The Audi Dream

Fantastic conceptual work by Kim Stapleton can be found here on Speed Arena. Through the magic of graphics software, he has managed to turn a Renault R26 into a vision of what an Audi F1 car would look like. I must say it looks awesome and far better than a Mild Seven liveried Renault.

But seriously though, wouldn't the former Auto Union joining the fray against former arch rivals Mercedes be a mouth watering prospect? And you just know that Audi would be in it to win at all costs. Teaching Italian upstarts a thing or two would definitely be high on the agenda.

Ross Brawn And Honda

Back in 1994, Ferrari after 3 long win-less years, received technical assistance from Honda, who had by then long left Formula 1. Assistance that allowed them a victory and began the steady road back to championship level competitiveness. This was admitted by di Montezemolo himself before sometime after that retracting the statement. Ungrateful dog. But everyone knew Honda had a hand in helping them out in those dark days. And now it seems that by not allowing Ross Brawn to take the helm at Gestione Sportiva, Ferrari have returned the favour.

I have a great affection for both McLaren and Honda. I recall with great fondness the good old days when Ayrton Senna in a Honda powered McLaren was near unbeatable. Oh sure, there were the odd Williams or Ferrari victory here and there but over the course of the season, you could count on this combination to take championship honours. Back in the day, Honda's foray into Formula 1 was more of a technical R & D exercise to train its brightest engineers. The folks at Honda R&D literally ran the show on the engine side.

By contrast today, the needs of corporate marketing and promotion dominate the investment into grand prix racing. And as a result, Honda have suffered for it. Arguably their best years in this current era was during the reign of David Richards. A proper racing man you might argue (though not without his own devious set of practices). Since he left Nick Fry in charge everything's gone downhill save for a brief bright spell last year the culminated in Jenson Button's win in Hungary.

And now in only the second piece of good news I've heard in several months apart from Kimi's championship win, is the story that Ross Brawn will be Brackley bound for next season. Sure, it will take time for him to rebuild this year's disastrous team. But if he is given a free hand, I would dearly love to see him bring back glory to the Anglo-Japanese team. It might not be Senna, Prost and McLaren all over again but anything's better than the current state they are in and a proud name like Honda should be doing a lot better.

But Ross should fear the ever present hand of corporate interference. Not too long ago, fellow Englishman Mike Gascoyne a dose full of corporate bollocks but then again, Ross Brawn's track record (in addition to his considerable technical skills) should carry a lot more clout with the suits and beanies.

Make no mistake, the challenge to Ross Brawn is considerable. But here is man who knows all about the proper mix of ingredients for a championship winning team. Jenson Button has recently declared that he would leave if things did not improve. Well, Jense help is at hand. Hopefully, not too long from now, he'll have a chance to give Hamil-shit the spanking he deserves. And for sure, Ross Brawn will need everything his drivers have got to win.

Would it be too much to ask that along the way, Honda takes Maranello to the cleaners as they did in the eighties?

Intellectual Property

What a season its been and whilst the curtains should have come down at the end of the Brazilian Grand Prix, we shall have to wait one more week before the FIA confirm Kimi's world championship. Even so, many matters that have arisen during the course of the 2007 season remain unresolved.

You know what I'm talking about. This whole spying issue. That which has left a very sour taste in every fans mouth, no matter which side you take. Its funny to hear people calling McLaren a bunch of cheats because as far as even the FIA can conclude, their car was legal, in the sense that no evidence could be found that Ferrari's intellectual property had been utilised in the 2007 McLaren. What got McLaren the USD 100 million penalty was the fact that certain employees received unauthorised information. The term "spying" is an incorrect one. The fact is, no McLaren employee went into Ferrari to obtain any information. It was a disgruntled Ferrari employee that distributed the dossiers.

What goes around comes around. In 2003, Ferrari (and Bridgestone) alleged that the Michelin tyres were illegal. They were not of course for they complied with the letter of the law. However, the FIA took Ferrari's advice and decided to change the way the tyre width was measured. This of course happened during the course of the season. And of course, Ferrari gets what they want and so Michelin had to produce another tyre that complied to the new measuring methods.

And so in 2007, McLaren, armed with Ferrari's technical information helpfully alerted the FIA that their fancy flexi-bottoms were not in compliance with the regulations. The FIA realised that their measurement methods were inadequate to detect flexible floors and therefore again, mid-season decided to devise new methods of measurement. At the very least the FIA were being fair in this case. The Michelin shod teams were not penalised for their supposedly illegal tyres in 2003 and therefore why should Ferrari be penalised for circumventing the flexible floor ruling?

But whereas the Michelin shod teams back then did not retaliate against Ferrari or Bridgestone (they simply have too much class for it), Maranello's retribution this year was terrible. Again, I state that there is no evidence that McLaren utilised any very intellectual property in their 2007 racing car. The FIA cannot prove this, so why the hell is Luca di Montezemolo talking a whole load of rubbish about there being a lot of Ferrari in the McLaren? In any case and as you know, a great undertaking or witch-hunt as Sir Jackie Stewart called it, was launched against McLaren. And yes, Ferrari got its way. Of course not in full for the drivers remain unpenalised. But I suppose, only because one guy ratted on the team to the FIA and Bernie wanted the other guy to win the championship instead of Kimi because that other fella was orders of magnitude more promote-able.

But I suppose to please his Maranello lovers, Max Mosley now wants to hunt for more than evidence of stolen intellectual property, he wants to hunt for Ferrari "ideas." See, this is what happens when you put a fucking lawyer in charge of racing activities. Quite how he proposes to define "ideas" is beyond me but I would imagine that definition would be far more convoluted but yet vague as the 2007 technical and sporting regulations.

In fact this whole notion of intellectual property stinks. The first time I read something about intellectual property in racing had something to do with the British Touring Car Championship. I cannot now remember the details (and am too lazy to research this right now) but I remember something about the MG racing car could not be taken over by one team because the intellectual property belonged to another. Crikey!

Now, even entire racing series are subject to intellectual property legalities. Say for instance, I want to start my own racing series. I want it to be a one make single seater series, with two races per weekend and two qualifying sessions. The second race start is to have a reverse grid. Sounds familiar? Of course it does because thats how the WTCC, BTCC and even GP2 is run. But if I wanted to do a series like this, I would have to compensate the originator of this format i.e. dish out money to the guys who first invented the format. Of course, the cost of my new series is going to go up. But it all just sounds so silly.

As I said, this is what happens when you have a lawyer in charge of the FIA. And of course, this is what happens when racing becomes first and foremost a business rather than a sport. There's just too much crap that comes in the picture.

Today I read that Bernie has called a crisis meeting among all the other teams save Ferrari, McLaren and Renault who are already embroiled in cases. He wants to root out cases of intellectual property theft. Yes, I'm quite certain that there would be plenty of those that go on everywhere.

But guess who is safe from this intellectual property theft witch hunt? Ferrari of course, whose overlords have done a damned fine job of portraying itself as the sweet innocent injured party. I'm quite certain Nigel Stepney is correct. There are plenty of bones in and around Maranello. But no one shall be investigating them.

And this whole notion of taking it one step further, to look for "ideas" is complete bollocks. Asides from the precariousness of defining the term and eventually enforcing it fairly, it would lead to ridicule. Take for example the Tyrell invention of the raised nose in 1990. It was copied by every other team thereafter in various guises and is standard on all Formula 1 cars today. You could say then that every other team copied the "idea" of the raised nose and if you leave it to that idiot Max Mosley they should all be penalised for this. Furthermore, the entire sport would not have progressed technically along with it. Well, fuck Max Mosley and his legal mumbo jumbo.

Now, its Renault's turn to face "spying" charges and isn't karma sweet? For it was that overaged gigolo who kept harping on about penalising McLaren to the ground. Well, prepare to take your own medicine playboy! And the FIA must, since precedent has been set, they must apply the same penalties to Renault as they did on to McLaren. If they did not, then I think the only recourse is for McLaren to take this matter to court. And I mean a court of justice not the kangaroo variety set up by Max Mosley and cohorts.

And since we are all witch hunting the other teams, in the interest of fairness why not send a team to Maranello as well? Well, we all want to be fair don't we? Has Maranello got anything to hide? Lets see it then. Oh, and lets not just look for intellectual property infringements. Lets see if Maranello has stolen any "ideas."

I rejoiced when Kimi Raikkonen won in Brazil and became world champion. To me, he was the best driver this season. He overcame the challenge of a new team, car and tyres and stuck it good to his moronic teammate and Hamil-shit. 6 races won this season, he truly deserved it. (I just wish it wasn't with such an unsporting team). But it seems that his achievements have been completely overshadowed by these silly legal issues. Formula 1 as it is today, should be flushed down the toilet. If you aren't sick of it, you should be.

The Indy Awards - Round 16

Here are the results for the Independent Team awards after the Chinese Grand Prix. For more information regarding the scoring system please consult this post.

Comments
At the start of the year, I wouldn't have bet for a result like this today. Both the Toro Rossos were the leading independent team for today's Chinese Grand Prix. In addition the two sister Red Bulls were next up. In truth, Toro Rosso had been threatening to do well since last weekend's Japanese Grand Prix. Not only would it have gained a win for Mark Webber and second for Vettel in these awards but both their cars would have been on the podium for the FIA championship. Mark Webber quite rightly claims that he could have been fighting for the lead had it not been for the unfortunate incident with Vettel.

Some might say that Red Bull had some bad luck in today's race. However, if one examines the lap times, the Toro Rossos were right up there with the rest of the leading independents. Vettel especially deserves his win today.

Perhaps the emergence of Red Bull and especially the Toro Rossos ( who even finished ahead of the works Renaults and BMWs) should tell us that most of the middle order teams have quite rightly put all their efforts into next year's challengers. There is nothing more to do this year for the likes of Renault, and BMW are safe in the current championship positions. I'm not sure if Williams are still developing their 2007 car at the moment but their fourth position in the FIA championships is still under threat from Red Bull. In these awards, its long gone. Williams have already taken it.

Toro Rosso just need points and today Toro Rosso have lept to seventh in the FIA constructos championship ahead of struggling Honda. Speaking of which, I was disappointed to see that with Button's point scoring position today, have pulled themselves ahead of Super Aguri. A pity for the Super Aguri then for the performances they have managed this year, they deserve to be ahead of the works team.

However, another result like today and we just might see Toro Rosso ahead of Toyota in the FIA championship. Now that would be something for the former Minardi team, wouldn't it?

