2013 World Motorsports Discussion Thread

[Professor Voodoo]

Less than a month into the new year and the first two major motorsports events are already in the book...

The 2013 Dakar Rally; Held on the west coast of South America again this year.

Spoiler:

Monte Carlo Rally; The first rally of the post-Sebastian Loeb era. And the winner is...

Spoiler:

And so our long dark winter is over.

[Kiskaloo]

Toto Wolff has left Williams F1 to replace Norbert Haug (who was let go late last year) as head of Motorsports at Mercedes-Benz. Mercedes AMG F1 is also said to have secured the services of McLaren Technical Director Paddy Lowe.

[boomer_gonz]

CONFIRMED

No 2013 series for the Red Bull Air Race World Championship.

[Kiskaloo]

Lotus gets their Tron on for the launch of the E21:

[boomer_gonz]

Now that right there was definitely a different kind of cool.

[Alfisti]

Please tell me it actually lights up like that... because that would be the best night race ever.

[Kiskaloo]

Please tell me it actually lights up like that... because that would be the best night race ever.

While the logos were drawn by lasers, they need the car to be stationary.

[Alfisti]

Please tell me it actually lights up like that... because that would be the best night race ever.

While the logos were drawn by lasers, they need the car to be stationary.

Ah well... obviously we need more night races: then take the weight penalty and actually light the car up. You won't win anything but marketing genius.

[Alfisti]

As good as Lotus's launch vid was... I think Red Bull just upstaged them:



Mmm... manufacturing porn.

[Professor Voodoo]

McLaren & Vodaphone have announced that 2013 will be the last year of their sponsorship agreement.
Link
McLaren says it already has a new title sponsor in place, which will be announced on December 2nd (after the last GP of this year). With Sergio Perez now on the team will Telmex sponsored McLarens surprise anyone?

[Kiskaloo]

Watching qualifying from Melbourne (which I see was deferred until Sunday) and have to say I have not seen weather Down Under that bad since I was in Adelaide in 1991 for the GP - and I see from the weather radar that Adelaide is getting hammered, as well.

[Alfisti]

Melbourne GP results:

Spoiler:

[Kiskaloo]

Spoiler:

[Kiskaloo]

How a factory mistake made McLaren unrealistically fast in Jerez test

McLaren’s impressive pace on the first day of testing in Jerez in February was generated by a mistake when the car was being put together in the factory, Martin Whitmarsh has confirmed to this blog.

A suspension component was fitted incorrectly to the new car – apparently it was simply the wrong way round – and the unexpectedly low ride height that resulted happened to work well at the Spanish track. Button set the pace that day, suggesting that the MP4-28 could be the car to beat.

So I guess once we get to the really smooth tracks, the MP4-28 will be a contender.

[Kiskaloo]

Deployed after Qualifying for Melbourne, but even more appropriate for Sepang:

Spoiler:

[Professor Voodoo]

2013 Malaysian Grand Prix;
Well...that was interesting...

Spoiler:

[Alfisti]

2013 Malaysian Grand Prix;
Well...that was interesting...

That's one way to describe it...

Spoiler:

[Kiskaloo]

Spoiler:

[Alfisti]

So...

Spoiler:

[Professor Voodoo]

In a move reminiscent of the Group B days, when Michèle Mouton, Walter Röhrl & Ari Vatanen all made the trip, Sebastian Loeb will run the 2013 Pikes Peak Hillclimb in a purpose built Peugeot unlimited class car.


Link to crash.net article

[Kiskaloo]

Speaking of WRC Group B, I just finished the documentary Madness On Wheels - Rallying's Craziest Years.

[topgearbrzgt86]

Didn't you know? It's in Vettel's contract that Mark's KERS can never be functional during the race. I mean it must be, since I don't think Mark has had a working KERS during a GP for at least the past two seasons.

Kara: "So it's a three-way push, right?"

Allison: "I guess so. None of our favorites won. But Hamilton did better in his Merc than either McLaren, so maybe his decision was not so crazy after all."

Marisa: "Well I won in that I get to pick lunch thanks to Toro Rosso doing better than Williams."

Triela: "I don't get it. Vettel was over a second quicker than anyone in qualifying."

Kara: "Yeah, but Alonso was a second quicker than Vettel per lap during the race at times. And that Massa guy did well, too, so we're leading the Constructor's Cup. Wafu!"

