My First romance with F1

It's been a while since I wrote about F1. My missus thinks so too. I'll have to be brutal here.

I started enjoying F1 in the early 90's. But back then in Singapore, we only had small articles in the local newspaper letting us know who won and where the race was held. It was never shown 'live' on TV. Not even delayed telecasts. I kept reading the name 'Shumacher' in the sports section. And sometimes with a photograph of him. But that was it.

Then our first local cable TV provider, Starhub, came into the picture when it was introduced to the nation. Soon we were able to catch 'Live' F1 in our homes. That's when my passion for the sport really grew. Soon I learned more and more about the sport. How it all worked. The drivers, the rules, the tracks and the politics. It was all so fascinating! It wasn't just a case of cars going round and round on a track. It was much much more than that! I never missed a single race. My hall has a large TV and it was always full blast come Sunday race nights. The whole family including my Mum, who initially hated the sounds, joined in to watch. It really was a blast the neighbours even heard.

I heard stories from my Dad about how F1 actually ran in Singapore way back then, the 60's I believe. Imagine my joy when it came back in 2008! Meeting the drivers, seeing the preparations, feeling the hype. I got the Fridays tickets, for myself and the wife. I so wanted to get the Sunday's race day tickets but the wife couldn't get the day off. And I didn't wish to spend that special night on my own. No regrets.

The wify and I got to meet Lewis Hamilton on that Thursday night. Got interviewed in the papers for it. That's already been written about in this blog.

Now here's when my love for F1 went down the road.

Read next blog.

2010 F1 Thursday

Yippy Yippy Yah Yah Yay! We did it again today!

Photos with a few more drivers!!

Though this time we didnt get to walk into the pit garage. The dumb thing is we could have, but we kept taking those photos and chatting with other fans that by the time we ought to have gotten onto the the circuit, we were already way too far off and tired. Oh well, still it was so fun! But then again, there's always next time.

Here's Ling with Heiki Kovalainen. He was nice, Ling was shy.

Vitaly Petrov zooming past us. Meeting him was the funniest! Unbelievably our pen ran dry just as he was signing his autograph. He gave a comical signing in the air effect and giggled with Ling. Luckily we had another fan near us who lent us his marker. 

That lady behind Vitaly, (whom I believe is his Mum), was the nicest person we met that whole night. She tickled Ling and ushered her to go on and get the autograph the 2nd time around almost pushing Ling through to the front. I've seen her on TV and I tell you, I've always thought she was the most beautiful lady they show during F1. Meeting her, I say Oh Yes She Is! (Psst, I got to shake her hand.)

Here's Sakon Yamamoto with Ling. Without a doubt the friendliest and most welcoming of the drivers we've met so far. Truly a humble person, he stopped to take photos and sign autographs with everyone on his way. Almost a bit like Lewis Hamilton when we met him in 2008. But here's the real cool thing about this kind man that we found really strange; he walked alone! Everyone else we met had minders but this guy could have passed off as a tourist in the dark had we not recognised him!

Ok finally, here's my favourite. The nephew of the probably the best driver ever. Bruno Senna, nephew of ( Do I really need to write this? Ok, Ayrton Senna!!) . I had to have this one photo so I got Ling to take the back seat for this. That missed photo with Lewis got me lots of flak from everyone, so I had to have this. This guy was so patient that when the camera didn't work right the first time, he waited for us to get the the 2 nd image done right. With a thumb's up to add!

We met Robert Kubica and got his autograph too but he was the only one who didn't wish to take photos with anyone. It's ok, I've not really said very nice things about him before anyway, and as I've said, I've always thought he was a bit of a snob. Now he proved it.

He did apologise to me though and said he had to go. I just said, 'Ok then, good luck anyway.'

( That 1 snap we got of him was further blurred with a big bright light shining in the background, but how can you miss that nose of his.)

Yes yes I have a big nose too. Shut up.

Some more photos with a few officials and of course the autographs soon.

Formula 1 Early Bird Tickets

I received an e-mail a few days back, similar to the one I got last year from the Singapore F1 team. Basically it allows me to get the early bird tickets before they go on sale to the public on the 1st of March. This allows me to get the better seats before the general public grabs them. 

Quite frankly, I haven't yet made my mind up about which tickets I should get. Honestly I don't even know if I'd attend this year. If I do, it'd only be to see the return of the King of F1, Michael Schumacher. 

Most probably, I'd do what we did the first time we went, in 2008. Ling and I on a Friday walkabout and then catching the race on TV. That's about the only plan that makes sence. Everything else for me would be a case of been there, done that.  

F1 Tickets - Singapore F1 Tickets - Singapore Grand Prix

2009 Singapore F1

Well I had to write about it eventually.

I've been keeping my experience of the Singapore F1 locked up for a while now and I've had numerous friends calling me and writing me for my thoughts. The truth is, I don't quite know how I feel about the race weekend.

