I couldn't help doing this post.
Especially since the qualifying session is at 12am (SGT), I am unable to sit still while counting down to the pre-finale race for 2010 F1.
The facts are clear.
5 drivers in the hunt for WDC as we go into the second last race for the year.
Indeed, it has been an amazing season and I am glad to be witnessing it.
I don't do predictions, but I certainly hope that Alonso will be able to wrap up his 3rd title tomorrow.
We'll see.
The heat is on!
I was reading a recent article by David Coulthard on Lewis Hamilton is well overdue a change of luck, and this was what I thought was most interesting:
I thought Mark used up all nine of his racing lives with that 190mph upside-down crash in Valencia, but I think he must have tapped into his future reserves of luck on Sunday. Following his collision with Sebastian in Turkey it was the second time this year Mark has escaped with a podium finish while his rival has been forced to retire.
For some who might not have realised, Mark Webber had been unbelievably lucky to have escaped with a podium after surviving that racing incident with Lewis Hamilton.
How lucky?
Quoted from Hirohide Hamashima, chief of motorsport tire development at Bridgestone, (the tire) was just 5 millimeters from slipping off (the rim) after the crash.
-=-=-
Personally (and so does many others in fact), I believe that luck tends to average out in general and this might just not bode well for Mark Webber in the last 4 (or 3) races. Considering the amount of luck he used in recent races, it might well be time to pay them back.
It has to be a zero-sum game. The luckys and unluckys have to even out some how, and so far, he has been using quite a bit of the 'lucks'.
It is just a hunch.
Either that, or I am simply wanting Fernando Alonso to win the championship too much.
Sorry Mark Webber.
You are my 2nd favorite driver to win the championship, but your best friend sits firmly on my number 1 spot.
Whatever the case is, 2010 is going to be the most exciting season ever.
I am glad that it has turned out this way (in a good way) despite the pre-season gloomy outlook.
12 more days to Suzuka!
Really, I felt the need to sum up this post to justify more than what Fernando Alonso achieved at the Singapore Grand Prix 2010.
Here is the statistics of what he achieved solely at the Singapore Grand Prix 2010:
- 25th Career win
- 20th Pole position
- 17th Fastest laps
- 5th Hat Trick
- 1st Grand Chelem (Grand Slam)
Hat Trick: Pole position + Win + Faster lap from the same race
Grand Chelem: Led entire race from pole position + Win + Faster lap from the same race
The last Grand slam acheived was by the all-time great Michael Schumacher at the 2004 Hungarian Grand Prix.
Considering how the tracks & F1 cars have evolutionized, it felt like mission impossible to me, for the drivers in the new F1-era to achieve a Grand Slam. Not that the drivers aren't skilled enough, but the fact that the cars has gotten so close, it makes it almost impossible to obtain a Grand Slam.
Today, Fernando Alonso has just added himself onto the list of drivers whom scored at least 1 Grand Slam.
Tremendous job well done.
Reached home, switched on the computer and started reading my F1 updates.. (It's F1 week @ Germany!)
(Click here!) Fernando Alonso's track rivals have voted him the best driver currently in Formula One
(Click here!) Alonso edges Vettel in second practice
That was all needed to plaster a super huge smiley face on me.
=)
Good luck Alonso, for tomorrow's qualifying & Sunday's race!
(Wrote this post at 0141 and I got lazy halfway. It's 1326 now and I am hoping to finish this up..)
Mixed feelings..
I WAS BORED FOR MOST OF THE RACE.
I was beginning to feel slightly irritated towards 3/4 of the race, cause there was nothing much going on the track except for a very straight-forward race. Typical of the Spanish GP, where aerodynamics of the car rules the track, unless reliability issues decide to take the car out of the race. The (humbly) exciting bits were perhaps the first lap, the Button-Schumacher chase, and the last few laps when Alonso lucked in from P4 to P2.
So for most parts of the race, I wasn't really watching. Concentrating more on my elder cousin's side commentary of the race, and my younger cousin's hyper-activeness around the house.
So Webber was in the world of his own right from lap 1 and was (quote from Alonso), untouchable. Great job.
On the other end of the world was Vettel. A superb car + bad luck + reliability issues managed him a 4th, showing the supremacy of the RBR machinery despite all odds.
While Vettel had some tough luck, Hamilton had no luck. Strong pace throughout the race (although he seemed to be dropping off a little towards the later part of the race.. not sure if he was conserving his tyres & car though..) and a tyre failure (or so it seems? gotta wait for the report..) at the 2nd last lap of the race.
