Re: 2013 World Motorsports Discussion Thread

[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!

[Alfisti]

Here's your pre-race show for tonight:


via Motorsport Retro

[Alfisti]

So... grid girl outfits for Monaco this year...


Huh... they even have the boots.

[Kiskaloo]

As soon as coverage started and I saw the grid girls I thought of Monty.



(Outside the Tag Heuer Hospitality Suite)

Monty: "You're positive it was a random draw?"

Jethro: "Yes. Michele knows you don't like working with the other girls so he wouldn't have suggested that you be put in front of Alonso's car."

Monty: "He couldn't have suggested that I not be put in front of a Ferrari? It was bad enough trying to keep an eye on the mark without Kara hopping around me like a spastic rabbit."

Jethro's hand started to move automatically toward her shoulder, but he caught himself, mindful of the crush of people around him.

Jethro: "Monaco is her big weekend. Some of the staff joke that Padania keeps a low profile this time of year because they fear invoking Kara's wrath should she miss the race due to responding to an action. It's just our luck that Beloit chose to close his deal here."

Monty: "Sometimes I think if we didn't have bad luck, we'd have no luck at all."

[topgearbrzgt86]

As soon as coverage started and I saw the grid girls I thought of Monty.



(Outside the Tag Heuer Hospitality Suite)

Monty: "You're positive it was a random draw?"

Jethro: "Yes. Michele knows you don't like the working with the other girls so he wouldn't have suggested that you be put in front of Alonso's car."

Monty: "He couldn't have suggested that I not be put in front of a Ferrari? It was bad enough trying to keep an eye on the mark without Kara hopping around me like a spastic rabbit."

Jethro's hand started to move automatically toward her shoulder, but he caught himself, mindful of the crush of people around him.

Jethro: "Monaco is her big weekend. Some of the staff joke that Padania keeps a low profile this time of year because they fear invoking Kara's wrath should she miss the race due to responding to an action. It's just our luck that Beloit chose to close his deal here."

Monty: "Sometimes I think if we didn't have bad luck, we'd have no luck at all."

Jamiebel: If you didn't have good luck too, you'd still have no luck!

[Kiskaloo]

Bummer the Indy 500 had to end under yellow as it looked like it would have been an epic finish.

And what a cluster-f**k at the start of the Monaco GP2 Feature Race.



Another shot of the Grid Girls:

[Alfisti]

As soon as coverage started and I saw the grid girls I thought of Monty.



(Outside the Tag Heuer Hospitality Suite)

Monty: "You're positive it was a random draw?"

Jethro: "Yes. Michele knows you don't like working with the other girls so he wouldn't have suggested that you be put in front of Alonso's car."

Monty: "He couldn't have suggested that I not be put in front of a Ferrari? It was bad enough trying to keep an eye on the mark without Kara hopping around me like a spastic rabbit."

Jethro's hand started to move automatically toward her shoulder, but he caught himself, mindful of the crush of people around him.

Jethro: "Monaco is her big weekend. Some of the staff joke that Padania keeps a low profile this time of year because they fear invoking Kara's wrath should she miss the race due to responding to an action. It's just our luck that Beloit chose to close his deal here."

Monty: "Sometimes I think if we didn't have bad luck, we'd have no luck at all."

I know I'm going to regret saying this at some point... but that may need to become a drawing.

[Kiskaloo]

Been catching up on the first third of the 2013 WRC Championship (Rounds 1-5) and I must say I am most impressed with the new promoting team of Red Bull Media House and The Sportman Media Group. The HD coverage is amazing (especially the slow-motion) and and I much prefer the new flatter design aesthetic for the graphics.

[Alfisti]

Someone remind me why I'm awake right now...

...oh, that's right: F1.

[Alfisti]

If I'm honest, I'm not entirely convinced that race was worth getting up at 3:30am for.

[MP5]

If I'm honest, I'm not entirely convinced that race was worth getting up at 3:30am for.

Not when it's another Vettel-walk.


Also, everytime Kimi's pit crew bollockses something up, I imagine another run-on sentence.

"Jackguyyouarefuckingfired."

[Kiskaloo]

If I'm honest, I'm not entirely convinced that race was worth getting up at 3:30am for.

It was better in person.