Did I enjoy it or not? I can't quite say. It's weird, I know, but that's exactly how I feel. I can't put my finger on it. I got to do just about the same things I did last year. Actually a bit more even. But yet I feel a sense of emptiness.

One thing I have to apologies for is the failure to take more photos. I use a very normal camera and it has been letting me down a bit lately. I ought to have had it fixed proper before the race but I thought it will make do. Still I don't regret it cos there were many moments I could have taken some photos but I didn't cos I just never thought of it.

The whole excitement of F1 Singapore somehow wasn't there for me. I know I was looking forward to it and writing about it and all but when it was here, I didn't quite enjoy it. It all felt somewhat mooted.

To be honest I enjoyed that one Friday at last years race more than the three days this year. I got to see the drivers again this year, and at the Paddock club as well, I got to the pit garage again, I sneaked in to the Paddock party and I also got to see Chaka Khan at the VIP Village club. Yet I still have to say it just wasn't there for me. I would be arrogant if I were to say "been there, done that" but that is how I feel.

One thing that really bothered me a lot was the fact that most of the people who were there were not even really there for what it was meant to be, F1! The whole thing felt too much of a carnival and a circus all wrapped up into one huge comical situation. Yes, Yes I know what some of you might be thinking now. That it was suppose to be a big party as well and that all the extra distractions and entertainment was there to to give the whole thing a livelier atmosphere, right?

But that is the very problem. That's all it was. One big party. The cars racing around the track was just another part of the party! Not the reason for it!

I thought I got good seats. OK the view was decent but they were very very uncomfortable. That is still OK but the people were moving about all the time. Getting in through their rows, moving in front through the aisles, they just couldn't keep still. And the guy sitting next to me stank of alcohol while the lady getting into her row behind spilled her beer on me!

I would never ever recommend getting the Marina Bay seats to anyone ever again. Unless you are very short. And I mean very short cos I'm not at all tall and yet they hurt like hell. You can forget about getting comfortable, or occasionally leaning back or anything like that. They are the worst seats, period!

And from what I got from some new friends I made during the race days, theirs wasn't any better. They invited me to their seats in different grandstands around the circuit (we just exchanged tickets for a while). In fact, some of them, who paid top prices for the tickets, actually told me that they decided to join the walkabout crowd instead.

As for the race itself, I have to say it was boring. A couple of accidents brought the 'Oooos' and the 'Ahhhhs' out from the crowd but that was about it. The circuit itself is to blame. Yes I know it is a street circuit but still it is no Monaco. No chance whatsoever for overtaking. Look at what happened to Adrian Sutil and Nick Heifeld and you'll understand.

It is pointless if the only way the starting order of the race could be rearranged during the race itself is if there is a team member who cheats and the safety car comes out to give you a new gamble. Otherwise, you have no chance to see a proper race where the faster driver is actually able to overtake the driver in front simply because he can.

We might as well cancel the race and call it decided after Saturday's qualification. Only accidents and pit stop gambles can otherwise change the outcome. And we all know that next year's new rules mean no more refuelling, only tyre change during the pit stops.

OK, enough blabbering for me now. I have so much more to say about the Singapore F1 experience and I have some photos too. That'll have to wait till my next postings.

And bythehoo, will some of you please write in and share what you think of your seats and maybe we can all figure out the best place to be next year and the best seats that we can all recommend to everyone.

That is, if I ever go to Singapore F1 again. Really, the novelty has actually worn out for me and unless something very different is done for next years race, I would probably give it a miss.

The New Paper journalist Misfires

In The New Paper ( 23 September 2009 ), an article was written by a Sylvia Toh Paik Choo. Read article here . 

 

In that article she wrote about Lewis Hamilton and his visit to The Paragon last night. She mentioned how differently Lewis behaved compared to last year when , she wrote, "his stop at Ngee Ann City boutique for some clothing line had all the trappings of a little emperor's arrival."  

She also wrote, "he was 'securitised' every step of the way and no one could get close to get a question in, never mind photographs and autographs." I promptly e-mailed her and told her that she had made a mistake. That he wasn't like that at all. I even advised her to seek the clarifications of her colleague, Mr Lim Han Meng, who interviewed me about my meeting with Lewis. Below is what I wrote to her;

  ...................................................................................................................................... Hello Ms Sylvia. I read your article in the New Paper today about Lewis Hamilton and I couldn't help but write in to you. You mentioned how it was almost impossible to meet up with him, to get photographs or autographs even, last year. I have to disagree with you. You may wish to confer with your colleague, Mr Lim Han Ming, who interviewed me about my fiance's and my chance meeting with Mr Hamilton last year. 

