13124 replies to this topic

[TheArmchairCritic]

Oh ATM_Andy while you're online, quick question. What GCSE grades do most of aerodynamicists/engineers have?What kind of grades do I need to do Aeronautical Engineering?Thanks.

Edited by TheArmchairCritic, 01 September 2009 - 12:14.

[ATM_Andy]

Oh ATM_Andy while you're online, quick question. What GCSE grades do most of aerodynamicists/engineers have?Thanks.

Sadly I'm a little too old and didn't do GCE's, but I'd say you'd want to do well in Mathematics and Physics. Almost all of the new guys have a degree in Engineering or Mathematics these days, so you'll want to get the grades that allow you to move onto A-Level's and University.

Edited by ATM_Andy, 01 September 2009 - 12:17.

[MaxFan1]

Sadly I'm a little too old and didn't do GCE's, but I'd say you'd want to do well in Mathematics and Physics. Almost all of the new guys have a degree in Engineering or Mathematics these days, so you'll want to get the grades that allow you to move onto A-Level's and University.

Hi Andy, I have a degree in Maths. I would love to work in F1 but have no idea about the entry points. What's the best way to get into F1. I guess it's just working your way up as an engineer through the various series?

[OO7]

Eau Rouge will definately be more of a challenge in 2010, particularly at the start of the Grand Prix.

Obi

[werks prototype]

Eau Rouge will definately be more of a challenge in 2010, particularly at the start of the Grand Prix.

Obi

Lots of bangs and blue smoke?

[OO7]

Lots of bangs and blue smoke?

With the cars full of fuel and the chassis' raised to prevent excessive bottoming, I doubt Eau Rouge could be taken flat out as is the case now.

Edited by Obi Offiah, 01 September 2009 - 14:21.

[mountford]

Lewis Hamilton and Niki Lauda

Talkin' 'bout KERS

[ItisI]

I know Kimi is a straight guy but he has exceeded himself I think to state outright when asked in a pre Spa interview with Dutch TV, whilst still wearing his Ferrari uniform that his 2005 McLaren was the best F1 car he has ever driven.

I dont think Luca is happy to hear about this, that one of his drivers mentions that the best car he has been driving was at Ferrari's main rival McLaren. Someone mentioned atleady, seems Kimi has unfinished business @ McLaren.

[undersquare]

Lewis Hamilton and Niki Lauda

Talkin' 'bout KERS

Very interesting, I always wondered if they would be doing this: Lewis mentions two displays, one being the charge going up to '160% or something' and one to 100%. 100% being 400kJ in both cases, the maximum allowed per lap, and the 160% display being the battery charge state while the other is the allowed deployment remaining on the current lap. So this means they have batteries for 1.6 laps' worth.

So, in the race if they want they can use (say) 60% before the start/finish line and 100% afterwards, giving 10.5 seconds of continuous boost to get past someone on the straight, as long as it's a start/finish straight. Nice .

[Orin]

So, in the race if they want they can use (say) 60% before the start/finish line and 100% afterwards, giving 10.5 seconds of continuous boost to get past someone on the straight, as long as it's a start/finish straight. Nice .

That's rather bloody clever!

[MaxFan1]

I dont think Luca is happy to hear about this, that one of his drivers mentions that the best car he has been driving was at Ferrari's main rival McLaren. Someone mentioned atleady, seems Kimi has unfinished business @ McLaren.

Kimi has just realised what he's left. I hope McLaren don't take him back.

[klover]

I dont think Luca is happy to hear about this, that one of his drivers mentions that the best car he has been driving was at Ferrari's main rival McLaren. Someone mentioned atleady, seems Kimi has unfinished business @ McLaren.

McLaren did produce a car that was for the most part of the season the fastest out there. Fast in qualifying, fast in the race, good on tyre wear, kerb riding, just all-around great car. Ferrari in 2007 when Kimi won the WDC was good only at certain (high-speed) tracks and didn't like the kerbs too much. So what's wrong with Kimi stating the obvious, it's not a dig at Ferrari, it just a straight answer to a straight question.

