OK, but he was what 5th on the start grid.., considering he has been on 1 or number 2 or 3 in most if not all other races (from memory), 5th is way off.;)

I agree but the pack was pretty tight and you never know how they were dealing with the last engines they had etc. It is also true that Red Bull always favored Vettel so go figure :)
I don't want to offend you but i think that Webber, out of the champions, was the one who deserved it the least.
In the end all he is is a 34yo driver who never won anything during his career and he finally got the right car with an amazing team. Just like Button. Great driver but definitely not a true champion. Add Massa and Rosberg to that mix.

The 3 champions (Vettel, Hamilton and Alonshole) all have that something more that makes them stand out one way or another. Vettel is FAST, Hamilton is Aggressive, Nando is well... nando :) Kubica is right up there as well, too bad that he is racing with an electric car against dragsters!

Webber has been in F1 for 9 years..I guess he has No experience.

Remember he drove VERY unreliable cars for Minardi, Jaguar, Williams....for years.

HE WORKED HARD to get where he is, Mummy or Daddy did not PAY to have their boy in a top F1 Team unlike most of the others..

To suggest Webber is not a great driver or "deserved it the least" is just absolute Bullshit.

Who won the most F1 races this year??

And I am not offended, I thought you were more reasonable with your thinking G.;)

WHAT pissing me off are the FIA and rule makers, year after year they keep moving the Goal Posts because "they" do not like the results..

Ferrari who blatantly CHEAT and get a little $$ fine...BS

Words from MW..

Car 6 MARK WEBBER, Finish Position: 8th, Start Position: 5th

“It was a big day and we had the chance to do something incredibly unique, but in the end it didn’t turn out for us. Earlier in the race we knew we had to roll the dice and go for it with the strategy, but it left us exposed and Fernando (Alonso) covered us. I tried my absolute hardest and we did everything we could, but in the end it wasn’t enough. You’ve got to take your hat off to Sebastian, he's done a great job all year and to lead the Championship at the last race, he’s got the timing right and I fully congratulate him on the World Championship.

I was in with a chance of winning the Championship until the last race, so I must have been doing something right and in the end there are a lot of positives. I feel I have driven very well for most of the season and that's the most important thing to me. This weekend didn't turn out and it's a shame, but it’s a good time to reflect in the next few weeks and look back at the highs and the lows but that's the way the sport is sometimes. There have been quite a few emotions over the last couple of weeks; when you come so close to the top and just miss out, it's a shame, but I tried my absolute hardest and I have great guys around me.

I think two championships for the team is not bad and I’ll be fighting again next season.”

MW about the race..

A dramatic season finale in Abu Dhabi ended in disappointment for Mark. He came home in eighth place, behind Fernando Alonso, and ended the 2010 World Championship in third place with a total of 242 points.

“When you aim high and you miss the target,” says Mark, “the arrow’s got to go a long way down. I’m very disappointed by what happened on Sunday evening; I aimed for the biggest target in motorsport, the Formula One World Championship, and it didn’t work out.

“But there are still lots of positives to take out of the 2010 season. I’ve taken five pole positions, four victories and I’m even proud of some of my second places because they were well-executed race weekends. In due course, I’ll probably look back and think this season wasn’t a bad effort.”

Mark’s eighth place in the race was his worst result since the Chinese Grand Prix in April and it came about largely through a poor grid position. He lined up fifth, the lowest of the four championship contenders, and he never recovered from that handicap during the 55-lap race.

“It was my worst qualifying since the season-opener in Bahrain,” says Mark. “I struggled with a lack of grip in qualifying and then had the same problem at the start of the race. That’s why I pitted relatively early, on lap 11: I wanted to get some different rubber on the car to see if it would give me more speed.

“Unfortunately, I got stuck behind the Toro Rosso of Jaime Alguersuari as I exited the pits and the time I lost dropped me behind Fernando Alonso when he pitted four laps later. But that became academic because I was still behind Vitaly Petrov and Nico Rosberg, who‘d pitted while the Safety Car was out at the start of the race, and it’s very difficult to overtake at Yas Marina.”

The driver with no traffic problems was Sebastian Vettel. He won the race from pole position to claim the world championship by four points from Alonso.

“I’ve got to take my hat off to Sebastian because he’s done a good job this year,” says Mark. “We’ve had our ups and downs, but we’ve pushed each other and it’s always rewarding to get out of bed to do that. It’s amazing to think that the only time he led the championship was after the last race, but that’s the only time it matters. Well done to him.”

Mark heads to Austria this week for a press conference at Red Bull HQ with Vettel, Christian Horner and Adrian Newey, before taking a well earned rest.

“I’m reminded of that great adage,” he says. “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Well, I’m still alive and I’m sure I’ll bounce back from this season a better driver. Right now, though, I need a good break. The gas has been wide open since the third week in January and it’s been a long season. There’s been a lot of travel, a lot of emotion and a lot of effort. It’s time for some time out.”

