British GP 2008

[Knock-on]

Well, 1st timed practice is underway.

[Dave B]

Ah you bugger, you beat me to it! :p

[Knock-on]

Ah you bugger, you beat me to it! :p

I can't believe I beat VB to the thread :laugh:

Has someone had an "off" on the first warm-up lap?

[Dave B]

Not much running so far, but Nakajima is providing good entertainment.

[jens]

Okay. My preview and thoughts before the decisive moments of the weekend.

Ferrari is the main favourite as usual. Räikkönen the main candidate for race win as Silverstone should be one of his strongest circuits.

We didn't see the true pace of McLaren at Magny-Cours as both drivers were stuck in traffic throughout the race due to starting grid penalties. But Macs have traditionally been quick at their home circuit and probably may be the only conceivable threat to Ferrari this weekend.

I have some reason to be optimistic about Toyota after successful last week tests at Silverstone and Toy was quick already last year, when Ralf was 5th in Q2 (shame the cars broke down in the race). But actually I'm not that much worried about the pace of Toyota, but the pace of Trulli, because Silverstone has been the second worst circuit after Hungaroring for him. Even if he has qualified well, then he has always struggled in the race. I think Timo may have a good chance of beating Jarno this weekend.

There is some sceptitism about BMW's performance, which might be a tad more impressive than Magny-Cours, but generally they have been moving backwards on aero circuits. Red Bull is very consistent and Webber should be in the points again! Renault is a rival too, but it seems like they due to lack of performance they have decided to make some glory qualifying laps as Alonso has qualified into Top3 for twice with less fuel on board than anyone else. So I'd say on merit minor points are achievable.

Others can only pray for rain if they want to get any points. For Vettel and Honda rain has often been beneficial and has lifted them into points contention. Considering the current form of Williams, rain (or safety car) may be their only hope too. As well as Force India with the new extended engine cover, of course.

[Dave B]

Alonso's retired, Glock's spun harmlessly on his oil, and Massa's gone heavily into the tyre barrier presumably also on Alonso's fluids.

Red flag, Massa's car's a total mess but he's out of the car and walking :up:

[gravity]

If only we could have more write-ups like that about a British GP!!!
No mention of LH/JB/DC. Don't worry though, the ITV team will more than make up for that!

[ioan]

:( what a mess.

It seems we might get a wet qualifying tomorrow, and a dry race after that.

[ioan]

I doubt that we will see Massa in the afternoon session, his whole transmission needs a change after this shunt.

Alonso was a tool, he kept the car on the racing line while spitting oil all over the place.

[Dave B]

The session's restarted with 16 minutes remaining. If BMW's radio transmissions are anything to go by it's unlikely we'll see any more serious running as there's a lot of concrete dust on the track.

That said, Fisi's Force India has just gone out to clean up!

Massa's completely unharmed, although there's a serious doubt whether his car will be repairable.

[ArrowsFA1]

1. Massa Ferrari (B) 1:19.575 8
2. Kovalainen McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:19.587 + 0.012 15
3. Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:19.623 + 0.048 13
4. Raikkonen Ferrari (B) 1:19.948 + 0.373 16
5. Kubica BMW Sauber (B) 1:20.367 + 0.792 11
6. Alonso Renault (B) 1:20.436 + 0.861 7
7. Vettel Toro Rosso-Ferrari (B) 1:20.588 + 1.013 18
8. Piquet Renault (B) 1:20.653 + 1.078 16
9. Coulthard Red Bull-Renault (B) 1:20.698 + 1.123 16
10. Rosberg Williams-Toyota (B) 1:20.744 + 1.169 27
11. Webber Red Bull-Renault (B) 1:20.892 + 1.317 10
12. Glock Toyota (B) 1:21.102 + 1.527 22
13. Heidfeld BMW Sauber (B) 1:21.107 + 1.532 18
14. Bourdais Toro Rosso-Ferrari (B) 1:21.166 + 1.591 17
15. Trulli Toyota (B) 1:21.265 + 1.690 22
16. Nakajima Williams-Toyota (B) 1:21.282 + 1.707 21
17. Button Honda (B) 1:21.901 + 2.326 7
18. Sutil Force India-Ferrari (B) 1:22.169 + 2.594 16
19. Fisichella Force India-Ferrari (B) 1:22.219 + 2.644 19
20. Barrichello Honda (B) 1:24.123 + 4.548 4

[pettersolberg29]

Firstly I support Heidfeld. But I am amazed by his ridiculous lack of pace! He had more pace last year, and although he is still quite good in races and at overtaking, unless he can qualify in top 8 or top 6, he'll never have a chance of winning without someone better than him retiring, or rain, or safety car.

