2007 Champion

[RaikkonenRules]

Who do you think it wiil be?

[Sleeper]

I'm not even going to think about it until next years cars are on track.

[DocF225]

I have to concur. Way too soon to make predictions. Never know when a sudden rule change jumps up and bites somebody. Though from a driver only view I think Kimi has the edge for now.

[johnny shell]

I think Kimi would have to be, based on what we know right now.

but I think the tires are too much of a question marks right now, so I'll reserve judgement until I've seen more testing results.

[stevie_gerrard]

who else but Jenson Button, future Sports Personality of The Year :) :p :

[Thor]

I'm sure of it will be Heikki Kovalainen

[Donney]

I hope it will be Fernando Alonso

[Jonesi]

I think you should have included GIANCARLO FISICHELLA since he has won races and is the #1 driver in the championship team.

[johnny shell]

it's hard for me to follow F1 here in the states... is Fisi fast enough & consistant enough to win it all?

[harvick#1]

Kimi, Massa will be the guy to beat early in the year, but Kimi will adjust to his new Ferrari and go on a 9 race win streak to take the WDC

[555-04Q2]

FM. Knows the Ferrari now, seems to be consistant now and Ferrari should be the strongest team next year.

Kimi a rank outsider, but there.

[johnny shell]

hmmm... so Massa will not only have a huge head start over Kimi on the Ferrari team, but also on the new Bridgestone rubber.

Kimi can't start working with either until next year.

so, now, I'm leaning towards Massa, or a Renault.

I need to know more about the Renault drivers.

[PSfan]

So do I have this straight? The top 3 teams all lost their #1 drivers, and have to adjust to new ones this year (BTW who is the #1 at Renault this year?)

Honda, Toyota, and BMW have essentially the same driver line-up as the end of 06. Honda may have the benefit of Aguri running almost identical chassis and engines, allowing them 4 cars testing on Friday instead of 2

Red Bull will have Newey, and Renault engines, and maybe some feedback from Torro Rosso (but not as beneficial as the Honda/Aguri set-up due to the different engines...)

So my only 2007 prediction concerning the championship is, it will probably be a surprise... :)

[Labonte Massa]

I say Massa, though I am biased. He will have more laps on the new Bridgestones, the Ferrari will be the best car, and he has looked very good in testing so far. However, I do think Kimi will give him a very strong run for the title.

[SmokeFan20]

I think it will be one of the Ferrari drivers.
Probably Kimmi.

[Bolton Midnight]

Ferrari all the way, Massa may even beat Kimi.

Alonso will be 2nd or 3rd

Renault will fall off the radar and have their worse year since Fisi and Button were team mates.

Red Bull as the dark horse team

[Jonesi]

it's hard for me to follow F1 here in the states... is Fisi fast enough & consistant enough to win it all?

He scored points in all but two races last year, so he has consistency down. He had five front row starts so he can be fast, but he was a clear number 2 driver and team his qualifing/race strategy was designed to support Alonso so I don't think we've seen what he can do as top driver yet.

[Mihai]

Giancarlo Fisichella ;)

[Mark]

Giancarlo Fisichella ;)
Don't count him out, he won some races in 2006, there's no reason why he can't in 2007.

[cinnamon33]

How come Massa sudenly became the title favourite? With Kimi in Ferrari he has no chances. Okay, he knows Ferrari better, but he isn't a top driver like Kimi is.

[555-04Q2]

How come Massa sudenly became the title favourite? With Kimi in Ferrari he has no chances. Okay, he knows Ferrari better, but he isn't a top driver like Kimi is.

And what makes Kimi so special :?: He's only won 9 races since he started in 2001. Not exactly an impressive record, is it :?:

[airshifter]

See my sig.

Unless Ferrari really screws up this year, he's in.

[Rusty Spanner]

I don't really care as long as its a good and fair fight with no FIA meddling. Having said that anyone but Ferrari would be my preference.

[cinnamon33]

And what makes Kimi so special :?: He's only won 9 races since he started in 2001. Not exactly an impressive record, is it :?:

Of course not, but don't forget that McLaren didn't deliver, but he showed in some of this races brilliance, which Massa didn't show in his whole career.

[Bolton Midnight]

I think we are about to see the emergence of Massa as the next big thing from Brazil.

When all said and done he has on occasion matched and even bettered Schumi in Schumi's own car, something that proves he has the ability, just maybe not the consistency.

Kimi will need time to learn the new car whereas FM will hit the ground running. There's no doubt that Kimi is blindling quick, just not sure he has the mind to go with his driving ability.

[johnny shell]

thanks to jonesi's nice breakdown I've narrowed the choices down to Fisi, Kimi, and Massa.

I would give Massa the edge over Kimi at this point.

and I would give Fisi the edge over Massa.

so, go ahead, place your bets. mortgage your houses. I have spoken.

[dwf1]

Why has no-one metioned Lewis Hamilton? thats my tip for the top spot this year!

[johnny shell]

remember, it Fassa will start off the year ahead of Kimi. Massa already knows the team & the car, and has a head start with the new tires.

Kimi will catch up to Massa, but by then the team will already be behind Massa and their driver with the best chance to win the championship.

honestly, I just don't see where Fisi has the speed. but.....

[Mikeall]

Fisichella because the new Renault will be amazing again, McLaren will mess up somehow (probably reliability), Ferrari won't be able to handle losing so many key people and the others won't be good enough..

[Mihai]

Don't count him out, he won some races in 2006, there's no reason why he can't in 2007.

I truly believe Fissi can fight for the title, I'm one of his very few fans ramaining an this forums. The team will cont on him and he is capable of doing a good job.

[Juppe]

And what makes Kimi so special :?: He's only won 9 races since he started in 2001. Not exactly an impressive record, is it :?:

What is an impressive record then? Of those who will run 2007 only Alonso has better record than Kimi.

And even if you take into account all the drivers driven at the same time Kimi is third.

I suspect that in your mind there will ever be only one driver with a record worth mentioning.... ;)

[wacked]

Kimi..

[wmcot]

And what makes Kimi so special :?: He's only won 9 races since he started in 2001. Not exactly an impressive record, is it :?:

To be fair, you have to consider how many races he retired from while in the lead due to the McLaren-Mercedes failing and add those races he started far back due to engine failures. Without those weaknesses of McMerc, he would have a lot more wins (possibly a WDC.)

Having said that, if Ferrari can give him a reliable car, he is my choice by a long shot. Massa will be there in most/some races and I wouldn't rule out Alonso if McMerc can kill their reliability gremlins or he can coax the car to wins.

I think that other drivers will surprise us in 2007. Hopefully it will be a close title fight.

[eloyf1]

The title will be between Massa, Raikkonen and Alonso, but nowadays, I can't say exactly who...

[escortg3]

Massa :D

[agwiii]

Until the season begins, this is just Ouija board stuff, or a reflection of which driver you like.

[DexDexter]

Kimi will win it next year, so you'd better get used to hearing the Finnish national anthem quite often with Heikki in the picture as well....

[samuratt]

Don't count him out, he won some races in 2006, there's no reason why he can't in 2007.

Actually he only won one race in 2006! and probably because his team blew his teammate chances of finishing first by refuelling his car to the top ;)

[samuratt]

To be fair, you have to consider how many races he retired from while in the lead due to the McLaren-Mercedes failing and add those races he started far back due to engine failures. Without those weaknesses of McMerc, he would have a lot more wins (possibly a WDC.)
.