Car 5 SEBASTIAN VETTEL, Finish Position: WINNER, Start Position: 1st

I’m speechless. I don’t know what you are supposed to say in these moments, it has been an incredibly tough season for myself and all of us, physically and mentally. We always kept believing in ourselves – no matter what people said – in the team and in our car. I kept believing in myself and today was a special day all round. I got up this morning and tried not to think about anything; I tried to avoid contact with people and just tried to do my own thing. I knew all I could try to do was win this race and do my best. We only led this Championship once this season, but it was when it mattered.

The car was phenomenal today; the start was very tight with Lewis (Hamilton), and I had some graining in the first stint, but then the car stabilised and was a dream. To be honest, I didn’t know anything until I passed the chequered flag. I was wondering, because my race engineer Rocky was trying to give me advice every lap to help me carry the car home and I was thinking ‘Why’s this guy so nervous, we must be in a bloody good position!’ Then crossing the line he came on the radio and very silently said ‘it’s looking good, we have to wait until all the cars finish’.

I was thinking ‘what does he mean,’ as I hadn’t seen the screens - I just wanted to make sure I didn’t get any distractions during the race and focused on myself. Then Christian came on the radio and screamed at me that we had won the World Championship –

I have to say thanks to so many people. To start with, the team: that’s all the people here at the track and all the people in Milton Keynes – they are pushing like hell and I think they will be enjoying this moment as much as last week. Also everyone back in Austria, who has supported me from the beginning – it’s been an incredible journey with Red Bull and, after all the ups and downs this season, to come here now and win the Championship is unbelievable. Thanks to everyone I have known from the early days in karting and those in my home town of Heppenheim to now, thank you so much.”

Congats to Seb Vet! Great driver and overall great person. This is especially true compared to a certain Spaniard who, while having an attitude, has also been involved in a lot of team scandals in recent years. Holding up Hamilton in the pits in Hungary in 07 with Mclaren, Piquet crashing so Alonso could win with Renault in Singapore in 08, and team orders this year with Ferrari. Coincidence? There is a common theme here and he stinks like a cheating Spaniard.

Ah, again with the team orders stuff. Let me guess, you think it only exists at Ferrari right?

It's not even about me defending Ferrari because it's not even necessary. All the major teams do it. Period. There is no discussion or debate necessary. They all do it. Ferrari was just retarded enough to get caught. Was it Alonso's fault when Rubens was screwed last season so that Button could win races? Was it Alonso's fault in Turkey when Button was told to "conserve fuel" as he was trying to pass Hamilton? Was it Alonso's fault Ferrari was doing it years ago? Was it Alonso's fault when McLaren favored Hamilton over Heiki and would give him the preferred race strategy? Was it Alonso's fault when Kimi was told to support Massa while he was at Ferrari? It's like some of you guys started watching Formula 1 two seasons ago or something. lol

BTW, Mark's handling this all extremely well. Huge props to him!

Oh I totally understand how it happens all the time and not to mention my favorite driver is the reason the rule was written. That being said, Ferrari were brazen with it and then tried to treat everyone like we were stupid and it never happened. While Kimi was with Ferrari, he and Massa were equal up until the very end when one was mathematically eliminated, as should have happened. Its just interesting just how quickly Massa got the back seat to Alonso.

I do totally agree with you about Mark.

Webber has been in F1 for 9 years..I guess he has No experience.

Remember he drove VERY unreliable cars for Minardi, Jaguar, Williams....for years.

HE WORKED HARD to get where he is, Mummy or Daddy did not PAY to have their boy in a top F1 Team unlike most of the others..

I doubt any parent can afford to have a pay-seat at Ferrari or McLaren. Secondly, the big teams pay their drivers, not the other way around because they want the most talented drivers. If Webber was as talented and experienced as you say he would be driving for a bigger team.

To suggest Webber is not a great driver or "deserved it the least" is just absolute Bullshit.


No, not really. He had an extreme package, and decent driving skill but that was about it. Not very deserving in my opinion either. I always want the best driver to win though, so i guess we will never agree there ;)

Who won the most F1 races this year??


Vettel did together with Alonso. And then Webber on third place. Webber who inherited a victory from Vettel due to SC fuckup where Vettel got a drive through. So purely driving wise you can subtract one victory there, it was just luck for Webber there.

And I am not offended, I thought you were more reasonable with your thinking G.;)

WHAT pissing me off are the FIA and rule makers, year after year they keep moving the Goal Posts because "they" do not like the results..


Could you try to explain that. I cannot even remotely guess on what you are referring to. Is it the added amount of races or is it the changed point system?

Ferrari who blatantly CHEAT and get a little $$ fine...BS

Agreed, that one was ugly. Big props to Red Bull for playing it fair the entire way!

BTW, Mark's handling this all extremely well. Huge props to him!

