I think the folks in this session are fans of Formula One period. If Ferrari isn't up to the task, we all still watch because it's the pinnacle of motor sports (well, historically it has been...). Schu WAS Ferrari in the early years of this century. We all remember that and many want to see him have success at Mercedes (after being dispatched of by LDM). Personally, I like great racing and great drivers. Ferrari is my team undoubtedly, but I also give credit where it is due. Currently, Dubmenicali and crew don't deserve much credit...(this does NOT include Alonso. Nobody else would be in the championship hunt driving the Ferrari)
+1 If you're (Tony, not Rick ) looking for a fanboi site, this isn't it - There's plenty of those around elsewhere - Check out "scuderia.net" (IIRC) - A complete bunch of tossers that shout down anyone who's not blindly in love with Maranello. In general, and excluding the illogical Phil bashing, I think we've got a pretty balanced community of (mostly ) knowledgeable folk here who enjoy F1 for what it is - The pinnacle. Cheers, Ian
We're going to have to cancel Bahrain. We'll need the extra time to finish talking about China. WAFR! Congrats Nico, now that yer cherry's busted I expect more than a few more wins.
At least 5 more would be cool, so he can beat his father's record. Not likely to happen this year, but as an overall career goal.
Well, this is the F1 thread, and today's race may have marked a changing of the guard for this season. If Mercedes can keep there car on the circuit, we may have nail biter of a WCC and WDC this season. As a fan that is all I want.
I rarely watch a race twice the same day, but I have today a slighter shorter version. All I can say is from say around lap 45 to end starting with a Webber v Hamilton, it just got better and better and better superb.
Absolutely. Those last 15+ laps were ample proof that KERS, DRS plus a wide (Tilke!) track can turn F1 into a true racing competition. Behind Rosberg all the following top ten positions were one giant battle. Wherever you looked there were cars dicing for positions, it was mindblowingly cool.
Nico's career after Schu leaves is going to be very interesting depending on who replaces Michael and when it happens. This will either show how good Nico is if it's a big name and Nico out-performs this driver (Hamilton) or how average he is and how aged Michael was should a big name come in and really shellack Nico.
One of the best races in a long time. I won't be erasing it from my DVR for a while. If shortening the DRS zone improves thing so Imagine how great it will be when they abolish it altogether .
I don't think Nico can outperform a driver like Hamilton. And given today's GP I'd expect MS to stick around for a couple more years anyway.
Just finished watching the race. Watching Schumi go out with a pit stop/wheel problem almost had me blowing milk out of my nose I was laughing so hard. Sooo many times that happened to RB and nothing ever happen to Schu, so I guess the racing Gods are paying me back...better late than never. Congrats to his teammate who had a heck of a weekend! Has to be an awesome feeling to get your first win in F1... Great effort by Alonso and Massa was trying his arse off too, but it is still clear to see who is the man, and it ain't Massa.
I've always wondered what the relationship is with MS and Nico. Does Nico just think he's an old bloke who he has to beat? Do they get on well? Do they help each other? Do they have mutual respect? Does MS just treat Nico like a snot nosed kid? I've never heard either of them discuss it. I wonder if there's any favouritism in the team?
Not just that but Nico also scored the first victory for the reborn Mercedes team. There are first ones and there are first ones. I'm sure Nico's W03 from today will end up in a special place at the fabulous MB museum in Stuttgart. I highly recommend a visit to anybody, lots of F1 stuff in there as well plus the only (?) hydraulic F1 sim for "public" use. Maybe because the English language doesn't have an equivalent for Schadenfreude? Based on reports from journalists (yes, the people you and I have a very different opinion about) that relationship has been changing over the years. At first there was a lot of respect by Rosberg but as it became obvious that MS wouldn't pick up where he left that went away. However in the second part of last year that respect came back and I'd say by now "it is on" as a real competition. From the little that was mentioned it doesn't sound as if the two are best friends nor are they enemies. Each does his own thing, which would make sense as I believe they have very different driving styles. I'm sure Ferraripilot has a few comments on this subject.
It has also been said that once a driver overcomes the hurdle of their first win they gain alot of race logic aswell as confidence. A great race it was and I'm very happy Nico now knows what is it like to be a race winner, certainly Keke is overjoyed.
I thought M/S problem was a real shame considering where he was. I thought it was a mistake when he decided to return to F1 & after all the disappointing results he has had this was good test for him today--unfortunately though no fault of his own it did not happen. I was impressed with his interview as he did not blame the crew.
What are the odds that back in 55 anyone would believe that the next MB GP win would be in 2012 and in China?
The question is will he become another Hakkinen/Barrichello or another Alesi/Panis? By that measure the next MB win will be in 2068 on Mare Tranquillitatis.
Nah, we'll be both watching it. Just not on a TV. I'm sure he'll score another win(s). Maybe not this year, but soon enough. I just hope he doesn't pick up a sudden interest in rallying.