The chequered flag falls on the very first European Grand Prix in Valencia, and it wasn’t a good one for Ferrari. As it stands, we are currently awaiting a verdict on whether Felipe Massa will be penalised for the pit lane incident.
It is very unusual that no penalty was applied immediately, and the message came up that the incident would be investigated after the race. Is this so Charlie Whiting can take a cheeky backhander from the Ferrari mechanics and top dogs?
How does 50,000 Euro sound to sweep it under the rug?
Knowing the relationship between the FIA and Ferrari, this will be conveniently forgotten.
We also had a bit of a mess up with Kimi Raikkonen’s pit stop, where Kimi jumped the gun. He didn’t wait for his green light and pulled away towing a fuel hose and a mechanic with him. The mechanic, last we saw him, was on a stretcher to the medical centre.
Two laps later, there were more reliability issues with the F2008. The left bank of the engine blew, ending the current world champion's race today.
Kimi Raikkonen, not wanting to make any comments after these incidents, made a speedy retreat to the motor home. I think it’s very unusual for Kimi not to have anything to say.
Last race in Hungary, Felipe Massa was three laps from glory when he had an engine blowout, gifting Heikki Kovalainen with the first GP win of his career. Are the wheels starting to come off?
In addition to all of these problems, let’s not forget the constant tactical mistakes that Ferrari make, pitting at the wrong time, wrong fuel loads, not changing tyres in the wet at Silverstone, fuelling too light from qualifying, all these little mistakes keep adding up and certainly do not help a championship run.
Then finally let’s have a look at the drivers. After the Hungary Grand Prix, there was a sit down meeting with the big boys at Ferrari, and the drivers were told to buck their ideas up. Let’s not forget that Kimi Raikkonen is being paid a lot more than Felipe, yet the young Brazilian is outperforming him time and time again.
Let's be honest, no matter how it is fabricated, Kimi Raikkonen is in a RUT, he just isn't doing his job right now, yes okay consistency won him the championship last year but last year he seemed hungry. This year, he just seems different and I can't quite put my finger on why.
But Massa is no angel, all I need to say is Silverstone, rain, five spins...more little chinks in the Ferrari armour. Little driver errors cannot win championships.
So I am going to wrap this up now, after all, I am not wanting to get every member of the Tifosi and his dog jumping on my case, I just wanted to make a point of saying that right now, on current form, Ferrari are shooting themselves in the foot.
For the above reasons, this is why I believe that Ferrari will NOT win anything in this year’s championships unless something changes and changes soon.
May I say...even as a McLaren fan, that it is sad to see Ferrari suffering all of these setbacks. I say good luck to them.
Ben, Over and Out!
151 comments Last one added 10 months ago — Leave a Comment
Miles Black 10 months ago
I agree Ben, seems as though there are too many mistakes, Enzo wouldnt like this one bit. It certainly is a shame to see it. I am more a Williams fan to be honest but like you said, it is sad to see such silly mistakes creeping in to such a high quality team. I hope they do sort things out and get back on track. Great writing and may I say very speedy typing, didnt wait too long to get this one out there did you. Well done boss.
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
Cheers Miles ... I can just imagine the meeting now ... Enzo, Kimi, Felipe and Stefano ... He would go through them like a dose of salts ... There would be HELL on ! He would NOT stand for this seasons antics for sure, now all that remains to be seen is whether or not they pay for their errors ?
Edit Comment Cancel
Anne Doe 10 months ago
Well Kimi didn't do well in qualifying yesterday and thats where his problem is, and I think Luca Baldisseri gets drunk the night before street races (Anyone remember the messed up Monaco strategy?). But as Ferrari not winning the constructors championship, I have to disagree. Both Ferrari drivers aim for the championship, but the other McLaren driver's aim this season was to win a race (which I admit he did) but he's not pulling his weight enough.
"Then not 1 maybe 2 laps at the most later, more reliability issues with the F2008"
As for reliability, they're hardly bulletproof anymore, but Raikkonens engine was their only reliability problem, the others weren't down to the car, they were human errors.
And here is an intriguing quote from f1-live:
"It would all prove academic anyway for the unhappy Raikkonen as the Ferrari engine failed in dramatic style a few minutes later as he crossed the start-finish line. Given these engine designs are frozen, it is strange that Ferrari have suddenly found reliability issues..." - I found that last sentence thought provoking.
Ferrari need a bit of a wake up call, Enzo wouldn't be cheery at all.
All in all, that race was the most boring this year, the only excitement came from the guys in scarlet, though for the wrong reasons.
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
Ohhhh Jane, we are mixed in our views ... I agree with some points yet disagree with others ...
Ha ha, yeah maybe alcoholism is the problem to the poor strategic results, ha ha ... That will have to be investigated.
With only 8 points between them in the constructors table it is a very real possibilty now that McLaren leap frog them ... Ferrari best hope that Monza and Spa work for them this year as usual !
Heikki is pulling his weight for sure, he is a solid driver who is very consistant in this latter part of the season.
In reply to the relaibilty comment ... I dont mean pinpointed reliabilty issues in just this race, I mean season long ! There have been issues all over the place.
And yes that is a VERY thought provoking comment ... Seems very strange, but then again with Ferrari, nothing surprises me !
Finally that race was the most boring this year ? ... No way ... That wasnt boring, I thoroughly enjoyed it, was a great race with lots to talk about, not just the red cars ...
Edit Comment Cancel
Billy Sexton 10 months ago
looks like the wheels are certainlty becoming loose my fellow MM! i think they'll turn to support massa now... kimi might as well kiss his world championship goodbye.
Massa could be a lot behind should he be penilised for the unsafe exit... i know for a fact that mclaren would have been penilised during the race and suffered had it been lewis or heikki. its beginning to become some sort of sickening joke now, FIArri get away with everything it seems.
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
Absolutely agree mate ... If McLaren did this then for sure they would have been issued with a drive through IMMEDIATELY, then fined and then docked points and then given a grid penalty, all at the same time ! Its a Joke !
Yes I do think that Ferrari will maybe prioritise Felipe ... He seems to be the guy with the pace right now !
Edit Comment Cancel
Billy Sexton 10 months ago
JUST IN!!! Massa keeps the win but is fined 10000 euros... how bad for him.. he won't be able to feed his family now, he doesn't earn a lot of money in the first place.
how angry am I?? very... it's sick. well... the witchhunt against mclaren continues and ferrari get off (relitively) scott f****** free
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
You are F***ing joking me !?!?!?!?! ... That is RIDICULOUS !
I cant believe the FIA, I honestly cant ... Typical, to be fair ... Its not like we expected anything different ! Bloody cheats !
10000 Euro ... Thats nothing ... Fernando got that for crossing a bloody white line ...
Edit Comment Cancel
Nick Auty 10 months ago
that is absolutely ridiculas !!! ferrari and the drivers deserve more than that after the show this weekend. massa nearly causing a massive pit lane crash with this new fandangled semi auto pit system, and kimi nearly killing half of his pit crew again cos of this technology.
10000€ is nothing to him and he wont care to lose that. not like its going to stop him putting kids in shoes is it.
massa should have the win taken off him or at least a drop back in position in 2 weeks.
but then would would you. this is ferrari - not mclaren. of course nothing will happen. supposed thats just biased FIA for ya aint it !