Totally agreed. Mark is probably the most mature driver on the grid and is a great sport and has great personality. And my girlfriend keeps saying he is cute too ;)

So yeah he handles it really well, and I actually expected him to. He seems to be a really great guy. In case people thought I did not like Webber, I really do. I just don't agree with him being as great as other here wants to put it. ;)

Ash,
I'm not saying that Webber isn't a good driver, i'm just saying that he needed a career to get to a point where others got with their pure talent alone.
Schumacher was winning with any car, at any time and any place instead. Massa had 1 extraordinary season because he clearly had a great car but what after it? :)
Same applies to Webber in my opinion, he is not a true champion but somebody smart and mature enough to capitalize on his experience. Modern champions are, on the other hand, stupid enough not to capitalize on their own talent and often end up kissing the walls lol :)

What can I say?... What can I say?...

If you think about it, Alonso lost the championship to the "marque" that gave him the initial 2 championships -> Renault!!

Renault powered RB and even the 2 Renaults of Kubica and Petrov were much better than the Ferrari package this weekend.

On top of this, the stupid suicidal decision that Domenicali made caused Alonso the championship. I feel bad for Alonso as he gave everything he has to this team on his first season at Ferrari. It's even worse when literally this has been a ONE DRIVER team as Massa has done close to nothing all season long... Bring Kubica to Ferrari...

It was the worst weekend for Ferrari this season and they could not have picked the worst time to do this.

On the other hand, although I completely dislike Vettel, not only because he is german, but because he was the favorite on a team full of hipocrisy (we do not give team orders... yeah right) I feel he DESERVED to clinch the title. He had the faster car, he had the most poles and he was unlucky this season.

Whoever thinks that RB don't give "Team Orders" should have their head examined. :) :)

Congrats Vettel... Although I am a Ferrari fan to the bone, I acknowledge when somebody is better and this time, you were. Congrats.

Carlos

Williams announces Hulkenberg leaving, Barrichello staying
Williams on Monday announced that Nico Hulkenberg is leaving the British team.

The Oxfordshire based team said Brazilian driver Rubens Barrichello's 2011 teammate "will be confirmed before the end of the year".

The news follows comments in Abu Dhabi by Hulkenberg's manager Willi Weber, who said he believes the team has already signed Pastor Maldonado.

Williams said in a media statement that German Hulkenberg, 23, has put in "convincing performances" in his rookie season and has "an undoubtedly bright future in the sport".

"We are convinced that Nico will go on to great things. We wish him well and hope that our paths will cross again in the future," said team boss Sir Frank Williams.
http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=394705:F1

Alternate Title: One Pole on a drying race track doesn't buy you much these days or Hurray for the Old Guys.

On top of this, the stupid suicidal decision that Domenicali made caused Alonso the championship.

I hardly believe Domenicali took that decision, I would blame the race engineer :suspect:

In the quotes that I have read, the only reference to Alonso's strategy was it was a team decision. There was no mention on whether it came from the team principal or the race engineer.

.1 of 1.....F1 rivals were quick to congratulate Sebastian Vettel on becoming F1's youngest Champion on Sunday, and there was also praise in his home country.

Red Bull team-mate Mark Webber, who was one four drivers going into the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with a chance of winning the title, said: "Congratulations to Seb and to the team, two World Championships, that's not a bad season. There's quite a few emotions when you just miss out. It's a shame."

Ferrari's Fernando Alonso, who finished the race seventh and ended the season second behind Vettel and ahead of Webber and McLaren's Lewis Hamilton, congratulated Vettel and tried to shrug off his frustration.

"This is sport - sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. Congratulations to Red Bull and Sebastian but next year we will try again," said the Spaniard.

"It was very good, for me especially after two years of some difficulties, coming back to winning races, fighting for the Championship. I'm sure with this team it is very possible to fight for Championships in the future, so I am happy."

Hamilton, who finished the race second ahead of team-mate and outgoing World Champion Jenson Button, said: "It's not been the most spectacular season for us, but huge congratulations to Red Bull and Sebastian. He really did a fantastic job throughout the year and fair dos to him."

Button added: "We've all had our ups and downs, including the new World Champion Sebastian. But he's a very talented driver and he thoroughly deserves his success."

Former World Champion Michael Schumacher offered "big congratulations" to the man who has now given Germany only its second F1 Champion and the first since Schumacher won the last of his seven titles in 2004.

"That was extremely well done after his season was so mixed but he was able to come back strongly in the last few races," he said.



Vettel said he was touched by Hamilton's reaction at the finish line.

"He gave me his thumbs up. I felt he really appreciated (what I did). I felt a lot of respect. I have known him for a long time, we have been through a lot in Formula 3," Vettel said.

wow... podiums on abu dahbi are champions of 10, 08 and 09!

Wow what an exciting year it was. we got to see teams flip flop like fishes in the sea, Ferrari fans donating all their hard earned cash to the tissue companies found around the world.
Grat’s to vet, even though he wasn’t the one I cared for , I will admit he worked hard for it. Just glad that RB didn’t fall into the team order stuff at brazil, and let their drivers work hard for the win. While all the critics were calling RB stupid for not allowing webber win in brazil, they didn’t allow the media get to them. So I guess RB in the end got the last laugh.

