Official F1/Motorsport thread

[Alastair]

EDIT - I better edit too then, just ignore them sharky.

[sharky_ob]

Nice one Alastair!

We'll keep that between us!!

[Senna]

Oh, why can't the F1 and Moto GP seasons start now? Not long to go though.

I found this brilliant tribute to Ayrton Senna on Youtube. Some new clips Id never seen before. Such a shame he is no longer with us.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAw-zR6tvtA

[Alastair]

Was reading the Sunday Times yesterday and the sport section had a front page story speculating the departure of Ron Dennis. The gist of the story was that he 'will' be leaving and the earliest would be mid week this week although the guy did say that they may sort out a way to move control over to Whitmarsh after a couple of races. There was of course a caveat stating that he may yet change his mind and no sources were listed but still, the story is def gathering pace. He's not had a good year has he, from looking like def constructors and drivers champions he's come away with no titles, a £50m fine, a divorce and soon will be leaving his job. Will take a strong man not to get a little depressed about that

On 2 wheels, it's the first MotoGP race next weekend right

[VR46]

Still be surprised if RD goes, and strange it didn't happen at end of last season to give McLaren time to adjust.

Yep next weekends Moto GP race should be great, Rossi has confirmed floodlights don't interefere with vision etc. Really think/hope Yamaha will be right on the pace from the off.

Anyone been watching the first couple of WSB rounds ? Bayliss is looking pretty unstoppable so far.

[Alastair]

It's a night race Damn I'm out of touch.

Not been watching any WSBK no, don't have the channels and haven't had the time to DL them and try to keep up.

[TheForce]

yep, this weekend the fun begins again ! MotoGP and next week F1 , finally the motorsport has begun again, WSBK, WRC, MOTOGP and F1 !

Anyone been watching the first couple of WSB rounds ? Bayliss is looking pretty unstoppable so far.

yep pretty amazing races so far,
I still think though it's not fair with the Ducati's being allowed to ride with 1200cc bikes, even with the restrictor and extra weight, seems they still have an advantage, Bayliss was on a class of his own and wasn't even really trying (IMO) and seeing the speed of Biaggi was also quite impressive till he went off ....
Good to see the Honda's doing all right with their new bike, knowing they didn't have time to test the new bike (just like Kawasaki)

[adam_the_browndog]

Lush new williams car

[CMcK]

More about Ron Dennis stepping down in The Guardian today. Looks like it'll be announced before the season starts and Whitmarsh will take his place.

[VR46]

Sad day for the sport if Ron Dennis does go - seems like a decent guy who got caught up in all this crap (spying etc) through no real fault of his own.

[Shez]

I wouldn't say it was through no fault of his own - That is probably the biggest issue in all of the spy saga: He was well aware of what was going on and made out he wasn't.

It isn't good enough for a team leader in my opinion, and it looks like he is going to pay the price.

[Alastair]

I'm undecided about Ron's involvement in Spygate, I can quite easily see it both ways but do find it hard to believe that most of the team had access to the info but he knew nothing of it, yeah right.

He would have retired soon anyway as although he's a major stakeholder you could tell that he wasn't happy that it isn't/wasn't his team anymore.

[Alastair]

2008 preview show ITV1 at 11:10-12:10 on Sunday 9th March (this Sunday).

[adam_the_browndog]

yay can't wait

[Dazzyman]

From personal level I will be glad if Ron Dennis goes, never gelled with him over the years watching him going back to for me all that going on with the 3rd pedal in late 90s and early 90s where Senna had a race per race contract with em. Just found him very sneaky and theirs no way in hell he would not have known about all the extra tech when he is in charge of it all. Also found him very cold when the team won just not someone I could relate to I guess (and I was a fan of Mikka even with being a Schummy nut). I guess I can say I liked the drivers but not the TP.

I feel for the rest of the team tho and all the amazing drivers over the years as Ron has put a tarnish on Bruce Mclaren's name. I did hear rumours couple of years ago they where trying to get him out then so with this its handed it to them really. Whether we believe what happened with Lewis and Fernando or not at the end of the day they where just the drivers, they didnt build the cars and didnt have the knowledge to make a racing system thats up to the people at the factory and those in charge.