I've stood up for Nick this year so far, but unless he can get a top 6 finish this weekend, IMO he should go to a younger team and try to develop a car like he did with BMW. Perhaps a swap with Williams for Rosberg? Or with Toro Rosso and Vettel?

[Knock-on]

I doubt that we will see Massa in the afternoon session, his whole transmission needs a change after this shunt.

Alonso was a tool, he kept the car on the racing line while spitting oil all over the place.

Ummm, not quite.


Although the former champion stayed to the far left and immediately pulled onto the run-off, his ailing car left a trail of fluid on the racing line going into the corner.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/68827

Sounds like he tried to get off as soon as possible and not being a "tool" as you suggest :p :

BTW, can we merge the two threads mods? Dave's has a better title :D

[Knock-on]

The session's restarted with 16 minutes remaining. If BMW's radio transmissions are anything to go by it's unlikely we'll see any more serious running as there's a lot of concrete dust on the track.

That said, Fisi's Force India has just gone out to clean up!

Massa's completely unharmed, although there's a serious doubt whether his car will be repairable.

http://images.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://www.kentsweepers.info/V495-3.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.kentsweepers.info/&h=127&w=166&sz=7&hl=en&start=21&um=1&tbnid=ZmRZeIUX1TVuPM:&tbnh=76&tbnw=99&prev=/images%3Fq%3DKent%2Bsweepers%26start%3D18%26ndsp%3 D18%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26rlz%3D1T4GZAZ_en-GBGB276GB277%26sa%3DN

Force India cars for sale :D

[Dave B]

Glock's stopped out on track (looks like Club) complaining of "no gears".

[Dave B]

Massa's running now (down in 11th so far).

Trulli's gone off after appearing to lose his rear wing. Contact with the barriers but nothing serious.

[turves]

Heidfeld crashed out at Stowe, similar to Massa this morning, but lost his wing rather than on fluid

[turves]

It's the first time i've watched live streaming, I like it, no James Allen...!

[Knock-on]

It's the first time i've watched live streaming, I like it, no James Allen...!

Live streaming? Where's that then?

[Dave B]

Heidfeld crashed out at Stowe, similar to Massa this morning, but lost his wing rather than on fluid

I missed that! He's shown as running.

Nakajima has just spun at Bridge and lost his front wing, but recovered to the pits.

Knockie, http://www.itv-f1.com/VideoLive.aspx :)

[Knock-on]

I missed that! He's shown as running.

Nakajima has just spun at Bridge and lost his front wing, but recovered to the pits.

Knockie, http://www.itv-f1.com/VideoLive.aspx :)

F**kin awesome!!!

Never enjoyed work so much :D

Cheers Dave :up:

[Dave B]

Massa's up to 6th but his car does not want to turn in, he's had several excursions onto the grass this afternoon. I guess there's still a lot of work to do on his Ferrari's handling. That said, Kimi's down in P12 so I wonder if they're experimenting with race fuel loads?

[Knock-on]

Massa's up to 6th but his car does not want to turn in, he's had several excursions onto the grass this afternoon. I guess there's still a lot of work to do on his Ferrari's handling. That said, Kimi's down in P12 so I wonder if they're experimenting with race fuel loads?

Makes sense to go for a heavy strategy with more down force unless you believe it'll be a dry race ;)

[Dave B]

Great to see all three Brits in the top 7, as well as Webber right up in P2.

[Knock-on]

Great to see all three Brits in the top 7, as well as Webber right up in P2.


It's just practice :D

[Dave B]

It's just practice :D

I don't care! :p I'm enjoying myself, and we don't get to see this often enough. :s mokin:


Makes sense to go for a heavy strategy with more down force unless you believe it'll be a dry race ;)

Sadly I think you're right. Ferrari 1-2 with a lottery for best of the rest.

