Another Team Order?!?!?!

After Qualifying on Saturday, I really thought its going to be different for this this race? Why so different? I really though Vettel may take the lead & win the race being pole other then Button. Unfortunately Vettel lost his grip & spun out of the track. Button overtook Vettel & the race winner had been decided...

What so frustrating is, Vettel was put on a 3 Pit Stop strategy while Webber was on 2! Was it a team order? Was it a punishment for Vettel loosing his position to Button during the 1st 3 laps of the race? Was it?!?!?!?!

During mid race, Vettel was so close to Button - < a fraction of second apart. You can see Vettel was pushing Button hard & almost made Button loosing his foot hold on this position. But the unexpected happen! Vettel being called it pit for a regular pit stop! What kind of strategy is this! I believe if Vettel to continue to push further, Button will loose his cool...



Well its obvious you wouldn't see a happy Vettel on the podium as well....More news from www.f1-live.com
Sebastian Vettel admitted feeling somewhat frustrated following the 58-lap Turkish Grand Prix that saw rival Jenson Button extend his already large championship advantage with another win while poor team strategy cost him second place to team-mate Mark Webber.

After running wide into turn nine and then losing time out of turn ten on the first lap, pole-sitter Vettel dropped out of the lead and behind Button. This would prove to be a decisive as Vettel then focussed his attention to keep the Brawn Mercedes in sight and Red Bull Renault team-mate Webber behind.

However, Red Bull opted to keep Vettel on a three stop strategy in the hope that later in the race he could catch and pass the championship leader to record the race win - an unlikely scenario given the pace of the Brawn in practice and qualifying. This was also a surprise to the young German star as well as to the paddock.

"After the first stint it was more or less clear that I was short on fuel and therefore I was surprised that we still went on a three stop strategy as from there onwards it did not make much sense especially as I caught up Jenson in my middle stint and lost time there," Vettel explained. "I basically lost the race to Mark as well, so all in all we probably didn't do the best job there."

The battle for second however still remained. Following his third stop for fuel and tyres, Vettel quickly closed in on Webber before team instruction told him to save the car and not to try and gain second position.

"I was surprised it was that much and then my engineer came on the radio and said Mark was faster," he continued. "I think I just have to ask you what you would do in this kind of situation. You start from pole, you realise that your strategy doesn't work as it was supposed to and you're not in the position you want to be, so the last thing you do is just go round slowly and drive the car home. I think both of us turned down the engines but I enjoy driving, so I would rather continue to go quickly than start to slow down and carry the car home."

"At this point I haven't spoken to the team but at this point I don't yet understand why we were still on a three stop. I think a two stop would have just secured second position. We tried; it didn't work, so we'll know next time."

Vettel is clearly frustrated this evening as he now trails Button by a massive 32 points, a gap that is almost impossible to regain. Furthermore, Webber's second position moves him just 1.5 points behind.

Team Principal Christian Horner was keen to diffuse the issue in his post race statement claiming that Vettel's lap one mistake had essentially forced the team to remain with a three stop strategy.

"Unfortunately for Sebastian, after a good start and having led on the first lap, he made a small mistake which allowed Jenson to pass," Horner stated. "Our only chance to then have a go at Jenson was a three-stop strategy, which is what we elected to do. It relied on us overtaking Jenson in the second stint, but unfortunately Sebastian didn't manage that today and the time lost was the difference between second and third."

Earl ALEXANDER
© CAPSIS International

Google expanding their Global Footprint

Google is almost every where! You log into Google homepage, there are so many things which this primary search machine can offer.
You can search information, images, news etc.. Plus now there are Google Mail, Google Apps & even Google Earth!
Hehe my blog is also Powered by Google too!

Now they are even more adventurous. Google may enter F1 as a sponsor. News from www.f1-live.com

Google may enter F1 as sponsor
Co-founder Larry Page takes in Monte Carlo

The famous internet brand Google could soon be seen on the painted carbon bodywork of a Formula One car.

The company's co-founder Larry Page, one of the world's richest billionaires, was a guest of McLaren title sponsor Vodafone at last weekend's Monaco Grand Prix.