All of that, contributed to the biggest gainer of the race - Alonso. This felt like Bahrain 2010 all over. Staright-forward race, not much over-taking and positions were in their (teams & drivers) hands to lose. Once again, great qualifying from Alonso at P4 + the perfect clockwork of pitstop by the Ferrari team allowed Alonso & Ferrari to capitalise on the others' problems.
Did luck played a factor for Alonso? Yes.
Sheer luck? No.
Remember that he had to worked his way to P4 (during qualifying) and drove his home race perfectly in order to capitalise on that situation.
Despite a boring race, I was grinning through the last few laps of the race till post-race conference. Hehe. =D
So who was my driver of the day?
MICHAEL SCHUMACHER!
So a change in chasis did serve the better for him.
Out-qualified Rosberg for the first time this season (although Rosberg seemed to be having problems with the car), fending of Button for 3/4 of the race, and eventually taking P4 at the end of the race. Despite Button's complaint on Schumacher's defence during the race, it was that kind of Schumacher that I had been waiting to see. I am only 2 years into F1 and did not witness the master-craftman skill that of Schumacher. So Youtube videos were the only sources.
The defence-cum-fight might not have been one of the greatest, but it was still enjoyable to watch.
So really, there are too many people out there who thinks they can predict the future. Deeming how his comeback will be a failure, how he is not what he used to be etc etc. These people should perhaps give me some inspiration on lottery instead, if they are so good at predicting the future.
Until history has written itself, we can only move forward bravely. Till then, the future remains an unwritten history.
-dotdotger
I have always insist that we should never be too quick to judge, in fact, we should never. Who are we to judge? Most of us mistake 'opinions' with 'judgement', thinking that they were merely voicing their opinion, when they have shoved in a whole chunk of judgemental view into their so called 'opinions'.
Opps. Sorry. Side-tracked. Probably would have lost a good whole laps to the race leaders. 
Summary:
Phenomenal job well done to Webber & RBR!
Awesome work by Alonso & Ferrari!
You did your best Vettel, great drive nevertheless!
Welcome back, Shumacher!
Now.. 6 more days to Monaco GP. Let's go!
Woahh.. 
(Above, is the only orginal content I am keeping for this post. After some thought, I decided to delete my content with regards to 2010 Australia GP. Reason being, most of it are pretty much what everyone else is writing about. So below, are some whopping thoughts fresh new from oven.)
Race hero - Fernando Alonso
Wheel spin caused him a bad start and he has no one to blame but himself. Adding that to a flurry of cars squeezing through that narrow turn 1 gave him the ultimatum - a nudge on his car, and a back-spin. All that just about enough to relegate him all the way from P3 to P22 just after turn 1.
Thumb-sucking feeling, I bet.
Just when all hopes seemed lost, Alonso fought back in the most spectacular way.
Muscling his way through the grid, overtaking one car after another with no regards for his machinery, it was amazing. You could see the fighter in him. It was all or nothing, especially when he already had got nothing to lose.
From P22, back to P4. He recovered 18 positions.
Just when everyone is claiming how he lost 1 position from P3 to P4, in actual fact, he gained 18 instead. Qualifying positions is history once the race commence. Only the great drivers can show how one can recover quickly from a setback, all within a single race. Alonso did just that.
The last few laps while he was defending his position was nerve-wrecking and simply spectacular. Even though his tyres gave away a few times and allowed Hamilton a few sneak attacks, Alonso defended perfectly eventually.
Alonso might have had a bad start with only himself to blame. But what he showed in this race was much more. He proved that overtaking was definitely possible in this highly criticised season. He provided action-packed entertainment. He showed how a world-class driver navigates himself through the race, despite the poorest start. Most of all, he recovered (almost all of) what he lost, which was also something he earned to begin with.
Unlucky chap - Sebastien Vettel
I don't think I need to elaborate on this.
"Lucky chap" - Jenson Button
I didn't want to do this but, I feel critical of those who had been highly critical of Alonso's win in Bahrain.
"Alonso would never win if not for Vettel's problem. A lucky win."
Statements like this ought to be shot.
First of all, there was 10 more laps to go and Alonso was prepared to attack Vettel. How would have anyone been able to know what would have happened? Unless that someone has been to another realm, seen the outcome of that battle, and came back to the 'real world' to let us know that, Vettel wins hands down.
Secondly, Alonso earned that win. He had to be in the second position to take fully of that advantage (from Vettel) and he clearly earned it by qualifying P3, followed by an overtaking move on Massa to P2.
