F1

[lurchandpasta]

I just know that this is going to p**s someone off (not to mention any names like ferrarisucks) but the build up to the first race of the season begins and my money is on Ferrari.

I am not sure yet who I think will win between Massa and Raikkonen, I will have a better idea after the first 2 races.

[yarrumsg]

well if u want to throw ur money away enjoy ;)

mclaren still have a great chance
renault should be back on form

the winner this season with a new car will be the team with the least DNF's

renault should have a decent chance they are usually pretty good with new technologies and i recond their KERS package will be the best.

[lurchandpasta]

What is this "KERS"

[Angelshark]

Kant even reverse silly

[yarrumsg]

Kynetic Energy Reserve system (or something similar)

basically when you break you now get to store energy into a battery, which will give you something like 6 seconds of "boost" or an additional 80bhp so when you get into someone's tow you should be able to pull out and and over take alot easier, but also gives the guy infront the chance of pulling out of the corner quicker so you don't get that tow but hey ho

[FerrariSucks]

that sounds like cheating, they should all be given the same car and then see who is the true F1 champ (my money would be on Hamilton)

[Peas]

the new mclaren is a fine piece of art

[FerrariSucks]

very nice

[sally]

wow thats sweet

[zimboykie]

that sounds like cheating, they should all be given the same car and then see who is the true F1 champ (my money would be on Hamilton)

That's what they do in A1 isn't it but it hardly has the same 'excitement' factor?

[Mafuta beeftex]

March seems too long away for the season to start. Will be interesting again this year, especially as to who is top dog at Ferrari.

[Angelshark]

Ferrari and Mclaren should just go back to A1, Renault will clean up this year after last years fiasco. WoooHooo goooooooo Fernando

[boards]

Ferrari - Massa

[sally]

No chance we all know that Hamilton will do well AGAIN!!!

[Angelshark]

I will laugh so hard if Hamilton hits the wall at 150 like Schumi. I will seriosly piss myself. He has a snowballs chance in hell. Sal you should support Ferrari, cos a perfect marriage doesnt exist, so keep the fighting about sport up and the other sport a mystery.

[lurchandpasta]

That's what they do in A1 isn't it but it hardly has the same 'excitement' factor?
Agreed, F1 is a comp between driver and car.

[priya]

I'm for Alonso!!!

I seriously hope Hamilton doesn't feature at all. I've had enough of him and his big arrogant mouth. I don't support Ferrari, but if Massa's driving, then maybe I will. Him, and not the name.

One wish.....for Alonso to kick Hamilton's bum!!!!

[barto11]

Massa 1, Kimi 2, Alonso 3....

[Angelshark]

Yeah Priya, I am with you, but not for Ferrari to win I dont like them cos of Schumacher. They had their day with him and when he left, that opened the door for all the other teams to come in and feature. Schumi was a good driver but he was too good for his own good.

[sally]

I am a Mclaren fan through and through always have been always will be!!

[lurchandpasta]

Massa 1, Kimi 2, Alonso 3....
I hear you.

Yeah Priya, I am with you, but not for Ferrari to win I dont like them cos of Schumacher. They had their day with him and when he left, that opened the door for all the other teams to come in and feature. Schumi was a good driver but he was too good for his own good.
Schumi is the best driver F1 has seen and is rated as the most popular. As for Ferrari.... I live in Italy.

[yarrumsg]

I hear you.


Schumi is the best driver F1 has seen and is rated as the most popular. As for Ferrari.... I live in Italy.

what into retirement? DNF's?

[yarrumsg]

Renault answer 10 questions about KERS

The introduction of Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems, or KERS, is one of the biggest technical challenges of the 2009 Formula One season - and also one of the biggest unknowns. While the basic principles will be shared by all teams’ systems, the specifics could be very different. Understandably, those specifics are closely-guarded secrets, but Renault have been kind enough to reveal just a little more of how the R29’s KERS will work…

1. What is KERS?
It’s a system whereby the goal is to store the energy produced under braking in a reservoir (either batteries or flywheel) in order to release it under acceleration. The 2009 technical regulations state that KERS should not deliver power in excess of 60kW, which is equivalent to around 80 horsepower, when the driver presses a button on the steering wheel. He cannot use more than 400kJ per lap.