[Professor Voodoo]

The first public photos of Porsche's new LMP contender for 2014 have been released...


With Audi & Toyota showing no signs of quitting, and hopefully Nissan re-joining as well 2014 looks to be a very interesting year at Le Mans. 

[Kiskaloo]

Sebastian Vettel extends Red Bull contract until the end of 2015

[Kiskaloo]

The death of Allan Simonsen on Lap 3 at Tertre Rouge was the darkest cloud to fall on Le Mans, but weather clouds - especially a downpour with an hour to go - made this one of the more entertaining 24 Hours I've ever watched.

And if not for being at the Paris Air Show last year, I'd have been present for it (it would have been my fourth - I was there in 1989, 1992 and 2003).

[Kiskaloo]

The first public photos of Porsche's new LMP contender for 2014 have been released...

And Mark Webber is going to be one of the drivers.

Hopefully it's better than his last run in 1999 in the Mercedes CLR-GT1.

[Professor Voodoo]

Mark Webber is going to be one of the drivers.

The worst kept secret in motorsports becomes official.

So it's Webber plus Neel Jani, Romain Dumas and Timo Bernhard so far.  Assuming a 2-car team that's probably enough drivers for the regular World Sports Car Championship season, but if they add a 3rd car for Le Mans (like Audi does) that leaves 5 very desirable seats up for grabs...


Allison: (raising her hand and waving it frantically) OOH! OOH!  I volunteer!

[topgearbrzgt86]

Mark Webber is going to be one of the drivers.

The worst kept secret in motorsports becomes official.

So it's Webber plus Neel Jani, Romain Dumas and Timo Bernhard so far.  Assuming a 2-car team that's probably enough drivers for the regular World Sports Car Championship season, but if they add a 3rd car for Le Mans (like Audi does) that leaves 5 very desirable seats up for grabs...


Allison: (raising her hand and waving it frantically) OOH! OOH!  I volunteer!

 Jim and Jamiebel: (raise their hands, but don't wave them) We'll volunteer too!

[Professor Voodoo]

Mark Webber is going to be one of the drivers.

The worst kept secret in motorsports becomes official.

So it's Webber plus Neel Jani, Romain Dumas and Timo Bernhard so far.  Assuming a 2-car team that's probably enough drivers for the regular World Sports Car Championship season, but if they add a 3rd car for Le Mans (like Audi does) that leaves 5 very desirable seats up for grabs...


Allison: (raising her hand and waving it frantically) OOH! OOH!  I volunteer!

 Jim and Jamiebel: (raise their hands, but don't wave them) We'll volunteer too!

Kara: Don't leave me out, I want in too!

Allison: What!? You don't even like Porsche's!

Kara: I'll make an exception!

Henrietta: Giuse has a Porsche...can I play too?

Jamiebel: Do you even know what we're talking about?

Henrietta: Not really.  I just don't want to be left out.


Ferro: At this rate the SWA is going to have to form its own LMP team.

Jean: (rolling eyes) At least it'll be cheaper than what we're doing now.

[topgearbrzgt86]

Mark Webber is going to be one of the drivers.

The worst kept secret in motorsports becomes official.

So it's Webber plus Neel Jani, Romain Dumas and Timo Bernhard so far.  Assuming a 2-car team that's probably enough drivers for the regular World Sports Car Championship season, but if they add a 3rd car for Le Mans (like Audi does) that leaves 5 very desirable seats up for grabs...


Allison: (raising her hand and waving it frantically) OOH! OOH!  I volunteer!

 Jim and Jamiebel: (raise their hands, but don't wave them) We'll volunteer too!

Kara: Don't leave me out, I want in too!

Allison: What!? You don't even like Porsche's!

Kara: I'll make an exception!

Henrietta: Giuse has a Porsche...can I play too?

Jamiebel: Do you even know what we're talking about?

Henrietta: Not really.  I just don't want to be left out.

Ferro: At this rate the SWA is going to have to form its own LMP team.

Jean: (rolling eyes) At least it'll be cheaper than what we're doing now.

 Davina: I'll join in on this fray. Jim and Jay-bee are in? I'll expect in, too!

