620 replies to this topic

[Tim Murray]

Stephen W, on Oct 18 2009, 09:48, said:

Jake in particular has been superb ...

Agreed. I didn't think much of him before he took on his present F1 role, but he's definitely grown on me.

[retriever]

Stephen W, on Oct 18 2009, 09:48, said:

Jake in particular has been superb

Yes, the young man coped admirably with the situation having to hold the programme together over such an extended timeframe. He is confident without being cocky, has a relaxed manner and asks the right questions regardless of who he is interviewing. As for Eddie Jordan and David Coulthard, they are a well balanced combination. The programme would be the worse off without Eddie Jordan, he adds that bit of spice that the others can bounce off.

I just liked the adhoc way that Eddie Jordan went off camera to collar whoever was in range to interview.

Edited by retriever, 18 October 2009 - 14:19.

[Pullman99]

Alan Cox, on Oct 17 2009, 20:21, said:

Pedant that I am, Ian, the founder spelt his name Frederic. Probably a little-known fact of no interest to anyone.

Thanks Alan. Yes, I think his name is rendered in stone on one side of the building. Still trying to arrange a tour there. Anyway, pedantry is the very stuff of history, otherwise everything would be reduced to the level of the average political sound-bite - and I guess we've got lots of those to look forward to in the coming months.

I'm whiling away the minutes until Brazil hits our screens again at 1600. Also, whilst Mr Button continues to keep us all on edge, I was just thinking back to peronal pre-season predictions. Apart from David Cameron being the next Prime Minister, Sebastian Vettel is supposed to be World Champion this year and, of course, Silverstone to host the 2010 British GP. However, next week's lottery numbers remain tricky.

Have a good Grand Prix everyone. And thanks hugely to Simon once again.

[cpbell]

Although this really is a matter for other boards, perhaps it is OK to take this opportunity to congratulate Jenson Button and Brawn on their double championship success? Nice for those of us with an historical perspective that the championships were won at a circuit of a more traditioal nature.

[retriever]

cpbell, on Oct 18 2009, 20:32, said:

Although this really is a matter for other boards, perhaps it is OK to take this opportunity to congratulate Jenson Button and Brawn on their double championship success? Nice for those of us with an historical perspective that the championships were won at a circuit of a more traditioal nature.

We must be thankful to Twin Windows that we have this thread as a back channel to the the modern-day world of Formula 1 rather than have to brave the bear pit of 'Racing Comments'. that is one forum I never want to be part of!

Well done to all concerned and well done to Rubens Barrichello for being magnanimous in defeat and for being the first to congratulate Jenson Button when he got out of his Brawn.

Oh, and well done BBC and the presenters - a good job done.

[Tim Murray]

retriever, on Oct 18 2009, 22:43, said:

We must be thankful to Twin Windows that we have this thread as a back channel to the the modern-day world of Formula 1 rather than have to brave the bear pit of 'Racing Comments'. that is one forum I never want to be part of!

Well done to all concerned and well done to Rubens Barrichello for being magnanimous in defeat and for being the first to congratulate Jenson Button when he got out of his Brawn.

Oh, and well done BBC and the presenters - a good job done.

Agreed on all counts..

I was impressed with Rubens applauding Jenson as they came round side-by-side on the slowing-down lap. Rubens is definitely a stout fellow. Also, who would have thought that we'd see the unflappable Ross Brawn get all emotional. I enjoyed today's race - and I can't very often say that these days.

[Andre Acker]

Something you guys did not see was Nelson Piquet Jr interviewed by the Brazilian TV and saying ARROGANTLY that people were saying bulls...t in Brasil about the "Cingapuragate" as they did not know what happpened ...

What a tragedy, this guy !

Arrogant, idiot, with the most ridiculous explanations about what he did : " I was under pression" etc.

I wonder if you can kill someone, stole as bank, start a world war, because you are under pression of your ... manager ! And not be punished ...

At least we can say he is not Brazilian, as he was born ... in Germany !

André Acker.

[Simon Arron]

And they're off (almost)...


"I'll make a real nuisance of myself, defend stoutly, make sure I'm the only Japanese driver that finishes and then escape without censure... despite my team-mate being fined $10,000 just for waving his handbag at Adrian Sutil." The world according to Kamui Kobayashi.


"The name's Buemi, Sébastien Buemi..."


"Mutter mutter mutter scorched eyebrows mutter mutter mutter etc etc."


Race winner prepares to teach Kimi Räikkönen that you can't outbrake people if you begin the move in a neighbouring country.


Sebastian Vettel prepares to drive his socks off, yet still be beaten by Robert Kubica's Routemaster bus.


