The second leg of the season's first double header gets away this weekend!

It's Ferrari and McLaren, right in the thick of things, the lead to-ing and fro-ing from each race this season so far.

Will the reds prevail, with the flying Finn at the wheel?

Will the silveries prevail, with the not-so-slow-anymore Spaniard?

Early testing indicates the Scuderia are on top of this weekend, with a Ferrari 1-2, but McLaren right behind them with a 3-4.

It's hotting up!

Practice 1:
http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=38962

Also, Honda nearing the Top 10!?!? What did I tell you, eh? Come on Honda!

Will the reds prevail, with the flying Finn at the wheel?

Will the silveries prevail, with the not-so-slow-anymore Spaniard?

Or will the beautiful blue and whites previal, from absolutely no where?? :D

Very content and impressed by their pace this year. The car is absolutely gorgeous, I can't seem to get over it! Looking at FP2 timing, I was about to comment on the fact that we seem to be stuck in between positions 8-5 in terms of pace, but then I saw Wurz in 3rd, with the same time as Kimi, and I got all excited :p

I hate to say it though, but Honda's pace didn't eventuate unfortunately. 19th and 21st with Button stopped for some reason :(

Or will the beautiful blue and whites previal, from absolutely no where?? :D

Very content and impressed by their pace this year. The car is absolutely gorgeous, I can't seem to get over it! Looking at FP2 timing, I was about to comment on the fact that we seem to be stuck in between positions 8-5 in terms of pace, but then I saw Wurz in 3rd, with the same time as Kimi, and I got all excited :p

I hate to say it though, but Honda's pace didn't eventuate unfortunately. 19th and 21st with Button stopped for some reason :(

Williams have been on form this season, so some points is definitely possible.

Practice 2 news:
http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=38966


It's shaping up to be a very very good fight for the qualifying and the pole. Ferrari are only a few tenths a lap quicker than McLaren, but if the Maccas are really hooked up then honestly, it's really anyone's game. I can't wait for tomorrow and Sunday.

Also, Honda are not going to build a completely new chassis (a new car) but they will still have significant upgrades in the season.

Would like to see a Ferrari one - two in Bahrain but it rests on Massa holding off the McClarens of Alonso and Hamilton !!! Its weird this time last season I hated Ferrari but loved McClaren but its turned around for me this year because I hate Alonso and Hamilton still has to prove himself and his last couple of races might of been luck !!! I do think its Kimi's year this year he is way overdue to be a World Champion !!!

^I think it might be Kimi's year, and yes he is way overdue, but Alonso keeps coming into the mix - he's all over the place and can win races out of nowhere. A Ferrari 1-2 would be perfect for the Scuderia, but I think McLaren really have to say something to that. I think that Hamilton's arrival has made Alonso drive a little faster this season.

^^ I would actually love too see Alonso & Hamy {<--sorry I had too}, but especially Alonso beat Ferrari again!

Hammy's nothing new. In the Malaysian GP thread I called him that. It's like, so hard not to resist calling him that isn't it? Lol...

^^ Yeah..lol

From Button's newsletter

Difficult Weekend Ahead

Jenson is in Bahrain, preparing for this weekend’s third round of the World Championship at the Bahrain International Circuit. He has good memories of the track, having finished on the podium in 2004 and fourth last year.

“This is a track that I enjoy racing on,” he says. “There are some fast and flowing sections where you can really push the car, and there are several overtaking opportunities on the lap, which usually leads to a good race.”

“The situation won’t be much different from Sepang,” says Jenson. “We are struggling for grip at the moment, which means the car isn’t consistent from one lap to the next. We know what is causing the problems and the guys at the factories in Brackley, Bracknell and Tochigi are working flat-out to solve them, but that doesn’t help us on the racetrack.


Sounds...good...:p

Hmm, so far everything is going Ferrari's way, sounds pretty good . Ferrari are very determined to get back on track and win another race becuase of the Malaysian GP. Anyways My prediction is that a Ferrari driver will get on pole, and another Ferrari deriver will win the race, hopefully Kimi.:D

And Hamy, what a nice nickname, lol, sounds like a hamster! :D

wow, ferrari and mclaren eh... they're quite good racecars and i have to say they're great rivals keeping us entertained...

man, i just so want ferrari to win this one, im cheering on for them. hopefully ferrari will be first and make me and some other members really proud.... lol.

Im going for Mclaren this weekend. With Hamilton behind the wheel, He is bloody quick and i just so what to see him on the podium in first place.

I hope Mclaren win the title this year, they have a brilliant car. They definately have the best looking car out of them all.

I hope Hamilton can get the record of three podiums in his first three F1 races. This is the first year i've started to actually enjoy F1's.

Quite a good qualifing session i thourght

What's up with Alonso, 4th, now come on, he's better than 4th. Hamilton, was good, but Alonso has no excuse! Unless he can start like Hamy did tomorrow :p

seriously, if ralf schumacher gets a sit with ferrari, do u think he will actually get some decent positions and ranking?
and bmw is actually getting good, i like bmw's cars (not really f1 case) cause i drive my mothers 330.

