Formula One ( F1 )

Exactly.

Bullshit stops in less than 2 weeks.

http://www.planet-f1.com/driver/3213/8542082/Wolff-dampen-Merc-expectations

But it was going quite well on track. It's a bit silly to say that it's not going well on track, then when it does, to say that it means nothing because it's testing. That would mean that the original statement was based on well, nothing.

It would be nice if the thread didn't descend into constant fighting over Hamilton. One thing i've always liked about F1 and motorsport in general is that the fans generally want to see good racing more than anything. As opposed to quite a lot of other sports where fans tend to get rather tribal over their chosen team/person. Though that seems to be changing which is a great shame. (Not talking specifically about this thread, but attitudes in general)

Here's hoping it's a great season, it'll be tough to top last year's!

Sutil

\o/

Button

http://www.planetf1.com/driver/18227/8540111/Button-urged-to-stamp-his-authority

Which is fine, and sensible advice, but Button was the team leader when he won for Brawn, although admittedly he was not being pushed in qualifying by cuddles.

Sutil

\o/

I don't really know what to think about Sutil. I can't remember any times where his driving has really stood out and impressed me. I think the most impressive thing he's done was to stick a glass in Eric Lux's neck! Apart from that he comes across as a bit, well, meh.

Oh and well said mmccarthy.

It would be nice if the thread didn't descend into constant fighting over Hamilton. One thing i've always liked about F1 and motorsport in general is that the fans generally want to see good racing more than anything. As opposed to quite a lot of other sports where fans tend to get rather tribal over their chosen team/person. Though that seems to be changing which is a great shame. (Not talking specifically about this thread, but attitudes in general)

a side effect of two brits being at the top of the pile and the subsequent rise in popularity of f1.

I'm predicting that Jenson gets needled by Perez outqualifying him. I don't think Perez has the patience and guile to score more points than Jenson, but I know he'll try.

I had questioned Lewis' move to Mercedes, but it seems he may have made a shrewd move after all.

Can't believe I actually agree with you.

It would be nice if the thread didn't descend into constant fighting over Hamilton. One thing i've always liked about F1 and motorsport in general is that the fans generally want to see good racing more than anything. As opposed to quite a lot of other sports where fans tend to get rather tribal over their chosen team/person. Though that seems to be changing which is a great shame. (Not talking specifically about this thread, but attitudes in general)

Good point. I would be happy to see any new WC other than Vettel this year, lets just hope its a super close competition.

It goes without saying that I'd like Hamilton to do really well, but I also hope that Alonso gets a fast car this year. For him to finish a close second in the Driver's Championship, with what was a dog of a car, shows that he is the best driver on the grid. Lewis is faster, but not better. Not by a long chalk. I also think Kimi has been coming nicely to the boil. If his car is good, he will be right up there.

I don't seem to care so much for Red Bull, other than I'd always want to see Webber do well, but am increasingly nonplussed by any and all of Vettel's efforts.

Due to the major changes in 2014 I predict that the money will be prioritised for r and d for the 2014 season.

Therefore this season will be dull and will get worse as the season progresses and updates start to be wound down.

Hopefully the new platypus nose will give Ferrari a decent car and alsonso will finish in front of Hamilton (I don't rate him) and button will do well enough to stay number one for the 2014 season.

...Hamilton (I don't rate him)...

You are bodieanddoyle, and I claim my five British pounds. :-)

As for Button retaining first place........of what? He's not the WC, Vettel is, and I'm even doubtful if he will rule the roost over Perez. In my opinion, there are several drivers better than Button, and a couple that are at least his equal.

Better than Button IMO:
Fernando Alonso (consistency)
Kimi Raikkonen (ability)
Lewis Hamilton (speed)
Sebastian Vettel (speed, aggression, focus)

Close rival to Button:
Mark Webber
Felipe Massa

He isn't. I'm me.

Re Hamilton: it's not that I don't rate his abilities, I just don't care for the man himself.

He's clearly a talent and has something to offer - this move to Mercy will potentially be the making of him. We know that McLaren was a comfort zone for him and this was proved when Alonso appeared and then disappeared.

I hope that this coming season is as exciting as last.

As WC, Vettel is like a machine - when the chips are down he always produces. He's great when under pressure and doesn't seem to lose his cool. Ever.

I knew he wasn't you. Twas in jest me boy.

That much I knew. Dad?

I could be. You never know your luck.

No. You never know yours.

This season will not be dull because of the changes next year. If anything teams are putting more into developing their cars this year because they know the key to winning this year is in the development of the cars. I believe 2013 will be one of the best seasons yet. 2014 could be more dull by comparison as I suspect more car failures with the new turbos. It's a serious challenge to bring such massive change to car design. This year is all about evolution and development of last years package, which is why McLaren might struggle with their new concept this year.

However above all, this year will be all about tyres and who can make them last.

I meant button's team, sorry, I just hope he doesn't get his arse kicked by his new team mate.

Like bodie, I don't care for Hamilton and his attitude in or out of the car.

If he's out-performed by his new teammate then I can see some toy-throwing of truly epic proportions.

There is no chance of that in the world. Nico Rosberg certainly raised his game with Schumey around, and I'm sure he'll raise his game even further with Lewis as a teammate, but there is a limit to one's innate talent, and compared to the really fast drivers, I believe Nico falls shy of that. No insult to him, but I don't think Nico is in Hamilton's, Alonso's or Vettel's league when it comes to speed. We shall see if I'm wrong.

....Like bodie, I don't care for Hamilton and his attitude in or out of the car.

Should all sportsmen be quiet and thoughtful, and not showy? It explains why Muhammad Ali was so despised by so many people. I think I'll write Lewis, and tell him that certain people want him to be quiet and that he should let his driving do the talking. Clearly he doesn't know his place.

Isn't it strange though, that petulant, badly behaved media-hound, James Hunt was always so well thought of, in life and after? Even though he famously threw his toys out of the pram many times? I can't work out why he was so similar to Hamilton in several respects, whereas the reaction to Hamilton is mostly negative. Maybe I'll never work it out, but it must be something.
http://theselvedgeyard.wordpress.com/2010/10/16/james-hunt-the-shunt/

For those of us unwilling to shell out for Sky (whether out of principle or for financial reasons, or like myself, both) is there anywhere to get a decent stream? I guess finding a pub showing it is out of the question on this occasion...

http://www.jetlagbar.com/index.php/formula-1
try here