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Formula 1 2010: Round 2 Australia

  • 22-03-2010 3:05pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,445 ✭✭✭


    I think everyone would agree that having a single thread for Bahrain worked well last week so I thought we might as well keep it going with one for this weekends race as well.

    The second Grand Prix of the season comes from the open street circuit Albert Park this weekend. In the past we have seen some great races from Melbourne but it is worth noting that only two winners-David Coulthard(11) in 2003 and Eddie Irvine(6) in 1999-have come through to win the race from outside the front two rows of the grid. Qualifying is therefore paramount at this circuit.

    The weather forecast is saying that Friday will be sunny but Saturday and Sunday have the threat of scattered showers! This could lead to some serious issues in the race due to fading light with the race starting in the late afternoon.

    The schudule is:
    Practice 1 Friday 01:30
    Practice 2 Friday 05:30
    Practice 3 Saturday 02:30
    Qualifying Saturday 05:00
    Race Sunday 07:00

    In the past Melbourne has been a bit of a car breaker with on average only half of the drivers finishing the race so there is always the potential for a surprise in the race.

    It has to be expected that again we will only have a single pitstop Grand Prix but before everyone starts to bemoan that fact it is worth remembering that in the 14 Grand Prix in Melbourne half of the winners have ran a single pitstop.

    Formula 1 really needs to have a good race this weekend to get the press off its back after a disappointing Bahrain GP and with the potential for some bad weather the prayers may be answered!

    Change The location of the Australian Gp 52 votes

    No, leave it in Albert Park
    0% 0 votes
    Yes, move it to Adelaide
    67% 35 votes
    Yes, move it to Bathurst
    17% 9 votes
    Yes, move it to Philip Island
    13% 7 votes
    Yes, move it to Surfers Paradise
    0% 0 votes
    Yes, move it to Eastern Creek
    1% 1 vote
    Atari Jaguar
    0% 0 votes


«134567

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,822 ✭✭✭EvilMonkey


    Nice one frostie.
    Circuit
    AusGPCircuit.jpg

    Praying for rain, light showers would be perfect for Sunday

    The real F1 season opener, Bahrain never happened F1 2010 starts here! :pac:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,819 ✭✭✭speedboatchase


    LIGHTNING wrote: »
    Nice one, I was thinking of putting up a poll of "do you think the next race will be boring, yes/no". I will be suprised if its any different that the last race.

    I vote Yes


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,576 ✭✭✭lord lucan


    A nice mid-race monsoon on Sunday would shake things up nicely!:)

    It'd be interesting to see how Schumacher handles the wet weather after a few years out.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,445 ✭✭✭frostie500


    Has there been a wet race in Melbourne?

    I remember that in 03 the majority started on wets with a few on slicks but you'd probably classify it as a 'dry race' seeing as the track was dry for nearly the entire race. I think thats about the height of rain in races there though.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 8,199 ✭✭✭G-Money


    I was at the race in Melbourne in 03. The rain wasn't that heavy, it was sort of a constant drizzle. It was wet enough that people were buying those see through rain coats anyway. I can't remember if the cars had intermediates or wets on. I'm guessing they needed inters at least.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,390 ✭✭✭IM0


    Eagor. Its only Monday. In future please hold off until Wed at least! :D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,175 ✭✭✭Top Dog


    LIGHTNING wrote: »
    Nice one, I was thinking of putting up a poll of "do you think the next race will be boring, yes/no". I will be suprised if its any different that the last race.
    I'm hoping the answer is no - but I won't be in the least bit surprised if its actually a yes.

    keeping fingers crossed though.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,390 ✭✭✭IM0


    Theres no waay in hell Im goinbg to get up and watch this one live, I usually do most years, but not since last sundays 'race' Im not setting myself up for that let down :(. I will of course watch the 'highlights' whatever they may be :rolleyes:


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 536 ✭✭✭enzo7


    LIGHTNING wrote: »
    Nice one, I was thinking of putting up a poll of "do you think the next race will be boring, yes/no". I will be suprised if its any different that the last race.

    i vote yes, really hope im wrong. Think a shower of rain could shake it up abit. I hope:)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,576 ✭✭✭lord lucan


    frostie500 wrote: »
    Has there been a wet race in Melbourne?

    I remember that in 03 the majority started on wets with a few on slicks but you'd probably classify it as a 'dry race' seeing as the track was dry for nearly the entire race. I think thats about the height of rain in races there though.

