Wild and Wacky Spa

[CAL]

It all happened in the last 2 laps of an otherwise uneventfull race, which looked like Kimi was going to make it four in a row at Spa.

However, with 3 laps to go the sky opened up and it started to rain, no surpise there. However, Kimi started to loose ground to Hamilton and eventaully he caught Kimi and passed him in the bus stop. Hamilton took a short cut to do it and gave the lead back to Kimi. Hamilton spun and gone off track, a second later Kimi did the same thing and lost the lead back to Hamilton. Kimi was stll on Hamilton's gearbox for a moment before spinning again and smacking the wall.

Mean while Massa is just taking it easy in third, jumped to second with Kimi's retirement, and made up a bunch of ground on Hamilton with 1 lap to go, as the tip-toed through the rain on slicks for another 4+ miles.

The finish,

1. Hamilton

2. Massa

3. Kubica who made a daring move to put inters on in the final laps and was passing everyone.

It's not over though.

Hamilton gets a penalty for gaining an advantage short cutting the bus stop to pass Kimi, he did surrender the position for a second but the stewards feel that he still gain time and track position, which I agree, and is luck he doesn't get another 25 seconds for the second time he short cutted the track.

What does this all mean.

Massa inherits the win, and Hamilton is dropped back to 3rd leaving only a 2pt cusion in his World Championship lead to Massa.

What else it means is without a doubt Massa also inherits #1 for Ferrari as team leader, with 4th place in the Driver's Championship, Kimi 17 pts out and only 5 races left to go. It is clear who is #1. It has to be. I wonder if they will change the camera markings?

And then with all the nerve, Hamliton at the press conferance said, "He (Kimi) should have gotten out of my way."

Let see it was just a few races ago the Hamilton pushed Massa off track not once but twice.

Edited September 7, 2008 by CAL

[gregbbear]

Rain does some funny things for sure! That is one of the things that I love about F1. Regardless, I think Spa is an exciting track. I enjoyed it thoroughly and was worth getting up early for. I didn't know about the post race stuff though. It was clean up time at the station, right before shift change, and my fellow fireman do not share my (or any) interest in motorsports.

I do think that Massa deserves top spot. He is more consistent, and more passionate. Neither driver, I feel is a franchise driver like Schumi. I was excited when I thought Bordeis (sp) was going to get a podium, but a lot can change in a matter of seconds. I feel like he is the closest thing to an American over there after his long stint here in CART.

Well CAL, I'm glad somebody shares my interest in F1. Oh yeah, I saw that the Redbull "power of the darkside" traskit is supposed to be out soon. I wonder what the pricing will be like so I know whether or not I should eat in the next two weeks!

Cheers,

Greg

[CAL]

Rain does some funny things for sure! That is one of the things that I love about F1. Regardless, I think Spa is an exciting track. I enjoyed it thoroughly and was worth getting up early for. I didn't know about the post race stuff though. It was clean up time at the station, right before shift change, and my fellow fireman do not share my (or any) interest in motorsports.

I do think that Massa deserves top spot. He is more consistent, and more passionate. Neither driver, I feel is a franchise driver like Schumi. I was excited when I thought Bordeis (sp) was going to get a podium, but a lot can change in a matter of seconds. I feel like he is the closest thing to an American over there after his long stint here in CART.

Well CAL, I'm glad somebody shares my interest in F1. Oh yeah, I saw that the Redbull "power of the darkside" traskit is supposed to be out soon. I wonder what the pricing will be like so I know whether or not I should eat in the next two weeks!

Cheers,

Greg

We seem to be few and far between in the States.

I just knew something like this was going to happen to Hamilton. I was kind of surpised Speed didn't say they were investigating it because I saw it coming a mile away - not withstanding FIA doesn't like McLaren all that much, but it was clear that when Hamilton couldn't get around Kimi he'd just take a short cut to put him in a better position to get around him. We actually didn't get to see both short cuts he made on TV, and to date I have yet to think the stewards have made a bad call. Which is more I can say for ALMS, which is another story.