Colin Chapman Award - For Best independent drivers / teams

Drivers
1. Sebastien Vettel (Toro Rosso) - 9
2. Vitantonio Liuzzi (Toro Rosso) - 6
3. David Coulthard (Red Bull) - 5 (1 for pole, 4 for race)
4. Mark Webber (Red Bull) - 3
5. Alex Wurz (Williams) - 2
6. Takuma Sato (Super Aguri) - 1
=. Nico Rosberg (Williams) - 1 (for fastest lap)

Teams
1. Toro Rosso - 15
2. Red Bull - 8
3. Williams - 3
4. Super Aguri - 1


Overall Drivers
1. Nico Rosberg - 99 (Champion)
2. Mark Webber - 69
3. Alex Wurz - 64
4. David Coulthard - 57
5. Takuma Sato - 40
6. Anthony Davidson - 31
7. Vitantonio Liuzzi - 24
8. Adrian Sutil - 19
9. Sebastien Vettel - 11
10. Scott Speed - 9
11. Christian Albers - 8
12. Sakon Yamamoto - 3
13. Marcus Winkelhock - 2

Overall Teams
1. Williams - 163 (Champion)
2. Red Bull - 126
3. Super Aguri - 71
4. Toro Rosso - 44
5. Spyker - 32


Wag The Dog Award - for independent drivers / teams who beat their respective factory teams

Drivers
1. David Coulthard - 4 (2 for qualy, 2 for race)
2. Mark Webber - 3 (2 for qualy, 1 for race)
=. Nico Rosberg - 3 (1 for race, 2 for fastest lap)
4. Alex Wurz - 2 (2 for race)
=. Takuma Sato - 2 (1 for race, 1 for fastest lap)

Teams
1. Red Bull - 7
2. Williams - 5
3. Super Aguri - 2


Overall Drivers
1. Nico Rosberg - 67
2. Mark Webber - 40
3. Alex Wurz - 37
4. Takuma Sato - 34
5. Anthony Davidson - 24
6. David Coulthard - 22
7. Sebastien Vettel - 3
8. Andrian Sutil - 2
=. Vitantonio Liuzzi - 2
10. Christian Albers - 1
=. Sakon Yamamoto - 1


Overall Teams
1. Williams - 104
2. Red Bull - 62
3. Super Aguri - 56
4. Toro Rosso - 5
5. Spyker - 4

The Indy Awards - Round 15

Here are the results for the Independent Team awards after the Japanese Grand Prix. For more information regarding the scoring system please consult this post.

Colin Chapman Award - For Best independent drivers / teams

Drivers
1. David Coulthard (RBR)- 9
2. Adrian Sutil (Spyker) - 6
3. Vitantonio Liuzzi (Toro Rosso) - 4
4. Sakon Yamamoto (Spyker) - 3
5. Takuma Sato (Super Aguri) - 2
=. Mark Webber(RBR) - 2 (For pole and fastest lap)
6. Anthony Davidson (Super Aguri) - 1

Teams
1. Red Bull - 11
2. Spyker - 9
3. Toro Rosso - 4
4. Super Aguri - 3


Overall Drivers
1. Nico Rosberg - 98 (Champion)
2. Mark Webber - 66
3. Alex Wurz - 62
4. David Coulthard - 52
5. Takuma Sato - 39
6. Anthony Davidson - 31
7. Adrian Sutil - 19
8. Vitantonio Liuzzi - 18
9. Scott Speed - 9
10. Christian Albers - 8
11. Sakon Yamamoto - 3
12. Marcus Winkelhock - 2
=. Sebastien Vettel - 2

Overall Teams
1. Williams - 160 (Champion)
2. Red Bull - 118
3. Super Aguri - 70
4. Spyker - 32
5. Toro Rosso - 29

Wag The Dog Award - for independent drivers / teams who beat their respective factory teams

Drivers
1. Mark Webber - 4 (2 for qualy, 2 for fastest lap)
=. Nico Rosberg - 4 (2 for qualy, 2 for race)
3. David Coulthard - 2 (1 for race, 1 for fastest lap)
=. Sebastien Vettel - 2 (For fastest lap)
5. Anthony Davidson - 1 (for race)
=. Takuma Sato - 1 (for race)

Teams
1. Red Bull - 6
2. Williams - 4
3. Super Aguri - 3
4. Toro Rosso - 2


Overall Drivers
1. Nico Rosberg - 64
2. Mark Webber - 37
3. Alex Wurz - 35
4. Takuma Sato - 32
5. Anthony Davidson - 24
6. David Coulthard - 18
7. Sebastien Vettel - 3
8. Andrian Sutil - 2
=. Vitantonio Liuzzi - 2
10. Christian Albers - 1
=. Sakon Yamamoto - 1


Overall Teams
1. Williams - 99
2. Super Aguri - 56
3. RBR - 55
4. Toro Rosso - 5
5. Spyker - 4

Poor Baby Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton took some time out last weekend to protest the actions of his teammate during the start of the Belgian Grand Prix. We all know the incident. Coming into the remodeled La Source hairpin, Fernando took the inside line into the turn locking up his brakes. Hamilton took the outside line. Exiting La Source, Fernando, to me at least simply took a normal exit out and in the process chopped across Hamilton, in a move that reminds me of tintop racing.

According to Fernando, the cars did not touch. But as well saw Hamilton was "forced off" across the run off grass and into the run off tarmac. Oh poor little Lewis decided to cry about it to the press. Funny though for it seemed to me that taking the "Nigel Mansell line" out of La Source, taking an extremely wide exit in excess of the white line leads to a faster exit and truth be told Hamilton was slightly ahead as the two McLarens went side by side into Eau Rouge.

Its very rich for that brat Hamilton to complain about some rough play. After all, here is the guy who is not shy to shut the door on everyone else. Indianapolis anybody? Or the often mentioned chopping across at the start line reminiscent of Michael Schumacher. Heck, at the Malaysian Grand Prix this year Hamilton was spotted weaving on the straights in his attempts to keep Massa behind.

Be that as it may, there is such a thing as lifting off and there is a device called the brake. Hamilton if he had wanted to could have deployed either as Fernando went across him. Hamilton in his press statement said that Fernando knew he was there. Yes I would suspect so but that doesn't mean he has to give way to you, Hammy boy. But I suppose after being spoon fed by Ron Dennis all through his career he expects other people to breast feed him as well.

I have heard that Fernando refuses to share his setup data with Hamilton. Well, good for Fernando I say. Lets see how the gang-starr does without it. I have been harsh in my comments about Fernando recently. But having said that I firmly believe that McLaren would not be in such a competitive position today without the double world champion. The impression you get sometimes is that having helped enormously with the development of the car, the team rallies behind their baby boy. Fernando some might say, just doesn't feel the love. But I suppose he has a right to feel like the team owes him something. I don't condone what Fernando has done in the recent case (that's not the way to get back at the team) but I can understand how he must feel.

Well lets see what happens in '08. I'm sure Fernando is leaving and I do hope he'll be off to Ferrari. Now what a pairing that would make, Fernando and Kimi. As for McLaren, lets see how far they manage without the Spaniard. But who to replace him? Well, from the way he's been driving lately and with the experiences of Williams from last year, I would imagine Nico Rosberg would be an excellent choice.

I leave with this closing thought. If anyone wants an example of hooliganism on the track, then I would point the finger at Filipe Massa. Fernando was on the inside of the left hander in Barcelona and Massa simply steers the wheel to take his normal line. There's a big difference, Fernando at that point was side by side. Massa, the git, tried it again at the Nurburgring but failed. Fernando had every right to protest at the argy bargy. However, I suppose because Hamilton wasn't involved in both cases, nobody, least of all the British press, see fit to complain.

The Indy Awards - Round 14

Here are the results for the Independent Team awards after the Belgian Grand Prix. For more information regarding the scoring system please consult this post.

Colin Chapman Award - For Best independent drivers / teams

Drivers
1. Nico Rosberg (Williams)- 10
2. Mark Webber (RBR) - 7 (1 for pole, 6 for race)
3. Vitantonio Liuzzi (Toro Rosso) - 4
4. Adrian Sutil (Spyker) - 3
5. Takuma Sato (Super Aguri) - 2
6. Anthony Davidson (Super Aguri) - 1

Teams
1. Williams - 10
2. Red Bull - 7
3. Toro Rosso - 4
4. Spyker - 3
=. Super Aguri - 3

Overall Drivers
1. Nico Rosberg - 98
2. Mark Webber - 64
3. Alex Wurz - 62
4. David Coulthard - 43
5. Takuma Sato - 37
6. Anthony Davidson - 30
7. Vitantonio Liuzzi - 14
8. Adrian Sutil - 13
9. Scott Speed - 9
10. Christian Albers - 8
11. Marcus Winkelhock - 2
12. Sebastien Vettel - 2

Overall Teams
1. Williams - 160
2. Red Bull - 107
3. Super Aguri - 67
4. Toro Rosso - 25
5. Spyker - 23


Wag The Dog Award - for independent drivers / teams who beat their respective factory teams

Drivers
1. Nico Rosberg - 5 (2 for qualy, 2 for race, 1 for fastest lap)
=. Mark Webber - 5 (2 for qualy, 2 for race, 1 for fastest lap)
3. Takuma Sato - 2 (1 for race, 1 for fastest lap)
4. Anthony Davidson - (1 for race)

Teams
1. Williams - 5
=. Red Bull - 5
3. Super Aguri - 3


Overall Drivers
1. Nico Rosberg - 60
2. Alex Wurz - 35
3. Mark Webber - 33
4. Takuma Sato - 31
5. Anthony Davidson - 23
6. David Coulthard - 16
7. Andrian Sutil - 2
=. Vitantonio Liuzzi - 2
8. Christian Albers - 1
=. Sakon Yamamoto - 1
=. Sebastien Vettel - 1

Overall Teams
1. Williams - 95
2. Super Aguri - 54
3. RBR - 49
4. Spyker - 4
4. Toro Rosso - 3

Alonso's Ultimatum?

Now bear in mind how much the British press loves their prodigal son, Hamilton and it would seem to me in turn loves to paint Fernando Alonso in a bad light. Be that as it may, some serious allegations have been reported by both the Guardian and The Times, that none other than Fernando Alonso, threatened to leak information prejudicial to McLaren, to the FIA. Ron Dennis, who doesn't take shite from no one, called his bluff apparently and phoned Max Mosley directly. If true, I think its such a shameful act from an otherwise talented driver.