I thought it was quite a good qualifying session from my perspective. The pole shootout between Hammy and Massy was particiularly good, I reckon. Ferrari and McLaren going balls-out for the pole. That's what we like to see. Hopefully it will transfer into a great race. Could even be a Hamilton win, you never know, that's not out of the question.

Anyway, I have Practice 3 results:
http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=38981

Button was way down there in the Honda, P16, Bazza not faring well either, in P18. BMW Sauber P3 and P4, Renaults in P9 and P10. Lewis shades Kimi for P1. Davidson does a cracking job by getting up to P5. If only that was the qualifying!

And a qualifying report:
http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=38982


Hmm, so far everything is going Ferrari's way, sounds pretty good . Ferrari are very determined to get back on track and win another race becuase of the Malaysian GP. Anyways My prediction is that a Ferrari driver will get on pole, and another Ferrari deriver will win the race, hopefully Kimi.:D

And Hamy, what a nice nickname, lol, sounds like a hamster! :D

Well, you got the qualifying session predictions right, now let's see if you can get the race ones right! ;) And yeah it is going Ferraris way I think. Massa on pole, Raikkonen in third (got a bigger fuel load than Massa) and it could all go to plan for them....but for McLaren. I honestly cannot pick a winner right now. I predict Ferrari or McLaren for the win, any one of them. :p If there's a four-man scalp in the first corner I predict BMWs for the win.

And yeah it's an awesome nickname, I reckon it should stay.

What's up with Alonso, 4th, now come on, he's better than 4th. Hamilton, was good, but Alonso has no excuse! Unless he can start like Hamy did tomorrow :p

Bigger fuel loads I reckon. But he simply got outclassed by Hamilton. He's brilliant. Alonso's no longer the fast boy now.

seriously, if ralf schumacher gets a sit with ferrari, do u think he will actually get some decent positions and ranking?
and bmw is actually getting good, i like bmw's cars (not really f1 case) cause i drive my mothers 330.

Probably not. And besides, I don't think Ralf will be getting a Ferrari drive anytime soon, because Ferrari probably think he's rubbish. Can't blame them.....

I was watching the first session, then out of no where button shot up to 4th i think. I was sitting there thinking someones finally come out of their shell. Then of course over the next minute he dropped all the way down. At this rate theres no way hes winning anthing this year.

Also surprise surpries, massa comes out top again. Its a wonder he hasn't got a pole position yet.
After that race my prediction for race will be.
1st Alonso
2nd Massa
3rd Hamilton
4th Raikkoen
5th Heifield
unfortunatly i'll be on a plane so i'll miss it.

My Podium prediction Is:

1st - Hamilton
2nd - Alonso
3rd - Massa

Well I just got a phonecall and I'm off down the beach tomorrow with a bunch of friends so I'll miss the race. I'm not viewing this thread until I watch the tape of it! I don't want my race ruined! :p

That means someone else needs to make the thread. Shock fear horror. Benny not making an F1 thread, gee its going to rain potatoes now.

All the race weekend stuff goes in one thread, which will be this thread, so no worries there.

I wouldn't mind if it rained potatoes, would be something different.

I want to see how the Super Aguris do.

Well, you got the qualifying session predictions right, now let's see if you can get the race ones right! ;) And yeah it is going Ferraris way I think. Massa on pole, Raikkonen in third (got a bigger fuel load than Massa) and it could all go to plan for them....but for McLaren. I honestly cannot pick a winner right now. I predict Ferrari or McLaren for the win, any one of them. :p If there's a four-man scalp in the first corner I predict BMWs for the win.

And yeah it's an awesome nickname, I reckon it should stay.

Woohoo, Massa is on Pole and i got the qualifying predictions right.:D Anyways i guarantee i will get the race predictions correct too, if i don't then umm, i have to say "Jensen Button rules and Kimi Raikkonen Sucks!" How about that?:p

C'mon Ferrari, don't let me down, i dont want to say "Jensen Button rules and Kimi Raikkonen Sucks!" LOL

Well I just got a phonecall and I'm off down the beach tomorrow with a bunch of friends so I'll miss the race. I'm not viewing this thread until I watch the tape of it! I don't want my race ruined! :p

Have a nice trip! And yeah, thats very wise of you not to view this thread 1st!:D

Good job, Massa. and Ferrari.

Massa, Massa.

Didn't actually see the race but go massa, good job. and hamilton second. if i were a betting man, i'd have my money on massa to win this year.

Oh, dear, oh dear, Mr. Alonso needs to shape up for Spain! Good race from Heidfeld...and Coulthard, wow! nice over taking. Shame about Davidson, he was doing well. BMW's definitely proven they are the best of the rest :)
Good race though, showed that more work is needed before Spain..I reckon the Red Bulls can do better, their designer is amazing, and the car went well today, until it..well..stopped!
Lucky no one was coming out the the pits when Sato blew up!
Whoever watched the screening in England..Jamie Cullum was on it...I've practically met him :)

I missed the race because once again I value my sleep. I might be able to catch the replay tonight so it may not be all a lost cause.


