential investors, but any investment in Formula One will require CVC's agreement and will need to demonstrate that it is in the interest of the sport and its stakeholders, taken as a whole."
Exor, which is listed on the Borsa Italiana, is a major shareholder in Fiat Group, the car manufacturer that owns the Ferrari, Maserati and Alfa Romeo brands. It also owns 60% of Juventus.
© ESPN EMEA Ltd.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
F1 Technology for 2011 - Exhaust
One of the newest technological innovations this year is in the exhaust. In an effort to increase down force teams like Lotus/Renault re-routed their exhaust to exit in front of the side pods so that the considerable force of the exhaust outflow will flow across the rear diffuser.
Photo from the official F1 website
Photo from the official F1 website
Friday, April 29, 2011
Turkish GP
Well, we all saw it; you can't un-see it! I'm talking of course about the Mercedes team actually leading the race in China and looking pretty capable of keeping it as well. The upcoming Grand Prix of Turkey has a similar combination of turns and straights as Shanghi, like the majority of Tilke tracks of the last ten years, so expect the same teams to rise up here. So if the Mercs can work out the fuel issue they might can vie for a race win here.
The teams have a three week break to wok on upgrades and also work on their race strategies. It is becoming clear that the way, for now, is to conserve a set of Pirelli softs during qualifying to use in the race then add and extra stop. This strategy may only work on the newer tracks. And as Pirelli improves, which I expect they will, we may see the front teams go back to more normal strategies.
If you have a comment on the upcoming Grand Prix of Turkey by all means let us hear it. For instance, do you see an improved Ferrari or Renault making a run at a podium?
Remember: keep your comments clean, intelligent and polite!
The teams have a three week break to wok on upgrades and also work on their race strategies. It is becoming clear that the way, for now, is to conserve a set of Pirelli softs during qualifying to use in the race then add and extra stop. This strategy may only work on the newer tracks. And as Pirelli improves, which I expect they will, we may see the front teams go back to more normal strategies.
If you have a comment on the upcoming Grand Prix of Turkey by all means let us hear it. For instance, do you see an improved Ferrari or Renault making a run at a podium?
Remember: keep your comments clean, intelligent and polite!
Friday, April 22, 2011
Montezemolo demands rapid improvement at Ferrari
From Formula One Official Website
18 Apr 2011
Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has called on his team to act quickly to improve the performance of the 150° Italia. The Maranello outfit are yet to claim a podium finish this season and are currently third in the constructors’ table, 55 points adrift of leaders Red Bull.
“This cannot and must not be the team’s level,” Montezemolo told Ferrari's official website. “It’s a very delicate moment. I expect our engineers to act with determination and know-how, unleashing the maximum of their capacity to improve the performance of the car in a short time. I want Ferrari to be at the level that both we and our fans demand it should be.”
Drivers Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa qualified in fifth and sixth respectively at the weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix, whilst a disappointing race on Sunday saw Massa finish in sixth and Alonso in seventh.
Team principal Stefano Domenicali and his crew of engineers seem intent on paying heed to Montezemolo’s call and, despite the long journey from China, have already returned to work at the team’s Italian base.
Ferrari will be back on track - alongside their rivals - at the forthcoming Turkish Grand Prix, which will take place from May 6-8.
Full Story
What's with all this "Heads will roll" attitude? Can it be that other teams are just a little more together? Happens all the time in the NFL.
18 Apr 2011
Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has called on his team to act quickly to improve the performance of the 150° Italia. The Maranello outfit are yet to claim a podium finish this season and are currently third in the constructors’ table, 55 points adrift of leaders Red Bull.
“This cannot and must not be the team’s level,” Montezemolo told Ferrari's official website. “It’s a very delicate moment. I expect our engineers to act with determination and know-how, unleashing the maximum of their capacity to improve the performance of the car in a short time. I want Ferrari to be at the level that both we and our fans demand it should be.”
Drivers Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa qualified in fifth and sixth respectively at the weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix, whilst a disappointing race on Sunday saw Massa finish in sixth and Alonso in seventh.
Team principal Stefano Domenicali and his crew of engineers seem intent on paying heed to Montezemolo’s call and, despite the long journey from China, have already returned to work at the team’s Italian base.
Ferrari will be back on track - alongside their rivals - at the forthcoming Turkish Grand Prix, which will take place from May 6-8.
Full Story
What's with all this "Heads will roll" attitude? Can it be that other teams are just a little more together? Happens all the time in the NFL.
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