I take you back to 1986 when Ayrton Senna was in his second season with the Lotus team. Derek Warwick was slated to join him at Lotus but Ayrton apparently vetoed that decision, to which the team deferred to and put Johnny Dumfries in the second seat. Now, the British press likes to harp on that. However, the difference between that situation and the one facing Alonso today is that the Lotus team simply could not and did not have the resources to give both drivers equal opportunity at the championship. Ayrton knew this and quickly nipped it in the bud. Alas, despite this Lotus or should I say Renault still could not give him a car / engine to win the title. By contrast, at McLaren and later Williams, Aryton really couldn't be bothered who his teammate was for he knew he'd blow anyone out of the water.

Fast forward to 2007. McLaren is a team that can provide equal treatment for both its drivers. Frankly speaking I still rate Alonso's driving ahead of Hamilton but Alonso's attitude thus far has not put him in good stead. It seems to me that he's pressuring himself for nothing and on top of that demands special treatment. Despite Michael Schumacher's achievements, I've always looked upon his favourable treatment by Ferrari as a blemish. Why does Alonso want to do the same? How could he have allowed his confidence to be so dented that he resorts to throwing the toys out of the pram?

If these allegations are true then, I have certainly lost respect for the man. I mean, whatever happens, you do not threaten your team in that manner. It reeks of disloyalty. In fact it shows an utter lack of class.

Ron Dennis must have been in a really tight pickle. Perhaps being proud, he simply called the bluff. The consequence of which now is a ban on the constructor's championship and a USD100m fine. Some say thats offset by the USD30m or so McLaren would receive from FOM. But still thats a USD100m total that will be missing from the coffers. And that folks is not hay. Its a serious dent on McLaren's finances. One that threatens not only the competitiveness of its cars but I would imagine with all that debt carried from the building of its new Technology Centre, a serious blow to its status as a going concern.

I think that the punishment is way in excess of the crime. If you can really call it a crime in the first place. Whatever it may be its a helluva way to play poker, Ron. I know Ron Dennis is a man of integrity but at what cost?

I sincerely hope all these allegations aren't true. I really do. I think I shall not be the only Alonso fan who would be terribly disappointed by such behaviour. Hard charger on the track is fine. Tough racer on the track, brilliant. But threats of this nature and the demands for leading status, I cannot agree with.

Reasons For Vehemence

In his latest article for Pitpass, Mike Lawrence wonders why the FIA (and Ferrari) are seemingly dead set on bringing down the McLaren team or rather Ron Dennis. And indeed, in light of recent comments by Todt and Montezemolo, this isn't an unreasonable observation.

On the face of things, one might simply suggest that the FIA are merely following standard operating procedures and clamping down on unsporting and dishonest behaviour. But as Pitpass' Lawrence quite rightly points out, the charges against Toyota were much greater in weight. The evidence all to plain to see in the shape of the TF103 which seemed to be a clone of the Ferrari F2002. And yet in that case, the FIA didn't seem too eager to throw out the automotive giant. By contrast this year's McLaren seems an evolution of past racing cars and it is plain to see that the design is conceptually far different.

So why the seemingly disproportionate actions against Woking? The answer I believe lies in events earlier on in the year. Events that the management at Ferrari are seemingly sort about. Last year it was the flexi wings. This year they made entire bottoms that wobbled with the wind. This is specifically banned in the regulations. It was a key technology and it was whisked away from Maranello and I suspect to the chagrin of Messrs Todt and Monty. Someone ratted on them to McLaren and in turn to the FIA and they want blood.

But the fact remains that Ferrari were using illegal devices. And whether or not the information obtained to blow the whistle on them was acquired legally or not, the fact is they were using illegal devices. And now they're mad because they can't use their illegal devices. Illegal mind you. As opposed to countless innovations introduced by other teams that were legal and were banned by the FIA at ferrari's insistence.

As for information about the use of Bridgestone tyres, remember that it was the FIA that insisted on a single tyre manufacturer. The Michelin teams clearly would have liked to keep on using the French rubber. And so, if teams are forced to abandon their tyre of choice shouldn't they all share the same information on these tyres. Why should an FIA decision and rule (which by the way, should be apply equally to all participants) benefit a select few? Or should I say, just benefit Ferrari?

One might argue that getting the flexi floors banned and obtaining information of the best use of Japanese rubber tipped the scales Woking's way. Hold on a moment I say. The scales were tipped. But it was tipped to balance both sides. McLaren's advantage was simply because they built a better car and arguably have better drivers.

However, from Todt and Montezemolo's viewpoint, balanced rules and regulations are simply unsporting. For them you see, the scales should always tip in Ferrari's direction.

Ron Dennis and McLaren have angered the Ferrari International Assistance (FIA) and he must pay. Max Mosley himself has personal grudges against Ron. And now that he has allies in Maranello, allies that bring with them a tangible case, here is an opportunity to finally bring the great man down.

Fight them all the way, Ron. Both Nigel Stepney and Mike Coughlan I am sure will be forever barred from motorsport participation. I somehow don't think he will for fear of further damaging his reputation and employement prospects elsewhere but I think Nigel Stepney should simply come out and reveal where all the dead bodies are buried at Maranello. I assure you, there are plenty of them.

Fair and Consistent Application

Well, lots of people are anxiously waiting for the events before the World Council in Paris. As usual, there are plenty of different viewpoints. However, it would seem that most people seem to be behind the McLaren team on this one. I for one think that Ron Dennis is an honourable person and so is his team in general and therefore this whole affair ought to be thrown away.

However, as some people might say and I know dumbass tifosis count among these people, the law is the law and if McLaren are found guilty then they should face some heavy penalties. A sentiment that is shared by the Ferrari and Fiat overlords, Todt and Montezemolo. Luca was quoted as saying that should the results favour the Woking team then the championship would be won in a manner that is "not loyal and not sport." Right, like the way Indianapolis 2005 was won in a manner that reflected the best ideals of sport. Takes one to know one Luca and of course you would brand McLaren in that way for thats the way Ferrari really are.

Still, the law is the law and there are those who believe that the law is rather like a prescription to be followed to the letter. If this is to be the case then so be it. However, I would like to see that this application is done in a consistent and fair manner. For at the moment it would seem that whenever a judgement is to be taken against some (in this case McLaren) then the interpretation is to the letter. And for others (as in the case of Ferrari countless of times in the past) then it is interpreted in the spirit of things.

However, one cannot ignore the view of other team bosses (past and present) in this matter. Such as those recently expressed by Paul Stoddard for instance. Former Stewart Grand Prix boss Jackie Stewart and Frank Williams have also joined in the chorus of disapproval.

The tabloid of the internet racing media, PlanetF1, have some interesting articles here and here.

This whole affair stinks. And really there is nothing more for me to add that hasn't already been said by all the media. Some are expecting McLaren to fall. But heck I don't think Ferrari gives a shit. They of course do enjoy their hollow victories. We should all be jeering.

I need to renew my subscription to Racefax I think. Should have interesting takes on the situation.

Back Online

Its been 3 months since my last posting and its been quite the few months. The demands of work and personal life (away from the screen) and a strange weariness with motor racing have kept me away from blogging (perhaps best of the greater good of racing blogs in general :) )

June was a heavy month completing a big project at work. In my spare time, I was more engrossed with the events of the America's Cup. I am glad that the Auld Mug will remain in Europe in the hands of the Societe Nautique de Geneve and I hope to be there in Valencia for the next event. What a final though huh? Superb racing and compelling viewing.

After that, I went off on an absolutely amazing holiday on an island off the East coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It was my first real holiday in years and god did I really need that one. The crystal clear waters of the secluded island made for good scuba and snorkelling and lying idle on the beach, I could literally feel the stress seeping out of my pores. Brilliant stuff.

As for motor racing, I watched the odd grand prix or two but I've totally missed out on the BTCC and WTCC. I haven't even checked the results on the web. There's definitely a helluva lot of downloading to do.

Whilst I hardly watched any racing events on the telly, I've been busy karting every weekend. Well, not racing in championships proper unfortunately as this has been banned by the other half. But I have been sparring a lot with friends over the weekends and its been brilliant fun mostly at the Sepang and Shah Alam kart tracks. Lord knows though, I'm itching to race again. Not sure where the budget would come from.

I did go to to the Merdeka Millenium Endurance Race in Sepang a few weeks back. In this year's edition of the 12 hour enduro, the undoubted star of the race was one, Hans Joachim von Stuck. The last time I saw Herr Stuck race in the flesh was in 1985 when the World Endurance Championship held its final round at the old Shah Alam circuit on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur. Hans Stuck partnered the great Derek Bell in the works Porsche 962s. By the time the circus got to Malaysia, the drivers and team championships had already been settled and it was really an exhibition race. Sadly it was a one off. Hans did not complete the race, suffering from a broken driveshaft courtesy of the then newly developed PDK Porsche double clutch system (which I believe is the forerunner to VW's DSG box used in road cars today). Alas, luck was not on Hans Stuck's side once more in Malaysia, his works prepared BMW Z4M racecar expired with less than an hour to go before the chequered flag.

I had the opportunity to meet with Herr Stuck but unfortunately I could not make the meeting. I would have liked to meet the great man. But nevertheless I did hear some interesting things from someone I know who did meet him. Hans Stuck as you may know is under the employ of BMW Motorsport. And it was great to hear some little anecdotes, such as how reckless a driver Mario Thiessen really is. Or the fact that among the 3 main WTCC BMW protagonists, Hans Stuck rates Andy Priaulx head and shoulders above Farfus or that moron (my word, not Hans) Jorg Muller. Muller and Farfus are drivers who look for wins whereas Priaulx uses his head and thinks of the championship. Come Macau, Hans bets that its Andy to make it 4 titles in a row.

Funny story from Sepang during the Merdeka race. Apparently when Stuck's BMW came undone, a big groan went up in the paddock, from the Sepang staff. Not so much because a Petronas sponsored car had run into trouble but because the team poised to take the win belonged to Sepang's chariman. If you don't know who he is, look it up.

As I said previously, I am still following the grand prix circus. That Hamilton is quick no doubt but I really don't believe all that nonsense about him walking on water. I mean, look at what happen at the Nurburgring. It simply pisses me off that James Allen has the temerity to compare him with Ayrton Senna of all people. Puh-leese. Ayrton nearly won his first wet race and did win his first race in a torrential Estoril unlike that Hamilton bloke who saw fit to ballet into the run off. And no-one is going to convince me that he's the angel that the media likes to potray. Perhaps its appropriate that Hamilton's good friend in the paddock is non other than retard boy Filipe Massa. (Yeah thats right! Screw political correctness!)

One thing I did miss was keeping in touch with the independent teams and as you can see I have been busy updating the results. Well, barring some freakish turn of luck, it seems that with four races left to run, its Nico Rosberg as the indy champion and his team Williams as the team indy champion. Some might say that this isn't a great surprise but to me, it was closer than you think. Those Red Bulls are quick enough to take the fight to Grove but have been severly let down by reliability problems. On their day, Nico and Williams can only watch as Webber (mostly) disappears into the distance.

