Live Commenting: Japan - Qualifying
All my forecasts for rain on Saturday have come true! I should have been a weathergirl. However, the rain arrived prior to Free Practice 3, so although the session was declared wet, the track dried out as time wore on. In the last few minutes, things went a little bit crazy and we saw Piquet in P1, with Coulthard in P2. Weird. Things righted themselves slightly and Kubica finished top with Glock close behind. Considering the Toyota’s strong form in all conditions, I’m holding out high hopes for Glock this weekend.
Ferrari left it late before they came out of the pit lane, which was hardly surprising. Lewis Hamilton finished in 11th during the morning session, as he obviously felt comfortable after doing just 8 laps. While his teammate also took it easy in the latter stages.
So, what does that mean for qualifying? It doesn’t look like they’ll be any more rain, so the track will have more time to dry. Grid positions are super important as the action is so close, and if there is any more precipitation, things have the chance to get mixed up even more.
Needless to say, we want your predictions. Who will win the battle at the top? Will the championship be all but sewn up here? Who will get pole for a Fuji?
Also, let us know where you are, how you’re watching, and whether it’s crazy o’clock. Thankfully, ITV do know about qualifying so we will be watching that, whilst looking at the live timing, assuming it is working. See you in the comments!
October 11th, 2008 at 05:01neil said:
Morning all you sleepy headed poms
Lovely sunny day here in perth.
October 11th, 2008 at 05:03neil said:
15 mins till ITV starts broadcasting
October 11th, 2008 at 05:04neil said:
*tumbeweeds*
October 11th, 2008 at 05:04Christine said:
Morning.
October 11th, 2008 at 05:05neil said:
Hi! Looking forward to quali?
October 11th, 2008 at 05:06Christine said:
Always
Any predictions?
October 11th, 2008 at 05:06me said:
hehe. soz, just moving rooms.
all set now.
October 11th, 2008 at 05:07Kathi said:
Morning and goodbye
October 11th, 2008 at 05:07neil said:
fp makes fuji look so sedate in comparison to Singapore - no kerb strikes, long radius low grip corners, so hard to see the work the drivers are doing.
This is an aero track, don’t expect any SC so ferrari macca top 4, not sure after that. no surprises I think, maybe toyta do well vs bmw / renault.
October 11th, 2008 at 05:08Dom said:
Morning everyone.
October 11th, 2008 at 05:09me said:
that was quick
October 11th, 2008 at 05:12LadySnowcat said:
With the greasy track today and probable dry race tomorrow it’s hard to guess set up and I expect some qualy surprises…
October 11th, 2008 at 05:12Kathi said:
I’m going to Ikea in 10Min
October 11th, 2008 at 05:12me said:
tis true. it’s not a great track. mind you what could follow spore?
October 11th, 2008 at 05:13me said:
hey dom.
ahh. you caught any of the action so far.
October 11th, 2008 at 05:14LadySnowcat said:
Qualy versus shopping?….
October 11th, 2008 at 05:14lou said:
hey everyone, gosh it’s cold downstairs. I have my douvet, and have just found the biggest mug i could and filled it with tea (for the warmth and caffine). boy am i pleased this doesn’t happen every week.
So how is everyone tired?
October 11th, 2008 at 05:15me said:
rather. although much happy.
October 11th, 2008 at 05:16Christine said:
I am also under a blanket
October 11th, 2008 at 05:16me said:
that’s not ted?
October 11th, 2008 at 05:16LadySnowcat said:
Here we go….
ITV… will Lewis be mentioned… interviewed… on and on and on….
October 11th, 2008 at 05:16Dom said:
I’m coping surprisingly well, considering i didn’t really get an early night or anything…
October 11th, 2008 at 05:17lou said:
tis kinda fun
the cat has is sleeping on me too 
October 11th, 2008 at 05:17lou said:
i don’t miss steve at all.
October 11th, 2008 at 05:18Dom said:
So Ted isn’t doing it…
October 11th, 2008 at 05:18Christine said:
No, but where’s Ted?
October 11th, 2008 at 05:18LadySnowcat said:
Martin is soooo much better than Steve…
October 11th, 2008 at 05:18lou said:
i meant - the cat *is*….
October 11th, 2008 at 05:18Christine said:
Brundle has a clipboard!
October 11th, 2008 at 05:18lou said:
maybe he didn’t want to do it?
October 11th, 2008 at 05:18me said:
agreed.
October 11th, 2008 at 05:18Flibster said:
Martin already being rude about Blundells shirt.
Have to day it does look like some curtains from the 70’s….
October 11th, 2008 at 05:18Kris said:
*groan*
I haven’t slept a wink
This better be good
October 11th, 2008 at 05:18lou said:
ted! there he is!
October 11th, 2008 at 05:19lou said:
awww
October 11th, 2008 at 05:19Dom said:
There he is. He’s with whitmarsh…
October 11th, 2008 at 05:19me said:
us neither. not sure it’ll be the most exciting qually ever.
October 11th, 2008 at 05:19LadySnowcat said:
Well this Cat is still under the duvet in bed…
October 11th, 2008 at 05:19Christine said:
10% chance of rain.
October 11th, 2008 at 05:20lou said:
hehe martin is very professional. i like this
why exactly do they need Steve, Martin can do it 
October 11th, 2008 at 05:20me said:
the pay steve how much? and for what?