    Melbourne got hit by a pretty bad storm a couple of weeks ago. Perth had a freak storm yesterday. You never know!

    http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Freak-Storm-In-Perth-Western-Australia-Causes-Power-Cuts-Floods-Hail-Storms-And-Landslides/Article/201003415579964?lpos=World_News_Carousel_Region_4&lid=ARTICLE_15579964_Freak_Storm_In_Perth,_Western_Australia,_Causes_Power_Cuts,_Floods,_Hail_Storms_And_Landslides


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,565 ✭✭✭✭Cookie_Monster


    me@ucd wrote: »
    Theres no waay in hell Im goinbg to get up and watch this one live, I usually do most years, but not since last sundays 'race' Im not setting myself up for that let down :(. I will of course watch the 'highlights' whatever they may be :rolleyes:

    whens it on, 6/7? not too early compared to previous


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,445 ✭✭✭frostie500


    whens it on, 6/7? not too early compared to previous

    It's on at 7 but we lose an hour on Sunday morning with the clocks changing to Summer Time


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,565 ✭✭✭✭Cookie_Monster


    frostie500 wrote: »
    It's on at 7 but we lose an hour on Sunday morning with the clocks changing to Summer Time

    feck :(:mad:
    I'm totally going to forget about that

    looks like i'll be setting alarm for "5.30" to be sure to be sure to catch it all


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,445 ✭✭✭frostie500


    feck :(:mad:
    I'm totally going to forget about that

    looks like i'll be setting alarm for "5.30" to be sure to be sure to catch it all

    Generally your phone updates to the change in times so it should change to BST automatically....but I won't be taking a chance on that working I'll be setting the alarm an hour early as well!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,107 ✭✭✭steve_r


    Great intro Frostie - set the scene very well.

    Few talking points for the mix:

    - Ron Dennis's comment that the Red Bull is a gas guzzler, which caused Vettell's failure.

    - After the low's of Bahrain - surely we cannot be dissapointed any further? I was really looking forward to the driver's battle in the first race but it never really came through.

    - Driver Failure - who do you think will crash?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,565 ✭✭✭✭Cookie_Monster


    Ficus wrote: »
    unless there is some serious weather issues, i cant see how it will be anything other than a procession with 1 stopping the quickest way to go.
    the only question is who will be at the front of the train ;)

    I agree (unfortunitly:()


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,816 ✭✭✭TheChrisD


    I just hope that there's lots of bad weather, many crashes and possibly some other freak events like defrocked priests running down a long straight towards the cars waving random banners and forcing a safety car... :rolleyes:

    And I'm not just saying that because I'll likely miss it live from being at the Irish Blog Awards the night before :mad:


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 23,316 ✭✭✭✭amacachi


    TBH I'd say the main reason for the generally low amount of finishers in the past was because it was the first race of the season. Add the engine development freeze and most teams have fewer problems with reliability anyway. Well, other than Red Bull. :pac:

    Money on Vettel for the win this weekend is a handy way to treble what you have.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 23,316 ✭✭✭✭amacachi


    Ficus wrote: »
    The latest weather forecast is for some light rain on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, which may spice it up a small bit. Crossing fingers now.:D

    Light rain? I want a FNQ-style deluge. :pac:

    Also I'd say some proper rain would bring Schumacher and Hamilton right up to the front.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,390 ✭✭✭IM0


    amacachi wrote: »
    Money on Vettel for the win this weekend is a handy way to treble what you have.

    Then again if you did that last GP you'd be as sick as a dog.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 23,316 ✭✭✭✭amacachi


    me@ucd wrote: »
    Then again if you did that last GP you'd be as sick as a dog.

    Yeah, but I predicted Alonso would win the last GP. ;)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,096 ✭✭✭smooch71


    Melbourne was always exciting for me because it's been the opening race of the season for the best part of 14 years now.

    Can't say I feel that excited this year because let's be honest, the Australian GP is rarely a classic race and there's rarely overtaking there either.

    I fear it may be Turkey in May but more realistically Canada in June before we see any overtaking.

    By which time many casual fans will have switched off. And without meaning to sound doom laden, I fear that in spite of the hype surrounding this season and the number of quality drivers in good cars, the racing will be so non-existent that many dedicated fans may start to lose interest too. Just like when Schumacher was dominating from 01-04.

    Bahrain, Korea, Singapore and Abu Dhabi are all soulless, pointless racetracks and their inclusion is killing the publics' interest too.

    Why can't Ecclestone and co. see this?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,576 ✭✭✭lord lucan


    smooch71 wrote: »
    Why can't Ecclestone and co. see this?

