Live Commenting: China - The Race
In the championship contenders articles I wrote earlier this week, I said it was Hamilton’s championship to lose. This race is the same. The man starts from pole with what is clearly the fastest car on the grid. On paper, he should be able to blitz the competition and get the win. Whether that means he successfully closes his championship campaign with one race still to go depends on how the Ferrari duo fare.
Raikkonen is ahead of Massa, but assuming they get off the line and round the first corner cleanly, there are plenty of opportunities for Massa to pass, or be let past. The threat of rain will be worrying the red team, not only for the confusion and chaos it tends to bring but also because of their tyre performance in the cooler climates.
The only other championship contender, in the form of Kubica, starts from 11th, which has ultimately shoved his title bid into the “not this time” box. Kub must be bitterly disappointed, of all the races for the BMW to start having issues, it had to be his sole surviving opportunity to make it to the championship finale. Heidfeld was in a position to help him out a little, starting in 6th, but after messing with DC’s head, he faces a three place grid penalty.
Already we’ve seen two cars narrowly avoid the same fate as Hamilton as last year’s gravel trap incident plays on people’s minds a lot. It’s one of those scenes that will always be remembered whenever F1 descends upon Shanghai, and no doubt it will feature strongly in Hamilton’s focus as he makes his pit stops. It’s almost reason enough to one-stop, but I’m sure that’s not going to happen.
The time is almost upon us, then, so here are a few links that might be useful:
More available on the F1 on the Internet page.
Please let us know where you are, how you’re watching, and what your predictions are, and don’t forget to make full use of the Live Commenting Live… Thing.
October 19th, 2008 at 06:50me said:
you know there’s something wrong in the world, when, faced with the choice of a motogp race or teletubbies, christine has chosen to watch the latter.
October 19th, 2008 at 06:51Flibster said:
Uh Oh!
October 19th, 2008 at 06:53me said:
for breakfast this morning, i’m hoping for some tubby-toast.
October 19th, 2008 at 06:56neil said:
Morning all!
October 19th, 2008 at 06:56LadySnowcat said:
Valentino for me….
That’ll be the dresses and…. Mr Rossi…
October 19th, 2008 at 06:57me said:
apparently franck won his alms race this morning. that’s cheered someone up.
October 19th, 2008 at 06:57Dom said:
ooooh, what channel?
October 19th, 2008 at 06:57me said:
hey neil/
with that hair?
October 19th, 2008 at 06:58Christine said:
Finished now. It was a good one though. They were marching and stuff.
October 19th, 2008 at 06:58Alex Andronov said:
It’s mornings like this that the extra large sidepodcast.com coffee mug comes in real handy.
“The extra large sidepodcast.com coffee mug - I won’t drink my Chinese grand prix coffee from anything else”
- Alex Andronov - Head of Marketing
October 19th, 2008 at 06:59Christine said:
Haha. I like it. You can stay.
October 19th, 2008 at 06:59LadySnowcat said:
I always find it slightly weird when the bikes go to an F1 circuit…
Can’t say why…
October 19th, 2008 at 07:00Alex Andronov said:
Morning everyone
It is so much more sedate with that extra hour over Fugi!
October 19th, 2008 at 07:01LadySnowcat said:
Now, now… I’m only interested in the racing, and personality…. like in F1…
October 19th, 2008 at 07:01Alex Andronov said:
It’s croissants for me
October 19th, 2008 at 07:02Alex Andronov said:
So it’s the countdown of British champions on ITV.
Can he do it today do we think?
October 19th, 2008 at 07:03me said:
yeah, lightening cannot strike twice. plus ron’s heart won’t take it.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:03Christine said:
If he doesn’t, will they have to play that again in Brazil?
October 19th, 2008 at 07:03Alex Andronov said:
Is that teletubbies on the track?
October 19th, 2008 at 07:03Flibster said:
What the hell are those dancing blue things?!
October 19th, 2008 at 07:03Scott Woodwiss (Gotta beat Christine in FR) said:
So, what was that you said? I wouldn’t get up?
Morning guys!
October 19th, 2008 at 07:04Alex Andronov said:
So you think he will with the championship today or the race?
October 19th, 2008 at 07:05Dom said:
Huh? Wha?
October 19th, 2008 at 07:05me said:
blundell saying rain near the end of the race.
rider unapologetic about the hamilton bias today… when is he ever?