It was during the time that everyone was calling him arrogant and snobbish. The funny thing was, and I didn't mention to you colleague, he was walking with only one other person in the dark back alleys towards his hotel when we met him. We did get his autograph and had a photo with him, which by the way, was his suggestion. Both autograph and photo were published in The New Paper on the 6th of October. 

You may read that article on my blog http://6ix-6ix.blogspot.com/2009/04/lim-han-ming-mon-oct-13-2008the-new.html or on asiaone here http://www.asiaone.com/Motoring/Motorworld/Story/A1Story20081013-93487.html. 

I thank you for reading and I sincerely apologise if I in any way intruded into your time. You can contact me for clarifications at ******** Thank you and God bless. Your humble F1 fan, Dave Khaira.

....................................................................................................................................... 

Below is her reply; 

'Thanks, and good luck!'

................................................................ What a kind reply.  

I need not say more.

My 2008 F1 Experience

I thought I'd write a little more about my experience of last year's F1 race in Singapore.  

As it was very late by the time I'd realize that I'd be able to make it to the race, I only ended up with the Friday's Walkabout tickets. For myself and Ling. But that was where the fun began. I did feel a little disappointed for not getting tickets to the race proper but I still felt that at least having the little experience was better than nothing. The best part, as far as I was concerned was that I'd have Ling by my side. That may sound a little mushy but you understand.  

We decided to walk around the area on the Thursday before the race weekend. I just wanted to see how the preparations were going on. I saw the lights being tested a few days before but I thought I'd like to see what else was happening.

Final preparations before the big weekend.  

As we were walking along my old school, SJI, along Bras Basah Road towards the track side, we noticed the full glare of the lights in the distant. There was a sense of electricity in the air, no pun intended, as we saw many foreigners in the area as well. 

We understood that they must have come from all corners of the globe to catch the first ever night race in Formula 1. Like us, they must also be trying to get familiar with what was going to happen in the following days. The rest of that night is pretty much summed up in the article that was written about us in The New Paper here.

The Friday couldn't come fast enough. We took the train to City Hall and we got a couple of hot dogs from a bread shop in the basement. It was around 6 in the evening. We went in through the Gate that was near the station itself and we could already hear the roar of the cars from the support races. The crowd there was huge, both inside and out. Many people who didn't buy tickets were gathered all over the perimeter to catch a glimpse of the action. 

  One of the first things we did as we got in was to purchase the ear plugs and poncho set. At $2 we thought it was really cheap. We only found out later that nothing else there was! Everything they sold there that was basically needed by human beings were sold at ridiculous prices! Thank God I managed to sneak in a water bottle and some curry puffs.  

We then proceeded towards the huge Marina Bay staircase entrance. There were a lot of shops selling merchandise from the various teams and also some from Singapore GP. We couldn't care less about the SGP stuff so we went straight to the team stores. Singapore GP should really start thinking twice about the crap they are selling at those crazy prices. Who in his right mind would pay for all that when they can buy the official team merchandise for the same price?

Anyhoo we didn't buy anything at that time yet. We thought we'd look around to see what else was in store. I knew I was going to buy something but I just didn't know what yet. As a souvenir perhaps. Anything. 

We proceeded to walk back and cross over to the Padang area. We basically walked around the whole perimeter, looking at all the interesting displays and the performances they had there. I especially liked the antic luxurious cars sector the most. That was near the ocean next to the Padang garden.

 

Some of the greatest cars ever. The background music was being performed by a local group.  

We kept walking until we reached the Esplanade itself and we walked along the bay. We saw 'live' bands performing there as well. The whole place was swarmed and I enjoyed seeing groups of people carrying big Ferrari flags as they walked around. I only saw that previously on TV. Never thought I'd see that here. 

  We doubled back to the Padang as we knew the first practice run was about to start. We ended up on the other side of the Esplanade bridge near where the old Merlion use to stand. Strangely I found out that that area was eventually barricaded the following days. Probably due to the fact that the crowd was basically holding on the fencing itself and it was a little dangerous. So once again we were lucky that day. 

The cars came to a near stop as they made that corner. This was at the infamous turn 13. It was around 7 p.m. and I remember clearly the first time the sounds of F1 cars was heard in Singapore. That is a sound I will never forget! As we stood on those concrete benches I heard what sounded like a haunting scream in the distance. It was indeed frightful and I remember telling Ling later that it sounded like crazy blood thirsty vampires being let loose into the night. The crowd around us gave out a really loud cheer at that moment.

 

And the Devils are let loose. 

  Everyone around us started to cheer louder and louder as we heard them coming closer and closer. As I write this, I'm having the same goosebumps I felt at that moment. Suddenly, the first car came around the corner and there we all stood, stunned at the deafening sound it created. Everyone clasped their hands to their ears, even those who were wearing earplugs! The ground beneath us shook violently as each car zoomed past. 