    Sadly Bernie & Co. are blinded by $$$$$$$,it's not about the racing anymore,it's about revenue.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 23,316 ✭✭✭✭amacachi


    smooch71 wrote: »
    Why can't Ecclestone and co. see this?

    world.jpg

    That's why the races are going where they are, building for the future financial situation.

    On the other hand I can't work out why the **** Spain has two Grands Prix instead of Italy, in terms of both support and just population.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,240 ✭✭✭Iron Hide


    Yeah and Italy actually has racing interest/pedigree, unlike spain, who have HRT...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,096 ✭✭✭smooch71


    Red Storm wrote: »
    Yeah and Italy actually has racing interest/pedigree, unlike spain, who have HRT...

    And one Fernando Alonso in addition to Santander now sponsoring two teams.

    F1 has taken off in Spain coz of Alonso's success. Traditionally a Motogp country, they couldn't even sell out Catalunya before he appeared on the scene.

    If Alonso were to retire tomorrow, one if not both of those races would be dropped sooner rather than later in favour of some other ridiculous venue.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 23,316 ✭✭✭✭amacachi


    smooch71 wrote: »
    And one Fernando Alonso in addition to Santander now sponsoring two teams.

    F1 has taken off in Spain coz of Alonso's success. Traditionally a Motogp country, they couldn't even sell out Catalunya before he appeared on the scene.

    If Alonso were to retire tomorrow, one if not both of those races would be dropped sooner rather than later in favour of some other ridiculous venue.

    That's what I mean though, it's all built on Alonso's back, whereas Italy would be up for it no matter what.
    Forgot Santander had both teams sponsored, more than likely the main reason for 2 GPs, though I thought they were ending one of them soon.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,240 ✭✭✭Iron Hide


    smooch71 wrote: »
    And one Fernando Alonso in addition to Santander now sponsoring two teams.

    F1 has taken off in Spain coz of Alonso's success. Traditionally a Motogp country, they couldn't even sell out Catalunya before he appeared on the scene.

    If Alonso were to retire tomorrow, one if not both of those races would be dropped sooner rather than later in favour of some other ridiculous venue.
    By the same token, over 50% of the teams are based in Britain, and theres only one race there. Donington, Brands Hatch, i know both tracks need money pumped into them but still..
    And Germany too, 5 or 6 of the drivers are german, the old seven timer, Vettel and Rosberg are damn good racers too and the German GP is split between Hockenheim and Nurburgring!

    Mugello and Imola are excellent circuits, and no races there.

    Actually, since this IS the Aussie GP thread, petition to change the venue to Bathurst anyone? :P


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,822 ✭✭✭EvilMonkey


    The Valencian government pumps a lot of money into the GP, unlike the UK, German and Italian GP's that dont get much financial backing from government.

    As said above its all about the $$££€€.

    On topic

    30% chance of rain on sat 20% on sun


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 23,316 ✭✭✭✭amacachi


    Would've been hoping for higher percentages than that. :(


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,445 ✭✭✭frostie500


    Red Storm wrote: »
    And Germany too, 5 or 6 of the drivers are german, the old seven timer, Vettel and Rosberg are damn good racers too and the German GP is split between Hockenheim and Nurburgring!

    One thing to remember about Germany is that they aren't traditionally big fans of F1. For the past twenty years they were massive fans of Michael Schumacher but for the three years that he retired viewing figures fell by 50%....and then in Bahrain they were right back upto the previous levels!

    Bear in mind Vettel was winning races and challenging for the title last year and only 5 million Germans watched the races on average down and I think it's clear that there isn't an internal market to support and sustain two Grand Prix in Germany unless Schumi races forever!

    To be honest I'm not sure I'd want two races there anyway after the butchering of Hockenheim and the changes to the 'ring a few years ago


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 536 ✭✭✭enzo7


    THe 2 germany races were always sell outs the hight of schueys success. As a matter if intrest have the 2 spanish races ever been a sell out. I know the last few yrs they havnt been but thats prob down to alonso not been in the title fight. The intrest in f1 in both spain and germany was down to schuey/alonso. Italians luv F1 regardless or should i say ferrari. But money talks at the end of the day. They will never be 2 races in germany again and the uk wont get 2 either as they dont have goverment backing as mentioned already. Vettel and rosberg as good as they are are no where near a popular as schuey was , only schuey winning again will get germany intrested.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6 Super Aguri


    Red Storm wrote: »
    By the same token, over 50% of the teams are based in Britain, and theres only one race there. Donington, Brands Hatch, i know both tracks need money pumped into them but still..
    And Germany too, 5 or 6 of the drivers are german, the old seven timer, Vettel and Rosberg are damn good racers too and the German GP is split between Hockenheim and Nurburgring!

