Formula One (drivers, motorcycle, motor, auto) - Auto Racing -NASCAR, F1, drag racing, IndyCars... - City-Data Forum

MrsSteel · 04-14-2008, 04:37 PM

Since City Data has created a new subforum just for racing, we can't sit by and let it be all-Nascar-all-the-time. We need to have at least one thread dedicated to F1. So here we have it!

What do you think of the season so far? Do you have an opinion on the Max Mosley fiasco? Will Alonso ever see pole again? And is Lewis Hamilton the real thing or just a flash in the pan? Tell us whatcha think.

burdell · 04-14-2008, 04:43 PM

I think it's been pretty good so far.

3 races 3 different winners

BMW/Sauber improving enough to challenge Ferrari and McClaren

Toyota improving

Red Bull sorprisingly strong

So far, so good

I think Mosley's toast and the jury's still out on Hamilton He's wicked fast when the car's right but it remains to be seen if he can perform consistently under the pressure of a not so right car.

MrsSteel · 04-15-2008, 07:43 AM

I think Kimi is definitely the best driver on the track and has been for a few years, so it was wonderful to see him win the championship last year. That was a great, competitive season. I hope this year is as interesting ... but for the right reasons. Last year we had the so-called Spygate, and this year we have Mosley & his Nazi fetish. Siiiiiiiigh.

I'm a big Hamilton fan. I can't help myself. As I said before, I still think Kimi is the best driver out there, but I'm hoping that Hamilton can be more than someone who qualifies well. I'll enjoy seeing him improve.

I think Alonso's ego may have permanently damaged his career. This saddens me because I used to be a big fan of Fernando, but he lost me last year. I went from being one of his biggest cheerleaders to calling him Sir Douche-a-lot. I wonder how different things would be if he'd never left Flavio's side. Granted, it seems as though Renault's car is not as good as it used to be, so that isn't helping. Time will tell.

My favorite thing about this year: Spa is back on the calendar! Woo hoo!

burdell · 04-15-2008, 08:10 AM

If Kimi's not the best he definitely is in one of the best car/driver combos. I think Kubica has much potential and I'd love to see Webber in a first tier ride, I think he might surprise a few people.

I think Alonso's still a great talent, more than anything else I believe last year's debacle was a culture clah, McClaren isn't considered the easiest team to drive for. Alonso in a Ferrari would be very interesting but I don't want to see Massa take a fall to make it happen.

I couldn't agree more about Spa! What a great track!

burdell · 04-15-2008, 08:50 AM

One question I've been unable to find an answer for is whether McClaren/Mercedes' new found reliability last year was due to development or the 19K rev limit?

While I think banning traction control was a step in the right direction I'm not fond of rev limits or common electronic control units. In virtually any racing series I've ever followed, when there's been an attempt to lower speed/cost by regulation the engineers have found a way to go faster and it always costs more.

I'd like to see F1 back at 3 liters with no designated number of cylinders or rev limit. Innovation should be part of F1 and I don't want to see a spec car. If they feel a need to limit speeds, do so with tire size/compund and less downforce.

Daddys///M3 · 04-15-2008, 01:57 PM

BMW Sauber fan checking in!!

I'm with burdell regarding the tech aspect of the sport. To turn it into spec racing is a travesty. So much great tech from F1 has found it's way on to street cars. To limit that innovation holds back progress.

No comment on Mosley.

Hamilton is the real deal. One of the quickest drivers out there. Has anyone seen the Top Gear episode of him in an economy car on a wet track? Amazing.

Alonso has some serious attitude problems, IMO. Renault is no longer a contender.

Kubica is one of the most promising up and comer's out there right now, IMO. I would have loved to see Vettel stay on with BMW, but I suppose if you are offered a full time ride you can't pass that up.

Bourdais is living up to his expectations. I didn't expect much out of him in F1 and that is exactly what I am seeing from him.

Sato has really stepped it up this year. Still not great but not the rolling chicane of years past.

burdell · 04-16-2008, 01:32 PM

I think it's a little too early to be writing Alonso off, he's still quite young and has already won two titles against some very tough competition.

studedude · 04-17-2008, 07:30 AM

The problem with limiting speed with tire size, compound and down force is that you have a car that is faster than its capable of being driven. Safety would be an issue.

burdell · 04-17-2008, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by studedude

The problem with limiting speed with tire size, compound and down force is that you have a car that is faster than its capable of being driven. Safety would be an issue.

No car goes any faster than the driver causes it to go and any car can be driven faster than it's capable of going at a particular place on the track.

I say give the drivers more of a role than technology.

GregW · 04-28-2008, 11:34 AM

Hey, Burdell - Didn't realize you were a F1 fan. Now that F1 is back in Europe A& I can enjoy Sunday morning at the races. I think they should go to complete slicks and reduce the aero to a single wing front and rear along with a venturi shaped belly pan. Allow any number of cylinders with a 15 grand rev limit and fully auto transmissions (constant input speed variable ratio) and anti skid brakes. I also think the cars should be a bit less fragile.

The other racing I like is motorcycle road racing. The 1,000 cc race bikes are just about the most unstable overpowered vehicles out there. I have never seen as much passing in an auto race as in a Moto GP or superbike.