Luck did play a part for his win, but it wasn't purely based on that.
A lucky win will probably mean something like starting from P20, having 10 cars in front of you DNF, add some rain to the formula, plus another 9 drivers lost out time during race and you ended up P1.
If you compare the 2 scenarios, the latter definitely required more luck than the first.
Moreover, cars DO break down in races. That is not just bad luck. It is reliability issues. We shouldn't be talking things like bad luck for Vettel and good luck for Alonso. Red Bull is fast, but obviously has a serious case of reliability issues. It has been shown in previous seasons that some of the fastest cars don't get to see the chequered flags as often. That is not bad luck. That is a problem.
I hate to be critical but this is getting on my nerves. Vettel had the race in his hands before his breakdown. Button would have never won if not for Vettel's problem. So Button's race is a lucky one?
I am just applying the same theory bloggers & writers have used with regards to Bahrain GP and it totally doesn't make sense.
Who are WE to say that any of the winner's race is a lucky one? All of the drivers earned their spot, and for whatever reasons, they had to be (at least) in the position to take full advantage of any circumstances. Not everyone can take it, and for those who were able to take it, might not be able to keep it.
Nevertheless, it was a great call on tyres by Button and it was a well deserved win, just like Alonso's in Bahrain.
Very much looking forward to Malaysia GP!
I am always interested in the articles of David Coulthard, in a good way. As an ex-F1 driver, he is always capable of providing insights to the on-goings of the current state of F1. Most of the times, they usually made sense. Unlike some, who simple accuses, states the obvious & they act like they were from the school of theatrics rather than someone whom was one hell of a racer.
Alright. Enough of rants.
What David Coulthard mentioned in the following article seems like something that has been ignored by the FIA. It is one thing to inject new blood into the sport, but another, if it doesn't help the sport.
I do pity the new teams in some way. Even though 2010 is going to be their debut year, they will not only be overshadowed by their car performance, but also by the classic drivers-teams line-up. No matter how 2010 will turn out to be, it definitely go down into the history as one of the classic years.
Dotdotger is a newbie F1 fan whom has been following the sport for only 1.5years till date. For any mistakes, she would appreciate constructive criticism and enlightenment.
-=-=-=-=-
By David Coulthard
Published: 7:30AM GMT 09 Mar 2010
I have heard a lot in recent months about how great it is to have 'fresh blood' in the sport. And I noted with interest the criticism levelled at Ferrari for the scathing editorial published on their website last month, when they belittled the "small teams" entering F1.
Well, I have to admit, I have some sympathy with Ferrari's point of view.
Formula One is not a finishing school. Either you come prepared, or prepare to fail. This is the pinnacle of world motorsport. It's no use them bleating about the fact that the goalposts moved after they joined under a £40 million budget cap. The Formula One Teams' Association never signed up to that cap.
Fresh blood is all well and good but I would argue that the carry-on we have seen over the past few months has been a poor advertisement for F1. First it was going to be four new teams, then Bernie Ecclestone admitted he thought only two of them would make it. Then USF1 collapsed and died, along with the reputations of Ken Anderson and Peter Windsor, who cried wolf so many times.
Finally we are left with three new outfits – Virgin Racing, Lotus and Hispania Racing – although the last of these launched only last week following a last-minute change of ownership and has never turned a wheel in testing.
Has the world gone mad? F1 is a dangerous sport at the best of times but asking teams to just turn up at practice on a Friday before a race is plain irresponsible.
For a team who have been up and running for years it is difficult enough to pass the stringent FIA crash tests while accumulating adequate miles to prove the integrity of parts which are not required to be tested; for instance suspension parts, which as a reminder to all keep the wheels attached to the car.
Even if the new teams negotiate Bahrain without a hitch – and I hope they do – they will be miles off the pace. Again, I feel this degrades the sport and is unfair on the drivers in question. Just ask Perry McCarthy, who failed to qualify for a single grand prix in 11 attempts for Andrea Moda in 1992, how much fun it is scrabbling around at the back of a grid.
Bruno Senna and Karun Chandhok, the drivers for Hispania Racing, are both talented young men under huge pressure. I just hope it doesn't all descend into McCarthy-esque farce.
My advice to them? Drive as quickly as possible at all times during practice. One of the most dangerous things you can do in F1 is to go slowly on the racing line.
That aside, the season promises to be a classic. I certainly can't remember one that looks so competitive. Of the drivers at the four big teams – Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes and Red Bull – only Nico Rosberg has never won a race, and I think he is well capable of breaking his duck this year.