2. Is there only one way to recover the energy and reuse it?
When the 2009 KERS system was being conceived, the engineers had a choice between two different approaches. The first consisted of using a carbon flywheel in a vacuum linked via a CVT transmission to the differential. This system stores the mechanical energy, offers a big storage capacity and has the advantage of being independent from the gearbox. However, to be driven precisely, it requires some powerful and bulky actuators, and lots of space. The second option was to rely on an electrical motor, which works by charging the batteries under braking and releasing the power on acceleration.

3. Which choice did Renault go with and how does the system work?
Renault chose to go with the electrical solution, as did most other teams. The system consists of three important parts:
• An electric motor (MGU: Motor Generator Unit) situated between the fuel tank and the engine, linked directly to the crankshaft of the V8 to deliver additional power.
• Some latest generation ion-lithium batteries (HVB: High Voltage Battery Pack) capable of storing and delivering energy rapidly.
• A control box (KCU: KERS Control Unit), which manages the behaviour of the MGU when charging and releasing energy. It is linked to the car’s standard electronic control unit.

4. What were the main challenges encountered during the development of the system?
Firstly, it was necessary to deal with the weight and volume of the system, which adds considerable weight in comparison with the 2008 car. This means there is less ballast available for the engineers to redistribute in order to balance the chassis. Also, the cooling of the batteries is of great importance and it was necessary to develop a specific system for them.

5. Where are the batteries situated?
They are positioned under the fuel tank. Some teams have chosen to place them under the driver’s legs or in the sidepods, but Renault opted against this as it felt these solutions presented more problems.

6. Does the MGU have to be positioned between the engine and the fuel tank?
No. It’s possible to situate it parallel to the gearbox in the rear of the car. So it’s connected straight to the rear wheels and releases its power through the differential.

7. Will Renault be the only team to use this system with this set-up?
No, the team will provide its KERS system to another team this season.

8. Why are most teams behind schedule in the development of their systems?
The development timescale was very tight: the system had to be developed in just 18 months and so the number of advanced projects and preliminary studies has been limited. Some teams have suffered from this and may have chosen solutions that are difficult to develop. There has also been the safety of the drivers and mechanics to consider which has required extensive safety training. Finally, the factories have had to install special testing rigs and implement further personnel training

9. Will KERS produce more competitive racing?
Not necessarily. If all the teams use KERS, they will use it in the same way, in the same places, at the same times, and so there will be no advantage. On the other hand, not having the system will be an enormous handicap.

10. Has F1 already helped this technology progress in terms of its relevance to the wider world?
The development of electrical motors capable of delivering 80 horsepower for minimum space and weight while operating in a very harsh environment represents a significant step forward in the world of energy recovery.

[gertrude]

Three weeks to go, people!

Nice to hear that Honda will be back in a different guise as well.

My money is on Massa!!


BETTER RED THAN DEAD! FERRARI RULES!!!

[dallas]

Go ferrari!!! Go Massa!!!!! looking forward to them kicking hamiltons butt cant stand him......(my personal opinion!!) Shumi was fantastic and I loved watching him race!!! but yes it is nice to see what the other competitors can give now!!! (what happened to Jenson Button???? now all you hear about is hamilton, how fickle are the brits!!!)

[gertrude]

Both Button and Reubens will be driving for the re-badged Honda team - now called Team Brawn.

[dallas]

Go Jenson!!!!!!! did you see it?? was great!!!! Think I might change teams.....or have two now!!! Go Brawn!!! Go Ferrari!!!

[barto11]

wow...didnt expect that!!

Still, dont mind who wins as long as its not Hamilton

[zimboykie]

Maybe he's finally 'arrived' after 9 relatively lacklustre years? Best of British luck to him, Rubie & Brawn Racing.

[Angelshark]

Hamilton is a never was, he will suffer engine problems this year, in his big head

[dallas]

I wish we had Ebux to bet, who do you all think will win the next grandprix??? I am going with Brawn again......just cause they have the better engine at the moment.....(lets hope they start on pole again....) But am hoping Ferrari put in a good show too!!!

[Jo Pete]

Well hello there. Seems you and me were all fooled.
What also has fascinated me is how a no hope team in 2008 is suddenly so dominant in 2009.
What I think is that Ross Brawn was sandbagging with Team Honda in 2008 to facilitate the buy out. No way was the team dormant until 3 weeks before the race.
Added to his F1 brilliance Ross is obviously a cunning and devious bugger

[gertrude]

Ross Brawn was ALWAYS a cunning bugger!! :smiley20::smiley20:

Pity about the race today in Malaysia. Massa had a good chance of getting some points until the rain bucketed down. A bit unfair of Charlie Whiting et al keeping us in suspense for so long as to whether the race would restart, I think. :naughty::naughty::naughty:

Congrats to Jensen though. :smiley32::smiley32:


Bring on China in two weeks!