[Dave B]

2nd practice:



Pos Driver Team Time Laps
1. Kovalainen McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:19.989 35
2. Webber Red Bull-Renault (B) 1:20.520 + 0.531 32
3. Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:20.543 + 0.554 31
4. Coulthard Red Bull-Renault (B) 1:20.589 + 0.600 36
5. Rosberg Williams-Toyota (B) 1:20.748 + 0.759 43
6. Vettel Toro Rosso-Ferrari (B) 1:20.805 + 0.816 43
7. Button Honda (B) 1:20.929 + 0.940 39
8. Massa Ferrari (B) 1:20.943 + 0.954 18
9. Nakajima Williams-Toyota (B) 1:20.985 + 0.996 18
10. Barrichello Honda (B) 1:21.002 + 1.013 34
11. Kubica BMW Sauber (B) 1:21.023 + 1.034 33
12. Raikkonen Ferrari (B) 1:21.275 + 1.286 31
13. Heidfeld BMW Sauber (B) 1:21.453 + 1.464 36
14. Glock Toyota (B) 1:21.472 + 1.483 18
15. Alonso Renault (B) 1:21.511 + 1.522 27
16. Fisichella Force India-Ferrari (B) 1:21.520 + 1.531 42
17. Bourdais Toro Rosso-Ferrari (B) 1:21.634 + 1.645 39
18. Piquet Renault (B) 1:21.642 + 1.653 45
19. Sutil Force India-Ferrari (B) 1:21.756 + 1.767 30
20. Trulli Toyota (B) 1:22.196 + 2.207 23

[turves]

Live streaming? Where's that then?

http://www.itv.com/fi

when there's a session the top of the home page has a link to live streaming.

[turves]

F**kin awesome!!!

Never enjoyed work so much :D



Snap...

Not seen it before today, not a massive F1 fan despite living 5 miles from Silverstone for 30+ years, but I heard GP was moving to Donnington, thought i'd take a look on itv.com/f1 and work today has been a blast ever since!

[SteveA]

Thanks Ants.
Thants.



Bless you, ants. Blants.

[Knock-on]

Sadly I think you're right. Ferrari 1-2 with a lottery for best of the rest.

I'm doing my rain dance :D

[jens]

Typical Trulli's Silverstone "luck" is already starting to show - a crash and last position. Doesn't create much optimism, eh?

By the way, I've forgotten to tell that last night I saw a dream about this year's Silverstone Grand Prix. It started to rain in the last laps and Frentzen won in the yellow Jordan, having passed M. Schumacher on the last lap as the German went off in every corner, but still managed to finish second, because the 3rd place man Barrichello had already been lapped. :crazy:

[markabilly]

Typical Trulli's Silverstone "luck" is already starting to show - a crash and last position. Doesn't create much optimism, eh?

By the way, I've forgotten to tell that last night I saw a dream about this year's Silverstone Grand Prix. It started to rain in the last laps and Frentzen won in the yellow Jordan, having passed M. Schumacher on the last lap as the German went off in every corner, but still managed to finish second, because the 3rd place man Barrichello had already been lapped. :crazy:


"because the 3rd place man Barrichello had already been lapped. :crazy: " yeah must have been a dream with no connection with reality; now if it were because RB was obeying team orders, that would not be dreaming.... :D

[ioan]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/68827

Sounds like he tried to get off as soon as possible and not being a "tool" as you suggest :p :


What part of the following quote escaped your cognitive processes?! :p :


...his ailing car left a trail of fluid on the racing line going into the corner.

[aryan]

Firstly I support Heidfeld. But...

Exactly my thoughts.

I've really stood up for Nick until now as well. I still believe he is a very quick driver. But...

He needs to find some pace, or soon he'll find himself without a top drive for 2009. There are lots of drivers who would love that BMW seat.

[ShiftingGears]

Pretty crazy practice session. Alonso and Webber fastest.

I know it was changing conditions but 15th and 19th for BMW!

[pettersolberg29]

And Heidfeld beat Kubica over a single lap for, I believe, the first time this season!

[ShiftingGears]

Webber on front row :D :D :D

[ozrevhead]

woooooooooot :D :D :D :D

Im so happy - I cant wipe the smile off my face!!!

[christophulus]

Great job by Webber, and Vettel looked pretty handy.