There was a British couple standing next to us and we smiled at each other. We began talking, shouting rather, with each other.We found out they were actually here, for the race, to have their honeymoon! Wow! 

When I found out they were from Britain I couldn't help but show off the photo we took the night before with Lewis Hamilton. Both of them stood amazed with their jaws opened. Ling showed them the autograph and the lady said we ought to frame that, which we eventually laminated bythehoo. 

They kept asking us how we managed to get that close to him and more on how the experience was. They also asked for the hotel he was staying in and we told them. They said they were going to try the same that night. 

The young lady was obviously overwhelmed by the sounds so I remember giving her an extra packet of the earplugs and poncho I had and she kept saying "thank you" to me. It's sad that we didn't exchange names or contacts. It would have been nice to know how they are today or if they're coming over again.

After the first practice ended Ling and I continued with our walkabout. It was then that we went to one of those stores to buy a team product. I had set my mind on Team McLarens cap. I just couldn't decide which colour I wanted, the striking rocket red was a bit too shocking a colour for me so I set on the silver cap. It cost S$70 and I got to wearing it immediately. I've since kept it in an air-tight bag. Such a cheapo I am, huh?

   

"You guys went for F1 and all I got was this lousy cap. Lewis Hamilton who?" 
   

There was this funny incident that occurred at the store, which was near the Padang.There was a Japanese man standing next to me as I was making my purchase. I only heard part of his conversation with the girl at the counter. Ling heard most of it. This poor man was looking to purchase a pair of ear plugs. It was a Mclaren store after all and the ones they had were the official Mclaren ear plugs. Not the ones on their official website, these were a little grander. He got a shock when she told him it cost $60!

 

Behind the scene. Team Honda's last season.  

The poor guy looked stunned as he turned away and he stood there looking very confused. Ling, being the ever good Samaritan that she is, went up to him and told him about the cheaper options. She directed him to the location where we got our packs. He kept thanking Ling. What I don't understand is how that young girl at the store could tell him that that was all there was. Couldn't she have helped him a little further. He obviously wasn't looking for souvenir earplugs. He just needed earplugs.

   

More behind the scene video from Toyota. I know the videos are shaky. Do forgive me.  

We watched the 2nd practice run from somewhere near that Marina Bay stairs. It was there we got to see Massa taking his car for a ride going the wrong way and not making the corner. It was amazing to see how he spun his car around

so fast and got back on the track.

   

This video has made many of my Ferrari loving friends very envious. A sneak peek into Ferrari's Fortress.  

We stayed around for a while after the final practice ended before we joined the rest of the crowd towards the exit. It wasn't as much of a hassle as some people complained it was, getting out of the circuit area.  

It didn't matter that we couldn't watch the next two days at track side. We felt we got the best out of the deal already. Meeting Lewis Hamilton and some of the other drivers, plus getting up close to the pit garage was great enough. 

Seeing some of the teams going about their pit practices was also a bonus. 

I don't know what would be in store for us come this few days ahead but I do know we'll try to have as much fun as we did last year. Maybe even more, if possible.  

Till next time, when we meet on the other side of the track, I wish you guys a fantastic Formula 1 experience.

Trophy Presentation In Singapore F1 2009

 

Here's a thought I had. I may be wrong but I don't recall any much fanfare or celebrations during the trophy presentations in Singapore F1 last year. If I am wrong, I apologise. 

I thought, knowing Singapore's enthusiasm for fireworks, that it would be a given. We have fireworks for just about every celebration there is throughout the year. The National Day is a big draw for fireworks fans like myself and the thousands that show up around the venue. We don't care much about the parade itself since it is basically the same crap every year and it becomes so predictable but the fireworks, we all try not to miss that. They are just so amazingly beautiful!  

Then we have the invited guest from around the world who come in during the month of August and show us a fifteen minute performance which is even more spectacular. Though this year we didn't or maybe I didn't know. We had them from France, South Korea and from a few other countries before.  

Now imagine the scenario. Just as the top 3 drivers salute the National Anthems for the top driver and team, and as they are given their trophies, they'd would traditionally pop their champagnes and celebrate. Imagine if just then a spectacular, albeit short but powerful fireworks display is executed further up the bay near the Singapore Flyer.  

Oh wait! How about this? 

How about launching some fireworks during the victory lap! Or maybe a laser show to boot! It takes about 3 mins for the drivers to come around during the victory lap. That could make a 3 min show! 

 

O.K. I think I'm getting a little carried away here. A little over my head. I'm sorry. I just like imagining stuff. Oh well.. . . .a light bulb was invented by imagination. And then it was the other way around. I get too excited. I truly apologise. 

I don't know if any other F1 venue has ever had a fireworks display celebration and even if they had it would be in daylight, rendering it useless. We are still the only night time F1 track remember? 