[dallas]

Go Jenson!! lets hope he keeps it up!! pity it ended so soon, would have been a good one!!!

[FerrariSucks]

I really cant believe how this season has started, names you never thought you would see on the podium are there every week now!!!

Very good for the sport!!!

[jiggs]

it's the resession some guy just cant afford the petrol LOL

[gertrude]

The "big" guys are still trying to sort out this KERS thing. Once they do, and the rear diffuser issue is also sorted, things will probably become a bit more normal. Although, I have to confess, Ross Brawn built himself a great car!

[barto11]

can someone wake me up when Ferrari start doing something

[zimajays]

can someone wake me up when Ferrari start doing something


ahhh - so that would be never?

[barto11]

ahhh - so that would be never?

looks like it at this rate

[gertrude]

They've been doing lots!!...running into walls, pulling over to the side....etc etc (and I'm a Ferrari supporter!)

[barto11]

They've been doing lots!!...running into walls, pulling over to the side....etc etc (and I'm a Ferrari supporter!)

dont forget running on the wrong tires

[boards]

sally must be smiling!

[gertrude]

dont forget running on the wrong tires

Thanks, bart! I was trying to dismiss that particular faux-pas! Ever notice how things go absurdly wrong whenever Schumie is on the timing wall?? Especially for Kimi?? Or is it just me? :smiley3:

[gertrude]

Bahrain GP about to start. I think I can pretty much guarantee it's not going to rain. Sandstorms are a different story though.

While I have every hope that Ferrari will at least finish in the points this time round, I don't think I'll hold my breath just yet.

:smiley2:

[dallas]

go ferrari and brawn!!! well done to red bull for last week!!!

[boards]

go Ferrari!!! at the moment they in the points!!!!

[licorice]

go Ferrari!!! at the moment they in the points!!!!

But such a long time to go ............................

[gertrude]

Kimi finishes 6th....a few points at least!

[licorice]

yay Brawn again.

[boards]

yawn

[jiggs]

We dont get F1 here very sad

[zimboykie]

We dont get F1 here very sad

No live streaming on justin.tv even ala S14 rugger stylee? Eish, you do live a deprived life!

[jiggs]

No live streaming on justin.tv even ala S14 rugger stylee? Eish, you do live a deprived life!

We get super 14 and had to buy another DSTV card for the IPLT20 but only one F1 supporter here and so out numbered

[Tricky Nicky]

Well, I am a Hamilton fan of note - not a good start to the season but hey ho that is sport for you.

It has been quite exciting this year I must say - very good. I have enjoyed it all so far - especially cos Ferrari are not even featuring!!!!

[Spanner]

Its good to see the top teams at the bottom and visa versa.
I've always liked Button who has that James Hunt type of cirisma. Have a race, get a beer, find a girl and have a party.
Vettel is an extremly good driver.
Nice to see Hamilton also show how good he is by mussiling a poor car around the track to pick up points. The rest of the season I hope will also be as good, at least we are not watching a parade every race.

[gertrude]

from www.formula1.com


The FIA’s World Motor Sport Council has handed McLaren a three race ban for bringing the sport into disrepute after they were found to have misled race stewards at March’s Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

The ban will be suspended, however, in light of the ‘open and honest way’ in which team principal Martin Whitmarsh addressed the Council on Wednesday, and will only be applied if further evidence emerges, or there is another breach of the International Sporting Code.

The full statement from the FIA:
At an extraordinary meeting of the World Motor Sport Council held in Paris on 29 April 2009, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes admitted five charges of breaching article 151c of the International Sporting Code relating to events at the Australian and Malaysian Grands Prix.

The following decision was taken:

“Having regard to the open and honest way in which McLaren Team Principal, Mr Martin Whitmarsh, addressed the WMSC and the change in culture which he made clear has taken place in his organisation, the WMSC decided to suspend the application of the penalty it deems appropriate.

“That penalty is a suspension of the team from three races of the FIA Formula One World Championship. This will only be applied if further facts emerge regarding the case or if, in the next 12 months, there is a further breach by the team of article 151c of the International Sporting Code.”