Any idea what happened to Massa? I didn't notice him having any problems

[Ranger]

Pos Driver Team Q1 Q2 Q3 Laps
1. Kovalainen McLaren-Mercedes 1:19.957 1:19.597 1:21.049 15
2. Webber Red Bull-Renault 1:20.982 1:19.710 1:21.554 16
3. Raikkonen Ferrari 1:20.370 1:19.971 1:21.706 18
4. Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes 1:20.288 1:19.537 1:21.835 13
5. Heidfeld BMW Sauber 1:21.022 1:19.802 1:21.873 16
6. Alonso Renault 1:20.998 1:19.992 1:22.029 15
7. Piquet Renault 1:20.818 1:20.115 1:22.491 19
8. Vettel Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1:20.318 1:20.109 1:23.251 16
9. Massa Ferrari 1:20.676 1:20.086 1:23.305 16
10. Kubica BMW Sauber 1:20.444 1:19.788 12
11. Coulthard Red Bull-Renault 1:21.224 1:20.174 14
12. Glock Toyota 1:20.893 1:20.274 14
13. Bourdais Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1:20.584 1:20.531 16
14. Trulli Toyota 1:21.145 1:20.601 13
15. Nakajima Williams-Toyota 1:21.407 1:21.112 14
16. Barrichello Honda 1:21.512 9
17. Button Honda 1:21.631 11
18. Rosberg Williams-Toyota 1:21.668 6
19. Sutil Force India-Ferrari 1:21.786 9
20. Fisichella Force India-Ferrari 1:21.885 8
Few notes:
Kovalainen: Wow! :D Half a second!
Webber: Wow! Bet he would've shaved this morning if he knew he was going to have his mug on TV! :D
Hamilton: Had it in the bag and cracked in sector 3. Ouch.
Raikkonen: Solid. Ferrari were nowhere in Q2, yet alone dominant as everyone expected!
Heidfeld: Good to see he's back! Was on par with Kubica even before Q3 where the Pole didn't start.
Vettel: Very solid weekend for him. RBR's #2 man for next year.
Massa: What happened? It looked like he just misjudged the pole lap completely! Will be interesting to find out what happened.
Rosberg: Must've felt like a right dummy after seeing Bourdais go P6 in Q1 on a 'wet' track! Although there were reported suspension issues... Williams have not looked at all good recently.

Will have to get me near a TV for tomorrow night! With the rain it'll be extra unpredictable.

Great session. :up:

[Tazio]

Any idea what happened to Massa? I didn't notice him having any problems If he's not heavy he's in deep do-do!

I noticed LH is in perfect position to intercept Kimi :D

[ShiftingGears]

If he's not heavy he's in deep do-do!

I noticed LH is in perfect position to intercept Kimi :D

I'm pretty sure it was simply he/Ferrari team utterly misjudging when he needed to do his pole lap.

What happened with Kubica?

[VkmSpouge]

Superb stuff by both Heikki Kovalainen and Mark Webber. Kovalainen's lap was simply brilliant and considering the margin he had for pole McLaren must be regretting not putting in a couple more laps of fuel. Webber clearly was on pace throughout qualifying and has been well rewarded with second place.

Kimi Raikkonen should be happy with third place since he's ahead of all his main rivals for the championship, while Lewis Hamilton made a mess of things on his first run he still is in a good position in 4th.

Felipe Massa's wheel nut problem has put him in a difficult position but he has company in third qualifying misery with Robert Kubica.

[Tazio]

I'm pretty sure it was simply he/Ferrari team utterly misjudging when he needed to do his pole lap.

What happened with Kubica?
Stefano:

First of all a shame it was a shame for Massa with a problem with a nut on the rear wheel. Very unlucky. We seen today some problems with our car and we need to understand properly. We will see tomorrow and we need to keep concentrated. We still feel confident and let's hope for the best.

[ozrevhead]

I just hope Mark isnt light and its a distorted image come race day

[ShiftingGears]

Stefano:

First of all a shame it was a shame for Massa with a problem with a nut on the rear wheel. Very unlucky. We seen today some problems with our car and we need to understand properly. We will see tomorrow and we need to keep concentrated. We still feel confident and let's hope for the best.

My bad!

Unlucky for Massa. I'd be very surprised if he manages a podium out of that grid position.

[slinkster]

Go Heikki! :D Chuffed for him.. just hope the weather is on his side tomorrow!

[markabilly]

With a two second diffference between Q2 and Q3, with the top four, it would seem that perhaps Webber is not running much lighter, which was my first thought.



If anything, it is HK who might be light, as his gap is much smaller.

