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Post by René on Aug 6, 2020 11:46:40 GMT
70 years Formula 1, that is what we’re celebrating this weekend. The first race was actually on the 13th of May in 1950 but of course it was at Silverstone so it makes sense to celebrate it here. 70 years of highs and lows, excitement, drama, disappointment and joy. What a fascinating sport. Yes I know there’s a lot to complain about and things we would like to see different but it’s still the pinnacle of motorsport with mind boggling technology and extremely talented drivers. And a unique history like no other sport that gives us food for thought, talk and collecting for as long as we want. Thank you Formula 1! And what to expect from this Anniversary race? It will be hot at Silverstone and that combined with the fact that Pirelli will bring a range of tyres one grade softer than the one’s used last week could potentially shake things up a bit. It could but that won’t make the Mercs go any slower of course. They’re still the favourites and Max/Red Bull will probably be third fastest again. What happens behind them will be most interesting to watch. To keep any chance of a championship alive Valtteri should really win this one. |
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Post by robmarsh on Aug 6, 2020 12:44:29 GMT
I am going for Leclerc for the same reason I went for Ferrari at Monza in 1988.
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Post by charleselan on Aug 6, 2020 13:17:11 GMT
I can't bring myself to vote, I wish there was some unpredictability but there isn't. Hamilton will win unless the heavens decide he is due some ill-luck. Bottas just hasn't got what it takes to beat him straight up and therein lies the problem.
If it ends up like it is here this week, 35 C this afternoon then maybe the heat will create issues.
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Post by René on Aug 6, 2020 14:06:45 GMT
I can't bring myself to vote, I wish there was some unpredictability but there isn't. Hamilton will win unless the heavens decide he is due some ill-luck. Bottas just hasn't got what it takes to beat him straight up and therein lies the problem. If it ends up like it is here this week, 35 C this afternoon then maybe the heat will create issues. I never vote who I believe will win. I always vote for the one I want to win!  |
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Post by chrisb on Aug 6, 2020 16:51:59 GMT
I have voted for Charles purely and simply as we need someone to challenge Lewis, 70 years ago at least the Alfas had two drivers capable of winning sorry Bottas nice guy you are but not quite in Lewis's realm, in saying that I understand Valterri has signed for 2021, although Lewis hasn't, the good news is that it is rumoured that the Hulk may well be back next year but maybe not this weekend
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Post by robmarsh on Aug 8, 2020 16:09:51 GMT
I am starting a rumour here chaps. Why am I starting this you may well ask? Well it is based on some articles I have read over the last couple of days and, in common with modern media reporting, making wild assumptions.
It is rumoured that Tonto does not get on too well with the new boss at Daimler and also that Daimler are not happy with Tonto's interests in Racing Point, Williams and his influence in the paddock. They want him to focus on the Mercedes team only. Big German companies like Daimler are sticklers for protocol.
Secondly LH has not yet signed a deal with Mercedes, citing that it is inappropriate to discuss a contract of his size in the current times of people losing jobs etc. BTW I think those people will still be out of work when it becomes time for him to sign a contract.
Thirdly Racing Point have still not confirmed whether or not Seb will be driving for them next year.
Finally, Tonto has not yet persuaded Mercedes to sign up to the new Concorde agreement and, according to Tonto, Mercedes are having second thought about there continuance in F1 as he says they have been unfairly treated compared to Ferrari and others under the proposed agreement.
Putting all these things together and having nothing else to do I have come up with this scenario:
Tonto and LH to Racing Point. It would really shut LH's critics up if he turned it into a consistently winning team.
Seb goes to Merc to partner Valteri.
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Post by charleselan on Aug 8, 2020 17:12:30 GMT
Very interesting rumouring there Rob . Stranger things and all that! Croft was trying to put forward the rumour last weekend until quietened down by Brundle that Andy Cowell the former engine/power unit guru at MB was on his way to Maranello. Most things fitted in well this afternoon, timings working well between all the events that were on, so got to see F1 at Silverstone and the qualifying. Another MB dominated affair but this time Bottas did put one over Hamilton, and very well too. the demeanour of the chosen one afterwards said it all. Highlight most definitely Nico Hulkenburg, that was some lap and certainly put young Stroll back in the box, I actually doubt that Perez could have matched that performance. Just hope he gets a good run tomorrow in the race, but it just goes to show what idiots there are at Renault for letting him go. Not too impressed with Ocon, way off Ricciardo, I think old man Teflonso is going to blow his doors off next year. Another fine performance by young Gasly, he really has turned things round. One gripe; S*YF1 suit up a graphic during qualification about drivers pole positions at Silverstone and the blighters couldn't even spell Jim Clark's name correctly, it doesn't have an "e" on the bloody end  . |
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Post by chrisb on Aug 9, 2020 8:55:01 GMT
John, I bristled with fury when I saw that indication of disrespect, may they hang their heads in utter shame - idiots + nincompoops
Rob, interesting rumour, but I am wondering if this will go even further, what would happen to F1 if given the economic plight of the world if MB pull the plug on their F1 programme, just finish, they've done it before and could well do it again, Tonto would probably be more interested in taking over team Willy and probably with Renault engines,
well done the Hulk, wouldn't it be a hoot if he won - but will anything get near the MB's, no,
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Post by René on Aug 9, 2020 10:37:07 GMT
Rob, that would be some shake up of this rumour would actually happen!