Seems they can get away with just about anything...maybe they should try knifing someone in the pit lane. :naughty::naughty::naughty::naughty:

[Tricky Nicky]

:smiley36:

[jiggs]

So what did they do?

[barto11]

What a crock of sh!t...they should at least dock them points....typical FIA weakness

[gertrude]

So what did they do?

Can't remember the exact details, but here goes...(I know someone will correct whatever is wrong! :smiley2:)

Last lap or so of this year's Aussie GP, under safety car conditions, Hamilton passed Trulli and then lied about the reasons to the stewards. Hamilton's race engineer was "fired" and Ron Dennis left the racing side of McLaren as a result.

Subsequently, Hamilton was disqualified from the race and Trulli given 3rd place.

from the F1 website...

FIA: McLaren instructed Hamilton to let Trulli pass

http://www.formula1.com/photos/225x/sutton/2009/d09mal199.jpg (http://www.formula1.com/photos/597x478/sutton/2009/d09mal199.jpg) http://www.formula1.com/photos/225x/sutton/2009/d09mal206.jpg (http://www.formula1.com/photos/597x478/sutton/2009/d09mal206.jpg)
The FIA have revealed details of the new evidence that prompted stewards to strip McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton of this third place in the Australian Grand Prix and hand the place back to Toyota’s Jarno Trulli, who had originally been penalized for passing Hamilton under the safety car.

According to the FIA, in the original enquiry into the incident, both Hamilton and McLaren stated that they had not deliberately let Trulli pass. However, in interview footage recorded immediately after the race - and not originally seen by stewards - Hamilton says he was instructed to move over for the Italian.

Furthermore, the FIA say that McLaren radio recordings contain ‘two explicit orders’ given to Hamilton to let the Toyota pass. Based on this new evidence the stewards ‘felt strongly that they had been misled’ by the driver and team, resulting in their decision to disqualify the world champion.

Full statement from the FIA:

PENALTY IMPOSED ON DRIVER NO 1 LEWIS HAMILTON AND COMPETITOR VODAFONE MCLAREN MERCEDES

SUMMARY OF KEY CONSIDERATIONS

At the first hearing following the Australian Grand Prix the Stewards did not have the benefit of the radio exchanges between driver No 1 Lewis Hamilton and his Team Vodafone McLaren Mercedes nor did they have access to the comments to the Media given by Lewis Hamilton immediately after the end of the race.

From the video recordings available to the Stewards during the hearing it appeared that Jarno Trulli’s car left the track and car No 1 moved into third place. It then appeared that Trulli overtook Hamilton to regain third place, which at the time was prohibited as it was during the Safety Car period.

During the hearing, held approximately one hour after the end of the race, the Stewards and the Race Director questioned Lewis Hamilton and his Team Manager David Ryan specifically about whether there had been an instruction given to Hamilton to allow Trulli to overtake. Both the driver and the Team Manager stated that no such instruction had been given. The Race Director specifically asked Hamilton whether he had consciously allowed Trulli to overtake. Hamilton insisted that he had not done so.

The new elements presented to the Stewards several days after the 2009 Australian Grand Prix which led to the reconvened Stewards Meeting clearly show that:

a. Immediately after the race and before Lewis Hamilton attended the Stewards Meeting he gave an interview to the Media where he clearly stated that the Team had told him to let Trulli pass.

b. Furthermore, the radio exchanges between the driver and the Team contain two explicit orders from the Team to let the Toyota pass.

The Stewards, having learned about the radio exchanges and the Media interview, felt strongly that they had been misled by the driver and his Team Manager which led to Jarno Trulli being unfairly penalised and Lewis Hamilton gaining third place.

[jiggs]

Thanks I would have assumed that if Truli was off the course then Hamilton was correct and if Truli rejoined then he should have taken the place where he rejoined. same as a pit stop during saftey car regulation - oh well who are we to say

[gertrude]

Definitely not I!!! Nonetheless, McLaren seems to be able to get away with just about anything. Nothing against the team -- they have a good car. It's just Hamilton that I don't like..and the fact that Ferrari seems to get the s**t end just about every time.

