OT: Racing 2008-2009 (Spoiler Alert)

Rodster · Post by **Rodster** » Sun Jun 29, 2008 9:24 pm

GB_Simo wrote:
Randy's comment was when Toby Moody suggested he get on the two-seater and put another bike out there, wasn't it?

Yup that's what Randy said.

Yeah Adam I totally agree with the comments about Mark. He does seem like a nice guy though. What's the other chaps name who he works along side of? He seems very professional and knows his F1 racing. I also like Louise Goodman. She does a nice job as well.

Who does Holly Stamos work for, BBC? I think that's her name. I think she did the 2006 MotoGP season in review when Nicky Hayden won the Championship. Damn she's nice looking. I wouldn't mind seeing more of that covering F1.

Too bad we can't talk Murry out of retirement.

GB_Simo · Post by **GB_Simo** » Sun Jun 29, 2008 9:46 pm

The anchor for ITV's coverage is Steve Rider, who also anchored the BBC's coverage when they last had it. He is, as you said, both professional and knowledgeable, an excellent host. F1 was the main reason for his moving to ITV but as he's also main host of their football coverage and probably earning a fair amount for it, I'd be surprised if he went back to the Beeb for next year. I'm not such a fan of Louise Goodman (her questions aren't exactly penetrating, and she's not what you'd call a glamour host these days; whether she ever was is something I'll leave others to debate) but Ted Kravitz is pretty good.

Holly Samos is the lady you're thinking of, and I've seen worse. Murray's commentaries, though, are probably best remembered as they were in his prime.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Sun Jun 29, 2008 9:52 pm

I think David Croft is excellent doing F1 for the BBC Radio. He's an ideal host: Knowledgeable, genial, more than willing to put his analysts in the spotlight.

He's also a super-nice guy. He was leaving the fourth floor of the Media Center on Sunday night of the 2007 USGP, and I walked over and introduced myself, telling David that I listened to and really enjoyed "The Chequered Flag" podcast from the Beeb, of which he is the host. He was gobsmacked that a Yank actually listened to every episode.

We ended up chatting for a few minutes. Very nice guy.

"The Chequered Flag" is an absolute must-listen after each F1 race if you're even a moderate F1 fan. There is no better F1 post-race analysis and interview show on any medium, in my opinion. It's David, Maurice Hamilton and a top journalist -- usually Jonny Noble from Autosport -- in a roundtable discussion, complete with interviews from Holly Samos. Simply superb.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/podcasts/cff1/

Take care,
PK

Rodster · Post by **Rodster** » Sun Jun 29, 2008 9:58 pm

Yeah Steve Rider is the guy I was thinking, excellent TV skills. As PK mentioned David Croft is excellent and PK you can tell David there are two Yanks who listen to his broadcast of the checkered flag.

GB_Simo · Post by **GB_Simo** » Mon Jun 30, 2008 7:51 pm

Croft's doing the GP2 races for ITV this year too, so he'll be going into 2009 with a year of TV experience behind him. I'd personally prefer Ben Edwards but I'd have no problem with Croft getting the job, or anyone except James Allen getting the job. Thinking on it, some of the old ITV pundits and the crew of Bernie's short-lived F1 Digital+ service were excellent, so it should really be quite easy to stick together a decent programme with people like Tony Jardine, Matt Lorenzo and Nick Daman available.

Then again, if it really was that easy ITV wouldn't have Blundell, would they?

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 9:43 am

DC announces retirement after this season. Letter from Coulthard to the fans:

>>>>>

3 July 2008

I would like to announce today my decision to retire from racing in Formula One at the end of this
season. I will remain actively involved in the sport as a consultant to Red Bull Racing focusing on testing
and development of the cars. I have an open mind as to whether or not I will compete again in the future,
in some other form of motorsport, so I am definitely not hanging up my helmet!

My decision to retire was taken earlier in the year and is based on a desire to stop while I am still
competitive and enjoying the immense challenge that Grand Prix driving represents. I also have the
desire to look for new challenges within the sport.

The decision to make this announcement at the British GP should be an obvious one for all to
understand, as I have achieved two of my thirteen F1 victories at Silverstone and I am a member of the
British Racing Drivers' Club, which hosts this event.