October 19th, 2008 at 07:05LadySnowcat said:
I don’t know whether to laugh or cry… 5Live have as their TOP story that Lewis could win the world championship today…
Last week on the morning programme on Monday they didn’t even mention the Fuji result in the sports, let alone the general, section….
October 19th, 2008 at 07:05Craig said:
we all know ITV love to repeat their pre-race content!
October 19th, 2008 at 07:06me said:
i hope it goes down to the wire in brazil. but he’s gonna run and hide today isn’t he?
October 19th, 2008 at 07:06Scott Woodwiss (Gotta beat Christine in FR) said:
As if we didn’t need reminding about what happened last week?
October 19th, 2008 at 07:06Alex Andronov said:
He probably hated the more balanced Fugi coverage from Brundle last week.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:07me said:
i bet they payed a lot of money for that remix. god knows they don’t have the talent “in-house”.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:07me said:
ahh yes, redressing balance.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:07LadySnowcat said:
It better go to Interlagos…
But I won’t be watching ITV…
Truly live is better…
October 19th, 2008 at 07:08Alex Andronov said:
I think so. But of course as a certain Mr Walker used to say, “anything can happen in Formula 1, and it usually does”.
Is that rain coming I hear?
October 19th, 2008 at 07:08Alex Andronov said:
In da house do you mean?
October 19th, 2008 at 07:08Craig said:
I hear Blundell is a master on the decks!
October 19th, 2008 at 07:09LadySnowcat said:
Valentino on Pedrosa’s tail…
October 19th, 2008 at 07:09me said:
had no idea the stewards sat near the safety car garage?
October 19th, 2008 at 07:10Alex Andronov said:
Actually isn’t Mr Idiot the F1 master on the decks?
October 19th, 2008 at 07:10Craig said:
I assumed they sat up in a lofty tower somewhere…
October 19th, 2008 at 07:11Scott Woodwiss (Gotta beat Christine in FR) said:
Oh good, explanation on how rubbish the stewards are
As if we didn’t know that already.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:11lou said:
hey everyone. hope you are all well. stupid alarm,
it just wasn’t loud enough this morning, luckily my back up (mum) is very loud and never fails to wake me up
October 19th, 2008 at 07:11Anthony said:
cheif steward, former labour mep - no wonder the red bias
October 19th, 2008 at 07:11LadySnowcat said:
The rather attractive JT is out…
October 19th, 2008 at 07:11Scott Woodwiss (Gotta beat Christine in FR) said:
I know Yamamoto can DJ.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:12Jeff said:
Good morning all from the U.S.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:12Scott in Italy said:
morning all. i’m at home now in northern italy where the only internet i have is courtesy of my neighbours. problem: i have to be on the balcony. second problem - it’s about 5 degrees out there. i’m off to fix brekky before the race. I’ll deal with the italian commentary today. I can understand a little now so hopefully i can post you some comments in here that you don’t get on ITV/speeds coverage.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:12me said:
all about the racing, eh?
October 19th, 2008 at 07:12Scott in Italy said:
Thanks for the updates in the other posts everyone. much appreciated
October 19th, 2008 at 07:13me said:
hehe.
talking about bringing politics into f1.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:13me said:
hey ya jeff.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:13Christine said:
We appreciate you braving the cold for us
October 19th, 2008 at 07:13Flibster said:
Ferrari also used to be one of clients.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:13Alex Andronov said:
Good luck!
October 19th, 2008 at 07:14Scott Woodwiss (Gotta beat Christine in FR) said:
I’m watching this race in bed, but even under the covers it’s still cold.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:15LadySnowcat said:
Thought you like to know how the Brit was faring…
Just being factual…
October 19th, 2008 at 07:15lou said:
lol am in the lounge under my duvet as is usual for me with the early races
October 19th, 2008 at 07:15Anthony said:
I tried that but was kicked out after about 30 seconds.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:15Flibster said:
I’ve relocated to the lounge and fired up the projector.
Unfortunately, that the window in the lounge doesn’t shut so it’s a little drafty in here….
October 19th, 2008 at 07:16Alex Andronov said:
I have no covers. But on the other hand I am in charge of the thermostat
October 19th, 2008 at 07:16Craig said:
how did the stewards decide to drop Nick 3 places? Is that a standard amount?