Imagine the effect that will have! The drivers would be able to see it, as will the ticket holders around the pit garage. We'd also most likely see it even all the way from the padang! Especially if it is also shown on the mega screens around the track at the same time. 

Those who don't see it 'live' still get to hear and feel its thunders! And the best part, the entire world would be able to watch it on their screens. I don't think that has ever been done, but it would make a spectacular finale for a spectacular weekend. 

I hope the authorities would do something like this for this year. Imagine the Grandeur. Imagine.

Nelson Piquet's Crash

image : timesonline.co.uk Will someone please give Nelson his lolly pop back? This moron of a driver has officially claimed that he was indeed told to crash his car during last year's race in Singapore. His statement is obviously a case of sour grapes towards his ex team and especially his ex boss Flavio Briatore. It is impossible to believe a driver would intentionally risk his life and limp to help out a teammate.

 Anyhoo, what gain is there for Alonso or Renault as far as the championship is concerned? They were already out of the run for the year and that one win wouldn't really have done them a whole worth of good. Watch the video and tell me if at all it is indeed possible to choreograph such a perfect 'accident'? 

I wonder if Nelson realises that he is in effect kissing his carreer as a race car driver goodbye. No racing team, F1 or not, will ever hire a cry baby like this. One who spills the beans on his ex team. He has just opened a can of bullshit for himself. Hope he enjoys it. Read his confession in full here .

Video : Times online

Ferrari in a Knot

Let's see... Ferrari is now in a kind of a knot I think. More so their fans. How do I or anyone go about this. 

O.K. Let's try. Luca Badoer is obviously out and Giancarlo Fisichella has replaced him. Fisi, being an Italian, driving for an Italian team, proclaimed, 'He is in seventh heaven'. Here starts the dilemma; 'How now, brown cow?'.

We have Fisi. Will he remain in Ferrari? Remember, that's who the Italians want. Ferrari as well. Yet we have heard that it is quite likely that Fernando Alonso may be joining the Scuderia next season. Presumably to replace Kimi Raikonen. 

How about Massa? Well he is still recovering.

'See you later, Alligator'. Kimi, with his usual pride, has claimed that he is not worried to be dropped by Ferrari because as he said "I'm still young and I'm sure that other teams will still hire me". The problem with that, my friend, is that the other teams are not quite in the calibre of Ferrari. And I doubt any other team among the top few will hire him. It will probably be the beginning of his downward spiral, as far as his career in F1 is concerned. 

'In a while, crocodile'. That's what Ferrari are obliged to say to Fellipe Massa. He took a bullet for them and I don't think they would be that cruel to sack him next season. They'd lose a lot of fans, not only from Brazil. And I don't think they'd dare do that. Not someone from Aryton Senna's home country. And especially not when he's obviously a better driver than Kimi. They'd have to give him a chance to return.

That brings us back to; 'How now, Brown Cow?'. So will it be Kimi, Alonso, Fisi or Massa next season for Ferrari?

Spa-Francorchamps 2009

I've always looked forward to the Spa race. In my mind it is without a doubt the 'Mother of all Racetracks'. From turn 1 all the way till the end after Kemmel Straight of turn 5, that has got to be the most awesome stretch of any F1 circuit. Full throttle all the way! (well, almost.) Well this year's race proved no different. Once again it so far the best race of the season, as far as I'm concerned. But then again it just keeps getting better. Yet another new face on the podium and a new team as well. To see Force India's Giancarlo Fisichella giving Kimi Raikonen's Ferrari a run for his money was just too sweet. It was also nice to see Kimi back at the top of the podium. Good one Kimi. Like I said before, he is carrying all of Ferrari's hopes on his back alone. Still, it was interesting to note that he only made it because of the KERS on his car which he used nicely after the safety car came in. Had it not been for the KERS, I doubt he could have held on to that lead or even got it. Force India, well what can I say. They've made not just Asians proud but all F1 fans. That is what we need F1 to be and I can't say that enough. A closely fought F1 championship is an exciting F1 championship. Why bother watching if the title is already decided halfway through the season. Even the drivers wouldn't be as motivated to give it their all. Now with only 5 races left, they all still feel that there's a chance to get something in the bag. And watching them fight it out till the very end of one season will only make the next season even more exciting for all of us to anticipate.

Force India Takes Pole In Spa

image : racesimulations.com Incredible! That's the best word I can use to describe the Belgian Grand Prix. The qualification result is definitely something no one would have expected even in their wildest dreams. Giancarlo Fisichella of Force India took pole position! First of all, let me say this, I'm sure I speak for most people when I say it really feels good to see a minnow team taking pole for a change. Especially for Asians. In fact all the top 3 positions are taken by names we don't speak of very much. In fact in 3rd place we have BMW. A team on their way out of Formula 1. Then on the other end of the table, we have a Ferrari! Again in last place! WoW! The natural order of things seem to have been altered. Luca Badoer was once again out of his elements. In fact, he ended up going sight seeing with his Ferrari off track. Then he got stuck. Trust me, this guy is a goner. I do feel very bad for him though, seriously. It's very sad that his dream could not materialise as he wanted. The look on his face at the pit wall was indeed heart breaking. I truly wish him the best. I simply cannot wait for tomorrow's race. This may just be the best one of the season. And no. I'm Not changing my predictions from the earlier post.