[klover]

Kimi has just realised what he's left. I hope McLaren don't take him back.

Whitmarsh, take note. A newly minted forum member who felt the need to make a new registration so that he can bash Kimi at will expresses his strong objection to Kimi returning to McLaren

[MaxFan1]

Whitmarsh, take note. A newly minted forum member who felt the need to make a new registration so that he can bash Kimi at will expresses his strong objection to Kimi returning to McLaren

It's people like you I would hate coming back to support McLaren after spending years bashing them. No one forced Kimi out, he left by himself and should be made to face the consequences.

[Wouter]

"The best and most normal".

Interesting choice of words.

Now that is indeed interesting. So his Ferrari cars are not quite "normal", apparently? That seems to be the insinuation. It looks more likely now that Raikkonen has his sights set outside Ferrari, and he may even prefer driving elsewhere already next season.

[Atreiu]

I didn't know Whitmarsh was reading this.
Take Raikkonen back.
Just do it.

Yours sincerely, Atreiu.

[MaxFan1]

I was also meant to congratulate Mercedes on having the most powerful and most fuel efficient engine on the grid. The straight line speed of the brawns and FI at spa was insane. And the fact that FI were a couple of laps lighter than Ferrari and still pitted on the same lap as them goes to show how fuel hungry the Ferrari engine is. Mercedes the most in demand in the grid with FI, Brawn, McLaren and with Williams and RBR looking into it for next year. Go TEAM MCLAREN MERCEDES!!!

[Wouter]

I quite agree, the Mercedes (ex-Ilmor) engine really seems the best there is. Powerful, driveable, reliable and not very thirsty, it seems. And on top of that, Mercedes HPE seems to be able to churn them out in large numbers compared to what the competition can manage. What a turnaround from the winter of 2005-2006, when the original V8 was nowhere. Mercedes made an enormous recovery and has to be applauded for that. While their last V10s were powerful (fragile though), they are finally back to 1997-1998-1999 (the Beryllium years, when Mercedes was the engine to have - Ferrari pretty much matched it in 2000) levels. Everybody seems to want the Mercedes nowadays.

[mountford]

I quite agree, the Mercedes (ex-Ilmor) engine really seems the best there is. Powerful, driveable, reliable and not very thirsty, it seems. And on top of that, Mercedes HPE seems to be able to churn them out in large numbers compared to what the competition can manage. What a turnaround from the winter of 2005-2006, when the original V8 was nowhere. Mercedes made an enormous recovery and has to be applauded for that. While their last V10s were powerful (fragile though), they are finally back to 1997-1998-1999 (the Beryllium years, when Mercedes was the engine to have - Ferrari pretty much matched it in 2000) levels. Everybody seems to want the Mercedes nowadays.

Mercedes-Benz

Is there anything they can't do?

[Owen]

Mercedes-Benz

Is there anything they can't do?

Yep. They've certainly raised the bar. McLaren need to match that with an equally strong chassis for 2010.

[ItisI]

Mercedes-Benz

Is there anything they can't do?

Start the 2009 with this incredible beast MP4-24! ... Just kidding, with this MP4-24 i think McLaren is putting down a solid fundament for a title contender MP4-25.

Edited by ItisI, 01 September 2009 - 19:56.

[femi]

Mclaren new employees

There were some wanting to know what are the requirements for working in F1, well Mclaren just employed 2 young university graduates.
I hope this helps.

[Orin]

I didn't know Whitmarsh was reading this.
Take Raikkonen back.
Just do it.

Yours sincerely, Atreiu.

Raikkonen's never looked comfortable driving the Ferrari, it would be fantastic to see him return to McLaren, he'd even get his old team of mechanics back.

[bonjon1979]

Raikkonen's never looked comfortable driving the Ferrari, it would be fantastic to see him return to McLaren, he'd even get his old team of mechanics back.

