Formula 1 07

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Orrmate @ Apr 15 2007, 04:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Heidfelts gotta be in with a chance of winning a race this year, especially when we go to the Nurburgring. What I can't believe is that BMW are reluctant to resign him

I can't believe BMW are even considering not having him next year. He must be one of the best drivers on the grid at the moment if not the best on current form. The BMW is supposed to be significantly slower than the ferrari and the mclaren but Heidfeld is racing with them.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Orrmate @ Apr 15 2007, 04:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Its a shame they struggle to overtake otherwise that race would have been fantastic, it was still pretty good though.

If they could somehow change the rules in a way that means more slipstreaming and less following in the "dirty or turbulant air" the races would indeed be a lot more exciting.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Valentino Is God @ Apr 15 2007, 06:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I can't believe BMW are even considering not having him next year. He must be one of the best drivers on the grid at the moment if not the best on current form. The BMW is supposed to be significantly slower than the ferrari and the mclaren but Heidfeld is racing with them.
I think letting Nick go would be a stupid mistake. I've always thought of Nick as a good driver, but now it's even more obvious he is. He finished in 4th place 3 times already, and even beating Alonso today!!!! That says a lot..or it should say a lot!!!!! Are the people at BMW blind?????

He was also a bit unlucky in the past, I thought he would have gone to McLaren (2002), but they picked his 2001 teammate instead...

What a dissapointing race for me.

Congrats to Massa he learnt from his mistake and got a deserved win. Lewis was really good too.

Kimi was a bit dissapointing, he was owned by Massa all the weekend, couldn't do what Heidfeld did despite having a better car.

And so was Alonso, who screwed up his setup badly on fri and sat and payed for it today despite a very good start he simply wasn't fast enough. He got his personal fast lap with the hardest tyre!

Though IMO Heidfeld was the star of the race, he blew away the hyped Kubica overtook Alonso ON the track and was catching up Kimi too. I don't think he'll have a problem to find a seat next season if BMW don't want to re-sign him, which I doubt.

Nick has a option in his contract, so if BMW want they have him in 2008, if Kubica had beaten him (like it looked it was going to happen last year) then probably BMW would have dumped Nick and brought in their protegé Sebastian Vettel.

Heidfelt is probably the most underrated driver on the grid at the moment, he's just not too marketable, which in modern F1, unfortunately, does count for alot. I hope at least he gets a decent drive for '08, if not resigned by BMW, hes a hard worker and unlike quite a few drivers in F1 at the moment, he bloody deserves his seat.

Thiessen has a potential world championship winning combination in his hands here, with a great up and coming team, an improving car and two great drivers in Heidfelt and Kubica. I just hope he realises it and doesn't start messing around.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (teomolca @ Apr 15 2007, 10:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>What a dissapointing race for me.

Congrats to Massa he learnt from his mistake and got a deserved win. Lewis was really good too.

Kimi was a bit dissapointing, he was owned by Massa all the weekend, couldn't do what Heidfeld did despite having a better car.

And so was Alonso, who screwed up his setup badly on fri and sat and payed for it today despite a very good start he simply wasn't fast enough. He got his personal fast lap with the hardest tyre!
Well Teo, what do you think now. I see you kept it to "Lewis was really good too"!!!!

How about 3 completely new circuits for our boy, 2 close calls, and 1 absolute whipping!!!!

How about Fernando was a bit dissapointing, he was owned by Hamilton all weekend!!!!

Blame it on set up if you like, that detracts from the current World Champ even more so, considering his rookie team mate had the greater knowledge and insight.

So, 3 races in, Lewis is there in the mix. I'm telling you, it is not beyond the realms of possibility that Lewis could win the title this year. I don't believe that Fernando has the aggression a Schumacher had in his prime, a Mika, a Prost, a Senna. I don't believe Kimi has the stability, but good influence could change this. Lewis has the whole package to be the next Schumacher, there seems to be no cracks! He has the speed, the aggression, the youth, the knowledge, the fitness, the attitude, the backing of a top team and family, and a stunning entrance into F1. Remind you of anyone?

What I really liked is, at the press conference and with no World Champion team mate in sight, he confidently claimed how McLaren had significantly closed the gap to Ferrari. Oh this boy is good, he's very very good!