October 19th, 2008 at 07:16lou said:
hahaha
October 19th, 2008 at 07:16Alex Andronov said:
I’m also not in bed. Just realised I hadn’t made that clear I’m in the living room!
October 19th, 2008 at 07:16Christine said:
Wow, didn’t realise it was still true that Massa hasn’t won from anywhere but the front row. He needs to fix that record!!
October 19th, 2008 at 07:16Scott Woodwiss (Gotta beat Christine in FR) said:
Thank god in my room I have a double bed
October 19th, 2008 at 07:16LadySnowcat said:
It couldn’t be closer between Valentino and Dani…
Stoner in fifth behind Hayden…
October 19th, 2008 at 07:17Scott Woodwiss (Gotta beat Christine in FR) said:
Ain’t gonna win today then!
October 19th, 2008 at 07:17Alex Andronov said:
Maybe today’s the day?
What’s the lowest position Lewis has won from? I can’t remember.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:17lou said:
you know when they said - ‘no appoligises for Lewis dominating our coverage today’ i don’t actually notice the difference.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:17neil said:
hey all! anyone watching on the net, outside uk?
October 19th, 2008 at 07:17me said:
i think they can vary the amount depending on the severity. it’s not the first time they’ve given a 3sec penalty.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:18Scott Woodwiss (Gotta beat Christine in FR) said:
They said that?
October 19th, 2008 at 07:18Stuart C said:
It’s going to be very dark if it rains before the end of the race.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:18Christine said:
Not a 3second penalty, that would be rubbish. 3 places.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:18Craig said:
3 seconds would have been better - at least DC would have benefitted then
October 19th, 2008 at 07:18Dom said:
It think they are running out of penalties.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:18Alex Andronov said:
Morning Stuart! Does it look likely?
October 19th, 2008 at 07:19Scott Woodwiss (Gotta beat Christine in FR) said:
Going down that back straight isn’t going to do Massa’s engine any favours, being on it’s second race.
Give us do lowdown from the showdown, Mr C.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:19Christine said:
I think fourth.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:19Scott Woodwiss (Gotta beat Christine in FR) said:
Fixed.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:19LadySnowcat said:
Kimi may have to give a bit of help if he’s to put that right today….
And Alonso…
I actually think that despite Alonso’s suggestion of help he could try to take Massa at the first corner…
October 19th, 2008 at 07:20Dom said:
Maybe he meant “no apologies for Lewis dominating our coverage this season.”
October 19th, 2008 at 07:20lou said:
yeah Steve did at the begining.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:21lou said:
ah maybe, that would make sense.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:21me said:
itv have no sense of proportion, all their country flags are stretched.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:21Flibster said:
Thank you ITV - you’ve plugged it back in again!
October 19th, 2008 at 07:22Craig said:
I still love the way Kimi looked at Lewis on the start last week
October 19th, 2008 at 07:22LadySnowcat said:
They should have added “Again”….
October 19th, 2008 at 07:22Jeff said:
still waiting on the coverage to begin here. They’re replaying at NASCAR truck race from earlier today
October 19th, 2008 at 07:23LadySnowcat said:
Rossi squeezed past Dani…
October 19th, 2008 at 07:24me said:
bernie appears to have removed some of the justin.tv links. am still looking though.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:24Scott Woodwiss (Gotta beat Christine in FR) said:
Lewis can laugh off claims that his driving could kill someone…
October 19th, 2008 at 07:24Alex Andronov said:
I had a long and strange conversation with a designer complaining about the flags he needed to use for a football website. They are all different proportions but people like to make them all the same size. ITV have it easy really. The swiss flag is square and there is another one which goes down instead of across.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:25Anthony said:
I sure they are just picking up on the local vibe, talking to my chinese collegues that are really excited about this race and supporting hamilton.
That might be because they work for a British company (its wasn;t al large sample). But no-one does enthusiasm like the chinese.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:25Calum N. Gubby said:
Nepal (I)
October 19th, 2008 at 07:25LadySnowcat said:
Lorenzo off…
October 19th, 2008 at 07:25lou said:
not even the smallest clip of Jenson, or DC… ok i can kinda understrand no Jenson, but what about DC. This is his second to last f1 race ever and they can’t even spare 2mins of coverage for him. Shameful.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:25me said:
true, the spanish flag is a different shape from the british one, but itv aren’t even trying.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:26Craig said:
why would they change now after all these years lol
October 19th, 2008 at 07:26Scott Woodwiss (Gotta beat Christine in FR) said:
Might be saving that for Brazil. Remember, ITV already did a feature on him in the last 3 races.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:26Flibster said:
They’ll interview him in a little of 30 minutes when he crashes out on lap one.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:26Alex Andronov said:
Ah yes!