I hope Ferrari learned their lesson, but something tells me they will always be the douche as a team. But grats on making the car faster this year, alonso did an awesome job.

Grats to the underdog team.

I thought McLaren was the underdog team.

I thought McLaren was the underdog team.

I could not agree with you more Sir. :) :)

I thought McLaren was the underdog team.
Hmm who gave the impression they were? they need to be shot lol. but yah i woudl say years ago they were, but that was like pre senna days.

Ash,
I'm not saying that Webber isn't a good driver, i'm just saying that he needed a career to get to a point where others got with their pure talent alone.
Schumacher was winning with any car, at any time and any place instead. Massa had 1 extraordinary season because he clearly had a great car but what after it? :)
Same applies to Webber in my opinion, he is not a true champion but somebody smart and mature enough to capitalize on his experience. Modern champions are, on the other hand, stupid enough not to capitalize on their own talent and often end up kissing the walls lol :)

Jeez, some of you guys have NO Idea???..lol

Do you remember ANYTHNG??..as I certainly do when it comes to Webber's career.

One cant WIN if their car keeps breaking..can they??

No DRIVER can make a Minari, Jaguar or Williams cars competitive when they have DNF at every race or every other race.

Reliability is an Engineering issue.

Jeez, some of you guys have NO Idea???..lol

Do you remember ANYTHNG??..as I certainly do when it comes to Webber's career.

One cant WIN if their car keeps breaking..can they??

No DRIVER can make a Minari, Jaguar or Williams cars competitive when they have DNF at every race or every other race.

Reliability is an Engineering issue.

Lets just agree to disagree shall we? Or we could pass a vote ;)

Read an interesting theory on Alonso's dramatic strategy. Some says Red Bull sacrified Webber, making him pit early, Ferrari thinking he was the man to beat copied the strategy and made Alonso pit on the next lap. Also Rosberg changed his tires in lap one under the safety car, it seems Ferrari did not notice until after Alonso's pit stop (this would seem crazy, but that's what a reporter in the paddock said during the race).

Is HRT dead? Toyota announced HRT failed to pay for their 2010 package. So HRT got no KERS, no 2011 car 4 months before the 2011 season and they made NO developement on the car during the year since it was garbage. No car + no money = no F1, uncle Bernie must be happy lol

Webber was not used to fool Alonso - Mateschitz

Dietrich Mateschitz has rejected suggestions Red Bull's race strategy for Mark Webber on Sunday was a plot to mislead Ferrari and favour Sebastian Vettel for the title.
more @ http://en.espnf1.com/abudhabi/motorsport/story/34416.html

Webber was not used to fool Alonso - Mateschitz


more @ http://en.espnf1.com/abudhabi/motorsport/story/34416.html

Suuuuuureeeeee... And Hamilton is God then... Damn... What more proof do people need to see that RB DID have a way to favor Vettel over Webber? Only a blind could not see this.... only a blind.

However, it's Ferrari's fault for taking this bait.

I believe that Webber was not a scapegoat, he is the one who started complaining about his tyres asking to pit :)

I believe that Webber was not a scapegoat, he is the one who started complaining about his tyres asking to pit :)

I agree with you Bse50, I feel that the media is trying to bring RB down to Ferrari's level :lol:

I agree with you Bse50, I feel that the media is trying to bring RB down to Ferrari's level :lol:

Oh come on, we're both on the same LOSERS boat this year :)

Oh come on, we're both on the same LOSERS boat this year :)

Yeah but we lost with our honor intact *cough cough cough*
Why do you think Polo is on such a crusade against Red Bull otherwise. We are onto you Polo, we see what you are trying to do ;)

Suuuuuureeeeee... And Hamilton is God then... Damn... What more proof do people need to see that RB DID have a way to favor Vettel over Webber? Only a blind could not see this.... only a blind.

However, it's Ferrari's fault for taking this bait.

http://brassmusician.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/SmileyBlind-150x150.jpg

WOW Ricciardo is really rockin' the RB6!!! He ran 1.39.616 in Abu Dhabi, that's faster than Webber in qualif.

K;3785255']WOW Ricciardo is really rockin' the RB6!!! He ran 1.39.616 in Abu Dhabi, that's faster than Webber in qualif.
This is for the Pirelli tire test days?

This is for the Pirelli tire test days?

Nope it's the young driver session with bridgestone.

K;3785255']WOW Ricciardo is really rockin' the RB6!!! He ran 1.39.616 in Abu Dhabi, that's faster than Webber in qualif.

It is probably a name to keep a watch on. Wouldn't be too surprised to see him in Toro Rosso soon. And if he keeps that pace up he will probably take over Webber's seat once he retires. Many ifs there though ;)

It is probably a name to keep a watch on. Wouldn't be too surprised to see him in Toro Rosso soon. And if he keeps that pace up he will probably take over Webber's seat once he retires. Many ifs there though ;)

Since Alguersuari is about to get kicked out, we might see him sooner than we think.