Yet again the ifs game.

To be fair with Kimi you could say that if Michael and Alonso wouldn't have been in the sport while he is, he would have been by now WDC 5 consecutive times... ;)

You could say too that if he would not have been an F1 driver, he would have been a nice Go-go in Ibiza too :P

Seriously, if you want to be fair with him, put him where he belongs: he is a fast driver (if not the fastest) that we all are waiting for him to deliver!

[pino]

Actually he only won one race in 2006! and probably because his team blew his teammate chances of finishing first by refuelling his car to the top ;)

Are you sure you have nothing against Giancarlo ? ;)

[samuratt]

You got me :D

It must be that he is more handsome than me, and that pisses me off!!!!! ;)

[555-04Q2]

What is an impressive record then? Of those who will run 2007 only Alonso has better record than Kimi.

And even if you take into account all the drivers driven at the same time Kimi is third.

I suspect that in your mind there will ever be only one driver with a record worth mentioning.... ;)

You should know what I mean by now mate ;) He is hyped up like no other driver, even Alonso gets less hype and he has 2 WDC, and yet Kimi has still to deliver :( Once he has won some titles and a few more races, then people can start hyping him up to be a brilliant driver :) He is fast yes and 2007 should be one of his best chances to deliver the results to back up the hype.

And yes, Schumis record is pretty formidable, but I do not compare Kimi to Schumi. I will do that once Kimi retires from F1.

[555-04Q2]

To be fair, you have to consider how many races he retired from while in the lead due to the McLaren-Mercedes failing and add those races he started far back due to engine failures. Without those weaknesses of McMerc, he would have a lot more wins (possibly a WDC.)

Having said that, if Ferrari can give him a reliable car, he is my choice by a long shot. Massa will be there in most/some races and I wouldn't rule out Alonso if McMerc can kill their reliability gremlins or he can coax the car to wins.

I think that other drivers will surprise us in 2007. Hopefully it will be a close title fight.

:up:

[Knock-on]

My heart says JB, My head says KR and my gut says FA. I think Kimi.

[Subaru WRX]

I know the the 2006 McLaren struggled a lot, but I think that Alonse could be world champion for the 3rd time, and its amazing how people chose Kimi Raikkonen with a huge advance until now !

[dwf1]

i ask again why has no-one metioned lewis hamilton for the title?

[escortg3]

I think Massa might give Kimi a run for his money. :up:

[Subaru WRX]

i ask again why has no-one metioned lewis hamilton for the title?
:eek: Lewis Hamilton world champion !!! are you joking here, there is a huge diffrence between Formula One and both GP2 and the F3 Euroseries that Lewis Hamilton has won.
why not in 2008 :)

[EuroTroll]

[..] there is a huge diffrence between Formula One and both GP2 and the F3 Euroseries that Lewis Hamilton has won.

Yes, that's true. And to answer Dwf1's question, the reason noone has mentioned Lewis Hamilton for the title is that sanity is far more common in the F1 forum than what is commonly thought. ;)

[harsha]

isn't that true even for the last season,this same poll was asked in the last season and Raikkonen was a winner there too....

[ArrowsFA1]

Yes, that's true. And to answer Dwf1's question, the reason noone has mentioned Lewis Hamilton for the title is that sanity is far more common in the F1 forum than what is commonly thought. ;)
Sanity? :eek: Here? :eek: There's a thought :p :

[F1boat]

I hope Button, I think Kimi, I dread Alonso.

[jens]

I know the the 2006 McLaren struggled a lot, but I think that Alonse could be world champion for the 3rd time, and its amazing how people chose Kimi Raikkonen with a huge advance until now !

To me the more surprising matter is that others besides Räikkönen have got any votes. :) Logic says that the most probable is Kimi, but I voted for Massa to give him some boost in the voting rankings as well. :) His title is a bit more improbable, but not impossible.

What concerns Alonso, then I tend to doubt about McLaren's form - it still should be a build-up year! And Honda is a questionmark as Button is injured till January. We'll see if that affects Honda's form somehow. More likely I hope the Renault' duo can do something suprising. Yeah, in their's case there are some doubts as well as about Ferrari! So all in all no answers yet. :)


isn't that true even for the last season,this same poll was asked in the last season and Raikkonen was a winner there too....

Everyone thinks that once must come Kimi's year as well! Like DC has used to say. :p :
I think that before the 2004 season (at least before January/February, when McLaren's problems occured) Kimi was the favourite as well after managing to put so much pressure on Michael in 2003 - so he has got three "Prediction World Titles" by now! And before 2005 he was second favourite after Schumi.

[haokunnan]

hard to tell
kimi or fernando maybe

[RaikkonenRules]

i ask again why has no-one metioned lewis hamilton for the title?

Because he is a rookie and in the same car as the defending champion. It amazes me how dumb some of you are :dozey:

Feel free to mock if he does win. :laugh:

[El Sween]

I am going to stick my neck out and go for the other Finn (Kovalainen) to be Champion in his rookie year. Totally crazy I know but I just have a feeling in my waters.......

[El Sween]

It amazes me how dumb some of you are :dozey:


Come on there is no need for that. Be nice it's xmas ;)

[JPMfan]

This year will finally be DC's year as it is each year.

[gasolina]

Fernando again, i think the McLaren MP3 will be close to Ferrari and Renault.

[millencolin]

WEBBER!!! hey, a man can dream.... Stranger things have happened

[call_me_andrew]

I predict Raikkonen will dissapoint at Ferrari.

I predict Massa will be the champion.

I predict BMW Sauber to be the dark horse.

[RaikkonenRules]

Come on there is no need for that. Be nice it's xmas ;)

Bah! Christmas :mad:

:laugh:

[Scuderia ferrari]

IMO. I mean, just look at him at brazil, so far ahead of everybody else! Keen to be team driver no.1

Worse case scenario for ferrari though is if the two ferraris fight themselfs for the champ, and let their gaurd down- leting Alonso or somebody win.

[Ranger]

IMO. I mean, just look at him at brazil, so far ahead of everybody else!

Means nothing.

EDIT: And why do all of this year's Schumacher/Ferrari fans think Massa will win in 2007? Grudges maybe? ;)

[samuratt]

Means nothing.

EDIT: And why do all of this year's Schumacher/Ferrari fans think Massa will win in 2007? Grudges maybe? ;)

That is a good question since I don't know why Massa receives better support than suprafast Kimi!

:O

[555-04Q2]

EDIT: And why do all of this year's Schumacher/Ferrari fans think Massa will win in 2007? Grudges maybe? ;)

1. Because we support Ferrari.
2. Because Massa has settled well at Ferrari, drove well and consistantly and has a massive advantage over Kimi as far as knowing how the team gels/works.
3. Kimi won no races this year, even the average Button won a race.
4. Kimi cannot test until January, not much time to get used to the new car.
5. Most importantly, Kimi is overrated.

[scaliwag]

I hope it's JB.
Plus I wish AD all the best, he's certainly earned his chance.
However whosoever wins I really hope they do it fairly,
no more cheating and bending the rules.
Regards scaliwag

[Ranger]

5. Most importantly, Kimi is overrated.

So why did Michael Schumacher pick up on Raikkonen's talent during his first tests with Sauber in 2000, before he even raced an F1 car? And then note him as a future Ferrari driver to Mr Montezemolo?

