Re: New F1 season kicks off this weekend

Well it was indeed wet,we were on the golf club driving range site,had use of the facilities at the club too-still didn't shower all weekend tho! smile  A quick 'wet-wipe' under the arms usually sufficed.....The guy whos caravan we were in was paranoid about keeping it clean and dry as he's off to the west coast of France in it on friday,so we were a bit like schoolboys being harrassed by the nasty teacher at school smile Fair do's-we wouldn't do anything deliberate to damage it,appreciated his letting us use it too much,so all his 'don't-do-that-don't-do-this' we put up with! smile smile   There WERE a lot of seats left in some areas,some grassy knolls were just a Glastonbury style mud-bath,but a great weekend was had by all.A great race,too,even tho' a whiny aussie -;)- took it from a sulky spaniard. No,a great effort from RB and Mark deserved the win,conditions were awful,no-one seemed to get a handle on the track-the Brits 'must try harder',but think Germany will be Vettels'.

Come on you Blades!

Re: New F1 season kicks off this weekend

Tremendous result yesterday. I only got to see a few highlights unfortunately, but the eventual result (after Vettel's penalty was upheld) was the correct one.

Alonso is operating this season on a Championship winning level. Ferrari have done an amazing job getting the cars deficits sorted and Alonso is pretty much doing the rest. Superb driving, hardly any mistakes. I read that apparently this is the first year (Alonso says) that he is driving without any injuries. According to him he has started all the last campaigns carrying niggling injuries to neck, back and legs. No wonder he os on top form this year.

Great to see Jenson back in the fray at the sharp end. He isn't a quitter and talk of him being finished is ridiculous. Hard work and reserverance, and it is paying off.

Vettel, toys out of the pram again, but he can't be discounted. As regards the Hamilton 'unlapping', OK Lewis was quicker, but being a lap down and then interfering with the leadin two cars is disrepectful. Lewis has to think.....would he like it if Sebastian did it to him? Answer is...No In this situation Lewis is a backmarker and he should keep out of the way. The teams talk so Mclaren could have asked RB if Lewis could pass.

As followers of this thread will know I am an avid fan of all things motorsport (cars) and pride myself on keeping upto date on all the gizmos and developments in the sport. Indeed the technological adavances and ingenuity of the poeple in the sport never cease to amaze me. That said, you can't, from the outside, fully understand everything. Therefore, last weeks Autosport, was a landmark issue for me. Contained within was a series of articles that completely undressed the technical side of F1. It was so informative that I had to re-read it several times. Aerodynamics, new engines, braking technology and standard ECU(SECU), it was all there and written just for bods like me. Utterly absorbing and a real eye opener. If you thought F1 technicians were clever before, think again. You don't know the half of it!

Oh and by the way, on this theme, Schumi dropped it in practice this last weekend while he was fiddling with some knobs on the steering wheel. Well, you should spare a thought for all the drivers on this subject, because they really have sooo much to do.

A story from this article was about Rubens Barrichello when he went to Williams a couple of years ago. He reported that the brake balance bias knob was difficult to adjust. The Williams guys told him that it was because they didn't need to use it much. Rubens told them immediately "well, you'll need to, so change it". The drivers are now adjusting brake bias and subsequently the balance of the car between certain corners on the track EACH LAP. Rubens had the system at Ferrari years before and had further refined it whilst at Honda/Brawn.

Williams now have a similar system which is pre-programmed for each circuit allowing the drivers to punch the changes in between corners.

If you have an interest in all things F1 and how it works, then this article explains just about everything. Oh, and by the way, I was fully against the new engines coming in for 2014. Now I know what they are doing and why and I accept that it is an important step for the manufacturers and the sport. It just needed explaining is all......................

No Hits, No Hype.......................Classic Rock Jan 2012

Re: New F1 season kicks off this weekend

As no one has posted since my last on the 23rd July clearly F1 fans on here have dwindled. Looks like I've got my own thread here then. Shame I like a bit of motorsport banter.

Tremendous result for Jenson today. Qualified well and as a result was fortunately clear of the carnage behind.

I feel sorry for Grosjean and his penalty but the accident today could have had extreme consequences. Reminded me of a young Jody Scheckter dropping it at Silverstone in '75 and decimating the field.

