OT: Racing 2014 (Spoiler Alert)

[Rodster]

I'm certainly no doctor but I wonder what a G load level like that must do to the brain?

[pk500]

I'm certainly no doctor but I wonder what a G load level like that must do to the brain?

As Dennis Hopper said in the famous Bruce Smith-Nike commercial in the early 90s, "Bad things, man."

[Rodster]

Brittney Spears gave an impressive drive today. After screwing up and smoking his tires trying to beat Lewis into the 1st corner had to pit and came all the way back to finish the race in 2nd. Congrats to Mercedes, so glad to see someone other than Red Bull and finger boy taking first.

[XXXIV]

[F308GTB]

USGP was an interesting one. Perez was a nutter on the first lap, disappointing all the Mexican fans, legal an illegal, watching. Good drive by Vettel given starting from the pits. I would have figured Nico would have been really PO'ed on the podium after that pass by Hamilton. I thought Hamilton could have given more room but really wanted to stick it to Nico.

But the highlight of the day goes to Mario Andretti. Please COTA. Next year do not let Mario grab the microphone. The podium questions made me cringe at times, and at the end he's up there a bit lost and blurts out "Can I leave?" Did a spit take on that one.

[XXXIV]

Nico has reaped his rewards.

This is Hamilton's title.

[GB_Simo]

But the highlight of the day goes to Mario Andretti. Please COTA. Next year do not let Mario grab the microphone. The podium questions made me cringe at times, and at the end he's up there a bit lost and blurts out "Can I leave?" Did a spit take on that one.

My favourite part was the long, meandering attempted questioning of Nico, which essentially boiled down to, "Lewis is much, much quicker than you, isn't he? I mean, he's unstoppable. I love the guy. He's just so fast, right?" The Sniff Petrol Twitter feed went for this instead:

I hope Andretti goes off on a massive tangent. "I said to my boy, get yourself into Formula 1. And he did. And, oh sheesh, what a mess..."

The title is not by any means bought and paid for and I continue to be horrified by the idea that Lewis is champion if he DNFs Brazil and wins Abu Dhabi, yet could still lose if he wins Brazil and DNFs Abu Dhabi. On a wider level, leaving aside the issue of how just a Rosberg win in those circumstances would be, the very last thing F1's public perception needs right now is for months-old concerns over a daft rule change to come home to roost. Assuming all things are equal and everyone makes it to the end of both races, though, does Nico have an answer for Hamilton's relentless pace and determination? What ought to worry Rosberg most is that Hamilton's response to setbacks seems to be maturing greatly; he now believes he has the talent to overcome any situation that might be thrown at him with the machinery he currently has.

[Rodster]

F1 has somehow taken a cue from Tony George and have managed to muck up their sport. The cars sound like crap on TV, teams are shutting down, more are threatening to leave the sport, the races for the most part are the same...a precession and boring. Drivers who should be out are still driving (Maldonado) and drivers who lost a seat can't find a seat.

The last thing they need is for the double points rule to bite them in the arse since Lewis has quite become the popular driver on the grid.

[XXXIV]

The title is not by any means bought and paid for and I continue to be horrified by the idea that Lewis is champion if he DNFs Brazil and wins Abu Dhabi, yet could still lose if he wins Brazil and DNFs Abu Dhabi. On a wider level, leaving aside the issue of how just a Rosberg win in those circumstances would be, the very last thing F1's public perception needs right now is for months-old concerns over a daft rule change to come home to roost. Assuming all things are equal and everyone makes it to the end of both races, though, does Nico have an answer for Hamilton's relentless pace and determination? What ought to worry Rosberg most is that Hamilton's response to setbacks seems to be maturing greatly; he now believes he has the talent to overcome any situation that might be thrown at him with the machinery he currently has.

Who had this crazy idea? and why?

[GB_Simo]

Who: the F1 Strategy Group, comprised of 6 teams (currently Red Bull, Merc, Ferrari, Williams, McLaren and Lotus), 6 votes from the FIA and 6 from FOM, Bernie's organisation.
Why: to try to ensure that any championship battle was prolonged as far as possible, in the wake of a season of Vettel domination.

Note at this point that since the current points system was introduced, 2 of the 4 championships held have been decided at the last round without the need for double points. In 2010, in fact, 4 drivers went to Abu Dhabi with a shot at the title. If it ain't broke...

Broke, incidentally, is what Sauber must have been before announcing a 2015 line up of Marcus Ericsson (deep pockets) and Felipe Nasr (deeper pockets). Keep your eyes on this one, as Sauber now have at least 3 men contracted to race for them next season, possibly even 4. Adrian Sutil, definitely signed for 2014, is already making various threatening noises and Giedo van der Garde, long rumoured to have a contract in place, has prior form for winning legal action against F1 teams for contractual breaches.