Anyway, from what I have read it appears that although Massa won, Hamilton was catching him really fast and perhaps would have passed him if there were more laps. I am seriously wondering to amazement of this kid, he has started off better than any driver, ever. Better than Ayrton, Fangio, Shumi, and Alonso. It is an early season but man o man we just may see the greatest season by a single driver this year. Barring any mechanical failure and if someone does not wreck him he will finish on the podium nearly every race.

So other than that I will just keep my mouth shut because I have not seen the race and I want to before I say anything.

WTFU#* B1tch crap I missed the race!! I woke up around 10:00am and the race was over......

F***!!!!

WTFU#* B1tch crap I missed the race!! I woke up around 10:00am and the race was over......

F***!!!!

YouTube in a few days time? For UK people there's highlights at 12.45 on ITV1 or ITV3 today. Are there any replays where you are?

Oh, dear, oh dear, Mr. Alonso needs to shape up for Spain! Good race from Heidfeld...and Coulthard, wow! nice over taking. Shame about Davidson, he was doing well. BMW's definitely proven they are the best of the rest :)
Good race though, showed that more work is needed before Spain..I reckon the Red Bulls can do better, their designer is amazing, and the car went well today, until it..well..stopped!
Lucky no one was coming out the the pits when Sato blew up!
Whoever watched the screening in England..Jamie Cullum was on it...I've practically met him :)

Yeah, it wasn't too bad a race. It's a shame about Coulthard. It was really buggering. I reckon he could have got 7th place if he didn't have a driveshaft failure, which is very annoying. BMW's pace was fantastic. I'm really happy for them. I reckon Heidfeld's gonna be secured for next year after his performances today. Around the outside of the World Champion, Alonso in Turn 4 for 5th place and made it stick? Brilliant stuff.

McLaren fell off the pace a little bit this weekend I think. We could have seen another Hammy Start Special but it wasn't too be. His middle stint was disappointing, his scrubbed soft tyres weren't up to the job, but his first stint was pretty good, and give the race another 5 laps or so he would have been challenging for the win, definitely. Alonso.....well, what happened to him? I guess his car just wasn't hooked up today. Getting jumped at the pit stops by Raikkonen and getting passed by the flying BMW. Some new stuff will be coming onto the car before Spain though, his home race, so maybe he can challenge for the win? Wouldn't count it out, he's got a great chance.

Ferrari; probably the team of the day today. Massa did a textbook performance today, leading from lights to flag. He was only really challenged at the end when Ham was closing in on him, but apart from that he was pretty much a dominant force. Raikkonen got held up by Alonso in the first stint, which pretty much compromised him, but him, Alonso and Hammy are all joint leading the Championship with 22 points each. Still reckon at this moment in time that they're the strongest team. McLaren are only a few tenths behind, I would say.

BMW did a sterling job today. Especially Heidfeld. Solid 4th place, just behind the Ferraris and the McLaren, and in front of Alonso, which shows his and BMWs potential. Kubica getting into the points aswell. Wouldn't be surprised if they gain some massive momentum during the end of this season and start winning races next season. Starting to become one of my liked teams.

Williams again, great job with Nico and Wurz, into the points. Renault, only one driver into the points, that being Fisichella. Kovalainen could do better, but the car isn't allowing him to, which is a shame. 7th is probably the highest Renault can go. It's looking not too bad for 2007, but it could have been a lot better.

Super Aguri doing great until Taku got out and so did Davidson, with a spectacular engine blow up. Davidson running up as high as 6th in one part of the race. Definite points scorers this season. Got a lot of potential, does that team. Great stuff.

Honda......well, a little bit better. Barrichello's car holding up. The team have no worries abour reliability in the race, but their pace is simply....crap. Button got smashed by Speed, which was not his fault. It's just not going for Honda right now. I think they're the team with the worst luck ever in F1. And it's annoying. But don't worry. They'll get it right.

STR got a double DNF, and Spyker had an alright race, albeit with a few incidents.

Woohoo, Massa is on Pole and i got the qualifying predictions right.:D Anyways i guarantee i will get the race predictions correct too, if i don't then umm, i have to say "Jensen Button rules and Kimi Raikkonen Sucks!" How about that?:p

C'mon Ferrari, don't let me down, i dont want to say "Jensen Button rules and Kimi Raikkonen Sucks!" LOL


Have a nice trip! And yeah, thats very wise of you not to view this thread 1st!:D

I never went on the trip. The beach was crap where we were going and there were only a few rides, and I had a crapload of work to finish off and I wanted to watch the GP.

And one day, when Jenson Button does rule, and Raikkonen does suck, I'll PM you and be all smug 'cos my favourite driver won! :p

Well done on getting the quali and race predictions right...although you didn't say which driver! If you get both quali and race drivers right for Spain I'll give you 50 Benny Points!

I missed the race because once again I value my sleep. I might be able to catch the replay tonight so it may not be all a lost cause.


Anyway, from what I have read it appears that although Massa won, Hamilton was catching him really fast and perhaps would have passed him if there were more laps. I am seriously wondering to amazement of this kid, he has started off better than any driver, ever. Better than Ayrton, Fangio, Shumi, and Alonso. It is an early season but man o man we just may see the greatest season by a single driver this year. Barring any mechanical failure and if someone does not wreck him he will finish on the podium nearly every race.