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Burky @ Apr 16 2007, 09:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>So, 3 races in, Lewis is there in the mix. I'm telling you, it is not beyond the realms of possibility that Lewis could win the title this year. I don't believe that Fernando has the aggression a Schumacher had in his prime, a Mika, a Prost, a Senna. I don't believe Kimi has the stability, but good influence could change this. Lewis has the whole package to be the next Schumacher, there seems to be no cracks! He has the speed, the aggression, the youth, the knowledge, the fitness, the attitude, the backing of a top team and family, and a stunning entrance into F1. Remind you of anyone?

What I really liked is, at the press conference and with no World Champion team mate in sight, he confidently claimed how McLaren had significantly closed the gap to Ferrari. Oh this boy is good, he's very very good!
Ow yeah, Lewis is good for sure!!!!!
I think he's the biggest ''talent'' since MS. I'm not saying he's better than Fernando, cause obviously FA is a 2 time champ and he has way more experience than Lewis, and obviously Lewis has to show more, but so far it's looks better than good.

Lewis' stunning entrance into F1 is a bit like Senna's entrance. People also had high expectations of Ayrton when he entered F1 in 84. So far, Lewis didn't make any (big) mistakes, and after three races he has as many points as FA and KR (these two being considered as F1's best drivers atm). I already had a good feelinh about the guy, but he's doing even better than I expected. I know it's still early, but why couldn't he fight for the title this season???? He's very determined and you can tell he wants to win (without looking arrogant), I like that about him!!

I think Lewis has what it takes to become a multiple champion, he's driven, he's determined, he's ambitious AND he's bloody talented!!
I don't see why he can't reach some of the things his idol (Ayrton Senna) and ''inspirator'' (MS) did.

Can't wait for Barçelona!!!!

Hamilton is incredible. I think we shouldn't get carried away because FA had a bad weekend and Lewis did better, this will happen both ways at some point. But LH has shown himself already to be a potential contender (way beyond what i dared to expect at the beggining) and if he gets a win under his belt he'll be well on his way. I think, for now at least the most facinating thing is the beggining of the internal power struggle in Ferari, i cant wait for the next race.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Tom @ Apr 16 2007, 02:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Hamilton is incredible. I think we shouldn't get carried away because FA had a bad weekend and Lewis did better, this will happen both ways at some point. But LH has shown himself already to be a potential contender (way beyond what i dared to expect at the beggining) and if he gets a win under his belt he'll be well on his way. I think, for now at least the most facinating thing is the beggining of the internal power struggle in Ferari, i cant wait for the next race.
You're right, we shouldn't get carried away, after all, we've only had 3 races, the season is still long!! I think its just amazing the way Lewis is performing so far. I do think Fernando should have more points in the end, but LH won't be far behind!!

About Ferrari..
They're definitely not dominant!! After watching Australia people thought we might see another 02 or 04, but that's not gonna happen. Mclaren is right behind them, and on some tracks they gonna have the advantage. Maybe it's boring to see Mclaren and Ferrari winning almost everything, but at least the fight for the championship is exciting. Cause I really have no idea who's gonna win the WDC this season. Fernando could make it 3 in a row, Kimi could ''finally'' win a title, Massa could very well take his maiden title, or rookie Lewis could shock us all!!

Only 3 races into his career and people are saying Lewis Hamilton could become the best driver ever.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport...one/6566719.stm

How is the guy supposed to keep his feet on the ground with others saying things like this???

To be fair, the guy being interviewed just said he didnt see any reason why hamilton couldnt become the best ever, that could be asid about young drivers a lot of times. Its just been snatched up for a headline really.

Oh god, here we go. This is where the British press start to fck with his head. Its no wonder we don't do too well at things when any decent sportsman we have has this kind of pressure on their shoulders.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Tom @ Apr 18 2007, 08:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>To be fair, the guy being interviewed just said he didnt see any reason why hamilton couldnt become the best ever, that could be asid about young drivers a lot of times. Its just been snatched up for a headline really.
I don't think it's a ludicrous suggestion, Lewis has come in and done an incredible job. He's breaking records. He's certainly got the others' attention.

I'm glad the papers' are full of praise, so they bloody should be. Let's get behind him, let's add to his already incredible confidence.

Tom, you say that a lot of young drivers' could have this type of praise heaped on them. Who? We are suggesting this is overhyping, but how? Even McLaren themselves are building a future around Lewis, and indeed have been for many years. They haven't put in so much time and finance on just a 'maybe', he's a definite!