Jim: Not quite...I actually vouched for Lotus and Kimi, so I win!

Jamiebel: Thank goodness for a good start. I'll probably win in China, and I'd be willing to double my bet!

[topgearbrzgt86]

2013 Malaysian Grand Prix;
Well...that was interesting...


Kara: (on lap 2) Disastro! At least Massa recovered from his terrible start and scored some points.

Allison: At least Sergio took fastest lap. That's about all I can take away from today.

Triela: Normal service resumed. Shouldn't you two pay me double for a 1-2 finish?

Further down the grid...

Marisa: Two races in a row, my Toro Rosso's beat Elio's Williams'! And Jean-Eric scored a point this time!

Allison: Only because everybody ahead of him dropped out.

Marisa: Hey, after getting my robotic butt handed to me last year I'll take 'em any way I can get 'em.

Jim: Ahh...this sucks. Aw, well - wouldn't be any fun if Kimi or Romain dominated the season.

Jamiebel: We're getting there! All Lewis needs to do is win at China, like I said!

[MP5]

Didn't you know? It's in Vettel's contract that Mark's KERS can never be functional during the race. I mean it must be, since I don't think Mark has had a working KERS during a GP for at least the past two seasons.

Kara: "So it's a three-way push, right?"

Allison: "I guess so. None of our favorites won. But Hamilton did better in his Merc than either McLaren, so maybe his decision was not so crazy after all."

Marisa: "Well I won in that I get to pick lunch thanks to Toro Rosso doing better than Williams."

Triela: "I don't get it. Vettel was over a second quicker than anyone in qualifying."

Kara: "Yeah, but Alonso was a second quicker than Vettel per lap during the race at times. And that Massa guy did well, too, so we're leading the Constructor's Cup. Wafu!"

Jim: Not quite...I actually vouched for Lotus and Kimi, so I win!

Jamiebel: Thank goodness for a good start. I'll probably win in China, and I'd be willing to double my bet!

Allison: Hate to burst your bubble, but you guys didn't buy in when we did. You only get winnings if you put your money in the pot. Buy-in is ten Euro minimum, but we usually keep the bets low since it's winner take-all and we generally don't match higher bids.

Simone: In that case, count me in for Lotus in China. This Kimi Raikkonen guy appeals to me. I like him, he's funny.

[topgearbrzgt86]

Didn't you know? It's in Vettel's contract that Mark's KERS can never be functional during the race. I mean it must be, since I don't think Mark has had a working KERS during a GP for at least the past two seasons.

Kara: "So it's a three-way push, right?"

Allison: "I guess so. None of our favorites won. But Hamilton did better in his Merc than either McLaren, so maybe his decision was not so crazy after all."

Marisa: "Well I won in that I get to pick lunch thanks to Toro Rosso doing better than Williams."

Triela: "I don't get it. Vettel was over a second quicker than anyone in qualifying."

Kara: "Yeah, but Alonso was a second quicker than Vettel per lap during the race at times. And that Massa guy did well, too, so we're leading the Constructor's Cup. Wafu!"

Jim: Not quite...I actually vouched for Lotus and Kimi, so I win!

Jamiebel: Thank goodness for a good start. I'll probably win in China, and I'd be willing to double my bet!

Allison: Hate to burst your bubble, but you guys didn't buy in when we did. You only get winnings if you put your money in the pot. Buy-in is ten Euro minimum, but we usually keep the bets low since it's winner take-all and we generally don't match higher bids.

Simone: In that case, count me in for Lotus in China. This Kimi Raikkonen guy appeals to me. I like him, he's funny.

Jim: OK. By the way, Simone; he is from Finland, and he's cool as ice.

Jamiebel: (facepalms) Why did you say that?

[Professor Voodoo]

I wasn't sure whether this should be in the Films thread or this one...but it seems like we F1 fans would be the most interested;

The first trailer is out...
[deleted by Youtube]

Just based on this short 1:53 peek I'd say Ron Howard spent some time watching the 2010 Senna documentary. I can see its influence.

*EDIT*
First trailer was deleted...but here's another, longer one;

[Robert Frazer]

Not really racing news, but the day before I left Nendaz I saw a car done up in rally livery - I saw it, and thought of you.

[topgearbrzgt86]

Not really racing news, but the day before I left Nendaz I saw a car done up in rally livery - I saw it, and thought of you.

