Formula One...

I'm a big fan of Formula One and auto racing in general. Does any NOOL'er watch Formula One or auto racing in general? Are there any Michael Schumacher fans here? Cheques Villeneuve? Juan Pablo Montoya? Do you post on any Formula One related message boards? Do you think Ferrari is making a mockery of the sport with their team order aka staged finishes/results? Do you think Peter Hook watches F1? Should I stop asking questions? What was the point of this thread?

i'm not a huge F1 fan, but i do enjoy watching it. and as for jacques villeneuve: but i'm also getting really tired of michael schumacher and ferrari walking away with nearly every race. :sleep2:

I can't see how the proposed rule changes (super-pole qualifying and points for the top eight finishers) are going to stop Ferrari dominating again next season.

Jeremy Clarkson came up with a good suggestion the other day. Pay all the drivers £14K a season. Then offer them £1M for every point they score and suddenly they will be overtaking each other left right and centre.

I think I may have ranted about Jacques Villenueve on here before. His dad, Gilles, was my absolute childhood hero. When Jacques was released by Williams, he had an option to join McLaren. But instead of joining a team that were about to start a four year domination of the sport, he opted to join his mate Craig Pollack at BAR, a much inferior car. He could have been triple world champion by now, rather than trolling around in ninth place all the time. Such a waste of good talent.

Mind you, he has shagged Danni Minogue...

Like the Clarkson idea….

There's also some interesting moves afoot being discussed regarding overtaking - FIA meet on December 6th as I recall to discuss further changes to the sport to increase overtaking opportunities.... I understand the main thrust of discussion is likely to focus around a tentative agreement between the FIA and the manufacturers/team owners to allow the FIA to reduce aero grip through changes to design regs. The tyre manufacturers are to be encouraged to go to town on old-skool big fat boots.

There are some problems with this - mainly that the aero changes are likely to reduce surface areas on the vehicles that sponsors pay a premium for...

It's very likely the superpole will see 2003 dominated by Brawn & Todt, especially as Newey's already as much as written off 2003 and Head is less than happy with the evolution of the BMW 2002 (and if Ralf and JP continue as is, nuff said)...

The missus and I managed to get to two race weekends last year - Melbourne and Monza - absolutely cracking - not been before - unfortunately we've not been able to do any this year...

We also did a spot of traveling round Europe last year after the Monza grand prix, and we visited Mugello, Minardi at Faenza, Imola (arrived in the town on a Ferrari owners club track day, which was also the site for Camper van free overnight parking!) and drove and walked the Monte Carlo circuit.

Can’t wait for the 2003 season to start – testing started yesterday… alright!

GREAT THREAD! Formula One comes a very close second on my personal obsessions list... just after NO, really (movies and books are next on the line)! Cheques Villeneuve? Amazing that one!!!! As for the rest, I'm a tiffosi, so I'm a little bit partial when it comes to discussing these past seasons. I'll just say that F1 already had teams dominating one or more seasons (Mclaren in 88,89, 90, Williams in 92, 93, 96, 97...) AND IT SURVIVED, so I really don't understand this controversy!

I love formula one... Montoya is my current fave driver. Anyone who overtakes schuey on that hairpin at Monaco is a genius.

I loved Alex Wurz too, he was great. I remember when he crashed in the tunnel at Monaco and martin brundle said "There's no point turning the wheel my friend, thats just someone's expensive coffee table now"

Used to love it, but as AgentWood said im tired of Shu and Ferrari totally obliterating the competition in every race..

My favorite drivers are Takuma Sato and Fernando Alonso. Hopefully Eddie Jordan sees the error of his ways and announces that Sato will partner Giancarlo Fisichella in the second Jordan. Why Jordan is talking to Eddie Irvine (other then the Bensen & Hedges want a British driver link) is beyond me.

I've only been to the Canadian G.P the past three years, all were unfortunatley Schumi (or as my friends call him Scumakazie) wins and Villeneuve dnf's. But a great weekend spent in a great city.

