Formula 1 World Championship

I've seen that there are more and more threads about Formula 1 now, so I thought (like the AMA thread), someone should just make one big htread for Formula 1 in general and here it is! Just talk about recent news, results, fixtures and more all here!

BMW Sauber were quickest during Friday practice for the second race in a row courtesy of test driver Robert Kubica, but it was Ferrari who looked strongest with both Michael Schumacher and Felipe Massa in the top five. Further down the order were Renault with 11th for Giancarlo Fisichella and 15th for Fernando Alonso, whilst Williams' Nico Rosberg had to sit out the second session following an accident in the first. The men in the driving seat report back on day one at Hockenheim. (Note - all positions and times refer to the second session)

Robert Kubica, third driver, BMW Sauber (1st, 1m 16.225s):
“This morning we couldn’t get the right information as the car was not really balanced. We then decided to go in one direction, which was really good. I was surprised as we were not looking for quick lap times but we were much quicker than this morning and everything is now positive. Fortunately the weather allowed us to re-test the tyres and now we have a better vision of which to choose.”

Michael Schumacher, Ferrari (2nd, +0.227s):
“At the moment, the situation seems pretty good, but we have to bear in mind that other teams have carried out difference work programmes in terms of tyres today, which also explains the difference in the times. The weather reduced the track time at our disposal. Now we must study the data gathered carefully to get a realistic idea of the pecking order, but I think we have not yet seen the true potential of some of the teams.”

Robert Doornbos, third driver, Red Bull (3rd, +0.324s):
“It’s special to be back here in Hockenheim. It was where I raced my first Formula One race for Minardi and it’s good to see so many Dutch fans here. It was a bit tricky this morning due to all the different weather forecasts we were getting for the afternoon, but we managed to complete all the dry running that we needed to, although it was quite tight in the end. I think we look quite competitive here. It’s good for me to finish third fastest, and I hope we continue to run well throughout the weekend.”

Kimi Raikkonen, McLaren (4th, +0.815s):
"We completed our normal Friday programme, despite the earlier rain, working on Michelin tyre selection and race set-up. The car feels good and the tyres seem to be working well, so I am pleased."

Felipe Massa, Ferrari (5th, +0.980s):
“It was a good day. Even though we did not run much, I immediately felt the car was well balanced and the Bridgestone tyres worked well. Therefore, I am happy with what we achieved today, while knowing we still have a lot to do. All in all, we can say we have started this race weekend a bit better than on some other occasions and so I am feeling optimistic.”

Anthony Davidson, third driver, Honda (6th, +1.069):
"A difficult day here at Hockenheim. The weather conditions made it hard work for everyone in the second session then when it started to dry out we had to quickly do our tyre programme. It was a little bit scrappy for everybody but thankfully there was just enough time to choose the tyre that we think will work well for the rest of the weekend. The first session went well for me. I had a nice balance and I think our long run pace looks really good so I'm confident for a good race here."

Mark Webber, Williams (7th, +1.119s):
“Weather conditions didn’t allow us to get as much running as we might have liked today. We would ideally have had a bit more running this afternoon when the track dried up, but ultimately we only managed to get one run in at the end of the session in the conditions that represent what we expect in the race. That said, we’ve got plenty of information to look at from Alex’s car, and we will do more running tomorrow morning anyway, despite the potentially cooler track conditions which don’t tend to represent what we usually expect in the race.”

Pedro de la Rosa, McLaren (8th, +1.291s):
"A positive beginning to the weekend. When it started to rain I was worried that we would not be able to do enough running on dry tyres, but with the track not really getting wet we were able to continue our programme, with some useful results. The car feels quick and we are satisfied with the times we set."

- PASTED FROM www.formula1.com

£50 Million... I have that much just in my pocket let alone the bank!

Button did very wel lfor a change!

Since I said that thing about Alonso winning every race from now on he's done rubbish!

I'm in a dilemma in whether I should support Raikkonen or Alonso.

Predictions For Tommorow?

Mine:
1. Michael Schumacher
2. Kimi Raikkonen
3. Felipe Massa

Seems like Ferrari have smashed Renault down completely now

Renault are on thin ice with Ferrari now. I think that Kimi Raikkonen was ver yvery under-estimated at this race nobody really seemed to say much about him, as if he was just a ghost but he was starting from pole!
Good race for Button in the HONDA I suppose, at least he didn't go backwards this time like he normally does when he qualified high up the grid and at least he didn't retire!
With Michael Schumacher winning being followed just 2 seconds back by his tema-mate Felipe Massa with Alonso finishing 5th; Schumi has closed the gap to Alonso to just 11 points now. Felipe Massa has leap-frogged Giancalro Fisichella and Kimi Raikkonen to take 3rd position in the championship now with 50 points compared to Alonso's 100.
Kimi Raikkonen is now joint in the championship with Giancarlo Fisichella in the Renault on 49 points each.
Seems like Renault have to pull something out the bag at the next few grand prix's at least...apparently they're geting their front wing damper back at Turkey! A huge lift for the team.

I watched the World Touring cars straight atfer the F1 too, amazing races especially the third!