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
Exactly !
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
Quote during race by Luca Baldisseri - "The lights are not automatic, the lights are controlled by the human being"
Does that not just say that the "Human Being" just caused this incident ?
Edit Comment Cancel
mark andrew 10 months ago
Man i am F**K**G Furious , I knew from the moment it all happened that ferrari would get off scot free yet again , i just saw it coming a mile off . Definatly CHEATS , yeah it was in the pit lane , fair enough but he could of ended sutils race ( where have we seen that this year ? ) and like you said , if it was mclaren id bet my house , car , girlfriend , job and every penny i own that mclaren would be penalised to the nines , absolute joke .
Im just waiting for all them Tifosi to start saying " it was a legal move , nothing wrong , we are all jealous " , yeah right , we was fookin robbed again .
Anyone up for a trip to Maranello on a vigilante mission ? ill stick a RPG through Di Montezemolo's head . im fed up with it , what the hell is 10 , 000 euro to a guy that earns 20million plus a season .
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
First of all ... Read my "Amendment" ... Think you might like it ? Just puts things into perspective ...
Same here mate, I would stake just as much that they would have gotten away with this, it is really not on, I mean just how bad does it have to be before Ferrari actually do get an official penalty ?
Did you see that mechanic get tagged by Kimi's wheel ? ... That was ridiculous, could have broke his neck, mechanics dont get HANS devices, maybe Kimi's team should ?
I agree, I am very interested to see what the Tifosi have to say, I would like to think they agree therefore they are laying low, but obviously not ... Lets wait and see ...
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
Oh as for road trip to Maranello ... When do we leave ?
Edit Comment Cancel
Long John Silver 10 months ago
i think its ALL FAIRLY routine stuff - you are blowing it out of proportion markey
just another day at the office, where we win and the world wants to shaft us over
am very sympathetic towards us tifosis
and the lights are controlled by a bloke ? he probably had a stout too many before ?
Edit Comment Cancel
Long John Silver 10 months ago
you need to calm down Markey -
ill stick a RPG through Di Montezemolo's head ???????????????????????
Edit Comment Cancel
mark andrew 10 months ago
Ha ha , Luca will wish he was a Mclaren-ite by the time im done with him Long .
Seriously tho , if i had my way I would throttle him , and Domenicali , and Schumi , and Todt .
Id shake Raikkonens Hand , he is cool when all is said and done . And Massa and Smedley ( Fellow Mancunian )
Edit Comment Cancel
Long John Silver 10 months ago
sure - KILL EM ALL you say, and then may be when you win the c-ship you will be very satisfied that you won it fair
good good -
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
Yeah, thats the point I made, I want to spank Ferrari fair and square ... With no killing and no penalties and no favouritism ... Lets just get it done on the track, God knows as a McLaren fan its been a rough couple of years !
Edit Comment Cancel
Sheiban Shakeri 10 months ago
OK, let's put it this way: no collision, no penalty. It was a close call and that's it. I would've loved to see Kimi move up a spot had Felipe gotten penalized (Although it would only be academic), but the fact that it nearly happened shouldn't have cost him the win. This was also a grey area and has now set a precedent. If this happens to Lewis Hamilton the next time around and he gets a drive-through or whatever, then I'll be furious.
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
Thats the thing I am waiting for because you know that the FIA will be EXTRA vigilant on this now and will most certainly make a point of making an example of the next driver to try this... It is bound to happen ... I will bet 10,000 Euro on it ! Even the FIA deemed it an unsafe release ... Its irrelivant that it didnt cause a collision ... The rules state:
23i - It is the responsibilty of the competitor to release his car after a pit stop only when it is safe to do so.
This didnt happen ... Also on the official F1 website in penalties, there is no mention of monitary penalties for breach of rules ... It only states:
Stewards have the power to impose various penalties on a driver if he commits an offence during a race. Offences may include jumping the start, causing an avoidable accident, unfairly blocking another driver, impeding another driver when being lapped, speeding in the pit lane etc.
The two most common types are the drive-through penalty and the ten-second time penalty. In the case of the former, the driver must enter the pits, drive through the pit lane at the pit-lane speed limit and rejoin the race without stopping. Depending on the length of the pit lane this can cost a driver a significant amount of time.
More severe is the ten-second time penalty (also commonly known as a stop-go penalty) where the driver must not only enter the pits, but must also stop for ten seconds at his pit before rejoining the race. During this time the driver’s team are not permitted to work on the car.
In extreme cases the stewards may choose to enforce a third type of penalty whereby they can force a driver to drop ten grid positions at the next Grand Prix. So even if the driver in question goes on to qualify in pole position, he will in fact start that race from 11th place.
In the case of the drive-through penalty and the ten-second time penalty, a driver has three laps, from the time his team is notified, to enter the pits (failure to do so may result in a black flag and the driver being excluded from the race).
The only exception is when the penalty is awarded during the final five laps of the race. In this case the driver may continue and complete the race. However, 25 seconds will be added to his total race time, which may drop him considerably in the final race standings.
So which one should he get ?
Edit Comment Cancel
Sheiban Shakeri 10 months ago
There was no accident. In other words, he avoided an avoidable accident. It was a close call, but it didn't end up with two cars in pieces. For sure there will be more vigilance from the FIA in this, but it shouldn't be classified as a penalty on track. It's like getting caught by the highway patrol for speeding, you're issued a ticket for $100 and you're on your way...
As well, the rule states that the stewards may impose various penalties. Money is included. If you want my take on this, I think Massa got off lightly. As a semi-public figure, he should definitely give a talk about highway safety...
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
Thats cool, good answer Shak ... Respect your opinion and I am glad you think he got off lightly ... I think the general consensus right across the board will be that of yours ...
Edit Comment Cancel
Long John Silver 10 months ago
AMEN ! Shaq
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
Hello, My name is Mr Massa, and I am here today to discuss Highway safety, HAAAAA HA HA HA !
Edit Comment Cancel
Sheiban Shakeri 10 months ago
C'mon, public figures have to own up to their mistakes. There's more light on them, so a talk on good defensive driving would be a way to go.
I took two months of driving courses to get my full license here. I'm happy to have taken it because if I wasn't taught how to handle sticky situations, my insurance rates would be through the roof and the only way to escape it would be to fake my death!
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
Honestly mate, this conversation is hilarious ... I am having so many mental images during this chat ... Mr Massa in a suit with big thick glasses and a cup of coffee talking to locals ... Then an image of you with a guy shouting at you but then you start to fake your death ... Coughing and rolling about on the road ! Ha ha ha !
Edit Comment Cancel
mark andrew 10 months ago
I read your amendment , I loved it , spot on , its very true .
Well there was Magny cours exhaust pipe , there was Raikkonen vs Sutil in monaco , And now this .
Mclaren have made 4 mistakes this season that were no worse than what Ferrari have done , yet we get a 10 place penalty , a 5 place penalty , a 5,000 euro fine , a drive through penalty Anything else they wann throw at Mclaren ? they may as well get it over with now .
I sa it mate , I thought he was definatly going to be more hurt than he was , i think mr Raikkonen has a lot of making up to do to that mechanic .
They will call us blind as usual Ben , i know before they even read this article thats what they will say .