[Tazio]

I'd be very surprised if he manages a podium out of that grid position.
That was my feeling exactly! In less things really fall his way he should be happy with p4 points!

[cosmicpanda]

I'd love to see Mark win but I think he'll pull over with a blown engine, punctures on all four wheels and missing a wing. He really does just have the worst luck.

[aryan]

Webber never runs light, he thinks it's pointless.

He might actually be heavier than Heikki. Let's hope it stays dry for the race. I would hate to see the Aussie's great weekend ruind by a pace car.

[gravity]

I can't see MW getting that time with a heavy load of fuel on board. He must have the lightest car of the top 5 at least.
I really hope he is heavier than I suspect he is.
Even so, excellent lap!

[markabilly]

Webber never runs light, he thinks it's pointless.

He might actually be heavier than Heikki. Let's hope it stays dry for the race. I would hate to see the Aussie's great weekend ruind by a pace car.


I can't see MW getting that time with a heavy load of fuel on board. He must have the lightest car of the top 5 at least.
I really hope he is heavier than I suspect he is.
Even so, excellent lap!

What I have been doing and it seems to work, is to compare the gaps in between the Q2 and Q3 time for each driver. I am sure someone will do it to the exact thousandth, but roughly it is about two seconds for each car at Silverstone.

The gap between Q2 and Q3 is about 1.5 secs for HK, while the rest are running about 1.8 secs or more (including Webber). Hamilton was 2.3 seconds (and he had fastest Q2 time but with fewest laps run in Q3)
Of course it is always possible that with a lighter load, Hamilton still did not go fast, and it is always possible that some driver with a heavier load will pop out with the perfect lap in Q3, so there is still margin for error.

If Webbers' gap between Q2 and Q3 was less than 1.6 seconds in his best times, that would certainly raise red flags of a much lighter load, but that is not the case.

[markabilly]

And with HK on pole, he is in position to keep the field bunched, if so chosen, so that Hamilton will not lose sight of Kimi, if the Kimster gets in front of the Hamster....

OTOH, Webber may not be content to tool around behind HK, being all bunched up, and we might actually get to see a real pass on the track for the lead, in the dry, a real wheel banger with both cars fully operational, not wounded, smack on by, slid on by.....gee I must be dreaming....the real hope remains rain for real "on the track" action...alas

[ArrowsFA1]

I'm delighted for Heikki :up: He did a great job today and I'm keping my fingers crossed for him in the race. We may just get our second first time winner of the season :s mokin:

[ioan]

Oh well, Ferrari again m anaged to screw one of their drivers.

[Ent]

I can't see MW getting that time with a heavy load of fuel on board. He must have the lightest car of the top 5 at least.

Webber was consistently faster than everyone except the McLarens through Q1 and Q2, which would seem to indicate he is there on merit rather than light fuel. Hamilton stuffed up his first lap and was a little timid in the same corner second time around, and has said he's on a similar strategy to Heiki. That would seem to indicate the McLarens might have the lightest fuel loads, with the Red Bull and Ferrari just a few laps more. Could be a very interesting race if it isn't turned into a lottery by safety cars or rain.

[aryan]

What I have been doing and it seems to work, is to compare the gaps in between the Q2 and Q3 time for each driver.

Which is a fair observation. The only thing I would add is that the sudden wind at the end of Q3 would probably add a bit to your margin of error. Nevertheless, such a comparison between Q2 and Q3 is the best way to deduce the fuel load.

[Tazio]

Webber never runs light, he thinks it's pointless.
Unless (and I'm not saying they are) the team is convinced,
or willing to gamble that the first part of the race will envolve changing conditions.

[aryan]

Well, anyone wants to bet his/her sig on who is lighter? Between Kovi and Mark?

I say Kovi is lighter.

[Tazio]

Well, anyone wants to bet his/her sig on who is lighter? Between Kovi and Mark?

I say Kovi is lighter.Not me!
Don't you need to have a sig in order to bet it? :p :

[gloomyDAY]

My pick-em's are a bust!

Silverstone should be fun. Only 13 hours to go before the lights black out.

[cosmicpanda]

Did anyone else hear Brundle say "I was so looking forward to them being called slicks next year," as a sort of joke? Poor guy.

[Valve Bounce]

Well, anyone wants to bet his/her sig on who is lighter? Between Kovi and Mark?

I say Kovi is lighter.

