[MikeNoun]

Just a great race! The Mercedes duo were on the front row, and I thought it interesting that Alonso said that he wasn't concerned with the Mercedes, he was only worried about Vettel. Alonso knew that the Mercs would be a non-factor, and he was right.

What a great run for Ferrari, and another podium for Kimi and the Lotus. Red Bull is still trying to figure out what went wrong.

[Alvin]

Originally Posted by 428RA4

There are no words to describe a live F1 race, but I would love to share. The noise is intense and the live main stream bands rocking out in the center of the track is something that needs to be experienced. It's the only night race and for good reason. Singapore is bitching hot. The only way they can race through the town streets is at night. It's completely festive and so damn fun for all ages. You should see the Auzies and Brits. They blow that place out.

Ahh yes, 100% humidity is best dealt with at night, often with massive quantities of adult beverages!

In person experience is indeed definitely a sensory overload of these sophisticated machines that should be experienced, and part of any Motörheads Bucket List.

[Alvin]

Originally Posted by MikeNoun

Just a great race! The Mercedes duo were on the front row, and I thought it interesting that Alonso said that he wasn't concerned with the Mercedes, he was only worried about Vettel. Alonso knew that the Mercs would be a non-factor, and he was right.

What a great run for Ferrari, and another podium for Kimi and the Lotus. Red Bull is still trying to figure out what went wrong.

Ageed. Seems like the Mercs destroy their tires and lose grip during longer race day stints?

Did everyone hear during race that Mark Webber hadn't signed with any team and was talking of retiring in 2014?

[MikeNoun]

Yes, I heard that about Mark Webber! Rumors were that Kimi would take over the #2 seat at Red Bull, which is something the other teams do NOT want to see, a Vettel/Raikkonen combo.

Mark Webber is actually pretty old in F1 terms (he's 36). If he retires, he could do many things, from racing in Aussie V8's (which I know he'd like to do) to running IndyCar (which is what I'd like to see him do). He has a lot of talent, except for his trademark "I think I stared in the wrong gear" starts, he drives very well and very consistent.

One of the funniest radio comments of the race, equal to Kimi's "Leave me alone, I know what I'm doing" classic remark from last year, was when Mercedes was telling their drivers Rosberg and Hamilton to go easy on their tires....REAL easy....because their strategy was to stay out when other teams came in for tires.

Lewis Hamilton radioed, "I can't drive any slower."

That would make a great bumper sticker!

[Alvin]

Originally Posted by MikeNoun

Yes, I heard that about Mark Webber! Rumors were that Kimi would take over the #2 seat at Red Bull, which is something the other teams do NOT want to see, a Vettel/Raikkonen combo.

Mark Webber is actually pretty old in F1 terms (he's 36). If he retires, he could do many things, from racing in Aussie V8's (which I know he'd like to do) to running IndyCar (which is what I'd like to see him do). He has a lot of talent, except for his trademark "I think I stared in the wrong gear" starts, he drives very well and very consistent.

One of the funniest radio comments of the race, equal to Kimi's "Leave me alone, I know what I'm doing" classic remark from last year, was when Mercedes was telling their drivers Rosberg and Hamilton to go easy on their tires....REAL easy....because their strategy was to stay out when other teams came in for tires.

Lewis Hamilton radioed, "I can't drive any slower."

That would make a great bumper sticker!

I'm not so sure about Vettel & Kimi as teammates. Gas and Flames combo potential there for sure.

Webber AGAIN had a Grandma start in the race...

Yeah, that would make a great bumper sticker. Exactly how do you do that I said to my wife at the time we watched that. Funny really.

IIRC Pirelli attempted to blame carbon fibre shrapnel cuts for the Force India tread delamination during practice. What about same during the race, and the left side inside surface disintegration?

[65WJ]

Monaco free practice one and two Thursday morning.

patrick

[MikeNoun]

Monaco baby! Precision driving, strategy, hardly any passing. Takes guts, courage, and an amazing amount of ability.

The playground of Ayrton Senna.

I see the podium as Vettel, Raikkonen, Alonso, assuming of course there's no first turn accidents.

[Alvin]

Monaco indeed. Thumbs up. Wonder what the latest tire wear situation will be?

[Alvin]

Originally Posted by MikeNoun

Just a great race! The Mercedes duo were on the front row, and I thought it interesting that Alonso said that he wasn't concerned with the Mercedes, he was only worried about Vettel. Alonso knew that the Mercs would be a non-factor, and he was right.

What a great run for Ferrari, and another podium for Kimi and the Lotus. Red Bull is still trying to figure out what went wrong.

Mike, speaking of Merc, check out this preview prediction by "F1 Fanatic UK" sez it -Monaco-could be MBs race?
http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2013/05/2...e-for-victory/

[MikeNoun]

Good article! The problem with Monaco is that when a team decides to make it a 1-stop, they end up running their tires into the pavement, and the cars behind can't get around. You end up with a bottleneck, or more frequently an accident, as someone tries to dive inside on the slower car and takes them both out.

Vettel is really good on worn tires, but Raikkonen seems to be the tire master. Alonso is just plain fast. If the pit strategies work out perfectly, it could be a Hamilton/Rosberg victory, but seems like the Mercs are still struggling.

