Anyone else here a Formula1 fan?

[tifosi]

Hi everyone,
Just curious to see if anyone else here is a Formula1 fan. I figure it wouldnt kill us to talk about something other than watches. I'm a huge fan of grand prix racing (no question what team ). I can't wait to see the 2009 spec cars out on the track this season. I'm hoping all the changes will be good for the sport. The early reports from the drivers say that overtaking may be easier with the new aero packages. Should make for an exciting season if this is the case.
GO FERRARI

[walds11]

Yes and I like all kinds of auto racing including NASCAR, IndyCar, Grand-Am Sports Car Series, etc.

[tifosi]

Originally Posted by walds11

Yes and I like all kinds of auto racing including NASCAR, IndyCar, Grand-Am Sports Car Series, etc.

I am a fan of mostly all types of racing as well. Sports car racing, Superbike, World Superbikes, MotoGP... pretty much anything with an engine strapped to it.

[ippon20]

Huge F1 fan...although it's been tough watching Ferarri become just another car on the grid.

[JimSnyder]

Count me in

[tifosi]

I agree with that to a certain extent, Dan. Although it was kinda boring getting ready to watch a race knowing who was going to win(Schumi). I am looking forward to Kimi coming back this year.

[BigHat]

I used to love it, especially in the late 80s, early 90s. In fact, the only auto racing I ever enjoyed. Bought the F-1 annuals etc. Maybe it makes sense and is necessary for the survival of the sport, but the engine limitations and durability requirements, plus all the funny business with fuel seems to have squeezed a bit of fun out of it for me.

I'd watch the races if I see them on, but no longer set the alarm clock to watch races in the middle of the night like the old days of 900 hp 1.8 liter Honda motors. Plus the US can't seem to keep a race.

I'd certainly read your posts though to stay apprised of what's going on in the sport, but don't have any opinions worth sharing with true fans.

[tifosi]

Originally Posted by BigHat

I used to love it, especially in the late 80s, early 90s. In fact, the only auto racing I ever enjoyed. Bought the F-1 annuals etc. Maybe it makes sense and is necessary for the survival of the sport, but the engine limitations and durability requirements, plus all the funny business with fuel seems to have squeezed a bit of fun out of it for me.

I'd watch the races if I see them on, but no longer set the alarm clock to watch races in the middle of the night like the old days of 900 hp 1.8 liter Honda motors. Plus the US can't seem to keep a race.

I'd certainly read your posts though to stay apprised of what's going on in the sport, but don't have any opinions worth sharing with true fans.

I dont agree with alot of the regulation changes either, but I guess its done for a reason. There is nothing like a V12 at 21,000rpm I especially disagree with the years they did away with refueling and tire changes. Pit strategy is a very important part of F1, I think. I have read that refueling bans may be brought back in 2010 in order to reduce cost. Cost cutting is the motive behind most all regulation changes nowadays, it used to be to slow the cars down, which I also disagreed with but it does make for a safer sport.

[ippon20]

I agree with BigHat on the changes...although it made it great when they eliminated the traction control! Kimi is one helluva driver and I think once they get his car sorted out he should be sitting on poles more and more.

[tifosi]

Originally Posted by ippon20

I agree with BigHat on the changes...although it made it great when they eliminated the traction control! Kimi is one helluva driver and I think once they get his car sorted out he should be sitting on poles more and more.

Removing the traction was great! Now if they removed the RPM cap, I'd be really happy!

[ijen0311]

Originally Posted by ippon20

I agree with BigHat on the changes...although it made it great when they eliminated the traction control! Kimi is one helluva driver and I think once they get his car sorted out he should be sitting on poles more and more.

Kimi

[Gedanken]

Originally Posted by ippon20

he should be sitting on poles more and more.

Proctologists say that's not a good habit.

I've been watching since 1988, and after more than ten years of fiffle faffle, I'm hoping we'll finally get to see some real racing this year.

Mad Max Mosley and Bernie "Evil Warhol" Ecclestone have done immeasurable damage to the sport and really need to be dragged out the back and shot in a particularly painful spot before being shot in the back of the head.

Forget the FIA's claims of trying to improve the sport. Which rocket scientist came up with the brainwave that if you want to make cars safer, put grooves in tyres to REDUCE the grip? Why was refuelling reintroduced in 1994, turning a 2-hour/200-mile race into little more than a series of sprints?

As for the evil gnome's mealy-mouthed rubbish about wanting to make F1 a worldwide sport in order to steal bags of money from the Arabs, the Chinese and the Malaysians, why has he made an about-face now and demanded night races for the sake of ther European audience?

If there is a god, Max will die of a terminal case of chlamydia in the next 24 hours, but not before he passes an incurable case of it to Bernie.

In any case, slicks are back and aerodynamics have been fiddled with - let's see if it works. Hopefully this will separate the real racers from the Nintendo pros.