Unfortunately the stats are against Romain and 7 start prangs this year went against. However it should be noted that he wasn't responsible for most of them!

Nevertheless he and Maldonaldo are picking up a rep that will be hard to shake off. I personally think that Grosjean is the 'real deal' and Ferrari could do worse than have him over Massa, but these incidents won't help him get that seat.

Still Vettel can be happy that he bagged 2nd after starting so far bag and the reduced field meant also that Hulkenburg was able to shine. Even Michael was up there dicing for a while. Shame he was hobbled at the end, still he did get points.

Monza next. I fancy McLaren will have another good chance although Ferrari will be on top form. Mind you the Mercs should be quicker in qualifying again.

Can't wait. This season has been a breath of fresh air so far.

No Hits, No Hype.......................Classic Rock Jan 2012

Re: New F1 season kicks off this weekend

Dude, what took you so long to post? I always look for this thread. Love F1 and don't have "TV", please keep em coming!!!

347

Re: New F1 season kicks off this weekend

You're not alone Mike. I got up early and watched since Spa is one of my favorite tracks. Good action in the field if you take away the mess at the start with frequent passes and a real show of the drs tech advantage which this course seemed to favor. On to Monza!
Rick

Free download from Vienna! http://mbsy.co/bNLR
Lots of unique videos of Joe http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwd5vL8fXTw
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348 (edited by Chuck Johnson 2012-09-03 01:16:40)

Re: New F1 season kicks off this weekend

Hey Mike and everyone.  It is great to find some racing chatter around here.  Two of my favorite subjects are music and racing.  I have been going to races, here in the states, since I was born.  I'm one of the odd NASCAR fans who also loves road racing.  As with music I enjoy many forms of racing.  F-1 GP2-3, Australian V8 Super Car, British touring car, Grand Am, American Leman series, all flavors of NASCAR, IRL, Moto GP etc.

I agree Mike that this F-1 season has been very engaging. I too was up early for the Gp2 coverage leading into the F-1 race.
I even get up early for practice and qualifying lol.

I also have been sucked up in the world of Simracing.  Racing over the computer with others from around the world using the iRacing.com Motorsport Simulations software.  Basically the most precise, publicly available, racing simulation on the market.
I also do spotting and info passing for internet broadcasts of their top pro series. The iRacing.com World Championship Grand Prix Series using the Williams F-1 at many of the F-1 tracks, including SPA and the NASCAR iRacing World Championship Series using the Sprint Cup Impalas at most of the tracks on the Current NASCAR schedule.  This is an official series of NASCAR and points can be followed on the official NASCAR site.  They also have official series for Grand Am and the Skip Barber Racing Schools.

This past Saturday morning, we broadcasted a great iWCGPS race from SPA.  I watched F-1 qualifying at 8 am then a short break and our broadcast began.  What a great way to start the day.
I also get to spread the word about Joe and the BCC crew by running paint schemes on the cars I race.

I'm sure I will be dropping by this thread often.  Looking forward to Monza! It's always a great one.

Cheers!

"what's the point of race cars, rocket ships and rock and roll?"

Re: New F1 season kicks off this weekend

Glad to see Jenson totally dominate all sessions from Saturday. A great confidence boost after a oor run. I still think he is the best, especially when things come together with the car. I can't help think that the new tyres (tires for US) have not helped him as he was always a master of getting the best out of them in the past. Can't wait for the next round also. It has taken a few years to be able to say that....

Come on the Blades (sorry Idolbone just had to borrow your line)

350

Re: New F1 season kicks off this weekend

Didn't see it this one. Just heard of the carnage at the start, looked a bad one. Luckily, no one got hurt, a testament how these cars are made today.

Congrats to Jenson!

GOOD KARMA - http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m3zkw … o1_500.jpg
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We Are The Champ20ns

351 (edited by hansamike 2012-09-03 07:33:02)

Re: New F1 season kicks off this weekend

Well, I'm pleased to see that there is still an interest on here for F1 and motorsport in general. I'll just put the lack of comment down to the holiday period and that there was soooo much other sport to watch and of course, F1 just had its 5 week mid season break.