Interestingly, the 36-year-old American is a friend of Sir Richard Branson, the British billionaire who has been considering ramping up his Virgin backing of the dominant Brawn team.

Page was married on Branson's own Caribbean island, and the pair have also been linked in various business ventures.

Brawn is not the only team interested in Google sponsorship, however; every major outfit on the grid is believed to have put out the feelers as to how serious Page's interest is.

Source: GMM
© CAPSIS International

Another Button Win

F1 beginning to be almost predictable over the last Races. Its like...

Button will take pole
Button will lead
Button will win

What happen to the rest of the drivers?
Ferrari struggled for the last 5 races of being diffuser-less. Car not performing per standard & also reliability issues.
McLaren is worst. Crappy car & Heikki Kovalainen crashes out almost every other race. Hamilton struggles with the most crappiest car throughout his entire career in racing. Overly pushes car & bang out he goes in Q1 for Monaco!
BMW don't know what happen, keep scrapping the bottom. Is it KERS or the driver???
My dear Renault - Alonso!!! haiz.. still unable to move up the grid...

Well we know the diffuser gang are doing well. When will the rest catch up????? If this going to maintain for the next few races, World Champion & Constructors Championship shall be decided Spa or Monza!

No more horse run...

Not sure who will be the next team to pull out if Ferrari decided not to participate in 2010.
But come to think of it, Ferrari has a huge fan base. Lots of revenue were generated in related mechanizing & even sponsorship of the races.
Therefore without Ferrari will you think there will be any more F1????

Ferrari's Board of Directors, chaired by Luca di Montezemolo, held a meeting on Tuesday at their Maranello headquarters to discuss business matters, but high on the order were the recent decisions taken by the FIA's World Motor Sport Council regarding the controversial budget cap option beginning next year.

Under the 2010 regulations, teams opting to limit their budgets to 45 million Euros ($60m US) would enjoy much greater technical freedom than other teams, effectively creating a 'two-tier' series within Formula One.

Many teams find the matter unacceptable as it currently stands, and the FIA's deadline of May 29th in order to file entries for the 2010 championship only added pressure to an already volatile situation with some teams speaking of boycotts.

Today Ferrari has boldly stated that, unless common ground can be found, it will retire from Formula One at the end of the current season.

Speaking of the WMSC decisions, a Ferrari statement indicated that "for the first time ever in Formula 1, the 2010 season will see the introduction of two different sets of regulations based on arbitrary technical rules and economic parameters."

"The Board considers that if this is the regulatory framework for Formula 1 in the future, then the reasons underlying Ferrari's uninterrupted participation in the World Championship over the last 60 years � the only constructor to have taken part ever since its inception in 1950 � would come to a close."

A long-standing point of conflict has been the FIA's tendency to move ahead with its plans without � from the teams' point of view � taking the considerations forwarded by the teams under serious review.

"The Board also expressed its disappointment about the methods adopted by the FIA in taking decisions of such a serious nature and its refusal to effectively reach an understanding with constructors and teams," the Ferrari press release continued.

"The rules of governance that have contributed to the development of Formula 1 over the last 25 years have been disregarded, as have the binding contractual obligations between Ferrari and the FIA itself regarding the stability of the regulations."

The Formula One Teams Association is not against the principle of budget capping but many teams have been lobbying against the 'two-tier' system on the basis that the sport, like any sport, should have identical regulations for everyone involved. Now Ferrari calls for a change in the way F1 is governed as well.

"The same rules for all teams, stability of regulations, the continuity of the FOTA's endeavours to methodically and progressively reduce costs, and governance of Formula 1 are the priorities for the future," Ferrari affirm.

"If these indispensable principles are not respected and if the regulations adopted for 2010 will not change, then Ferrari does not intend to enter its cars in the next Formula 1 World Championship."

"Ferrari trusts that its many fans worldwide will understand that this difficult decision is coherent with the Scuderia's approach to motor sport and to Formula 1 in particular, always seeking to promote its sporting and technical values. The Chairman of the Board of Directors was mandated to evaluate the most suitable ways and methods to protect the company's interests," the statement concludes.

Daniel BASTIEN
� CAPSIS International

Controversies & Blunders (Spanish Grand Prix)

Controversies
Do you think its team order in Brawn GP to have Jenson on 2 pit stop strategy while Rubens on 3 instead??