And if i could get to Italy now , i would be on my way , RPG in hand , if i had my way , there would be no more Ferrari , or it would be owned by a group who only expect fair treatment .
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
Mate there are lists and lists of things where McLaren have been shafted and Ferrari come out smelling of roses ... Its not on ... This sport is being dictated by idiots ... Its supposed to be a level playing field where rules must be obayed to keep things fair ... Is this happening ? ... Hell no !
Edit Comment Cancel
Anne Doe 10 months ago
Mark you need to chill.
Magny-cours, i'll grant you. There should have been an Orange and Black flag.
But Raikkonen was on dry tyres in Monaco, in wet weather. But as several other drivers where also on dry tyres, a penalty would have been unfair.
10 Place penalty - I don't know what Hamilton was looking at but it wasn't the red light or the cars infront.
Kovalainens penalty in Magny Cours was unfair, I agree, but in Malaysia they were on the racing line - only fair, McLaren accepted it.
5,000 - To McLaren its like a penny.
Drive through penalty - watch the video again, he did maintain the position only by taking an off track excursion.
As for Massa's penalty in this race, I agree with Sheiban, no accident - no drive through.
Edit Comment Cancel
mark andrew 10 months ago
It is dictated by Idots , you are right , Mosely , Ecclestone , Di Montezemolo , Todt , Oh not to mention Ferrari , i mean it may as well be called Ferrari 1 , not F1 , it doesnt resemble F1 to me , it resembles a complete shambles .
I dont think we will see a level playing field in our lifetimes Ben , unless I find out my grandad was a huge oil magnate ( i wish ) , i would buy F1 and make it honours even for everyone , an enjoyable experience for every fan , not just the " Scarlet of Maranello " .
Its truly sickening , we wouldnt see his kind of business in football , it wouldnt be allowed .
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
Jane I think its fair enough to say no accident no penalty but the rule states:
23i - It is the responsibilty of the competitor to release his car after a pit stop only when it is safe to do so.
Thats the rule, it doesnt detail that there has to be an accident to actually take place before any action is taken ... The rule is that the car must be released at a safe time which it wasnt ... So while I can get on board and think yeah, no accident, great but to be honest the crime was commit therefore the punishment must be justified ... Which it isnt in my opinion !?
I mean we could argue all day but it wont change anything ... I suppose its just a case of seeing if it happens again and seeing what action is taken !?
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
Mark ... Find that Grandad ... Lets buy the FIA ! Run it ourselves !
Edit Comment Cancel
mark andrew 10 months ago
I am looking as we speak Ben ! I will own F1 if its the last thing I do :-)
I think we could do a better job than whats in charge now .
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
I would think so but many would disagree !
Edit Comment Cancel
mark andrew 10 months ago
Well Jane I watched every race this season , Lewis at Magny Cours was unfair , he did not gain anything that he hadnt already gained , simple , I stand by that as well .
You misunderstood me on the Raikkonen - Sutil incident , I was just using a comparison , Ferrari nearly ended Sutils race today , Ferrari did end Sutils race in Monaco , I didnt actually say i blamed Kimi for that one entirely , i wouldnt of been able to stop that car in the wet either .
Heikkis fine was unfair ,
Lewis drive through was unfair ,
Lewis 10 place grid drop was very harsh , I think 5 was sufficient , as Wurz said , your Pit lane duties are the most difficult part of the race .
The only fair and square punishment Mclaren have had was Malaysia .
How many times have Ferrari been punished this year ?????? todays 10 grand fine is the first out of about 6 incidents this year , you see where im coming from ??? im unhappy , I dont pay to watch one team favoured all the time , it happens time and again , so no i cant chill out , Im passionate about my racing and passionate about my team , its natural to be Irate . .
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
I agree with you completely ... In the last Round Table we where asked what we would change and my piece was on getting some consistency in the sport ... It must not be favoured to any one team ... Every one must be treated the same ! I am still irate and it was hours ago ! Bloody Ferrari ... I sometimes wonder what it must be like to be at the top of the food chain !
Edit Comment Cancel
Long John Silver 10 months ago
mark goes on and on and on again
mate - you need to chill - Kimster was on dry's in Monte Carlo - so it was a racing incident - but you knew that already
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
Hey Long, I wondered were u where hiding ? Ha ha ... Its like I just said to Jane ... We can argue about what has happened till we are blue in the face, or fingers in this case ... But one thing is for sure ... Everyone will continue to feel hard done to as long as Ferrari seem as though they are wrapped in bubble wrap for everything that happens on the track ! Lets just let the boys race I say, a FAIR fight !
Edit Comment Cancel
Long John Silver 10 months ago
yeah B
long day yesterday
we bbq-ed on the shores in Chi-Town yesterday
so just got back
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
Sounds excellent mate, wish we had the weather for it ... Ha ha !
Edit Comment Cancel
mark andrew 10 months ago
Long , read my post carefully before blasting me . Here is what I said :
" You misunderstood me on the Raikkonen - Sutil incident , I was just using a comparison , Ferrari nearly ended Sutils race today , Ferrari did end Sutils race in Monaco , I didnt actually say i blamed Kimi for that one entirely , i wouldnt of been able to stop that car in the wet either " .
I never blamed anything on Kimi . I did in effect say that there arent many men who could of stopped a 200 MPH car in the wet on dry tyres whilst the car is out of control ,
Im not the only one going on am I ? There are others who arent happy and have said just as much as me .
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
Yeah I got that ! ... I saw the comparison ...
Edit Comment Cancel
Stuart Baird 10 months ago
with regards to the kimi stop, its was his own fault and im sure all our thoughts are with the poor mechanic.
with regards to the massa stop, Ferrari pointed out during the race that quite a few races this year have had some very close near misses in the pitlane, without penalties.
boring race though, other than those ferrari incidents.
looks like they will be backing massa for the championship tho.
sorry about my prediction yesterday, but they changed the grid so that pole position was on the grippy side of the track, so that let hamilton and raikkonen suffer at the start. massa did well tho. maybe he does have wht it takes to be a champ.
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
Kimi just gets worse to be honest ... I really feel for the guy, I would LOVE to sit down with him and just have it out and find out just what the problems where ? All these mistakes and problems and lack of performance ... Its strange !
I actually disagree about the race being a boring one ... I actually enjoyed it ... Ha ha, just me then ?
If Massa gets the Championship this year it will be through a bunch of luck, infact that goes for anyone, Hamilton included and I am a McLaren fan ... Its been a wierd season so the phrase "Maybe he does have what it takes to be a champ" is a little strong ! Maybe thats just me again ?
Edit Comment Cancel
mark andrew 10 months ago
No not just you I thought it was a great race , the Sweeping 4 pointer BLIND was mesmeric , it made a nice refreshing change , it was eventful for sure . Bring on Singapore .
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
Ohhhh yeah ... Singapore should be GREAT !
Edit Comment Cancel
Michael Griffin 10 months ago
Cheating scumbags, this is getting bloody ridiculous now, I mean last season when Kimi battered everyone, his car was illegal, FIA do nothing. Three cars illegal in Brazil, which gave Ferrari the title, FIA do nothing.