The fight for runners up honours is still well and truly alive between Webber and Wurz. After a string of wins in the Indy awards, Webber is within striking distance of the Austrian. And if the Adrian Newey designed car can keep it together then it should be Nico's former teammate who takes second spot in the championship.

In the FIA championship of course, Nico still trails Wurz in the standings. However, this is largely due to Wurz's podium finish in Canada followed by his fourth place at the Ring. However as the Indy awards demonstrate, by and large Nico has been whipping the Austrian both in qualy and in the race. I'm sure Frank Williams has noticed this as well and doubt lingers as to the Austrian's future within the team.

Nico Rosberg has the benefit of much greater reliability in the Williams Toyota. But take nothing away from the German. He has been driving superbly and I should think if he were in a Ferrari or McLaren, he would be fighting it out with Hamilton. Furthermore, I think its possible that in some races, he'd take that young pup Hamilton to the cleaners.

At the bottom of the table in the Indy awards lie the two Ferrari engined teams Spyker and Toro Rosso. Which team shall end up being the bigger of Ferrari's suckers?

Well enough of commentary, I've got lots of racing viewing to catch up on.

The Indy Awards - Round 13

Here are the results for the Independent Team awards after the Italian Grand Prix. For more information regarding the scoring system please consult this post.

Colin Chapman Award - For Best independent drivers / teams

Drivers
1. Nico Rosberg (Williams)- 11
2. Mark Webber (RBR) - 6
3. Anthony Davidson (Super Aguri) - 4
4. Takuma Sato (Super Aguri) - 3
5. Vitantonio Liuzzi (Toro Rosso) - 2
6. Sebastien Vettel (Toro Rosso) - 1

Teams
1. Williams - 11
2. Super Aguri - 7
3. Red Bull - 6
4. Toro Rosso - 3

Overall Drivers
1. Nico Rosberg - 88
2. Alex Wurz - 62
3. Mark Webber - 57
4. David Coulthard - 43
5. Takuma Sato - 35
6. Anthony Davidson - 29
7. Adrian Sutil - 10
=. Vitantonio Liuzzi - 10
9. Scott Speed - 9
10. Christian Albers - 8
11. Marcus Winkelhock - 2
12. Sebastien Vettel - 2

Overall Teams
1. Williams - 150
2. Red Bull - 100
3. Super Aguri - 64
4. Toro Rosso - 21
5. Spyker - 20


Wag The Dog Award - for independent drivers / teams who beat their respective factory teams

Drivers
1. Nico Rosberg - 6 (2 for qualy, 2 for race, 2 for fastest lap)
2. Mark Webber - 3 (1 for qualy, 1 for race, 1 for fastest lap)
3. Alex Wurz - 2 (1 for qualy, 1 for race)
4. Takuma Sato - 1 (for fastest lap)
=. Vitantonio Liuzzi - 1 (race)
=. Sebastien Vettel - 1 (race)
=. Adrian Sutil - 1 (race)
=. Sakon Yamamoto - 1 (race)

Teams
1. Williams - 8
2. Red Bull - 3
3. Toro Rosso - 2
=. Spyker - 2
5. Super Aguri - 1


Overall Drivers
1. Nico Rosberg - 55
2. Alex Wurz - 35
3. Takuma Sato - 29
4. Mark Webber - 28
5. Anthony Davidson - 22
6. David Coulthard - 16
7. Andrian Sutil - 2
=. Vitantonio Liuzzi - 2
8. Christian Albers - 1
=. Sakon Yamamoto - 1
=. Sebastien Vettel - 1

Overall Teams
1. Williams - 90
2. Super Aguri - 51
3. RBR - 44
4. Spyker -4
5. Toro Rosso - 3

The Indy Awards - Round 12

Here are the results for the Independent Team awards after the Turkish Grand Prix. For more information regarding the scoring system please consult this post.

Colin Chapman Award - For Best independent drivers / teams

Drivers
1. Nico Rosberg (Williams)- 11
2. David Coulthard (RBR) - 6
3. Alex Wurz (Williams) - 4
4. Anthony Davidson (Super Aguri) - 3
5. Vitantonio Liuzzi (Toro Rosso) - 2
6. Takuma Sato (Super Aguri) - 1

Teams
1. Williams - 15
2. Red Bull - 6
3. Super Aguri - 4
4. Toro Rosso - 2

Overall Drivers
1. Nico Rosberg - 77
2. Alex Wurz - 62
3. Mark Webber - 51
4. David Coulthard - 43
5. Takuma Sato - 32
6. Anthony Davidson - 25
7. Adrian Sutil - 10
8. Scott Speed - 9
9. Christian Albers - 8
=. Vitantonio Liuzzi - 8
11. Marcus Winkelhock - 2
12. Sebastien Vettel - 1

Overall Teams
1. Williams - 139
2. Red Bull - 94
3. Super Aguri - 57
4. Spyker - 20
5. Toro Rosso - 18

Wag The Dog Award - for independent drivers / teams who beat their respective factory teams

Drivers
1. Nico Rosberg - 6 (2 for qualy, 2 for race, 2 for fastest lap)
2. Alex Wurz - 5 (1 for qualy, 2 for race, 2 for fastest lap)
3. Anthony Davidson - 3 (2 for qualy, 1 for race)

Teams
1. Williams - 1
2. Super Aguri - 3


Overall Drivers
1. Nico Rosberg - 49
2. Alex Wurz - 33
=. Takuma Sato - 28
4. Mark Webber - 25
=. Anthony Davidson - 22
6. David Coulthard - 16
7. Andrian Sutil - 1
=. Christian Albers - 1
=. Vitantonio Liuzzi - 1

Overall Teams
1. Williams - 82
2. Super Aguri - 50
3. RBR - 41
4. Spyker - 2
5. Toro Rosso - 1

The Indy Awards - Round 11

Here are the results for the Independent Team awards after the Hungarian Grand Prix. For more information regarding the scoring system please consult this post.

Colin Chapman Award - For Best independent drivers / teams

Drivers
1. Nico Rosberg (Williams)- 11
2. Mark Webber (RBR) - 6
3. David Coulthard (RBR) - 4
4. Alex Wurx (Williams) - 3
5. Takuma Sato (Super Aguri) - 2
6. Sebastian Vettel (Toro Rosso) - 1

Teams
1. Williams - 14
2. Red Bull - 10
3. Super Aguri - 2
4. Toro Rosso - 1

Overall Drivers
1. Nico Rosberg - 66
2. Alex Wurz - 58
3. Mark Webber - 51
4. David Coulthard - 37
5. Takuma Sato - 31
6. Anthony Davidson - 22
7. Adrian Sutil - 10
8. Scott Speed - 9
9. Christian Albers - 8
10. Vitantonio Liuzzi - 6
11. Marcus Winkelhock - 2
12. Sebastien Vettel - 1

Overall Teams
1. Williams - 124
2. Red Bull - 88
3. Super Aguri - 53
4. Spyker - 20
5. Toro Rosso - 16

Wag The Dog Award - for independent drivers / teams who beat their respective factory teams

Drivers
1. Takuma Sato - 6 (2 for qualy, 2 for race, 2 for fastest lap)
2. Nico Rosberg - 5 (2 for qualy, 1 for race, 2 for fastest lap)
3. Mark Webber - 4 (1 for qualy, 1 for race, 2 for fastest lap)
4. David Coulthard - 3 (1 for qualy, 1 for race, 1 for fastest lap)
5. Anthony Davidson - 1 (1 for fastest lap)


Teams
1. Red Bull - 7
=. Super Aguri - 7
3. Williams - 5


Overall Drivers
1. Nico Rosberg - 43
2. Alex Wurz - 28
=. Takuma Sato - 28
4. Mark Webber - 25
=. Anthony Davidson - 19
6. David Coulthard - 16
7. Andrian Sutil - 1
=. Christian Albers - 1
=. Vitantonio Liuzzi - 1

Overall Teams
1. Williams - 71
2. Super Aguri - 47
3. RBR - 41
4. Spyker - 2
5. Toro Rosso - 1

The Indy Awards - Round 10

Here are the results for the Independent Team awards after the European Grand Prix. For more information regarding the scoring system please consult this post.

Colin Chapman Award - For Best independent drivers / teams

Drivers
1. Mark Webber (RBR)- 10
2. Alex Wurz (Williams) - 7 (6 for race, 1 for fastest lap)
3. David Coulthard (RBR) - 4
=. Anthony Davidson (Super Aguri) - 4
5. Takuma Sato (Super Aguri) - 3
6. Adrian Sutil (Spyker) - 1

Teams
1. Red Bull - 14
2. Williams - 7
3. Spyker - 3

Overall Drivers
1. Nico Rosberg - 55
2. Alex Wurz - 55
3. Mark Webber - 45
4. David Coulthard - 33
5. Takuma Sato - 29
6. Anthony Davidson - 22
7. Adrian Sutil - 10
8. Scott Speed - 9
9. Christian Albers - 8
10. Vitantonio Liuzzi - 6

Overall Teams
1. Williams - 110
2. Red Bull - 78
3. Super Aguri - 51
4. Spyker - 20
5. Toro Rosso - 15

Wag The Dog Award - for independent drivers / teams who beat their respective factory teams

Drivers
1. Mark Webber - 6 (2 for qualy, 2 for race, 2 for fastest lap)
2. Alex Wurz - 4 (2 for race, 2 for fastest lap)
=. David Coulthard - 4 (2 for race, 2 for fastest lap)
=. Anthony Davidson - 4 (1 for qualy, 1 for race, 2 for fastest lap)
5. Takuma Sato - 2 (2 for qualy, 2 for fastest lap)


Teams
1. Red Bull - 10
2. Super Aguri - 6
3. Williams - 4


Overall Drivers
1. Nico Rosberg - 38
2. Alex Wurz - 28
3. Takuma Sato - 22
4. Mark Webber - 21
=. Anthony Davidson - 18
6. David Coulthard - 13
7. Andrian Sutil - 1
=. Christian Albers - 1
=. Vitantonio Liuzzi - 1

Overall Teams
1. Williams - 66
2. Super Aguri - 40
3. RBR - 34
4. Spyker - 2
5. Toro Rosso - 1

The Indy Awards - Round 9

Here are the results for the Independent Team awards after the British Grand Prix. For more information regarding the scoring system please consult this post.