So other than that I will just keep my mouth shut because I have not seen the race and I want to before I say anything.

Yeah, that's pretty much what happened I think.

The thing that really gets me is Kimi's behaviour.
Q: So are you a bit disappointed with third?
KR: Yeah, I think the whole weekend has been quite difficult, not the easiest one really. I think we’re missing a bit on the handling, so hopefully we will find something. We have some new parts which hopefully will improve the situation for me, so we can start to try to be in front again.
I'm really surprised he even said 'we', F1 is a team sport, after all. A driver can change team dynamics so much, Massa's even been chatting to Schumi, not Kimi... lol

Q: And how did you feel the car was on hard tyres at the end?
KR: Not too bad really. I think it was OK but I knew, following Fernando at the start of the race, that you cannot get past if the guy doesn’t make a mistake, so there was no point to push any more after I couldn’t get past Lewis after my last pit stop, so I took it easy after that. It wasn’t too bad, the car was not too bad in the race, it (the problem) is just more in qualifying.
Goodness, how depressed can you get? Heidfeld accepted his mission and over took Alonso from the outside! Kimi seems to have lost his fighting spirit, it's crazy if you ask me.

In fact, I totally lose interest when he opens his mouth, it really is boring. Compared to the charisma that Hamilton or Alonso have it's just so disappointing. Kimi is just overly negative.

Q: (Heikki Kulta – Turun Sanomat) Kimi, 22 points from three races; are you satisfied with that?
KR: I think it’s a bit better than previous years, but of course we wanted to have all thirty but I think we are in a good position after three races and we just need to improve our situation - or mine - a little bit and we can have a good season, but it’s going to be hard this year. Everybody is very close to one another every race so it’s going to be a difficult season.


I mean, really, there's no need for Kimi to be negative about his races! 3rd, is amazing, what people would give to be up there, yano, I really don't think he can appreciate anything, even when he was first he said, 'it's nothing to get excited about'. Oh really, just the fact that you've just driven the best race out of some of the top drivers in the whole wide world.

If you just read the first line of everyone's personal statements, you hear about excitement for the forthcoming season, except Kimi's.

A great result and it's nice that we now have a long break during which I can enjoy thinking about it!


I’m very pleased with today’s result.


I am happy with these six points, but I can't be completely satisfied with this result.


I feel fantastic.


In a way I feel happy as we came away with four points and still leading the championship which is what is important.


All in all this has been a very positive weekend for me and the team.


That was a very tough race for me and I did a great job so I am happy both for myself and for the team.


And it goes on like that...http://www.formula1.com/race/news/5962/772.html

I suppose, you may turn around and say, woh, calm down, he just wants to win! But I had to get that out of my system!

I never went on the trip. The beach was crap where we were going and there were only a few rides, and I had a crapload of work to finish off and I wanted to watch the GP.

And one day, when Jenson Button does rule, and Raikkonen does suck, I'll PM you and be all smug 'cos my favourite driver won! :p

Well done on getting the quali and race predictions right...although you didn't say which driver! If you get both quali and race drivers right for Spain I'll give you 50 Benny Points!

Haha, alright then, I'll be waiting for that PM to come!:D

And yep, i got both predictions right, yes! I got a tingly feeling in my gut they would win. Lets see if in Spain i would get them correct and damn, noe i have to name an individual driver, thats going to be more hard, i really want those 50 Benny Points!:p

Anyways it was a great race, very exciting with lots of overtaking. I'm just disappointed on Red Bull. Both Mark Webber and DC were making really good progress, especially DC when he started 21st and would have ended up 7th if it wasn't for his driveshaft failure...

And for Mark, he was 7th after DC's retirement, so it was looking pretty good for him, but then all these bits off his car starts to fly off the car and his fuel flap had a problem...If those small things were fixed then everything will be alright, oh well...

The thing that really gets me is Kimi's behaviour.

I'm really surprised he even said 'we', F1 is a team sport, after all. A driver can change team dynamics so much, Massa's even been chatting to Schumi, not Kimi... lol


Goodness, how depressed can you get? Heidfeld accepted his mission and over took Alonso from the outside! Kimi seems to have lost his fighting spirit, it's crazy if you ask me.

In fact, I totally lose interest when he opens his mouth, it really is boring. Compared to the charisma that Hamilton or Alonso have it's just so disappointing. Kimi is just overly negative.


I mean, really, there's no need for Kimi to be negative about his races! 3rd, is amazing, what people would give to be up there, yano, I really don't think he can appreciate anything, even when he was first he said, 'it's nothing to get excited about'. Oh really, just the fact that you've just driven the best race out of some of the top drivers in the whole wide world.

If you just read the first line of everyone's personal statements, you hear about excitement for the forthcoming season, except Kimi's.








And it goes on like that...http://www.formula1.com/race/news/5962/772.html

I suppose, you may turn around and say, woh, calm down, he just wants to win! But I had to get that out of my system!


Hmmm lol kimi can be VERY boring and is always monotone..I think the only time I have seen him smile is when his car set on fire at the end..