This season, any sort of excuse to penalise McLaren and they take it. Lewis crashed into Kimi, who was illegally parked next to Kubica. Who gets a penalty? McLaren.
Kimi ruins a phenomenal race for Sutil in Monaco, no penalty. Not entirely his fault but it if a McLaren driver did it, they would have been bitch slapped around the shop.
Heikki penalised for blocking in France, despite the fact that he moved out of the way and the two cars in question actually lapped faster on their next laps.
Lewis penalised for cutting a corner, despite the fact that he had already passed a Toro Rosso, who get their engines from who? Exactly.
In Maylasia, the cars were on their reconassaince laps and slowing for the pits. Nick Heidfeld said that he had to avoid them but he wasn't slowed at all, he hindered his own lap with a mistake at the last corner. He was actually quicker because he used the two cars for slipstream. Penlaties for both, cost them race victory.
Taking the piss now, it really is.
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
Yeah Mark, a lot of good points in there and for sure I can get on board with them, it isnt a great situation to be in and surely the FIA and all other top dogs must be thinking about how they are currently being perceived in the light of recent decisions ?
Edit Comment Cancel
Long John Silver 10 months ago
yeah brasil
but did you guys really wanna win the c-ship off track - ? what about the public who witnessed something, and then would feel really cheated off what they saw
that shits no right - ? is it Mark
and as you said - Kimster was on dry's in Monte Carlo - not his fault
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
Ha ha ... Thats wierd ... Look at my comment I just posted to your comment further down about winning championships in different ways other than by driving in anger on track !
I want McLaren to SPANK Ferrari fair and square ! Ha ha !
Edit Comment Cancel
Long John Silver 10 months ago
beautiful - beautiful
actually fee guilty for enjoying this read so much, gonna feel even more guilty for penta-staring and potd'ing this shit
nice
the two lines that took the cake for me
GIVE US TIME TO THINK OF AN EXCUSE SO WE DONT HAVE TO PENALISE FERRARI"
after all, I am not wanting to get every member of the Tifosi and his dog jumping on my case,
you are lovely Ben - so lovely, you are lovely, you just arent a Tifosi
PS - i stick by the FIA's decision, because lets face it, no collision at the end of the day - am sure you would agree with that ?
PPS - besides I heard a vintage bottle of lovely dry red Chianti was on its way to Whiting's home as we speak with a check for Euro 40,000, thats life, lets roll
i potd's this shit - cos i really did like it, now i'll go berate myself for potd'ing this one
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
Ha ha ha, hey Long, thanks mate, glad you enjoyed the read I honestly tried to make it as nice as I could but I just thought there was somethings that had to be said !
Yeah I agree, I stick by the FIA decision now because there is no point on disagreeing now as nothing can change but I think there are arguments for both sides of the fence !
Thanks for the POTD mate, even though you hate yourself for that, thank you !
By the way, do all members of the Tifosi have dogs ? Ha ha ha !
Edit Comment Cancel
Long John Silver 10 months ago
i do
my lovely lovely Aus Shep - called Daphne
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
Oh cool, so my comment stands then, ha ha !
Edit Comment Cancel
Long John Silver 10 months ago
why this one Ben -
May I say...even as a McLaren fan, that it is sad to see Ferrari suffering all of these setbacks.
are you really sad, am sure when the Kimster blew, you are jumpin on the couch ?
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
Ha ha ha ... Yes I was jumping and screaming like a mad man ... I think my neighbours will be moving out soon ... They dont like Sunday afternoons ... Ha ha ha !
I was the same when Massa blew in Hungary too ...
BUT
Of course I get sad because if / when McLaren get their win whether it be drivers or constructors championship then all you Tifs will just say that we only won it because of the errors Ferrari make ... I dont want that, I want McLaren to SPANK Ferrari fair and square ! Ha ha !
Edit Comment Cancel
Long John Silver 10 months ago
you wish Ben - you only wish
we'll catch up - we got high speed cornered tracks in planets coming from now on -
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
Monza and Spa will be VERY hard for McLaren ... Tell ya what though, would love to see a Ferrari upset on either of those tracks ... How about 2 McLaren 1-2's ... Ohhhh ... HEAVEN !
The rest are fair game I say ... Its going to be very interesting ! I LOVE IT !
Edit Comment Cancel
Long John Silver 10 months ago
b
YOU GOTTA remember Mich'ie scrawled from 6th - to pass Alonso and Fisci - (with also the tactical virtuoso of Brawn ofcourse) in Shanghai in 06
and the Kimster won in Shanghai last year too - which is a stop-go Merc circuit - i think you wud agree
and also - Interlagos has been our circuit for some time now - so is Suz, both are high speed corner tracks
?
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
Nah ... Fair game as far as I can see ... Just watch ;)
Ha ha ... I am remaining optimistic !
Edit Comment Cancel
Long John Silver 10 months ago
AS ALWAYS
loved the article - you are my best writer, you and shaq
cheers mate -
go easy on us though !
Edit Comment Cancel
Long John Silver 10 months ago
am gonna have to send a bottle of vodka to the Kimster though,
and with it a message of 'wake the eff up - and drive the damm thing well' in the last leg of the season
hes SLEEPIN
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
Glad you still rate me so highly mate ... Thanks for that ! I do try !
I do try to go easy, where possibly I try to write as a neutral, it just gets difficult sometimes ! Ha ha !
Yes Kimi does need some kind of incentive I think because the incentive of winning just doesnt seem to work anymore, maybe he knows something we dont ... Spa, Monza ... Races he likes ... Maybe he will come good now ?
I cant imagine you guys are impressed with him picking and choosing when to race well and when not to race well ?
Edit Comment Cancel
Michael Griffin 10 months ago
You know what? This race should be used by sleep therapists, they would be making an absolute killing on this. I even vented in my latest article, not often I do that.
Oh and one thing, the wheels aren't coming off, I mean even the fuel hose won't come off!
Edit Comment Cancel
Long John Silver 10 months ago
AND MIKE - in the midst of all the mindless rambling ....
your point is ?
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
Ha ha ha ... You know what I am impressed with ... I used the title "Are the wheels coming off?" ... I have just watched yesterdays race for the 4th time ... Martin actually uses the phrase "Are the wheels coming off?" .... YEAH !
Edit Comment Cancel
Kyle Lavigne 10 months ago
For sue, Ferrari has some reliability problems. Massa's engine blew on its second race, Raikkonen's blew on its second race. On that side, it doesn't look good. Though, Mclaren have to be mindful of the pace Ferrari have I (which greater than Mclaren this weekend).
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
Oh yeah, you cant get away from that ... Ferrari where without doubt faster than McLaren ... Even big Ron said after the race that it was lost in Qualifying ... We know your pace but cracks are showing that shouldnt be there !
Edit Comment Cancel
L.J. Burgess 10 months ago
But...Ferrari owns F1 right?
I thought Ferrari and Bernie worked a deal last year?
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
Ferrari own F1 ... Defo ! ... FIArarri ! Ha ha !
Edit Comment Cancel
Paul 10 months ago
Some days are better than others, today the sun is shining, the sky is blue, even the flowers smell great. Sour grapes from McLaren fans, makes my day complete. Wheels coming off at Ferrari, pleazzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzeeee give me a break!
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
Ha ha ha ... Morning Paul ... Wondered how long it would be ?