October 19th, 2008 at 07:27Scott Woodwiss (Gotta beat Christine in FR) said:
Lewis said “fo’ sure”
October 19th, 2008 at 07:27Christine said:
He was on yesterday, part of a series of interviews with him. I guess they don’t mind sparing quali coverage for him.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:27me said:
any predictions on first lap crashes this weekend?
October 19th, 2008 at 07:27Craig said:
no diggety
October 19th, 2008 at 07:27Scott Woodwiss (Gotta beat Christine in FR) said:
DC or Piquet
October 19th, 2008 at 07:27neil said:
Hammy, Naka, DC
October 19th, 2008 at 07:28Scott Woodwiss (Gotta beat Christine in FR) said:
He He! Chamone brothers!
October 19th, 2008 at 07:28Scott in Italy said:
crashes:
Kimi and Coulthard
October 19th, 2008 at 07:29lou said:
if the championship goes to Brazil they wont cause it will be al LEEEWWWWIISSS. and If he wins the championship today it will be LLEEEWWWIISSS. :/ but i suppose Lewis is doing well in terms of british drivers right now… i can kinda see it… :/
October 19th, 2008 at 07:29Alex Andronov said:
First lap crashes. Based on Ferrari’s quality in the “team” play this year how about this one:
Kimi attempts to take Lewis out in the first corner but misses and takes out Massa.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:30Steven Roy said:
Just checked the ALMS results. Audi 1-2 and in third overall and first LMP2
October 19th, 2008 at 07:30me said:
jeff, have embedded itv feed if you refresh the page.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:30Craig said:
They should really do a completely different DC special, review of his career or something
October 19th, 2008 at 07:30neil said:
Sadly, I think it’s possible that Lewis will take the WDC today. THe thing that will sadden me most is James Allen is bound to assert over and over again how Hamilton proved them all wrong.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:30Jeff said:
thank you sir
October 19th, 2008 at 07:30Anthony said:
No matter how advanced formula 1 gets - they still use gaffer tape to fill in those final wholes
October 19th, 2008 at 07:31me said:
as in a program by itself? agreed.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:31Craig said:
Yep, although they will likely still get Lewis on somehow!
October 19th, 2008 at 07:31Scott Woodwiss (Gotta beat Christine in FR) said:
This is what gets me - people slate him off and don’t like him because he gets too much coverage and no-one likes the way he drives and all that. End of the day - he’s a British driver and he has the chance of being world champion. Does Button have that chance right now? No. DC? No. At least there’s one British driver out there winning races at least, and we should be happy with that.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:31Christine said:
Maybe the BBC can take up the challenge.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:31Stephen Hill said:
Morning Everyone.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:32Alex Andronov said:
To be fair though Lou. I think right now I would be more interested in an interviews with Lewis, Kubica and Massa as they are possible WDC winners. I don’t see why they should interview Jenson and DC just because they are british.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:32me said:
itv are really pushing the boat out this week.
who woulda thunk it was their penultimate gp?
October 19th, 2008 at 07:32Craig said:
why did Lewis have a deeper voice as a child than now?!
October 19th, 2008 at 07:32Alex Andronov said:
Morning Stephen
October 19th, 2008 at 07:32me said:
hey stephen, where are ya watching the action from?
October 19th, 2008 at 07:32me said:
he really did!
October 19th, 2008 at 07:32neil said:
p2pstation.net now broadcasting the pre-race stuff
October 19th, 2008 at 07:32Alex Andronov said:
hahahaha
October 19th, 2008 at 07:33Flibster said:
Many years of crotch binding 5 and 6 point harnesses
October 19th, 2008 at 07:33Scott Woodwiss (Gotta beat Christine in FR) said:
HAHAHA!
October 19th, 2008 at 07:33Stephen Hill said:
Hi Alex and Me.