OK!! Just for today, I will back Fernando against Mark!! Hope that puts the mockers on Alonso :p :

So if Mark beats Alonso, you choose my sig - the other way around I choose your sig.

We have a bet?

[Valve Bounce]

Pos Driver Team Q1 Q2 Q3 Laps
1. Kovalainen McLaren-Mercedes 1:19.957 1:19.597 1:21.049 15
2. Webber Red Bull-Renault 1:20.982 1:19.710 1:21.554 16
3. Raikkonen Ferrari 1:20.370 1:19.971 1:21.706 18
4. Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes 1:20.288 1:19.537 1:21.835 13
5. Heidfeld BMW Sauber 1:21.022 1:19.802 1:21.873 16
6. Alonso Renault 1:20.998 1:19.992 1:22.029 15
7. Piquet Renault 1:20.818 1:20.115 1:22.491 19
8. Vettel Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1:20.318 1:20.109 1:23.251 16
9. Massa Ferrari 1:20.676 1:20.086 1:23.305 16
10. Kubica BMW Sauber 1:20.444 1:19.788 12
11. Coulthard Red Bull-Renault 1:21.224 1:20.174 14
12. Glock Toyota 1:20.893 1:20.274 14
13. Bourdais Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1:20.584 1:20.531 16
14. Trulli Toyota 1:21.145 1:20.601 13
15. Nakajima Williams-Toyota 1:21.407 1:21.112 14
16. Barrichello Honda 1:21.512 9
17. Button Honda 1:21.631 11
18. Rosberg Williams-Toyota 1:21.668 6
19. Sutil Force India-Ferrari 1:21.786 9
20. Fisichella Force India-Ferrari 1:21.885 8
Few notes:
Kovalainen: Wow! :D Half a second!
Webber: Wow! Bet he would've shaved this morning if he knew he was going to have his mug on TV! :D
Hamilton: Had it in the bag and cracked in sector 3. Ouch.
Raikkonen: Solid. Ferrari were nowhere in Q2, yet alone dominant as everyone expected!
Heidfeld: Good to see he's back! Was on par with Kubica even before Q3 where the Pole didn't start.
Vettel: Very solid weekend for him. RBR's #2 man for next year.
Massa: What happened? It looked like he just misjudged the pole lap completely! Will be interesting to find out what happened.
Rosberg: Must've felt like a right dummy after seeing Bourdais go P6 in Q1 on a 'wet' track! Although there were reported suspension issues... Williams have not looked at all good recently.

Will have to get me near a TV for tomorrow night! With the rain it'll be extra unpredictable.

Great session. :up:

Go to the chat room and check with the guys there for the internet ITV feed. Get there early, and lock onto the feed early.

I'm stuck in the Epworth without any internet - looks like a late night channel 10 view for me :(

[Valve Bounce]

I can't see MW getting that time with a heavy load of fuel on board. He must have the lightest car of the top 5 at least.
I really hope he is heavier than I suspect he is.


That's the GRAVITY of the situation. :D

[Valve Bounce]

Wouldn't it be funny if the two Fins tangled at the first corner - they'd be Finnished then. :p : :D

[gloomyDAY]

Wouldn't it be funny if the two Fins tangled at the first corner - they'd be Finnished then. :p : :D
http://ihasahotdog.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/funny-dog-pictures-cone-lol.jpg

[Ranger]

Webber will still win something if Kova wins. :p :


On Friday, punters could place a bet on the Finn securing his F1 breakthrough at 23 to 1 - and Red Bull racer Webber fancied a piece of the action.

"I've put 200 quid on Heikki at 23 to 1, so I'm in good shape," he smiled in the Silverstone media centre.
About the fuel issue:

Red Bull driver Webber, meanwhile, teased reporters when it was suggested that his pace for P2 on Saturday was inspired by a light load of fuel.

"I'm stopping on lap three and after that I will have a long race, so we will go from there," the 31-year-old grinned.
Suggests to me that he isn't that light at all. :D

[Valve Bounce]

From bits of pit to car radio messages heard in previous races, it was obvious that Red Bull had targeted Alonso during races, ignoring all other cars. And so it has turned out during this season that there was always this titanic struggle between the two.

This battle has been highlighted by Alonso: http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/68900

However, Red Bull is now on the front row, Kimi and Hammi on second, and Fernando on third row. It would be most interesting to know who Red Bull has calculated has their main opponent to beat in this race.