Jenson Button...less than two hours from his maiden world title.


Welcome back...

[Stoatspeed]

Simon Arron, on Oct 18 2009, 22:57, said:

Race winner prepares to teach Kimi Räikkönen that you can't outbrake people if you begin the move in a neighbouring country.

Sebastian Vettel prepares to drive his socks off, yet still be beaten by Robert Kubica's Routemaster bus.

Thanks for bringing us more entertainment, Simon .... great lines! Always loved reading "Arront Nonsense" ....

I'm just glad that the title races got sorted as a result of a real race where the drivers were daring enough to defy modern trends and do that thing where one car gets ahead of another one ... what's it called? .... ah, yes .... OVERTAKING!!! Maybe The Powers That Be (and indeed those that Will Be) can make such behaviour mandatory next season? Oh, and well done to JB ....

[Phil Rainford]

Simon Arron, on Oct 19 2009, 03:57, said:

"I'll make a real nuisance of myself, defend stoutly, make sure I'm the only Japanese driver that finishes and then escape without censure... despite my team-mate being fined $10,000 just for waving his handbag at Adrian Sutil." The world according to Kamui Kobayashi.

Don't know if anyone else noticed..... but while taking this shot I am 99% certain Mr Arron made it onto TV during Martin Brundle's grid walk

PAR

[Stephen W]

Phil Rainford, on Oct 19 2009, 14:09, said:

Don't know if anyone else noticed..... but while taking this shot I am 99% certain Mr Arron made it onto TV during Martin Brundle's grid walk

PAR

I must have blinked!

[Simon Arron]

Phil Rainford, on Oct 19 2009, 14:09, said:

Don't know if anyone else noticed..... but while taking this shot I am 99% certain Mr Arron made it onto TV during Martin Brundle's grid walk

Conceivable. A BBC cameraman trod on me while I was there...

Edited by Simon Arron, 19 October 2009 - 13:48.

[Phil Rainford]

Simon Arron, on Oct 19 2009, 14:46, said:

Conceivable. A BBC cameraman trod on me while I was there...

Thought so......you were taking your picture as he tried to muscle his way past

PAR

[Ross Stonefeld]

If Brundle had been half as assertive behind the wheel he'd probably have a much different CV.

[alansart]

Phil Rainford, on Oct 19 2009, 14:09, said:

Don't know if anyone else noticed..... but while taking this shot I am 99% certain Mr Arron made it onto TV during Martin Brundle's grid walk

PAR

Grey shirt, shorts and a bit of reflection off the head??

[Phil Rainford]

alansart, on Oct 19 2009, 16:35, said:

Grey shirt, shorts and a bit of reflection off the head??

No comment from me .....those in glass houses

PAR

[Ian Smith - Diz]

Just back from the Formula Ford Festival at Brands Hatch, having caught the last seven laps in the Kentagon - well most of the last seven laps as I nipped out for a smoke and only witnessed the chequered flag by the big cheer from inside.

A previous World Champ - Damon Hill - was at Brands to keep an eye on his offspring. I think Damon did the FFF in his day and did better than Schuey as TGF crashed out of the FFF when he was a 19 year old motor mechanic from Kerpen.
There was much made at Brands of the fact that:
a) Mr Button was the first Festival winner to become F1 champ
b) The overlooked Brazilian race winner was another Festival winner.

[alansart]

Ian Smith - Diz, on Oct 19 2009, 17:06, said:

A previous World Champ - Damon Hill - was at Brands to keep an eye on his offspring. I think Damon did the FFF in his day and did better than Schuey as TGF crashed out of the FFF when he was a 19 year old motor mechanic from Kerpen.

Yes Damon Hill did do the Festival. Part of an 8 wheel Van Dieman with Mark Blundell

[Phil Rainford]

Ian Smith - Diz, on Oct 19 2009, 17:06, said:

A previous World Champ - Damon Hill - was at Brands to keep an eye on his offspring. I think Damon did the FFF in his day and did better than Schuey as TGF crashed out of the FFF when he was a 19 year old motor mechanic from Kerpen.

There was much made at Brands of the fact that:
a) Mr Button was the first Festival winner to become F1 champ
b) The overlooked Brazilian race winner was another Festival winner.

Grand Prix victor Johnny Herbert of course was another Festival Winner

PAR

[Tim Murray]

IIRC Damon did the FFF in 1984 (5th) and 1985 (3rd).

Eddie Irvine was another FFF winner who went on to win F1 GPs.

[Paul Hurdsfield]

Stephen W, on Oct 19 2009, 14:45, said:

I must have blinked!