I wonder if Vet is going to stick to his Strat that he has used this year. Pretty much, crash into many people as possiable at the beginning of the season, then mid season drive his arse off.

K;3785255']WOW Ricciardo is really rockin' the RB6!!! He ran 1.39.616 in Abu Dhabi, that's faster than Webber in qualif.

It sounds impressive. One article I read reminded its viewers regarding how he achieved that time was after a full GP weekend with all the rubber laid down on the track. Throughout the race, as more rubber was laid down on the track, the lap times of the cars kept dropping. Martin Brundle of BBC said the track was evolving with every lap even during qualifying.

I need to take the time to say Sebastien did a remarkable job and deserved his first F1 Championship. One of his best qualities it seems is being able to focus to perfection but especially if he has no traffic to deal with Vettel with an open track is amazing. I look forward to his future scraps with other talented people.

I was most impressed by his crying on the radio upon being told he was F1 World Champion. It seemed to temporarily show some humility capable of garnering my respect.

Paul.

This thread will Close December 1st.
A new 2011 will open at that time.
114 days until the next Formula 1 GP

Melbourne may ditch F1 race after 2014
Melbourne may not continue to host the Australian Grand Prix after the current contract runs out in 2014, the Premier of the state of Victoria John Brumby said on Wednesday.
more @ http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/motorsport/4355047/Melbourne-may-ditch-F1-race-after-2014

Yas Marina circuit flawed - Whitmarsh
McLaren team boss Martin Whitmarsh has hit out at the design of the Abu Dhabi circuit, saying that the modern Yas Marina venue is flawed.

Whitmarsh's comments come despite the fact that both of his drivers finished on the podium in the season's finale, sealing second in the constructors' championship for McLaren.
more @ http://en.espnf1.com/abudhabi/motorsport/story/34626.html

Melbourne may ditch F1 race after 2014

more @ http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/motorsport/4355047/Melbourne-may-ditch-F1-race-after-2014

Yas Marina circuit flawed - Whitmarsh

more @ http://en.espnf1.com/abudhabi/motorsport/story/34626.html

I agree with Whitmarsh and I'm sure Alonso and Webber would as well.

Paul.

I agree with Whitmarsh and I'm sure Alonso and Webber would as well.

Paul.
Who was being held up by the other Renault? I'm sure they would too.

According to a rumour in the Italian media, Nico Hulkenberg is a candidate to replace Felipe Massa at Ferrari in 2011.

La Stampa newspaper said the rumour came from "a voice" within the famous Maranello based team, where Brazilian Massa - who already has an ongoing contract with Ferrari - struggled alongside Fernando Alonso this season.

German Hulkenberg, 23, has not been retained by Williams for 2011, and his manager Willi Weber has strong links within Ferrari due to his former charge Michael Schumacher's decade-long tenure there.

But another voice at Ferrari insisted: "Felipe is untouchable."

La Stampa acknowledged that the rumour might have been generated by Weber to keep Hulkenberg's name circulating while he is on the market.

Italy's Autosprint reported the same rumour linking Hulkenberg with Ferrari



Read more: http://www.worldcarfans.com/110111729629/italian-rumour-hints-massa-out-hulkenberg-in#ixzz15YZiBLvw

Hmm I feel that massa taking the hit in Hock , secured him a seat. Just my opinion.

There has been a rumor all year that Massa would be out. Kubica has has been the consensus candidate previously.

Rumors are Willy Weber (Hulkenberg's agent) is making everything up to add value to his client. I would see Kubica with Ferrari before Hulk.

BTW Ricciardo made 1.38.1 today, concidering the track is about 1.5sec to 2.0sec faster it's still pretty good!

How The Spirit Of The Man Who Bedded 33 Flight Attendants Lives On

http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/jalopnik/2010/11/breakfast_of_champions.jpg

Yes, it is nauseatingly corporate, but the iconic breast patch of the man who bedded 33 flight attendants before he won the 1976 Formula One world title keeps on bringing good luck.

34 years after Hunt’s third place finish at the Japanese Grand Prix clinched him the title, it is yet again a young man with blond locks who rules the racing world. No word yet on how exactly Sebastian Vettel spent the two weeks leading up to the title race in Abu Dhabi, but one has to assume modern F1 drivers don’t retreat to drunken hotel orgies before all-important races.

http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/12/2010/11/500x_breakfast_of_champion_big.jpg

Who were the top 10 F1 drivers of 2010?
Sebastian Vettel was crowned the youngest world champion in history after a memorable final twist at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, but was he the best driver of the year?

It's a subjective question, and so difficult after such a momentous season that I have been wrestling with it for some weeks.

Does Vettel's pace in the dominant Red Bull mean he was Formula 1's top driver? How does that rank alongside the performances of Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso in inferior cars?