October 11th, 2008 at 05:20Kris said:
Good point lou… Perhaps the BBC will be watching closely
October 11th, 2008 at 05:21neil said:
hey is anyone getting ITV stream yet? I’ve only got ‘next action is quali’
October 11th, 2008 at 05:21me said:
not hurting is chances at all is he?
October 11th, 2008 at 05:22Flibster said:
Nope. He’s doing a damn good job.
October 11th, 2008 at 05:22lou said:
maybe itv think annoying the british public is important.
nope
October 11th, 2008 at 05:22LadySnowcat said:
I find Steve sycophantic and totally dreadful…
He was bad pre Lewis making it big… and he’s got worse…
October 11th, 2008 at 05:22neil said:
gold!
“Sport.de claims that in talking to journalists before the Japanese GP, Lewis Hamilton proclaimed:”I know I am as good as Ayrton Senna” apparently stunning even seasoned British journalists present (though presumably not Peter Windsor) “don’t you know I’m the best?”"I can tell immediately where the line with the most grip is”. Mocking Massa he added that being good on a wet track is not automatic for Brazilians and that Felipe in such conditions “cannot find the limit”…”
October 11th, 2008 at 05:22Christine said:
You can tell they’d all rather be at Suzuka.
October 11th, 2008 at 05:22Spikey said:
morrrrrrning *yawn*
October 11th, 2008 at 05:22lou said:
yay! first time in ages tha the first driver we see is Jenson
hehe this *is* worth getting up for.
October 11th, 2008 at 05:23Christine said:
Nice cup of tea on the straight
October 11th, 2008 at 05:23me said:
speedtv embedded if you refresh.
October 11th, 2008 at 05:24lou said:
hehe
October 11th, 2008 at 05:24Alex Andronov said:
Morning everyone. Did somebody stop Steve flying out?
October 11th, 2008 at 05:24Alex Andronov said:
Martin is doing this well!
October 11th, 2008 at 05:24lou said:
apparently he is doing football things. yay!
October 11th, 2008 at 05:25me said:
hey spikey.
hey alex. yeah, some football people
October 11th, 2008 at 05:25LadySnowcat said:
Sorry neil… you missed all this chat on this in FP3…
5Live were totally nauseous on the subject of Hamilton….
Patrotic fervour came to mind…. if not jingoism…
October 11th, 2008 at 05:25Spikey said:
ahhh I have coffee, no Steve Rider, all I need now is Permanent laryngitis for James Allen
October 11th, 2008 at 05:26lou said:
oh was this when Vettel cried?
October 11th, 2008 at 05:26Christine said:
Hate that Vettel accident. Can’t watch, feel so bad for him.
October 11th, 2008 at 05:26LadySnowcat said:
Did they mention Kimi’s drive from last to third at all??…..
October 11th, 2008 at 05:27neil said:
thanks ladysnowcat, I’ll check out the comments later. But OH.MY.GOD.
October 11th, 2008 at 05:27lou said:
yeah tis very sad
however what a difference a year makes. who would have thought this time last year Vettel would have his first win.
October 11th, 2008 at 05:28Spikey said:
I have gone right off 5live because they are SO pro-Hamilton. Dont get me wrong, I want him to win the title (a few times) but there ARE other drivers there…….
Has onyone else wondered how the aero will be affected by the absence of Dave’s chin next year? :p
October 11th, 2008 at 05:29me said:
yeah. no kidding. i think ed gorman knew it was coming his blog post earlier spent a lot of time pre-defending lewis.
October 11th, 2008 at 05:29lou said:
he drives for Ferrari, and kimi did well… the british press only tend to cover ferrari when they have done something wrong unfortunatley.
October 11th, 2008 at 05:30Spikey said:
OMG did you hear Kimi then? “He has to win the title for himself” ?????? How to win friends, etc…
October 11th, 2008 at 05:30Dom said:
Cue report about Ferrari’s pit stop at Singapore.
October 11th, 2008 at 05:30Flibster said:
Mmmm. Freshly ground coffee made into a triple esspresso.
October 11th, 2008 at 05:31me said:
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/motorsport/article1794429.ece
October 11th, 2008 at 05:31Christine said:
Fair point, isn’t it? He said he’d help where he can, but Massa’s the one in the car.
October 11th, 2008 at 05:32Flibster said:
They all want to win. Team orders are not allowed. If Massa is down in 7th, how is Raikkonen in 3rd going to be able to help?
October 11th, 2008 at 05:33lou said:
crash into lewis
October 11th, 2008 at 05:33Alex Andronov said:
True
October 11th, 2008 at 05:33Felipe Leite said:
That same journalist I told after FP3 made an interview with Lewis yesterday, and Lewis denied that he is better than A. Senna. He said that Senna is the best of all time to him, and that if he can accomplish just a smal part of what Ayrton did, he would be extremely happy.
October 11th, 2008 at 05:33me said:
http://dailystar.co.uk/motorsports/view/54255/Crazy-Lew-is-driving-us-mad/
October 11th, 2008 at 05:34Jordan Allen said:
Morning from the land of the somewhat damp tundra…. I am just wondering would not “carlos The” be a wonderful name for a stuffed Panda?
October 11th, 2008 at 05:34lou said:
nice. :s just what we need..