2003 will be another Ferrari cakewalk. Brawn has stated that the new Ferrari will be BETTER then the 2002 car. How is that possible? Anyways Best Team + Best Car + Best Driver = Michael Schumacher 2003 World Champion. Rubens is fooling him self if he thinks he will have any opportunity to fight for the WDC

Anyways, gald to read the fellow NOOL'ers are also F1 fans.

I'm down with anything wearing a Cossie/Blue Oval. That why I was excited to see Eddie Jordan make his deal with Ford. I think one reason that EJ is talking to Mr. Irvine is that he knows the Jag (Cossie) motor was good but the chassis SUCKED! So, he can put him in a much better combination. Good motor AND chassis. Did you see where Nikki Lauda got his chopped off as team boss? Also, did you read where Colin McRae took Eddie Irvine for a ride in the WRC Focus? Eddie said it was better than sex but that he NEVER wanted to ride with Colin again!

As far as the Scuderia is concerned, "you have to beat THE MAN to be THE MAN." It would seem that with the mental/financial resources behind McLaren-Mercedes, Williams-BMW, Jaguar-Cosworth-Ford that SOMEONE would be able to make a dent in the points standings.

Finally Jag came to their senses and let Nikki Lauda go. The good thing he did for Jag was dump Edmund and de la Rosa for Webber and the Pizza Dude (sorry I can't spell his name).

As for Eddie Jordan, If Sato can bring more sponsership from Japan then he will stay. I hope that it works out for Takuma, becuase he could turn into the best Japanese driver ever. I know that's not saying much given their past records but this kid has talent.

Originally posted by Spotnick > Originally posted by JORGE TEIXEIRA> GREAT THREAD!> Formula One comes a very close second on my personal obsessions list... just after NO, really (movies and books are next on the line)!> Cheques Villeneuve? Amazing that one!!!!> As for the rest, I'm a tiffosi, so I'm a little bit partial when it comes to discussing these past seasons. I'll just say that F1 already had teams dominating one or more seasons (Mclaren in 88,89, 90, Williams in 92, 93, 96, 97...) AND IT SURVIVED, so I really don't understand this controversy!

Yes, but at least, we had some competition between teamates...!!!

Is that so? I remember that in 92 Mansell won 9 times and Patrese none or just one... In 97 Frentzen had the "bad luck" to see his Williams stop dead over and over again and had to watch Cheques getting away with the honors... In 88 Senna and Prost had a "he who leads in the first corner wins" agreement... In 80 Patrick Head had a row with Reutemann because the argentinian didn't let Jones win, thus directly desobeying team orders... I could go on and on! SO WHAT'S NEW?

Well I don't think that Sir Frank and P. Head employ team orders to the extent that Ferrari has done. As for McLaren, although they may not have used team orders to the extent as Ferrari, Mr. wRONg Dennis has his favorites ie. Senna (who also had Honda on his side) and Mika Hakkers. But generally speaking they let their drivers race and whoever has the advantage as the season progresses will get team orders.
Also as a fan of one Mr. da Matta, I hope that the little Brazilian does well. More like Villeneuve, less like Zanardi

Not to sure about Da Matta... the only CART drivers who had any kind of success in Europe were the ones with some previous european experience (ie Cheques and Pablito). I'm not certain, but I think that Cristiano never raced here. But I'm eagerly awaiting for his debut... even if I prefered Gil de Ferran or Castro-Neves!

You may be right Jorge. Although I think da Matta might have done a little F3 or F3000 before moving to North American. I agree with you about Castro-Neves. It's a really shame he didn't get a ride and is stuck in IRL. I would have taken him over da Matta but I'm still very happy that da Matta is in F1. De Ferren is a good driver but is tad bit old for F1 considering their trend towards younger drivers.

This from Speed.com:

FIA Rejects Arrows Formula 1 Entry

By: RACER staff

Geneva, Switzerland, December 2

The future of Arrows in Formula 1 was dealt another severe blow when the international motorsports governing body, the FIA, rejected the team's entry for the 2003 Formula 1 World Championship.

The decision could sound the death knell for the team, which failed to compete in six of the last seven Grands Prix of this year due to financial problems. Without an F1 entry, the hopes of boss Tom Walkinshaw to finalize a deal to sell the team could be dashed.

Arrows claimed to have met last month's deadline for entries to the 2003 championship, which included a $280,000 registration fee. The FIA confirmed receipt of the entry this morning, but added that the decision had been made to turn it down, for reasons that were not made public.

German company Asset Trust and Partners has been negotiating a buyout with Walkinshaw. The team has tried to put itself into administration to stave off creditors while talks continue. It had been claimed that Dubai businessman Sheik Ahmed bin Saeed al Maktoum had agreed to pay $43 million to take a 60 percent stake in the team.

Without an approved entry, however, Arrows' worth to any buyer will be greatly reduced. The outfit would be classed as a new team were it to lodge an entry in the future, meaning that its owners would have to fork out the $48 million demanded by the FIA to join F1.

The rejection of Arrows leaves just 10 teams entered for 2003, reducing the grid to 20 cars.

2003 FIA Formula 1 World Championship entry list Car # Driver Team Constructor

1. Michael Schumacher, Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro
2. Rubens Barrichello, Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro
3. Juan Pablo Montoya, Williams/BMW
4. Ralf Schumacher, Williams/BMW
5. David Coulthard, West McLaren Mercedes McLaren Mercedes-Benz
6. Kimi Raikkonen, West McLaren Mercedes Mclaren Mercedes-Benz
7. Jarno Trulli, Mild Seven Renault F1 Team Renault
8. Fernando Alonso, Mild Seven Renault F1 Team Renault
9. Nick Heidfeld, Sauber Petronas
10. Heinz-Harald Frentzen, Sauber Petronas
11. Giancarlo Fisichella, Jordan Ford
12. TBA, Jordan Ford
13. Mark Webber, Jaguar Cosworth
14. Antonio Pizzonia, Jaguar Cosworth
15. Jacques Villeneuve, Lucky Strike BAR Honda
16. Jenson Button, Lucky Strike BAR Honda
17. TBA, Minardi Cosworth
18. TBA, Minardi Cosworth
19. Olivier Panis, Panasonic Toyota Racing
20. Cristiano da Matta, Panasonic Toyota Racing

There won't be shedding of any tears for Arrows cause, I think TWR is a number 1 arsehole. Good on him. There were some rumours going around the one Craig Pollock (same Pollock from the BAR bus disaster) would with some investors buy the team but that never materialized. So F1 has had two teams (coulda been three but Minardi got throught it)go down in the past few years. Not very good. And people talk about CART's problems.

As for the driver lineup. Minardi may go after American Byran Herta to try and score some lucrative US money. There is also talk of Justin Wilson. Some say that Wilson deserved the Jordan ride and not Takuma Sato. Still hoping that Sato get the nod for the second ride at Jordan. But money talks and Sato needs to get some more sponser involvment from Japan.

Originally posted by Paul Roy There won't be shedding of any tears for Arrows cause, I think TWR is a number 1 arsehole. Good on him. There were some rumours going around the one Craig Pollock (same Pollock from the BAR bus disaster) would with some investors buy the team but that never materialized. So F1 has had two teams (coulda been three but Minardi got throught it)go down in the past few years. Not very good. And people talk about CART's problems. As for the driver lineup. Minardi may go after American Byran Herta to try and score some lucrative US money. There is also talk of Justin Wilson. Some say that Wilson deserved the Jordan ride and not Takuma Sato. Still hoping that Sato get the nod for the second ride at Jordan. But money talks and Sato needs to get some more sponser involvment from Japan.

Do you think that Sato driving for Jordan would bring in Japanese $$$$ even after the change from Honda to Ford? Here's another question: does Jordan go with Michelin now instead of Bridgestone? Or even Goodyear (if they make a comeback..execs have been spotted in the paddocks over the last few seasons)?

Just a little chest thumping and flag waving...........

Team USA Wins Nations Cup!

By: RACER staff

Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, November 30

The Seat Cordoba WRC might have been a very different race car than his usual one, but Jeff Gordon adapted well enough to win (photo by LAT).

The American team of NASCAR stars Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson, along with superbike racer Colin Edwards, scored an unexpected but well-deserved win in the Michelin Race of Champions Nations Cup, defeating Team Italy in the final.

World Superbike champion Colin Edwards scored the decisive leg win, crossing the line in a sideways celebration that he could afford after rival Marco Melandri had spun earlier in the run.

Edwards' win gave the U.S. a 3-1 victory over the Italians, with the Texan twice beating the 250cc world champion, while Jeff Gordon narrowly defeated Fabrizio Giovanardi in a thrilling race driving Seat Cordoba WRCs.

Italy's sole win came courtesy of Travaglia, who beat NASCAR rookie star Jimmie Johnson as the pair went head-to-head in Peugeot 206s.

The 27 drivers and riders competing in the Michelin Race of Champions included CART Champion Cristiano da Matta; former Indy 500 winner Kenny Brack; JJ Lehto; defending Indy 500 champion Helio Castroneves; Fernando Alonso; Renato Travaglia; World Rally Champion Marcus Granholm; and Enduro champion Kari Tiainen.

Originally posted by Spotnick > Originally posted by JORGE TEIXEIRA> Not to sure about Da Matta... the only CART drivers who had any kind of success in Europe were the ones with some previous european experience (ie Cheques and Pablito). I'm not certain, but I think that Cristiano never raced here. But I'm eagerly awaiting for his debut... even if I prefered Gil de Ferran or Castro-Neves!

Zanardi HAD F1 experience... before joining Cart.

Plus, all F1 drivers going to CART sucks, except of course Michael Andretti (and Zanardi of course)..

Not sure there is a logic there.. what helped Jacques, he got the best car on his first year, and probably Damon Hill is not as good as that.. can't say really, only followed him when Jacques was there

Yes, Spotnick, you're right, but I wasn't talking about Zanardi, for whom I have the biggest respect and appreciation. His problem in '99 was the lousy Williams they gave him! As for Andretti, it was the other way round, he switched FROM Cart to F1, thus beginning the "Americans drivers are lame" theory!

Michael,

Many people in Japan believe that Sato can do what no Japanese driver has done in F1 and that's win races. I sure (I hope) that there will be a number of Japanese companies to support Sato as his personal sponsers and help Mr. Jordan make a decision in favour of Sato. But as your question bears out in might be more difficult now that a Japanese driver will not be driving a car with a Japanese engine.

Jordan might as well just drop B-Stones. They work mainly with Ferrari anyways. In fact Ferrari created a seperate test team to work with B-Stones developers. All the other teams with B-Stones boots are merely an afterthought. The goodyear option would be interesting but I don't think they would enter without the signing one of the "big three" to wear their boots.

Paul, are you against Bridgestone's methods? Remember that Ferrari is the ONLY top-team they have a contract with, so you can't really blame them for betting everything on the prancing horse, can you?

Originally posted by JORGE TEIXEIRA Paul, are you against Bridgestone's methods?Remember that Ferrari is the ONLY top-team they have a contract with, so you can't really blame them for betting everything on the prancing horse, can you?

But wouldn't B-Stone at least want to throw a little love towards BAR seeing as they are the sole team running a Japanese motor?

Jorge,

I completely agree with your reasons. But then I'd like to see Goodyear re-enter. A third tire manufacture would make things a bit more interesting.

Originally posted by Paul Roy Jorge, I completely agree with your reasons. But then I'd like to see Goodyear re-enter. A third tire manufacture would make things a bit more interesting.

Especially if Bernie is really serious about an "all-American" team.....

Originally posted by Paul Roy Jorge, I completely agree with your reasons. But then I'd like to see Goodyear re-enter. A third tire manufacture would make things a bit more interesting.

I agree. But they won't come back unless they get a top-team, right? Maybe McLaren is willing to do that... at least I heard some rumours about it in the middle of the year!

Originally posted by Michael McDermott > Originally posted by JORGE TEIXEIRA> Paul, are you against Bridgestone's methods?> Remember that Ferrari is the ONLY top-team they have a contract with, so you can't really blame them for betting everything on the prancing horse, can you?

But wouldn't B-Stone at least want to throw a little love towards BAR seeing as they are the sole team running a Japanese motor?

Go figure why they dropped Jordan and insisted on that lame duck of a team!