Either Michael Schumacher was fooling himself (God knows why) or Kimi is every bit as good as they say he is.

[Storm]

1. Because we support Ferrari.
2. Because Massa has settled well at Ferrari, drove well and consistantly and has a massive advantage over Kimi as far as knowing how the team gels/works.
3. Kimi won no races this year, even the average Button won a race.
4. Kimi cannot test until January, not much time to get used to the new car.
5. Most importantly, Kimi is overrated.

Ok.
1.But what about just MS fans (who also support Ferrari)? I do get the feeling they think/want Massa to beat Kimi.
2.yes Massa drove well and knows the team
3. Kimi didn't win but not through any fault of his..McLaren produced a lemon. as for GP wins? Kimi has 10 I think vs Massa's two.
4. Perhaps yes but he adapted to F1 mightly quickly after just 23 single-seater races in his career before that.
5. Most importantly, he has finished 1 pt off a WDC title and Massa has not even with a very fast car been above P3 in standings.

:)

edit: just a thought occurred to me...If MS had decided not to retire and Kimi had said yes to joining Ferrari...would we even be having this discussion of Massa being in with a chance to win the title? He would be their test driver.

[harsha]

that's a big IF....and i would have loved to see Kimi Vs Michael without the 1 driver policy at ferrari

[555-04Q2]

So why did Michael Schumacher pick up on Raikkonen's talent during his first tests with Sauber in 2000, before he even raced an F1 car? And then note him as a future Ferrari driver to Mr Montezemolo?

Either Michael Schumacher was fooling himself (God knows why) or Kimi is every bit as good as they say he is.

I dont question Kimi's speed. I question the reputation he has.

[555-04Q2]

Ok.
1.But what about just MS fans (who also support Ferrari)? I do get the feeling they think/want Massa to beat Kimi.
2.yes Massa drove well and knows the team
3. Kimi didn't win but not through any fault of his..McLaren produced a lemon. as for GP wins? Kimi has 10 I think vs Massa's two.
4. Perhaps yes but he adapted to F1 mightly quickly after just 23 single-seater races in his career before that.
5. Most importantly, he has finished 1 pt off a WDC title and Massa has not even with a very fast car been above P3 in standings.

:)

edit: just a thought occurred to me...If MS had decided not to retire and Kimi had said yes to joining Ferrari...would we even be having this discussion of Massa being in with a chance to win the title? He would be their test driver.

:)

There seems to be a misperception here amongst some of my esteemed forum members. I was commenting on who is favoured to win the WDC and I feel it is Massa who holds the edge in the Ferrari camp. He often matched Schumi this year and will have a better relationship with the Ferrari team and an understanding of how to get the best from the Ferrari team. Kimi still has to do that, get used to a new car, new tyre, new politics etc etc. Therefore, Massa is my favourite to win the title, that is if Ferrari actually build a competitive car. For all we know, neither Kimi nor Massa have a chance next year ;)

And I still stand by my opinion that Kimi is overrated. Sorry harsha :)

[Ranger]

I dont question Kimi's speed. I question the reputation he has.

Phew, so we finally realise that he is an overrated drinker. ;)

[555-04Q2]

Phew, so we finally realise that he is an overrated drinker. ;)

:up: :laugh: Yeah, something like that :laugh: :up:

[samuratt]

I don't think he is overrated, I think that the people have too much hype when talking about him.

he is a very good driver, but he is no god.

I would say that Massa has an edge over Kimi, not only because he knows the team, but because he his a hard worker as well, while Kimi (at least it seems by what we do read on the media) does not like it that much.

[agwiii]

Sanity? :eek: Here? :eek: There's a thought :p :

:up:

Well Arrows, this could be one of the best posts of the year!

[Dzeidzei]

That is a good question since I don't know why Massa receives better support than suprafast Kimi!

:O

There are some guys (you know who you are) whos life depends on bashing Kimi. Who knows, maybe some Finnish girl said no in the past? Whatever the reason, I guess the logic goes as follows: if Kimi is instantly faster than Massa people know that he would have beaten Schumi. If they are instantly equally fast, people know it would have been a close call. If Kimi by the 2nd half of next season is .5 secs faster than Massa, everyone knows he would have beaten MS.

The only interesting thing in all this is: what will these guys say when Massa cannot keep up with Kimi? What will the excuses be? How will they bash Kimi then? Oh yes, he doesnt talk eloquently enough to the press. Oh yes, he sometimes drinks more than is allowed by American standards. Oh yes, blah blah.

I never liked MS because of his unsportmanlike behavior. All those stunts he pulled, starting from the stuff he pulled on Mika Häkkinen at Macao years and years ago... He was a petty, small person who damaged a lot of the spirit in F1. At the same time Im ready to say that he was, is and will be the best, most successful driver in the history of F1. I never thought he was the fastest, but surely the best.

I think it shows balls to admit why you hate some drivers. Id appreciate other people showing that too, but I dont expect that.

Bashing is so much more fun, isnt it?

[555-04Q2]

There are some guys (you know who you are) whos life depends on bashing Kimi. Who knows, maybe some Finnish girl said no in the past? Whatever the reason, I guess the logic goes as follows: if Kimi is instantly faster than Massa people know that he would have beaten Schumi. If they are instantly equally fast, people know it would have been a close call. If Kimi by the 2nd half of next season is .5 secs faster than Massa, everyone knows he would have beaten MS.

The only interesting thing in all this is: what will these guys say when Massa cannot keep up with Kimi? What will the excuses be? How will they bash Kimi then? Oh yes, he doesnt talk eloquently enough to the press. Oh yes, he sometimes drinks more than is allowed by American standards. Oh yes, blah blah.

I never liked MS because of his unsportmanlike behavior. All those stunts he pulled, starting from the stuff he pulled on Mika Häkkinen at Macao years and years ago... He was a petty, small person who damaged a lot of the spirit in F1. At the same time Im ready to say that he was, is and will be the best, most successful driver in the history of F1. I never thought he was the fastest, but surely the best.

I think it shows balls to admit why you hate some drivers. Id appreciate other people showing that too, but I dont expect that.

Bashing is so much more fun, isnt it?

And what will the excuses be when Kimi can't keep up with Massa :?: It works both ways mate ;)

[Dzeidzei]

And what will the excuses be when Kimi can't keep up with Massa :?: It works both ways mate ;)

I´ll be the first to admit that Massa is faster. I still havent heard why you dont like Finns. And FYI, I dont get offended. I think its a basic right to have your own opinion, no matter how stupid it is. And I´ll defend everyones right for that opinion. Even yours.

But as the bashing has no real grounds, Id like to know your reasons.

Thats all. Have balls.

[janneppi]

And what will the excuses be when Kimi can't keep up with Massa :?: It works both ways mate ;)


It of course takes time to integrate yourself to the team. :D

[555-04Q2]

It of course takes time to integrate yourself to the team. :D

I thought you would say that :p :

[555-04Q2]

I´ll be the first to admit that Massa is faster. I still havent heard why you dont like Finns. And FYI, I dont get offended. I think its a basic right to have your own opinion, no matter how stupid it is. And I´ll defend everyones right for that opinion. Even yours.