No sour grapes here mate ... We got 2nd and 4th ... 13 point haul ... Close gap to 8 in constructors and we still have our driver on top in drivers championship.
Absolutely nothing to be sour about apart from the lack of consistancy with the FIA !
Edit Comment Cancel
Paul 10 months ago
Read all of the comments from the Mclarenites, including yourself. You guys claim that the FIA have a witch hunt against McLaren, yet after all that they have done in the last few years, they deserved to be banned, yet here they are in the hunt for the title. A real witch hunt was what was aimed at Michael Schumacher, that cost him at least one title. The real cheats in the last decade of F1 are as a matter of fact, McLaren, Michelin and Renault, not to mention Honda being caught . So let's stick to the facts your attacks on the FIA are groundless!
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
Banned you say ? ... Strong ... But no I wouldnt say so ... Funny how Ferrari came out of Stepney gate unscathed isnt it ... Lets stick it to McLaren 100% but it was a Ferrari member of staff who was sharing the info ... Michael Schumacher was NEVER in a witch hunt Paul, thats just silly ... He got his 7 world titles and whatever he didnt get was his own fault by being the driver that he was, I am not going to call him a cheat, I will just say he went to EVERY length to defend his title. Your final remark, about our attacks on the FIA being groundless ... For you to truly believe that really makes me lose a lot of respect for you Paul ... Even you surely can see that the FIA are constantly playing favourites to Ferrari.
Edit Comment Cancel
Paul 10 months ago
Ben, how can Ferrari be blamed for what happened last year? As for there not being a witch hunt against Michael, I suggest you take the time to study, his early years and the "barge board incident" or the "pace car fiasco"
Or when the points were changed for the aim of stopping Schumacher!
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
Paul ... In comparison Schumi got off lightly in comparison to the shafting that McLaren receive race after race !
Edit Comment Cancel
Paul 10 months ago
Ben, that just is not the case!
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
Okay then ... You have your opinion ... I have mine ... We wont every agree so lets just leave that as a side note as its not what we are discussing here !
Edit Comment Cancel
Paul 10 months ago
One thing seems to stand out. McLaren fans seem to be more fans of the team and hamilton, that racing.
Ben you bitch and moan about Massa being the class of the field, then the last race, you were jumping for joy that his car blew. So based on the fact that there was no objectivity in your article, it will not be a POTD for me!
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
First off, your first sentance makes no sense at all ... So I cant object to that ?
I dont bitch and moan about Massa whatsoever ... He clearly was the class of the field ... I havent taken that away from him once, if you read further up in the comments I have actually said:
"Yes to be fair Massa drove very well and certainly deserved his win, cant take that away from him, infact he had a great weekend so fair play to him, I think Rob Smedley hit the nail on the head when he was interviewed by Ted Kravitz on ITV1, so yes he deserved it"
This was refferring to when Rob Smedley said lets not talk about "What if" with the pit lane incident ... Lets praise Felipe for what a great job he did on the track ... WHICH HE DID !
Oh and "HOW" is there no objectivity in my article, it doesnt need objectivity ... I am making a collective point to suggest as to why the wheels are coming off ... Initially the article was called "Ferrari - 2008 Champions ?" ... What I am trying to get at is why I feel that these cracks that are showing will affect the title challenge ! Its your job to object it ... Which you always do so well.
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
First off, your first sentance makes no sense at all ... So I cant object to that ?
I dont bitch and moan about Massa whatsoever ... He clearly was the class of the field ... I havent taken that away from him once, if you read further up in the comments I have actually said:
"Yes to be fair Massa drove very well and certainly deserved his win, cant take that away from him, infact he had a great weekend so fair play to him, I think Rob Smedley hit the nail on the head when he was interviewed by Ted Kravitz on ITV1, so yes he deserved it"
This was refferring to when Rob Smedley said lets not talk about "What if" with the pit lane incident ... Lets praise Felipe for what a great job he did on the track ... WHICH HE DID !
Oh and "HOW" is there no objectivity in my article, it doesnt need objectivity ... I am making a collective point to suggest as to why the wheels are coming off ... Initially the article was called "Ferrari - 2008 Champions ?" ... What I am trying to get at is why I feel that these cracks that are showing will affect the title challenge ! Its your job to object it ... Which you always do so well.
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
I have just re-read and I think what you are trying to say is -
"McLaren fans seem to be more fans of the team and hamilton, THAN racing."
All I can say is ... Can you support this thought ? I dont understand what I have said to make you think this ?
Edit Comment Cancel
mark andrew 10 months ago
That makes no sense Paul H
Im a Formula 1 fan altogether , as is Ben , Michael ,and the rest of us that you call Mclaren-ites !!!!
We LOVE Formula 1 , Weekends arent complete without it .
I was on the edge of my seat when Sutil was on for 4th in Monaco , then I held my head in my hands in total despair when he got took out by Raikka's out of control Ferrari . ( Makes me a fan in general , remember definition of a true fan ? )
Im also a Mclaren , Lewis , Heikki , Ron Dennis , Martin Whitmarsh fan , not just one driver ( Lewis ) in the team Paul . ( Makes me a complete Vodafone Mclaren Mercedes fan ) Id still support Mclaren if Bob the bloody Builder was our driver !!!
I was actually very Impressed with the way Massa raced , I applauded his win ,
I was just unhappy that no action was taken During the race , because declaring they will look into it afterwards was just Ferrari getting their own way all over again ,
Like I said Mclaren would of got a Stop and Go penalty within 3 laps if it would of been them .
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
YEAH !
Edit Comment Cancel
Paul 10 months ago
You guys take a general statement and personalize it, even for those of you that are racing fans, you show extreme unfounded bias. Is that clearer, what I am saying is that most of the McLaren fans seem to fall into one of the two categories mentioned above!
Edit Comment Cancel
Paul 10 months ago
Ben, take the time to read your comments and their context. You see, if I want to know what you meant, when you wrote the article, I read the comments!
"I was the same when Massa blew in Hungary too ."
"f the incident had a silver car involved ... The outcome would have been VERY different and anyone who denies that is clearly stupid ... I mean its blatent now that Ferrari will always be favoured in this game over McLaren !"
"If McLaren did this then for sure they would have been issued with a drive through IMMEDIATELY, then fined and then docked points and then given a grid penalty, all at the same time ! Its a Joke !"
"Oh as for road trip to Maranello ... When do we leave ?"
"You are F***ing joking me !?!?!?!?! ... That is RIDICULOUS !
I cant believe the FIA, I honestly cant ... Typical, to be fair ... Its not like we expected anything different ! Bloody cheats !
10000 Euro ... Thats nothing ... Fernando got that for crossing a bloody white line ... "
"Mate there are lists and lists of things where McLaren have been shafted and Ferrari come out smelling of roses ... Its not on ... This sport is being dictated by idiots ... Its supposed to be a level playing field where rules must be obayed to keep things fair ... Is this happening ? ... Hell no !"
Ben, you must agree, there is little chance for you being objective, you are clearly very emotional about all of this. Guess you said it best with your comment
"Yes I was jumping and screaming like a mad man ... I think my neighbours will be moving out soon ... They dont like Sunday afternoons ... Ha ha ha !
I was the same when Massa blew in Hungary too ...