Kimi Raikkonen always looks miserable and never lively !!! Maybe its bcus he comes from Finland ? Cus don't they have only a few hours of daylight in the winter or summat ??? and Scandinavia has the highest rate of suicides than any other part of the world !!! so thats probably why he is never happy !!!

is it me or is hamilton doing exceptionally well for his age/experience?

is it me or is hamilton doing exceptionally well for his age/experience?

I personally think its just luck myself !!! Rosberg started his first couple of races strong last season If I remember correctly granted not as good as Hamilton but Hamilton is only gettin podiums because he is one of the fastest cars on the track !!! Hamilton still has to prove his gud to me before I get on the Hamilton bandwagon like everyone else has !!!

^^ Yes, and no.
The thing, with him, is that he's not just a driver, he's a prodigy. He was destined to do well, I mean if McLaren brings you up and places in in {just about} the best car, then if he wasn't doing well, we would be worried. I know there's a lot of pressure on him, but he seems to be coping with it well. I really, really, hope the pressure doesn't get too much, I mean, he acts cool, but I sometimes wonder what he's really thinking.

It's crazy, if you think about it properly. He should be wayyy out of his depth, but then I guess he's on a learning curve. I really hope he'll be able to deal with the negatives as well as the positives. There's nothing like being built up, then being dropped.

@ Nemphis..this is another thing, I feel sorry for people like Button..or even Davidson, because, you know that they too would be in the same position as Hammy, if they'd been given the chance.

Look at Heidfeld, he was also a Mc-Merc prodigy, he got dropped for Kimi, now look at him!

^^ Yes, and no.
The thing, with him, is that he's not just a driver, he's a prodigy. He was destined to do well, I mean if McLaren brings you up and places in in {just about} the best car, then if he wasn't doing well, we would be worried. I know there's a lot of pressure on him, but he seems to be coping with it well. I really, really, hope the pressure doesn't get too much, I mean, he acts cool, but I sometimes wonder what he's really thinking.

It's crazy, if you think about it properly. He should be wayyy out of his depth, but then I guess he's on a learning curve. I really hope he'll be able to deal with the negatives as well as the positives. There's nothing like being built up, then being dropped.

@ Nemphis..this is another thing, I feel sorry for people like Button..or even Davidson, because, you know that they too would be in the same position as Hammy, if they'd been given the chance.

Look at Heidfeld, he was also a Mc-Merc prodigy, he got dropped for Kimi, now look at him!

Yey I agree with u on the Button, Davidson part as they are both in cars that arn't paticular fast or reliable (in Hondas case) and are both gud but like u said if they were givin the oppurtinity they would be in Hammys position !!! but I still think we will have to wait and see about Hamilton !!! Another thing that annoys me is that Hamilton seems to take centre stage in ITV's F1 coverage so wat about Button, Coulthard, Davidson don't they exist anymore ???

^^ Yeah I know, that bugs me a lot. It's Hamilton this, Hamilton that. Yeah fair enough, he's having the best season, but that's kinda obvious!

Well hamiliton has been amazing, they were saying no ones caused such a stir-up since schumacher. But mybe thats cause schumacher just shadowed everyone.Either way, massa is still the better driver, i'm going for him this year. Massa all the way

I'm goin for Raikkonen ! How many seasons has he been shadowed by another driver 3,4 seasons now so surely he deserves to be a world champion now he finally has a fast and a reliable car ! Forgot Alonso,Hamilton & Massa its Kimi's year this year !

Haha, alright then, I'll be waiting for that PM to come!:D

And yep, i got both predictions right, yes! I got a tingly feeling in my gut they would win. Lets see if in Spain i would get them correct and damn, noe i have to name an individual driver, thats going to be more hard, i really want those 50 Benny Points!:p

Anyways it was a great race, very exciting with lots of overtaking. I'm just disappointed on Red Bull. Both Mark Webber and DC were making really good progress, especially DC when he started 21st and would have ended up 7th if it wasn't for his driveshaft failure...

And for Mark, he was 7th after DC's retirement, so it was looking pretty good for him, but then all these bits off his car starts to fly off the car and his fuel flap had a problem...If those small things were fixed then everything will be alright, oh well...

It takes skill to get both the qualifying driver and the race winner driver right. If you've got the skills, prove it in Cataulunya next month! :p

And yeah DC was going brilliantly, very well done to him. If Webber's fuel flap wasn't open I think he could have challenged Alonso for fifth place, but unfortunately it wasn't to be, which is unlucky for him, and unlucky for him for crashing out. I thought RB could have got a massive points haul there.

Hmmm lol kimi can be VERY boring and is always monotone..I think the only time I have seen him smile is when his car set on fire at the end..

I saw him smile at his Ferrari debut in some mountains somewhere....got paid $1M to smile I think. ;)

Kimi Raikkonen always looks miserable and never lively !!! Maybe its bcus he comes from Finland ? Cus don't they have only a few hours of daylight in the winter or summat ??? and Scandinavia has the highest rate of suicides than any other part of the world !!! so thats probably why he is never happy !!!

I just think he's never satisfied until he's won like, 5 races in a row. The Scandinavian thing might be a possibility but I still think it's because he's never satisfied unless he actually wins the race. It's him, it's his nature, it's Raikkonen.

is it me or is hamilton doing exceptionally well for his age/experience?

