2014 F1 thread.

[SeatBackForward]

Well SeatBackForward you must have a hotline to Maranello. Vettel is joining Ferrari next year.
Team principal Christian Horner said Ferrari had made Vettel "a very attractive offer."

Nothing quite that exotic.. Was on a Google+ community I receive updates on. They actually had it as a Vettel Alonso swap.

 

[JessicaTam]

Ricciardo and Kvyat at RBR next year.

 

[SeatBackForward]

Ricciardo and Kvyat at RBR next year.

Which dismisses that rumour.. Alonso hasn't ruled out retirement either I gather.

 

[Meggsy]

Let's hope the rain does arrive as forecast (not too much to shorten or cancel the race) and that RBR's gamble to qualify with a wet weather set up pays off.

 

[eastwest101]

Its possible that the entire race could be run under safety car conditions, have they ever not started an F1 race due to conditions? If its safety car from start to finish or its cut short I assume its only half points awarded?

 

[Meggsy]

Its possible that the entire race could be run under safety car conditions, have they ever not started an F1 race due to conditions? If its safety car from start to finish or its cut short I assume its only half points awarded?

No points if the leader completes less than 2 laps before the race is suspended. Half points if between 2 laps and 75% of full distance is completed before race suspended and full points if anything between 75% and full distance is completed.

 

[SeatBackForward]

Dear oh dear, this race shouldn't proceed with that much water already on the track and only more expected..

No doubt the decision will be on a commercial and contractual basis rather than safety or sense...

 

[Pleb Status]

It is a bit wet in Japan....... A bit like Singapore straight after qualifying .... red flag is out.

 

[JessicaTam]

Which dismisses that rumour.. Alonso hasn't ruled out retirement either I gather.

The discussion during qualifying yesterday was Alonso to Williams - although that was just a rumour.

 

[Clivem]

thank goodness .....at last about to race ......

 

[kelvedon]

Very brave overtake by HAM. Now monstering ROS in lap times. Is that the championship overtake?

 

[JessicaTam]

My heart is in my mouth.

 

[kelvedon]

My heart is in my mouth.

Brings things into prespective.

 

[JessicaTam]

Is Nigel asleep?

 

[NFF]

Let's hope for the best for Bianchi.

 

[hummel]

Let's hope for the best for Bianchi.

Exactly. He seems a great driver and personality.

I did read this morning that is breathing by himself which is great.

I've seen some pictures (that I won't post here) and didn't look positive at all so heres hoping he pulls through.

 

[SeatBackForward]

Interesting opinion piece:

The reason the race wasn't run earlier is because F1 czar Bernie Ecclestone will not countenance late changes that will disrupt worldwide broadcast schedules.

Ecclestone would rather a race start on time or thereabouts and be delayed or disrupted for up to hours - once the TV networks are committed - than the inconvenience of bringing it forward.

http://www.smh.com.au/sport/motors...easily-have-been-avoided-20141006-10r0y7.html

 

[hummel]

Interesting opinion piece:



How French driver Jules Bianchi's freak crash could easily have been avoided

I thought it was a badly written article.

On the contrary I heard Honda (circuit owner/promoter) was the one's that said no to earlier time slot.

 

[kelvedon]

I thought it was a badly written article.

On the contrary I heard Honda (circuit owner/promoter) was the one's that said no to earlier time slot.

I read that too. Apparently the FIA asked Honda twice to re schedule the start time but they refused citing inconvenience to the spectators.

Jules Bianchi crash: Live updates after driver hits tractor at Japanese Grand Prix - Mirror Online

 

[Flashback]

Yes, it's due to the Shinkansen tickets being for specific trains that are issued when you buy your entry to the GP which would have been messed up if things changed around.