October 11th, 2008 at 05:34me said:
no idea what tripped the switch in the british tabloids?
October 11th, 2008 at 05:35LadySnowcat said:
Sooooo Lewis says he’s stronger because he is effectively “cleverer” …. and he wonders why we aren’t fans…
He’s in the most flexible car and has a team built totally around him…
What more does he want?….
October 11th, 2008 at 05:35me said:
pdlr: “lewis is natural born… killer”
October 11th, 2008 at 05:35me said:
x1 wdc.
October 11th, 2008 at 05:35Alex Andronov said:
There may be some naked ladies on that daily star page you’ve been warned.
October 11th, 2008 at 05:36Flibster said:
Oooh.
*clicks*
October 11th, 2008 at 05:36me said:
huh?
oh jeez sorry. don’t follow that link.
October 11th, 2008 at 05:36me said:
noooo. didn’t think soz.
October 11th, 2008 at 05:37Jordan Allen said:
What liink is everyone using to see Q?
October 11th, 2008 at 05:37Christine said:
Second time you’ve done that. HEre’s a link, don’t click it! I like this new idea for the web
October 11th, 2008 at 05:37me said:
should be embedded in this post?
October 11th, 2008 at 05:37Christine said:
Looks pretty overcast out there.
October 11th, 2008 at 05:37Alex Andronov said:
hahaha
October 11th, 2008 at 05:37lou said:
haha
October 11th, 2008 at 05:37Felipe Leite said:
I will try to translate what Leiws told:
Ico - During the last week, some websites published that you said you were better than Senna…
Lewis - This is bs. I’ve never said that and, if I said something about somebody, it would definetely not be about Ayrton. He is my favourite driver, was the best of all time and I think that, even today, nobody would be able to defeat him. I have always said that it would be a dream to accomplish just a small part of what he did in his career. It would good if you could correct it in the media.
October 11th, 2008 at 05:39LadySnowcat said:
Autosport also expecting interesting results given that FP3 on wet tyres has stripped off the rubber laid down yesterday…
October 11th, 2008 at 05:39Flibster said:
No nekkids show for me.
October 11th, 2008 at 05:39Michael said:
Morning all. Here’s hoping Timo sticks it on pole!
October 11th, 2008 at 05:40Alex Andronov said:
I am sorry Flibster
October 11th, 2008 at 05:40LadySnowcat said:
I am not at all interested in what Lewis said… I am totally tired with Lewis…
This may be a reaction to 5Live in Q3…
October 11th, 2008 at 05:40me said:
sounds very reasonable to me.
ed’s take:
“The point is that Lewis always tries to do a good job and answer the questions put to him. Inevitably with this amount of contact with us, we ask him about all sorts of stuff - music, politics, other drivers, his place in history, his view of the future for Formula One, his view on this, on that and the other. This is why he is quoted on so many issues. If he was Michaal I imagine he would just say “no comment” to much of it but that is not Lewis and I don’t think it ever will be and I applaud him for that.“
http://timesonline.typepad.com/formula_one/2008/10/change-is-comin.html
October 11th, 2008 at 05:41Alex Andronov said:
So yes. Those predictions that Christine was after earlier.
I think it might be Massa weirdly. Don’t know why. But perhaps low fuel.
Massa
Lewis
Kimi
Kovi
Glock
Now you’ve asked of course Christine you probably should give it a go
October 11th, 2008 at 05:41me said:
hey michael. that would be a turn up for the books.
October 11th, 2008 at 05:42neil said:
hahah that always makes me chuckle, how Mark B always starts his answer with the exact words in the question. Watch him
October 11th, 2008 at 05:42Christine said:
Um… Let me think, and I’ll get back to you.
October 11th, 2008 at 05:42me said:
oh yeah:
1) lews
2) massa
3) kimi
4) glock
5) webber
kovi won’t make q3 (so pole then).
October 11th, 2008 at 05:43Felipe Leite said:
Oh yeah, predictions!
Massa
Lewis
Kubica
Kimi
Glock
Alonso
Vettel
Heidfeld
Kovalainen
Piquet
October 11th, 2008 at 05:43LadySnowcat said:
Bless…
Kubes and bowling…
October 11th, 2008 at 05:43lou said:
my predictions
Kimi - he has to pick up soon right?
Lewis
Felipe
Glock
Alonso
come on christine
everyone will have forgotten by the morning 
October 11th, 2008 at 05:44Dom said:
Some pretty ordinary predictions:
1) Massa
2) Lewis
3) Kimi
4) Robert
5) Fernando
October 11th, 2008 at 05:44Jordan Allen said:
Nothing on Justin TV?
October 11th, 2008 at 05:45Christine said:
Okay:
1) Massa
2) Hamilton
3) Glock
4) Vettel
5) Kubica
October 11th, 2008 at 05:45Jordan Allen said:
Predictions:
Glock wins!
Trulli ==> 2nd!
Kubica
Vettel
Alonso
…….
Button dead last.
October 11th, 2008 at 05:46lou said:
i spy Honda in the background, not Mclaren.
October 11th, 2008 at 05:46Christine said:
No gridwalk then?
October 11th, 2008 at 05:46Flibster said:
I can’t wait for the aero rules next year with no flip ups or winglets.
The cars may actually start looking attractive again.
October 11th, 2008 at 05:46lou said:
sad but prob true
October 11th, 2008 at 05:46me said:
works for me?