Yes, he is doing very well.

^^ Yes, and no.
The thing, with him, is that he's not just a driver, he's a prodigy. He was destined to do well, I mean if McLaren brings you up and places in in {just about} the best car, then if he wasn't doing well, we would be worried. I know there's a lot of pressure on him, but he seems to be coping with it well. I really, really, hope the pressure doesn't get too much, I mean, he acts cool, but I sometimes wonder what he's really thinking.

It's crazy, if you think about it properly. He should be wayyy out of his depth, but then I guess he's on a learning curve. I really hope he'll be able to deal with the negatives as well as the positives. There's nothing like being built up, then being dropped.

@ Nemphis..this is another thing, I feel sorry for people like Button..or even Davidson, because, you know that they too would be in the same position as Hammy, if they'd been given the chance.

Look at Heidfeld, he was also a Mc-Merc prodigy, he got dropped for Kimi, now look at him!

It's weird isn't it. He's like, properly fighting with the big boys, can win races and even when he's a rookie! I agree he should be out of his depth, but the thing is; is that Hamilton doesn't seem to worry about who's in the car, he thinks about the car, and just takes them and flies past them. He really is truly brilliant. I'm really excited about him aswell, and plus he's British which is a huge booster for us. GO BRITAIN!

And Heidfeld isn't doing bad, I expect him to stay with BMW for 2008.

@Chekky, nice post, shows the side of Raikkonen some people don't see.

I want to see Hamilton and Massa on the same team racing for ferrari next year.
I have huge respect for Hamiliton and mclaren, but not mercedes. Plus i'm a ferrari boy.
Its more of a fantasy team, but would still be cool.

One of the best things about hamilton is that hes not thinking about winning, hes just out to try his best. Then of course after 3 podium finishes he thinks why not try to win. and hes 22. i wish i was in his position.

Though for the overall win, i want a hamilton and massa showdown

And Heidfeld isn't doing bad, I expect him to stay with BMW for 2008.

Yeah, hopefully, we will see though.

@Cheeky, nice post, shows the side of Raikkonen some people don't see.
Hmmm, I think people see it, they just don't want to believe it.

Yeah Heidfield is doing gud and Kubica infact BMW could well be 2008 Champions if they can carry on the way they are going and work really hard ! I know it sounds stupid but it could happen !

I'm goin for Raikkonen ! How many seasons has he been shadowed by another driver 3,4 seasons now so surely he deserves to be a world champion now he finally has a fast and a reliable car ! Forgot Alonso,Hamilton & Massa its Kimi's year this year !

Hehe, we're going to be very good friends aren't we?:D I'm a huge Kimi supporter! Hes such a great driver, he has a good chance for winning the championship.

Well hamiliton has been amazing, they were saying no ones caused such a stir-up since schumacher. But mybe thats cause schumacher just shadowed everyone.Either way, massa is still the better driver, i'm going for him this year. Massa all the way

Yep, thats the spirit, Massa is also a very good driver, he too can have a run for the drivers championship. Go Ferrari!

I want to see Hamilton and Massa on the same team racing for ferrari next year.
I have huge respect for Hamiliton and mclaren, but not mercedes. Plus i'm a ferrari boy.
Its more of a fantasy team, but would still be cool.

One of the best things about hamilton is that hes not thinking about winning, hes just out to try his best. Then of course after 3 podium finishes he thinks why not try to win. and hes 22. i wish i was in his position.

Though for the overall win, i want a hamilton and massa showdown

That would be great F1, a Massa and Hamy showdown. That would be exciting, but so far Hamilton has a 5 point advantage over Massa. Or you could have an Alonso and Raikkonen showdown, now that would be very close, both are very experienced drivers.

I think massa has had a really bad start, but hes proven that he could easily walk away with it this year.

After all, he has been the fastest driver in the qualifying, and that puts him in a very good position

Kimi Raikkonen always looks miserable and never lively !!! Maybe its bcus he comes from Finland ? Cus don't they have only a few hours of daylight in the winter or summat ??? and Scandinavia has the highest rate of suicides than any other part of the world !!! so thats probably why he is never happy !!!

I didn't know those suicides numbers ;) But yes, at winter we have just some 4-5 hours daylight, but at summer the sun shines almost 24 hours at few days.

I think massa has had a really bad start, but hes proven that he could easily walk away with it this year.

After all, he has been the fastest driver in the qualifying, and that puts him in a very good position

He's favourite from quite a few people to win this year's World Title. So far he hasn't been able to release his full potential yet. But it will happen in the next few races. Massa could well win in Spain next month aswell. Bahrain showed he is a real fighting force.

Yeah Heidfield is doing gud and Kubica infact BMW could well be 2008 Champions if they can carry on the way they are going and work really hard ! I know it sounds stupid but it could happen !

It's not stupid at all. :) If they keep developing the car over 2007 and get some brilliant momentum over Winter 2007/early 2008 they could well be world champions, because they have a world class car and world class drivers.