But as the bashing has no real grounds, Id like to know your reasons.

Thats all. Have balls.

1. Who said I dont like Finns :?:
2. I am not bashing Kimi, merely stating a FACT that he is overated for what he has done in F1. That is not an opinion but a FACTUAL observation from the last 7 years.
3. Have balls :?: Do you see me running/hiding :?: Stupid and childish comment which I will not honour with a proper response seeing as it is the festive season.

[Dzeidzei]

1. Who said I dont like Finns :?:
2. I am not bashing Kimi, merely stating a FACT that he is overated for what he has done in F1. That is not an opinion but a FACTUAL observation from the last 7 years.
3. Have balls :?: Do you see me running/hiding :?: Stupid and childish comment which I will not honour with a proper response seeing as it is the festive season.

Just on you 1st answer: Its not an opinion, but a FACTUAL observation from your postings.

I think you run and hide, but like I said in the original post, I dont expect people to admit why they hate certain people. Its very human, so youre forgiven anyway. Its the festive season, as you said.

Merry Xmas to everyone.

PS. Anyway, if youre not bashing Kimi, how did you recognise yourself from my post? I didnt specify who I meant.

[Ranger]

Just on you 1st answer: Its not an opinion, but a FACTUAL observation from your postings.

But he hasn't rubbished Heikki, Mika or any other Finnish drivers has he?


PS. Anyway, if youre not bashing Kimi, how did you recognise yourself from my post? I didnt specify who I meant.

Probably because, in this particular forum, there are a lot of labels thrown around for people with different opinions, and people feel a right to defend that label because it comes close enough to that opinion, despite the fact that it mightn't be directed at them.

It happens all the time around here so its not really surprising.

and Merry Christmas to you too.

[555-04Q2]

PS. Anyway, if youre not bashing Kimi, how did you recognise yourself from my post? I didnt specify who I meant.

Because you quoted me with an "originally posted by" quotation. If you didn't mean me, then post it in a seperate post or after another quotation.

P.S. See your post # 83.

[Dzeidzei]

and Merry Christmas to you too.


Dont want to cause any sort of bashing. Just think that its okay not to like some drivers (I already revealed my mixed feelings on MS), its human and people are entitled to their opinion. But clearly there are fans who like the bashing for the whatever fun it gives them. Like the alleged drinking habbits of a certain driver, etc.

I could do the same. I could say that Webber cannot make it, cause he looks like a fag and bytheway drinks a lot of Fosters. But I dont. Firstly bacause these things probably are not true (except for the Fosters, I hope :) ) and secondly they have nothng to do with Webbo as a racer.

But Id be happy to see a discussion on how he´ll have to beat the hell out of DC to show what he´s really made of. Its like with Kimi: the time of excuses is over now. Its time to deliver.

You guys see the point?


Merry Xmas to all.

[DexDexter]

1. Because we support Ferrari.
2. Because Massa has settled well at Ferrari, drove well and consistantly and has a massive advantage over Kimi as far as knowing how the team gels/works.
3. Kimi won no races this year, even the average Button won a race.
4. Kimi cannot test until January, not much time to get used to the new car.
5. Most importantly, Kimi is overrated.


1. Great
2. Coulthard was also well settled at Mclaren when Kimi arrived. Did Massa drive well, he lost to his teammate in an identical car, didn't he?
3. Kimi's car didn't allow him to compete for race wins, just like Schumi's car last year. How did Montoya do in a similar car? Crashed, mainly.
4. Not a big problem, Alonso is in the same situation, they will adjust.
5. Kimi's done everything possible with the equipment he has had. What can he do if a car breaks down or is designed badly? Well, at least beat his teammate, which he has done every year at Mclaren. In business, your salary usually tells you how good you are, and as you know, next year Kimi tops that list.

Merry Christmas.

[jens]

In business, your salary usually tells you how good you are, and as you know, next year Kimi tops that list.


From that sentence we might conclude that Ralf is one of the two best drivers in F1?

[rlenis]

1. Great
3. Kimi's car didn't allow him to compete for race wins, just like Schumi's car last year. How did Montoya do in a similar car? Crashed, mainly.
Merry Christmas.

Actuallty they both did. However I must admit that Kimi was systematically faster then Montoya for the time they raced togehter. I think that towards the end of the season Honda and perhaps BMW had surpass the Mcrapen, but Kimi made the difference. I hightly doubt that any other two drivers would have gotten better results out of last season car.

[janneppi]

5. Kimi's done everything possible with the equipment he has had. What can he do if a car breaks down or is designed badly? Well, at least beat his teammate, which he has done every year at Mclaren.

Merry Christmas.
Except in 2002, where DC got 41 point and Kimi 24.
Since then he's been the better driver.

I wouldn't be terribly surprised if Massa was close to Kimi, or even faster than him in the early races, i think he is faster than he was "allowed" to be this year.
But if Kimi doesn't end up in front of him in the final points(without aliens falling on top of Kimi's car), Ferrari bought the wrong horse. :)

[Juppe]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/56076



Montezemolo: Raikkonen must win '07 title

By Michele Lostia Wednesday, December 20th 2006, 17:50 GMT


Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo says Kimi Raikkonen must seize the opportunity and win the world championship for the Italian team next season.

With rivals Renault having captured the title in the past two years, di Montezemolo believes that Raikkonen must fulfil his potential in 2007 and win his first title, which the Ferrari president believes would have already happened had it not been for poor car reliability at McLaren.

"It must be said that in 2005 Raikkonen would have won the championship with a more reliable car," he was quoted as saying by Gazzetta dello Sport.

"He broke down five times, and he was always in the lead. So now he must understand this is the time to win the title.

"(Felipe) Massa goes extremely quickly and maybe he will be faster systematically. I hope they will both go quickly."

He added: "We are ready to get back to winning ways. This way Jean Todt would be able to retire serenely and so would I.

"Schumacher arrived at the right time and now arrives Raikkonen, also at the right time."

Amid continued questioning about Raikkonen's partying lifestyle, di Montezemolo said he has no concerns about the Finn's approach to the job.

"It happens to everyone to get drunk at times," he said. "(Eddie) Irvine was a bit like that too. It also happened to a guy from Kerpen, no matter how difficult it is to believe it.

"I'm not worried at all about Kimi. He is motivated and he has the right approach with Ferrari."


Now this is interesting.... Luca di Montezemolo is clearly putting Kimi ahead of Massa. How did this happen, when Kimi hasn't driven one meter of Ferrari yet?

But I love the way he hits at McLaren! :D

[jens]

Now this is interesting.... Luca di Montezemolo is clearly putting Kimi ahead of Massa. How did this happen, when Kimi hasn't driven one meter of Ferrari yet?


"(Felipe) Massa goes extremely quickly and maybe he will be faster systematically. I hope they will both go quickly."

That sentence does not refer to putting him "clearly ahead".

[Juppe]

"(Felipe) Massa goes extremely quickly and maybe he will be faster systematically. I hope they will both go quickly."

That sentence does not refer to putting him "clearly ahead".

Ok, maybe I got too carried away, but it somehow sounds like that, because he talks how Kimi must win the title and then remembers that he should probably say something about Massa as well....

[jens]

I don't think he is overrated, I think that the people have too much hype when talking about him.