And no! it's not bunsen. :p :

[Ent]

It would be most interesting to know who Red Bull has calculated has their main opponent to beat in this race.

And no! it's not bunsen. :p :

You'd think it would have to be Heidfeld. They'd have to be considering P4 to be a realistic target (with a possible podium if one of the top 3 DNF or stuff up).

But after saying that, forecasts say 60% chance of rain. If that happens anyone could finish anywhere.

[Valve Bounce]

Yeah!! even bunsen :(

[aryan]

OK!! Just for today, I will back Fernando against Mark!! Hope that puts the mockers on Alonso :p :

So if Mark beats Alonso, you choose my sig - the other way around I choose your sig.

We have a bet?

You are on mate!

[Dave B]

GP2 this morning was wet... very wet. It wasn't raining, but there was a huge amount of standing water on the track.

This could get very interesting :D

[ioan]

With 80% rain chances and highest temperatures around 17 C, it should be an interesting race! :D

[pettersolberg29]

I pray for rain and a great race! Hope Heidfeld can get a podium or even a win and prove his critics wrong.


One can dream...

[ioan]

I pray for rain and a great race! Hope Heidfeld can get a podium or even a win and prove his critics wrong.


One can dream...

That would a be a result I'd like to see too! :)

[pettersolberg29]

I'd love to hear Heidfeld in the press conference if he wins - he sounds funny!

How mature am I...?

[skm]

Thought Heidfeld was flying under the radar a bit here. Wouldn't be surprised to see him drive a strong race.

[Iain]

GP2 this morning was wet... very wet. It wasn't raining, but there was a huge amount of standing water on the track.

This could get very interesting :D

I watched the Porsche Supercup at 11am and that was very wet too. Chaos! Like you say, standing water in a lot of places.

Is this the first wet race with no Traction Control?

[markabilly]

Well, Webber was not running too light....too bad down in 12th
what about the tire change on Kimi as in none????Did not let him catch or pass LH, so?
And now it looks as though Hamilton has scurried off into the distance

[markabilly]

Rubens? Third??

[VkmSpouge]

I love the British weather :D

Good fun race, plenty of overtaking and incidents. Lewis Hamilton winning extremely well on home soil and Rubens Barrichello taking his first podium since leaving Ferrari.

[F1boat]

That's why, as a Ferrari fan I hoped for dry race. I still hope that there will be no more wet races this season.

[ioan]

I watched the Porsche Supercup at 11am and that was very wet too. Chaos! Like you say, standing water in a lot of places.

Is this the first wet race with no Traction Control?

No, we had one in Monaco too, not so long ago.

[ioan]

That's why, as a Ferrari fan I hoped for dry race. I still hope that there will be no more wet races this season.

We shouldn't hope for dry races as Ferrari fans. Kimi is a proven good wet weather racer and Felipe showed he can keep on the island on the twisty and narrow Monaco roads, even in the wet.

However the day when there is a 80% chance of rain and the strategists go for a dry set-up and the wrong tire changes, there is no hope left whatsoever.

[gravity]

We shouldn't hope for dry races as Ferrari fans.

LH just blitzed everyone in the wet today. As soon as the weather started drying out, KR suddenly caught up to LH. Add some water to the track and nobody could keep up with LH (except RB on extreme weather tyres). Doesn't look good for anyone elses chances in future wet races. Then again, how many races have had weather like today's had!

[jens]

Nakajima again beat Rosberg (both in Q and in the race this time). Both Williams drivers made mistakes in the race, but Nico made them more. No surprise Keke wanted last year Wurz as Rosberg's team-mate for this season to make his son look better!

Quite satisfied with Toyota's result, considering that Jarno has been really struggling this weekend and I didn't expect any points, so 2 sounds quite well, which puts Toyota up to P4 in the WCC. :) Trulli had gambled on a wet setup (that's why he struggled in quali) and was driving quite well, being as high as 3rd at one moment. Finally Toyota's strategy in the rain was more or less okay. What they could have done differently, is that they should have brought Jarno in a couple of laps earlier for his 1st and 2nd stops, because due to tyre wear he was really struggling and losing time at the end of the stints.
Timo on the other hand - I have to admit he has been truly awful in the wet in F1.

Piquet was driving well... I was wondering during the whole race, when will he bin it. And finally the inevitable happened. :D