Me: Watching from my living room
October 19th, 2008 at 07:33Craig said:
Must have found some cash down the back of the sofa, either that or they have paid off Steve’s hairdresser and Blundell’s elocution instructor a race early
October 19th, 2008 at 07:33lou said:
you can tell i’m sick of itv can’t you. thank god only 2 more races with them. I feel a little annoyed, Martin is soo much better. it’s not like they don’t have the people to make a decent team. it’s just they are in the in wrong places. Mark is obviously the tea boy, and Steve Lewis’ personal assistant.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:34me said:
might be the money they saved from steve’s airfair last weekend.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:34Flibster said:
Wow…. Not only does the new Bond film have the silliest name ever, but it looks total garbage too.
No change from Casino Royale then.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:35Craig said:
this race promises a lot, I just hope it doesn’t fail to live up to expectations
October 19th, 2008 at 07:35Craig said:
I really liked it!!
October 19th, 2008 at 07:35Jeff said:
and apparently Bond won’t ask for his martini to be Shaken Not stirred in this one either
October 19th, 2008 at 07:36RubberGoat said:
Hamilton has to fight a four-way rearguard action. Look out for him in the first corner!
October 19th, 2008 at 07:36lou said:
ah you see, this is feature is better.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:36Stephen Hill said:
Daniel Craid doesn’t cut it as James Bond for me…
October 19th, 2008 at 07:36Craig said:
a lot more balanced…
October 19th, 2008 at 07:36me said:
not sure how widely circulated this piccy has been:
http://drop.io/sidepodcast/asset/74203025bk2
mockup of next years bbc coverage.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:37Scott Woodwiss (Gotta beat Christine in FR) said:
If Massa gets a better start than Kimi, and while trying to get past him both Ferrari’s tangle, I will laugh my head off, regardless of what time it is.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:37me said:
any predictions as to what might happen? am thinking it’ll all kick off after the long straight.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:38Alex Andronov said:
Kimi: “The person who gets the most points deserves it. It doesn’t matter how you get it as long as you get it”.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:38Craig said:
that looks very much loveliness
October 19th, 2008 at 07:38RubberGoat said:
Hmm tasty!
But is not just the failed Bernievision offered on SKy in 2002?
October 19th, 2008 at 07:38me said:
am not sure about wimbledom mind you.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:39RubberGoat said:
Well that rules out Kimi then!
October 19th, 2008 at 07:39Christine said:
Everyone one looks really serious on the grid today.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:39Stephen Hill said:
I think it will be clean this week because turn one doesn’t really have a braking point
October 19th, 2008 at 07:39Craig said:
that’s for when Monaco gets a bit boring lol
October 19th, 2008 at 07:39me said:
similar. the difference is our licence fees are paying for it
October 19th, 2008 at 07:39Scott Woodwiss (Gotta beat Christine in FR) said:
As I’ve said, with Massa’s engine on its second race, you’d think he’d be a bit worried about running down that back straight at full throttle all afternoon given the Ferrari’s known unreliability factor.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:39RubberGoat said:
I am watching the F1 using the player above. Beats the hell out of watching it in Danish!
October 19th, 2008 at 07:39Scott Woodwiss (Gotta beat Christine in FR) said:
AND it’s coverage we want.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:40Scott in Italy said:
Alonso on italian TV was just talking up Massa for the championship…
October 19th, 2008 at 07:41Dom said:
Gridwalk!
October 19th, 2008 at 07:41Scott Woodwiss (Gotta beat Christine in FR) said:
Grid walk time. Please martin, talk to massa!
October 19th, 2008 at 07:41Anthony said:
I though the sony hi-def advert for this that showed in on of yesterdays ad breaks - was so much better than the robots knitting banana’s or playing with clothespegs
October 19th, 2008 at 07:41Stephen Hill said:
LOL… Im watching 6mins behind on the SkyPlus… Don’t spoil anything
October 19th, 2008 at 07:42Matado said:
October 19th, 2008 at 07:42Alex Andronov said:
That makes me think it’s not true. Where did it come from? They won’t be able to give that many channels to F1 while the tennis is going on.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:42Flibster said:
Huge pit fire - both Ferrari cars toast, Force India have been moved to 2nd and 3rd on the grid!
October 19th, 2008 at 07:42lou said:
i think if there was ever a better time for Martin to talk to the people on the bottom of the grid, and stay away from the championship contenders.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:42Scott Woodwiss (Gotta beat Christine in FR) said:
I dunno why, maybe because it’s China, but I really really fancy some deep fried spare ribs in barbecue sauce from the chinese.
Yes, I’m aware of the time. 