Despite Toto's denials it is well known that his relation with Daimler's new CEO Ola Källenius is not as warm as it was with Dieter Zetsche. And if there is even the slightest chance for Vettel to drive for Mercedes, that would explain Seb's waiting... we can only wait and see.
As for the 70th anniversary race, looks like another Merc walkover and as I said in the introduction, Valtteri needs to win to keep his title aspirations alive.
I am sad to see Vettel struggling the way he does. He seems to lack confidence in a car that is not to his liking at all. I really hope there will be some positive end to his Ferrari tenure. He deserves that.
Great to see the Hulk up there though. A podium finish would be wonderful but that won't be easy. According to Max the Racing Point is no match for the Red Bull in race trim.
Well, hoping for some exciting racing and a strong result for my team! Forza Ferrari! 
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Post by charleselan on Aug 9, 2020 16:40:51 GMT
That as a very good drive by Max today and so relieve to finally see the MB's beaten fair and square. Great pace from the Fizzy Drink car and the strategy was spot on, and exposed the weakness with the MB's. Bottas looked and sounded very unhappy with how the team called it for him, rightly so as second place should have been his. Yet again another truly outstanding drive by Charles Leclerc, at least this time he got some praise for that drive on S*YF1. Nico Hulkenburg looked steady all race and has said that the rear tyres were giving up towards the end hence the late stop, am I really convinced as it looked convenient for Stroll  . Esteban Ocon looked much better in the race today, drove a very good race, so my earlier comments might havre been too harsh. Both McLaren boys looked to be going well also, and yet again Carlos was very unlucky with that terrible pit stop. |
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Post by robmarsh on Aug 9, 2020 17:01:16 GMT
Such a great race in comparison to last weeks. I was so happy to see Red Bull win this one, they were the best team on the day. Great drive by Charles Leclerc once again. I feel for VB, he got duped. I really think that, despite the calls on the radio, the team is behind LH and VB is just a number 2. So sorry for Seb, it just doesn't make sense to me why he is so far off the pace of the other Ferrari. Once again Racing Point did not deliver.
There are a lot of rumblings in the paddock right now and I don't think Lawrence Stroll made any friends with his outburst. We race as one is splintering before my very eyes.
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Post by René on Aug 9, 2020 17:57:16 GMT
Yeah that was a good race! From the moment it became clear that Max could actually follow the Mercs I had the feeling he could win this one. And the radio message when his engineer asked him to back down a bit to save his tyres and Max answered he was not going to drive like a grandma, I thought was priceless. And a key moment I feel when the driver actually convinced his team they can win this one. Very strong performance by both Max and Red Bull. Bottas is de facto the number two driver in the team. And no matter how much I like and rate Valtteri, I don't believe he can do 'a Rosberg'. Hamilton had more fear for Nico. Charles Leclerc drove another excellent race and today was again a showcase and proof of who will be the dominant drivers for the coming years; Max and Charles. Just imagine a season when both would have an equally competitive car. They are both excellent racers, also in close combat, so that could be the stuff of legends.
Interesting to hear Nico Rosberg's comments on German tele regarding Vettel's struggle. He was convinced there is something wrong with Seb's car. He said Seb should demand for a new chassis because he is never that much slower than Leclerc. He may have a point... But all in all, some good racing with a surprise result. Congrats to Max and RB!
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Post by robmarsh on Aug 9, 2020 18:33:03 GMT
Yep Rene I think Nico Rosberg may have a point. The blueprint of Seb's car is signed off by a chap called Noah from Ark Studios or something.
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Post by Carl on Aug 9, 2020 23:58:27 GMT
David Croft and Leigh Diffey have the same technicolor dream:
"What you don't know won't hurt you, yeah
Ignorance is bliss
I'm a happy idiot
Waving at cars
I'm gonna bang my head to the wall
'Till I feel like nothing at all
I'm a happy idiot
To keep my mind off you
Stuck in a daze and I've lost my mind
I don't wanna stay
Where the blame's all mine"
- TV on the Radio
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Post by chrisb on Aug 10, 2020 7:28:42 GMT
well done Max, shame about the Hulk, and Daniel, the Renault engine seems to be getting better, Lewis is very quick and probably feels totally supported......, missed the C4 show - shame- but watched the sxy highlights with the screaming one - these people really do need to listen to Jack Burnicle, he really is simply the best commentator in motor racing, although pleased to say Greg Haines is much improved as well, but Mr Croft needs to get a grip of something else other than a microphone
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