BUT
Of course I get sad because if / when McLaren get their win""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
Whats your point Paul ? I know what I said and yeah I am emotional about certain things ... If you show me a sports "FAN" in the world who isnt then they are no fan, yourself included ... Are you telling me that you dont get emotional if your team dont do well ? Because if not then you are a VERY sad man Paul ! Thats what sport is all about, the want, the need ... The competitiveness ... If you see your team being shafted by an unlevel playing field then you will get angry, put the boot on the other foot and imagine how it would be if it was the other way round ... You would be the first to be on here preaching ... Paul why do you feel that you must go on the way you do when you dont agree with articles ... Instead of arguing the point you just attack the individuals ! Your out of order Paul !
Edit Comment Cancel
Paul 10 months ago
Ben, take the time to be honest and read your your comments, bad language, calling people who do not agree with you as stupid. If you are honest Ben, you will see that it is you that is out of order.
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
Yeah but at least I would admit it Paul ... I am big enough and man enough to admit that maybe I am wrong and maybe sometimes I get heated ... Where you wont !
Edit Comment Cancel
Paul 10 months ago
That is just not so, I will gladly admit it if I am wrong!
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
As will I !
Edit Comment Cancel
Saraswathi Siriginia 10 months ago
Ferrari seems to have lost the plot this season, something is wrong at the Maranello factory, are they missing Ross Brawn and the infamous Nigel Stepney?
Edit Comment Cancel
Long John Silver 10 months ago
THE answer to both your ques are an emphatic NO
we a team, a team is stronger than individuals
we moved from Mich, we will move on from other individuals too
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
I agree Long ... Brawn and Stepney are not being missed ... Thats not where the problem is ... I think the problems can be fully analysed in GREAT depth but thats not for me to do ... The root of the problem I think right now is the fact that Massa and Kimi are racing each other and the team aswell as the drivers are wanting to claim the bragging rights ... Reminiscent of Hamilton / Alonso maybe ? ... Ha ha ha ... Its developing ! Or is it just wishful thinking on my part ?
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
Also after 1st pitstops ... When Felipe came out infront of Kimi heavy with fuel ... Did Massa let him through so he could regain on Heikki ... Hell no ! ... Think about it ! ;)
Edit Comment Cancel
Paul 10 months ago
Lost the plot, that is just silly. Where are the facts, to support such a claim? Ferrari have had to fight back against a faster car and a team that is focused on only one of their drivers. If Ferrari continue improving the car and team efforts, they will claim both titles. Their car is clearly designed for a number of tracks coming up, with a real chance of a Ferrari 1-2 at Spa.
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
Ha ha ha ... Oh so now Ferrari are racing a faster McLaren ... Paul your face has numerous sides. its quite laughable ... The McLaren is in no way faster Paul and you know it, stop trying to fabricate Ferrari's piss poor performance by saying that the McLaren is faster, that has nothing to do with it ... Its got everything to do with what I wrote in my article. Paul you make me laugh sometimes !
How can Ferrari continue on development of their car when first of all they need to stop the damn things blowing up ! Ha ha ha ...
I like how you bring up the "McLaren are only focussing on one of their drivers" point ... Whats up Paul, was the argument going stale with so much evidence stacked up against Ferrari so you had to pull that little cracker out of the bag ?
Also Paul ... As a "Racing fan" as you so proudly call yourself for you to make a statement such as - "Their car is clearly designed for a number of tracks coming up, with a real chance of a Ferrari 1-2 at Spa." than you are clearly not so much a "racing fan" ... Do you feel that Ferrari have underperformed on purpose knowing that they will be better on the forthcoming tracks ... I dont think so ... And I know a couple of other people who will agree !
Edit Comment Cancel
Paul 10 months ago
Ben, a few facts that can choose to ignore, however that will not change reality. When teams design a car, the first thing they do is look at the big picture and determine what is there main focus, This will include things such as wheel base, suspension. Sure they try to be at their best for every race, however that is not reality, they will build their car around a particular platform, this means that they will not perform as well as at other tracks, that however is the trade off. With passing becoming harder (because of the aero packages employed) qualifying is the name of the game, to this end teams design their cars to optimize on the most tracks possible. If you think this does not happen, then it is a waste of time discussing this!
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
Right ... Of course everything you just said there I agree with BUT ... The way you said "Their car is clearly designed for a number of tracks coming up, with a real chance of a Ferrari 1-2 at Spa." it kinda of seems as though you are suggesting that Ferrari dont plan any kind of changes for circuits that dont suit the car. The car is EXTENSIVELY changed based on previous track data, by laser scans of the circuit, by engineers notes ... Ferrari are just as prepared for EVERY circuit as every other team so dont pull that one !
Edit Comment Cancel
Paul 10 months ago
When I said "Sure they try to be at their best for every race, however that is not reality, they will build their car around a particular platform, this means that they will not perform as well as at other tracks, that however is the trade off" it was saying that of course they put the best car out for every race. However each car has limitations that are brought about by a basic design. Two equal cars, with same engines and aero, with say a different wheel base (which cannot be changed during the year) will perform very differently. The longer wheelbase may have an advantage at say Spa, while the shorter could have an advantge on slower types of tracks. While nothing is hard and fast, teams very clearly design a car to perform at as many tracks as possible at their best. Conclusion, some tracks will favor one team, while other teams are favored at other tracks!
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
Yes thats fair enough but thats got nothing to do with their poor performances as of late !
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
Brawn was a genius but Stefano can do just as good of a job I reckon !
Edit Comment Cancel
Prasenjit Das 10 months ago
Benny,
Great Article !! (as usual)...
The response was also snazzy, but, I will say just one thing... I don't think one should even write about it because the stand that race stewards take when a Fezza car is involved... we all know it, don't we? Its a tautology man...
If it was Macca car coming out then the team would be fined 500,000, driver would serve immediate stop-go , or , worse if there would have been a real contact with the other car then an additional 5 place grid penalty on next race!!!
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
Ha ha ... Thanks Pras, I agree with you ... If the incident had a silver car involved ... The outcome would have been VERY different and anyone who denies that is clearly stupid ... I mean its blatent now that Ferrari will always be favoured in this game over McLaren !
Edit Comment Cancel
Paul 10 months ago
Ben another unsubstantiated claim!
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
Unsubstantiated maybe but like I said ... Anyone who denies this is clearly stupid ... Do you fall into this category Paul, come on ... Even you have to say that its VERY onesided ...
Edit Comment Cancel
Paul 10 months ago
No Ben, I would say the stupidity lay at the hands at those who feel this a conspiracy against McLaren. If there was a sniff of such a thing, McLaren would be taking the FIA to court! So the real question, who is stupid?
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
Ha ha ha ... Okay then Paul ... You believe that ... Why would McLaren waste money on an expensive lawsuit that lets face it would only make the situation worse ... It would just anger the FIA more and then they would be penalised for even mroe than they are now ! So there is no stupidity on my part ... It just seems that you are padding it out, wrapping the FIA and Ferrari in bubble wrap and dont want anything bad to be said about what is to you such a good thing !