October 11th, 2008 at 05:46Spikey said:
if Martin and Mark are like this on screen, what must it have been like when they both drove for Ligier?
October 11th, 2008 at 05:46neil said:
Martin seems to be getting back in shape?
October 11th, 2008 at 05:47lou said:
maybe tomorrow?
October 11th, 2008 at 05:47Flibster said:
Ummmmm…..
Lack of sleep appears to have frazzled your brain. Thats tomorrow.
October 11th, 2008 at 05:47Christine said:
Oh yea.
October 11th, 2008 at 05:47Jordan Allen said:
October 11th, 2008 at 05:47Dom said:
Are they tired of him too, or is it just Steve not being there?
October 11th, 2008 at 05:48me said:
depends, is ted anchoring tomorrow?
October 11th, 2008 at 05:48LadySnowcat said:
Good interview with DC…
October 11th, 2008 at 05:48Spikey said:
(No grid to walk, Christine :P)
oh bless……it’s early
October 11th, 2008 at 05:48me said:
it’s embedded in the post. ^^^ up there
October 11th, 2008 at 05:48lou said:
October 11th, 2008 at 05:48neil said:
see ted stuck the boot in to DC after spore, DC came back fighting the other day on itv.com..
October 11th, 2008 at 05:49lou said:
maybe they will cut to ted and louise doing some interviews while Martin gets to the grid, and then maybe afterwards too, so that he can get to the commentry box.
October 11th, 2008 at 05:49Alex Andronov said:
So anyone predicting rain in this session?
October 11th, 2008 at 05:50me said:
i saw that. thought it was just an internal pr stunt though. thoughts?
October 11th, 2008 at 05:50Scott said:
Logisitically that would make sense. Perhaps Brundle’s just using qualifying to get in some experience ahead of a different role at the BBC next year.
October 11th, 2008 at 05:50lou said:
wow doesn’t Lewis look happy to be asking that question
October 11th, 2008 at 05:50me said:
not i.
October 11th, 2008 at 05:51Dom said:
You can tell he enjoyed saying his name at the end, though.
October 11th, 2008 at 05:51Kris said:
-it definately smelt of PR
October 11th, 2008 at 05:51Christine said:
Doesn’t help his cause at all.
October 11th, 2008 at 05:51Flibster said:
Seems ok if you already have it streaming, new connections come up Not Broadcasting.
October 11th, 2008 at 05:51lou said:
didn’t martin say something about us seeing alot more of him this weekend. That would suggest he is anchoring for the weekend.
October 11th, 2008 at 05:51Alex Andronov said:
Couldn’t they just go to an Ad break come back with Martin
October 11th, 2008 at 05:51LadySnowcat said:
Aghhhhh….
Having Lewis asking a question about his own win has to be an all time low….
October 11th, 2008 at 05:52Jordan Allen said:
All i have is a soccer goalie with teh words “Not Broadcasting” on the embedd to justiv tv above.
October 11th, 2008 at 05:52me said:
ahh, really. ok, i find another.
October 11th, 2008 at 05:52neil said:
tough one to call. I think Ted was honest, but harsh. DC’s comeback is typical of DC
October 11th, 2008 at 05:52lou said:
or they could do that
October 11th, 2008 at 05:52me said:
or… more james
October 11th, 2008 at 05:53Rocket said:
It’s frozen at present, is that “normal”?
October 11th, 2008 at 05:53me said:
nick being very honest about the alonso connection.
October 11th, 2008 at 05:53LadySnowcat said:
Nick Fry…
Hmmm…. he looks awful….
October 11th, 2008 at 05:53me said:
nope
October 11th, 2008 at 05:53lou said:
Nick, just confirm if Jenson is staying or not
October 11th, 2008 at 05:53Dom said:
Nick Fry: “We’re waiting for a yes or a no from a certian driver”
October 11th, 2008 at 05:54Christine said:
I wouldn’t hold my breath if I was him.
October 11th, 2008 at 05:54LadySnowcat said:
Not long now…
October 11th, 2008 at 05:54lou said:
it’s the stubble it makes him look like he hasn’t slept in weeks
October 11th, 2008 at 05:54Jordan Allen said:
Found a working site. Using Speed Network.
October 11th, 2008 at 05:54Alex Andronov said:
Lou just threw to the break. I think they can handle it
October 11th, 2008 at 05:55Jordan Allen said:
Here it is:
http://www.justin.tv/sporrtcenter
October 11th, 2008 at 05:55LadySnowcat said:
That’ll be “We are waiting for a no” then…
October 11th, 2008 at 05:55Rocket said:
D’oh.
Have you a link I might use in another window?
October 11th, 2008 at 05:55Alex Andronov said:
Nick fry can’t really mean that the car prefers the wet can he?
Compared to others perhaps but otherwise they’d do well to add some kind of sprinkler system to the car
October 11th, 2008 at 05:55Christine said:
THe good thing about it being on at silly o’clock is there are only about 2 adverts.
October 11th, 2008 at 05:55Flibster said:
Depends on how much they are offering. A Kimi Raikkonen amount of money would tempt most people.
But, if he wants to win again, Honda are not a good choice. Even with his mythical 0.6′ that’s still put them at the bum end of the grid.