October 19th, 2008 at 07:43Craig said:
“everybody did a good job! - the McLaren mantra
October 19th, 2008 at 07:43Steven Roy said:
Haug looks like he is wearing a wig
October 19th, 2008 at 07:43Alex Andronov said:
Ah that reminds me… Is it Nachos time now?
October 19th, 2008 at 07:43Stephen Hill said:
OMG!
October 19th, 2008 at 07:43Dom said:
He says there are no drivers on the grid.
Typical.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:43Anthony said:
I’m going for malteasers
October 19th, 2008 at 07:44me said:
the pics from digispy. no idea if it’s correct though.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:44Scott Woodwiss (Gotta beat Christine in FR) said:
Uh oh, I think we’ve started Me off
October 19th, 2008 at 07:44lou said:
ooo is Stuart on the grid today? we should look out for him.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:44me said:
a bit earlier innit?
October 19th, 2008 at 07:44Flibster said:
No, Kimi does talk on the grid, but after Brazil 2006 ITV won’t let him.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:44Scott Woodwiss (Gotta beat Christine in FR) said:
hahaha! he’s going to speak to massa!
October 19th, 2008 at 07:44lou said:
Martin, leave him alone!
October 19th, 2008 at 07:44Scott Woodwiss (Gotta beat Christine in FR) said:
Or not lol
lol, “Lewis’ posse”
October 19th, 2008 at 07:44Alex Andronov said:
Good point!
October 19th, 2008 at 07:45Scott Woodwiss (Gotta beat Christine in FR) said:
Would he be allowed? lol
October 19th, 2008 at 07:45Christine said:
It’s actually quite nice that Martin knows he’s not going to get anyone to talk to him, so he’s just taking a look at the grid. That stuff about the racing line at the start was good.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:46me said:
pat thinks lots going to happen upfront.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:46Scott Woodwiss (Gotta beat Christine in FR) said:
Louise has done what Martin couldn’t - found a driver to talk to
October 19th, 2008 at 07:46RubberGoat said:
Speaking of Backmarkers… Mark Webber!
October 19th, 2008 at 07:46Jeff said:
Speed in the US just interviewed Bernie and asked about coming back to the US and he said he “love to come back if someone comes up with a sensible arrangement”
October 19th, 2008 at 07:46alonso_voice said:
October 19th, 2008 at 07:47Scott Woodwiss (Gotta beat Christine in FR) said:
Ooh, interesting. ROAD AMERICA FTW!
October 19th, 2008 at 07:47Jeremy said:
Hi All!
Are Mark and Louise incredibly close together or is just the squished picture?
October 19th, 2008 at 07:47lou said:
he was before wasn’t he?
October 19th, 2008 at 07:47Anthony said:
A comment from my wife: Webber’s body suit not as nice as mark foster’s top in strictly come dancing last night
October 19th, 2008 at 07:47kobito said:
Hi all,
I thought I would miss the first turn!!!
I wnt cycling in the (japanese) morning… and just went too far
Good to be on time. Ready to enjoy!!
October 19th, 2008 at 07:47Dom said:
It’s funny how Kimi never talks to Martin after the Brazil 06 ’slip-up’
October 19th, 2008 at 07:47Steven Roy said:
DC will get jealous
October 19th, 2008 at 07:47me said:
sensible in today’s climate, would be a reduction in race fees from the man himself.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:47lou said:
aww both the finish drivers have a birthday on the same weekend
October 19th, 2008 at 07:48Jeff said:
Road America would be nice or Watkin’s Glen.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:48me said:
hey kobito. you’ve missed nothing.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:48Spikey said:
good morning everyone.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:48Scott Woodwiss (Gotta beat Christine in FR) said:
Oh yeah, it’s heikki’s BDAY!
October 19th, 2008 at 07:48RubberGoat said:
Morning
October 19th, 2008 at 07:48lou said:
wow there on the roof.
how cool!
October 19th, 2008 at 07:49alonso_voice said:
it is not you who will miss the first turn, that is lui specilty
October 19th, 2008 at 07:49Scott Woodwiss (Gotta beat Christine in FR) said:
goddamn squatters
October 19th, 2008 at 07:49me said:
so then finishing predictions:
1) lewis
2) massa
3) kimi
4) alonso
5) vettel
October 19th, 2008 at 07:50fourstar said:
Morning Alex Andronov.