Edit Comment Cancel
Paul 10 months ago
Waste money, are you serious? There is so much money at stake, that the cost of a law suit (if warranted would be nothing) in fact the side benefits would be enormous. The FIA would be under the spotlight for every decision, which would have calls going in favor of McLaren, simply because they would want to seem impartial.
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
In FAVOUR of McLaren ... Ha ha ha ... Let me tell you Paul ... There is more in FAVOUR of Ferrari then McLaren !
Edit Comment Cancel
Paul 10 months ago
That Ben is your view, that is fine, it is not however a fact!
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
You believe what you think and I will believe what I think ... We wont ever agree on this Paul to be honest so why dont we both just admit defeat on this and stop wasting our time ?
Edit Comment Cancel
Arun Khatri 10 months ago
Ferrrrrrari..................
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
Ha ha ha ... What about them ?
Edit Comment Cancel
Craig Dalrymple 10 months ago
Not an opinion, but an observation: Check out the link below. It could provide a bit of insight into Kimi's engine fireworks. If it did, its sad to see him take himself out this way.
http://www.formula1.com/news/technical/2008/798/576.html
Edit Comment Cancel
Anne Doe 10 months ago
That is interesting, but they were only damaged on one side so I don't thinks thats the sole reason for the engine blow up, although i'm sure it contributed to it.
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
Hmmmmm interesting ... Certainly makes you think, so it was his own fault that his engine blew, aaaahhhhhhh sweet sweet justice !
Edit Comment Cancel
Paul 10 months ago
It make me wonder what people actually read. Where does it even suggest that Kimi was at fault in his engine letting go? Cars are changed for most races, for one of two reasons, to solve a problem and gain an performance advantage.
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
Paul ... Please read the article in the link that is attached in Craigs original quote ... This is sourced direct from the OFFICIAL Formula 1 website ... Then once you have managed that one then re-read Craig's, Jane's and My comments again and then realise what we are saying ! Paul for an intelligent man it would make sense for you to read what was said before lashing out and making a comment like you do ... Honestly !
Edit Comment Cancel
Paul 10 months ago
Ben, my comment was aimed at yours, you said that "so it was his own fault that his engine blew, aaaahhhhhhh sweet sweet justice !"
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
Read below to see my reply to that comment ...
Edit Comment Cancel
Craig Dalrymple 10 months ago
Don't talk about yourself that way! Quoting from the cited source: "It should be noted that the chimney and winglet on the right of Raikkonen's car were damaged and torn from the bodywork during the accident with the fuel hose at his second stop." Then if you take the quote from Kimi, "I made a mistake and left before I should have done." (taken from http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2008/8/8270.html), THAT suggests that Kimi may have contributed to his engine letting go. I admit, this is NOT the way I stated it originally. I apologize for that, I meant to state it ash I did above. Sorry for the confusion.
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
Dont apologise Craig ... Myself and Jane understood EXACTLY what you where getting at, Paul is the type of person that will see such a typing error and completely have a go at it to make his own point seem stronger ... Works with most people but not with me so just throw some facts back at him, it tends to hush him up !
Edit Comment Cancel
Paul 10 months ago
That is fair enough, it seems as though are wires were crossed. My comment was aimed more at Bens comment, which clearly suggests that it was the reason for the engine letting go.
Chances are however that the reason for the engine letting go was not related to this. Ferrari have had problems with heat all year, it is interesting that the heat problem started last year, after they had changed from a material/manufacturing technology that had been developed in the states from Cast Alloys a company that has since been bought out. As I understand it, Ducati still use the technology, which deals with heat dissipation, though materials and a manufacturing technology!
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
If this was the reason for the engine blowing up ... THEN ... It was Kimi's fault ... You cant get away from that ... The light wasnt green so it was his own fault ... Kimi is making himself look very silly right now, making mistakes like that ... With Lewis you all scream ROOKIE ... With Heikki you all scream that its favouritism and he is in a car that is 2nd fiddle to Lewis ... What about Kimi then ? ... Current world champion losing his head I would say !
Edit Comment Cancel
Paul 10 months ago
BEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Where do you come up with this stuff, you are concluding that this is the reason for the engine blowing up.
The following is a comment from Kimi, that is in context
“I made a mistake and left before I should have done,” he said. “Fortunately, Pietro is not too badly hurt. I wish him all the best and hope he gets better soon. In any case, it would not have changed anything as then the engine broke."
At no time does he even suggest that the side pod had ANYTHING with the engine letting go.
Ben you have constantly attacked Kimi, you have said that he is losing it, blah blah!
You really need to be more objective, you may not like the conclusions, you would however be dealing with reality!
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
No I am not concluding that this IS the reason for it blowing up ... I am saying that IF this is the reason for it blowing up ... Big difference Paul, again I urge you to read thoroughly before lashing out and making yourself look silly again !
Yes I am aware that Kimi doesnt make any comment that the engine blew because of the winglet being damaged ... But the F1 website says it could possibly be due to this ... Kimi probably wouldnt have known then, but he will now ... Kimi also said that Pietro wasnt badly hurt ... He broke his foot for gods sake ... I am sure that if you ask anyone how much a broken foot hurts they will tell you ... A LOT !
I havent constantly attacked Kimi ... I have merely made observations and I will be as objective as I like and you sir will not change that ... I will be as contraversial as I wish to be with my comments as long as I have sound reasoning and supportive evidence to back up my claims. Funny how no one else has a problem with it apart from yourself Paul ... Even the biggest Tifosi on here Long John ... Me and John can debate and talk all day but at the end of the day we get on and we dont attack each other in fits of rage like we are being badly done to ... I think you need to tone it down sir !
Edit Comment Cancel
Craig Dalrymple 10 months ago
Paul, "In any case, it would not have changed anything as then the engine broke." can be interpreted may ways, as can many quotes that are converted to written language, which has no way of capturing the intonation and other non verbal cues that are normally picked up in a conversation. Even these can be misinterpreted in a conversation. (I remember an fellow student of african decent explaining to me that the phrase "She be gone" can be interpreted 12 different ways depending on the intonation and accenting of the phrase -- he later used it in his stand-up routine, but I digress....) This is even more difficult if there is a language barrier involved. This is one of the reasons I left it out of my citation -- it is ambiguous in interpretation.
As for accepting/placing blame. It is rare that a driver accepts blame for anything, let alone a mechanical failure. I mean, they could take a perfectly good car, drive it into the wall intentionally, and blame it on a mechanical failure. (Over here in the states we call them politicians and elect the to the presidency!) When one does accept blame for anything that is NOT an obvious driver error, you can count on the next few races not having over heating problems as hell has frozen over solid. This is part of the competitive nature of the psyche of a driver at the top of the sport, and also one of the reasons they appear conceited, stand-offish and just plain rude at times. I think it was pretty apparent that Kimi was pissed with himself, as he didn't have anything (even anything rude) to say to the press as he walked back down pit lane.
To the Ferrari engine issues and heat dissipation: Yeah, there is definitely something going on with their engines. They have been playing around with cooling ALL season. I figure they must have figured out some way to increase the horsepower since the cars launch or they would have taken this into account in the original engine cover and radiator cover design. Whatever it is the have done, they have managed to increase the power AND the heat. This is apparent from the first race onwards. Remember Kimi costing down the track? And how about the engine quitting in Q1 earlier this season?