[jiggs]

but you must admit that Ferrari had rule of the roost for many years at the top now they have a bit of competition, I mean where were McLaren three years ago

[gertrude]

but you must admit that Ferrari had rule of the roost for many years at the top now they have a bit of competition, I mean where were McLaren three years ago

Yes, I have to agree with that. But since Schumie left and Ross Brawn went AWOL for a year (now we know what he was doing!!!), Ferrari is rather sucking hind tit. Massa seems to be doing okay, although he hasn't gotten the hang of this KERS thingie just yet. Kimi has a point to prove...and a drive apparently. Rumours abounding about Kimi being given the heave-ho just now unless he starts performing..and winning.

Don't mind the competition at all, as long as it's fair. If it had been Ferrari that had done what McLaren had done, the ban would not have been suspended.

Oh well, we get to have another chance this weekend...Spain. Wonder if it will rain???? :smiley36:

[gertrude]

Sorry...just a bit passionate about Formula One!!!! :smiley2::smiley2:

[jiggs]

LOL I enjoy it as well but get seriousl out numbered with all the soccor fans here and with 20 people and one TV I loose every time

[yarrumsg]

awesome news Ferrari have just set their fastest lap in testing...

http://pro.corbis.com/images/42-16022768.jpg?size=67&uid=%7B89FB5625-CE66-4F79-BE34-7DB0C947CC38%7D

[gertrude]

LOL I enjoy it as well but get seriousl out numbered with all the soccor fans here and with 20 people and one TV I loose every time


Truth be told, I get a bit passionate about my football as well....:smiley17:

[Tricky Nicky]

Nah, Ruby - Sprinboks - that is when I get very passionate!

[gertrude]

Barcelona results - Button, Barrichello, Webber

Massa 6th, but ran out of go-go juice on the in lap at the end of the race

Neither McLaren finished in the points - Kovaleinen retired, Hamilton 9th

Kimi broke his car again - summat about no throttle (though that could have been "bottle")

[jiggs]

Barcelona results - Button, Barrichello, Webber

Massa 6th, but ran out of go-go juice on the in lap at the end of the race

Neither McLaren finished in the points - Kovaleinen retired, Hamilton 9th

Kimi broke his car again - summat about no throttle (though that could have been "bottle")

Thanks for the update Gertie - quite interesting results

[dallas]

I am just glad for button.....

[Peas]

Barcelona results - Button, Barrichello, Webber

Massa 6th, but ran out of go-go juice on the in lap at the end of the race

Neither McLaren finished in the points - Kovaleinen retired, Hamilton 9th

Kimi broke his car again - summat about no throttle (though that could have been "bottle")


Cracking race.... :smiley20:

[zimboykie]

As much as they say there's no #1 driver at Brawn GP you can't help but feel that Button is favoured a tad more than Rubi or am l imagining it?

[Tricky Nicky]

The same thing happened when he drove for Ferrari - he was second to Schumacher (at least I think that is right)!

[lurchandpasta]

Sorry...just a bit passionate about Formula One!!!! :smiley2::smiley2:
On the formula 1 website, you can watch the live timing if you don't have access to a TV during the race.




I must admit that it is nice to see new guys at the top, but it could get monotonous fast if brawn stay there.

[SpaRHawK]

Ferrari has quit next year's Formula One Championship because of their opposition to the new technical regulations adopted by the FIA.

Ferrari Formula 1 Car
http://www2.pictures.gi.zimbio.com/Ferrari%20F60%20Formula%20One%202009%20Season%20Ca r%20Launched%20qJPjo4C5Vaml.jpg
Ferrari's cars could be absent from the race grid next year

In a short statement on the team's website, motor racing's most famous team said they will not be on the grid in 2010.

"We confirm our opposition to the new technical regulations adopted by the FIA and do not intend entering our cars in the 2010 F1 Championship," the statement read.

Ferrari are among several teams to have been angered by the FIA's plans to impose a £40million budget cap on teams from next year, and its move will hugely increase the pressure on FIA president Max Mosley to find a compromise.
Crunch talks were already planned in the next few days with the May 29 deadline for 2010 entries fast approaching.

Prior to the Spanish Grand Prix, Toyota boss John Howett said his team were unlikely to commit by that deadline if the FIA pressed ahead with their plans, but it is Ferrari who have made the move first.

Max Mosley
http://www.moneyweb.co.za/mw/media_stream/mw/1/218858/images/Max_Mosley.jpg
FIA president Max Mosley

Ferrari are the only team to have contested every season of the world championship since the modern format was introduced in 1950.
But more than that, the tradition of the famous prancing horse has long been synonymous with the sport, and the team are the most popular among F1 fans.