[XXXIV]

Nico has reaped his rewards.

This is Hamilton's title.

I may have spoken too soon especially with that double points garbage.

Big win for Rosberg.

Happy for Massa in taking a podium spot at home.

[GB_Simo]

I don't think Hamilton saw anything to feel especially spooked about, mate. Lewis had marginally better race pace but in equal cars on the same tyre strategy, Interlagos isn't an easy place to pass. His one realistic shot was to leapfrog Nico during the pit stops, which he might just have done had he remained on the racetrack for the entirety of his Hammertime phase, but he came into the race knowing 2nd would be enough and finished there. The same deal applies next time out - 2nd is enough for Hamilton, who's always been searingly quick in Abu Dhabi. There doesn't appear to be another car capable of splitting the Mercs on pace, so he retains the whip hand - what he has lost, though, is any kind of cushion to allow for any minor car issues, duff pitstops and the like.

Big congratulations to Nelson Piquet for eclipsing Mario's effort at COTA with his "interview" of Hamilton, which consisted of Nelson telling Lewis how attractive his girlfriend was, then leaving.

[XXXIV]

Big congratulations to Nelson Piquet for eclipsing Mario's effort at COTA with his "interview" of Hamilton, which consisted of Nelson telling Lewis how attractive his girlfriend was, then leaving.

My gf looked at me and said wtf? He said he was jealous of him.

The way Hamilton closed the gap from &+ seconds to under one I though he had him....

Hoping its a clean race in two weeks....Lets go Hamilton!

[GB_Simo]

The way Hamilton closed the gap from &+ seconds to under one I though he had him....

Hamilton's problem all weekend (though finishing 2nd in a Formula 1 race is a problem I'd dearly love to have experienced) has been that Rosberg's had an advantage in the middle sector of the lap. Lewis had an edge in the first and third sectors, which are where the overtaking is usually done at Interlagos, but generally couldn't stay close enough in the twisty infield section to make that advantage count at either of the main overtaking points. Being a) an Englishman and b) a Hamilton fan generally, I loved watching him have a proper go at winning a race he could afford to lose, but even if Rosberg was slower across a full stint, he was quick enough for long enough on the parts of the track that mattered.

Speaking of Englishmen, it's apparent when some of my countrymen carry on for a season too long. Think Mansell, think Hills father and son. Jenson Button is some distance away from being that kind of spent force and his drive today was from the top drawer. Someone at the pointy end of the grid must have a car for him next year, surely...

[pk500]

Speaking of Englishmen, it's apparent when some of my countrymen carry on for a season too long. Think Mansell, think Hills father and son. Jenson Button is some distance away from being that kind of spent force and his drive today was from the top drawer. Someone at the pointy end of the grid must have a car for him next year, surely...

Yep. Porsche in the WEC, teaming up with his buddy Webber. Would LOVE to see it.

[DChaps]

I am so excited for this final race. As almost a 50 year old man that has been following F1 since I was a child, it is a little sad to see my childhood heroes like Mario and Nelson being so awkward in their interviews. However, I am thankful that they are still alive, as so many of my other childhood racing heroes were gone by the mid 80's. Anyway, even though I don't have as much time or energy these days to follow multiple racing magazines, newsletters, forums, websites, etc. as I did back in my hey day as a racing fan, I really want to point out how cool it is to have Adam and Paul giving their comments on the racing world. Honestly, the DSP crew does not know just how special these guys are in their knowledge and opinions. I get a smile on my face when I see their posts and it makes me feel that all is still right in the world of racing, not to mention a good chuckle. Even posts from Terry, Rodster, Dave, F308GTB, or newcomer Alex can bring a smile to my face. Just felt compelled to mention how much enjoyment I get out of even the briefest of racing commentary from the two of you. I no longer have time to peruse the racing websites, forums, and magazines for news and commentary, but thanks to Jared for keeping up the DSP forums and for good folks like Adam and Paul I don't have to. Here's to an exciting end to the season. Go Lewis!

[XXXIV]

I am so excited for this final race. As almost a 50 year old man that has been following F1 since I was a child, it is a little sad to see my childhood heroes like Mario and Nelson being so awkward in their interviews. However, I am thankful that they are still alive, as so many of my other childhood racing heroes were gone by the mid 80's. Anyway, even though I don't have as much time or energy these days to follow multiple racing magazines, newsletters, forums, websites, etc. as I did back in my hey day as a racing fan, I really want to point out how cool it is to have Adam and Paul giving their comments on the racing world. Honestly, the DSP crew does not know just how special these guys are in their knowledge and opinions. I get a smile on my face when I see their posts and it makes me feel that all is still right in the world of racing, not to mention a good chuckle. Even posts from Terry, Rodster, Dave, F308GTB, or newcomer Alex can bring a smile to my face. Just felt compelled to mention how much enjoyment I get out of even the briefest of racing commentary from the two of you. I no longer have time to peruse the racing websites, forums, and magazines for news and commentary, but thanks to Jared for keeping up the DSP forums and for good folks like Adam and Paul I don't have to. Here's to an exciting end to the season. Go Lewis!