Good to know you are out there 'skamanowa' and 'Chuck Johnson' along with RickB and LynB.

I am an 'Ueberfan' of motorsport in all its forms. Follow NASCAR closely, sports cars, prototypes and most single seater series around the world. I am a technical junkie for F1 although I despise the reliance the sport has on technology and aerodynamics. Nevertheless I am in awe of the igenuity this branch of the sport has to problem solving and rapid project development.

I sometimes think if these guys were used to solving some of the worlds problems instead of creating a fluid switch to stall the airflow to a rear wing to get 3/10s more of a second per lap, we, all of us could be in better shape.

But then........if my auntie had ball$ she would be my uncle.............

No Hits, No Hype.......................Classic Rock Jan 2012

Re: New F1 season kicks off this weekend

Hey Mike, and anyone else who may want to check it out.  We are broadcasting the NASCAR series this evening at 9pm est. US / 01:00 GMT.  They are running at the Atlanta track. You can view at this link, http://www.iracing.com/live/.

This past Saturday there was an issue with getting the broadcast in the Europe region with a lot of buffering and choppy video, but I think they found that issue.

Coming up on a little over two hours to green, jamming on some Beth and Joe, and checking some stats, to pass the time.
Having my own little pre-race concert hehehe.

Have fun,
Chuck

"what's the point of race cars, rocket ships and rock and roll?"

353

Re: New F1 season kicks off this weekend

I watched it off and on and the last 30 laps. That is pretty cool and quite realistic sim. I noticed some of the wrecks had guys back in racing with no damage from pretty good hits. How does that work?
Rick

Free download from Vienna! http://mbsy.co/bNLR
Lots of unique videos of Joe http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwd5vL8fXTw
Buy Joe's merchandise here. http://www.jbonamassa.com/affiliates/id … hp?id=1381

Re: New F1 season kicks off this weekend

Chuck Johnson wrote:

Hey Mike, and anyone else who may want to check it out.  We are broadcasting the NASCAR series this evening at 9pm est. US / 01:00 GMT.  They are running at the Atlanta track. You can view at this link, http://www.iracing.com/live/.

This past Saturday there was an issue with getting the broadcast in the Europe region with a lot of buffering and choppy video, but I think they found that issue.

Coming up on a little over two hours to green, jamming on some Beth and Joe, and checking some stats, to pass the time.
Having my own little pre-race concert hehehe.

Have fun,
Chuck

Hey Chuck,

I find it incredible. Absolutely captivating. I really liked the NASCAR commentary and coverage. I only watched an 'archived' race of NASCAR and the tuned into the SPA world Championship round. Sound effects and overall 'feel' is excellent. I can see me becoming an addict.

Some years ago I used to have a set-up and was overjoyed to set a decent time on those games. This though is another world altogether. Sitting with them on a 'Hot lap' was almost like the real thing.

Its no wonder that a couple of these sim guys have actually made the breakthrough into the real world of racing. Autosport ran an article on a couple of them recently. Incredible really, but thats how sophisticated these sims have become.

Thanks Chuck and good luck on your endeavours. Keep us posted on upcoming LIVE events and I'll try to tune in.

No Hits, No Hype.......................Classic Rock Jan 2012

Re: New F1 season kicks off this weekend

By the way, I'd just like to use this F1 / Motorsport thread to pay tribute to one of my favourite heroes - Alex Zanardi.

I rated him as a driver, loved him for his wonderful humour, admired him for his amazing feat of recovery from his terrible injuries.

Now I stand awestruck by his achievement of winning a gold medal in his cycling time trial today.

An incredible man, an incredible character and an incredible example. Life is his greatest victory and he clearly saviours every day of it.

Well done Alex.

No Hits, No Hype.......................Classic Rock Jan 2012

356 (edited by Chuck Johnson 2012-09-05 17:42:59)

Re: New F1 season kicks off this weekend

RickB wrote:

I watched it off and on and the last 30 laps. That is pretty cool and quite realistic sim. I noticed some of the wrecks had guys back in racing with no damage from pretty good hits. How does that work?
Rick

The damage model still has some unfortunate issues.  Thankfully, they are working on a new version which should make the cars a good bit more fragile.  The NASCAR type cars used to be too fragile and you could not get away with much rubbing or even slight contact.  I think they went too far in the other direction with the current versions.  The new model should have more components simulated and hopefully will bring a more dynamic range of issues and results as far as mechanically and aerodynamically.

