2008 F1 Season

[ctjet]

should be the best Aus GP in a long time this year

[Snowman]

i think it will be an even better season than last year.

So you think that there will be less than 1 point seperating the top 3 drivers next year?

I'm also looking forwards to a year without TC - but I'm really looking forwards to a year without LC. Given no matter what rules they bring in most of the passing will be done as per usual in the pit - or the 1st corner and I think we may see more 1st corner passes than we have the last few seasons (where really it was just Renaults going past everyone and thats it).

[djr81]

For me, well I haven't made up my mind as to whether I can be bothered following F1 this year or not.

Anyone want to make an offer on 30 years worth of Autocourse annuals?

[Roy]

Well im stoked, i may be doing the GP Rally which is running from Adelaide this year. Means i get to do a few laps, albeit at a very reduced pace (LOL whats the worst they can do if i give it some gate )

[djr81]

Well im stoked, i may be doing the GP Rally which is running from Adelaide this year. Means i get to do a few laps, albeit at a very reduced pace (LOL whats the worst they can do if i give it some gate )

Dunno, maybe ask Vern Schuppen.

[Beer Baron]

my theory is they have to catch up to kick you off so you have at least one hot lap in it. maybe more if you can negotiate any little barriers they try to put up. just think of it as a chicane at deca and hand brake your way through, then off for another lap

[izataskyrine?]

So you think that there will be less than 1 point seperating the top 3 drivers next year?

I'm also looking forwards to a year without TC - but I'm really looking forwards to a year without LC. Given no matter what rules they bring in most of the passing will be done as per usual in the pit - or the 1st corner and I think we may see more 1st corner passes than we have the last few seasons (where really it was just Renaults going past everyone and thats it).

Did i say anything about points difference? No. Keep your smartass comments to yourself thanks.

I said better, my interpretation of that is that the 2008 season is shaping up to be extremely exciting. BMW were extremely competetive last season and i think they could have championship potential this season, added to the fact that Renault could be back in the race now with Alonso onboard.

So instead of a 2 horse race we are looking at BMW, Ferrari, Mclaren & Renault all potentially challenging for the championship.

[Whiplash]

Mp4-23

looks like it has lost the extra wing over the nose

[sh@un]

what?- don't McLaaren get slicks?

no chance

[Kaido_RR]

i wonder how true this is?

Mercedes to buy Dennis into retirement?

Tuesday 8th January 2008

Mercedes-Benz are reportedly 'on the verge' of buying a majority shareholding in McLaren - a move that is bound to precipitate Ron Dennis' withdrawal into retirement.

After a calamitous 2007 season, in which both his personal integrity and that of his team was called into question, it has been widely speculated that Dennis will stand aside.

Those rumours were fuelled at the unveiling of the McLaren-Mercedes MP4-23 on Monday at Mercedes' headquarters in Stuttgart. The Times reports that Dennis 'looked uneasy and confined himself to a short introduction' and it was noticeable that Martin Whitmarsh, the team's chief executive, took centre stage as the press were introduced to the car that McLaren hope will secure both titles in the forthcoming season.

The Guardian also notes that 'It was the first time in their 13-year partnership that McLaren had unveiled their new formula one car on Mercedes' home turf and, although the unexpected presence of Bernie Ecclestone, the formula one commercial rights holder, may have signalled formal absolution for the British team after their involvement in the last season's espionage scandal, the fact that Dennis took very much a back seat at the formal press conference fuelled speculation that the 60-year-old McLaren chairman might be considering a dignified retreat into semi-retirement.'

Mercedes currently own a 40% stake in the team with Dennis in possession of a 15% shareholding with which the car manufacturers would become majority sharehold

link ->http://www.planet-f1.com/story/0,18954,3213_3030366,00.html

[Snowman]

Well im stoked, i may be doing the GP Rally which is running from Adelaide this year. Means i get to do a few laps, albeit at a very reduced pace (LOL whats the worst they can do if i give it some gate )

Who is running it this year Bris as I recently got an email from Motoring Events Management saying they wouldn't be running the event this year.

[Duncan]

the guys from lake mountian/mount buller etc

" www.gprally.com, or contact either myself or Peter Washington on 0418 337 955. (Online registration is available)."

[ctjet]

oh for gods sake now toyota have jumped off the bandwagon and knocked off the horrible bridge wing idea... not to mention those hideous rim shields they've also stolen from Ferrari AND carbon copied Renault sidepod winglet thingies... quick, someone call the FIA, shenanigans are afoot

Edited January 10, 2008 by ctjet

[sav man]

Toyota always seem to have a similare car to Ferrari, they were the only team to copy the front wheel covers. Quick to the Mosly moble!

[ctjet]

i believe Renault also knocked off the same idea late last season aswell

[sav man]

I thought they only copied the rear ones

[ctjet]

potato, patato

[djr81]

The bit I could never understand is this: How are they not moveable aerodynamic devices? I mean the counterweights Renault put into their mass damper system (which went inside the monocoque) were "moveable aerodynamic devices" according to the FIA. So why are these ugly, dangerous POS allowed?

Other than the fact that Ferrari introduced them, obviously.

[ctjet]

Their argument is that they dont move with the rim and any areodynamic assistance they get through the design is viewed as an 'unexpected' but yet not unwanted bonus

[djr81]

Their argument is that they dont move with the rim and any areodynamic assistance they get through the design is viewed as an 'unexpected' but yet not unwanted bonus

Well if that is the best they can do.....

No they don't go around with the rim. Merely up & down & backward & forward & left and right.

As for the aerodynamic assistance being 'unexpected' - unexpected in the sense that it is the sole reason they are fitted. Which makes it pretty unexpected, albeit in a Pickwickian sense.

The down side is a wheel to wheel clash is pretty much the most common contact between cars - making it likely that the things will be ripped off. I'm sure a carbon fibre saucer flying into the stands a warp factor nine wouldn't do anyone any harm whatsoever.