[Professor Voodoo]

 2013 British Grand Prix; the day of exploding Pirelli's 

Spoiler:

[topgearbrzgt86]

 2013 British Grand Prix; the day of exploding Pirelli's 

Spoiler:

Well, definitely more exciting than Canada. Oh, and I forgot to mention; Jamiebel actually spanked Triela hard for mocking her Silver Arrows.

Jamiebel: Serves you right, anyway!

Jim: Still, 26 points races for Kimi. Next stop, Heidfeld's home of Germany! Los geht's, Lotus!

[MP5]

 2013 British Grand Prix; the day of exploding Pirelli's [spoiler]


Elio: (groans) By the end of this season my body will be ruined by pizza & American-style hamburgers.  Has anyone seen Allison?  

Kara: She's in the bathroom...throwing up. 

Throwing up? Nah.

Sobbing uncontrollably? You bet her spanners she is.

[topgearbrzgt86]

 2013 British Grand Prix; the day of exploding Pirelli's [spoiler]


Elio: (groans) By the end of this season my body will be ruined by pizza & American-style hamburgers.  Has anyone seen Allison?  

Kara: She's in the bathroom...throwing up. 

Throwing up? Nah.

Sobbing uncontrollably? You bet her spanners she is.

 Luckily, Jim was on hand to comfort her.

[Professor Voodoo]

Throwing up? Nah.

Sobbing uncontrollably? You bet her spanners she is.

How do you even find a video like that?

Well, I don't know if Allison will consider this good news or bad but McLaren is shifting its resources to the 2014 car.

[Kiskaloo]

Well the MP4/10 was a dog, but the MP4/11 returned them to the podium and the MP4/12 returned them to winning and they won the WC with the MP4/13 so there is hope...

[Kiskaloo]

Martin Whitmarsh is mumbling about a possible boycott of the German Grand Prix over concerns about the tires.

[Professor Voodoo]

Martin Whitmarsh is mumbling about a possible boycott of the German Grand Prix over concerns about the tires.

I've read that, but like all things in Formula One I suspect it's posturing in order to get what he wants.  In McLaren's case I wager that's an in-season test or two.

In other news, the annual Pikes Peak Hillclimb is complete.  Since it won't be broadcast for weeks I'll spoiler the rest...

Spoiler:

[ElfenMagix]

http://www.indycar.com/Schedule/2013/IZOD-IndyCar-Series/Pocono-Raceway

It was an interesting Indy Car race with some horrible incidents (gladly no one was hurt or killed).

(Personal Rant) The driver from Japan, Takuma Sato hit the rear of Graham Rahal at over 100 in the pit lane, making Rahal crash into the pit wall. Speed in the pit lanes is 60. This is uncalled for, the video looks like Sato made a direct bee line for Rahal's rear end! He should be suspended.

Good thing is that Sato's car was heavily damaged with a cracked rear cross member when Sato bounced on the pit lane. It was enough to get him out of the race.

For every race I seen Sato in he has been in some incident or accident. He should be reexamined as a viable racer with this kind of track record. (/End Personal Rant)

[Kiskaloo]

Looked like a racing incident to me - they come off the track at a high rate of speed with very cold brakes. We saw a few other drivers locking up really hard trying to get down the the speed limit.

[Alfisti]

Speaking of incidents, more tyre trouble at Germany...


...though this time it would be difficult to blame Pirelli.

[Kiskaloo]

Speaking of incidents, more tyre trouble at Germany...


...though this time it would be difficult to blame Pirelli.

I do wish the FIA would take a page from NASCAR and penalize teams the loss of Constructors Points when they do something bone-headed like Infiniti Red Bull Racing did at Germany.

The 30,000 Euro fine delivered for an Unsafe Release doesn't even register for a team with the budget Marussia has, much less IRBR. And issuing a Drive-Thru or Stop-And-Go penalizes the driver for an action they had no part of.

Constructors Points, on the other hand, can have serious value. Losing a position at the end of the year can costs tens of millions.

[Kiskaloo]

The 1954 Mercedes W196 Formula One car that Juan Manuel Fangio drove to the win at the German and Swiss Grands Prix of that year sold for a record GBP 19.6 million / USD 29.6 million today at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, shattering the previous record of USD 16.4 million for the prototype 1957 Ferrari Testarossa. While a record price for a race car, it fell a bit short of the $35 million paid in 2011 for a 1962 Ferrari GTO.