My views on my old foe, Michael Schumacher, are clear. He will be fit as a flea and capable of challenging for honours if Mercedes give him the car. But it won't be easy for him. The likes of Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel are young and fearless. And let's not forget Jenson Button, whose confidence is sky-high right now.
In fact, you would have to be mad to pick a winner at this juncture, it is that open.
David Coulthard is writing on behalf of Red Bull Racing, for
whom he acts
as a consultant.
Original Author: David Coulthard
Article Source: Here
MARCH IS FINALLY HERE!
Great that I am still in this positive mood (duh, for obvious reasons). Hee.
This week begins the period when I wont be returning to work! Taking a breather off work and concentrate full fledge on studies! (or at least I hope)
=X
-=-=-
12 days to Jam Xiao's Singapore concert
13 days to F1 2010 @ Bahrain
18+ days to Macau trip (Macau trip is back!)
66 days to DOOMSDAY
90+ days to (potentially) Taiwan trip
-=-=-
Yesterday marked the end of 2010 F1 winter testing and the (soon-to-be) start of F1 2010!
F1 afficionados would have already know the followings as at 01.03.2010:
[Compiled by dotdotger @ dotdotger.pixnet.net]
Summary compiled only for F1 newbies & my friends. Not like I am an oldie & pro, but I just felt like doing it. =D
Not gonna speculate since everyone else is pretty much saying the same thing.
I'll just state my wish:
Bahrain 2010 Winner - Fernando Alonso
Bahrain 2010 Runner-Up - Felipe Massa
Bahrain 2010 2nd Runner-Up - Mark Webber
Bahrain 2010 Constructor Winner - Ferrari
Well, it's obvious who I am supporting. =D
Hehe. Saw the F1 Widget from ESPNstar.com and 'grabbed' it here immediately!
Totally loving my new blog. It is becoming more like my mini homepage. Hee.
For those who are interested in getting the widget, click "Grab" at the bottom right corner of the widget and choose accordingly. For the embed html code, click 'embed'.
Now, we just need to wait for ESPNstar to update the details to 2010!
54 more days to go!
The F1 atmosphere is slowly burning up with a mere 57 days away from the first 2010 grand prix in Bahrain.
The first official appearance of Fernando Alonso as a Ferrari driver in the Wrooms' event made it even better for me.
26 cars.
Major drivers re-shuffle.
No pit-stop, only tyre-stops.
4 World Driver Champions on the same grid:
Alonso being Schumacher's old rival.
Hamilton being Alonso's old rival.
Button being Hamilton's 2010 team-mate.
How will the story unfold?
8th WDC for MS?
3rd WDC for FA?
2nd WDC for LH or JB?
Or will there be a 5th WDC?
I personally am hoping that FA will get his 3rd WDC.
But whatever the case is,it doesn't get any better than this.
Fernando Alonso is to make his first appearance in Ferrari colours on Monday afternoon, when he arrives at Ferrari's traditional winter ski event.
The 'Wroom' week at Madonna di Campiglio in Italy is an annual media event hosted jointly by Ferrari and Ducati via their shared sponsor Marlboro. It runs until Saturday 16 January, and will see Alonso presented to the press along with his 2010 Formula 1 team-mate Felipe Massa and Ducati's factory MotoGP duo Casey Stoner and Nicky Hayden.
Alonso has already made his first appearance for Ferrari when he visited its World Finals meeting at Valencia last autumn, but as his Renault contract did not officially expire until the end of the calendar year, he was unable to wear Ferrari branding on that occasion. He also spent time at Ferrari's Maranello base before Christmas and began preparations for his first season with the team.
Ferrari's 2010 challenger - designated the 281 - will make its track debut at the first post-testing ban sessions at Valencia on 1 February as expected.
Source: www.autosport.com
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Dotdot's note:
So exciting! As we step into 2010, all the F1 drivers finally broke free from their 2009 contracts and that means..
IT'S SHOW TIME!
Somebody stop meh... or NOT!
01.02.10 will be the start of Winter testing @ Valencia and that is when we get to see the drivers in their new suit and shiny new toy!
(SY screams RED!)
14.03.10 is the long awaited (too darn long!) first grand prix for the 2010 calendar - Bahrain Grand Prix!
Lots of action-packed scenes, drama, gossips. CAN'T WAIT!
Let's go go go!
I want that Ferrari top with FERNANDO ALONSO on it!
[Birthday present anyone? ]
Go nando! 2010 WDC is yours!
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