Formula 1

[rds.06]

Webber defo choked, he was should have been at least 3rd on the grid imo.

Over the course of the season and mainly the last few races Vettel was the better driver. Having said that Alonso nearly won it in a car that was never the fastest so he did well to get to where he did and did drive brillant in the second half of the season.

I'm now quite concerned about Vettel for the coming years. He could dominate if Red Bull keep going they way they are. It should be epic next season with Hamilton, Vettel & Alonso all going at it if the cars are more equal.

   

[Johan!]

I think Webber can also compete with Vettel next year. Over the season I would say it's fair to say they were equal.

Red Bull might be even stronger next year, but my bet is that McLaren's and Ferrari's cars will be faster than this season.

[jplpool]

I'm going to put money on Ferrari for next years title, even though I'm a Mclaren supporter. The reason? well Ferrari are always capable of turning up with the best car, and even if they don't, they could still nick it, because they have a number 1 driver, whilst Mclaren & RB let their drivers race, and they nick points off each other. If RB had a number 1 driver this season they would've strolled the drivers championship.

[Johan!]

Well, Massa will surely be gone after another year like this. If they then get Kubica, who could be quicker than Alonso, the shit starts again.

[rds.06]

Well, Massa will surely be gone after another year like this. If they then get Kubica, who could be quicker than Alonso, the shit starts again.

Kubica is an amazing driver imo, he's results have been out of this world this year. If you look at all the 'drivers' circuits where driver can really make the difference i.e Monaco, Spa, Suzaki etc he showed his true talent. Him and Alonso after big friends but Alonso wont want him at Ferrai, Kubica would be far to much competition for him. It wouldnt be a smart move by Ferrai. Massa must go after after next season. I think they will just go for a back up to Alonso, Bianchi might get a drive but I don't know if a rookie is right for the job. Hulkenberg is another interesting option, he proved he is quick enough and looks a talented driver, he also have the same manager Schumi had when at Ferrai. 

[Johan!]

They can try to get Kimi back in 2012, but I guess both Alonso and Raikkonen would be sceptical about that. Ferrari basically payed 30 millions to Raikkonen to avoid Alonso having him as a team mate.

[Johan!]

Damn, it's a long wait until the new season 

[jplpool]

yeah, much too long until I can call rds a cunt 

[rds.06]

 

You can call me that any time jlpool.

I must get on the case of buying tickets to the Canadian GP in the new year.

Hamilton had he first look of the new Mclaren yesterday and he said it was good. Mclaren had the best KERS system a couple years ago so they should have an edge on Red Bull with that. Going to be very interesting to see how teams are going to design this adjustable rear wing. I hope it doesnt turn into another double diffuser thing where one team gets a big advantage, I want the top teams to be even enough.

[Johan!]

What do you do with all your long time trips to Australia & Canada?

Ferrari also had a good KERS in 2009. Only because of it Raikkonen could win in Spa!

[rds.06]

What do you do with all your long time trips to Australia & Canada?

Ferrari also had a good KERS in 2009. Only because of it Raikkonen could win in Spa!

I'm travelling, visiting & living in different countries for the last couple years.

Going to be interesting to see how Vettel will manage to hit the KERS button & work the adjustable rear wing when driving while trying not to crashing into his teammate. 

[Johan!]

That's cool.

Damn, I'm always disappointed when there are no new replies in this thread.  :'(

Karthikeyan to HRT . Money rules the world. I hade a bit of hope we would get a new Dutch driver in F1 with Giedo van der Garde but our Southern neighbours got one in stead with Jerome D'ambrosio in the 2nd Virgin.

[rds.06]

Things are hotting up. Lots of car launches planned.

Rumour has it Mercedes are quietly confident with their new car, as are Mclaren. No word on Ferrai or Red Bull. Not sure if Red Bull will take part in the first test as they have skipped it to continue development the last few seasons.

I expect HRT to continue like last season, basically shit. Virgin might improve but Lotus are expected to make a leap up the grid with Red Bull gear boxes & Renault engines.

Only seat of note up for grabs (except 2nd HRT) is Force India. Di Resta expected to get that.

Will Webber, Nico Hulkenberg's manager wanted to get him the reserve driver role at Mclaren but he said Martin Whitmarsh thought Button would view it as a threat to him so it didnt happen. He is likely to be Force India's reserve driver with Sutil moving next season and Hilkenberg stepping up to a race seat. Liuzzi is rumoured for the 2nd HRT seat but I don't think he brings any money with him. He is convinced he has a contract at Force India but I would be surprised if he races for them next season. 
 

[Johan!]

Di Resta replaces Liuzzi at Force India. Nico Hulkenberg will be 3rd driver.

[Johan!]

Kubica got injured pretty bad today in a Rally crash. Apparently he broke a leg, arm and hand. While amputation of his hand is said to be out of the question now there are still doubts if he can use his right hand again. 

Let's hope he recovers completely and can return later in the season. For now it looks like Bruno Senna will race in Bahrain. I guess depending on how he does it he will be replaced by a more experienced driver or not. (Raikkonen, please come back! I guess not though).