I am proud of my work at Red Bull Racing and will continue to race with the same focus until the last lap
in Brazil. Thereafter I will continue to help the team develop and move towards their ultimate goal of
winning races.

There are many people who have played a part in my career and I would like to list a few of them below;

- My parents whose energy and encouragement through my entire career has been amazing
- Dave Boyce who guided me through Karting
- David Leslie Senior and Junior for teaching me how to set up and race a car
- Sir Jackie and Paul Stewart for putting me through their "staircase of talent"
- Sir Frank Williams and Williams Renault for having the faith to promote me from test driver to race
driver, which lead to my first GP victory

- Ron Dennis and the McLaren team where I spent nine seasons and achieved the majority of
my success.

- Norbert Haug and Mercedes for being racers through and through
- Dietrich Mateschitz and his Red Bull Racing team for providing me with the chance to contribute to
the development of a new team, while continuing to compete and add to my tally of podiums

- Christian Horner for his open and professional management style in association with Helmut Marko
- Bernie Ecclestone for providing such a strong platform for us all to develop our skills and be able to
call ourselves professionals. In years to come, my future family will still be thanking him for the
financial success of F1

- My management team of Martin Brundle and David Cawthorne in association with Annette
Hutchinson and Iain Cunningham for providing their valued opinions.

- There have been three teams but only one designer, so Adrian Newey deserves special thanks for
all the champagne that I have sprayed

- And last but not least, all the media, officials, marshals, medical support, mechanics, engineers,
sponsors, lawyers, accountants and back room staff that I have worked with during this period.

DC
Silverstone 2008

<<<<<

Pure class, as you would expect from DC. Damn good driver, seems like a quality guy. Plus he's become much more outspoken since he left the gray, constricting walls of McLaren. The F1 paddock will be an even more dull place without him.

Take care,
PK

Rodster · Post by **Rodster** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 2:55 pm

We've lost two great drivers and gentlemen, DC and Wurz. Sad to see them both go.

GB_Simo · Post by **GB_Simo** » Fri Jul 04, 2008 9:05 am

Silverstone out, Donington Park in from 2010:

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/68828

They've got an awful lot of work to do to bring the facilities at Donington up to anything like current Grand Prix standards, but I wish them the best of luck in doing it. Modern day F1 cars through Craner, Old Hairpin and Macleans should really be something to see, though I'll be sorry to see Silverstone go.

I suppose this is as good an excuse as any to remind ourselves of what happened the last time Formula One went to Donington, as a demonstration of what sheer brilliance can do:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rkb51nahylQ

Rodster · Post by **Rodster** » Fri Jul 04, 2008 9:40 am

Adam I saw that video and Donnington looks narrrrrrrow !

I also get that impression in race sims like rFactor. Do you think the racing will be as good as in Silverstone? I think it was more of Bernie and the FIA just wanting to get back at the group that runs Silverstone. Sure it looks old and somewhat not as flashy as some of the newer tracks on the calendar but the racing was fun to watch.

Oh well I can still reliive the memories with rFactor and the F1 1988 mod.

GB_Simo · Post by **GB_Simo** » Fri Jul 04, 2008 9:48 am

The racing at Silverstone in recent years has been terrible, Rod, so I'm not too worried about Donington matching up to it. The last good Silverstone race was 2003, and that was all to do with a sprinkling of rain and a mad Irishman running up the track.

Parts of it are narrow, yes (the loop at the end of the lap is a recent addition, and a much wider piece of racetrack than the rest of the lap) but you can overtake just about anywhere on the circuit if you're feeling cheeky enough, and I'm fairly certain there are plans to modify the track anyway. I'd be more worried about the paddock and spectator facilities, because as things stand they're nothing like good enough, and that's where the majority of the investment will need to be made.

Edit: As far as the motivation for it...Bernie wants a sum of money to stage a British Grand Prix, and the BRDC don't have that sum of money available to keep it at Silverstone. There've been various suggestions made to the BRDC that would have helped them to raise the necessary capital, but it's a members club and some of those members are, shall we say, resistant to change. On top of that, the Government isn't willing to help out, preferring to spend its money on the forthcoming white elephant Olympics.

davet010 · Post by **davet010** » Fri Jul 04, 2008 10:11 am

Yep, another big thanks to the Poison Dwarf and the Nazi pervert. I'm sure they can find another spot with loads of F1 history and fans to hold a GP in....Zimbabwe perhaps.

