Official F1/Motorsport thread

[Richard.John]

The Macca deal seems quite deep. I wonder if they have an equity stake in FI. Ron now has his B team it would seem.

[Alastair]

That's the thing isn't it, he wanted a B-Team and now he has it (in all but name anyway). I fully expect Force India to be fighting strongly in the midfield by 2010 now. Before this deal I saw them as pretty much last place forever.

[Roddie]

Also seems like the deal might affect the driver line-up as well; apparently Sutil or Fisichella could get the boot to allow a McLaren test driver a seat (Pedro de la Rosa, Gary Paffett or even Paul di Resta).

[Richard.John]

The language in the press conference seemed to suggest that Mclaren have some hold over FI. Whitmarsh stated that it's not a takeover. To even suggest that it isn't is a bit fishy. Its likely that FI will become the new Torro Rosso, I reckon.

[Roddie]

Yeah, but I don't really understand why though. If the planned 2010 ban on customer cars goes ahead then they'll only have it for a single season surely? TBH, I'm a bit concerned about this impending ban; unless some other manufacturers suddenly jump into F1, aren't we set to lose Red Bull, Toro Rosso, Williams and Force India (almost half the teams!), or do they only need to build their own chassis whilst still being allowed to buy-in other parts, such as the engine?

[Richard.John]

Williams have the most to lose regarding customer cars. Their business exists to build and run F1 cars that are bespoke, Williams Grand Prix Engineering style. They don't make road cars or sell overpriced sugary syrup so if you could buy a ready made Mclaren or Ferrari, they will be priced out of existence. On the other hand though, being able to do that would encourage new entrants, currently put off by the eye watering costs of setting a new team and building a new car from scratch.

[Shez]

I read something along the lines that they are trying to compromise on some kind of deal where the teams currently involved in F1 can share technology, including the buying and selling of cars.

Further more, both Eccelstone and Mosley had some influence on this Mclaren/Force India deal, so expect this to be clarified shortly.

I'm not sure where this leaves Williams, Frank has been very quiet on the subject of late.

[Richard.John]

The new '09 aero package. So much cleaner. I like it. Cars used to look a bit like that in the 90s, with tall, wide rear wings and wide fronts for example. With the the advent of wings sprouting winglets on top of winglets, the look has become decidedly ugly and fussy. This year's cars were hideous actually.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/72093]

[Alastair]

That high narrow wing is so stupid. Anythings going to be better if it allows proper overtaking again though.

[Richard.John]

They used to be that high(ish) though, just wider I think.

[Roddie]

I don't mind the small rear wing; I'm sure it won't be long before I don't even notice it.

[Richard.John]

Interesting read over at ITV.

http://www.itv-f1.com/Feature.aspx?Type=Mark_Hughes&id=44605

I think history shows that it's unlikely. Schumacher was an exception I would say but, baring injury, Lewis is going to be a force for many years to come.

[Roddie]

We were discussing the same thing at work the other day. I similarly think that Schumacher's record of 7 titles is an exception, I would be amazed if anyone can beat it any time soon. While Hamilton is at the best age and in the best position to challenge it, I'm still not convinced; there's enough challenge from both Ferrari drivers and it's certainly too early to think about domination considering he only won the championship by single point. If winter development and rule changes see BMW and Renault properly challenging McLaren and Ferrari next year then you have 5 drivers potentially fighting for the championship, there's no way Hamilton (or any of them) could dominate in such a close field.

Also, can't forget Vettel who is clearly going to be rising to the top in the next few years.

[Richard.John]

I am no fan, and the fact that he barely managed it this year and screwed it up last, hardly inspires confidence. With that said, he has age on his side. It really is down to the car and timing. Of course the top tier drivers have that few percent extra but LH has found himself on the upside of a Mclaren resurgence, and lucky for him too. If he can obliterate the field from beginning to end, then maybe we are in for a Hamilton era. He is a bit like Mansell I feel. All balls and an amazing racer but lacks the finesse or calculating mind of a certain German (and Spaniard too)

[Shez]

We need to see Lewis in an under performing car to see how good he really is.

Mclaren have delivered a great car these last two seasons, and who's to say Kubica or another wouldn't have achieved the same result - I know Alonso was at Mclaren for one season, but as time passes more and more information is trickling out about how bad his time was there, and the struggles he was up against.

At the moment Lewis has one of the most powerful/competitive teams fully focused around him - I could list 5-6 drivers who would look great with that kind of package - It's certainly something that should be considered when assessing Lewis.

I'm leaning towards thinking he is the real deal, in terms of skill anyway - However, that is only one part of the package required. I'm far from convinced about his mental state when things start to go a little haywire. There's a definite toys out of the pram vibe, not just from him but his old man too - Body language can speak a thousand words

Next season should be interesting. I have a feeling BMW will come on strong, and we might see Ferrari initially struggling - I wouldn't discount Renault either.