Must've been a long blink ;) Simons 15 minutes of fame lasted about 7 seconds
He held quite a pose though....very athletic...really stretched those hamstrings

Edited by Paul Hurdsfield, 19 October 2009 - 19:20.

[Simon Arron]

I've been called many things in my time, but "athletic" isn't one of them. I did finish third in the high jump, though, at William Hulme's Grammar School circa 1974. I think P Rainford won the prize for cricket ball throwing.

For Ian Smith's benefit, meanwhile, the Formula Ford Festival was discussed in the Interlagos press room: Bob Constanduros and I had a brief chat about Don MacLeod. Meanwhile, here are some more CAD/CAM drawings on wheels.


The lad Alguersuari pictured in action on Friday, one day after Jean Todt's presidential campaign team first announced that Pelé would be offering his support. Highly relevant, that. Perhaps Ari Vatanen should be courting Bobby Charlton or Nobby Stiles...


Sound of the suburbs: Kamui Kobayashi on the lookout for someone to hit.


Nico Rosberg on the lookout for a hair salon.

[alansart]

Simon Arron, on Oct 19 2009, 21:19, said:

I've been called many things in my time, but "athletic" isn't one of them. I did finish third in the high jump, though, at William Hulme's Grammar School circa 1974. I think P Rainford won the prize for cricket ball throwing.

For Ian Smith's benefit, meanwhile, the Formula Ford Festival was discussed in the Interlagos press room: Bob Constanduros and I had a brief chat about Don MacLeod. Meanwhile, here are some more CAD/CAM drawings on wheels.

Has Don MacLeod won more Festivals than anyone else?

[Tim Murray]

Yes indeed.

Edited by Tim Murray, 19 October 2009 - 20:30.

[MCS]

alansart, on Oct 19 2009, 21:23, said:

Has Don MacLeod won more Festivals than anyone else?

Meaning he won it twice? Quite possibly. Others would know...

EDIT: As per Tim's post, then yes. Once in his own car - the Sark. Could he also be the oldest winner?

Edited by MCS, 19 October 2009 - 20:35.

[Twin Window]

Simon Arron, on Oct 19 2009, 21:19, said:

I've been called many things in my time, but "athletic" isn't one of them.

I'll vouch for that...

[alansart]

MCS, on Oct 19 2009, 21:34, said:

Meaning he won it twice? Quite possibly. Others would know...

EDIT: As per Tim's post, then yes. Once in his own car - the Sark. Could he also be the oldest winner?

Didn't he win at Snetterton in a Van Diemen and at Brands in the Sark

Edited by alansart, 19 October 2009 - 21:07.

[Tim Murray]

MCS, on Oct 19 2009, 21:34, said:

Could he also be the oldest winner?

Dave Coyne was 32 when he won in 1990. I'm not sure how old McLeod was in 1979.

[Paul Hurdsfield]

Simon Arron, on Oct 19 2009, 21:19, said:

Highly relevant, that. Perhaps Ari Vatanen should be courting Bobby Charlton or Nobby Stiles...

Ah well maybe I can help there ;)
I'll be having a pint with Nobby (and a few others, we all went to the same school) on the 6th of Nov, should I have a word?
Btw Ari gets my vote also

Ooops just realised thats a week or so too late

Edited by Paul Hurdsfield, 20 October 2009 - 07:11.

[Stephen W]

Simon Arron, on Oct 19 2009, 21:19, said:

I've been called many things in my time, but "athletic" isn't one of them. I did finish third in the high jump, though, at William Hulme's Grammar School circa 1974. I think P Rainford won the prize for cricket ball throwing.

Funny that my Mum won a Gold medal for Throwing The Cricket Ball!

Simon Arron, on Oct 19 2009, 21:19, said:

The lad Alguersuari pictured in action on Friday, one day after Jean Todt's presidential campaign team first announced that Pelé would be offering his support. Highly relevant, that. Perhaps Ari Vatanen should be courting Bobby Charlton or Nobby Stiles...

I fear that the MSA's vote has already been pledged to the Frenchman!

Simon Arron, on Oct 19 2009, 21:19, said:

Sound of the suburbs: Kamui Kobayashi on the lookout for someone to hit.


Nico Rosberg on the lookout for a hair salon.

[Ian Smith - Diz]

alansart, on Oct 19 2009, 21:23, said:

Has Don MacLeod won more Festivals than anyone else?

Gavin Wills won in 1994 and 2005. Gav and Don the only two double winners.

[Ian Smith - Diz]

Tim Murray, on Oct 19 2009, 22:06, said:

Dave Coyne was 32 when he won in 1990. I'm not sure how old McLeod was in 1979.