GB_Simo · Post by **GB_Simo** » Fri Jul 04, 2008 10:14 am

Couple of other points:

- Am I wrong in thinking Bernie did a deal with Brands Hatch to host the race a few years back, and it wasn't possible to modify the circuit to match his demands? It's probably wise to not consider this as a done deal.
- If the FIA think the traffic outside Silverstone on a weekend is bad, then they're making a grave mistake going to Donington
- Pole position for the 1993 Donington Park race was set by Alain Prost in 1:10.458. If they were going that quickly 15 years ago (Senna did 1:18 in the race on a track that was never any better than damp), then there's an awful lot of redesigning to do before the circuit is anything like long or, God forbid, slow enough to be taken seriously as a prospective Grand Prix venue.

GB_Simo · Post by **GB_Simo** » Fri Jul 04, 2008 10:16 am

davet010 wrote:Yep, another big thanks to the Poison Dwarf and the Nazi pervert. I'm sure they can find another spot with loads of F1 history and fans to hold a GP in....Zimbabwe perhaps.

I suppose if anyone can find a way for Mugabe to beat the Ferraris on race day, it's Ecclestone, isn't it?

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Fri Jul 04, 2008 10:27 am

Hey, at least GB is keeping a GP, which is vital. Britain is the spiritual and practical home of worldwide motorsport -- sorry, Daytona Beach -- and it MUST have a Grand Prix.

I shed no tears over the loss of Silverstone. Other than the Maggot's-Beckett's complex, it's a lifeless, flat circuit that has been emasculated by chicanes. A far cry from the place where Keke Rosberg produced the first 160-mph average speed qualifying lap in F1 history.

Donington at least has some elevation change, and the Craner Curves and Old Hairpin should be superb with current F1 cars. The Melbourne hairpin also should be a good overtaking spot.

I wonder if any track reconfiguration will occur as part of the facility improvements? I hope Donington Ventures keeps Hermann Tilke at least 100 km from the circuit at all times.

Hell, I would have preferred the GP to return to the Brands GP circuit -- now THERE's a track -- but it's still very cool that Bernie didn't abandon the mother ship for the Laos GP or some other banana republic in 2010.

Take care,
PK

Zeppo · Post by **Zeppo** » Fri Jul 04, 2008 11:33 am

pk500 wrote:I hope Donington Ventures keeps Hermann Tilke at least 100 km from the circuit at all times.

Listening to the guys on Speed, it sounds like you won't get your wish. Windsor has said more than once that part of the issue Bernie, and I guess the teams, have had with Silverstone is that they haven't had Tilke involved in any of the improvements. To hear it from Windsor, Donnington will indeed have Tilke come in to make the changes and improvements to the track and facilities, and this would be doing it by the book as Bernie wants it.

I don't hate any of the Tilke circuits as much as you do, but the only one I really like a lot, I think, is Istanbul. In any case, the whole concept of an entire series run on circuits designed by one guy is disgusting to me, and somehow it feels like that's where some in charge would like this to go.

davet010 · Post by **davet010** » Fri Jul 04, 2008 12:45 pm

I've been watching a series on ESPN over here about classic F1 series, up to 1976 at the moment.....great stuff.

Makes me feel old when I can name most of the drivers, and have no idea who 80% of the current lot are.

Crikey, I sound like me dad

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Fri Jul 04, 2008 1:51 pm

Zeppo wrote:I don't hate any of the Tilke circuits as much as you do, but the only one I really like a lot, I think, is Istanbul.

Same here. Istanbul is dynamite. I detest the other Tilkedromes, though.

Let's compare Tilke-designed circuits to those created by the legendary John Hugenholtz:

Tilke: Bahrain, Istanbul, Sepang, revised Hockenheim, revised Fuji, Shanghai.

Hugenholtz: Suzuka, Zolder, original Hockenheim, Jarama, Nivelles, revised Zandvoort

No contest. Tilke is a scourge, and like you, I can't stand that he's monopolizing new circuit design on this planet because he's an FOB.