What about Robert Kubica's ability to mix it with the title contenders in the Renault? Or Kamui Kobayashi's attacking verve in the Sauber?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/andrewbenson/drivers595.jpg

find out @ http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/andrewbenson/2010/11/who_were_the_top_10_f1_drivers.html

Formula One set to embrace HD TV
Formula One is on the brink of introducing high definition TV with it being available from the start of the 2011 season, according to a report on Autosport.
More @ http://en.espnf1.com/f1/motorsport/story/34742.html

Formula One set to embrace HD TV

More @ http://en.espnf1.com/f1/motorsport/story/34742.html

Yeah non-HD diffusion is a pain... but Ecclestone raised some concerns about the size of the inboard HD cameras, but i'm sure they can make it work :rolleyes:

K;3788649']Yeah non-HD diffusion is a pain... but Ecclestone raised some concerns about the size of the inboard HD cameras, but i'm sure they can make it work :rolleyes:

Welcome to 5 years ago F1. Glad you could make it. :)

Lol at NASCAR being 6 years ahead of F1. That doesn't happen very often...

Welcome to 5 years ago F1. Glad you could make it. :)

... ok ...

The likelihood that F1 will be broadcast in high definition next year has taken a backwards step.

Bernie Ecclestone boosted the hopes of F1's global television audience in September when he indicated the sport will be moving to HD "probably next year".

But in an interview with Christian Sylt and Caroline Reid, the F1 chief executive now insists he is "not sure" the 2011 feed will be broadcast in HD.

One of the main problems, he indicated, is that high definition cameras are too big to be installed in the cars for the popular on-board footage.

That would mean the F1 feed is "50 per cent HD and 50 per cent standard definition", the 80-year-old Briton is quoted by Germany's motorsport-total.com.

Sylt and Reid hypothesise that Ecclestone's reluctance to embrace the new television technology could be related to the failure of his multi-channel digital feed for F1 in the 90s.

K;3789420']... ok ...

They could have converted every other camera on the track. not to mention that the F1 racing teams are very very good at making stuff small and light. I'm sure they could have found someone to do it if they thought it was important.

They could have converted every other camera on the track. not to mention that the F1 racing teams are very very good at making stuff small and light. I'm sure they could have found someone to do it if they thought it was important.
That's the problem. Uncle Bernie doesn't think it is important. He is still living in the 20th century. :p:

Pirelli exceeds drivers' expectations
Pirelli has exceeded expectations on its return to Formula 1 after 19 years away, according to many of the leading drivers who sampled the Italian company's rubber for the first time in Abu Dhabi.

All 12 teams ran at Yas Marina today, the first time that Pirelli tyres have run on any car other that the Toyota TF109 test mule. With teams focusing on understanding the characteristics of the tyres and how they will change the aerodynamic and suspension requirements of their 2011 cars, most drivers were positive with their feedback.
more @ http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/88419

That's the problem. Uncle Bernie doesn't think it is important. He is still living in the 20th century. :p:

Uncle Bernie's not really about his viewers and customers. Just getting paid by sponsors and race tracks. Oh and sticking it to as many people as possible as often as he can.

Massa tops first Pirelli test
Ferrari's Felipe Massa topped the timesheets at the opening Pirelli test day in Abu Dhabi, as all 12 Formula One teams got their first chance to try the new 2011 tyre.
more @ http://en.espnf1.com/f1/motorsport/story/34875.html

Alonso fastest in second Pirelli test
Fernando Alonso showed no signs of a hangover following his agonising title loss last weekend, as he returned to action for the first time since Sunday's race to top the timings in testing.
more @ http://en.espnf1.com/f1/motorsport/story/34945.html

Pirelli: We're right on target
Gary Paffett, McLaren, Abu Dhabi Pirelli testingPirelli motorsport director Paul Hembery has no doubts that the Italian tyre manufacturer will be ready for the start of next season after a successful first test of the 2011 development rubber.
more @ http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/88440

Michael Schumacher second fastest in Pirelli tyre test
Michael Schumacher was second fastest on the final day of testing Formula 1's new Pirelli tyres in Abu Dhabi.

After a poor 2010 season following his return to F1 with Mercedes, the former world champion was only 0.156 seconds slower than Ferrari's Fernando Alonso.
more @ http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/9212896.stm

Vettel dreaming of Ferrari and Mercedes
Sebastian Vettel has admitted he has dreamt of driving for Mercedes or Ferrari, but stressed his focus for 2011 is to defend his Formula One world championship with Red Bull.
more @ http://en.espnf1.com/redbull/motorsport/story/34938.html

Vettel is the real deal. Although I don't like his attitude off the track, what he does on the track is magic. It is just a matter of time before he will drive for Ferrari. If the other teams want him to race for them, they will have to pay top dollar.

While Mercedes isn't a contender at the moment, I believe that within 2 years they will be. Like Ferrari and McLaren, they could continually be one of the top teams as long as the company has the corporate will.
I foresee Red Bull losing it's way and becoming a B grade team again. It's fortunes will be determined by the energy drink market.