Ferrari, a One Prancing Horse Race

image: autocult.com.au How the tables have turned. Just when almost everyone, including Ferrari, were beginning to give up hope on Kimi Raikonnen, he has suddenly now become their shining light again. Luca Badoer's dismal performance at last week's European Grand Prix was something I wish to forget as soon as possible. It was horrifying to say the least. Shameful even. For every lap he took I had to hold my breath and hope he didn't make another silly mistake. Needless to say, he just kept pouring them in. For someone with that long an experience in F1, he made mistakes that even a rookie wouldn't and true enough there was a rookie at that same race. Romain Grosjean of team Renault had what I would still consider a superb race, especially for a rookie. Luca Badoer an the other hand, was all over the place. He was crossing the white line after pit stops, he was spinning his car a few times, hell he was even driving the wrong way at one point. He also had a drive through penalty. But what really took the cake was when he let that very rookie, Romain, pass him as they were leaving the pit garage. What the hell was he thinking?! Was he on a 'Drive Politely, Give Way Course'? Never mind, like Ling said, we'll have to give him time. But I'll say this much. If he comes out with more crap like that tomorrow at the Belgian Grand Priz, I don't think we'll be seeing him again. Damn, I don't think he'll even go back to being a test driver for Ferrari. O.K I'm being hard on the guy but what the hoo. image : cdn.picapp.com O.K. I'm going to make a very bold statement here and remember you read it here first. I think Michael Schumacher might still return. It's either that or they'd have to hire a new driver. Kimi Raikonnen is carrying the entire hopes of both the Ferrari team and the fans on his back alone now. And he's coming back to his element. Fantastic drives in the last couple of races has shown us a glimpse of the old Kimi we all loved. My prediction for tomorrows race? I say either a Lewis Hamilton or a Kimi Raikonnen win. Hey my prediction for last weeks race wasn't that far off the mark right? 2 out of 3 ain't bad, me thinks. I'll probably give a better prediction after the qualifying which starts in about half an hour. But do remember what I said about Michael. Anything can happen.

Ferrari, last?

I just couldn't believe my eyes. Yes it may be just qualifying but still, to think that I can't remember the last time it happened! Yes maybe when a driver crashed out during the qualifying or changed engines and he had to start the race right at the back. No, wait a minute I don't think I've even seen that even. Not a Ferrari. I can just imagine what Felipe Massa must have been feeling, probably watching the race from home. ' Hey! That's my car you're driving!' And how about Michael Schumacher. He was there, (wearing his flip flops, on an F1 circuit?). I'm sure he must have at some point felt like he wanted to yank Luca Badoer out of the car and take over. O.K, fine, the man has not raced competitively for over 10 years. But he is a Ferrari test driver still. It's not like he's been testing go-karts all this time. And to think that the next best car was a full second ahead of him. Now those who know F1 will tell you that 1 second is a life time in Formula 1. I was talking to Ling after the qualifications last night and she has great knowledge of F1. Impressive for someone who only got into F1 in the last couple of years, I must say. She gave some good insides into his defence and I have to say I do somewhat agree with her. She feels it could be a case of nerves on his part. When he's testing, he's normally alone on the track doing just that, testing. So from going from that to actually start being competitive with other drivers again needs some getting use to. Especially after 10 years. And nerves again, she said, because he's now driving in front of a crowd. Also he must be feeling very self conscious as well. ( I told you she's good). So, to some extend, she has very strong points there. Give him time, maybe 2 races, and he'll be into his element. I'm exactly 27 minutes away from the start of the race as I write this. Quite frankly, I can't wait. I wish him the best. Ferrari does not belong at the back of the pack. Oh and by the hoo, here's my prediction. Hamilton 1st, Barrichello 2nd and Vettel 3rd. No, don't take that to the betting shop. It's just a guess. Got to go now. The European Grand Prix 'live' is calling me (through the tele).

