News and views on motorsports

Sunday, September 23, 2007

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.

Saturday, September 22, 2007

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

Saturday, September 15, 2007

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.

Friday, September 14, 2007

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.

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

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.

Monday, September 10, 2007

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

Sunday, September 09, 2007

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