Official F1/Motorsport thread

[Duddyroar]

I hope so but I doubt it. Seems teams often run black testing liveries for some reason. Or have I missed something and we're going to get a black car on the grid at last?

The old Minardi's were black, weren't they?

[Alastair]

On the grid, not at the back of the grid or starting from the pits That was a while ago now though and of course, they no longer run. I just want a JPS livery again tbh.

[Roddie]

The old Minardi's were black, weren't they?

Heh, that was my first thought when I saw the photo. Think some of the black Minardis even had a splash of orange.

Arrows have also had a couple of black models, I remember a nice one that was black with just white sponsors.

[Duddyroar]

On the grid, not at the back of the grid or starting from the pits That was a while ago now though and of course, they no longer run. I just want a JPS livery again tbh.

They technically do still run, but as STR...but that's being picky

Yeah, it would send a tingle down my spine to see the old JPS livery!

[Dazzyman]

Popped in the Donington Park Grand Prix Collection this morning cos the wife was out and I was at a loose end. I've lived near Donington all my life and amazingly this is the first time I've ever visited the collection, which I believe is the largest of its kind in the world.

I'll let the photos do the talking...






I was walking around in stunned silence for most of it, because it's simply breathtaking to see so much F1 and Motorsport history under one roof. The place was practically empty as well, which saddens me a little as it means it can't be making much cash right now. It only costs ?7 and is well worth it IMO. It's worth that price alone to see that ugly 'Walrus' Williams and the 6 wheel Tyrrell!

There's also a very touching tribute to Roger Williamson in there, too. Roger was a local lad from Ashby and Tom Whetcroft (who owns both Donington and the collection) was the guy who supported him during his racing career.

For those of you that don't know, Roger was killed in only his second F1 race in 1973 thanks to the track stewarts being complete fools. He died in his burning car while the race was allowed to continue, and the efforts of fellow Brit David Purley to save Roger earned Purley the George Cross.

There's a nice tribute here, but I warn you now that the crash is included and it's pretty shocking footage.

I urge you to think carefully about watching that video guys it had me in tears and Ive seen alot of F1 deaths over the years so please be warned.

[Roddie]

Yeah, I remember seeing it before, so tragic the way the other cars fly by not realising there was someone in the car.

[On The Edge of Insanity]

Yeah, it is definitely one of the most harrowing of F1 deaths, mainly due to Purley's reactions while the marshalls refuse to help him turn over the car. Interviews I've read with Purley said that he could hear Williamson screaming at him to get him out but could do nothing about it by himself.

[Dazzyman]

I was talking to my mum and dad about it last night and they both remember it vivedly. Them marshalls where crap I mean one of em had a extinguisher in his hand but wouldnt use it straight away. I personally detest F1 in these situations because they are fueled by so much money that they dont stop the races, Ratzenburger and Senna on the same weekend are prime examples.

It was the same year Jackie Stewart retired after the death of his team mate Francois Cever and the driving force behind him being at the front of saftety changes in F1.

[Richard.John]

There is a more disturbing vid than that of a Japanese racer in a Ferrari event whose car hit another and burt into flames. Inept marshalling meant it was about one minute or so before the fire trucks turned up. He crawled out with his helmet and overalls smoking away. His visor melted onto his face, the poor sod, but lived amazingly enough.

[adam_the_browndog]

I've seen that one richard

I was pretty shocked to see him survice... but i'm just disgusted with the marshalls.

Once he was out of the car, that marshall kind of buggered off and left him.

[Richard.John]

'Twas a nasty one.

Also so what does everyone think of the prospects for this season?

Testing suggests that Ferrari will fill their usual place alongside Mclaren. Williams could be the third team this year which is great for them. Renault? Who knows but it's obvious that the return of the king will help them a lot. Heidfeld is moaning about balance problems with the Beemer and poor old Jenson seems to have inherited a car that is actually worse than last year's, if that is actually possible. The rest will make up the numbers no doubt.

[Roddie]

Just watched the 2007 review DVD and now I can't wait for the new season to start. I think it's too early to call who's going to be the most competitive, every time I see a report on a testing session, it's a different driver or manufacturer topping the list; it certainly should be an interesting season anyway.

Not sure how likely it is, but I'd like to see Massa having a look-in on the title.

[adam_the_browndog]

How i see it

Ferrari will be dominant with Mclaren also being a pain up their arse. Heikki for me will probably shine at the end of the 08 season.

BMW i will probably rate the 3rd best team but i think they'll probably suffer some problems and have an odd renault driver and williams get in the middle of things.

Renault i predict will win at least 1 or 2 races with alonso. i think they'll be a little bit slower on pace with the BMW but i think it won't be a problem as we know alonso can push to the limit.

Williams Driver Rosberg will possibly battle between both bmw and renault drivers. They could be a pain for renault but i think renault will win the fight

Red Bull will have some great days but they'll have alot of heartache.

Torro Rosso will be a dark-horse. Specially we have any wet races. One team to watch. Hopefully beating Team A. i'd say they'll either be the top end of the back pack or always finding themselfs battling midfield.

Toyota, both drivers i think will be on the same level but will be struggling to get to the points. Trulli will possibly qualify good for some races.

Honda, will probably be battling midfield with toyota and red bull, Barrichello will probably have a dreadful season then he will leave F1 or go to super aguri for 09.

Super Aguri may have one of them good starts to the season like last year but will fall back down the order. Battles between them and force india me thinks. And it's fisichella who leads sato then it's sutil and davidson.. you get the picture

Force india will probably be the back of the pack but will have a strong end to the season.

[adam_the_browndog]

I laughed when i went to the F1 itv site

There was a poll about mclaren equal drivers policy..

the majority have voted ofcourse for 'yes, both drivers should be equal'.

but around 30% say 'No, Heikki should be #1'.

Alot of people i beleive have seen around lewis hamiltons act of being 'mr.nice'. really he comes across as abit of arrogance, specially his recent comments. I can't blame alonso for leaving. i hope Heikki beats hamilton as heikki deserves more recognition than ham.

Also the Williams is looking pretty good from what i'm reading, reliable and all they want is abit more pace.... bmw got something up with their grip.

[Rossco]

Whens the new season start anyway?