Blunders
Wrong fuel calculation & making the same qualifying mistake again!!

These were the few questions I asked my colleagues whom are F1 fans this morning. All of them gave the same answers!

Yes its team order! Look at the face of Rubens! So unhappy. Ross Brawn was Ferrari tactician during Schumacher days! Well he did made lots of team orders Rubens then. No wonder Rubens was unhappy. Its so clearly portray they are in favor of getting Button on top of the table.

Come to think of it, I am really getting quite sick watching the race these days. Not being sour grape but just week after week Button is winning. No doubt last season it was either Hamilton or Kimi or Massa on the podium but there were still race excitements.

The blunders! Sorry I can't stop laughing..

Race Engineer: "Massa! you are consuming too much fuel for the last lap! Save fuel! Save fuel!"
Massa: "What you want me to do! I am defending my position"

I believe there must be some &^@#* which were censored.

Race Engineer: "Let it go Massa...."
Massa: "...."

Out of no where, Alonso being 16 secs behind Massa on the last lap, shot up & close the gap. He overtook Massa & there were loud roar on the grandstand. I cheer & clap at home too!!!
Go ALONSO Go!!!!

Sakhir - Bahrain

This was exactly how I felt watching the race. Boring. Not because there were no crashes, its just the race was so mundane.

When Button took the lead, its like almost certain if no mistake were made, he will win the race & he really did.

Was quite disappointed with Alonso where there were some good results shown on him during qualifying. Unfortunately the water pump didn't work...

Fernando Alonso gave reporters at the Sakhir circuit a scare immediately after the Bahrain Grand Prix, when he 'nearly fainted'.
The Spaniard finished eighth in the sweltering Sakhir heat, but was almost overcome by dizziness as he spoke with the media in the aftermath of the 57-lap race.

His Renault team explained that Alonso was dehydrated because his drinks pump failed to work during the race.

"He subsequently suffered from dehydration as he got out of the car. He has now fully recovered, said a statement.
Alonso concurred, telling the media he is 'fine'. He finished eighth.
"We only scored one point and so we need to improve at the next Grand Prix,"

E.A. © CAPSIS International
Source: GMM

The Year of the "Under Dogs"?

The other day I was having this conversation with a friend whom he is also another passionate person about Formula 1. Well obviously he started watching the season way earlier then I am. In his era was Schumacher & Montoya racing side by side...

He was saying.. watching the 1st 3 race was so boring cause all the usual favorites like Ferrari, McLaren, BMW & even Renault were so badly or under performed. They either DNF or make silly mistakes where you thought only the Force India may make... (no pun intended :P)

Well look at the current moment after 3 race

1. All the big 4 teams have not even touch pole in qualifying.
   
2. None of them are in the Podium.
   
3. First there is KERS then no KERS. (Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems)
4. A bad diffuser, a make shift diffuser or No diffuser.
5. The Best of all, Ferrari is still Pointless.

Look at now, Jenson Button won 2 race! The Red Bull miraculously maiden won in Shanghai with 1 & 2 placing.

Who do you think will dominate Bahrain? Toro Rosso? Toyota? Williams? or Force India!!! All of us must really change our mind set in watching F1 in this season. Although we are in the year of OX, in F1 its the year of the Under Dogs!

Bizarre "Loved" Triangle

Watching Formula 1 for the last 2 years, this is my 3rd season now, I've never seen such a bizarre race throughout the years. Look at this, its like paddling on wheels (very fast though) in a pond!

The other day I watch some highlights from the show, the commentator was interviewing a fan just before the 2009 FORMULA 1 PETRONAS MALAYSIAN GRAND PRIX race.

He said " I love this place, the weather is great & the race will be exciting!!"

Haha I just wonder will he be regretting to say these after the race ended after 32 laps!!!

Rain is always in the schedule when it comes to Sepang. I can't recall seeing a race there without rain though. Sometimes I wonder can't someone do something on clearing & creating more drainage holes so as when the skies started to downpour (usual sight in tropical countries like us) the entire circuit does not flood like a pond?!?!?!