Anyone doubts Kimi in a Macca, have a look at this video, in particular from 3.00 onwards where it shows Kimi flat out through raidillon when faced with a cloud of smoke just keeps his foot absolutely planted even though he can have no idea what's the other side. Frighteningly brave/ stupid!

Edited by bonjon1979, 02 September 2009 - 07:42.

[Owen]

Anyone doubts Kimi in a Macca, have a look at this video, in particular from 3.00 onwards where it shows Kimi flat out through raidillon when faced with a cloud of smoke just keeps his foot absolutely planted even though he can have no idea what's the other side. Frighteningly brave/ stupid!

I remember that so clearly from back in the day. Amazing.

[ashnathan]

Just watching this really really really just makes me wish he is gonna come back, i just cant see it happening. Fingers crossed like a badboy though!

[Owen]

Just watching this really really really just makes me wish he is gonna come back, i just cant see it happening. Fingers crossed like a badboy though!

I'm the same. I honestly don't think it will happen.

[Jay]

Having Kimi back at McLaren would be a dream move for us...

Hamilton and Kimi in the team would be brilliant.

J

[undersquare]

I think Kimi back at McLaren isn't so unlikely. If he leaves Ferrari and wants to stay in F1 what are his options? Brawn, Renault, Toyota, or Mac. Only Brawn is another realistic contender. On the team side they've said the policy is simply to have the two best drivers, Kimi is showing he still has it, he's not political, why not? They surely must rate him faster than Nico, Glock or Heidfeld, and less aggravating than Kubi.

Who knows, but hard not to wish for it, what a contest that would be, and what a formidable pair for other teams to have to face .

[ashnathan]

I just have the feeling that Norby/Merc will finally get their German driver in a mclaren, and i think its a done deal and nico is already on his way, i hope not, i hope nothing has been signed, cos if it has, then our last chance to woo kimi back home doesnt stand a chance!

[MaxFan1]

then our last chance to woo kimi back home doesnt stand a chance!

Kimi ran away from home like a spoilt brat. He doesn't deserve the seat. McLaren should give it to someone who is more apperciative of the effort the team puts into them, unlike Kimi.

[undersquare]

I just have the feeling that Norby/Merc will finally get their German driver in a mclaren, and i think its a done deal and nico is already on his way, i hope not, i hope nothing has been signed, cos if it has, then our last chance to woo kimi back home doesnt stand a chance!

I know what you mean, just - why are they delaying announcing Nico, if that's what they've decided? Didn't MW say they were waiting for Monza/Ferrari to start everying rolling?

[saunarobot]

Then it will be all roses when they get their German driver.

The fastest drivers that are free to sign for anyone for 2010 are Kubica and Alonso. If Ferrari sack Räikkönen then he is on the list too.

Edited by saunarobot, 02 September 2009 - 09:36.

[Orin]

I think Kimi back at McLaren isn't so unlikely. If he leaves Ferrari and wants to stay in F1 what are his options? Brawn, Renault, Toyota, or Mac. Only Brawn is another realistic contender. On the team side they've said the policy is simply to have the two best drivers, Kimi is showing he still has it, he's not political, why not? They surely must rate him faster than Nico, Glock or Heidfeld, and less aggravating than Kubi.

Who knows, but hard not to wish for it, what a contest that would be, and what a formidable pair for other teams to have to face .

I agree. I'd assumed Kimi would retire [from F1] when Ferrari dropped him, but if it's true that he's looking around then McLaren would be a great team for him. It would be pretty sad if Ferrari were to pay him lots of money to drive for no one.

[femi]

I agree. I'd assumed Kimi would retire [from F1] when Ferrari dropped him, but if it's true that he's looking around then McLaren would be a great team for him. It would be pretty sad if Ferrari were to pay him lots of money to drive for no one.

Is he obliged to accept the payment? The guy already said he doesn't give a hoot if Ferrari dumps him - other teams want him and he still wants to be in F1.
btw I don't think Mercedes can impose a driver on Mclaren, it is the teams decision.

