Formula 1 Predictions

[glojo]

Should we vote out of loyalty, or educated guess?

Renault
Will they give maximum support to their World Champion, or will they now lean towards Fishchella?

Ferrari
Will Felipe Massa actually be allowed to race against the number one driver? Will anyone nominate him as their prediction?

Honda
Will Barrichello finally show the potential that I believe he literally threw away with the contract he signed when moving to Ferrari.

Will Button be faster than his new team mate?

BMW
Might be the dark horse, will Villeneuve finally perform to the level he talks, or will he be forced to walk away (at what cost?)

McLaren
Willl this season see them more reliable? I said last year that they should have used the CDI engine

I'm afraid I have to go with loyalty:

Constructor
McLaren

Brain went for Renault but perhaps Alonso knows something that I don't. Namely his already much publicised move to McLaren next season?

Driver
Kimi Raikkonen
Montoya is a fast driver but I just do not rate his temperament, he MUST take responsibility for some of the points that he failed to get last season. Breakdowns and crashes are part and parcel of racing, but I am of the opinion that to many of his incidents were self inflicted.

Just my thoughts and observations. I have rambled on a bit in the hope that far more knowledgeable members will put pen to paper, or didget to plastic

Here's hoping this season actually brings back genuine, competitive racing, with overtaking at all circuits. (Driver contracts that stop this should be banned)

Regards,
John

 

[lotusmark2]

Agree with most of your comments John. REALLY looking forward to this season with some new boys on the circuit.
Be interesting to see how Scott speed deals with it all.
Just look out for Webber, Rubens and Jensen. My tips for good racing!

oh and incase anyone has not seen http://mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=24168
Our own Fantasy F1

 

[jeremytaylor]

Agree with your predictions, John.

Every year starts with 'Won't this be an interesting year?' Last year was proved right, and I think the same will happen with the change in the rules and team changes this year.

 

[saorbust]

Ooo good topic.

I vote for Schu to get the Drivers title. I believe he'll use that V8 better than anyone. Raikonnenen (excuse spelling) will I think leave McLaren at the end of the year, on the basis of the failure to get reliability with the engine.

Honda, I think Barrichello will get their first win. Button may follow shortly after - or crack under the pressure. However I do think he'll be a dark horse with the engine - again a smooth driver who will make the most of the V8.

BMW. Practise season.

Renault. Likely win constructors championship. Drivers aren't motivated, particularly with the leader leaving. Their status in the sport is not known, however they will be a strong constructor. May choose to leave on a high.

The others will make interesting traffic, and I'd love Williams to get more than BMW. Looking foward to the new qualifying format as well.

Dark horse tip - Juan Pablo Montoya. I can see him loosing his drive next year. He has masses of talent, but isn't showing it. McMerc won't help.

 

[glojo]

I'd love Williams to get more than BMW. Looking foward to the new qualifying format as well.

Brilliant first point.

Regarding the new qualifying, do you think that making the engines last for two races is in keeping with the spirit of Formula 1.

Toyota have come out and said they could easily get the engine to 'scream' (my wording) at 20,000rpm for one race, however it is restricted to a much lower figure to last for the required two races. We can argue that this will encourage engine designers to improve the reliabilty and I accept that, but at what cost? Toyota reckon on going through over 100 engines in a season!!!! That certainly does not equate to two races per engine?

Front runners get heavily penalised by having to make an engine change compared to those at the rear of the grid. Moving back ten spots if your already 15th on the grid is an impossibility?

Qualifying will be interesting having three or four races within a the hour period will keep us all interested, but how much can the drivers push the engine? I love the idea of the new qualifying and who knows, perhaps the lesser supported teams might place more importance on qualifying and let the drivers have a free reign?

Should we award a point or two for pole position?

John the off topic gremlin

 

[Mozzer]

Did I hear that Murray W is coming back ?

 

[lotusmark2]

No sign of him on the ITV F1 web site. Steve Rider is taking over the main host position though

 

[glojo]

No sign of him on the ITV F1 web site. Steve Rider is taking over the main host position though

Does that mean 'You know who' has been removed? I cannot remember his name, but he was awful.