The decision to threaten to pull out of the 2010 championship came at a meeting of the Ferrari board of directors in Maranello today.

Ferrari believe the FIA's new regulations would lead to an unacceptable two-tiered F1 championship, which they consider would be "based on arbitrary technical rules and economic parameters".



Source: Sky News (http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Ferrari-Pulls-Out-Of-Formula-One-Championship/Article/200905215280538?f=vg)

[jiggs]

There will be no F1 without Ferrari - doesnt matter weather you like them or not they are F1. FIA will come up with a new plan

[Tricky Nicky]

Bad sports - that is what they are - spitting out their dummies cos they are not winning!

[lurchandpasta]

There will be no F1 without Ferrari - doesnt matter weather you like them or not they are F1. FIA will come up with a new plan
Ferrari puts the "F" in F1

[SpaRHawK]

Bad sports - that is what they are - spitting out their dummies cos they are not winning!


Erm - there is quite a bit more to it than that... Toyota and Renault have said the same:

'Toyota also addressed reports it was considering withdrawing from Formula One over the standardized engine proposal, shifting their focus instead on a return to Le Mans.
"Toyota are committed to succeeding in Formula One for the long-term and our objective in Formula One is to win - we exist to win and we are committed to doing that," read a team statement.'

Renault have followed Ferrari (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/formula-1/ferrari.html) in threatening to quit Formula One unless the FIA amend their proposed budget cap regulations for next year.

The governing body has stated that those who adhere to a £40 million cap from next season - which does not include drivers' salaries, engines or marketing costs - will have greater technical freedom.
The French marque's managing director Flavio Briatore said they will not take up their entry if the rules are not changed.
"Our aim is to reduce costs while maintaining the high standards that make Formula One one of the most prestigious brands on the market," the Italian said.
"We want to achieve this in a coordinated manner with the regulatory and commercial bodies, and we refuse to accept unilateral governance handed out by the FIA.
"If the decisions announced by the World Council on the 29th of April 2009 are not revised, we have no choice but to withdraw from the FIA Formula One World Championship at the end of 2009."
The team's executive director of engineering Pat Symonds said recently that the decision to adopt two sets of regulations would lead to a two-tier championship - which have "never worked" in motorsport series.
Team president Bernard Rey shares his view that the playing field should remain level.
"Renault has always considered Formula One as the pinnacle of motorsport and the perfect stage to demonstrate technical excellence," he said.
"We remain committed to the sport; however we cannot be involved in a championship operating with different sets of rules, and if such rules are put into effect, we will be forced to pull out at the end of this season."
Renault have, through teams association FOTA - Symonds is their representative within that fledgling union - looked to reduce costs in the sport via other methods.
However they are frustrated by the lack of acknowledgment from the FIA.
Technical director Bob Bell told Eurosport that operating within the culture of uncertainty that currently clouds the sport is proving difficult.
"The biggest challenge is managing the external influences that impact on the team: what the FIA are saying we should be doing this year or next year, what FOTA are saying we should be doing this year or next year," he said at their Enstone factory.
"I could cope with the big rule changes for this year: they were set in advance.
"But what I can't cope with is an environment where we have one body the FIA and another FOTA and both are vying to define the business model for next year and beyond and their decisions have a critical impact on the size and shape of this organisation - and the size and shape of the car.
"There is general acceptance of the budget caps, but concerns as to how they are policed."
Jonathan Symcox / Eurosport

[Tricky Nicky]

Ah, they will sort it out I am sure!

[gertrude]

Spa results - Raikonen :smiley20:, Fisichella:smiley20:, Vettel :smiley32::smiley32:

Big crash on first lap. Grosjean takes out Button, Alquerasari takes out Hamilton. Safety car deployed

Alonso and Trullli retired.

Barrichello smoke out the back of the car for last 3 or 4 laps, but race radio says it's only an oil leak. Flames coming out of the car as he ends the race and pulls into the pit lane.

[Mafuta beeftex]

Good race - especially as it was a departure from the usual ho hum, Mclaren/Ferrari/Renault wins and podiums from previous years. Amazing how lucky Jenson Button is - DNF, but still top of the table.

[barto11]

Where the hell did Fisichella come from???

Well done Grosjean...although I thought he was a tennis player, anyway...Forza Ferrari!!!!!!

[boards]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qxuAwcp9Yw&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ymhq6afE4M&feature=fvw

the reason I watch F1, especially when Ferrari are doing so badly!