So much so been said, these are just some of the hilarious moments I can't stop giggling while watching the race... Which I call the Bizarre "Loved" Triangle

Incident (1) The Ferrari duos!

• Filipe Massa has to hold his own "Miss Ella" (Umbrella) when everything calls for halt after 32. His is complaining to his mechanic & also whomever is around him. He talks, hand gestures flying all over & when he was ask to hold his own umbrella, his face fumes! What a rare sight seeing someone in a Formula 1 car & holding his own brollie...

• Kimi Raikkonen had to retire after a wrong decision to change him into wet shoes before the rain starts! Hey whom ever dude whom made this decision has to be shot! Look at poor Kimi struggling on a dry track with wet shoes! But nonetheless he is awarded with Coke & Ice Cream + a change in cool bermuda while everybody is soaking wet in the Rain!!!

Incident (2) The obedient Drivers

• Drivers whom follow the rules stay in the car soaking wet while waiting for a decision to be made by FIA on what were they going to do with the race. Stop it? Continue?

• Mark Webber walking down the track talking to drivers to ensure all has an unanimous decision of stopping the race.

Incident (3) Twilight Race

• To fit the European audience, race was started at almost late in evening. Drivers are complaining of unable to see much with the sun setting dusk. In view of the safety of the drivers & also not having the stop a race prematurely, they really have to consider again whether is it still a good idea for have the same for next year!
  

Call me a Kiasu!

I got this mail on 30th March.

Dear Sir/Madam,

Firstly, thank you very much for helping to make the first Formula One night race such a resounding success. With your continued support in 2009, we hope the FORMULA 1 SINGTEL SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX will reach even greater heights.

As you may have read in the press, we are testing the new upgraded ticketing system before we start public sales on April 9. As part of the evaluation, you have been randomly selected from the SGP database to have the option to purchase tickets before the public release. All the transactions during this period will allow us to “load” test the system.

So if you were intending to buy tickets for this year’s race, we have set aside early bird inventory exclusively for you in return for you booking during the testing period. The prices will be the same as those offered during the public sales starting April 9.

That very Night.....


LOL! Ain't I Fast!!! I am their testers! They are at SAT stage when they launched this. Last year during the initial period of ticket sales, there were a huge bottleneck at the Internet Booking system, ticket sales Hotline & even the physical ticketing booth.

This year, they engage SISTIC, one of Singapore's most reputable ticketing organization to handle the Sales! Everything went smooth sale & I have no problem getting my desired seats!

Believe in Your Dreams

During last Winter of Formula 1 Testing, there are still rumors about what are the fate for Honda Racing. The Mexican buyer suddenly seems to lost interest & there are no takers. Jenson Button & Rubens Barrichello seems to be outta job for Season 2009!

Just about 1 month before the season starts, the announcement of Brawn GP taking over the team.
What are they? Ross Brawn the owner now was the team principle of Honda Racing. They spent the entire 2008 developing this new BGP 001 & he really sadden to see the effort gone into waste.

The rest are history & results speaks the loudest. Both drivers won the 1st Australian Gran Prix in Albert Park. Not since the French Grand Prix in 1954 has a team new to Formula One racing finished one-two on their debut.


Who says Dreams may not come true. There were so many spectacular F1 dreams coming true.

Sebastian Vettel miracle won in Italy - Monza last year.
Fernando Alonso having a bad start in the lack luster Renault R28 work his up through the races & won back to back in Singapore & Japan Fuji Speedway.

Miracles does happens but it just when & where & will it happen to you... I believe in such but also know I don't have that luck to wait for a miracle.

1 in use 2 for spare

Knowing the Ferrari's likes to pull off refueling rigs during pit stops, they really need more then 2 for spare.

Snakie Adventure

Quick Quick… we all have to run to catch the snake at the end of pit..
Fatty Mech - *panting* why the pit lane is sooooo long….


Oh no.. the head of snake refuse to let go?!?!?!?!


Hooray we had finally subdued the snake!!!!


No more mistake this time round… we’ve fed the snake with lollipop :)

Alonso!!!!!

Since Friday Practice till yesterday, that was the only cheer I shouted for the entire race. Whenever I saw a yellow Renault passes by the Grandstand, I will shout "Alonso!!". Well everybody sat around me thinks I am nuts.