European Grand Prix

Well here we go again. No F1 for a month now and I feel like I'm going through some kind of withdrawal symptom. Yes I guess it does feel like a drug addiction (though I wouldn't know what that really feels like). All that excitement and all the anticipation just gets under the skin. Is Brawn going to bounce back? Is Red Bull going to serge ahead? Or maybe McLaren might take over for the next few races before Ferrari starts winning the rest? It's a very difficult predicament. Think about it. We even have 2 new drivers. How's that going to change things around? Will that somehow throw a spanner into the plans of the other drivers? image: hexus.net We have Luca Badoer for Ferrari. Ok, we are all still feeling a bit sour about Michael Schumacher not coming back to F1 but here we have another veteran who's making his return. At 38 years of age he'd be among the oldest together with Barrichello. Badoer is probably most remembered as the only driver who completed 48 races and yet not score a single point. It's been 10 years since he last drove F1 competitively. That was when he was with Minardi. He has been a Ferrari test driver since so it'll be good to see what he can bring to the table. image : orelus.net Then we have Romain Grosjean for team Renault. He has been selected to take over the sacked Nelson Piquet Jr. He is, or rather was now, also a test driver before being called up. He was also driving for the GP2 series for this year where he won 2 races. So we'll have to see what this 23 year old will do for Renault now that he is in the hot seat. With a month of tweaking and adjusting, I also can't wait to see how the teams have improved on their cars. That in itself is a whole new adventure to look forward to. We've already read on the teams' official websites how each of them have made certain improvements to their cars. I am most looking forward to McLaren's claim about their improved KERS system. That ought to be interesting I think. Well there you have it. So we've got about an hour before the Friday's Practice session begins and I just can't wait to see how it all develops.

Nelsinho Piquet jr. Out

See, I told you so. Nelson Piquet jr. got dismissed. Just as I had expected (and I think everyone else in the world too). Yet in his website here, he blamed everyone and everything under the sun but himself. His ex-boss, Flavio Briatore, got most of the flak. And he also claimed that he had always had to play second fiddle to Fernando Alonso. That he always got the weaker car. That's bullshit! He seems to have forgotten that HE is behind the wheel. And only he can be blamed if he keeps driving the car into barriers or walls. Or is he going to blame someone for putting the barrier there as well? You see, my boy, there's a difference between Fernando and you. The same difference between a champ and a chump.

One down. One more to go.

2009 Singapore F1 Tickets

Yoo Hoo!! I've finally received my F1 tickets! Ok, it looks more like it's Gizmo who got them. And you can almost imagine her doing her walkabout on the tracks. As for the curious, here they are.

Just one more step closer to the big day. Yeah!

F1 Morphing

In my earlier post (14 th July), I predicted that Renault or McLarens would make a come back to form. I then said on my post ( 26th July), just after the Hungary qualifications that I was right. Now do I dare say I was spot on? Think about it. In the qualifications, Alonso and Renaults scored their first pole. Then the next day, race day, McLarens scored their first victory. Too bad I'm not a betting man. Damn.. . . Things are beginning to change in F1. And for the better, to some extent. Lets try to go through some of them. First with the unfortunate injury of Felipe Massa. He is out of F1 for this season. But I'm very sure he'll be back. Michael Schumacher is now replacing him for the rest of the season. Lets get this right. I'd really love to watch Michael racing again but I'd rather it not had been this way. At Felipe's expense. It somehow doesn't feel as sweet. Now can you imagine the situation if Michael wins even one race? If he's not yet already a 'god' of F1, that would shake the very foundation of the tracks the rest of the other drivers drive on! The first person whose head will role is Kimi Raikonnen. He's already on very thin ice as it is. His venturing into the World Rally Championship is already making the Ferrari base a little pissed off at him. Then there's the one really big thing I know everyone must be waiting for. Michael Schumacher vs Lewis Hamilton. That will be one for the history books. Mark my words, you'll be reading a lot about this in the papers real soon. BMW is out after this year. Yup, they are going the way of the dinosaurs. Or is it Honda. Never mind. Same difference. To think that they would have learned a thing or two by what happened to Honda and how Brawns turned things around. Maybe the same might happen again? Well, I hope so. That's what we need. More excitement for next year still. Sebastian Bourdais's termination by Toro Rosso was unfortunate but expected. After 27 races he only managed a total of 6 points. A far cry from his teammate of last year, the other Sebastian, Vettel. His teammate of this year, yet another Sebatien Buemi isn't doing that well either. But in his case we'll have to wait and see. The driver to replace Sebastian Bourdais in Toro Rosso is now the youngest driver to ever start in a F1 championship, Jaime Alguersuari. He has been labeled as the 'Most dangerous driver in F1' by the British media. Not because he's that good but because he's that inexperienced! In fact the first time he ever sat in this years F1 car was during the Fridays qualifications in Hungary. They are saying he's an accident waiting to happen. For his sake, not theirs, I hope they are wrong. The two drivers that I feel very surprised who are still driving are Kimi Raikonnen and Nelson Piquet Jr. These are two drivers whom I think should change careers. Kimi, well what can I say about him that I haven't already. Read my previous postings and you'd understand. It's very sad to see him drift away like that but I believe he has other passions. So my best wishes to him. Nelson Piquet Jr? Well the only reason I think he's still driving, or ever started driving, is because of his father, Nelson Piquet Sr. Let's be honest, this guy sucks. You can give all the other drivers skateboards with square wheels and yet this guy will lose! He'll somehow still crash his car. In fact that's all I remember him for! Remember Singapore last year, in front of the bay grandstand? I heard some people in the stands got bits of his car in their hair! Well, I really wonder what else is in store for us in this season's F1. It's getting more and more exciting with every race. The cars are changing, the drivers are changing, the teams are changing, the rules are changing. And that is all good for us fans.

