The Official 2008 F1 Series Thread

[TDE30]

Just watched the Hungarian GP, and for once I hated to see Massa go out, he was driving perfectly. It was great to see Heikki win the race though, he deserved it more than anyone out there.

In regards to Heidfeld bashfest that has ensued...

Both drivers (Kubi and Heidfeld) have struggled post-Canadian GP, Heidfeld has been struggling moreso than his teammate though, that is very obvious. To say he needs to leave the team is a bit much. To say he needs to be replaced by Alonso is utter stupidity. Alonso is a powder keg, I wouldn't ever want him on my team, no matter how well he has been performing lately. Kubi and Heidfeld have great chemistry and respect for each other, you won't ever see either one holding up the other at a pitstop to gain track position. They are both very mature drivers, unlike Hamilton or Alonso, and whilst one may be outperforming the other, it would be stupid to lose either one.

Heidfeld doesn't boast a stellar résumé, I mean he has yet to win a race, but (up until recently) he has been the most conservative and consistent driver on the grid. I think his lack of performance is primarily related to the F1.08's low-downforce setup, which both Kubi and him have struggled with far more then normal. It goes without saying that BMW-Sauber must revise their design of the F1.09.

To be honest, I'm surprised to hear Mario Theissen say that he is waiting to see improvement from Heidfeld before signing him on for the 2009 season. It remains to be seen whether or not he makes it, but I imagine he will and I imagine BMW will pick up the pace very soon.

[Jparkr]

I think the F108 is just a car to get them by until the F109; the 50% aero cut starts in 09 right?
Anyway, notice how the F108 sucks at high down-force but is a great contender during the low down force GPs. I have a feeling they are just getting ready for next year.
I hope. :-D

[z31maniac]

Just watched the Hungarian GP, and for once I hated to see Massa go out, he was driving perfectly. It was great to see Heikki win the race though, he deserved it more than anyone out there.

In regards to Heidfeld bashfest that has ensued...

Both drivers (Kubi and Heidfeld) have struggled post-Canadian GP, Heidfeld has been struggling moreso than his teammate though, that is very obvious. To say he needs to leave the team is a bit much. To say he needs to be replaced by Alonso is utter stupidity. Alonso is a powder keg, I wouldn't ever want him on my team, no matter how well he has been performing lately. Kubi and Heidfeld have great chemistry and respect for each other, you won't ever see either one holding up the other at a pitstop to gain track position. They are both very mature drivers, unlike Hamilton or Alonso, and whilst one may be outperforming the other, it would be stupid to lose either one.

Heidfeld doesn't boast a stellar résumé, I mean he has yet to win a race, but (up until recently) he has been the most conservative and consistent driver on the grid. I think his lack of performance is primarily related to the F1.08's low-downforce setup, which both Kubi and him have struggled with far more then normal. It goes without saying that BMW-Sauber must revise their design of the F1.09.

To be honest, I'm surprised to hear Mario Theissen say that he is waiting to see improvement from Heidfeld before signing him on for the 2009 season. It remains to be seen whether or not he makes it, but I imagine he will and I imagine BMW will pick up the pace very soon.

I don't think Heidfeld needs to leave BMW, I was just saying he doesn't have a great resume and has been having serious quali problems.

Heidfeld will be the perfect No. 2 for Kubica next year.:D

[E30Kaiser]

I don't think anyone said he has a great resume hahaha, as for the F1.09, I have said it before and I will say it again, their setup this year seems like what most cars will be set up for next year. Problems with oversteer should fade away with those slicks hopefully. I am really looking forward to see Redbull's and BMW's cars next year as they look to be the cars most likely to surprise people.

[TDE30]

Damn, two weeks and no posts.

Well, this should liven up the conversation.

[Jon325i]

This summer break nonsense has me going through F1 withdrawls. Here's a video to watch and learn. Some on board footage of GT racing on the new street cicuit in Valencia last month. Looks like a cool track. A little more forgiving than Monaco, but not by much.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D52uNQfqiwk&feature=related

Jon

[Hick]

horay for live timing from Formula1.com

Massa, first man into the 1.39s

[Jon325i]

Massa, first man into the 1.39s

Not a bad time for a 3.38 mile 'street' circuit with 20-some-odd turns which no F1 team or driver has really had a chance to thrash on before. But I do maintain my belief that Friday practice doesn't always reflect what we can expect on Saturday quali or Sundays' race. The teams are still holding their cards close to their chest.....or something like that.

I will be awake early tomorrow to watch quali live. This Valencia track looks really cool


Jon

[E30Kaiser]

I like how Peter Windsor seems to be such a big Hamilton fan, which is understandable but the way he talks about him I just find funny. He seems very condescending when talking about Vettel and then today talks about Hamilton being the fastest learner at this track. Funny I was watching the practice and I didn't see Lewis "out-learning" anyone. I mean Vettel had the fastest time in P1 and in P2 it was Kimi, Fernando, Jenson. Oh well, Toro Rosso seemed strong in P1 but in P2 they were relatively weak I think because they were running a high fuel setup or just trying new suspension setups. Red Bull didn't do much though which I found weird.

I will wake up for the qualifications as well, I mean I watched the practice and if they are any indication the qualifications should be exciting which can't always be said.

[sennafan]

horay for live timing from Formula1.com

Massa, first man into the 1.39s

I am guessing you are a happy man:p

[Jon325i]

Great quali this morning - I really like this street circuit in Valencia. Damn quick plus some room to work with. Biggest surprise? Vettel. That kid is a budding talent. *SPOILER!* Stop reading here if you don't want to know the results of the top 8.























Top 8

Massa
Hamilton
Kubica
Kimi
Heikki
Vettel
Trulli
Heidfeld

[z31maniac]

Second that, quali was fantastic, I wish Vettel would have been able to maintain his pace. But wow is that kid going to be something.

[TDE30]

Quali was much more entertaining than usual. Good to see BMW picking up the pace, sort of. It was probably the first time I felt bad for Alonso, although I'm sure he'll finish in points tomorrow.

Vettel, hot damn.

[E30Kaiser]

Yeah boy Vettel! I think the problem wasn't maintaining pace, it was a higher time than any of his times so far and his times so far was way faster than anyone almost except Trulli. He may see his first podium if he makes it past the first turn and Coulthard doesn't catch up to him.

[Jon325i]

I was just checking on the weather for Valencia tomorrow. The forecast calls for a pretty decent day, mostly sunny. But as Varsha commented, being a seaside city the weather has a history of changing quickly. So we'll see what unfolds when the race gets underway.

Jon