When he won the race, I was escalated. For the beginning season, I got disappointed when he can't qualifies within the top 10 & got drop out from the race for whatever reasons. But this for the last couple race, things looks better on the R28. It was 4th in finishing at least for the Monza race.

It was yesterday night where he finally got to stand on the podium & won the 1st Singapore's Night Race.



Sorry only can take pics from the monitor :)

Other then these, while walking to our grandstand we passes by these rows of antique car that was used for the Driver's parade.






On the way we also met some Ferrari's supporters as well.



The weather was not that good as there were overcast during the evening. Luckily it turns out well during the race with also light breeze blowing towards the grandstand.



Last but not least, dinner was at Carls Junior & pics to took on the circuit.

Saturday Qualifying

Yes I was very disappointed when Alonso car just losses the "steam" & passes my our grandstand with no sound at all. But nonetheless he tried his best & he top 2nd & 3rd Practice session. Well we shall see what happen in tonight's race.

Well let me just share some interesting of the grandstand where we are seated.



Its call the Marina Bay Floating Stadium & its build in replacement of the demolishing of our National Stadium. The seating capacity of this stadium is 30,000 people. Imagine I am surrounded by this much of people for these couple of days!!! At the same time, this grandstand also pose a superb view of the Singapore Flyer at the back drop.



Just right after the qualifying, you can see all the track personnel begin at work to pick up any of the debris that fell off onto the track. Up keeping the track free of foreign particles are a must. Salute to these hardworking people!



At the same time I manage to walk closer to the track & took the gravel that was laid on the track.



Well here were some pics of me took on the grandstand & also there were entertainers all around the track to keep every body occupied.

Friday's Practice Session

The sound was magnificent, deafening to ears as well. Finally after 1 year of anticipation, I've heard for myself the first time the roaring sound of the F1 cars. Thank goodness I am well prepared ahead & gotten my brother to buy me the ear plugs (from the Air Force) hehehehe. Those were good!!!

Directions leading to the gate was well indicated, the moment we park our car, there were footprints stickers on the ground leading you to the gate.


We drove the Raffles place & did a longer walk to Bay Grandstand. About 15 minutes. We recon the time spend to walk to City Hall MRT & taking a train back will be longer.

We reaches there almost dusk & able to catch a glimpse of Sunset at our Central Business District.


This is where we are seated. Too bad the screen is blocked by the lamp post.


During the first practice session, Mark Webber crashed out on this turn. This is the turn where Ching Wei speculated Nakajima will crash out instead.



We decided the leave the circuit earlier as there were couple of human choke points. This is what people will see on the walkabout ticket.


Last but not least, a visit to the Anderson Bridge is a MUST.


Waiting for Qualifying Tonight...

Believe in your Dreams

Photo sources from www.todayonline.com

Yesterday race in Monza Italy marks a very significant part of F1 history of all times. Sebastian Vettle (if you understand German, then you could visit his official website as well) being the 1st Scuderia Torro Rosso to be on pole, he also clinches the races in 1st being the youngest driver on F1 history to win a race.

No one had ever expected a small Italian base team in Faenza Italy would win the race.

The morale of this race, believe in your dreams & it will comes true if you work hard for it. However there need some sprinkle of luck as well :)

The Singapore's track is blessed

Don't say Singaporeans are superstitious but this act can be a real blessing. Singapore being a multi-racial society, having to together all religious groups leaders to blessed the track hopefully shall have a nice & safe race end of this month

Prayers for a safe race weekend

THREE weeks from now, the world’s fastest cars will be flying down the 5km Marina Bay street circuit here hitting top speeds of 300kmh.

It will be the first time Formula 1 pilots will be racing at night under the glare of lights.

Safety concerns have never been far away in the build up to the 2008 Formula 1 SingTel Singapore Grand Prix on Sept 28.

Toyota’s Jarno Trulli said last week in Belgium he was a little uneasy after the spate of wet weather here.

Maybe after organisers Singapore GP’s blessing ceremony of the track yesterday, everyone can rest easy.

Representatives from 10 religious groups in Singapore conducted prayers for a successful and safe race here from Sept 26-28.