The Return of The King

Michael Schumacher has returned to F1!

Yes he has agreed to replace Felipe Massa for the rest of the year. This is the most unbelievable news any F1 fan can ever dream of.

Can you imagine that this means we will get to see the 'god' of F1 driving around the Singapore circuit? People will now start to buy their F1 tickets just to see him.

We will get to bear witness to probably the greatest F1 driver ever and in turn become part of history!

Schumacher's decision to come out of retirement is due to the unfortunate accident to Felipe last week. The good news is that he is doing alright in hospital and recovering well. His doctors have said that he has started to walk around the room and also the injury to his left eye is not that bad at all. That is truly the best news yet.

As for Schumacher, his return to F1 at the ripe old age of 40, is also partly due to his loyalty to Ferrari. Hell, I don't care if it's due to his loyalty to his armchair as long as I get to see him drive even once.

Suddenly the value of my F1 ticket just sky rocketed.

image:www.ueltzhoeffer.com

Hungaroring F1 Qualifications

Wow what a qualifier! Everything that could go wrong, did go wrong. I was watching it live on TV yesterday and it all started very promising. We even have a new driver for Toro Rosso, Jaime Alguersuari. He is now the youngest F1 racer in history. We'll talk more about him another time. Now back to the yesterday's events. First of all, I know I say this on behalf of all F1 fans around the world when I say our prayers and thoughts are with Felipe Massa and his family. I truly wish him a super speedy recovery. Watching his car stationary against the tyre wall made me initially think that it was just a normal F1 situation that we have all seen often enough. But when I noticed that Felipe wasn't moving in his car, I knew something wasn't right. The TV crew didn't show what happened until a little later. That's when I realised the seriousness of the accident. I replayed the incident again and again in real time and could clearly see something hitting Felipe on the head. And as it did, you could see that it knocked Felipe out cold. It was later revealed that it was a spring from his countryman's Rubens Barichello's car.

Image F1site. Felipe suffered a fractured skull and some cuts to his face. It is understood that he has undergone surgery and he is stable. That is surely the best news. As for the rest of the qualifications, what can I say, there was a touch of humour when it ended. Seeing the drivers walking around asking each other where their stand was on the time sheet was a bit of a crack. It turned out there was a 'tecnical fault' with the timescreen. Pity the stewards. It was later revealed that Fernando Alonso got pole and Vettel and Webber 2nd and 3rd respectively. Can I dare say this? What the hell, I'm going to. Didn't I say that I expected Alonso and Renault to show up soon? I said this just after the last race. Will I still be proven right again? Should I be a betting man then? I guess we have a few more hours to find out the final result.

F1 Nürburgring

'The Webbed one' has done it! No I don't mean Spiderman. After 130 races, Mark Webber has finally got his first victory. None too soon either. This was long overdue. Oh, and did I mention that he did it in style? This is a man whom everyone wanted to see win. He is as humble as they come. I remember walking past him in Singapore last year and I almost didn't notice him. By the time I did, he was a little distance off. But I did manage to take a couple of snaps of him. He walked past Ling and myself with a few of his engineers and he just looked like one of the crowd. Well anyhoo, like I said, this man deserves this victory. And to think that he was punished along the way for knocking into Barrichello's car at the start. Despite his drive through penalty, he still caught up and maintained his lead to the end! To hear him screaming with happiness in the car to pit radio at the end of the race was pure delight. He was thanking everyone and anything under the sun. Good one Mark! I honestly hope we get to see more of these different drivers winning along the way. But personally, I want to see Barrichello get one more victory. The old man of F1 deserves it. His outburst towards his team after this last race was a little uncalled for but he soon cooled down enough to compose himself afterwards. Yet, I feel , he should get at least one more under his belt. So, Germany's F1 gave us a lot to remember. The fact that it almost started to rain was another thing. Imagine if it did. I was actually hoping for it. Wow that would have really played havoc on the drivers and the pit crew. I could almost see them scrambling around to get the right tyres on the cars. Remember Raikonnen and Ferrari in Malaysia? Man did they screw up or what! I just can't wait for the action to come to Singapore. Oh and by the hoo, I would be receiving my tickets some time this month and I'd be unveiling them here on this blog. So stay tuned! I'd get my cat Gizmo to help me unwrap them.

Mark Webber and gang in Singapore.