Here is some food for thought though -- if this is the same engine they are supplying to Toro Rosso and Force India, then how come they don't seem to be having the same issues?
Frankly, I like Kimi's driving style and hope he works out whatever the monkeysuit is thats on his back. I don't care for Ferrari much, but its nothing against them personally, its more like my dislike of the Yankees -- who wants to see the same team in the World Series every year?
Edit Comment Cancel
Craig Dalrymple 10 months ago
Oh, and one more comment (or two).
Ben, you stated "Yes I am aware that Kimi doesnt make any comment that the engine blew because of the winglet being damaged ... But the F1 website says it could possibly be due to this ..."
Sorry, but I would like to clarify that a bit. Actually, they just said its interesting to note that it was damaged on the right side. The left it up to us to make the jump that it caused it. I brought it up because I thought it would be an interesting discussion topic. The folks on SPEED TV that carry the coverage over here in the States stated that it seemed like he was holding the REVS a little high while on the pit stop, which could have caused the engine to overheat before getting back up to speed.
Bottom line: We don't know what caused it, but we can speculate quite a bit. Ferrari would be the only ones the MAY know for sure, and you can bet THEY aren't going to tell anybody -- would you? After all they were pretty quiet about Massa's blow the week before stating it was a one-off and that they had no indication that it was having problems. Uh, look at the lap times for the three laps before it quit -- they were significantly slower than the pace he was setting the rest of the day.
As for just having a broken foot -- that is minor when you think about it. The formula one site says he was struck by the rear wing. Well, his feet would have to be pretty high for that to happen. I am thankful that F1 cars are so light because if you look at the TV footage it is plain to me that he was not struck by the wing -- more like the bottom side of the tire as it ran over his foot, ankle, and lower calf. It really could have been a lot worse.
On a much separate note, who thinks that Sutil should have just parked his car in the pits after lap one and let Alonso drive it just for self protection. (Yes, this is an attempt at humor!)
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
YEAH ! ... Go on mate ... Impressive !
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
I have nothing to say in reply merely because I cant type that much at this late hour, it is bed time ... So I congratulate you ... I shall say that is the last time I am sticking up for you though, ha ha !
Edit Comment Cancel
Anne Doe 10 months ago
Ferrari say after an initial, blah blah blah i'll get to the good bit I can't be bothered writing all of it, both Kimi and Massa had the same problem. Kimi got lucky with his engine at Hungary because it didn't blow up on it's first race, but in Valencia, it was his second run with the engine and it was a batch of faulty con rods used to make both Kimi's and Massa's engine that was the reason for them blowing up.
Read here for extra details: http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/70079
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
Interesting stuff !
Edit Comment Cancel
Ryan Wood 10 months ago
I give up!
Ferrari cannot set a foot wrong, this is what I am currently feeling. They are never punished by the FIA, this must obviously be because they never fall fowl of the rules. Yea right, I am disgusted that the FIA never punish the prouncing horses, but I just feel its no use being angry, and moaning. us fans cannot complain to the FIA, we cannot appeal, we do not have a say, so whats the use. The FIA are biased ***** and I am so so so so angry, but whats the point, arggghhhh *head has blown up*!
P.s. 5 stars benny!
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
Agree completely mate ... We just have to reside to the fact that we cant do nothing about it ... We have to accept what is decided behind closed doors with evidence and cheque books involved ... Thanks for the stars mate !
Edit Comment Cancel
Morgan Bath 10 months ago
To be honest I am getting sick of the rule mongers. I agree any incident in the pits should be severely punished as that is the place with the most risk of severe and even fatal injuries. But drivers are afraid to pass because maybe they will get penalised. Or if they do pass and the person the passed tries to close the door (too late) they have to either decide to crash or take a ten second penalty. Where is the incentive to fight?
F1 is becoming a wimps sport. My 3 favourite drivers (Hamilton, Massa and Kubica) got podium places and yet I was bored out of my mind watching Valencia. Why? Perhaps it was a hard to pass circuit, but lets face it the only drivers willing to take risks are ferrari, and Massa was already in the lead. Everyone else is seriously paranoid about the race marshalls throwing a hissy fit. Boring.
The only saving grace is that the championship is close, which means there is potential for an exciting season end. But I worry that the only real excitement will be the qualifying. Once thats done I may aswell just read about the results in the paper the next day because the race will be a procession of terrified drivers punctuated by the odd technical failure.
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
For sure the championship is exciting, one thing I can promise is I wont be reading about it next day in the papers, I couldnt bear to miss the race, the qulifying or the practice sessions ... It would kill me ! But you boast lots of good points in your comments Morgan, thanks for your contribution !
Edit Comment Cancel
Craig Dalrymple 10 months ago
Perhaps it was a hard to pass circuit, but lets face it the only drivers willing to take risks are ferrari,....
Maybe because they are the only ones who DON"T get penalized? When was the last time they got a drive through penalty?
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
Cant honestly remember !
Edit Comment Cancel
Craig Dalrymple 10 months ago
I got to thinking about this a bit, and I think Kimi got one last year, but maybe it was a dream. Funny, they don't seem to keep stats on that anywhere -- at least not that I can find.
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
Massa was DSQ last year with Rubens for driving through pit lane ... Cant quite remember if it was speeding or when pit lane was closed ? He was black flagged I think ?
Edit Comment Cancel
Stuart Baird 10 months ago
Ben: i meant that massa "may have what it takes..." comment in response to a comment that i posted a few weeks ago saying that i didnt think that massa had that "champion's luck" that most other champions have. its nothing to do with his abilities, just the circumstances that tend to lead to him being good at some circuits, and not at others.
Look at hungary. and Silverstone. they were just unlucky. raikkonen suffered similar problems at Mclaren. he couldnt win a championship at Mclaren because, among other reasons, he was unlucky.
kimi would not have won last year if he didnt have the exceptional luck in the last 2 races.
i think that luck has a lot to do with any drivers championship. (with rare exceptions, like schumacher in 03, and Alonso in 05. they just dominated)
Massa's drive at Valencia showed that he can piece together the wins when he needs to. im almost certain that ferrari will back him for the championship, not kimi.
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
I think it would be wise for them to do that ... Kimi needs to get his thumb out of his ass and start to prove that he is world champion and give Ferrari a reason to get behind him ... Having said that though if the situation is right they will favour Kimi over Massa unless it meant that McLaren would ultimately benefit, but I wont inslut your intelligence in thinking that you wouldnt know that ... They would never just cut him loose !
Edit Comment Cancel
Craig Dalrymple 10 months ago
Massa and Fisichella, both at Montreal for exiting pits under red.
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
Yeah thats the one, I thought it was Massa and Barrichello, sorry ... My mistake !
Edit Comment Cancel
Glen Holloway 10 months ago
My thoughts exactly mate, lets just see whether the FIA can make sure both titles go back to Maranello by the end of the season. Only time will tell.
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
They probs will ha ha !
Edit Comment Cancel
Anthony 10 months ago
Danica to take over Kimi's drive in Brazil. ?
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 10 months ago
Ha ha ha ... Thats just funny ! Can you imagine what the Tifosi would say ?
Edit Comment Cancel
Anthony 10 months ago
Italian necktie. hahaha
Edit Comment Cancel
Leave a Comment
You must register to post a comment.