I agree, Massa deserves top spot, you can just see it in Kimi his heart isn't in it any more. I wouldn't be surpised if he is cut loose from his contract early, and he or Ferrari wouldn't shed a tear over it. I don't know, it is hard to compare either to Shummi, but Massa has been with Ferrari a long time. He was there test driver for a few years before getting his seat.

And I wouldn't be surprised if Massa is World Champ, and if it was just based on merit he would be. I believe Hamilton has a few more major mistakes in him before the end of this season that will result in DNFs or out of the points. It's just a feeling, but he's gone a while without making a big one, but history shows he does make them - seemingly when it counts the most. He kind of fell apart at the end of last year. I looks like he made one today that cost him though.

Hamilton's biggest short comming is he isn't any good in traffic. He is no Shumi who starts at the back of the field and ends up on the podium, but rather finishes about where he starts. Even for him to qualifing on 2nd and 3rd row is disasterious for him. The other problem Hamilton has, but argulably improving, is he doesn't know how to set up the car. Aloso help him a lot last year until there falling out, and being the seinor driver this year he was clueless. He still regularly locks up the front wheels in a corner - nobody else ever does including H.K. in the other Mclaren - unless they are in trouble.

I like S. Bourdias, but F1 doesn't like him. He and the car has come a long way this season and is getting strong. They don't like CART drivers and Toro Rosso is looking to axe him, for why I don't know other than they don't like him. Look at Scott Speed.

In any event, it's been an exciting season thus far. I have little doubt the last five races will be anything less than spectacular including the first ever F1 night race.

[CAL]

McLaren said they were going to appeal Hamilton penalty, which can or cannot be accepted by FIA, but reading the Mclaren statement the don't have anything to argue. What happened to give Hamilton the advantage happened for the lead exchange. They are going to have to come up with something much better than that to get a FIA ruling overturned.

[Eeyore]

I'm glad I stayed up to watch the end of the race... it was 1am here when it finished! I just can't understand why Ferrari didn't call Kimi in to the pits for a set of Intermediates. He would have lost 30 odd seconds slowing, stopping and trundling back out again but as it was lap times blew out some 50% on the final 2 which he could have easily made up on the wet tyres. Argh it made me so angry. Not to say I am some die-hard Fezza fan (I was a Schumacher fan though) but I’m not into Hamilton at all!

[CAL]

I'm glad I stayed up to watch the end of the race... it was 1am here when it finished! I just can't understand why Ferrari didn't call Kimi in to the pits for a set of Intermediates. He would have lost 30 odd seconds slowing, stopping and trundling back out again but as it was lap times blew out some 50% on the final 2 which he could have easily made up on the wet tyres. Argh it made me so angry. Not to say I am some die-hard Fezza fan (I was a Schumacher fan though) but I’m not into Hamilton at all!

Yeah, that was the gamble, it worked for BMW and Kubica. Easy to say now but what would have you done in the driver seat?

Hamilton is a wanker.

[gregbbear]

I agree that Ferrari's rain strategy hasn't been that great when looking at Silverstone too. But that is my armchair strategist view. Ferrari rarely makes mistakes, just an occasional miscalculation! They are not the same as they were with Todt, Brawn and Schumacher, but they still are great. I've never been a big Kimi fan, but I will root for him just the same. I am tifosi. Yes, Massa has paid his dues, and I think he views Schumacher a lot different than Kimi probably does. If Kimi goes, who do you think will replace him?

Good points CAL about Hamilton. A ton of talent, but needs experience and needs to keep his ego in check. He has brought a lot of excitement to F1 too.

As for STR, they go through a lot of drivers. That is not a good sign. When the team is at odds with whomever they have, maybe it isn't the drivers? They have had some good moments this season, however. Scott Speed left there very discouraged. He did say something that did concern me though. He didn't want to go to CART because he said he was expected to win there, and if he didn't then he would look bad. Good for him since CART is gone, bad in that he was more worried about public opinion than honing/using his abilities. Since NASCAR is all about public opinion, maybe that is why he wanted to go there.