Take care,
PK

GB_Simo · Post by **GB_Simo** » Fri Jul 04, 2008 6:14 pm

Looking at the weekend's weather forecast, the area around Silverstone is due for some rain in the next few hours that should - should clear for qualifying, and then it's due to absolutely piss down on Sunday, so Silverstone might be about to provide us with a cracking Grand Prix on this of all weekends.

I'm aware that I'm on my own in not particularly liking Istanbul Park (and liking Silverstone...), but Bahrain and Sepang are cracking tracks in my view. I can quite happily leave any other Tilkedrome; great facilities, but I don't watch motorsport to marvel at the grandstands. Then again, if we're trying to build a case for Hugenholtz tracks against those of Tilke, Nivelles would get us laughed out of court.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Fri Jul 04, 2008 8:18 pm

Nivelles was flat and featureless, but the Turns 1-3 complex was a damn quick right-hander sweeper section. Not bad.

Part of the reason that Nivelles gets a bad rap was because it was a substitution for Spa for the Belgian Grand Prix. And honestly, the old Ring and Suzuka are about the only GP tracks that can stand up to Spa, IMO. Maybe Rouen, Clermont-Ferrand.

Take care,
PK

Smurfy · Post by **Smurfy** » Fri Jul 04, 2008 9:27 pm

I'm not too big on Istanbul Park myself. I like the racing there on TV, but I don't like what I see in rFactor. I like Sepang and Bahrain though. I find the circuit near Shanghai to be disappointing - I only like the long straight there.

I love Silverstone, the older Hockenheim, and Suzuka.

I hate the new Hockenheim.

Rodster · Post by **Rodster** » Sat Jul 05, 2008 8:11 am

Gotta love Sopcast.

I'm watching Live coverage of the British GP via ESPN/Star Network. Sopcast has really gotten the performance smoothed out as there's virtually no interruption in the live feed.

Rodster · Post by **Rodster** » Sat Jul 05, 2008 9:09 am

Great Q3 ! Go Mark Webber he almost had it !

Lewis is starting to crack. He looked pissed his teammate out paced him and got pole. He didn't even congratulate him lol, wtf. I was hoping to see Lewis on Pole but he definitely needs to sort out his pace for tomorrow's race.

Sopcast rocks !

GB_Simo · Post by **GB_Simo** » Sat Jul 05, 2008 7:03 pm

Kovalainen's been hooked up all weekend, and let's hope that nothing falls off, breaks, flies from Jupiter to beam him up or anything else this week. In saying that, the gap between he and Hamilton on the grid isn't wholly representative, as Hamilton's second lap had to contain a certain note of caution after he'd binned the first one.

Even so, there's a huge, yawning chasm between Kovy and everyone else, a chasm caused by Ferrari's startling lack of performance today. Good to see Webber up there in the Red Bull, and if tomorrow's weather is anything close to what's being forecast, he might be a serious contender for a win yet.

Williams are really falling back, aren't they? I've never seen a car look quite as awful as the one Rosberg had today, and it's made worse by his interview on ITV in which he said they know something's been broken in the suspension, but after checking their data and changing parts overnight and this morning, they've made the car worse and are no closer to finding out what's wrong.

Away from F1, I've got a player running Speed ready for the Coke Zero 400, and...well, school bus racing? Really?

GB_Simo · Post by **GB_Simo** » Sun Jul 06, 2008 7:41 am

Zeppo wrote:To hear it from Windsor, Donnington will indeed have Tilke come in to make the changes and improvements to the track and facilities, and this would be doing it by the book as Bernie wants it.

Donington Park's CEO has been on ITV just now saying that the changes to the circuit will take the form of an infield loop around half a mile in length, and that he's aware of the need to keep the area from Redgate to Macleans (the first half of the lap) the same. The circuit only has four corners after that, and most of those were added in the last 20 years to lengthen the circuit for car and bike Grand Prixs, so if he's telling the truth, it doesn't leave a lot of scope for Tilkedroming the place and the place might still be bearable.

Without giving anything away on the conditions right now, the scenes from the drivers parade this morning reminded me of the first BGP I attended, 1998. No more on the race from me until I know everyone here has had a chance to watch it on the delayed broadcast.