The idea was the brainchild of Singapore GP deputy chairman Colin Syn, who said: “We are a multi-cultural society and this is something that we are accustomed to here. I believe getting all the religions involved to pray for a safe weekend is a good thing.”

Earlier, Singapore GP chairman Teo Hock Seng gave Today a tour of the track and pointed out some of the safety features of the street circuit. He also revealed why the track was designed as an anti-clockwise circuit.

The main consideration, Teo said, was safety.

“If you look at the last turn before the start-finish straight, it is quite a tight corner,” said Teo. “Had we designed it as the first turn, the start of the race would have been hazardous because the turn there does not allow us to design a safe run-off area for drivers.

“It is a short distance to the beach and there is simply no space to build one.”

Organizers expect at least 100,000 fans to turn up for the race and Teo gave an assurance that they all can look forward to an exciting outing, as plans have been put in place to ensure everyone’s needs are met.

“There are a lot of F&B outlets around the track and they are pretty affordable. I think the fans are going to enjoy themselves, we want everyone to enjoy themselves,” said Teo.

Sources from www.todayonline.com

Excitement on the Track

Who say I am a weirdo that watches F1 only hoping there are some excitement like spins, crashes, overtakes etc...

Last Sunday was the first street race in Valencia. My opinion, the street circuit looks like any of the season's race track but with some buildings & a bridge to cross. *Yawn*

On the overall, its rather an empty piece of land with a circuit slam right in the middle of it. The race was rather boring & the position that qualifies returns the with the podium position as well.

Even at F1-live.com also commented on a boring race.

Formula Boredom at Valencia
no action, very little surprise

Valencia's new Formula One street circuit failed to deliver much excitement during the European Grand Prix on Sunday, the press declared.

"Ho-hum in Valencia," the International Herald Tribune headlined, panning the processional race on the streets of the Spanish port city.

Even the Spanish media did not disagree.

"A boring track," the sports daily Marca admitted, "with hardly any possibilities for overtaking."

"It was a procession, during which nothing happened, except for that which should not have happened: Alonso retiring," El Mundo Deportivo added.

All the expectation of several Safety Car periods never materialised, and podium-getters Felipe Massa, Lewis Hamilton and Robert Kubica finished in the positions they qualified without ever challenging one another.

"It was a Grand Prix with much glamour but no Safety Car," the newspaper lamented.

"The most exciting place was the pitlane," El Mundo said, referring to the incidents involving Ferrari. "A boring race," Spain's Diario Sport echoed. "At this venue, pole position is crucial." BMW Sauber test driver Christian Klien commented: "I was actually surprised that it was a relatively boring race in which nothing really happened." "In the other categories racing here we saw some really good racing with spectacular overtaking," the Austrian is quoted as saying by the Credit Suisse emagazine. Source: www.f1-live.com

Road to Singapore F1 Night Race

To start off this road, I shall not blah blah too much on the tickets purchases as it was rather in a mess. The hot line was forever so hot & they even sent my confirmation letter to the wrong email address. Luckily I called then & the confirmation letter came.

Today 11th Aug 2008, I throttle my way down to SingPost Jurong Point & with a small little girl delight of like getting a huge gift, I waited in the long snake queue for almost 15 mins.

Finally my turn came & I hand over the letter. The counter lady was friendly & told me hold on a minute while she search for my tickets. Seconds later this thing came.



Frankly I didn't expect to collect a box of tickets. I thought it will be like couple strip of papers - the usual ticket alike I meant. The girl saw my shocked & she added, don't worry its just something small inside.

I went home later & ply open this magnificent ticket box. This was what it looks like inside.


HAHAHA.. its really small in there! Took that 2 black things out & the tickets were held in here. This is the cover of the 3 days pass.


Opening the covers up, to my surprise (sorry I've never been to a F1 race, so I don't know how a F1 ticket looks like) the tickets its really like a pass. You know like the company badge with our name & picture on it.


At the same time each pass has its own lanyard as well.


So the front & back of the tickets looks like this...




In addition, the box also came with the map of the circuit + you do's & don'ts for the race.



For those guys whom had not gotten your tickets... what are you waiting for?!?!?!