Article

[Professor Voodoo]

D'oh!




Kaumi Kobayashi stuffs a 2009 Ferrari in the barrier at a demonstration in Moscow.  The team did have a spare car available.

[Kiskaloo]

So he won't be in line to replace Massa in 2014...

[Kiskaloo]

Austrian Grand Prix returns to the F1 Calendar in 2014

The race will be held at the Red Bull Ring (formerly known as the Österreichring). This expands the 2014 season to 21 races, which is more than the 20 allowed under the current Concorde Agreement, but the new CA is expected (now likely confirmed) to increase that limit.

[Professor Voodoo]

Hungarian Grand Prix

Spoiler:

 I can say this without spoiling the race for anyone who recorded it; at least nobody was bitching about tires.

[topgearbrzgt86]

Jamiebel: (accepting 10€ notes) I'm beginning to like this betting system you've got.  Looks like I joined the pool at the right time.

Marisa: Well, screw Mercedes.

Jamiebel: Why so hostile, coppertop?  You're not even involved in the bet.
 
Marisa: If Nico had finished Toro Rosso would have beaten Williams on average finish...but when he blew up Maldonado moved up & scored a point.  My handler gets to choose where we go to lunch on Monday!  Gross! 

Kara: *sigh* Well, not bad...but not good for Ferrari either.  We just need to get faster if we're going to challenge Mercedes & Red Bull.  How ya doin', Allie?

Allison: (curled up in the fetal position, rocking back & forth)  I actually got to see Button pass someone this race...today was a good day. 

Jim: Well done, babe. (kisses Jamiebel)

Jamiebel: Thanks, sugar. Your Lotus cars did well; Kimi on the podium, Romain still 6th; not a bad day, eh?
 
Jim: Heh, true. (looks up, in French) Si seulement ce qui aurait pu, Romain. (to Allison) At least Button led the race for a sec. You gotta be happy with that! (to Elio) Congrats, Mr. Alboreto, Maldonado scored one point for Williams! How does that feel, eh?

[Kiskaloo]

Multiple UK news outlets are reporting that Daniel Ricciardo has been signed for Infiniti Red Bull Racing for 2014 so Kimi's going to Ferrari or staying with Lotus.

[topgearbrzgt86]

Multiple UK news outlets are reporting that Daniel Ricciardo has been signed for Infiniti Red Bull Racing for 2014 so Kimi's going to Ferrari or staying with Lotus.

Well, the news on Kimi to Ferrari seem a bit unlikely, as Stefano Domenicali and Luca di Montezemolo both say that "Kimi at Fezza" has no foundation, and that it would be like accepting a mistake that they made, so most likely, he's staying at Lotus. 

Jim and Simone will be happy about that.

Jim: Why would Kimi want to go back to Ferrari? I mean, he's being consistent, and the Lotus team are doing well, so he has to stay. He's been given some freedoms, unlike at Fezza, where he was constricted. Yes, he won with Ferrari in '07, but it became worse since.  I'm trusting my gut on Kimi staying at Lotus. Oh, and good on'ya, Daniel.  Welcome to the big time...next year. 

[Kiskaloo]

Click the link and either scroll to the bottom of the page or click on the "Lotus the social media kings at it again" link.

[Professor Voodoo]

Jim: Why would Kimi want to go back to Ferrari? 

Elio:  Because Maranello can pay him a great big sack of cash, lad...and Enstone can not.

[topgearbrzgt86]

Jim: No, it's definitely not the money. As long as Lotus provides a great car, Mr. Alboreto, Kimi won't leave. 

[Professor Voodoo]

Jim: No, it's definitely not the money. As long as Lotus provides a great car, Mr. Alboreto, Kimi won't leave. 

Well, it goes beyond that.  Lotus is definitely not on the same financial footing as Ferrari, so they don't have the resources to develop equipment like the bigger team.  The fact that they have had two good seasons is due to the fact that it's a very good shop (they've won the World Driver's Title 4 times remember) but good shops can falter too.  If they miss the mark next year they could easily find themselves scrapping for points with Williams...and it's a hard climb back to the top with thin cash reserves.
That isn't going to happen with Ferrari.  If they miss the mark in 2014 they have the resources to fight their way back.