Theo and I are poised for action. Well he’s gurgling and playing with a wooden giraffe, but still. Come on Lewis, stay ahead of the haters.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:50lou said:
wow, a little mention of the other british drivers. well done for finding the time ITV.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:50Stephen Hill said:
1) lewis
2) alonso
3) massa
4) kimi
October 19th, 2008 at 07:50RubberGoat said:
1) RAI
2) ALO
3) MAS
4) KOV
October 19th, 2008 at 07:50Scott Woodwiss (Gotta beat Christine in FR) said:
Lewis
Vettel
Heidfeld
Kovalainen
Massa
Alonso
Raikkonen
Kubica
October 19th, 2008 at 07:50alonso_voice said:
1)massa
2)alonzo
3)kubiza
4)kimi
4)weber
October 19th, 2008 at 07:51RubberGoat said:
Hamilton will get punted off by one of the Ferraris or Alonso…
October 19th, 2008 at 07:51kobito said:
I keep my predictions from yesterday:
1. MAS
2. RAI
3. ALO
October 19th, 2008 at 07:51Alex Andronov said:
Chris Dyer saying he’d be surprised if anyone does a 3 stop
October 19th, 2008 at 07:51Jeremy said:
1) Lewis Hamilton
Massa and Kubica will finish far enough down that Lewis wins the championship.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:51Scott Woodwiss (Gotta beat Christine in FR) said:
If Lewis wins today and gets fastest lap, Christine’s in trouble in FR. Sorry, is it too early to talk about that?
October 19th, 2008 at 07:51Stuart C said:
I spoke to someone at Williams and they said maybe, but probably not.
Did you spot me during the Brundle grid walk? It wasn’t a very bold gatecrash…
October 19th, 2008 at 07:51Stephen Hill said:
I think it’ll be clean
October 19th, 2008 at 07:51Jeff said:
Ham
Massa
Alonso
October 19th, 2008 at 07:51fourstar said:
Or Kovalainen
October 19th, 2008 at 07:51lou said:
1) Felipe
2) Fernando
3) Lewis
4) Kimi
5) Robert
6) Vettel
October 19th, 2008 at 07:51alonso_voice said:
you bet
October 19th, 2008 at 07:51Scott Woodwiss (Gotta beat Christine in FR) said:
I hear that!
October 19th, 2008 at 07:52Felipe Leite said:
massa
kimi
hamilton
alonso
October 19th, 2008 at 07:52Alex Andronov said:
1. Lewis
2. Kimi
3. Alonso
4. Vettel
5. Heikki
October 19th, 2008 at 07:52Craig said:
If Lewis gets off the line okay, he should win this race pretty easy,if not then who knows what he will do!
October 19th, 2008 at 07:52me said:
erm… may have missed you good sir
October 19th, 2008 at 07:52Spikey said:
oh blimey I hope it doesnt all kick off at the first corner. who would want to be a steward today? :p
(let’s see……..what will the first penalty be for?)
October 19th, 2008 at 07:52Andy Taylor said:
My Predictions:
1) La-La
2) Tinky Winky
3) Po
October 19th, 2008 at 07:52Dom said:
1) Felipe
2) Kimi
3) Fernando
4) Lewis
5) Robert
There, i said it!
October 19th, 2008 at 07:52alonso_voice said:
if you have to dream, dream big
October 19th, 2008 at 07:52Anthony said:
@alonso_voice: how do you manage to comment from inside the car ?
October 19th, 2008 at 07:52me said:
i think webber will.
last year three drivers did that.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:52lou said:
See i said Stuart would be on the grid
although i’m not sure i spotted you Stuart. Will have look at the end of the coverage 
October 19th, 2008 at 07:52Alex Andronov said:
October 19th, 2008 at 07:52Christine said:
You know we’ll have to go back and re-watch now though
October 19th, 2008 at 07:53RubberGoat said:
50 Years since Hawthorn? My how time flies
October 19th, 2008 at 07:53Scott Woodwiss (Gotta beat Christine in FR) said:
Exactly. Apart from FP3, Lewis has been quickest in every practice and qualifying season. If he’s in the lead at the end of lap 1, this is his race to win or lose.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:53me said:
robert in 4th?
October 19th, 2008 at 07:53Scott in Italy said:
first penalty will be unsportsmanlike behaviour - one of those charges that in most sports you can never define properly.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:53Alex Andronov said:
Other predictions?
1st Spinner?