John

 

[BonzoDog]

Oh no not Murray

Did I hear that Murray W is coming back ?

James Hunt, even in his current state would still make Murray look like 'Mr I haven't got a clue what iI am talking about but I can say it very loudly.'

 

[lotusmark2]

Does that mean 'You know who' has been removed? I cannot remember his name, but he was awful.

John

Jim Rosen wotsit, yep he's gone

 

[glojo]

James Hunt, even in his current state would still make Murray look like 'Mr I haven't got a clue what iI am talking about but I can say it very loudly.'

James Hunt was the perfect partner to Murray Walker, it is so easy to criticises commentators, they have the power to make even the boring sound interesting. James Hunt was brilliant in calling a spade, a spade, but to keep talking non stop for two hours was not his forte. Compare World Super bike commentary to that of British Super bike or indeed GP commentary on Eurosport to the same race BBC2? I like the passion of both the first examples to the more mundane factual commentary of both second examples. ) I tend to have the BBC2 pictures, with no adverts and the Eurosports commentary)

Horses for courses and I'm sure folks will disagree. I'm looking forward to this new season, and fingers crossed we see good racing and have excellent, passionate commentary.

John the Murray Walker fan

 

[Rose Chap]

Rather unfortunately, James Allen is still commentating.

Thankfully Martin Brundle is still on hand.

 

[Fudger]

Moto GP

Sort of linked to F1 but I am much more excited about Motor GP and WSB than F1. Anyone share that with me?

And, anyone own a motorbike too?

 

[glojo]

Sort of linked to F1 but I am much more excited about Motor GP and WSB than F1. Anyone share that with me?

And, anyone own a motorbike too?

Lots of us, but who would bet against Valentino Rossi? Please though feel free to talk about bikes. I have mentioned them on a different thread.

I have a very horrible feeling that Rose Chap has highlighted the person whose commentary I dislike.... James Allen

John

 

[Fudger]

John, OK, will do as it's my passion more than the car or sex.

F1 = Mercedes cause i like the new livery and they are from Woking.
WSB = One of the Troy's although JT could get enough 2nd places to pip them both. I don't think there is too much in the bikes in WSB.
Moto GP = I would not bet against Mr rossi but his bike need to be up there with the best if he is going to do it. Talent only gets you so far.

I am off for a 3 day track session in Jerez if May on my YZF1000 Thunderace.....watch out Valentino......not

Cheers guys.

 

[glojo]

I am off for a 3 day track session in Jerez if May on my YZF1000 Thunderace.....watch out Valentino......not

Cheers guys.

Wow, if you get any nice pictures please, please feel free to give us a look

John

 

[saorbust]

I have a very horrible feeling that Rose Chap has highlighted the person whose commentary I dislike.... James Allen

John

Seconded. He's a few tyres short of a full wheel change.

His comments are stupid, he invites others to fill his lack of knowledge.

Murray at least had passion about it - and a good rep with the pit crowd in general - they all loved him. Martin B I think has some very good insight, and his technical knowledge is superb. He's also well connected.

Allen should take a hike. I'll never forget when he invented his new feature 'Martin Brundles driver of the day' - could have cringed. Mr Brundle had a look on his face like a kid sucking a lemon.

 

[jeremytaylor]

Steve Rider is taking over the main host position though

Let's hope he ups the tempo from his soporific golf commentaries (although even with Murray commentating on it, golf would still be the most boring sport known to man...)

 

[Fudger]

Wow, if you get any nice pictures please, please feel free to give us a look

John

John, acouple of pics of my TAce. A bit of a lump when compared to the new R6 for instance but still plenty quick enough to scare the sh1t out of me

 

[glojo]

John, acouple of pics of my TAce. A bit of a lump when compared to the new R6 for instance but still plenty quick enough to scare the sh1t out of me

Wow!!! I believe you. I have never had the priviledge of riding these really modern state of the art flying machines (been laid up since the very early 1990's). I would imagine though that being 6' 7" and 18 plus stone would make for an interesting but perhaps uncomfortable ride? I reckon I would now be riding a Pan European or similar. (Getting old demands a nice fairing ) although I do like some of the conventional styled larger bikes.

Thanks for the pictures,
John