And Kimi is certainly not above the lure of a big paycheck.  In 2008 & 2009 he was the highest paid driver in the sport.  He's not one of the guys who likes to work cheap, and neither is his manager Steve Robertson.

Personally I'd prefer to see Räikkönen stay at Enstone...and frankly I think he will.  Alonso has proven himself a bit delicate when challenged by a tough team-mate so Stefano Domenicali will likely try to keep his superstar happy.  Now if only Massa could score some Constructor Championship points...

[topgearbrzgt86]

Oof, Kara may not like you for calling Alonso "delicate."

And anyway, you've seen Marussia make do with no money, and they're ahead of Caterham!

Jim: Now, Voodoo, all the teams are on equal footing next year, so, it's really fair game after 2013. Oh, and thanks for calling Alo delicate. Wafu!

[Professor Voodoo]

Oof, Kara may not like you for calling Alonso "delicate."

Hey, we all saw his jimmies get rustled by Hamilton during that one year at McLaren.  Even Kara can't deny that.

And anyway, you've seen Marussia make do with no money, and they're ahead of Caterham!

Yeah, and I don't think we're gonna see Räikkönen sign for either of them anytime soon.

Jim: Now, Voodoo, all the teams are on equal footing next year, so, it's really fair game after 2013. Oh, and thanks for calling Alo delicate. Wafu!

 Yeah, "equal footing."  But all the same I think the teams with big sacks of development cash are still going to be a little more "equal" than the rest! 

It's just conjecture, but here's something that might make Kimi a bit more interested in Ferrari:  
During last weekend's US broadcast of the Belgian GP the commentors mentioned the possibility that Ferrari is interested in returning to sports car racing (i.e. Le Mans) at the top LMP1 level.  Now, Räikkönen is certainly the kind of guy who likes to drive different sorts of race cars...could he be lured to Maranello by the promise of a sports car seat once his F1 time is done?

That's just idle speculation; I'd give it only a 10% chance of really happening.

[topgearbrzgt86]

Oof, Kara may not like you for calling Alonso "delicate."

Hey, we all saw his jimmies get rustled by Hamilton during that one year at McLaren.  Even Kara can't deny that.

And anyway, you've seen Marussia make do with no money, and they're ahead of Caterham!

Yeah, and I don't think we're gonna see Räikkönen sign for either of them anytime soon.

Jim: Now, Voodoo, all the teams are on equal footing next year, so, it's really fair game after 2013. Oh, and thanks for calling Alo delicate. Wafu!

 Yeah, "equal footing."  But all the same I think the teams with big sacks of development cash are still going to be a little more "equal" than the rest! 

It's just conjecture, but here's something that might make Kimi a bit more interested in Ferrari:  
During last weekend's US broadcast of the Belgian GP the commentors mentioned the possibility that Ferrari is interested in returning to sports car racing (i.e. Le Mans) at the top LMP1 level.  Now, Räikkönen is certainly the kind of guy who likes to drive different sorts of race cars...could he be lured to Maranello by the promise of a sports car seat once his F1 time is done?

That's just idle speculation; I'd give it only a 10% chance of really happening.

Jim: Obviously, we're not seeing the Iceman at the back.  And actually, I would like to see Ferrari and McLaren duke it out at Le Mans! Perhaps Lotus, Renault, Mercedes, Ford, Peugeot and (possibly) Red Bull [shudders] could do the same? I'd love to see that!

[Kiskaloo]

Alonso has proven himself a bit delicate when challenged by a tough team-mate so Stefano Domenicali will likely try to keep his superstar happy.

I expect the real issue is that Luca di Montezemolo would be admitting that it wasn't his best idea to have replaced Kimi with Fernando in the first place if he brings Kimi back.

[topgearbrzgt86]

Voodoo: http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/109548

[Kiskaloo]

Ferrari Confirms Kimi Will Partner Alonso in 2014



Kara: "Time to brush up on my Finnish. Unless you want to translate for me, Claes."

Claes: "I'm Swedish you chowderhead."

[topgearbrzgt86]

Jim: Alright, I was wrong. That's fine - but I do have this odd worry for Fernando...two roosters in a henhouse. (to Kara) And I can speak a bit of Finnish myself, bakame. But the fields will be evened out now; new regs, new cars; anything can happen.

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