October 11th, 2008 at 05:56Alex Andronov said:
You can click on it and it starts a new window
October 11th, 2008 at 05:56Michael said:
I can’t see them keeping Rubens. It is a pretty safe bet.
October 11th, 2008 at 05:57Jordan Allen said:
Apparentl;y Button’s championship hopes are in about 350 feet of water….
October 11th, 2008 at 05:57Kris said:
No chance of them recalling Davidson if Alonso falls through?
October 11th, 2008 at 05:57Alex Andronov said:
If I was Alonso I’d ask Bernie what to do. That seems to have worked well for Schumi’s career.
October 11th, 2008 at 05:57Flibster said:
http://www.justin.tv/widgets/jtv_live.r9763.swf?channel=sporrtcenter
October 11th, 2008 at 05:57Jordan Allen said:
Sato would be awesome in Honda…
October 11th, 2008 at 05:57me said:
struggling to embed this one:http://www.justin.tv/sporrtcenter
October 11th, 2008 at 05:57LadySnowcat said:
Well…. it’s a temptation to go to Ferrari but to Honda?….
October 11th, 2008 at 05:57me said:
http://www.justin.tv/sporrtcenter
October 11th, 2008 at 05:58lou said:
well there were rumours it was all confirmed but then it’s actually not… and well tbh i think Honda have the best team they are gonna get if they can’t get Alonso.
October 11th, 2008 at 05:58neil said:
?didnt we try that already, he was a useless!
October 11th, 2008 at 05:59Kris said:
but an awful lot of fun
October 11th, 2008 at 05:59Alex Andronov said:
I think so.
October 11th, 2008 at 05:59Jordan Allen said:
Sato was useless for less than a year. Button has been useless since when 200?
October 11th, 2008 at 05:59LadySnowcat said:
Don’t forget he’s been there, done that, and didn’t do that well…
Awesomely dangerous if I recall the position…
October 11th, 2008 at 05:59Felipe Leite said:
agreed
October 11th, 2008 at 05:59Flibster said:
He was very entertaining.
October 11th, 2008 at 05:59Christine said:
Let’s not start that again, please!
October 11th, 2008 at 05:59neil said:
Perhaps an alternative audio stream with benny hill music…?
October 11th, 2008 at 05:59Alex Andronov said:
Well the FIA think there won’t be any rain… So goodness knows what that means!
October 11th, 2008 at 06:00lou said:
October 11th, 2008 at 06:00Flibster said:
Get the dune buggy and prepare for snow!
October 11th, 2008 at 06:00Rocket said:
Thanks again me. Your resourcefullness continues to astound.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:00Felipe Leite said:
and the track seems to be a bit damp yet
October 11th, 2008 at 06:00Jordan Allen said:
oh, Hi Lou, belated Happy Birthday…..
October 11th, 2008 at 06:00lou said:
come on ferrari, one and twos in the last gps
October 11th, 2008 at 06:01lou said:
my birthday is tomorrow
October 11th, 2008 at 06:01Alex Andronov said:
Have the TV guys explained the green tyres. That seems a bit poor.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:01Christine said:
Nasty green stripes are back
October 11th, 2008 at 06:01Christine said:
Wait for it…
October 11th, 2008 at 06:01LadySnowcat said:
Green tyres evident…
October 11th, 2008 at 06:02Jordan Allen said:
Come one, Blown Mercedes-Benz engines in first session….
October 11th, 2008 at 06:02me said:
hehe. i think if you refresh one more time it might be okay now.
justin.tv not being stable today.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:02lou said:
how i would laugh
October 11th, 2008 at 06:02Flibster said:
Raikkonen 1st, Massa 2nd and Hamilton 3rd would make me laugh so much.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:02Rocket said:
Alas it aint working. I’ll just have to watch it virtually.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:02neil said:
Or a suspicios tyre failure… He loves to blame bridgestone doesn’t he?
October 11th, 2008 at 06:02Christine said:
There it is.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:02Jordan Allen said:
Speed coverage is so unbiased….
October 11th, 2008 at 06:03me said:
pole last year: 1:25.3. it was wet though.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:03Alex Andronov said:
I think James actually just summed up the tyres quite well “a bit awkward”
October 11th, 2008 at 06:03Christine said:
Massa is out early.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:03SteveintheUK said:
Those really are green tyres, first time I’ve seem them actually on a car that’s moving, they are really hard not to spot though.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:03Alex Andronov said:
In what way?
October 11th, 2008 at 06:04Jordan Allen said:
Hey a crash into the pit lane entry for hamilton would be pretty cool too. Not quite Senna-iques, but still cool.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:04Christine said:
Sounds like he doesn’t want to talk about it. I am stunned, thought he’d be revelling in this.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:04neil said:
if anyone needs a feed, try this page:
http://axisofoversteer.blogspot.com/2008/10/japanese-gp-qualifying-live.html
October 11th, 2008 at 06:04Jordan Allen said:
No equal protions of hamilton and other drivers. There are apparnetly 19 other drivers. I never knew that watching ITV.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:05Flibster said:
Certainly gives him something to repeat ad infinitum this weekend.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:05neil said:
if anyone needs a feed, try this page:
axisofoversteer.blogspot.com/2008/10/japanese-gp-qualifying-live.html
October 11th, 2008 at 06:05Alex Andronov said:
Maybe he’s not sure who he might be working for next year?