To Mike, Ditto on everything you mentioned about Alex.  What a spirit the man has.

If all goes well, I should be running the CESCS race at The Homestead-Miami Roadcourse B layout.  I again will be running the AFTERGLOW scheme.  These races are normally broadcast, by one of the other broadcast crews, but they have had some issues over the past 2/3 weeks.  I hope they get things worked out and that I can run well enough to get some screen time.  I'll keep you all posted...

I also am working on a scheme for the Beacon Theatre cd release.  I'm doing that one on the Volkswagon TDI Cup car, which runs in the Grand Touring Cup multi-class series with the MAZDA MX-5s and Pontiac Solstices.  No broadcast coverage for this series but there are drivers from a good number of countries who participate.

"what's the point of race cars, rocket ships and rock and roll?"

357

Re: New F1 season kicks off this weekend

PLUS ONE for Alex, Mike! That just blows me away.

Thanks for the info on the wreck damage Chuck. I also wondered about the free pass given to some from time to time under yellow. Is that a broken link issue or a lucky dog rule? What happens to a car in a race if the link goes latent or lags? I imagine there would be some erratic driving and crashes from that, and wondered if some of the crashes may have been due to that. Running 3 wide at Atlanta is hair  raising with the best of drivers in real time.

Give a heads up when you will run live. I'd love to see your colors.  Some pro drivers at very high levels have used the practice sims and I can see why. My wife saw me watching it and gave me the stinkeye when I pointed out the cool setup some of the drivers had at home. "No you're NOT!"
(she knows my weaknesses and our ex F-Mazda son would be goading me on... big_smile ) He chose a years residency driver-mech school at what is now Infineon in Napa in lieu of college. He worked the circuit for a few years on a top team, wrenching a driver who was a serious contender in FM.
Rick

Free download from Vienna! http://mbsy.co/bNLR
Lots of unique videos of Joe http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwd5vL8fXTw
Buy Joe's merchandise here. http://www.jbonamassa.com/affiliates/id … hp?id=1381

Re: New F1 season kicks off this weekend

I agree Rick!

I'm no gamer, but something like this could get me very interested and I know I would be addicted. I did a course at Brands in 1981 which was really enjoyable. However, a trip around the GP loop in the company of the late David Purley in a Chevron sports car revealed to me I would never have what it takes to be a 'real' driver.

But this, well. All the thrills and yet living to tell the tale. I sense an investment coming on. Chuck, I might need you to consult.................

No Hits, No Hype.......................Classic Rock Jan 2012

Re: New F1 season kicks off this weekend

Lol Rick, The wife may not like to hear that they do have an Formula MAZDA and various Infineon layouts.

Also for Mike, they have the Brands Hatch GP and Indy courses.
Mike, I will help out with any info that I can.  If you want, shoot me an email with any questions. That way we won't clutter things up here too much.
I would also recommend checking the site and having a good look around. They have most of everything you would need to know to get started.

Addictive is putting it mildly.

"what's the point of race cars, rocket ships and rock and roll?"

Re: New F1 season kicks off this weekend

Chucks thanks a lot, I'm gonna dig around through the site and see whats what.

On this theme though, don't these guys have all the luck........

"But the coolest piece of technology, one close to Alonso's heart, was tucked away at the bottom of Eau Rouge in a Shell hospitality unit – this impressive piece of kit has the tag ‘Shell Advanced Professional Simulator'.

Developed by Ferrari, using a 2009 F1 chassis with original steering wheel and the pedal layout from the current car, the state-of-the-art simulator offers perhaps the closest experiences fans can get to driving F1 cars, and is one of just three that exist in the world.

The simulator at Spa is the one Shell takes around the world to selected promotional events. Of the other two, one is used for Ferrari's young-driver academy, and the other is at Fernando Alonso's house in Spain!"

I suppose that must be the 'real deal' of SIMS..............

No Hits, No Hype.......................Classic Rock Jan 2012