Colin Chapman Award - For Best independent drivers / teams

Drivers
1. David Coulthard (RBR)- 9
2. Nico Rosberg (Williams) - 6
3. Alex Wurz (Williams) - 5 (4 for race, 1 for fastest lap)
4. Takuma Sato (Super Aguri) - 3
5. Christian Albers (Spyker) - 2
6. Vitantonio Liuzzi (STR) - 1
=. Mark Webber (RBR) - 1

Teams
1. Williams - 11
2. Red Bull - 10
3. Super Aguri - 3
4. Spyker - 2
5. Toro Roos - 1

Overall Drivers
1. Nico Rosberg - 55
2. Alex Wurz - 48
3. Mark Webber - 35
4. David Coulthard - 29
5. Takuma Sato - 26
6. Anthony Davidson - 18
7. Scott Speed - 9
=. Adrian Sutil - 9
9. Christian Albers - 8
10. Vitantonio Liuzzi - 6

Overall Teams
1. Williams - 103
2. Red Bull - 64
3. Super Aguri - 44
4. Spyker - 17
5. Toro Rosso - 15

Wag The Dog Award - for independent drivers / teams who beat their respective factory teams

Drivers
1. Nico Rosberg - 3 (2 for race, 1 for fastest lap)
2. Alex Wurz - 3 (2 for race, 2 for fastest lap)
3. Takuma Sato - 1 (for fastest lap)


Teams
1. Williams - 6
2. Red Bull - 1

Overall Drivers
1. Nico Rosberg - 38
2. Alex Wurz - 24
3. Takuma Sato - 20
4. Mark Webber - 15
=. Anthony Davidson - 14
6. David Coulthard - 9
7. Andrian Sutil - 1
=. Christian Albers - 1
=. Vitantonio Liuzzi - 1

Overall Teams
1. Williams - 62
2. Super Aguri - 34
3. RBR - 24
4. Spyker - 2
5. Toro Rosso - 1

The Indy Awards - Round 8

Here are the results for the Independent Team awards after the French Grand Prix. For more information regarding the scoring system please consult this post.

Colin Chapman Award - For Best independent drivers / teams

Drivers
1. Nico Rosberg (Williams)- 11 (1 for pole, 1 for race, 1 for fastest lap)
2. Mark Webber (RBR) - 6
3. David Coulthard (RBR) - 4
4. Alex Wurz (Williams) - 3
5. Takuma Sato (Super Aguri) - 2
6. Adrian Sutil (Spyker) - 1

Teams
1. Williams - 14
2. Red Bull - 10
3. Super Aguri - 2
4. Spyker - 1


Overall Drivers
1. Nico Rosberg - 49
2. Alex Wurz - 43
3. Mark Webber - 34
4. Takuma Sato - 23
5. David Coulthard - 20
6. Anthony Davidson - 18
7. Scott Speed - 9
=. Adrian Sutil - 9
9. Christian Albers - 6
10. Vitantonio Liuzzi - 5

Overall Teams
1. Williams - 92
2. Red Bull - 54
3. Super Aguri - 41
4. Spyker - 15
5. Toro Rosso - 14

Wag The Dog Award - for independent drivers / teams who beat their respective factory teams

Drivers
1. Nico Rosberg - 5 (1 for qualy, 2 for race, 2 for fastest lap)
2. Alex - 3 (1 for race, 2 for fastest lap)
3. Mark Webber - 1 (for race)
=. David Coulthard - 1 (for race)



Teams
1. Williams - 8
2. Red Bull - 2

Overall Drivers
1. Nico Rosberg - 35
2. Alex Wurz - 21
3. Takuma Sato - 19
4. Mark Webber - 15
=. Anthony Davidson - 14
6. David Coulthard - 9
7. Andre Sutil - 1
=. Christian Albers - 1
=. Vitantonio Liuzzi - 1

Overall Teams
1. Williams - 56
2. Super Aguri - 33
3. RBR - 28
4. Spyker - 2
5. Toro Rosso - 1

The Indy Awards - Round 7

Here are the results for the Independent Team awards after the US Grand Prix. For more information regarding the scoring system please consult this post.

Colin Chapman Award - For Best independent drivers / teams

Drivers
1. Mark Webber (Red Bull)- 11 (1 for pole, 1 for race, 1 for fastest lap)
2. Alexander Wurz (Williams) - 6
3. Anthony Davidson (Super Aguri) - 4
4. Scott Speed (Toro Rosso) - 3
5. Adrian Sutil (Spyker) - 2
6. Christian Albers (Spyker) - 1

Teams
1. Red Bull - 11
2. Williams - 6
3. Super Aguri - 4
4. Toro Rosso - 3
5. Spyker - 3


Overall Drivers
1. Alex Wurz - 40
2. Nico Rosberg - 38
3. Mark Webber - 28
4. Takuma Sato - 21
5. Anthony Davidson - 18
6. David Coulthard - 16
7. Scott Speed - 9
8. Adrian Sutil - 8
9. Christian Albers - 6
10. Vitantonio Liuzzi - 5

Overall Teams
1. Williams - 78
2. Red Bull - 44
3. Super Aguri - 39
4. Spyker - 14
5. Toro Rosso - 14

Wag The Dog Award - for independent drivers / teams who beat their respective factory teams

Drivers
1. Anthony Davidson - 4 (2 for race, 2 for fastest lap)
2. Mark Webber - 3 (1 for qualy, 1 for race, 1 for fastest lap)
3. Nico Rosberg - 2 (1 for race, 1 for fastest lap)
=. Alex Wurz - 2 (1 for race, 1 for fastest lap)
5. Takuma Sato - 1 (1 for race, 1 for fastest lap)


Teams
1. Super Aguri - 9
=. Williams - 8
3. Red Bull - 5

Overall Drivers
1. Nico Rosberg - 30
2. Takuma Sato - 19
3. Alex Wurz - 18
4. Mark Webber -14
=. Anthony Davidson - 14
6. David Coulthard - 8
7. Andre Sutil - 1
=. Christian Albers - 1
=. Vitantonio Liuzzi - 1

Overall Teams
1. Williams - 48
2. Super Aguri - 33
3. RBR - 22
4. Spyker - 2
5. Toro Rosso - 1

The Indy Awards - Round 6

Here are the results for the Independent Team awards after the Canadian Grand Prix. For more information regarding the scoring system please consult this post.

Colin Chapman Award - For Best independent drivers / teams

Drivers
1. Alexander Wurz (Williams)- 9
2. Takuma Sato (Super Aguri) - 6
3. Nico Rosberg (Williams) - 5 (4 for race, 1 for pole)
4. Mark Webber (Red Bull) - 4
5. Anthony Davidson (Super Aguri) - 2
6. David Coulthard (Red Bull) - 1

Teams
1. Williams - 14
2. Super Aguri - 8
3. Red Bull - 5


Overall Drivers
1. Nico Rosberg - 38
2. Alex Wurz - 34
3. Takuma Sato - 21
4. Mark Webber - 17
5. David Coulthard - 16
6. Anthony Davidson - 14
7. Andre Sutil - 6
=. Scott Speed - 6
9. Vitantonio Liuzzi - 5
=. Christian Albers - 5

Overall Teams
1. Williams - 72
2. Super Aguri - 35
3. Red Bull - 33
4. Spyker - 11
5. Toro Rosso - 11

Wag The Dog Award - for independent drivers / teams who beat their respective factory teams

Drivers
1. Takuma Sato - 6 (2 for qualy, 2 for race, 2 for fastest lap)
2. Nico Rosberg - 5 (2 for qualy, 1 for race, 2 for fastest lap)
3. Mark Webber - 4 (2 for qualy, 1 for race, 1 for fastest lap)
4. Alex Wurz - 3 (2 for race, 1 for fastest lap)
=. Anthony Davidson - 3 (2 for race, 1 for fastest lap)
5. David Coulthard - 1 (for qualy)

Teams
1. Super Aguri -9
2. Williams - 8
3. Red Bull - 5

Overall Drivers
1. Nico Rosberg - 28
2. Takuma Sato - 18
3. Alex Wurz - 16
4. Mark Webber -11
5. Anthony Davidson - 10
6. David Coulthard - 8
7. Andre Sutil - 1
=. Christian Albers - 1
=. Vitantonio Liuzzi - 1

Overall Teams
1. Williams - 44
2. Super Aguri - 28
3. RBR - 19
4. Spyker - 2
5. Toro Rosso - 1

In A Word

Toyota.

Off Topic: America's Cup

I know next to nothing about sailing. Truth be told I hardly watch any sailing events on the telly. But just as the Ryder Cup is the only golf tournament I watch (despite my hatred for the so called sport), the America's Cup is an event I do not miss.

On occasions like these ignorance is bliss and I can just sit back and enjoy the events of the 32nd America's Cup currently held in Valencia. Time precludes me from following every race closely but I do keep up with events in the news.

I simply do not see how the Italians can win against the Kiwis. Tactics or not, Team New Zealand's boat (simply christened "New Zealand") is simply too quick for Luna Rossa. And the team themselves seem incredibly serious and will allow nothing to stand in their way. I understand from my Kiwi friend that the Alinghi win 4 years ago was a huge sore point for New Zealand, especially since the Swiss challenge was headed by a Cup winning Kiwi, Russell Coutts. When the Kiwis took their third straight victory against Luna Rossa yesterday, the crew did not even shake hands or even so much as smiled. It all seemed business as usual and merely another step towards settling a grudge. The boys on New Zealand seemed ready for a brawl.

But the upset so far has been the exit of Oracle BMW Racing from proceedings off the coast of Spain having lost 5-1 to Luna Rossa. (To be honest, I'm rather pleased about that) Oracle BMW of course had the largest budget of all the challengers. Reputedly BMW even lent their assistance in supplying technology and technical expertise, some of which honed in grand prix racing into the challenge. But alas, it was all to no avail. Despite all the tech and know how, the team allegedly did not gel properly being led by yet another Kiwi, whose abrasive style rubbed the crew the wrong way. Whilst Oracle BMW have been generous with their praise for Luna Rossa and Francesco De Angelis, pundits aren't so sure that Luna Rossa won so much as Oracle BMW lost it. But all credit to the Luna Rossa team for their better spirit and teamwork beating out the technological and financial juggernauts.

What is the attraction of the America's Cup for me? I guess its a mixture of things. The boats look so good and because of their tall sails, never fail to impress me. The teams and boat crews are multinational just like grand prix racing. Like the Ryder Cup, its a battle of pride and I like that. And lastly, rather like motor racing, its not only about the team and crew but also about the vehicle or in this case the vessel. In motor racing the engineers look at mechanical grip. In sailing they focus on hydrodynamics. But aerodynamics effects both sailing and motor racing and plays a big role in determining the performance of the yachts. I am constantly fascinated by technical things (especially things that are raced) and these yachts are simply intriguing. Even Formula 1 engineers seem to be captivated. Adrian Newey has often expressed interest in getting involved.