Definitely a good car. Yay for Audi!

[Professor Voodoo]

the day before I left Nendaz I saw a car done up in rally livery

Hard to tell from this angle, but if that's one of the short wheelbase models you really saw something rare. Audi only built 224 of those.

I see only the right-side headlight is on. That's a clever feature that I've only seen offered in Germany. The streets in some villages are ridiculously narrow, so at night you can leave one side of the car's parking lights on so it will (hopefully) be seen by drunken Germans driving home.

[Kiskaloo]

The second official trailer for RUSH is out.



This movie could pip Grand Prix as the best racing film ever.

[Kiskaloo]

2013 Formula 1 UBS Chinese Grand Prix



Kara just smiles beatifically as she holds out her hand.

Simone, Jim and Jamiebel all look pleased with themselves.

Jim: "Even without a front wing Kimi had things well in hand. I don't think Melbourne was a fluke."

Allison: "Another bust for McLaren, though 5th for Button is better than nothing."

Triela: "A lousy ten more meters of track and third place would have been Sebs."

Marisa: "Man this is great. Third win in a row for Toro Rosso over Williams. I'm going to start running out of restaurants for Elio to take me to!"

Due to problems with the system, all eight drivers under investigation for using DRS under Yellow were cleared.

However, Webber and Gutiérrez will receive a three-place and five-place grid spot penalty, respectively, at Bahrain for causing avoidable crashes. Red Bull was also fined 5000 Euro for an unsafe release for sending Webber out with a loose wheel nut that caused his car to DNF.

[Professor Voodoo]

2013 Formula 1 UBS Chinese Grand Prix

Spoiler:

[MP5]

In regards to Allison's allegiance, her loyalty lies with the team rather than any one particular driver. Given that Lewis considered McLaren to be like family only to switch to Mercedes, her respect for Hamilton is somewhat diminished, and while she's still okay with seeing him on the podium, she'd much rather have seen Button or Perez there.

[topgearbrzgt86]

2013 Formula 1 UBS Chinese Grand Prix



Simone, Jim and Jamiebel all look pleased with themselves.

Jim: "Even without a front wing Kimi had things well in hand. I don't think Melbourne was a fluke."

You nailed Jim right on the head. He would have been pleased with Kimi's performance. Although Jamiebel would've been disappointed that she predicted wrong (and lost €20), a podium is victory enough for her.

[topgearbrzgt86]

2013 Formula 1 UBS Chinese Grand Prix



Kara just smiles beatifically as she holds out her hand.

Simone, Jim and Jamiebel all look pleased with themselves.

Jim: "Even without a front wing Kimi had things well in hand. I don't think Melbourne was a fluke."

Allison: "Another bust for McLaren, though 5th for Button is better than nothing."

Triela: "A lousy ten more meters of track and third place would have been Sebs."

Marisa: "Man this is great. Third win in a row for Toro Rosso over Williams. I'm going to start running out of restaurants for Elio to take me to!"

Davina: Hey, all. What's this all about?

Jim: It's a little game that me, Jay-bee, and this lot are playing - we all have a favorite F1 team, and whichever team wins a race gets the money in the pot. You and Bernan are fans of Sauber and Force India, respectively, right?

Davina and Bernan nod.

Jim: Perfect! You can join us for the next race in Bahrain! Make sure to bring €10 - that's the entry bet.

Davina: OK. [to Bernan] Do you have a clue what he said?

Bernan: Eh...not a one, but we should try it out!

[Kiskaloo]

RECREATION ROOM
CYBORG WAREHOUSE

"I wonder what Italian Treasury Bonds are paying," Allison noted as the Sky Sports broadcasting team completed their wrap up of qualifying for the 2013 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. "If I'm going to be paying out every race, I might as well try and earn some interest on the principal."

Simone and Jamiebel just sit mute at the qualifying positions of the Lotus boys.

"The Mercedes will be no match for Red Bull during the race so another win for Infiniti Red Bull Racing," Triela noted.

"Not so fast," Kara noted. "I agree Rosberg will run the rear tires off his car, but Sebastian is going to run all four off his. And with Massa on hards, he'll be able to go deeper before his first stop. I think Alonso's going to win this one with Massa in second or third. And what in god's name are you eating, Marisa?"

"Vegemite!" the red-headed girl exclaimed.

"Vege-what?"