Some drivers that love these tight street circuits, and the cream always rises to the top. I think we'll see the usual up in the top 5 (Vettel, Alonso, Hamilton, Raikkonen, and possibly Rosberg, Button, or Massa), but I'd bank on Vettel or Alonso for this one, pending any crashes of course.

[165th]

Guys, check your programming tonight at 8pm est, 7pm cst the movie SENNA will be shown on NBCSHD. This is the same channel the Formula One is broadcast on.

I show it on my programming for ATT U-verse, but my parents have DISH and it doesn't show up.

This is an incredible documentary. Will give you goose bumps and tears, even though you know the ending.

I was able to acquire a CD of this movie just over 2 years ago, just before it was released. Long story but I bumped into the Brazilian producer in Reagan airport in Houston. He sent me a copy just as it was being released.

Good luck finding it, and definitely, hit the DVR!

[65WJ]

is this the one that ESPN showed a while back?

Great qualifying this morning.
Changing conditions........... Just fantastic.

patrick

[165th]

Originally Posted by 65WJ

is this the one that ESPN showed a while back?

Great qualifying this morning.
Changing conditions........... Just fantastic.

patrick

Probably the same movie, but I didn't know it had aired on ESPN.

Yes, quali was great this morning. Looking forward to another wonderful Memorial weekend filled with great Motorsports here in the US, and the bling of Moncaco!

[Alvin]

Yes, saw the adverts for the Senna movie...it's a good one! We streamed it via Netflix last year.

What a world of difference from practice to Quali 1, 2, 3. From clear blue sky's to rain. Race will be challenging no matter who's up front, weather conditions etc.

Looking forward to it.

[Alvin]

Enjoyed today's race...lots of great driving...and so as not to spoil it for those who haven't watched it yet, a pleasant surprise ending.

[65WJ]

X2

now to deal with the protest. hmmmm
Thats F1 for you.

patrick

[Alvin]

Originally Posted by 65WJ

X2

now to deal with the protest. hmmmm
Thats F1 for you.

patrick

True...but did you hear mentioned during the race that it was up to the Tire Mfg's discretion to choose any team for SAFETY testing? In fact, they mentioned that Ferrari had also recently tested solo with Pirelli. The plot thickens; as they say. "Stay tuned to that same Bat Channel..."

Link http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2013/05/2...rotest-to-fia/

[65WJ]

Originally Posted by Alvin

True...but did you hear mentioned during the race that it was up to the Tire Mfg's discretion to choose any team for SAFETY testing? In fact, they mentioned that Ferrari had also recently tested solo with Pirelli. The plot thickens; as they say. "Stay tuned to that same Bat Channel..."

Link http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2013/05/2...rotest-to-fia/

I did and Red Bull are claiming a SECRET test. HA right after the race on the same track. come on man.

patrick

[Alvin]

Originally Posted by 65WJ

I did and Red Bull are claiming a SECRET test. HA right after the race on the same track. come on man.

patrick

Yup, as you say SECRET test claim http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2013/05/2...-for-mercedes/

Although the TESTING BAN rule designed to keep F1 costs down still stands; the FIA Sez all teams should have had a chance to test http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2013/05/2...hance-to-test/

So lets make up our minds on the testing rule...

[65WJ]

but the FIA has made it clear they are not happy with the matter.

Mercedes held a "secret" test with Pirelli after the Spanish Grand Prix, but the issue only came to light during this weekend's Monaco GP and rivals team were quick to make it known they are not happy with the issue.

The FIA confirmed on Sunday that both Ferrari and Red Bull lodged protests and the issue will be brought before the International Tribunal, but Mercedes team principal Brawn felt comfortable about the issue.

"We've explained to the stewards what was done and it's now up to them," he said. "We're comfortable with the position we're in."

However, he might be a bit more uncomfortable in the coming days after the FIA issued a strongly-worded statement revealing that 'no further information about a test' was given to them after they told Pirelli that it could only be carried out if 'every team was given the same opportunity to test'.

FIA statement in full:
'At the beginning of May, the FIA was asked by Pirelli if it was possible for it to carry out some tyre development testing with a team, using a current car. Within the contract Pirelli has with the FIA as a single supplier, there is provision for them to carry out up to 100km of testing with any team - provided every team is offered the opportunity to do so.

'Pirelli and Mercedes-AMG were advised by the FIA that such a development test could be possible if carried out by Pirelli, as opposed to the team that would provide the car and driver, and that such tests would be conditional upon every team being given the same opportunity to test in order to ensure full sporting equity.

'Following this communication, the FIA received no further information about a possible test from Pirelli or from Mercedes-AMG. Furthermore, the FIA received no confirmation that all teams had been given an opportunity to take part in this test.

'In addition, with regard to the application of the sport's rules, including principles of sporting equity, it should be remembered that the International Sporting Code provides that on the basis of a report of the stewards of the meeting, or on its own initiative, the prosecuting body of the FIA may bring a matter before the International Tribunal.

'The Tribunal may decide to inflict penalties that would supercede any penalty the stewards of the meeting may have issued. Such procedure would be followed in pursuance of the FIA Judicial and Disciplinary Rules.'

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