October 11th, 2008 at 06:05me said:
maybe bernie had a word?
October 11th, 2008 at 06:06Alex Andronov said:
Ah I thought you were being sarcastic! Makes sense now.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:06neil said:
Well that’s more likely than worrying about boring people
October 11th, 2008 at 06:06Christine said:
Just BMW, Alonso and Webber yet to leave the pit lane.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:06Alex Andronov said:
Good point Flibster!
October 11th, 2008 at 06:06Felipe Leite said:
It seems that the fastest lap is the second one… Piquet was going faster during his second lap but went to pit. I hope he can get through Q1 without needing that lap…
October 11th, 2008 at 06:07neil said:
on speed: I love that guy who says MOSSA; also the English guy who sounds like a drunken Parky…. (parkinson old guy)
October 11th, 2008 at 06:07Rocket said:
Wouldn’t it be prudent for Toyota to pretend they were racing in Japan every race. That way they’d be at the pointy end more often.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:07Jordan Allen said:
Speed has not even started Qual yet.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:07me said:
who’s doing steve’s traditional question time with lewis this evening then?
October 11th, 2008 at 06:07neil said:
Bawb Varsha says; Feleep MOSSA and Ferando Alondo….
October 11th, 2008 at 06:07LadySnowcat said:
As usual the Macca can be fast from the get go…
October 11th, 2008 at 06:07me said:
hahahah, agreed.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:08Rocket said:
Isn’t that Parky all over anyway, he always sounds drunk.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:08Flibster said:
Just the ability to get heat into the tyres. Soemthing that the Ferrari has never really managed. Always been very gentle on it’s tyres. The McLaren ones are trashed when they come off.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:09neil said:
yeah, a bit pickeld. But the speed guy starts blubbering, and you can telll he think’s he’s said something funny cos he starts laughing at himself - but the other guys haven’t a clue
October 11th, 2008 at 06:09me said:
go bourdais
October 11th, 2008 at 06:09Flibster said:
He is a northerner.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:11lou said:
Come on Button, at least qualify in 16th….
October 11th, 2008 at 06:11Felipe Leite said:
OMG, the commentator around here saw BOU in the timesheets and read Boutsen!
October 11th, 2008 at 06:11me said:
track temp on the increase.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:11Christine said:
Barrichello in 15th at the mo
October 11th, 2008 at 06:12Flibster said:
Where did that come from?!
Picket 2nd!?
October 11th, 2008 at 06:12LadySnowcat said:
Piquet looking good…
October 11th, 2008 at 06:12Jordan Allen said:
Me remembers Boutsen, how is the pension….
October 11th, 2008 at 06:12me said:
webber put in a fast s2 and then entered the pits.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:13lou said:
I just hate it when Jenson does so badly… last is just a horrible place to be
if Rubens can be 16th then why can’t Jenson 
October 11th, 2008 at 06:13Steven Roy said:
Either my eyes ar getting tired or they have found a brighter grren marker pen
October 11th, 2008 at 06:13lou said:
ooo 11th is better
*is not getting hopes up*
October 11th, 2008 at 06:13Alex Andronov said:
Alonso and Piquet both on track at similar times. Were they on different tyres?
October 11th, 2008 at 06:13Jordan Allen said:
Becasue Barri is a better driver?
October 11th, 2008 at 06:13me said:
haha, just bigger on the tv.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:13lou said:
Rubens 9th…
October 11th, 2008 at 06:13neil said:
PK in 2nd?
October 11th, 2008 at 06:14me said:
dc a man of extreme’s jumps to 4th.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:14Alex Andronov said:
I’m finding it much easier on the TV
October 11th, 2008 at 06:14neil said:
must be checking out the softies…
October 11th, 2008 at 06:15Christine said:
I got quite excited when I spotted my first white stripe, then realised it wasn’t actually that hard to tell anymore.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:15neil said:
would explain Buttons pace….
October 11th, 2008 at 06:15Felipe Leite said:
Vettel in the KO zone!
October 11th, 2008 at 06:15Flibster said:
Track is getting much faster - plus the soft tyres are helping a lot.
Also as there is only 1.8 seconds between 1st to 20th which is remarkably close.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:15Christine said:
All bu Kovi, Massa and Glock in the pits.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:15Felipe Leite said:
And both hondas out of it!
October 11th, 2008 at 06:16me said:
unheard off (well lately).
October 11th, 2008 at 06:16Scott said:
I wouldn’t be surprised if Toyota decide to run Glock light in order to grab pole and some publicity at home.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:16Michael said:
13 drivers within 1 second!
October 11th, 2008 at 06:16lou said:
no not yet. give it time though…
October 11th, 2008 at 06:16me said:
i reckon your right.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:17Flibster said:
Given the speed of Glock this weekend, wouldn’t really need to be that light either.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:17me said:
bmw looking most ugly with the green wheels.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:17Felipe Leite said:
the perfect lap would be 0.6 seconds faster than P1. This is very unusual
October 11th, 2008 at 06:18Calum N. Gubby said:
yeah, the green doesn’t contrast well with some teams
October 11th, 2008 at 06:18neil said:
Macca looking pretty awful with that Knob in the middle of their car…:)
October 11th, 2008 at 06:18Alex Andronov said:
That’s the thing. Given how possible it could be I wouldn’t be surprised if they went for it
October 11th, 2008 at 06:18me said:
massa can’t break into the 17’s. goes purple in s1 next time around though.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:19lou said:
wouldn’t it have been easier to have the green on say the harder compound an then just the white on the soft..