You may have a point in that sentence. Kimi is now the driver, who probably gets more attention than any other driver in F1 (well, after Michael has left). Some say that he has no personality, but on the other hand such personality attracts attention. Even if he has been out of top contention (2001, the first half of 2004), he was still one of the most discussed drivers. At the same time some other drivers might be close to the top, but they are still somehow overlooked (like Rubens during his Ferrari period). The conspicuousness of a personality seems to make driver to look better (like Montoya) or weaker (like Heidfeld).

[DexDexter]

From that sentence we might conclude that Ralf is one of the two best drivers in F1?

When Ralf made the deal, he was in a competitive car and winning races, so yes, at the time he was highly rated.

[DexDexter]

Except in 2002, where DC got 41 point and Kimi 24.
Since then he's been the better driver.

I wouldn't be terribly surprised if Massa was close to Kimi, or even faster than him in the early races, i think he is faster than he was "allowed" to be this year.
But if Kimi doesn't end up in front of him in the final points(without aliens falling on top of Kimi's car), Ferrari bought the wrong horse. :)


Outqualified Coulthard though, 11-5 or something in 2002...for me that means more than those results in which the well-known reliability of Mclaren played a huge role.

[harsha]

555-who did you really want as schumacher's replacement at ferrari... :?:

[555-04Q2]

555-who did you really want as schumacher's replacement at ferrari... :?:

I was hoping it would be Rossi after the testing etc he did with them. To be honest, there is no driver in F1 at the moment that I would want in a Ferrari seat except maybe Massa who is in the car already. When Raikkonen was announced as a possible replacement, I was rather dissapointed. He is quick yes, but not one of my favourite drivers. There is just something about him that gets my goat :p :

P.S. I always wanted Mika in a Ferrari seat, particularly while Schumi was there, but that never happened :(

[harsha]

i didn't want Raikkonen in a Ferrari either.....looks like i need to get used to seeing him in a ferrari RED... :p :

do you rate Felipe Massa as a better driver than Kimi Raikkonen

[555-04Q2]

1. Great
2. Coulthard was also well settled at Mclaren when Kimi arrived. Did Massa drive well, he lost to his teammate in an identical car, didn't he?
3. Kimi's car didn't allow him to compete for race wins, just like Schumi's car last year. How did Montoya do in a similar car? Crashed, mainly.
4. Not a big problem, Alonso is in the same situation, they will adjust.
5. Kimi's done everything possible with the equipment he has had. What can he do if a car breaks down or is designed badly? Well, at least beat his teammate, which he has done every year at Mclaren. In business, your salary usually tells you how good you are, and as you know, next year Kimi tops that list.

Merry Christmas.

1. Very great :p :
2. Yeah but DC beat him in 2002 I think.
3. Schumi won many races with Ferrari in 96 and 97 against far superior Williams cars.
4. I hope they do for the sake of the championship :up:
5. There is still the question of his car breaking driving style. His reliability vs his teammates is not good. Money does not mean you are a good employee, race driver, doctor etc etc ;)

[555-04Q2]

i didn't want Raikkonen in a Ferrari either.....looks like i need to get used to seeing him in a ferrari RED... :p :

do you rate Felipe Massa as a better driver than Kimi Raikkonen

Everyone looks good in red ;)

I dont rate Massa as a better driver than Kimi. I do rate Massa as a more settled driver of the two for the start of the 2007 season though.

[Ranger]

3. Schumi won many races with Ferrari in 96 and 97 against far superior Williams cars.

We know. But the situation now (in 2006) as opposed to 1996/7 is much different.
The first being that (I don't think many can deny this) nowadays the drivers are much more talented than in 1996 and 1997, if I may say so.

Villeneuve and Hill were talented but they are not in the league of Schumacher, Alonso, Raikkonen, etc.

The chances of Raikkonen being able to beat Alonso and Schumacher in superior cars, whilst also fending off the similar paced Hondas was very narrow.

I'm not sure how many buggered up pitlane dilemmas and poor team strategies dogged Michael Schumacher during those years either, which was something Kimi faced this year many times. ie. Canada, Germany, not to mention the car gave up when it looked like it was in a winning position ie. Monaco, China.

Putting all these factors into perspective, the only real chance of a victory that he had was in Hungary, which I am still scratching my head about. He should have won that race, and that was my only question mark over Kimi this year.


5. There is still the question of his car breaking driving style. His reliability vs his teammates is not good.

Regardless of whether or not reliability problems were his fault or not, he has comprehensively beat race-winning team-mates who were once very much favourites to win titles in terms of results and standings, and who were often rated in the top 2 or 3 drivers on the grid.

That tells me all I need to know.

[555-04Q2]

We know. But the situation now (in 2006) as opposed to 1996/7 is much different.
The first being that (I don't think many can deny this) nowadays the drivers are much more talented than in 1996 and 1997, if I may say so.

I'm sure Mika Hakkinen would have something to say about that ;)

[Ranger]

I'm sure Mika Hakkinen would have something to say about that ;)

Of course he would!

But he never did stand out in poor machinery and hence was not a factor in any of the championships pre-1998.

[F1boat]

IMO Hill and Hakkinen were great drivers.

[Ranger]

I think so too.

I just do not think that they were better than Fernando and Kimi are now.

[XR8]

So what happens if Kimi wins nearly every race? Does that mean that Schumi was never any good of a driver and it was the Ferrari all the time!

[Ranger]

So what happens if Kimi wins nearly every race? Does that mean that Schumi was never any good of a driver and it was the Ferrari all the time!
Not at all.

I thought we were past this. You need to look at the 1990's to see his performances in less than top machinery.

[555-04Q2]

You need to look at the 1990's to see his performances in less than top machinery.

Indeed :up: That is when he showed that he was the next great F1 champion. No one knew it would end up being the most successful career in F1 history.

[Tomi]

Kovalainen my favorite for the title.

[agwiii]

Everyone looks good in red ;)

I dont rate Massa as a better driver than Kimi. I do rate Massa as a more settled driver of the two for the start of the 2007 season though.

Good observation. I think that Massa has nothing to lose in 2007. OTOH, it seems most people expect Kimi to win the title in 2007, and that puts huge pressure on him - the greatest in his career. How he handles that pressure could determine the 2007 Championship.

[Juppe]

Good observation. I think that Massa has nothing to lose in 2007. OTOH, it seems most people expect Kimi to win the title in 2007, and that puts huge pressure on him - the greatest in his career. How he handles that pressure could determine the 2007 Championship.


The thing about Kimi is that he takes no pressure from outside, which makes him almost invulnerable to any expectations. I feel that Massa might be more vulnerable to pressure than Kimi is, although I have no specific example to support this view. So it may not be true, but we'll see.

Felipe has loaded himseld expectations and now he needs to live up to them, so he is under pressure by his own doing.

There is a true story about Kimi's first grand prix with Sauber. It was time to get into the car, but Kimi was nowhere to be found and they finally went to look for him from his trailer and found Kimi fast asleep.... that's how much pressure he felt before his first F1 gp.

[RaikkonenRules]

There is a true story about Kimi's first grand prix with Sauber. It was time to get into the car, but Kimi was nowhere to be found and they finally went to look for him from his trailer and found Kimi fast asleep.... that's how much pressure he felt before his first F1 gp.