I want to see Hamilton and Massa on the same team racing for ferrari next year.
I have huge respect for Hamiliton and mclaren, but not mercedes. Plus i'm a ferrari boy.
Its more of a fantasy team, but would still be cool.

One of the best things about hamilton is that hes not thinking about winning, hes just out to try his best. Then of course after 3 podium finishes he thinks why not try to win. and hes 22. i wish i was in his position.

Though for the overall win, i want a hamilton and massa showdown

Hammy and Massa dream team would be class. Nothing could touch them. It would basically be them fighting for the poles and race wins,. basically. Would be amazing. I'd pay money to see that! And yeah he is a fantastic guy. I also want to be in his position.

I didn't know those suicides numbers ;) But yes, at winter we have just some 4-5 hours daylight, but at summer the sun shines almost 24 hours at few days.

I'm not quite sure but I swear I have read somewhere that suicide is quite high in Scandanavia !! So ur from Finland ? Bet u like Hockey then ! I support Canada (go canada) and the Flames !

Anyway back on topic !

Bahrain race report:
http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=39002

Spyker's B-Spec car coming in July at the Nurburgring, and McLaren's CEO says Hamilton can become 'the best racing driver ever.'

Bahrain race report:
http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=39002

Spyker's B-Spec car coming in July at the Nurburgring, and McLaren's CEO says Hamilton can become 'the best racing driver ever.'

Hmm, Spyker's upcoming B-Spec car could give them the edge over their rivals - Super Aguri. Currently they're in bad shape. Hmm, i wonder if the upper class teams such as Ferrari and Mclaren Mercedes will make a B-Spec car, if they do then it's gonna be exciting...Will all teams make a B-Spec car?

It might not go that well for them. It was going to be released a few months after July, but they've bought it early. Remember, in 2005 Ferrari bought in a B-Spec car waaay too early and it messed up their whole season. I don't think it will take it infront of Aguri though. SPyker are pretty much lagging now.

It might not go that well for them. It was going to be released a few months after July, but they've bought it early. Remember, in 2005 Ferrari bought in a B-Spec car waaay too early and it messed up their whole season. I don't think it will take it infront of Aguri though. SPyker are pretty much lagging now.

Wasn't that just the delayed launch of the F2005? I remember, in typical Ferrari fashion, that they used a modified F2004 (which I think was called the F2004M?) for the first 2 races, and then the F2005 came from Bahrain onwards, I think.

It's not stupid at all. :) If they keep developing the car over 2007 and get some brilliant momentum over Winter 2007/early 2008 they could well be world champions, because they have a world class car and world class drivers.

It's glad to know that I'm not the only one that thinks that BMW can cause a stir with McClaren & Ferrari !!

Its weird bcus I hate both Ferrari & BMW as compaies i.e. their cars but I have really started to like these two teams !!

Wasn't that just the delayed launch of the F2005? I remember, in typical Ferrari fashion, that they used a modified F2004 (which I think was called the F2004M?) for the first 2 races, and then the F2005 came from Bahrain onwards, I think.

bennyboy, Timbit's correct. They used a modified F2004 for Australia and Malaysia. They weren't winning much so they decided to release the F2005.

But it was a wrong decision, Rubens got out thanks to a bit of carbon fibre thats got lodged on his rear wing, upsetting the balance of the car.

And Michael got out thanks to a hydraulic failure. So they debuted the car too early. Which is probably why Michael didn't win the 2005 season...

Wasn't that just the delayed launch of the F2005? I remember, in typical Ferrari fashion, that they used a modified F2004 (which I think was called the F2004M?) for the first 2 races, and then the F2005 came from Bahrain onwards, I think.

My bad, I think that's the one.

It's glad to know that I'm not the only one that thinks that BMW can cause a stir with McClaren & Ferrari !!

Its weird bcus I hate both Ferrari & BMW as compaies i.e. their cars but I have really started to like these two teams !!

Lol yeah, I'm sure they can create a stir in the next few races, apparantely they will be ''several tenths quicker'' in Spain which should be very interesting to see. After practice, it might not be surprising to see a BMW get into the top three.

bennyboy, Timbit's correct. They used a modified F2004 for Australia and Malaysia. They weren't winning much so they decided to release the F2005.

But it was a wrong decision, Rubens got out thanks to a bit of carbon fibre thats got lodged on his rear wing, upsetting the balance of the car.

And Michael got out thanks to a hydraulic failure. So they debuted the car too early. Which is probably why Michael didn't win the 2005 season...

Debuted too early yes, and the fact they were behind the development race aswell.

It's glad to know that I'm not the only one that thinks that BMW can cause a stir with McClaren & Ferrari !!


Lol, I'm with you, they really are the only team that have even come close so far! They really are aiming for gold, and good for them!

^

Hey I'm not alone about the BMW statement I made ! YEAH !

I think Honda need to get there act together because they are really gud team but just not fast ! I can see them in late season revival interms of podiums etc but that will be way too late !

^That's the thing, they always have these massively fantastic revivals at the end of the season, but it gets them nowhere. Like if the title of 2006 started in Hungary, Button would be World Champion. But it started months before that, and it doesn't get them anywhere. Honda need to be more consistent, I reckon.