October 11th, 2008 at 06:19Christine said:
All but Piquet out on track.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:19Alex Andronov said:
The onboard shots really do make it hard to see the green of the tyres
October 11th, 2008 at 06:19me said:
glock the first man into the 17’s.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:19lou said:
Jenson in the drop zone surprisingly
October 11th, 2008 at 06:19Flibster said:
Tim O’Glock into the 1:17’s
October 11th, 2008 at 06:20lou said:
ready for the mad dash?
October 11th, 2008 at 06:20Alex Andronov said:
My guess is that that they didn’t want people to say “the green tyres weren’t good”
October 11th, 2008 at 06:20Flibster said:
Constantly shuffling on live timing…
October 11th, 2008 at 06:20lou said:
come on Honda!
October 11th, 2008 at 06:20me said:
alonso only just ahead of piquet.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:20Alex Andronov said:
Heidfeld in drop
October 11th, 2008 at 06:20me said:
v. true.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:21Steven Roy said:
Heidfeld out in Q3
October 11th, 2008 at 06:21Rocket said:
Heidfeld?
October 11th, 2008 at 06:21Felipe Leite said:
And Kubica only in 14th!
October 11th, 2008 at 06:21me said:
wow.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:22Alex Andronov said:
Now is this really Honda “Home” soil? It’s the Toyota track
October 11th, 2008 at 06:22Jordan Allen said:
Button Last.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:22lou said:
ach!
damn you RA108! stupid, stupid thing!
October 11th, 2008 at 06:22Spikey said:
i need coffee. this is TOO EARLY!
October 11th, 2008 at 06:22me said:
kazuki getting the better of nico.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:22Dom said:
Oh yeah.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:22Flibster said:
Heidfeld has a contract with BMW for next year now, so he’s obviously relaxed.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:22Christine said:
Glock P1, Trulli P10. Such a difference!
October 11th, 2008 at 06:22lou said:
no. Button 18th, so not quiet last
October 11th, 2008 at 06:22SteveintheUK said:
Oooops
October 11th, 2008 at 06:22Flibster said:
*sups at his second triple espresso :P*
October 11th, 2008 at 06:23LadySnowcat said:
BMWs are looing very challenged by the drier track…
October 11th, 2008 at 06:23Dom said:
Vettel made it through
October 11th, 2008 at 06:23Dom said:
BMWs looking seriously off the pace.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:24Alex Andronov said:
Flibster if you start acting strangely we’ll know what it was
October 11th, 2008 at 06:24Kris said:
Are people going to go back to bed when we’re done here? Or are you all going to try to face the day?
October 11th, 2008 at 06:24Jordan Allen said:
Come on Vettel.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:24me said:
glock was the only man into the 17’s then.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:24lou said:
some one go give Jenson a hug, either that or make him a cup of tea
October 11th, 2008 at 06:24Rocket said:
What’s with Webber and that middle sector? He can’t have cut the chicane again surely?
October 11th, 2008 at 06:24me said:
have to sleep. been up since midday yesterday.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:24Jordan Allen said:
Nice wokre Glock!
October 11th, 2008 at 06:25me said:
wow. he’s really found something there then.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:25Jeannot said:
hey there
October 11th, 2008 at 06:25Alex Andronov said:
Was that wrong? or did I just see the Force Indias as the fastest through the speed trap?
October 11th, 2008 at 06:25Alex Andronov said:
I guess they just forgot to bring their downforce
October 11th, 2008 at 06:26Flibster said:
How would you notice?
Apart from saying that I looooove Ferrari that is.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:26me said:
morning jeannot.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:26Christine said:
It does have SUT and FIS at the top.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:26Calum N. Gubby said:
yeah Sutil’s fastest
October 11th, 2008 at 06:26Anthony said:
I can’t remember the last time williams were having to fight for such small scraps at the back of the grid. Come on the boys of Wantage and Grove.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:26Jeannot said:
I haven’t slept yet… so that will be bed for me after the quali:p
October 11th, 2008 at 06:26lou said:
i have already slept (due to the fact it’s open day today) so i’m up for the rest of the day now, am gonna try and run on just 4 hours sleep again…
October 11th, 2008 at 06:26Steven Roy said:
Kubica sounds depressed
October 11th, 2008 at 06:26Alex Andronov said:
What are you planning for tomorrow?
October 11th, 2008 at 06:27neil said:
I guess they just take off all the wing to get low drag, the other guys probably spend millions to get more downforce with samish drag.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:27me said:
live commenting, then a show around 5pm uk time. no parade lap
October 11th, 2008 at 06:28lou said:
yay
sounds good.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:28Jordan Allen said:
Get Carols the panda to do the Parade Lap
October 11th, 2008 at 06:28Rocket said:
That makes so much sense to me thanks Neil (no sarcasm).
October 11th, 2008 at 06:29lou said:
the panda is called Carols?
October 11th, 2008 at 06:29Christine said:
Raikkonen first out!?