:rotflmao:

[Copse]

Kovalainen my favorite for the title.

Heikki is my favourite for second in the championship ;)

I can't decide if Kimi's gremlins will move with him to Ferrari, or if they'll stay and plague Alonso. Either of those guys will beat Heikki, he's a rookie after all. And sadly, Massa might be up there too... :(

[agwiii]

Our poll seems to follow the media's expectation that Kimi can only lose the 2007 WDC. I think that is huge pressure on Kimi, and it will be interesting to see how he holds up under that pressure.









(Sigh - if only it were Mika and not Kimi.)

[F1boat]

T I feel that Massa might be more vulnerable to pressure than Kimi is, although I have no specific example to support this view.

Hungarian GP Qualifying.

[Ranger]

Hungarian GP Qualifying.

I'd like to add that I can't picture Kimi almost putting his foot through the left side of the floor at the first surprise sign of smoke a la Monza, where Felipe ruined his own race via unneccesarily hard braking by missing the chicane and having to pit to replace his flatspotted tyres.

Though Kimi has had his infamous deals with flatspots (Nurburgring '05), I don't think he makes those sorts of mistakes as a result of pressure. Same thing with Hungary '06.

[agwiii]

There is a true story about Kimi's first grand prix with Sauber. It was time to get into the car, but Kimi was nowhere to be found and they finally went to look for him from his trailer and found Kimi fast asleep.... that's how much pressure he felt before his first F1 gp.


That may be true, however that has nothing to do with him not feeling pressure. Sleep is the classical way for those with clinical depression to avoid their problems. Sleep just before the start of a race is an inappropriate reaction to the stress.

[zoostation]

That may be true, however that has nothing to do with him not feeling pressure. Sleep is the classical way for those with clinical depression to avoid their problems. Sleep just before the start of a race is an inappropriate reaction to the stress.

? i love sleep and im content with my life :p

[jens]

Interesting to see you mentioning that Räikkönen does not feel pressure. I remember him cracking under pressure in several 2003 qualifyings and in Canada 2006. Well, his nerves in race conditions are probably better than some other driver's, but it can't be said that he is "totally iceman".

Tough to say about Massa - he has never been in a championship challenging situation or in tight battle for a race win. He probably felt pressure at the start of 2006, which caused some errors, but later got used to driving in a top team.

[Juppe]

That may be true, however that has nothing to do with him not feeling pressure. Sleep is the classical way for those with clinical depression to avoid their problems. Sleep just before the start of a race is an inappropriate reaction to the stress.

I don't necessarily agree with you diagnosis, but just out of curiosity - what is an appropriate reaction to stress, if sleeping is inappropriate?

[Juppe]

Interesting to see you mentioning that Räikkönen does not feel pressure. I remember him cracking under pressure in several 2003 qualifyings and in Canada 2006. Well, his nerves in race conditions are probably better than some other driver's, but it can't be said that he is "totally iceman".

Tough to say about Massa - he has never been in a championship challenging situation or in tight battle for a race win. He probably felt pressure at the start of 2006, which caused some errors, but later got used to driving in a top team.

It is true that Kimi f***** up during 2003 in qualifying a few times, but was it because he felt the pressure or was it simply, because he tried to out drive the car that was not the fastest on the grid?

Most of the time its kind of difficult to tell that what is the root cause for the mistake, is it because they feel the pressure or is it just a mistake with no psychological implications?

[F1boat]

? i love sleep and im content with my life :p

:) :) :)

[agwiii]

I don't necessarily agree with you diagnosis, but just out of curiosity - what is an appropriate reaction to stress, if sleeping is inappropriate?

Juppe, we all have stress in our lives. Some events are more stressful than others. Kimi's JOB and CAREER is to be an F1 driver. To fall asleep just before the start is odd -- inappropriate. There are healthy ways to deal with stress, and to use it as a motivator rather than as an escape.

[agwiii]

It is true that Kimi f***** up during 2003 in qualifying a few times, but was it because he felt the pressure or was it simply, because he tried to out drive the car that was not the fastest on the grid?

Most of the time its kind of difficult to tell that what is the root cause for the mistake, is it because they feel the pressure or is it just a mistake with no psychological implications?

Juppe - I think the answer is fairly simple. All humans make mistakes - it's part of our nature. Most of us get to make mistakes without several million people watching us. I can't fault any driver for not being perfect.

[DonJippo]

Juppe, we all have stress in our lives. Some events are more stressful than others. Kimi's JOB and CAREER is to be an F1 driver. To fall asleep just before the start is odd -- inappropriate. There are healthy ways to deal with stress, and to use it as a motivator rather than as an escape.

And you have the competencies to say it's inappropriate?

[harsha]

It is Kimi's to lose,the way i see it,Unless Mclaren build a good,reliable car for Alonso,i don't see anyone really challenging Kimi for the title(unless he get's the bad luck to Ferrari)

[Viv]

I expect Massa to be the biggest competitor for Kimi, unless McLaren build a good car. But I do think that Renault will be good too, and will give Ferrari a good contest...atleast at the start of the season.

[agwiii]

And you have the competencies to say it's inappropriate?

And you argue that it is? Is this how you deal with stress in your career -- falling asleep?

[agwiii]

It is Kimi's to lose,the way i see it, Unless Mclaren build a good,reliable car for Alonso,i don't see anyone really challenging Kimi for the title (unless he get's the bad luck to Ferrari)

I agree. Unless something unexpected happens, most observers expect Kimi to win the WDC in 2007. At the same time, this also seems to be the 'do or die' season for Kimi. I hope it will be an interesting season.

[DonJippo]

And you argue that it is? Is this how you deal with stress in your career -- falling asleep?

Can you give the answer to my question? What competencies or skills you have to define it as inappropriate?

[Juppe]

And you argue that it is? Is this how you deal with stress in your career -- falling asleep?

If Kimi took a nap before a press conference, then I would probably agree with you that this is his way of dealing with stress, because Kimi is obviously stressed out whenever dealing with the media.

But I do not agree with you that he is stressed because of racing - that is the part of his career he loves. He has always said that without the publicity and PR his job would be heaven and that he endures it, because it makes it possible for him to race.

Besides Kimi is not the kind of guy who would do a job that gives him extreme stress year in and year out - so I do not buy your explanation about his immense stress. There was a reason, why Ron gave him the nickname "iceman" and it was not his vulnerability to pressure.

So you may want to try something else.

[agwiii]

If Kimi took a nap before a press conference, then I would probably agree with you that this is his way of dealing with stress, because Kimi is obviously stressed out whenever dealing with the media.

But I do not agree with you that he is stressed because of racing - that is the part of his career he loves. He has always said that without the publicity and PR his job would be heaven and that he endures it, because it makes it possible for him to race.

Besides Kimi is not the kind of guy who would do a job that gives him extreme stress year in and year out - so I do not buy your explanation about his immense stress. There was a reason, why Ron gave him the nickname "iceman" and it was not his vulnerability to pressure.

So you may want to try something else.

Falling asleep - if that really happened -- is not an appropriate reaction to stress. My question to you is how often does he fall asleep just before a race? Just before qualy? Just before practice? Just before testing? If you think he does not suffer from stress, then you don't understand humans. They all suffer from stress. You write as if you know him. Do you? I don't think iceman was given to him by the Ronster, but from his origins in Finland.