Well, here's hoping Luna Rossa puts up a bit of a fight and doesn't simply roll over for New Zealand. And lets hope the finals will be a cracker, no matter who wins the Lous Vuitton and goes up against Alinghi.

Before I leave, I would like to express my dismay with the fact that the country that started this, the battle for the oldest trophy in sport, have no challenger on the water. Yes, I am talking about Britain. I mean, even China has a boat and so do the Germans (what the hell do those buggers know about this? And no, its not Oracle BMW I'm speaking of) and even South Africa rustled up a boat from somewhere! Italy have no less than three different teams challenging for the Auld Mug. For a nation that built an empire on the strength of its navy, it seems shameful that Britain cannot muster a proper challenge.

Team Strategy vs Team Orders

The British media calls it team orders, Ron Dennis insists that its strategy. The FIA has just said that no further action is to be taken but prior to that Bernie was calling for blood.

In the first place, if it is team orders, I would be incredibly surprised these early on in the season from a team that has in the past let both drivers loose on the racetrack. Anyone remember when Prost and Senna were both at McLaren? McLaren has mostly been fair to its drivers unlike some other teams. But there have been incidents. Exceptions rather than the rule. Jerez 1997 for instance.

Be that as it may, the British media and Lewis Hamilton himself has expressed displeasure at Hamilton being told to take it easy and hold station behind his teammate in last weekend's Monaco Grand Prix.

But seriously, what the hell could Hamilton have done if indeed he were given a free hand? In 1992, Senna held off a charging Nigel Mansell who was 5 seconds quicker than himself towards the end of the race. Monaco is not a place where you can overtake. And before anyone brings it up, Rubens Barrichello was a fool and did not defend his line when he let Michael through in the 2005 Monaco Grand Prix. Fernando Alonso however has proven himself adept at defending his position in far more difficult circumstances. Turkey last year and at San Marino in 2005 for instance. At Monaco, overtaking is nigh impossible against one such as Fernando.

So what the hell does Hamilton think he could have done? Play bumper cars with Fernando perhaps? Far better to have saved his car and engine for Montreal than do something really stupid as he did in free practise for last weekend's race. If the little prick wanted to win then he should have kept his car on the island during free practise and put a perfectly good car on pole on Saturday and driven a faster starting and middle stint than his teammate on Sunday. He did none of these things and the blame for not winning lies squarely on him. If the British media had any sense, they would have picked this up instead of harping on about holding station.

The British media are well known for this sort of action and in fact have been harassing poor Fernando over the last few months. Whatever may be the case, Fernando simply cannot win with these idiots. You would expect this sort of thing from The Sun or The Daily Mail but even broadsheets like The Times have joined in the melee, acting very much like the yobs who buy their rubbish newspapers.

You see this sort of behaviour from the British media after football matches. And now here it is again (a repeat of Mansell mania) in racing. The only thing for Fernando to do is simply to beat this young brat Hamilton to shut him up and shut the damned yobs up for good.

Ron Dennis claims that it is the best strategy for Monaco. And perhaps he is right. But once upon a time, he asked Ayrton Senna to slow down, also at Monaco. Ayrton lost concentration and hit the wall. Funny how McLaren always seem to run into trouble when asking their drivers to slow down.

The Indy Awards - Round 5

Here are the results for the Independent Team awards after the Monaco Grand Prix. For more information regarding the scoring system please consult this post.

Comments

There a number of real surprises this weekend. First of all, the pace of the Williams and Red Bulls in qualifying was a revelation. Nico Rosberg managed to qualify his car in fifth on the grid and first of the independents. Mark Webber followed him closely, qualifying sixth on the grid and second independent.

More surprising to me was the lack of pace from the two Super Aguris. On average this season, Takuma Sato and Anthony Davidson would manage qualy times that are within two to three tenths of a second of Nico Rosberg's Williams. At Monaco this weekend, the pair were two seconds down. There were a number of reasons for this. The first qualy session was quite a mess with rain falling just before the start of the session. This led to traffic problems for the Super Aguris and then a bad call from the team saw them miss their third qualy run during the first session. Purely a timing mistake. Else I would have thought that if they did go on their normal pace relative to Williams, the pair of them would have made it into the top ten. But as the team themselves humbly admit, they are a young team thats still learning.

The final surprise were the two Toro Rosso. Vitantonio Liuzzi managed to qualify fourth in the first session although as mentioned earlier, conditions this had more to do with conditions than raw pace. In the end though, the Italian managed to 13th on the grid, a marked improvement for the Red Bull sister team. In the race, the Italian crashed but teammate Scott Speed was there to pick up the pieces. Scott ended up finishing in 9th just outside the FIA points. But he did beat Nico Rosberg's Williams, so all credit to the American in this, his best result of the season.

In my previous post today, I praised Nico Rosberg's efforts in the Williams. Its true that he is the leading independent in these awards. But we should spare a thought for Alex Wurz who took the Indy win today. Alex has suffered reliability issues with his Williams, failing to finish in 2 out of the 5 races so far. But when the Austrian has finished a race (on 3 occassions this season) he has beaten Nico 2 out of 3 times. The Austrian is now second in the drivers standings.

Unless Red Bull get their act together soon, it looks like the Indy Awards for both drivers and teams seem destined for Williams. However, I believe Monaco is a very unique and atypical circuit. Normal service should resume as soon as we hit Montreal, where I suspect the Red Bulls once again will be challenging for Indy honours (and who knows, overall FIA honours as well) and I suspect, will be beating Williams. It all depends whether they have the reliability

In the Wag The Dog awards, Williams has become the first team to score maximum points in an event. 6 each goes to both drivers. This means that the both of them have outqualified and outraced both the works Toyotas and also the both of them have had fastest laps quicker than both the works cars. At what that means is that the works Toyotas have been comprehensively and summarily dismissed by the customer. Keep up the good work Frank!

I never thought it would happen but even Toro Rosso has now scored a Wag The Dog point when Liuzzi ended up with a higher grid position than Kimi Raikkonen in the works Ferraris.

Colin Chapman Award - For Best independent drivers / teams

Drivers
1. Alexander Wurz (Williams)- 10 (9 for race, 1 for fastest lap)
2. Scott Speed (Toro Rosso) - 6
3. Nico Rosberg (Williams) - 5 (4 for race, 1 for pole)
4. David Coulthard (Red Bull) - 3
5. Takuma Sato (Super Aguri) - 2
6. Anthony Davidson (Super Aguri) - 1

Teams
1. Williams - 15
2. Toro Rosso - 6
3. Red Bull - 3
=. Super Aguri - 3

Overall Drivers
1. Nico Rosberg - 33
2. Alex Wurz - 25
3. Takuma Sato - 15
=. David Coulthard - 15
5. Mark Webber - 13
6. Anthony Davidson - 12
7. Andre Sutil - 6
=. Scott Speed - 6
9. Vitantonio Liuzzi - 5
=. Christian Albers - 5

Overall Teams
1. Williams - 58
2. RBR - 28
3. Super Aguri - 27
4. Spyker - 11
5. Toro Rosso - 11

Wag The Dog Award - for independent drivers / teams who beat their respective factory teams

Drivers
1. Alex Wurz - 6 (2 for qualy, 2 for race, 2 for fastest lap)
=. Nico Rosberg - 6 (2 for qualy, 2 for race, 2 for fastest lap)
3. David Coulthard - 2 (1 for qualy, 1 for fastest lap)
4. Mark Webber - 1 (for qualy)
=. Vitantonio Liuzzi - 1 (for qualy)


Teams
1. Williams - 12
2. Red Bull - 3
3. Spyker - 1

Overall Drivers
1. Nico Rosberg - 23
2. Takuma Sato - 13
3. Alex Wurz - 11
4. Anthony Davidson - 7
=. Mark Webber - 7
=. David Coulthard - 7
7. Andre Sutil - 1
=. Christian Albers - 1
=. Vitantonio Liuzzi - 1

Overall Teams
1. Williams - 36
2. Super Aguri - 19
3. RBR - 14
4. Spyker - 2
5. Toro Rosso - 1

TV Coverage

So serious are the Malaysian government in re-signing an agreement for future of the Malaysian Grand Prix, they have pulled the broadcast of grand prix from the terrestrial channels. Nowadays it seems, that all terrestrial channels have been compelled to show the prime time evening news whether they like or not.

This year of course TV3 has dropped live coverage and it was taken over by the government operated RTM 2 (or was it RTM1). What I do not fathom is why they have to show the evening news on both RTM 1 and RTM 2 simultaneously? They're both the same broadcast. Anyone wishing to actually watch the government news can choose either one and therefore they could leave the live coverage on the other.

And therefore, we are forced to rely on Star Sports for our grand prix coverage. I've said this before. The ITV broadcast is heaven compared to the babblings of Steve Slater. Just in case you don't realise the Star Sports crew do rely upon the ITV coverage for their information. And so I find it better to actually watch the ITV broadcast.

If Ross Brawn complains about the lack of situational awareness in the ITV broadcast, then he'll absolutely "adore" the Star Sports coverage. And we in South East Asia (or me at least) suffers for it.

In addition, the coverage shown on our Astro satellite channels are a few minutes delayed due to the government's patronising and condescending censorship regulations. So, inevitably the live timings from Formula1.com doesn't synchronise with the telly pictures.

Thank you very much to the Malaysian government for once again taking away our choices. Your services once again, have been absolutely splendid.

Nico Rosberg

Amidst all the hype surrounding Lewis Hamilton, spare a thought for the 2005 GP2 champion Nico Rosberg. Nico had a great debut race last year, finishing in the points and taking the fastest lap of the race. From then on, his results had largely gone downhill. Sometimes the fault lay with him but in large part it coincided with the worst ever season for Grove in grand prix racing.

This year, Nico looks like he's having a far better time. The Williams of course is no match for the Ferraris or McLarens up front but against cars of similar (or even slightly better) performance, Nico has been doing a splendid job. Both in my Indy awards and in the official FIA standings, Nico is currently the top independent team driver.

In the Indy Awards, Nico has had a couple of wins, a second and a fourth position. The last comes despite having failed to finish in Malaysia, through no fault of his own. Whilst the Red Bulls are looking increasingly quick they haven't had the reliability. In the Indy points standing, Nico has a massive lead and if you follow the Wag The Dog points, you can see that he eats the works Toyotas for breakfast, consistently faster and finishing ahead of them.