I'm fortunate enough (or not) to work from home, and I'm so sad I have Eurosport on nearly 24/7. I saw most of the GP2 series last year, and when I heard Ron has signed up Lewis to 'partner' Alonso, I can tell you my enthusiasm for F1 came back in a flash!!!!!

It's time for F1 to switch off the 'safety first button', 'cos Lewis is here, and he's gonna be hard to beat. We're 3 GPs in, 3 new tracks. He's won the race to who puts his team mate in the shade first. He's been successfull in both defending and attacking.

'Best ever' is always a tough one to call, F1 is a different beast to 10, 20, 50 years ago. It seems to go in 'eras', my feeling is that the Lewis era is coming. It's a record breaking start, why not a record breaking year?

Anyway, I'm English, so is he. I'd love to see him kick arse, it's about time we had an F1 champion again. So I'm gonna be a cheerleader!

Apart from that, Taku's better than the lot of them!

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Burky @ Apr 18 2007, 10:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Tom, you say that a lot of young drivers' could have this type of praise heaped on them. Who? We are suggesting this is overhyping, but how? Even McLaren themselves are building a future around Lewis, and indeed have been for many years. They haven't put in so much time and finance on just a 'maybe', he's a definite!

I dont think its a ludicrous suggestion either, he quite well could be the best ever. The point i was making was that article headline aims to make a very big deal of a less significant comment being made, and should be taken lightly. Lewis will know that we have faith in him and he knows what he is capable of i hope it continues to materialize.

I don't think Lewis' abilities are being overhyped, but the headline of this particular article is overstressing a relatively minor comment to grab your attention, i think its called journalism??

Headlines are what captures the attention of those folk who are not necessarily interested in motorsport. They can bring fresh interest.

I'll give you an example, my neighbour, Malcolm. He's not the sharpest tool in the box, has no interest in sport, a few medical problems. He's stopping me on my doorstep, wants to talk Lewis Hamilton. He's cutting out the clippings from the Sun for me, bless him! He's glued to the television of a Sunday lunchtime. The headlines have grabbed his attention, so there is at least one more fan.

You know, it is making a mountain out of a molehill, perhaps! Or is it? When a chap like Whitmarsh mildly suggests it is possible, then that's not like you or I saying it. Is it 'insignificant'? Whitmarsh knows how many beans make five!

http://www.crash.net/news_View~cid~1~id~146588.htm

Is it me or is complaining all Kimi has done since he joined Ferrari? Don't get me wrong, complaining and solving issues are a big part of development, but is doing it publicly really gonna help the team? Are we seeing the good old racers excuse book being dusted off?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Orrmate @ Apr 19 2007, 06:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>http://www.crash.net/news_View~cid~1~id~146588.htm

Is it me or is complaining all Kimi has done since he joined Ferrari? Don't get me wrong, complaining and solving issues are a big part of development, but is doing it publicly really gonna help the team? Are we seeing the good old racers excuse book being dusted off?
I'm sorry, but where do you see him ''complaining''????
He never really ''complained'' during his F1 career (unlike a certain FA, who was blaming Renault last season when things didn't go well), not when he was at Sauber, or at Mclaren, and also not now at Ferrari.
He only says Ferrari isn't that quick on a single lap. That's actually kinda weird since they got all the poles so far, BUT I do agree that if they want to dominate they have to sort that out even more, cause their race pace is ok I think. I don't understand how you can say ''that complaining is all he has done''. Maybe you forgot it, but he DID win the 1st race of the season, and he did score a pole position as well. Also, he finished on the podium all the 3 races (like Lewis). I actually don't think he's the type to complain. Also one of the things I like about him. Maybe he's not a developer, true!! I won't ever deny that, but since he joined Ferrari he did a good job, I think he also had a lot of mileage compared to the other guys (in winter testing I mean, but I'm not 100% sure). So, can you please explain to me why you think complaining is ALL he has done??