[Juppe]

Falling asleep - if that really happened -- is not an appropriate reaction to stress. My question to you is how often does he fall asleep just before a race? Just before qualy? Just before practice? Just before testing? If you think he does not suffer from stress, then you don't understand humans. They all suffer from stress. You write as if you know him. Do you? I don't think iceman was given to him by the Ronster, but from his origins in Finland.

Obviously everybody suffers from stress, but what I meant is that Kimi in my opinionion suffers more from PR-duties than from racing.

I do not know him personnally, but have followed him for many years and been able to see his interviews with his native language. That helps to understand him. But you write like you are his shrink, are you?

But I do know that the "iceman" nickname was given by Ron Dennis, at least Ron himself said so and I have no reason to believe he lies.

[Juppe]

http://www.crash.net/news_view~t~Kovalainen--I-can-fight-them-all-~cid~1~id~141593.htm

Fellow Finn Heikki gives here some insight to Kimi's mentality:





Kovalainen: I can fight them all!

......

"I've already spoken to Fernando about next year and I've told him I'll be fighting with him," he told the Sunday Mirror. "He told me not to worry, he'll attack too. It's going to be healthy competition. I'm looking forward to it. Every driver in Formula One thinks they're the best and yes, I think that, too. I believe I can fight them all."

Indeed, Kovalainen is a much anticipated addition to the F1 grid for 2007 having claimed the runner-up spot in the 2005 GP2 Series, preceding that with victory in the 2004 World Series by Nissan. He was also the surprise winner of the 2004 Race of Champions when he famously beat Michael Schumacher and Sebastien Loeb.

Furthermore, he matched Alonso and team-mate Giancarlo Fisichella in testing through the year, although Kovalainen realises most comparisons are going to be made between himself and Finnish counterpart Kimi Raikkonen.

"Kimi knows I will fight with him, I don't have to tell him that. If I did he probably wouldn't care anyway. He would just say, 'Yeah, whatever'. He's such a laid-back type of character."

Kovalainen though admits he rues missing the opportunity to take Michael Schumacher on in a Formula One car and challenge his legendary status having already begun a rivalry with him back in 2004

.....

[Narr]

Kovalainen has in my opinion no chance the same as Hamilton, they will both be learning new stuff and they may well impress but won't win a WDC on their first try.

Kimi could win if he's in a totally dominant car but, and I can't quantify this as it's a feeling, but I just don't think he's got that extra quality that will give him the WDC in a less than superior car.

I wouldn't rule out McLaren to deliver a good car and if Honda's departure from Willis carries on the way it did in 2006 then the car should be good and may deliver a few wins and if the opposition takes points from each other then it could be a close WDC with McLaren, Honda and Ferrari.

From what I saw last year Massa is not WDC material.....at all.

[Shalafi]

Kovalainen has in my opinion no chance the same as Hamilton, they will both be learning new stuff and they may well impress but won't win a WDC on their first try.

Kimi could win if he's in a totally dominant car but, and I can't quantify this as it's a feeling, but I just don't think he's got that extra quality that will give him the WDC in a less than superior car.

I wouldn't rule out McLaren to deliver a good car and if Honda's departure from Willis carries on the way it did in 2006 then the car should be good and may deliver a few wins and if the opposition takes points from each other then it could be a close WDC with McLaren, Honda and Ferrari.

From what I saw last year Massa is not WDC material.....at all.

Its completely different situation with Heikki and Lewis. Heikki has tested that Renault so much that he knows the car and team upside down...only question is that is he good enough and how quickly he will adapt F1 racing. My bet is that he will beat Fisi this season.

As for Kimi, if Ferrari will keep its current level, he will completely destroy the competition. He and Alonso are clearly above the rest of the drivers when comparing the driving ability (unless Lewis and Heikki are something really special). If you have not seeing that like all the F1 experts and team bosses in last few seasons, you are blind.

[Narr]

Its completely different situation with Heikki and Lewis. Heikki has tested that Renault so much that he knows the car and team upside down...only question is that is he good enough and how quickly he will adapt F1 racing. My bet is that he will beat Fisi this season.

As for Kimi, if Ferrari will keep its current level, he will completely destroy the competition. He and Alonso are clearly above the rest of the drivers when comparing the driving ability (unless Lewis and Heikki are something really special). If you have not seeing that like all the F1 experts and team bosses in last few seasons, you are blind.

Testing doesn't equate to race wins there have been enough testers turned drivers to prove that.

Alonso is an excellent driver but Kimi needs to prive how good he is, maybe in a certain F1 car he's good but it's not been proven that he can adapt and change and he stlll looks like the imcomplete product.

[Juppe]

Testing doesn't equate to race wins there have been enough testers turned drivers to prove that.

Alonso is an excellent driver but Kimi needs to prive how good he is, maybe in a certain F1 car he's good but it's not been proven that he can adapt and change and he stlll looks like the imcomplete product.


Sorry to crash into the party, but Kimi has proven his worth by finishing two points down to the mighty MS in an intefior car.

If you do not know that you've been watching F1 for a very short time.

[jens]

Sorry to crash into the party, but Kimi has proven his worth by finishing two points down to the mighty MS in an intefior car.


To be honest, Kimi was pretty lucky that season as well and even if he had already retired, still something happened to Michael. Don't think that by pure speed he was better than Michael then, as you're trying to say that he was so close and must have been better.

[Juppe]

To be honest, Kimi was pretty lucky that season as well and even if he had already retired, still something happened to Michael. Don't think that by pure speed he was better than Michael then, as you're trying to say that he was so close and must have been better.

No, that is actually not what I was trying to say.

I saw the season as well and know that they were both lucky and unlucky at times.

I meant what I said, that Kimi proved his worth by taking it down to the last race and never giving up even though he was the under-dog most of the season. And it was a three way race towards the end when JPM was there as well, but could not quite keep it up to the last races.

[jens]

No, that is actually not what I was trying to say.

I saw the season as well and know that they were both lucky and unlucky at times.



OK. Slight misunderstanding then. :)

[agwiii]

Obviously everybody suffers from stress, but what I meant is that Kimi in my opinionion suffers more from PR-duties than from racing. I do not know him personnally, but have followed him for many years and been able to see his interviews with his native language. That helps to understand him. But you write like you are his shrink, are you?

Other than your opinion about someone whom you do know know, you have no basis to suggest that Kimi has more stress from the media than from racing. Who know is this is true -- certainly not me or you!

Why do you feel you must be an apologist for Kimi?

[Juppe]

Other than your opinion about someone whom you do know know, you have no basis to suggest that Kimi has more stress from the media than from racing. Who know is this is true -- certainly not me or you!

Why do you feel you must be an apologist for Kimi?


Never apologized for anything that does not need to an apology - there always needs to be an antagonist for the likes of you who crusade against something rather than for something.

[Bagwan]

Other than your opinion about someone whom you do know know, you have no basis to suggest that Kimi has more stress from the media than from racing. Who know is this is true -- certainly not me or you!


Did you not respond , in another thread , that you thought that Kimi's sleeping before a race was an innapropriate reaction to the stress of the situation ?

You formed an opinion with no idea whether Kimi had been on a stress-induced binge the night before .

You saw the closed eyes , and didn't think that perhaps he was just ducking out of the press line by pretending .