All things being equal, its easier being in a quicker car than an average or bad one. Narain Karthikeyan for instance was absolutely amazed at the ease with which the Williams can be driven as compared to the Jordan he was used to. Likewise, I am certain the latest McLaren is better balanced and has limpet like grip compared to the Williams. Thus, Hamilton up front has a far easier time and its easy to praise his successes, considerable though it may be.

However, Nico has a year's experience under his belt and that experience has been hard won on the back of a terrible season for Williams. With those hard times, comes maturity in addition to the raw speed and natural talent. Something that Hamilton has yet to exhibit, for he hasn't had the need to, lucky sod that he is.

God knows if Williams will ever make the necessary quantum leap required to once again challenge for honours at the front but should McLaren or Ferrari require a new driver (not that they really need it right now) then they could do worse than Nico. In fact, if BMW were smart and the time came to replace Nick Heidfeld then their former driver would be a most excellent choice. Its one thing having an exciting hotshoe like Sebastien Vettel in the car. But for the overall package, I think Nico represents an excellent choice.

I do hope however that Williams, now with Toyota power behind them are able to rally in the next few years to give Nico Rosberg the car that he deserves. Inevitably one does compare drivers to that standard benchmark called Michael Schumacher and it would be interesting to see if Nico can develop some of the leadership skills that Michael possesses to lead the Williams team to glory once again. Tall order but not impossible.

Whatever it is, Nico deserves a chance at the big time as much as Hamilton does.

Some Concern For Ferrari

I must be out of my mind writing this. Its no secret, I loathe the Ferrari team. Yes, their successes over the years are admirable but here is a team high on politics and low on sportsmanship and fair play. It has always been so. However, I am a great fan of the road cars. What can I say? They're usually good looking, fast and have plenty of that inimitable Italian style.

More than any other car manufacturer, their successes in racing have built up the romance and passion of their road cars. Here is a manufacturer that can truly make a link between competition and their products, for they have managed somehow or another to incorporate their racing technologies with their road offerings. From a technical perspective, its all good. However, if Formula 1 goes "green" come 2011, I don't see how a biofuel engine fits into Ferrari's road car plans. But lets leave that aside.

So why or what am I so concerned about? The June 07 issue of the UK Car magazine celebrates Ferrari's 60th year as a car manufacturer. It features a test of 10 of the greatest Ferrari road cars ever made. Glad to see all my favourites made it in. Not least the 288 GTO, F40, Dino 246, 308 GTB and of course, the incomparable 250 GTO. Jeez. Don't you wish car makers still did a 3 litre V12 engine? Sweet!

The magazine also had an editorial feature with some disturbing things to say. Its nothing new of course, for the issue had already been discussed on a few F1 websites not least GrandPrix.com and Pitpass, and it is the rampant commercialism by Ferrari.

GrandPrix.com of course must be truly happy. They have been advocating all sorts of ideas (usually taking some NASCAR example) for yet even greater promotion of Formula 1. The dumbest of the lot was the idea for some silly romance novels based on NASCAR. F*****g romance novels?! So surely I would have imagined they'd be thrilled about the idea of a bloody Ferrari theme park, in some damned fool Middle Eastern country.

These are the worst of it but there are other bad ideas that Maranello are involved with. Ferrari notebooks, badly designed t-shirts, sunglasses and oh my god.... even barbie dolls, teddy bears and musical toys! Then of course there's that extremely frumpy dealership they have at that Las Vegas casino hotel where the extremely tasteless can partake in Maranello magic.

To be sure, old man Enzo was a racing man first, road car manufacturer second. By all accounts, he viewed the manufacture of road cars as a necessary evil to finance his racing cars. Stories of his distaste for customers are legendary. How do you think Automobili Lamborghini got established? Ferrucio was one dissatisfied customer. Now, we all know the price of competing succesfully in Grand Prix racing these days, but would Enzo have resorted to some of this blatant and tasteless commercialism to finance it?

The old man, wherever he is right now, simply cannot be at peace and surely he must be turning in his grave from all this commercialism. I realise the importance of economic realities. Ferrari can no longer dig into Fiat's coffers for its racing budget, because its parent no longer has much in the war chest. Hence Ferrari needs to resort to other methods of financing including relying on tobacco money and of course, expanding its production to sell to ever eager and status hungry customers in the East. I know that they have other shareholders apart from Fiat to please, such as Mudabala for instance who want returns not romance. I know merchandising is easy money. A 20 pound sterling t-shirt for instance costs about 50p to make. But do they really need theme parks and barby dolls?

All this commercialism simply dilutes the name. Out the door goes all that history, all the heritage, all the... shock horror... exclusivity. The name ceases to become special. Just another stupid brand like MacDonalds or Nike. I mean really, does the average Ferrari fan (I refuse to call these people tifosi) really get it? Do they understand why that badge carries so much prestige and magic? The true tifosi who do get it I suspect are far fewer in numbers and some Ferrari owners I know do not count as one of these.

There's nothing much I can do about these things but its still very sad. And in the long run, could counteract as the Ferrari name and image becomes all too common, being increasingly associated with the tacky and tasteless. At least they're smart enough to hire some bloke to do brand management. But why should that position be needed in the first place?

Would all of this ever stop me from aspiring to Ferrari ownership? I must say that its an extreme turn off but a Ferrari 308 GTS Quattrovalvole going for under 25,000 pounds sterling is a bloody tempting offer and one that I may just one day decide to succumb to. Nimble, petite and pretty unlike its Eurotrashy descendent, the F430, with lots of style and some small measure of pace and excellent turn in. Brilliant. But soon enough some time in the future (if it hasn't already), I'd wish the Cavallino Rampante wasn't on the bonnet. I'd still drive my car every Sunday though.

Hope You're All Happy Now

I guess we've all heard the news by now. If anyone's still reading my posts, you'll know that I am vehemently against Max Mosley's plans for the future. But as I've said previously, I grow tired of tirades and diatribes against Mosley. So far I've tried hard not say anymore negative things about the sport of Formula 1 I've followed for so long. I am going to fail here.

My argument has and always will be that grand prix racing should be the pinnacle of racing technology. The art and science of going fast. However, I also hold that there should be sensible limits placed upon such technologies so that the driver plays an important role in proceedings and isn't relegated to being the monkey that steers the wheel.

Anything else is rubbish.

But I can see there are lots of things in the new proposals that should make a lot of people happy. I've read calls for limited aero development, increased mechanical grip, road and industry relevance so that you can think that your stupid hybrid MPVs and SUVs has some racing pedigree in it.

To satisfy such needs, you now have standard bodywork which cuts aero development to near zero at the cost of resembling a glorified GP2 championship. You're going to have boost buttons which really doesn't add anything at all in terms of action and excitement. And in the same vein, neither will bloody energy recovery systems.

Never mind that grand prix racing is now going to promote biofuels that are going to result in greater deforestation of the planet as third world countries scramble to take advantage of increased world demand.

Oh and isn't traction control due to be banned in 2008? Yes I thought so but they'll be back shortly. In addition, four wheel drive will make a return as well, ensuring that living tissue in the car actually is the monkey that turns the wheels. Brilliant!

All of this so that more manufacturers will come in and they can sell more cars and use F1 as the ultimate promotional tool. And so that we can attract more casual fans to the sport and hey Bernie and CVC can then make even more money. GrandPrix.com is going to be so pleased. But as more of these manufacturers come in, Minard-coolness is going to be even more confined to the past.

But hey, we all seem to have wanted it, so Max is now aiming to please. Funny. If road relevance is important, shouldn't the FIA be increasing the profile of and developing racing categories like rallying and touring cars? After all, they look uncannily like the cars you and I can drive.

If these new proposals are passed, then Formula 1 as we know it for the past 57 years and beyond will cease to exist. We should all mourn its passing but unfortunately I think many people will actually applaud it.

Rant over. Looking forward to the next instalment of the BTCC.

Update

I almost forgot. As if 2 weekend race engines aren't enough, now Max wants engines to last 5 bloody weekends! Oh the horror...

The Indy Awards - Round 4

Here are the results for the Independent Team awards after the Spanish Grand Prix. For more information regarding the scoring system please consult this post.

Colin Chapman Award - For Best independent drivers / teams

Drivers
1. David Coulthard (RBR)- 11 (9 + 1 for pole + 1 for fastest lap)
2. Nico Rosberg (Williams) - 6
3. Takuma Sato (Super Aguri) - 4
4. Anthony Davidson (Super Aguri) - 3
5. Andre Sutil (Spyker) - 2
6. Christian Albers (Spyker) - 1

Teams
1. RBR - 11
2. Super Aguri - 7
3. Williams - 6
4. Spyker - 3

Overall Drivers
1. Nico Rosberg - 28
2. Alex Wurz - 15
3. Takuma Sato - 14
4. Mark Webber - 13
5. David Coulthard - 12
6. Anthony Davidson - 10
7. Andre Sutil - 6
8. Vitantonio Liuzzi - 5
=. Christian Albers - 5

Overall Teams
1. Williams - 43
2. RBR - 25
3. Super Aguri - 24
4. Spyker - 11
5. Toro Rosso - 5

Wag The Dog Award - for independent drivers / teams who beat their respective factory teams

Drivers
1. Nico Rosberg - 5 (1 for qualy, 2 for race, 2 for fastest lap)
=. Takuma Sato - 5 (1 for qualy, 2 for race, 2 for fastest lap)
3. David Coulthard - 4 (1 for qualy, 2 for race, 1 for fastest lap)
4. Anthony Davidson - 1 (for race)
=. Christian Albers - 1 (for race)
=. Andre Sutil - 1 (for race)

Teams
1. Super Aguri - 6
2. Williams - 5
3. RBR - 4
4. Spyker - 2

Overall Drivers
1. Nico Rosberg - 17
2. Takuma Sato - 12
3. Alex Wurz - 7
=. Anthony Davidson - 7
5. Mark Webber - 6
=. David Coulthard - 5
7. Andre Sutil - 1
=. Christian Albers - 1

Overall Teams
1. Williams - 24
2. Super Aguri - 19
3. RBR - 11
4. Spyker - 2

BTCC Thruxton

I don't get the British Touring Car Championship on the telly and therefore I have to wait a while before I can watch each round. But so far this season, I haven't been disappointed. Especially not in last weekend's round at Thruxton.

Thruxton is an absolutely fantastic racing circuit. Like Silverstone and Snetterton its an ex World War 2 airfield converted into a racing circuit. Unlike Silverstone that has been chopped and changed over the years and slowed down, Thruxton's layout has remained the same since its inception. It currently claims to be the fastest circuit in the United Kingdom and I say amen to that.

