Official F1/Motorsport thread

[VR46]

should be a cracking F1 race tomorrow, hope Massa pipping Sch for pole doesn't mean Alonso will now be able to get ahead of Schumacher come turn one ....

Qualifying top 8:

1 F Massa (Ferrari)
2 M Schumacher (Ferrari)
3 F Alonso (Renault)
4 G Fisichella (Renault)
5 N Heidfeld (BMW-Sauber)
6 J Button (Honda)
7 K Raikkonen (McLaren)
8 R Kubica (BMW-Sauber)

[NW2013]

The Ferrari's seem to have much higher pace than the rest of the field. It'll take some mechanical failure, bad weather or driver error to avoid a 1-2 for the Scuderia by the looks of things.

[Paulos G]

Well, it's been a most entertaining race so far. Will Massa get his first win? Will MS catch FA? Ads over - time to go...

[Richard.John]

That was a critical 'win' for Fernando at this stage in the season. It was important to remind MS that it's not all over and he did the required today. Shame that Fisi-****e couldn't help out.

I loved the 'I was playing with the revs' comment during the post race interview. What he really meant was that he was playing with Michael!!

12 point lead with four races to go. It's going to go down to the wire!

[segages]

Only Alonso could withstand that pressure whilst at the same time adjusting the engine revs on different parts of the lap. Would have been terrible if Massa had to let him by and steal his win.

[Richard.John]

Yes, FA does have the ability to withstand pressure. I thinks it's fair to say that he's probably the most complete driver on the grid these days.

I expected MS to do what he is famous for and have a lunge but I suppose FA wouldn't mind as long as both they both retired. If it goes down to the last race, of course previous form suggests that Schu will, but maybe Fernando will give him a taste of his own medicine this time.

[Richard.John]

It seems that I was a bit harsh in regards to Fisi. Pat Symonds says that he spun on purpose to avoid collecting Alonso in the first corner.

I am convinced that Massa is Schu's key to the title, which is why it's important that the second Renault is up there stealing points away from Schu. It must be frustrating for Alonso as he has no rear gunner to protect him from a red onslaught. His 12 point lead allows him to finish second to Schu in the remaining races and still win the WDC, but Massa is the fly in the ointment and Fisi really needs to step up if Alonso has a chance of puling it off, as one DNF and it's all over. The same applies to Schu of course!

[VR46]

I still think Sch has a great chance, he only has to be second behind Massa in any of the future races and Massa will step aside, and four points taken out of the lead. Ferrari seem to be throwing loads of money at the car also, modifications at virtually all of the forthcoming races. It's going to be good, whatever happens and of course next race at Monza in a fortnight, Sch (and Ferrari) announces plans for next year

[VR46]

Kovalainen named as Renault's second driver for next year

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/5319424.stm

[Alastair]

ooh - didn't see that coming until after the w/e when Ferrari and Sch announce their future. Did see that coming though if you get what I mean.

Guess it's pretty obvious now that Kimi will be at Ferrari one way or another. Can't stay with McL can he?

Who will be in the race seat at McL now then?

[Paulos G]

I'm glad Kovalainen's got the drive. I like what I've seen of him. Didn't he win the Race of Champions a couple of years ago?

Roll on Monza...

[Richard.John]

Everything is falling into place now for a KR-Ferrari future.

[Alastair]

Practice session 1 is underway now. I'm watching the live timing rather than working!! No one has done a full lap yet though.

Looking forward to a good race this w/e. A mate of mine is going over to watch live, git. Flying out sun morning, watching race and flying back sun evening, nutter!

[VR46]

Expensive day out yes, Monza is a great track to visit though (been there for a World Superbike weekend there years ago - went there by bike, about 800 miles each way and loads of money spent on tolls), you can still walk part of the old circuit, it's only then you realise how steep the banking is (and shudder at the three foot wooden fence at the top of it) no wonder so many cars ended up in the trees.

Anyway back in the world of now, I really think Sch will stay on for another year, imo he won't want to retire not knowing if he will win the championship this year or not.

Should be a fantastic race Sunday and really expect Ferrari to pull out all the stops.

[Alastair]

He's one of those guys that money doesn't matter to him, prob because he has it coming out of his ears!

I fully expect Ferrari to do a great job this w/e, doesn't stop me thinking Renault still have it in them (well Alonso) to spoil the party, at least with a 2nd if not a win.

Sch staying on is seeming likely but we wont know until well after the race anyway and the announcement sounds like it's just going to be "we have signed all our drivers for next year, Sch, Masa & KR. We don't know who will race yet."

Was offered some free tickets yesterday to a Renault race day at Donnington on Sunday. Would have loved to go but it's a bit far from Brighton