    Mugello and Imola are excellent circuits, and no races there.

    Actually, since this IS the Aussie GP thread, petition to change the venue to Bathurst anyone? :P

    Awesome! where do I sign? :pac:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,672 ✭✭✭Oblomov


    It's all about who can finance the circuit for Bernie to line his pockets, I think if it was left to the teams, the old favourites would return.

    But, the faster circuits would not be popular with the advertisers, cars going too fast to read the adverts.

    The general consensus is for another boring race, a very expensive convoy for the TV cameras to follow.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,669 ✭✭✭✭ednwireland


    Schumacher rejects accusations that F1 is boring

    http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8584794.stm
    But Mercedes driver Schumacher defended F1 ahead of Sunday's Australian GP.

    "It is not motorcycle racing, it has always had less overtaking - the excitement is still there for fans."
    maybe from the cockpit :rolleyes:

    i shall not be watching the next races (maybe the ones at teatime) and i was looking forward to this season but not any more
    i have better things to do with my sundays

    My weather

    https://www.ecowitt.net/home/share?authorize=96CT1F



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 706 ✭✭✭BoardsRanger


    Does anyone know if the practise sessions will be repeated on the BBC red button. Failing that, any ideas on how to record it without getting up at 1:30 and 5:30?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 23,316 ✭✭✭✭amacachi


    Does anyone know if the practise sessions will be repeated on the BBC red button. Failing that, any ideas on how to record it without getting up at 1:30 and 5:30?

    Can't record it when it's on the Red Button. Unless ya have Sellotanta.
    They had the first two practice sessions looping after each other after Bahrain anyway.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,565 ✭✭✭✭Cookie_Monster


    M.S. wrote:
    the excitement is still there for fans.

    I don't suppose he wants to tell us where it is?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,855 ✭✭✭Grim.


    Red Storm wrote: »
    Actually, since this IS the Aussie GP thread, petition to change the venue to Bathurst anyone? :P

    Please God yes!!!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,175 ✭✭✭Top Dog


    Oblomov wrote: »
    The general consensus is for another boring race, a very expensive convoy for the TV cameras to follow.
    Question is - how much longer can they continue along this vein before viewers start turning off altogether? If there's no audience watching then there's no point in the expensive convoy with the easily legible advertising logos.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 23,316 ✭✭✭✭amacachi


    Ah bollocks, have to be up in 4 hours but the practice is just starting.....


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 30,681 ✭✭✭✭Ghost Train


    will be staying up for a bit, see how long before sleepyness becomes too much


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,390 ✭✭✭IM0


    Ant sounded a little bitter just then:

    "the guys at the back you could argue have the hardest job with the car having less downforce [and some other stuff] and deserve more than than the highest paid drivers at the front of the grid earning millions"

    Crofty says "but then again they have the pressure for the wins on them"

    Ant says "yeah yeah"

    a tad bitter [being former pack fill himself]


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 30,681 ✭✭✭✭Ghost Train


    croft is certain schumacher will win

    red flag


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 30,681 ✭✭✭✭Ghost Train


    second red flag

    bit strange that front wing failure, wonder did he hit something on the first corner or was it from first accident


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,672 ✭✭✭Oblomov


    Question is - how much longer can they continue along this vein before viewers start turning off altogether? If there's no audience watching then there's no point in the expensive convoy with the easily legible advertising logos.

    The global viewing figures have been considered as suspect for years, grossly over exaggerated. So, what's to stop Bernie & Co writing up the figures and opening the corporate entertainment just a little earlier.

    The exodus from F1 will not happen overnight as fans hang on in the hope it will improve...

    But, so changes will have to be made, the drivers are asking to be allowed to have an input into any new regs. Whilst Bernie is talking about not allowing the inmates to make the rules.

    Situation normal, Gold medal for winners, and shortcuts to allow overtaking... ROFLMAO


    Hamilton, Button and webber in that order for first practice. half a second between Hamilton and Button...

    BBC news this morning.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,822 ✭✭✭EvilMonkey


    Bathurst would be a crap F1 venue, Brilliant circuit but not for F1.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,390 ✭✭✭IM0


    So weve had 2 practice sessions now, and are no closer to reading anything into form for australia or are we?

    Will it be Red Bull or Ferrari on top for Quali and the race?

    It was frustrating to be robbed of Vettels true long run pace in Bahrain and Alonso's long game plan to get him late in the race, when Vettel had to back off and let them through.

    Would alonso have got him in the latter stages? It looked like it
    but can he get Vettel here?


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