^^ Honda need to go a bit faster..not later..but now! :p

In the News Of The World today Button said he hasn't ruled out quitin Honda because of there poor showing so far !!

I was really shocked !

So wat will he do next if he leaves Honda ??

Maybe a Prodrive seat for next season !!

^^ It might be in his contract, I guess, he can't bad mouth his own team!

Well when the 'Honda B Team' (Super Aguri) is out pacing Honda with Hondas 06 car u gotta ask questions about Hondas background team working hard enough to be competitive ??

If I was Button I would be asking questions !

^^ Yeah, he is, but not in the public eye.

He hasn't ruled out changing? Wow....but I can't say I'm surprised. Cheeky you're right, Honda need speed now, they need speed in the next race at Spain.

It does get embarrassing when you get beaten by last year's car. Button says Hond are working flat out.....evidently not. How can flat out become nothing since the start of the season? I'm sure they're working.....but Honda, work harder!

If I was JB, I'd stay with Honda, and rule out Prodrive.

He hasn't ruled out changing? Wow....but I can't say I'm surprised. Cheeky you're right, Honda need speed now, they need speed in the next race at Spain.

It does get embarrassing when you get beaten by last year's car. Button says Hond are working flat out.....evidently not. How can flat out become nothing since the start of the season? I'm sure they're working.....but Honda, work harder!

If I was JB, I'd stay with Honda, and rule out Prodrive.

Nah Honda just seem the same non improved team every season !!

BMW for example have leaped frog them, Toyota and even Renault this shows all three teams up !!

So why isn't Honda performing ???

^^They just haven't got the right combination, you need the car, the drivers, the right people etc....if it's not right, then it just doesn't work! As we have found out!

Nah Honda just seem the same non improved team every season !!

BMW for example have leaped frog them, Toyota and even Renault this shows all three teams up !!

So why isn't Honda performing ???

1) They were 2nd in the constructors in 2004, slumped a bit in 2005, then got their act together towards the end of 2006. They fired Geoff Willis during 06, and in perhaps a related event, they aren't performing in 07. Hardly what I'd call a 'non improved' team.

2) Toyota haven't leapfrogged them, Honda have just gone backwards

3) Renault couldn't have leapfrogged Honda, as they have been ahead of them since 05 (and perhaps some years when Honda was BAR)

4) it isn't easy at all to perform consistently. If it was, everyone would be racing at the same pace. Like Cheeky said, you need the right of practically everything.

1) They were 2nd in the constructors in 2004, slumped a bit in 2005, then got their act together towards the end of 2006. They fired Geoff Willis during 06, and in perhaps a related event, they aren't performing in 07. Hardly what I'd call a 'non improved' team.

2) Toyota haven't leapfrogged them, Honda have just gone backwards

3) Renault couldn't have leapfrogged Honda, as they have been ahead of them since 05 (and perhaps some years when Honda was BAR)

4) it isn't easy at all to perform consistently. If it was, everyone would be racing at the same pace. Like Cheeky said, you need the right of practically everything.

I was sayin that BMW have leaped frogged Toyota, Renault & Honda so far this season !!! which shows the latter 3 teams up really !!

BMW have had a slight advantage by introducing their 2007 car quite early. This allowed them to test new parts, and get more used to the car when 2007 came. Same goes for McLaren, they too introduced their car quite early.

And Timbit, I believe the firing of Willis did have a severe impact on Honda. He was their Chief Aerodynamicist?? (or some high-placed Technical person) and he knew his stuff when it came to aerodynamics. Guess what Honda's 2007 problem is? The aerodynamics. I don't see why Fry decided to let Willis go, I always knew it would turn out bad.

They also have problems with the calibration and application of wind tunnel data and results, according to Rubens.

They have problems with a lot of things, which really need to get sorted out.

Might aswell post it in here: Button won't be leaving Honda:
http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=39081

And Toyota's boss to step down:
http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=39080

Dodgy windtunnel for Honda:
http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=39069

McLaren nearly scored Schumacher in 1990s:
http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=39062

F16 beats Spyker in race:
http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=39058

Schu @ Magny-Cours:
http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=39085

^^ I didn't think Button would be leaving.
Schmacher also launched a road safety campaign, and said that he is not going to be returning to racing and he is happy. Mika said that, give it three years, and he'll start again.
At least he's doing something useful.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6583151.stm

So Shui will go into Le Mans or DTM then or both !!

Or alternatively carry on doing Fiat Adverts lol !!

^^ Lol, well according to him he will not return at all. Hakkinen reckons you need to feed your addiction as 'racing is in your blood'.

^^ Lol, well according to him he will not return at all. Hakkinen reckons you need to feed your addiction as 'racing is in your blood'.

Shui must be on anti depressants then cus he done for most of his life plus winning world titles, races etc and loosing that over night must really annoy him !!

Well, apprently not, he says that he is happy doing what he does now, and has a comfortable life...I'll say...:p

I don't think he's ''happy'' to be honest. I'm 100% sure his inner child is itching to get back into an F1 car and win a race. I'm a competitive snooker player and I could never ever turn my back on that sport. Ever. It's the same with Schumacher. I'm with Hakkinen, three years or something like that and I want him to be back.