The only thing I don't like about Vettel on the track is when he collided with Webber. Other than that, I think he is a phenomenal driver. He just needs to work on his attitude towards his fellow racers.

While Mercedes isn't a contender at the moment, I believe that within 2 years they will be. Like Ferrari and McLaren, they could continually be one of the top teams as long as the company has the corporate will.
I foresee Red Bull losing it's way and becoming a B grade team again. It's fortunes will be determined by the energy drink market.

Disagree. I think they'll bail after a couple of years when they aren't winning and they've invested way too much money. They'll pull a Toyota. Mercedes that is.

Disagree. I think they'll bail after a couple of years when they aren't winning and they've invested way too much money. They'll pull a Toyota. Mercedes that is.

+1

Mercedes should stick to supply engines, they are way too corporate to manage a team.

Do you like this track layout for the US gp?
http://www.formula1.com/assets/pdf/F1%20USGP%20BasicTrack%20LayoutwElevation.pdf

I didn't see any difference from the layout that was initially released 4 months ago. Has there been a change?

I don't think so, i was just trying to start a debate :)

I don't think so, i was just trying to start a debate :)
That is what I try to do with my news reports. :)

Road America is one of my closest tracks. The elevation changes there make a otherwise mostly boring track, with mostly right hand corners, into something interesting. The Austin track (I don't think it has an official name yet) should also be interesting with that climb, from the start, to turn 1. It will more so, than other tracks, require horsepower, rather than aero, to win the corner on the start.

'Ferrari's mistake was using hard orders'
FIA President Jean Todt says Ferrari were not the only team to issue team orders this season, the only difference is that they were not subtle.

Ferrari were slapped with a $100,000 fine for issuing team orders through a coded message in Germany, prompting Felipe Massa to move aside, handing his team-mate Fernando Alonso the victory.

However, Todt is adamant Ferrari were not the only team issuing orders during the course of the Championship.

"Team orders are banned since 2002, however I've asked myself: how many times have orders been issued in a 'soft' way since then?" the former Ferrari team boss told La Stampa.
more @ http://www.planetf1.com/news/3213/6521534/-Ferrari-s-mistake-was-using-hard-orders-

In the article, Todt says they need to look at ways of regulating how teams issue "soft" team orders. I say the ban is wrong. In some eyes, the competition suffers. But, you should know that it can happen and expect that it is a possibility.

Do you like this track layout for the US gp?
http://www.formula1.com/assets/pdf/F1%20USGP%20BasicTrack%20LayoutwElevation.pdf

T3 - T4 - T5 = stupid

^^ I dunno...I kind of like 3 4 5...it's pretty much a straight, but with the way it moves around, I would think it would reward a stable car. Not to mention, I bet the cars would be hauling ass through that section, which would probably look pretty damn cool.

So Valencia wanna get rid of it's GP ASAP, I'm kinda glad since it's been the most boring race of the last years, but a the same time the TV coverage was never up to the beauty of this circuit. Having been on this track (on foot and on a bicycle), it's really beautiful with the garages of Cup America on one side and the crazy huge beach on the other. But on TV you never see the sea, never see the port, barely ever see the beach and they'll only make a close up on the two gigantic flags before and after the GP. Valencia is a great city and the architecture of the City of Arts and Sciences (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ciutat_de_les_Arts_i_les_Ci%C3%A8ncies) is jaw droping, it really sucks the design of the track is flawed.

This is what Ecclestone said about the attack on Button in Brazil.

"They look for victims, they look for anyone who looks like a soft touch and not too bright," said the Briton in Sao Paulo. "People who look a bit soft and simple, they will always have a go at."

Well guess what happened now....

Ecclestone falls victim to mugging
Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone suffered minor injuries after falling victim to a mugging outside his London home on Wednesday morning.

The Sun newspaper reported that the 80-year-old was with his girlfriend Fabiana Flosi when he was punched and kicked by four attackers who stole watches and jewellery at around 10.30.

"There can be little doubt this was a targeted robbery because of who Mr Ecclestone is," said a senior police source. "The muggers were callous and showed little regard for the victims. They need to be caught."

Ecclestone was rushed straight to hospital afterwards and photographs of him returning to work on Thursday morning showed a red mark on his right hand.

Ironically, Ecclestone brushed off an attempted armed mugging or kidnapping involving F1's reigning world champion Jenson Button at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

"They look for victims, they look for anyone who looks like a soft touch and not too bright," said the Briton in Sao Paulo. "People who look a bit soft and simple, they will always have a go at."

The world sometimes has a sense of humor.

Dang Bse and Polo, when did you guys form E-thugs and harmony?


Vitaly Petrov has revealed that fans of Ferrari and Fernando Alonso littered his official Facebook page with insults and abuse.

"Many people cursed me, saying I had blocked Alonso," admitted the Russian driver.

Renault's Petrov played a pivotal role in the outcome of the 2010 world championship when points leader Alonso could not pass him during the Abu Dhabi finale earlier this month.

