Formula One 2012

[Howlindawg]

I'll be watching on the BBC again this year and I've every confidence in the BEEB making a top job of it.
I'll miss the live coverage but can compensate with an early morning blast through the mountains on the bike before watching the highlights at a civilised hour.

I'd rather put the cash towards going to one of the races than waste it on a Sky subscription.

[Tons of Fun]

As someone that has a $ky sub anyway, I have to admit that I'm intrigued how they are going to use their complete channel. I don't see how the races themselves will improve (it is all Bernie TV at this point) but the practices and build up should be good.

I hope the Red Bulls are kept more honest by the competition and that the people capable of winning races continue to do so. It would be nice to see Mercedes and Renault Lotus increase their competitiveness as well. I reckon Massa and to a lesser extent Webber will fall further back from their team mates and probably lose their slots by the end.

[freefallrob]

The Maclaren F1 Technology Centre



And HRT's new gaff:



Nice....

[Ozexpat]

The Maclaren F1 Technology Centre



And HRT's new gaff:



Nice....

HRT will be lucky to fund that place for a year. At least it reflects their place in the pecking order, and their credibility. Pedro de la Rosa for fuck sake !!

[freefallrob]

Kubica broken his leg again!

I don't know if this is just damn unlucky or careless.....

[Ozexpat]

[s2000db]

I think he was trying to ski without snow or skis....

It's a shame, but I suspect that's his F1 career is now over..

[Craig]

It's a shame, but I suspect that's his F1 career is now over..

I'm sure Felipe Massa hopes you're right

[Ozexpat]

I'm sure Felipe Massa hopes you're right

I really don't think it will have any bearing on Massa's exit.

[Chewie]

I had very serious doubts about his ability to come back from the rallying crash that nearly severed his hand, especially after he parted company with the surgeons responsible for re attaching his hand just before Christmas.

This surely ends his career at the various pinnacles of motorsport, although I’m sure he’ll carry on in one way or another.

A real shame, he was a blindingly fast no nonsense driver who could have been a world champion given the machinery

[Craig]

I really don't think it will have any bearing on Massa's exit.

Some would disagree. Anyway, let's wait and see whether or not it's a moot point. Hope not, poor bugger

[freefallrob]

Williams sign Bruno Senna........hmmmm.....not sure how I feel about that

[Howlindawg]

Indeed - can't help but think they'd have been better served with Rubens for one more season while they adjust to all the other changes they've made.

[Ozexpat]

Money. Pure and simple.

I have followed and been a fan of Williams since 1980. I have supported them during the highs and the lows. They have always been pragmatic and this is another case of plus ca change. I haven't always agreed with their decisions but who am I ?

Senna brings a huge amount of backing plus the marketing potential of a "Senna back in a Williams".

Was it the right choice ? I cannot see it being good to have 2 drivers with limited experience. Maldonado has only had the 1 year. So far Senna has been a part time journey-man. While Senna has the intelligence and technical ability to be able to assist the development of this years car, he lacks racing experience. And you need both to give the team the full package.

All the changes that have taken place over the last year have destablised the team. While never a fan, I think Barachello would have maintained a balance. His experience and maturity would have helped to calm some of the choppy waters.

Williams have often followed the money since the Tobacco heyday. This is another case of having limited funds for the staff changes and car development, forcing their hand. Right or wrong, that's the way they operate.

[Ozexpat]

....and another thing.......it grinds my nuts that somebody of Barrichello standing and longevity didn't get the opportunity to say goodbye to his fans and the circus. From what I gather from his reputation, he will be devastated

[freefallrob]

I don't have a good felling about Senna in a Williams, sorry but I don't........

They should have kept Barrichello, but hey we don't know the whole story.

Best cars, best drivers? Not anymore, actually not been like that for a while, shame.......

[Ozexpat]

Sutil is a steady performer but was out of the picture once he was charged with assault from the fracas in that Shanghai nightclub. Senna has the money and marketing potential. Barrichello has some money but huge experience.

What would I choose ?
Take Senna and Barrichello. Get rid of Maldonado.

But hey, I don't get to make these decisions

[hifiwigwam]

Sutil is a steady performer but was out of the picture once he was charged with assault from the fracas in that Japanese nightclub. Senna has the money and marketing potential. Barrichello has some money but huge experience.

What would I choose ?
Take Senna and Barrichello. Get rid of Maldonado.

But hey, I don't get to make these decisions

If it were my choice i'd take Senna and drop Rubens and keep Sutil.

[Deadhead]

Rupert Fucking Murdoch.






Especially putting money in his pocket, I wouldn't pay for Sky under any circumstances.

Me too! Absolutely.

[Deadhead]

I understand that Martin Brundle will only be on Sky. IMHO that's a big shame. I thought he was by far and away the best commentator. Another reason why, like some others on here, my enthusiasm is waning.