October 11th, 2008 at 06:29Alex Andronov said:
I think the parade lap would be madness.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:29Christine said:
NO
October 11th, 2008 at 06:29Alex Andronov said:
And Massa too
October 11th, 2008 at 06:29lou said:
gooood
October 11th, 2008 at 06:29Calum N. Gubby said:
Both Ferraris commence Q2
October 11th, 2008 at 06:29Alex Andronov said:
Did a name get picked?
October 11th, 2008 at 06:30me said:
they really have tyre issues here.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:30Christine said:
It’s on the agenda.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:30Felipe Leite said:
Looks like they need more laps to warm the tyres up
October 11th, 2008 at 06:30Dr.J said:
Jenson says “been struggling with balance all weekend and wasn’t expecting much”
Jenson says “Honda are testing their traffic light system, but not racing with it”
October 11th, 2008 at 06:30Dom said:
That might clash with the ITV race re-run, for people who won’t be watching live.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:30Jordan Allen said:
October 11th, 2008 at 06:31Alex Andronov said:
“On the agenda” the panda. Interesting choice
October 11th, 2008 at 06:31Flibster said:
I was suspect that they wern’t as stupid as they appeared.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:31me said:
oh. or 6pm
October 11th, 2008 at 06:31Christine said:
It’s much too early for that kind of thing
October 11th, 2008 at 06:32me said:
October 11th, 2008 at 06:32neil said:
the panda should be called Bernie, I reckon. He;s so cuddly, yet secretly vicious… like a panda really.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:32me said:
jeez, massa almost into the 16’s.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:32Christine said:
Just Kubica to leave the pit lane.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:32Christine said:
Bernie is cuddly??
October 11th, 2008 at 06:32neil said:
or is Bernie more like a Koala…
October 11th, 2008 at 06:32lou said:
as long as it’s not really late i think i will be able to survive the week
October 11th, 2008 at 06:33Dom said:
Glock only just behind the Ferraris.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:33Alex Andronov said:
Sorry. You have to remember I’m normally at work by now. This isn’t that early for me!
October 11th, 2008 at 06:33Felipe Leite said:
wow… rubens got interviewed by the brazilian tv… he had a meeting with honda yesterday and it was kind of a job interview, he said that he was the best man for the job, because he is experienced and everything… he also sounded really bitter “the is as bad as ever, and my time was excellent given the car i have”
October 11th, 2008 at 06:33neil said:
I’m sure a 6′6″ gorilla would find him cuddly, if he ever did end up in Jail…
October 11th, 2008 at 06:33me said:
but trulli ahead of him for the first time.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:33Felipe Leite said:
“the car is as bad as ever”
October 11th, 2008 at 06:33Alex Andronov said:
Interesting Felipe!
October 11th, 2008 at 06:34me said:
oh dear
October 11th, 2008 at 06:34Alex Andronov said:
Penalty for Alonso?
October 11th, 2008 at 06:34Calum N. Gubby said:
Alonso :O
October 11th, 2008 at 06:34Rich said:
Not a way to keep your drive!
October 11th, 2008 at 06:34Calum N. Gubby said:
that’ll be another fine, then
October 11th, 2008 at 06:35lou said:
i like the team of Rubens and Jenson, it seems to work well.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:35Flibster said:
The Toymotas are genuinly fast here.
After many years of them wasting their time in F1 they may have actually found out that the Japanese management method doesn’t work for motorsport and have finally ditched it.Now someone needs to drive the point home to Honda. Also fire Nick Fry.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:35me said:
if it’s the second offence, a bigger fine?
October 11th, 2008 at 06:35neil said:
alonso looks frustrated,..
October 11th, 2008 at 06:35Rocket said:
This is going to be tighter than…something that’s really tight.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:35lou said:
what did alonso do? i missed it.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:35Flibster said:
Jaffa Cakes…
The breakfast of the Gods.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:36me said:
yuck!
October 11th, 2008 at 06:36neil said:
went in the pit entry, then backed out before the stripy bit. Lost it in turn 1 a bit then.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:36Steven Roy said:
He went into the pit entry area then back on to the track
October 11th, 2008 at 06:36Christine said:
Kubica really struggling.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:36Steven Roy said:
Only Kubica on track
October 11th, 2008 at 06:36neil said:
weetabix and beer - the breakfast of ex-champions…
October 11th, 2008 at 06:36Dom said:
Changed his mind about entering the pits and crossed the whitr line.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:36lou said:
oh.dear.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:37Alex Andronov said:
Is that a yuk about Jaffa Cakes. Or about them for breakfast?
October 11th, 2008 at 06:37Dom said:
October 11th, 2008 at 06:37Alex Andronov said:
hahahaha
October 11th, 2008 at 06:37Rich said:
With Maccas, Ferraris, STR, Toyotas and Alonso looking good - Roberto might struggle to get into Q3!
October 11th, 2008 at 06:37Jeannot said:
I saw Alonso doing this but no mention about a penalty on the channel I’m watching (french tv). Did ITV mention it?
October 11th, 2008 at 06:38me said:
the thought of them for breakfast… at 6am.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:38Alex Andronov said:
I think Kimi’s got a faster lap in him.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:38Steven Roy said:
Yes
October 11th, 2008 at 06:38Spikey said:
ahhhhhh coffee and bacon sarnie YUM
October 11th, 2008 at 06:38me said:
yeah, and referenced his previous in valencia.
October 11th, 2008 at 06:38Alex Andronov said:
Are you not