The OFFICIAL 2013 Formula 1 thread!

[Roysneon]

What I've read is that Pirelli asked the FIA about conducting a test using a current car. That was fine so long as all teams had the same opportunity. After that, the FIA heard nothing else about it and Pirelli went directly to Mercedes and set up the test. If that is the case then it doesn't seem kosher to me.

Overall I thought it was a great race, happy with the results, well done to Nico, Seb grew his point lead and Sutil did a great job.

[Hick]

Perez had two failed passes on Kimi before they made contact. And one failed on Alonso. I think Alonso giving the position back was BS. He was not racing clean, IMO. However, on a track with little to no passing zones, I have to give him credit for having 'large attachments'.

I don't know what Pastor was thinking either. Who passes on the outside of Tabac?

Early in the race Hami almost pulled off a pass on Webber into Rascasse that would have been bad ass. I don't like Hami but that was almost the pass of the year.

[mcr_driver]

http://en.espnf1.com/ferrari/motorsport/story/109301.html

I like this... Kobayashi was a talented driver imagine him replacing Massa?

[oliver.r]

I lost my shit when perez retired, he was driving way to aggressive, aggressive is good but you gotta finish the race!

[mcr_driver]

Recklessness is only rewarded with the luck of the devil and the stupidity to not know the difference. Sutil was the only guy there with the above combination and it shows with everyone else crashing instead of him...

[Munich Man]

I lost my shit when perez retired, he was driving way to aggressive, aggressive is good but you gotta finish the race!

I hate Perez now just because he knocked Kimi back haha. Used to like that guy but you're right; he was too aggressive!

[mcr_driver]

Canada coming up !!! Anyone here going?

[quickervicar]

This one is broadcast on NBC again. 2pm live, replay @ 7pm on NBCSN

[mcr_driver]

nice! must find a way to DVR this. What is the best livestream site for F1?

[mcr_driver]

http://en.espnf1.com/caterham/motorsport/story/109699.html

This is interesting...a direct path to F1...Thoughts, good or bad?

[Thizzelle]

Vettel is winning chamipoinship again yay

[Roysneon]

Vettel is winning chamipoinship again yay

He has been most of the short season so far. I believe he will make it #4 this year. I know most of you guys don't like him, but I'm hoping for a close battle between Seb and Kimi.

[mcr_driver]

Definitely would like to see Kimi in the running I imagine it being between Kimi, Vettel and Alonso this year in that order, no one else is even remotely in contention.

[TDE30]

What's everyone's thoughts on the Pirelli/Merc test day a few weeks ago?

I don't think anyone is going to correlate that 1000km test with Rosberg's victory in Monaco (he drove brilliantly,) but it's surprising to hear that it's being dragged on and on without a verdict. I understand SF had a similar test in their F150 Italia (2011 car) and escaped penalty due to that fact; by contrast, Merc used their 2013 car to aid Pirelli in tire development, or at least that's how the story goes. I think we all know the FIA regs on in-season testing, but this seems to have fallen in a very distinct grey area from my view. Hell, it almost seems like Pirelli bears more responsibility in this matter.

Now it sounds like the FIA is proceeding with an 'International Tribunal', some suspect verdict is pending this weekend's Canadian GP results (mmhmm.) While some team principals have been quoted on the matter, no one has been more vocal about it than RBR (or IRBRR or whatever they've called themselves now.) I think it remains to be seen what Merc gained from the test, a sudden victory at Monaco by one of Formula One's least successful drivers (2 victories in 134 starts currently,) raises an eyebrow or two, but Hamilton's P4 finish seems about average IMO.

So what say ye R3V, lots of bitching or is it a legitimate argument worthy of the "-gate" suffix that the automotive world has given this debacle?

[mcr_driver]

Monaco was a legitmate win tire testing or not, all year they've been great at qualifying and monaco is hard on passing so it wasn't a big shock to see him take podium.

I think it is a violation of the rules to use a 2013 car. I recall mercedes stating the reason why was because the 2011 was not available. Ok then move on to another team or use a 2010/2012 year car. Using a current model car allows for more testing for mercedes and more development as they can always analyze the resulting wear and tear on the moving parts after the fact, even if they can't test anything on site. Not to mention the driver reports could also aid in chassis development. These tires feel like this or that regardless if they are aware of what those compounds are.

I am aware from the article that they kept the FIA involved throughout the entire process and was not stopped at all by the FIA during that time frame but who exactly were they speaking with? A single individual or a certain department within the FIA is uncertain.

The question is what penalty seems appropriate if found guilty?


Also are the charges against Ecclestone still pending or was he found guilty/not guilty yet for accepting bribes?