You saw the eyes shut , and didn't realize that he had just stubbed his toe .

Cut your fellow forumers some slack , and let them have thier own opinions .


My opinion , being that Kimi looks about as comfortable in front of the press as Mika did when he started in to winning ways , is that the camera provides more stress for Kimi than the car .
That can change , as it did for Mika . He was like interviewing a stick early on , but became an entertainer as time progressed and he became used to the situation .


Can Kimi win it ?
He and Massa have the best chance .
It will be close .

[agwiii]

Never apologized for anything that does not need to an apology - there always needs to be an antagonist for the likes of you who crusade against something rather than for something.

What on earth do you, dear juppe, think I am crusading for?

[agwiii]

My opinion , being that Kimi looks about as comfortable in front of the press as Mika did when he started in to winning ways , is that the camera provides more stress for Kimi than the car .
That can change , as it did for Mika . He was like interviewing a stick early on , but became an entertainer as time progressed and he became used to the situation.

Okay, you're now granted the ability to have an opinion. :)

It's a mistake to compare Kimi to Mika. Their common nationality misleads many to think they have much in common.

[agwiii]

Can Kimi win it ?
He and Massa have the best chance .
It will be close .

Here we agree. It seems that Ferrari enters 2007 in the strongest position and most people expect Kimi to win the WDC. There have been a couple of cautioning articles on Autosport.

You're exactly right - "it will be close." I hope it makes for an interesting season, don't you?

:)

[Viv]

I do hope it is close. And I also hope Massa does well. I like Massa and he has improved though I think he's a little way off Kimi and Alonso at the moment. Then again I thought Kimi was a little behind Montoya till the European GP at Nurburgring in 2003..so I hope Massa proves me wrong and fights for the title. I hope Fisi fights too but... :(

[Bagwan]

Okay, you're now granted the ability to have an opinion. :)

It's a mistake to compare Kimi to Mika. Their common nationality misleads many to think they have much in common.

So , I'm granted an opinion , but , I'm mistaken and mislead ?

You do have a way with words .

You are/were a teacher , right ?

Plenty of drivers sleep before a race. Nelson Piquet would often snooze whilst sat in the car on the grid. I'm sure I've seen Barrichello do it to.

According the trainer of one driver I have worked with, it's a way of shutting out the external pressures before the race, allowing the driver to be clear-minded when the time comes.

Therefore I don't believe that in this specific instance, it's an inappropriate response to the situation and is clearly different from stress-induced sleep. If anything, it suggests a driver with the mental ability to be pro-active in stress-reducing.

After all, it didn't do Piquet Sr's chances any harm.

Who is this "Someone Else" that people have voted for? If he's as good as some believe, how come nobody has signed him?

[Juppe]

Plenty of drivers sleep before a race. Nelson Piquet would often snooze whilst sat in the car on the grid. I'm sure I've seen Barrichello do it to.

According the trainer of one driver I have worked with, it's a way of shutting out the external pressures before the race, allowing the driver to be clear-minded when the time comes.

Therefore I don't believe that in this specific instance, it's an inappropriate response to the situation and is clearly different from stress-induced sleep. If anything, it suggests a driver with the mental ability to be pro-active in stress-reducing.

After all, it didn't do Piquet Sr's chances any harm.


I think you are quite right on the subject and some researchers seem to agree:


http://www.fi.edu/brain/sleep.htm#stressbehavior



Stress and Sleep Patterns-Study

Why do some people lose sleep during periods of stress, while others seem to "sleep like a baby"? Research suggests that the difference may be explained by the ways people cope.

At Tel Aviv University, Dr. Avi Sadeh conducted a study of students. He found that those "who tended to focus on their emotions and anxiety during the high-stress period were more likely to shorten their sleep, while those who tended to ignore emotions and focus on tasks extended their sleep and shut themselves off from stress."

The researchers think that "stress may take the During a routine week of studies, and again during a highly stressful month, sleep patterns of 36 students (aged 22 to 32) were documented. Sleep quality improved or remained the same for students who directed their focus away from their emotions, but diminished for those who fretted and brooded as a way to cope with stress.

Almost titling his paper, "If you can't cope with it, sleep on it," Sadeh said "sometimes sleep can help you regulate your nervousness and offer you an escape from stress, particularly when there's nothing you can do about it."


So it turns out that sleep is in fact a very appropriate and useful reaction to stress...

[agwiii]

So it turns out that sleep is in fact a very appropriate and useful reaction to stress.

It's a matter of timing. While it is healthy to have sex, but it would not be appropriate on the grid before the start of the race.

[agwiii]

Plenty of drivers sleep before a race. Nelson Piquet would often snooze whilst sat in the car on the grid. I'm sure I've seen Barrichello do it to.

Tamburello - All drivers sleep before a race. It's a matter of timing.

[agwiii]

Who is this "Someone Else" that people have voted for? If he's as good as some believe, how come nobody has signed him?

Tamburello - Someone Else is a test driver. However, I am sworn to secrecy by the FIA, and thus I cannot reveal the identify of the team.

:)

[Juppe]

It's a matter of timing. While it is healthy to have sex, but it would not be appropriate on the grid before the start of the race.

Thank you for your highly relevant input on the subject. I couldn't agree more!

The cockpits are really too darn small for that!

[Valve Bounce]

How about Taku? Lotsa guys here reckons he's a great driver.

[agwiii]

Thank you for your highly relevant input on the subject. I couldn't agree more!

The cockpits are really too darn small for that!

You lack imagination. It is only a matter of timing.

[jens]

How about Taku? Lotsa guys here reckons he's a great driver.

Takuma is that "Someone Else", who has got 35 votes. :p :

[agwiii]

Takuma is that "Someone Else", who has got 35 votes. :p :

LOL

[Valentino Rossi Boy]

Felipe Massa has got a change of being F1 World Champion

[Eki]

I think this year might be the best if not even the last chance for Massa or Fisichella to win the WDC. They both have experience in their competetive teams. Räikkönen and Kovalainen are both new to their teams. Alonso is also new, and in addition I don't think McLaren can improve that much in a year that they'll have a championship winning car.

[Knock-on]

Who is this "Someone Else" that people have voted for? If he's as good as some believe, how come nobody has signed him?

It's actually an anagram for Jenson Button but the Mod who put the poll up is dyslexic.

[Eki]

It's actually an anagram for Jenson Button but the Mod who put the poll up is dyslexic.
No, it's an anagram of Moses Leone. He will replace one of the current driver mid-season and win all the remaining races.

[harsha]

the poll wasn't kept by a moderator,it was made by the thread starter in the few days when us ordinary mortals could create them :p :

but i imagine most of the votes would have gone to Button and Fisichella

[leopard]

This is interesting to see Ferrari and Kimi fans can go along with together :)

[harsha]

^^^that's a big statement :p :,i want Kimi to win the WDC but i want ferrari to do badly,am i contradicting myslef or what :p :

[leopard]

^^^that's a big statement :p :,i want Kimi to win the WDC but i want ferrari to do badly,am i contradicting myslef or what :p :

You can do the following:
1. justify your predicate on ferrari because Kimi looks quite charming driving it, or
2. if you stand on McLaren it isn't bad at all, because testing at Valencia it's proven the fastest car :laugh: