F1 in 2012

[Pat]

As I see it, Pirelli are doing exactly what they have been contracted to do, produce a tire that adds another variable for the teams and especially the drivers to manage. They all start with the same number and compounds so playing field is level. The result has been thrilling racing.
Consider the past, Michelin built a tire that ruined an F1 weekend at Indianapolis because they couldn't safely get around the track, some spectacle that was. Prior to that were the "tire wars" and regardless of the equipement you fielded, if you were on the wrong tire, you simply were't competitive. Personally, the racing we have now is as good and any in days gone by. An interesting note is that my wife is now back to watching F1.

Speaking of my dear bride, she let me take her to Monaco for our 35th anniversary. She LOVED it! We toured the countryside, went shopping and saw the museums during the week and she regards it as one of our best get-aways ever. So it is something that should be on everyone's list.
It will be interesting to see whether the DRS zone will be on the pit straight rather or through the tunnel and into the chicane. I'm have not seen what they plan to do this time. For this year, my money is on Alonzo, he has found speed in an apparently sub-par Ferrari and this course will play to driver skill and any overtaking will be very brave. That part of the sport has changed for the better. It's a pity about Mr. Massa, he has not been the same since his accident and it appears his career is near it's end.

 

[Keith]

With respect Veek, the playing field can only be level if the teams have advanced knowledge of the tyres to be used, opportunity to test and have the same chassis. I agree the Indy thing was mad. Blame the teams to a degree - the chicane could have solved it and it was not F1's finest hour. I think the American spectators were remarkably restrained under the circumstances.

The tyre is now a variable bolted on top of many variables. Other than that I understand why people would think the racing is more "thrilling", and whilst it may be, I personally cannot see beyond millions of pounds of development in other areas totally negated by a circle of sticky rubber drained from a tree in Indonesia.

Each to their own. Enjoy!

 

[Jim Craik]

Veek,

What year did you do Monaco, and where did you stay?

We are giving serious consideration to going next year. I'm thinking of staying in Niece, but I bet getting into the Principaity in the morning might be tough.

 

[Keith]

That's not Nice. You keep away from your Niece mate. It might be legal in Europe but you'll hear banjos playing for sure. :blank:

 

[Pat]

Veek,

What year did you do Monaco, and where did you stay?

We are giving serious consideration to going next year. I'm thinking of staying in Niece, but I bet getting into the Principaity in the morning might be tough.

We went in 2001 and stayed in Nice and it is an easy train ride (both ways) to the Municipality. It is also incredibly scenic. Nice also is a great start point for tours to Cannes, St Tropez and Eze. The people were wonderful and the pedestrian zone of Nice is a great way to spend an evening.
Because of the proximity to the train station we stayed at the Alba (Which I think is now a Best Western). It's a reasonably priced three star that met our needs. Needless to say we haven't been there in 10 years but it was great at the time. It turns out that the city is small enough that even the hotels on the Med are a reasonable walk to the station.

 

[Keith]

Hmmmmm

Is this Tilke track any good?

 

[Pat]

I just read Formula 1 will introduce some form of additional driver head protection in the not-too-distant future in the form of a front roll hoop or jet aircraft type canopy. That will certainly be a change. Why not simply enclose the cars? Goodness knows with the droop noses this year aesthetics are already out the window.

 

[Jeff Young]

Big change from enclosing the cockpit (a few years too late for Massa) to enclosing the body/wheel structure. The former is a significant aerodynamic change, the latter a massive one.

 

[Pat]

I was thinking more about the cockpit but enclosing the wheels would not be a first.

 

[Jim Craik]

Everything has come before, Brabham BT-24

Protos F2 at Nurburgring approximately 1967 (?)

 

[Pat]

Jim, that's an interesting photo I've never seen before. The second photo looks like R2D2 is driving.
I wonder if they would look more like one brand of Formula Vee a while back.
I'm not sure how you get out that thing if there's a fire but it is an interesting design.

 

[Jim Craik]

They probably would look more like this.

In case of fire.......

​

<LI style="POSITION: relative; WIDTH: 116px; HEIGHT: 90px" class="bili bilir uh_r">

 

[Pat]

Or maybe this from Mr. Newey. Seems it would get pretty warm in there on a sunny day but it is tastefully executed.

 

[Jim Craik]

Veek,

That looks very cool!

With the tires covered, it appears safer, yet still has the look and feel of an open wheel F1 car. I like it!

I'm assuming that is some kind of digital rendering, but is sure looks real!

You are right about the heat, it would be way too hot. They would have to have AC, leading to light, efficient, AC systems.............win, win!

 

[Pat]

The photo caption indicates it is Adrian Newey's simulation concept car the Red Bull X1 Prototype in Gran Turismo 5 which featured the cockpit canopy. So I think it is very well done computer graphics.
Here is the site where I found it.
Little support for F1 cockpit canopy idea | YallaF1.com

 

[Terry Oxandale]

It seems Mr. Shumacher raised a few eyebrows in qualifying.

 

[Pete McCluskey.]

A victory in Monaco for Aussie Mark Webber epper:epper:epper:epper:
The Aussies on our balcony at the Fairmont were our normal subdued and quiet
selves with only a little chorus or two of Advance Australia Fair and some minor bouts of flag waving. We did run out of bubbly at one stage but some adjoining
rooms kindly contributed theirs. They didn't know at the time but being English were drinking tea and some warm gnats piss that they call beer so wouldn't miss their bubbly. Thanks chaps tewwibly kind of you.
Schumacher was very stiff to be penalized for running into whatsisname who in my view was weaving illegally and blocking at the time. And you know I am no Fan of the German.
Anyway that gifted Mark Pole and the race.
On the Friday we were very Fortunate to be invited about Jenson Button's boat
to watch the GP3 race. A magnificent craft and the beer was cold.
Photos in no particular order, the view from our balcony, the boat, me in the Red Bull pits.
Bugga couldn't upload them. I think they are too big, I will reduce them and try again tomorrow.

 

[Mesa]

A victory in Monaco for Aussie Mark Webber epper:epper:epper:epper:

Schumacher was very stiff to be penalized for running into whatsisname who in my view was weaving illegally and blocking at the time. And you know I am no Fan of the German.
Anyway that gifted Mark Pole and the race.

.

Totally agree, that was not Shoe's fault and I don't see how the officials could have been blind to it. He committed to the pass, was carrying the needed speed, had the outside lane, then Senna faked to the outside and it all went pear shaped. Shame on Senna.

Yes we did take note of the Ozzie win, he was out front all day, I think we sort of forgot about him
Nice view there Pete. BTW if you ever need anyone to bring up the reserve bubbly from the cellar for your next GP I can make myself available. Since there are no American's in the events the help won't even mind a little flag waiving.

More bubbly Sir?

 

[Pete McCluskey.]

Some more from Monaco, an exercise in poor taste. a Diamond encrusted Rolls.
J.B's boat, Lunch on board, and a lovely boat and err, crew.

 

[Mark]

Looks like you had a great time there Pete. Thanks for sharing the pics.