Enough of my uninformed speculation! Kudos as always to speed's broadcast team. It is easy to hear how much they love the sport and they convery F1 knowledge very easily. I just started Steve Matchett's book, "The Chariot Makers". Looks like it will be a good read. His enthusiasm even shows in print.

Regards,

Greg

[crispy]

Another F1 lover here. Tifosi fan to boot.

I was certainly hoping for Kimi to pull number 4 and the rain made it very exciting and had me on my feet. Back and forth until Kimi met with disaster. I've always liked Kimi even at McLaren. He's very quiet and monotone and his actions speak on the circuit. Although this year they match his attitude. I've been wondering what has been going on with him and the cars. I've heard he is not happy with the set-ups he has been given. I'd hate to see him go, but then, if the driver and the team aren't happy it would be best.

I also agree with everyone about the talent Hamilton has, but he's also a bit arrogant. Maybe the success so soon got to his head. He's made small mistakes throughout the year and will certainly make more. Remember his Chinese GP race last year?

I'm looking forward to this night race and the last 5 races. F1 has been much more exciting than NASCAR has been for sure.

As Greg mentioned the commentator crew does an excellent job with the calls. Certainly have a deep affectionate love for the job and racing and it shows each race as well as on their F1 review shows.

Chris

P.S.

I forgot to add what you guys thought about Bernie's tip toe around a US GP event? He sure didn't answer or should I say give anything away.

Edited September 7, 2008 by crispy

[CAL]

That is a good question. Some say Aloso, but I don't see Aloso at Ferrari. Maybe SB?

Definately Massa sees Shumi in a different light. Shumi is Massa personal mentor. A lot of the stunning start a few races ago by Massa was learned from Shumi.

Kimi is just not into it any more. He won is World Championship and that was all he wanted. He is not into the whole F1 deal off the track - the stardom, contracts, sponcers, ads and all the necessary nonsense that goes along with being World Champ at Ferrari, and wants to go back to Finland and ralley race.

I think Hamiltons ego, which he has no sortage of, has got the best of him.

It is hard to say what STR's issue is.

The Speed team is tops!

Yeah, Bernnie is up to something. I got that much, what though? I guess time will tell. I believe there will be a US GP in the near future, but I doubt it will be at Indy.

BTW, I have watched the tape of Hamiltons in car camera several times. He never lifted, as McLaren is arguing. It is probably unlikely that they will even get their appeal accepted and they will never win. I am pretty sure Massa win today will stick.

I would also venture a guess Massa was told not to get into any scraps with Kimi on the track.

Edited September 8, 2008 by CAL

[Roadkill2525]

Yeah, Bernnie is up to something. I got that much, what though? I guess time will tell. I believe there will be a US GP in the near future, but I doubt it will be at Indy.

Go back to Long Beach!!!

[CAL]

Go back to Long Beach!!!

He has been to Vegas a few times, it could be there. I don't think it would be a good race though.

[Nick F40]

Of course, Spa is probably the prettiest and best track there is and I miss it, I heard from a club member that he's going to get up early to wathc it and I was going to to but I totally forgot!!! I actually wanted to see it. Do they replay them?

Yay Massa!

Race at Sebring!

Who's Shumi? Tifosi?

http://www.formula1.com/results/season/2008/799/

Edited September 8, 2008 by Nick F40

[CAL]

Of course, Spa is probably the prettiest and best track there is and I miss it, I heard from a club member that he's going to get up early to wathc it and I was going to to but I totally forgot!!! I actually wanted to see it. Do they replay them?

Yay Massa!

Race at Sebring!

Who's Shumi? Tifosi?

http://www.formula1.com/results/season/2008/799/

If they tried to race at Sebring their cars would break in two.

Shummi AKA Micheal Schumacher.

I the the replay is Wed night. You will have to check though.

All you really need to see is the first and the last three laps. It ALL happens within those 4 laps.

Edited September 9, 2008 by CAL

[kerc]

Click here to see good on-board footage of the Hamilton/Raikkonen duel!