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Franco Fangio @ Apr 19 2007, 05:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I'm sorry, but where do you see him ''complaining''????
He never really ''complained'' during his F1 career (unlike a certain FA, who was blaming Renault last season when things didn't go well), not when he was at Sauber, or at Mclaren, and also not now at Ferrari.
He only says Ferrari isn't that quick on a single lap. That's actually kinda weird since they got all the poles so far, BUT I do agree that if they want to dominate they have to sort that out even more, cause their race pace is ok I think. I don't understand how you can say ''that complaining is all he has done''. Maybe you forgot it, but he DID win the 1st race of the season, and he did score a pole position as well. Also, he finished on the podium all the 3 races (like Lewis). I actually don't think he's the type to complain. Also one of the things I like about him. Maybe he's not a developer, true!! I won't ever deny that, but since he joined Ferrari he did a good job, I think he also had a lot of mileage compared to the other guys (in winter testing I mean, but I'm not 100% sure). So, can you please explain to me why you think complaining is ALL he has done??

Groans These rose tinted specs really are a curse sometimes

Its quite simple really, think back to Melbourne. He takes pole, fastest lap and the race win. Even back then he was moaning about the car, fair enough I thought, its only the first race. But here we are again, this time it seems to be an excuse rather than anything for getting beaten by his teammate, and a rookie.

I do think your post was a bit of an overreaction to be honest. All I did was state that Kimi seemed to be complaining more than other drivers (including his team mate), which is true as of late. Lighten up.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Orrmate @ Apr 19 2007, 07:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Groans These rose tinted specs really are a curse sometimes

Its quite simple really, think back to Melbourne. He takes pole, fastest lap and the race win. Even back then he was moaning about the car, fair enough I thought, its only the first race. But here we are again, this time it seems to be an excuse rather than anything for getting beaten by his teammate, and a rookie.

I do think your post was a bit of an overreaction to be honest. All I did was state that Kimi seemed to be complaining more than other drivers (including his team mate), which is true as of late. Lighten up.
''These rose tinted specs really are a curse sometimes''
What you mean by this Orr??

BTW, you didn't say he ''complained more than other drivers''..you said: ''Is it me or is complaining all Kimi has done since he joined Ferrari?''. That's actually a bit different I would say..

I personally don't think that saying the car wasn't perfect and that it can be better is the same as complaining, but that's just my opinion though. If you think he's complaining then for sure you can think that, but him saying that things aren't perfect (yet) only shows he wants it to get better. I think that should always be the aim btw..

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Franco Fangio @ Apr 19 2007, 06:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>''These rose tinted specs really are a curse sometimes''
What you mean by this Orr??

It means that if this were another driver we were talking about, you wouldn't do this annoying 'i-must-defend-my-mans-honour-at-all-costs' bollocks.

To use an example, Im a Felipe Massa and a Jenson Button fan. If someone said on here that Button was complaining too much, and he had said what Kimi had said after Melbourne and Bahrain (criticising the team publicly after a dominant victory, and using it as an excuse for not winning) I would agree, because thankfully im not a cheerleader.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE <div class='quotemain'>BTW, you didn't say he ''complained more than other drivers''..you said: ''Is it me or is complaining all Kimi has done since he joined Ferrari?''. That's actually a bit different I would say..
Fair point, then again im not pedantic and probably wouldnt notice

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE <div class='quotemain'>I personally don't think that saying the car wasn't perfect and that it can be better is the same as complaining, but that's just my opinion though. If you think he's complaining then for sure you can think that, but him saying that things aren't perfect (yet) only shows he wants it to get better. I think that should always be the aim btw..
Don't know what you're trying to say here, but if I in any way suggested I didn't agree that that is the case, then I apologise

Like I said if you'd actually bothered to reread my original post, complaining is a key part of the development process. Doing it publicly, however, is a completely different kettle of fish..

If you're trying to draw me into another long winded argument about Kimi Raikkonen, don't bother, because I've done enough friggin' arguing on this forum this week to last me till Christmas. So Ill pass this time, but cheers for the offer.

I read the article earlier and didnt think there was much wrong with it. He pointed out the area he thought was his/his team/his cars current weakness but i think that is fairly productive. Compare this if you will to people such as Button, all i have heard from him this year is how .... that car is and how he is doing everything he can. Its like he goes out of his way to highlight the car as the only issue. Now thats complaining. Kimi wasnt exactly full of good PR Ferarri bum love, but hes never been like that so fairlplay to him.

I also agree with one of your comments earlier about FA throwing blame around last year when he wasnt doing well. But that seems to be a tactic built into the renault team, i think Flavio does a terrible job at creating a team spirit and everyone seems to hate each other.