[jdc]

Originally Posted by Gedanken

Proctologists say that's not a good habit.

I've been watching since 1988, and after more than ten years of fiffle faffle, I'm hoping we'll finally get to see some real racing this year.

Mad Max Mosley and Bernie "Evil Warhol" Ecclestone have done immeasurable damage to the sport and really need to be dragged out the back and shot in a particularly painful spot before being shot in the back of the head.

Forget the FIA's claims of trying to improve the sport. Which rocket scientist came up with the brainwave that if you want to make cars safer, put grooves in tyres to REDUCE the grip? Why was refuelling reintroduced in 1994, turning a 2-hour/200-mile race into little more than a series of sprints?

As for the evil gnome's mealy-mouthed rubbish about wanting to make F1 a worldwide sport in order to steal bags of money from the Arabs, the Chinese and the Malaysians, why has he made an about-face now and demanded night races for the sake of ther European audience?

If there is a god, Max will die of a terminal case of chlamydia in the next 24 hours, but not before he passes an incurable case of it to Bernie.

In any case, slicks are back and aerodynamics have been fiddled with - let's see if it works. Hopefully this will separate the real racers from the Nintendo pros.

Ecclestone and Mosely actually have quite different roles in F1.
Mosely is the head of FIA the motoring body that governs motorsport amongst which is F1.
Ecclestone is a business man who has developed F1 over a long period of time to the international spectacle it is and essentially has the largest say because he owns most of it. His power base was developed through negotiating TV rights and with countries to hold events, hence night showings for global audiences. F1 is more business than sport nowadays. Without Ecclestone it would not be the international event it is, this may be right or wrong. Indeed the credit crunch will probably see it all scaled down with sponsers withdrawing in the few years like Honda.

[antenor]

Hi, here in Italy we have "fever" for two sports:

.1) Football (I meand what in USA is named Soccer)
and
.2) F1

Regarding F1 of course we all italians are Ferrari supporters.
For us (but maybe for a lot of people in all over the world too!) Ferrari is something more than "simply" a car. It is a dream....

[Gedanken]

Originally Posted by jdc

Ecclestone and Mosely actually have quite different roles in F1.
Mosely is the head of FIA the motoring body that governs motorsport amongst which is F1.
Ecclestone is a business man who has developed F1 over a long period of time to the international spectacle it is and essentially has the largest say because he owns most of it. His power base was developed through negotiating TV rights and with countries to hold events, hence night showings for global audiences. F1 is more business than sport nowadays. Without Ecclestone it would not be the international event it is, this may be right or wrong. Indeed the credit crunch will probably see it all scaled down with sponsers withdrawing in the few years like Honda.

I'm aware of the difference between Mosley and Ecclestone's roles, Martin. However, until lately, Mosley had been so deep in Ecclestone's pocket that they may as well have been the same guy - while Balestre was around, there was someone to keep the evil gnome in check, but with his Concorde co-conspirator in charge (yes, I do live my alliterations ) it's all gone to hell in a handbasket.

What I'd actually love to see is the manufacturers finally having enough of the Bobsy Twins and quitting F1 to set up their own championship.

[jdc]

Originally Posted by Gedanken

I'm aware of the difference between Mosley and Ecclestone's roles, Martin. However, until lately, Mosley had been so deep in Ecclestone's pocket that they may as well have been the same guy - while Balestre was around, there was someone to keep the evil gnome in check, but with his Concorde co-conspirator in charge (yes, I do live my alliterations ) it's all gone to hell in a handbasket.

What I'd actually love to see is the manufacturers finally having enough of the Bobsy Twins and quitting F1 to set up their own championship.

Well they have threatened that before but they know they need the nous and contacts Eccelstone has with sponsors, Tv and heads of state. When you talk about manufacturers there may not be many left if Toyota, BMW, Merecedes follow Honda's lead and pull out. The smaller teams all need sponsorship and that comes from F1 pulling power.

[Gedanken]

Originally Posted by jdc

Ecclestone and Mosely actually have quite different roles in F1.
Mosely is the head of FIA the motoring body that governs motorsport amongst which is F1.
Ecclestone is a business man who has developed F1 over a long period of time to the international spectacle it is and essentially has the largest say because he owns most of it. His power base was developed through negotiating TV rights and with countries to hold events, hence night showings for global audiences. F1 is more business than sport nowadays. Without Ecclestone it would not be the international event it is, this may be right or wrong. Indeed the credit crunch will probably see it all scaled down with sponsers withdrawing in the few years like Honda.

I'm aware of the difference between Mosley and Ecclestone's roles, Martin. However, until lately, Mosley had been so deep in Ecclestone's pocket that they may as well have been the same guy - while Balestre was around, there was someone to keep the evil gnome in check, but with his Concorde co-conspirator in charge (yes, I do live my alliterations ) it's all gone to hell in a handbasket.