AWESOME post Don!

GO LEWIS GO!

[pk500]

Don:

Were you high when you wrote that post?

Thanks for the compliment, but I can't carry Simo's helmet in racing commentary and analysis.

[pk500]

Porsche is maintaining its current WEC lineup in 2015, so Button won't be joining mate Webbo on that team next season:

http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/pors ... er-lineup/

But a WEC ride with Audi still is a possibility for Button. Heavy rumors are circulating that Audi is considering an F1 program, and Button could be an ideal ambassador and consultant for that project while racing a prototype in the WEC for the Four Rings.

Nissan and Toyota also remain possible options, mainly because of Button's immense popularity in Japan. His fiancee was born in Japan and is of Japanese-Argentine descent.

[DChaps]

Don:

Were you high when you wrote that post?

Ha, no but after re-reading that post it sure sounds like it. I wish that was my excuse.

[pk500]

Don:

Were you high when you wrote that post?

Ha, no but after re-reading that post it sure sounds like it. I wish that was my excuse.

Seriously, man, I appreciate your kind words.

[Rodster]

@JensonButton matey just sign that sports car contract and get on with it. Be mega to have you with/against us next year.#greatracing #JB22

— Mark Webber (@AussieGrit) November 12, 2014

http://en.espnf1.com/f1/motorsport/story/183745.html

[GB_Simo]

Don, I'm glad you enjoy my ramblings - frankly, I'm just happy someone reads this cobblers.

All I do is talk about what I see, and what I've seen recently has been Bernard Charles Ecclestone hoping that if you talk about him being out of touch, you'll ignore the disappearing teams, the budgetary black holes and the looming threat of double points ruining a perfectly good championship.

I came on to write this yesterday, my iPad ate my post and the same point has since been made elsewhere, so apologies if this is a retread of old news, but this Caterham crowdfunding business isn't the clear cut success they're making out. For one, the administrators are directly connected to the crowdfunding site that was used. For two, there are a great many lawsuits in the offing, many against Tony Fernandes and some against the administrators. For three, they've got no drivers...

You're allowed 4 drivers per season. Caterham have had Ericsson, who has now extricated himself from his contract, and Kobayashi, who hasn't exactly been beating at their door asking for his drive back. That means, as announced today, they've got no choice but to offer Andre Lotterer another turn after he acquitted himself superbly in Belgium. Presumably the other seat goes to the highest bidder, who might be Rubens Barrichello, who you'd already have seen in Austin and Interlagos had the team made it there. If not him, perhaps Jolyon Palmer, who merits an F1 shot but won't get one unless Caterham are still on the grid next season - his Dad's company Palmersport have put forward several track day experiences for people making crowdfunding pledges.

If not him, Heaven only knows. Max Chilton makes a certain amount of sense. Alice Powell has been linked to a drive in FP1, this link largely being made by Powell herself, but while worse drivers have had Superlicences (Chanoch Nissany, anyone?), her junior career is only marginally better than ours. This doesn't promise to be a particularly proud moment for our sport...

[F308GTB]

Well, put a wrap on another F1 season. Most of the drama ended at the start with Lewis charging ahead into Turn 1. While I thought it would have been a travesty had Nico ended up champion due to ludicrous double points, I admit I did feel bad for him once the electrical gremlins struck. Must have felt really lonely in that cockpit watching guys that were in his side mirrors all year passing him. Was also really hoping that Massa could have either made his tires last until the end, or if he did change, pass Lewis for the win. Perhaps if they'd pulled him a lap or two earlier the result could have been different. Nonetheless, fantastic podium by Williams, and here's hoping next year they remain just as competitive.

Also caught the second Formula E race. I think the only reason I'm interested is because it's street/road course racing. This time around, however, it seemed like those cars were dog slow. Average lap speed of ~70 mph on the course, and limited top speed. Also, after two races, that series really needs to change how they stage the racing. The extended pit stops to completely change cars is ridiculous. Just run a couple of 20 mile races back-to-back. BTCC is much more intriguing due to the 3 race format each race weekend.

[XXXIV]

Gratz to Hamilton. Well done!

Do not feel bad for Rosberg. Feel bad for me as their was no drama at the end.

.........and yeah it would have been a travesty if it would have been Hamilton that had the problems.

Alls well that ends well.