To be sure, the racing was perhaps not as bumper to bumper as the previous round at Rockingham or even Brands but the track itself is incredibly fast. Bloody hell, the slowest corner is a chicane and there are no hairpins! But on this circuit with its fast sweepers you can really watch a touring car lean hard on its suspension, skipping and sliding on the bumps and really testing the driver's bravery and commitment. The sheer speed of the cars round the corners is enough to keep one enthralled.

All the races were good especially early on but Race 3 was absolutely spectacular. On lap 2 with Colin Turkington in fourth (and slowing the fast guys behind) as a result of the reverse produced a real heart in the mouth moment. Quite how these guys can go side by side into Church corner is beyond me, but Gordon Shedden managed to take Colin into Church.




But what happened next was even more amazing. They were 6 abreast coming out of it, 7 cars altogether jostling for position (see image above). Giovanardi desperate to find a way through has his wheels on the grass doing 140 mph. Going into the chicane they were still 5 abreast (see image below). Somehow amazingly they all made it and funnelled through the chicane. I swear they weren't going to make it but somehow they all did. Fantastic stuff.



I'm glad to see that the latest Team Dynamics / Halfords Honda Civic Type Rs are exhibiting real speed now. They still need a lot of work though if they are going to regularly challenge the Vauxhalls and SEATs. Bad luck to Mat Jackson this weekend (again). The top 10 though are very mcuh close in terms of pace. Thruxton with all these fast corners is hard on tyres and it seems to me that the Vauxhalls and SEATs have only a slight advantage in speed but a big advantage in tyre management last weeked. Darren Turner in last year's Dynamics Integra Type R was looking bloody good for second if not first but alas his tyres gave up on him.

One of the attractions of touring cars is of course the cars themselves are modified versions of road cars. And therefore I am rather disappointed that BTC Racing simply cannot do a better job with the Lexus IS200s (rebadged Toyota Altezza RS200s). How I wish these cars are being run by Dynamics or WSR. These guys are simply off the pace in a car that theoretically could give the Beemers a good run for their money. I should know, I used to own one.

As I said before it looks like Fabrizio Giovanardi and Jason Plato all the way to the wire this season. The championship battle between these two is close and with Giovanardi taking two wins last weekend the gap between the two stands at 8 points. I'm certain that the others will play a big role in their battle.

The WTCC catchphrase is Real Cars, Real Racing. Real cars, for sure. But in the world of touring cars, the title of real racing belongs to the BTCC.

Circuit de Catalunya

Watching the qualifying session for the Spanish Grand Prix, I've just had my first glimpse of the new changes at the Barcelona circuit. Oh Christ. What the hell did they do to the final two corners?

I wonder, do the FIA think that people enjoy watching the cars taking slow corners? I wonder if most fans actually love this sort of thing? Maybe I'm completely outdated these days but it seems to me that its only the fast corners that really show off the true abilities of grand prix cars. Barcelona's final two corners used to do this.

The attraction of Spa is not La Source but corners like Eau Rouge, Pouhon and Blanchimot. Pouhon especially is a spectacular corner where you can see a grand prix car lean hard into the turn. It also tests the driver's bravery and commitment and his skill and consistency in negotiating the best line in. Thats why Spa is a drivers' track.

I am saddened by the latest changes at Barcelona and to me, they've taken one of the more interesting features of the circuit. These are the sign of the (grand prix) times. Increasing commercialism and corporatisation hand in hand with overzealous obsession with safety taking all the fun out.

Touring Car Overload

This weekend features a total of no less than 4 touring car championship rounds. This being the two major ones the WTCC and BTCC and also the German Touring Cars and Swedish Touring Car Championship. Fastest Lap was right. Sometimes there's just too many racing championships to watch.

So far this season I've managed to catch the WTCC, BTCC and the Australian V8 Supercars. Out of the lot I have to say that the BTCC takes the cake as the best one so far. This weekend is round 3 of the championship in Thruxton. Since Alan Gow retook the reigns at the head of the BTCC, the championship has been transformed from a nearly dead post Supertouring championship into one that goes a long way to recapturing the glory days of 1990s.

If the first round at Brands was good, the next round at Rockingham two weeks ago was even better. Rather like the Indianapolis Formula 1 circuit, its raced partly on the oval and partly in the infield section. But it really is a lesson on how it ought to be done. For the action was extremely fast and furious. Bad luck to Matt Neal because I felt that he could have won again two weeks ago but for the hooligan antics of Tom Chilton (in the ever disgusting Vauxhall) which got Matt all over the place before slamming into the back of Colin Turkington.

Chilton, who looks like a member of a boy band should perhaps actually be in a bloody boyband and leave racing to adults. Look, I understand that in touring cars a little tap and a bit of argy bargy is perfectly acceptable but eejit takes it a bit too far and does it a little too often. He damned nearly t-boned Darren Turner's SEAT in the third race. But perhaps I'm just being biased because Chilton is a Vauxhall driver and I hate that stupid rep-mobile.

But then again, Chilton's teammate Fabrizio Giovanardi exudes class as well as pace. His tactics against Matt Neal and Gordon Shedden both in the Halfords Civics is an example of masterful defending, frustrating last year's champion Neal into a mistake that let Shedden through.

The BMWs look good in the BTCC despite being of 2006 vintage. Colin Turkington and teammate Onslow Cole certainly proving quite fast but the guy I am most impressed with is Mat Jackson in the Jackson Motorsport ex-Andy Priaulx BMW 320si. He's certainly got some speed in the car even if he is a little erratic at times. He reminds me a bit of Pedro de la Rosa and like the Spaniard, he tries really hard and is fun to watch. Matt Neal in fact thinks he is a contender.

Realistically though, this year definitely will be a battle between the Vauxhalls and SEATs for the drivers and team titles. But the beauty of the BTCC is that there are many dark horses. Matt Neal has shown pace in a brand spanking new, untried and certainly untested car. Mat Jackson if he can pull his socks up can certainly challenge the manufacturers as could Colin Turkington and Onslow Cole in the WSR prepared Team RAC BMWs. Its going to be a bloody good season no doubt.

The BTCC is definitely back, which is more than I can say for the WTCC. As I write this, I've just finished watching race 1 of Round 2 at Zandvoort on the telly. And like the Curitiba race, I'm left a little cold. Sure, the Chevrolets have provided a nice surprise this weekend and its great to see cars other than BMWs on the front row but the racing leaves a lot to be desired. The cars are bumper to bumper of course but perhaps its the world championship or perhaps they're all works teams but hardly anyone tries anything. Its early days yet in the championship so it all could improve. I hope it does, I have confirmed tickets to the season finale at Macau!

There are perhaps a number of reasons why the BTCC trumps the WTCC. First and foremost, the sheer number of privateers. All but two teams are private teams. And one thing about these guys, is that they try extremely hard. And privateer teammates seem to have no reservations about battling their teammates for position including all the attendant argy bargy. By contrast teammates in the WTCC try awfully hard not to tangle. There are exceptions of course but in general WTCC teams and drivers are a little shy. Well, this year at least.

Secondly, circuits. I love British racing circuits. Converting a whole bunch of ex World War 2 airbases to racing circuits was always a brilliant idea for those circuits end up being extremely quick. Then of course there's Brands which is a natural bowl and wonderful parkland tracks like Oulton Park. Somehow, the nature of British racing circuits always manages to produce some excellent racing. Surprisingly even the new Rockingham oval manages to produce the goods.

Third is the television coverage. Now, a lot of people complain about ITV's grand prix telecasts but if you compare Eurosport's coverage of the WTCC and ITV4's coverage of the BTCC, I'm sure you'll agree that the BTCC coverage is miles better with a lot more depth. And I much prefer the informal nature of the press interviews with the drivers. Ted Kravitz and Louis Goodman, like in Formula 1, go around the pits although in the BTCC the camera does follow them. In the box, 1992 BTCC champion Tim Harvey and Ben Edwards provide the commentary. And when they talk to the drivers, their questions are far more interesting. Compare that to a WTCC press conference. The lady who asks the questions sounds like she knows bugger all about racing and is merely following a script.

Added to the nature of the circuits, ITV4s camera positions also seem to convey a better sense of speed and puts one in the thick of the action. Whereas Eurosport's cameras make the WTCC cars look like garden lawn mowers, that is to say, they look unbelievably slow and from a telly viewers perspective, a yawn fest.

Apart from these touring car championships, I've also managed to catch highlights of the Swedish Touring Car Championship. I know what you're thinking. Sweden???!! Yes, but consider this, where else can you see BMW battling Mercedes and Audi in the same place. In addition to the big three Germans, there's Opels and of course, the local Volvo. Honda is represented and so is Alfa Romeo. The WTCC can only wish for variety of this sort.

However, I don't undestand a word of the commentary for naturally its in Swedish. Secondly, I have no idea who the drivers are and having just watched my first ever STCC I can't yet form any opinions on who's good and who's not. Third, I think the STCC has got it wrong by running a single race with a compulsory pitstop. They run to the same S2000 specifications as the WTCC and BTCC unlike these championships that feature 2 or 3 short sprint races, the STCC decides to be a bit different. From watching the first race, I think its not a good idea for it results in a spread field with little close racing action. As I said before, only Formula 1 can get away with things like that. But the Sturup racing circuit reminds me of one of those quaint Japanese racing circuits always featured in Best Motoring videos. Narrow and short they may be but perfectly suited for touring cars. I look forward to seeing the next round highlights nevertheless.

Finally, I've also attempted to follow the Australian V8 Supercar Development Series. I've heard so much about this that I actually want to like it. But it suffers two problems.

Firstly, there's no variety. There are only two makes of cars. It might as well be a one make championship. No matter how good the racing might be, I always feel there's just something missing.

Secondly, like the STCC, I have no idea who these guys are apart from James Courtney and Paul Radisich and only because these guys have raced in Europe. Craig Lowdnes? Who he?

But rather like Britain, Australia has some nice, fast circuits like Eastern Creek, Oran Park and Adelaide, so I will continue to follow this championship this season and look at developments.

This year's going to be a bumper year as far as watching racing. Eurosport is finally available on Astro, which is a relief since Astro Supersport and ESPN Star Sports are so bloody golf obsessed (fcuk Golf!!). But already I'm feeling a little overwhelmed trying to watch all these championships. GP2 is on my list and I haven't even started watching the Super GT yet. I don't think I'm going to bother with the FIA GT and Le Mans unless it happens to come on the telly when I switch it on. But I'm glad to see that the BTCC has returned in a big way. If grand prix racing goes pear shape, looks like the alternative is looking good, as it did in the 90s to Bernie E's chagrin.