What I'd actually love to see is the manufacturers finally having enough of the Bobsy Twins and quitting F1 to set up their own championship.

[jdc]

not F1 but a great testament to Finnish drivers

[jdc]

Originally Posted by Gedanken

Forget the FIA's claims of trying to improve the sport. Which rocket scientist came up with the brainwave that if you want to make cars safer, put grooves in tyres to REDUCE the grip? Why was refuelling reintroduced in 1994, turning a 2-hour/200-mile race into little more than a series of sprints?

Most of the changes in regulations have been made to make it safer for the drivers and stop stop the regular deaths that happened through the 50's 60's and 70's and continue on a less regular basis. Restrictions have been put on engine size, grip, turbo cars banned because the cars are so improved each year by the engineers unless this is done they would go so fast that deaths by crashes would be inevitable. Putting in groves in tyres does not make them more unsafe.
Each year the engineers seem to get the cars to go faster despite the changes. Another reason is to reduce costs for technology development in F1 which ahead of the credit crunch seems a good move.Max Mosely has been one of the main instigators behind all the safety changes and regulation changes. You can hate him even more James

[B Square]

Love F1 but it never gets any press here in the center of NASCAR country. Now that there is going to be a USF1 team based right here in Charlotte, maybe we'll get a little more than just good old boy racin

[jdc]

Been watching since James Hunt and Niki Lauda battled it out for championship 1976. Changes to track and safety have been incredible. My favourite was Senna. I have never cared for Ferrari and their politics especially with Schumacher.

Raikkonen was an embarrassment last year and was blown away by Massa who should have won the championship. If he does not up his game he will be gone maybe before the end of the season.

Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton are the best racers in the field.

Time will tell to see if overtaking will be easier but they say that at the begining of every season.
I will be supporting Hamilton

[greenfan]

F1 and Mclaren fan!! Never liked Ferrari and Schumacher.

[swatty]

Love F1 racing, been to both Adelaide and Melbourne GP's. Mclaren Mercedes is my team to watch in 09

[tifosi]

Originally Posted by jdc

raikkonen was an embarrassment last year and was blown away by massa who should have won the championship. If he does not up his game he will be gone maybe before the end of the season.

Sebastian vettel and lewis hamilton are the best racers in the field.

Time will tell to see if overtaking will be easier but they say that at the begining of every season.
I will be supporting hamilton

I agree with Raikkonen being an embarassment last year. He blamed the car and "its" lack of ability to perform for qualifying. I kinda believe that he set out to win the world championship and now he doesnt care what what happens. Not that you can read Kimi's emotions. Well, he really didnt win the title in 2007, Hamilton lost it.
As far as overtaking, that is said every year but mostly by the FIA it seems. I have never heard a driver say, after winter testing, that a particular aero package looks like it may make overtaking easier. This year I have seen a couple quotes from drivers stating this. I guess we will know once we get to Australia.

[esm]

cant wait for the 2009 season. pitty i wont be in melb for the starting of it.

any news re: honda's future? who is going to buy it?

re: scaling down the sponsorship - RBS will not be extending their committment to Williams at season end of 2010 and ING will ending their sponsorship at the end of 2009, while both reducing their sponsorship spending this season.....

[bodybump]

Me......I used to collect F1 accesories....i have jackets..mouse pads..pens...shirts...etc etc

[ossodiseppia]

I stopped watching F1 after the first few races last year. I'll look in again at the beginning of this season to see if there is any sport left in it.

[vapalux]

Followed it since I was a kid which is Graham Hill, Jim Clark and Stirling Moss! Like most it has had its ups and downs and the squabbling between the ruling bodies doesn't help my enjoyment.

A V12 at full chat is a sound you never forget but it will be interesting to see what happens this year as I like to see a driver actually driving the car rather than all the electronic aids doing it for him.

I switched to Moto GP ,Superbike and indy, Nascar ages go because of the lack of enjoyment and excitement but still keep an eye out for whats happening. While going around in a circle is the majority of race,s the street circuits are exciting and the drivers at least overtake each other.

once a great fan until the rules changed it all. With the new regs who knows apart from the two mentioned there may be some overtaking!

Si

[tifosi]

Originally Posted by vapalux

I switched to Moto GP ,Superbike
Si

Si, Did you happen to catch the first World Superbike race from Australia? I only saw race 1 so far...they are not showing race 2 until today for some reason in the U.S. What do you think of Ben Spies from the U.S. coming into SBK? Did you hear about his U.S. career in the AMA Superbikes? On pole for his first race isnt too shabby, but the got shuffled back on the first lap. I dont know if he had "help" or not. I cant wait to see race 2 tonight. I'll be routing for Spies this year but I also like the Haga/Ducatti matchup this year.

[356 speedster]

Big F1 fan here. I have been to all F1 USPG since 2000 and I am very upset they are not coming back sometime soon. About Schumi.... what can I say SIMPLE THE BEST.