[58 Impala]

It was a great race, I love Spa. Listening to those cars going through Eau Rouge and stay at 19000 rpm for 23 seconds. AWESOME! The end of the race was a bit catastrophic. I agree that Kimi has seemed to have lost the spark. But Massa has it, I think he has a good chance of winning the champiomship. Hamiliton is just plain arrogant, his and Alonso's egos cost them both the champiomship last year. As for the best driver no one can hold a candle to Schumi, I used to love watching that guy drive.

[CAL]

It was a great race, I love Spa. Listening to those cars going through Eau Rouge and stay at 19000 rpm for 23 seconds. AWESOME! The end of the race was a bit catastrophic. I agree that Kimi has seemed to have lost the spark. But Massa has it, I think he has a good chance of winning the champiomship. Hamiliton is just plain arrogant, his and Alonso's egos cost them both the champiomship last year. As for the best driver no one can hold a candle to Schumi, I used to love watching that guy drive.

Except maybe Senna.

[sdrodder]

wow thats info i and my dad didnt even know. Yes i watched and my dad also as he has been watching for atleast 15+ years. Kindof suprising that kimi didnt take it slow like massa. Also what i dont get sort of is when the know they are going to crash why not try and save it? I mean sure drift and have lots of people not like you but hey you saved the car. I mean i saw it as kimi spun he hit the break were in my opinion if he would have gassed it he could have saved it. Well personaly i think massa should have gotten it earlyer in the number one. Well in the first year of hamilton i liked him but now he turned sort of into different person. Well atleast the last 2 laps were sweet.

[Nick F40]

Except maybe Senna.

Yeah even though Senna has only 3 championships and Shummi has 7, Senna is still the Brazilian pioneer. He was in the era where the F1 cars were as real as it gets and it was driver skill and they actually had to take their hands off the wheel to shift and different engines and TURBOS AND 12 AND 8 CYLINDERS!!!! Lotuses and Mclarens, man why don't we have Lotuses? You just heard a lot on Shummi than others but he could race and Hamilton is definetly not the new Schumacher, no way...ever!

Oh come on Chris, so they would bounce around...a lot.....but it would be fast!!!

[CAL]

Yeah even though Senna has only 3 championships and Shummi has 7, Senna is still the Brazilian pioneer. He was in the era where the F1 cars were as real as it gets and it was driver skill and they actually had to take their hands off the wheel to shift and different engines and TURBOS AND 12 AND 8 CYLINDERS!!!! Lotuses and Mclarens, man why don't we have Lotuses? You just heard a lot on Shummi than others but he could race and Hamilton is definetly not the new Schumacher, no way...ever!

Oh come on Chris, so they would bounce around...a lot.....but it would be fast!!!

How many would it have been if he wasn't killed?

Man they would be broke in half before the first lap... you see what happens when the hit a curb wrong the suspension falls off.

I think even those who were saying it have there doubts about Hamilton.

[Nick F40]

How many would it have been if he wasn't killed?

Man they would be broke in half before the first lap... you see what happens when the hit a curb wrong the suspension falls off.

I think even those who were saying it have there doubts about Hamilton.

He could have probably gotten 10!

[Brendan]

wow thats info i and my dad didnt even know. Yes i watched and my dad also as he has been watching for atleast 15+ years. Kindof suprising that kimi didnt take it slow like massa. Also what i dont get sort of is when the know they are going to crash why not try and save it? I mean sure drift and have lots of people not like you but hey you saved the car. I mean i saw it as kimi spun he hit the break were in my opinion if he would have gassed it he could have saved it. Well personaly i think massa should have gotten it earlyer in the number one. Well in the first year of hamilton i liked him but now he turned sort of into different person. Well atleast the last 2 laps were sweet.

To answer your question about why he didn't try to save it is that it's nearly impossible to save that car from a spin when it's hydroplaning like that. If you try to gas it, all he would do is spin the wheels and blown up the motor. Those cars are not like driving a normal street car. The way they have them set up they're on the edge of controllability when they're in the dry. On top of that, they are running slicks. As soon as the tires get cold, they lose all grip unlike a treaded tire. Plus they don't have traction control any more, which would have helped quite a bit. That' s why there's been more crashes this year in the rain than in years past.