The aforementioned Wills started out as - I think - a 17 year old in 1985 in Formula E Ford 1600, so his 2005 success would make him approximately 37 at that time.

[kayemod]

Simon Arron, on Oct 19 2009, 21:19, said:

Kamui Kobayashi on the lookout for someone to hit.

We're moving ever further from the topic, but although his driving manners did leave something to be desired at times, I was very impressed by Kobayashi's debut performance, as was Martin Brundle, the way he dealt with Button's first attempted pass at the end of the main straight was exemplary. It seems quite likely that he could get a Toyota drive next year, and if they come up with a decent car, I can see him getting regular podiums, when did anyone last say that about a Japanese driver?

[Andrew Kitson]

Ian Smith - Diz, on Oct 20 2009, 13:45, said:

Gavin Wills won in 1994 and 2005. Gav and Don the only two double winners.

But with all respect Diz does that count? Gav won the Kent engined festival final, not the main event for the
current FF Zetec cars at the time. History shows that Jason Watt won the Festival in 1994 in the Vector and
Duncan Tappy the 2005 festival. ( The main event and headline race ). Although I'm with you no doubt in
thinking that Kent FF's are the proper Formula Fords not these Zetecs or Duratecs.

An interesting coincidence from Brazil. For the second year running, an English driver finished 5th, to clinch the championship from a Brazilian rival, driving a Mercedes powered car number 22.

[sonar]

I also was quite impressed by Kobayashi's driving.
Quite a spectacular driving style as well (now, thére's something we haven't seen for a while....!)
So, in no way a 'no-win scenario' for Kobayashi, I predict. (sorry, couldn't help myself there. 'Trekkie' in-joke)

[Ian Smith - Diz]

Andrew Kitson, on Oct 20 2009, 15:39, said:

But with all respect Diz does that count?

It most certainly does Andrew

Andrew Kitson, on Oct 20 2009, 15:39, said:

Although I'm with you no doubt in thinking that Kent FF's are the proper Formula Fords not these Zetecs or Duratecs.

I'm sure you are Andrew, as anybody with any soul and fond memories of the halcyon days of the Pre94 FF1600 scene [proper FF1600] would be - wouldn't we?

Any doubters out there, get yourselves off to Silverstone over the weekend 31st Oct / 1st November for the Walter Hayes Trophy. Six heats, two progression races, two semi finals, a Last Chance Race and the Grand Final running into the Northamptonshire dusk. And all for the Kent engined FF1600s'.
I can't wait.

Edited by Ian Smith - Diz, 20 October 2009 - 16:55.

[Andrew Kitson]

Ian Smith - Diz, on Oct 20 2009, 17:53, said:

It most certainly does Andrew I'm sure you are Andrew, as anybody with any soul and fond memories of the halcyon days of the Pre94 FF1600 scene [proper FF1600] would be - wouldn't we?

Any doubters out there, get yourselves off to Silverstone over the weekend 31st Oct / 1st November for the Walter Hayes Trophy. Six heats, two progression races, two semi finals, a Last Chance Race and the Grand Final running into the Northamptonshire dusk. And all for the Kent engined FF1600s'.
I can't wait.

Yep the WHT is a fantastic meeting. Put them back on proper treaded tyres ( like HSCC historic FF use ) and we'd nearly be there.

[brakedisc]

Fantastic Festival this year. Enjoyed every minute of it.

Highlights? Tofts pass in a poorly supported Zetec final, another Scotsman winning in FF1600 and a deserved Duratec victory for, how can I say this?, the larger driver.


The Sports 2000s deserve a mention because they also showed that close racing still exists.

My problem with FF1600 is that despite the engines all being built to the same spec only a few do the winning. Forget drivers doing the double how many times has it been won by the same engine? Patch ring a bell?

The Duratec engines are all very similiar in output and it could and should be the best formula for youngsters but with the new chassis for 2011 going to be to FIA spec and the costs shooting up year by year I can see FF1600 going on for ever.

[Phil Rainford]

Simon Arron, on Oct 19 2009, 21:19, said:

I've been called many things in my time, but "athletic" isn't one of them. I did finish third in the high jump, though, at William Hulme's Grammar School circa 1974. I think P Rainford won the prize for cricket ball throwing.


Sound of the suburbs: Kamui Kobayashi on the lookout for someone to hit.

Cracking song Mr Arron

PAR

[Mallory Dan]

Phil Rainford, on Oct 20 2009, 19:49, said:

Cracking song Mr Arron

PAR

Cracking era as a whole, not just this song.