"Vegemite. It's an Australian food paste made from yeast extract."

"That sounds revolting," Kara noted.

"I admit it's not very good."

"Then why are you eating it?" Triela asked.

"Because Daniel Ricardo has secured me three straight paid lunches and it's looking like a fourth is now in the bag so I figure I owe him!"

[Kiskaloo]

I see NBCSN is re-broadcasting the Sky Sports HD coverage of the GP2 Feature Race, but looks like they won't be carrying the Sprint Race.

[Kiskaloo]

2013 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix Results

Spoiler:

[Professor Voodoo]

I'll say this; in past years the Bahrain circuit has been criticized for fostering boring, processional racing. That certainly can't be said of this race.

[topgearbrzgt86]

RECREATION ROOM
CYBORG WAREHOUSE

"I wonder what Italian Treasury Bonds are paying," Allison noted as the Sky Sports broadcasting team completed their wrap up of qualifying for the 2013 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. "If I'm going to be paying out every race, I might as well try and earn some interest on the principal."

Simone and Jamiebel just sit mute at the qualifying positions of the Lotus boys.

"The Mercedes will be no match for Red Bull during the race so another win for Infiniti Red Bull Racing," Triela noted.

"Not so fast," Kara noted. "I agree Rosberg will run the rear tires off his car, but Sebastian is going to run all four off his. And with Massa on hards, he'll be able to go deeper before his first stop. I think Alonso's going to win this one with Massa in second or third. And what in god's name are you eating, Marisa?"

"Vegemite!" the red-headed girl exclaimed.

"Vege-what?"

"Vegemite. It's an Australian food paste made from yeast extract."

"That sounds revolting," Kara noted.

"I admit it's not very good."

"Then why are you eating it?" Triela asked.

"Because Daniel Ricardo has secured me three straight paid lunches and it's looking like a fourth is now in the bag so I figure I owe him!"

I might want to correct you on this one; Jamiebel's a Mercedes fan, and Jim's the Lotus fan. But you did nail Jamiebel there; she would've been disappointed... if Nico didn't qualify on the front row.

[Kiskaloo]

2013 Formula 1 Gran Premio de España Results

First in-person Grand Prix of the year for me (I try and make it every year) and have to say it was a great one to attend. Mostly pleasant weather and it's amazing how the crowd can drown out the sound of 22 shrieking V8s when Alonso does something they love.

Spoiler:

[Kiskaloo]

With the 24 Hours of Le Mans on the horizon, I see SPEED is offering highlight coverage of the FIA World Endurance Championship. They did the Six Hours of Silverstone over the weekend and the 1000 Kilometres of Spa-Francorchamps will air on 25 May.

NBCSN is also continuing to broadcast the GP2 races - looks like we will get both Race 1 and Race 2 for Monaco.

[Kiskaloo]

[MP5]

YES.

Spoiler:

[Alfisti]

I took a look at the new A class the other day... unfortunately my father then mentioned that it looks like the last model Holden (Opel, Vauxhall) Astra in the flesh, and now I can't unsee it.

Besides, I like the RR Wraith approach better:


Because I'm a selfish prick, and when thundering through the night don't intend to stop for anything beyond fuel and a pee.

[Kiskaloo]

I give Rolls credit for making the Wraith a very distinct body style so it doesn't quite suffer the stigma that the Ghost does (buying a Wraith instead of a Phantom Coupe can be made on more than just financial grounds).

[ElfenMagix]

This is going to be an interesting race...
http://www.indycar.com/Stats

Remember last year, I have always states that the Indy 500 was a chess game played at over 250mph, and that last years race with everybody riding the same car I said that somebody took the chess board and threw all the pieces off the board!

Seeing that Helio is less than .9mph from the pole sitter Ed Carpenter and Carlos Munez's top ever rookie speed putting him in the #2 position, this is going to be an interesting race! All 500 Miles of It!

[Professor Voodoo]

Normally stuff like this goes in the "Lines you'd never hear..." thread, but since only F1 fans will understand this I'll leave it here.

[Alfisti]

Normally stuff like this goes in the "Lines you'd never hear..." thread, but since only F1 fans will understand this I'll leave it here.

I should not have laughed... but I did.

[MP5]

Normally stuff like this goes in the "Lines you'd never hear..." thread, but since only F1 fans will understand this I'll leave it here.

I should not have laughed... but I did.

Zing!

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