After the race, Alonso waved angrily at the 26-year-old rookie, and he now tells Germany's Bild newspaper that many of the Spaniard's supporters were similarly abusive.

But he insisted: "It's nonsense, I did nothing wrong. For 39 laps I was in front of him but no one told me on the radio that I was helping Sebastian be world champion.

"Even if he had (passed), he also had to pass Rosberg. I drove my own race and Ferrari made a tactical error," added Petrov, who dismissed Alonso's post-race gesticulations as "bad manners".

Alonso's failure to pass Petrov meant that Sebastian Vettel was able to close a big points margin to the Spaniard and secure the 2010 title.

"He deserves it," Petrov said, referring to Vettel. "The newspapers said it was a miracle, but it was his hard work."

Bild asked Petrov if the new world champion had congratulated him personally for his role in the title outcome.

"He doesn't have my phone number," answered the Russian. "But I saw that he wrote on his website to his fans that he was grateful to me."



Read more: http://www.worldcarfans.com/110112529761/petrov-reveals-alonso-fans-defaced-website#ixzz16cp9FnJd

Dang Bse and Polo, when did you guys form E-thugs and harmony?

Didn't you know, all Alonso fans are uneducated louts! :P

Where have you been alfy? :(

Fernando Alonso admits that the comprehensive manner in which he beat team-mate Felipe Massa during the 2010 season is a sign of the good form he was in.

Alonso, the Championship runner-up, finished four places ahead of Massa in the Driver's standings, with a gap of 108 points separating the two. Alonso also out-qualified the Brazilian on 15 out of 19 occasions, achieved ten podium positions to Massa's five and won five races, a feat his team-mate wasn't able to achieve.

"It's probably the biggest gap that I have ever had to a team-mate and that makes me happy because of the results that I've had over the past years," Alonso told Onda Cero radio station.

"My level of driving is better than ever and I hope I can keep it up next year."

Heading into the final race of the season as the Championship leader, it was obviously a great disappointment to Alonso that he was not able to claim his third World title. However, the 29-year-old insists he has put it behind him, instead focusing on the many positives from his first year with the Italian team.

"Over the first few days you always think about the [final] race," he explained.

"Then you start to focus on your next goal. In any case, the balance of my first year with Ferrari is unbeatable.

"In 2009 I was on the podium once and Ferrari was only average with a car that was not too competitive. In 2010 we started pretty strongly in the first race, we won five grands prix and we scored a good amount of points.

"Everything has gone better than expected in this great family that is Ferrari. It has been a wonderful year for me," he added.

http://planetf1.com/news/3213/6545534/Alonso-Gap-to-Massa-a-point-of-pride

btw, don't we need a new thread now? :D 2011 here we go!

I will be living this open for a while for items related to the 2010 season. A new thread for 2011 discussion with be started today.

Yes. Alonso is an Ass. We learned that in 2008 when he blew the Whistle on McLaren because Hamilton was doing better than he was.

I love how he put down the very team mate that handed him one of his wins.

Alonso is a great driver but not a great sportsman.

Alonso is an ass??? say it aint so. Someone please tell me this isnt true. If bse and Polo finds out, its going to be hell on earth.

Banzaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaai!

Bse found out :P

Ahahahahah!
Nando is just overconfident (or over frustrated). Poor boy! =)

I like how he drives, not so much how he reacts to some interviews at times. By mid season it looked like he changed but still...

Guys, what really happened to USF1? I was really hoping that they would make it. And if they don't, I would like to see Peter Windsor again back in the grid.

There are links in the 2010 thread to an interview he gave to SpeedTV in regards to this. Maybe a search for the term Windsor in the General Automotive section will turn up something. His reputation is gone in F1, whether it is deserved or not. I don't think you will be seeing much of him. Cheater's, Lier's and Thief's have a better chance of being (and have been) accepted back than someone trying to start a U.S. based team.

Flavio maybe? ;)

Flavio maybe? ;)
That's one.

Webber raced with broken shoulder

Red Bull's Mark Webber was driving with a broken shoulder for the final four races of the season, it has emerged.

The period coincides with a dip in form in which Webber lost his championship lead and then the title, which went to his team-mate Sebastian Vettel.

The Australian has revealed the injury, sustained in a mountain bike accident, in his new book, which has just been published in Australia.

Webber is refusing to blame the injury for his failure to win the title.

He also kept it secret from his team boss Christian Horner, only telling his physio Roger Cleary and F1's chief medical officer Gary Hartstein.

Webber sustained the injury after the Singapore Grand Prix.
more @ http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/9260822.stm

That's definitely not something that harms your driving :)

That's definitely not something that harms your driving :)
I had a motorcycle accident and ended up with a broken rib & collar bone. As soon as I got out of the hospital, I had my friend rope tow me, on my skate board, behind his motorcycle. :) Others couldn't believe I did that. Looking back at it, I can't believe I did that.