[Ian Smith - Diz]

Simon Arron, on Oct 19 2009, 21:19, said:

For Ian Smith's benefit, meanwhile, the Formula Ford Festival was discussed in the Interlagos press room: Bob Constanduros and I had a brief chat about Don MacLeod.

And young Ben Constanduros was beavering around at Brands doing his bits for TV.

[brakedisc]

Since the festival is remembered fondly by so many of us can we have a stand alone thread? I think it would be fitting if Ian Smith -Diz started it off.

[retriever]

Getting back to the the topic of this thread which is about the only location where one can make a comment on the contemporary Formula One scene within the Nostalgia Forum without being told by TW to go to the brier patch (racing comments forum) - never - will someone please give Anthony Davidson a drive for 2010 where he can really show what he is capable of. True, he is also turning into a good commentator, but surely he must not be condemned to that occupation at his young age.

The lad struggled mightily with outdated equipment before he lost his drive when his team folded - remember that qualifying attempt at the Chinese circuit when I think he hauled the thing up to 12th place (hope I got my facts here correct).

[alansart]

retriever, on Oct 22 2009, 14:55, said:

Getting back to the the topic of this thread which is about the only location where one can make a comment on the contemporary Formula One scene within the Nostalgia Forum without being told by TW to go to the brier patch (racing comments forum) - never - will someone please give Anthony Davidson a drive for 2010 where he can really show what he is capable of. True, he is also turning into a good commentator, but surely he must not be condemned to that occupation at his young age.

The lad struggled mightily with outdated equipment before he lost his drive when his team folded - remember that qualifying attempt at the Chinese circuit when I think he hauled the thing up to 12th place (hope I got my facts here correct).

He qualified 11th in Australia 2007 (mind you Sato was 10th) and was also looking good for points in Canada until he hit that Groudhog. Yes I agree he deserves another chance

His commentating is pretty good to.

[Giraffe]

Giraffe, on Oct 7 2009, 11:30, said:

..... new team, Manor, who are based in Sheffield. He doesn't know which drivers he will be working with yet, Anthony Davidson has been mentioned ..........

[retriever]

alansart, on Oct 22 2009, 15:08, said:

He qualified 11th in Australia 2007 (mind you Sato was 10th) and was also looking good for points in Canada until he hit that Groudhog. Yes I agree he deserves another chance

His commentating is pretty good to.

Thanks for establishing the facts, as for 'another chance' that really should read 'a real chance'.

Yes, Giraffe, I was aware of your previous post re Manor. Let's hope something concrete comes of it. Would be nice for Mr Branson to support another British driver after Messrs Button & Barrichello put his logo on the television screens of millions around the world on a regular basis. That is if Manor are still supposed to be the recipients of the bearded one's money!

Ps. No offence intended in this pc world to those who have an excess of the facial stuff!

[kayemod]

retriever, on Oct 22 2009, 14:55, said:

Getting back to the the topic of this thread which is about the only location where one can make a comment on the contemporary Formula One scene within the Nostalgia Forum without being told by TW to go to the brier patch...

Whilst I agree that it's good to have an opportunity to discuss modern F1 in an adult manner, I think that we're testing TW's good nature a little here, none of this has anything to do with nostalgia. Do you think he'd let us have a separate area like he's done for the two-wheelers?

Quick edit, I've just checked, and the bike section is clearly labelled 'Motorcycle Racing Nostalgia', so the answer is almost certainly a loud "No!"

Edited by kayemod, 22 October 2009 - 18:59.

[Andrew Kitson]

No need, it's only this one thread.
Back to Manor, latest word on the street is Lloyds TSB as sponsors..

[kayemod]

Andrew Kitson, on Oct 22 2009, 19:58, said:

Back to Manor, latest word on the street is Lloyds TSB as sponsors..

Just one banker's bonus would fund an entire season's Cosworths.

[Bill Becketts]

I (Together with around 350 other British Marshalls) will be helping at the 2009 Abu Dhabi GP next week.

Some of the team are already there for this weekend's Asia GP2 meeting, where they are trying to sort out everything before the Bernie Roadshow hits town.

I believe they have had rain this week, so I am impressed that the organisers are doing so much to make us feel at home ;)

The tunnel on the Pit Road exit should prove interesting, especially as it is not part of the speed limit zone for the Pits......

There is also a long Straight down to a sharp left hand bend where the run off area goes UNDER the Grandstand. Obviously there are no fires or flying debris expected.

Seriously, I think we are all looking forward to doing the right thing and helping the organisers have a sucessful and safe Grand Prix.

Could I kindly ask Simon NOT to include pictures of Marshalls sleeing on the job as I have seen on earier posts of this EXCELLENT thread