[Orin]

Is he obliged to accept the payment? The guy already said he doesn't give a hoot if Ferrari dumps him - other teams want him and he still wants to be in F1.

I wouldn't be surprised to learn that Kimi knows as much about the fine print of his contract as I do.

[saunarobot]

I think Kimi will stay with Ferrari, but if he doesn't Hamilton/Kimi would be a pretty destructive pair if they can make a good car, if Hamilton can handle a fast team-mate. Kimi doesn't seem to get very distracted by having a fast team-mate but how would Hamilton cope with it?

[TheArmchairCritic]

I think Kimi will stay with Ferrari, but if he doesn't Hamilton/Kimi would be a pretty destructive pair if they can make a good car, if Hamilton can handle a fast team-mate. Kimi doesn't seem to get very distracted by having a fast team-mate but how would Hamilton cope with it?

I take it that you were hibernarting in 2007 then?

[undersquare]

I wouldn't be surprised to learn that Kimi knows as much about the fine print of his contract as I do.

Plus one of the few things Ron let slip about the parting of the ways was that Kimi is incredibly stubborn (as Ron would know ). If he wants to drive, that's what he'll do. His managers will be exercised about the money, but not Kimi I think.

[saunarobot]

I take it that you were hibernarting in 2007 then?

Maybe this time it will be better.

[femi]

I wouldn't be surprised to learn that Kimi knows as much about the fine print of his contract as I do.

Maybe, maybe not. His experts negotiated the contract with Ferrari and they would know.

[TheArmchairCritic]

Lewis+Kimi=WCC

[undersquare]

Lewis+Kimi=WCC

Yes I think Ferrari will have this on their minds too...

[TheArmchairCritic]

Yes I think Ferrari will have this on their minds too...

Nah they're too busy dividing Alonso+Kimi+Felipe into 2

[Desdirodeabike]

I wouldn't be surprised to learn that Kimi knows as much about the fine print of his contract as I do.

Dont forget that Kimi has the best manager that money can buy - David Robertson. He is ruthless when it comes to negotiating. Kimi and him are no fools and be sure that they already have a backup plan in case Ferrari does go through with the Alonso transfer. Kimi has already hinted at being in F1 next year no matter what. And he doesnt strike me as the smoke blowing type. In the interview with dutch TV where he said that the 05 McLaren was the most "normal" car he has ever driven, he once again mentioned that he wants that second championship.

Raikkonen have always said that he would only be in F1 if he was in a top team. Even when he was testing for Sauber and didnt have a seat yet, he said that. So except for Ferrari, the only safe bet for Kimi and David to consider is McLaren. He may very well end up there next year. Kimi and Dave wont wait around forever for Ferraris decision. My guess is that Dave have already made inquiries with McLaren months ago.

[Orin]

Lewis+Kimi=WCC

[Arion]

Yes I think Ferrari will have this on their minds too...

Ferrari is paying millions to get rid of him, they're not concerned at all whether he'll be a threat in a rival team.

[ItisI]

I agree. I'd assumed Kimi would retire [from F1] when Ferrari dropped him, but if it's true that he's looking around then McLaren would be a great team for him. It would be pretty sad if Ferrari were to pay him lots of money to drive for no one.

Well, i think you forget that ... If Kimi is still having fun in racing, he could het the $ from Ferrari to do nothing in 2010, but if that package of gold is less then Kimi could earn at for example McLaren in 2010, together with Kimi still having fun in racing i assume its not a difficult choise for Kimi. What im saying is, for example Ferrari could give 15M to sit out 2010 and not to drive for any competitor, or he could go to McLaren for (example) 20M. Then its up to Kimi to choise between the easy money or ...

[Desdirodeabike]

Maybe this time it will be better.

It would be ten times better. Kimi doesnt have ulterior motives or a political agenda other than doing what he loves. Just give him a car to his liking and sparks fly. On the track that is.

[MaxFan1]

Lewis+Kimi=WCC

Lewis + Kimi = WCC but handing WDC on a silver plate to Ferrari.

It all comes down to what is more important for the team.