Number of Safety cars?
Lap when it first rains?
October 19th, 2008 at 07:53me said:
predictions of which of the front runners will stop first? is kimi light?
October 19th, 2008 at 07:53Christine said:
Like bringing the sport into disrepute.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:54Alex Andronov said:
That’s pretty unlikely
October 19th, 2008 at 07:54alonso_voice said:
takes practice with the visor keybord
October 19th, 2008 at 07:54Stephen Hill said:
I think Kimi is light and still, he wasn’t fast enough to get the job done
October 19th, 2008 at 07:54kobito said:
October 19th, 2008 at 07:54me said:
kovi
2
slowing down lap.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:54Dom said:
I doubt he’s gonna gatecrash the top four, unless one of them retires.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:55Jeff said:
NASCAR LOVES that penalty but they call it “Actions Detrimental to the Sport” and it can be anything
October 19th, 2008 at 07:55Steven Roy said:
Yesterday ITV were predicting thunder and lots of rain
October 19th, 2008 at 07:55lou said:
i think i’m gonna try not to think about FR till the end of the race. i want to be able to concentrate on whats happening etc rather than where my drivers are
October 19th, 2008 at 07:55Alex Andronov said:
I was heating croisants at the time sorry!
October 19th, 2008 at 07:55Scott Woodwiss (Gotta beat Christine in FR) said:
McLaren, aka Lewis, has been at least nearly 2 tenths quicker than any Ferrari over this weekend, according to my average gap spreadsheet which makes use of the fastest laptime from each team over the whole weekend.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:55fourstar said:
Just so it goes to the final race:
Hamilton
Kubica
Massa
Alonso
Vettel
Kimi will chuck it into the wall again.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:55Jeremy said:
Not sure if this has been posted, but the ad free south african feed from yesterday is still working:
http://www.justin.tv/widgets/jtv_live.r9763.swf?channel=live24_f1
yesterday it needed a password of P2PSTATION.NET
October 19th, 2008 at 07:55Scott in Italy said:
gees 5 minutes to go. that hour went fast when breakfast was involved…
October 19th, 2008 at 07:56Christine said:
Live timing reset.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:56Anthony said:
live timeing started
October 19th, 2008 at 07:56Alex Andronov said:
Morning fourstar!
October 19th, 2008 at 07:56me said:
will check the afternoon’s replay tho.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:56Flibster said:
Aaaah. Bacon, egg and chili buttie all ready.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:56lou said:
Bourdais
0
sometime in the last 20 laps
October 19th, 2008 at 07:56Steven Roy said:
Track temp 30
Air temp 27
wind 1 m/s
Humiditiy 64%
Pressure 1016
October 19th, 2008 at 07:58Scott in Italy said:
scotts balcony temperature: about 9 degrees now…
October 19th, 2008 at 07:58fourstar said:
Aha! I was wondering when you’d spot me. Been here since 7.50…
October 19th, 2008 at 07:58Spikey said:
Now I want Lewis to win the title, today would be nice because Brazil will be mental……..
but PLEASE BBC, NO STEVE RIDER OR JAMES ALLEN!!!!!
Of course I want the Brit to take it but their over-the-top bias is starting to grate……..
Did like the montage at the beginning though.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:58Ben said:
tuning to the live f1 prog, hi guys it’s Yorkshire F1
October 19th, 2008 at 07:58me said:
morning sir.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:58Alex Andronov said:
I’ll see if I can drop.io it this morning. (Christine I need to look up something in the dictionary I can’t remember the verb)
October 19th, 2008 at 07:58kobito said:
thanks stephen
October 19th, 2008 at 07:58Alex Andronov said:
Phew that’s a bit nicer!
October 19th, 2008 at 07:59Christine said:
Dropio it is correct. That would by hypermendous.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:59SteveintheUK said:
Morning All
Just got back from cycling and ITV are still talking about Hamilton and his dad.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:59me said:
morning ben.
October 19th, 2008 at 07:59LadySnowcat said:
The Macca is very well set up here so it’s Lewis’s to lose…
The only problem for him is tyre wear…
October 19th, 2008 at 07:59me said:
October 19th, 2008 at 08:00Scott in Italy said:
f1 timing is saying change of showers towards the end of the afternoon. hmmm… but when…
October 19th, 2008 at 08:00lou said:
sooo pleased there is not green
October 19th, 2008 at 08:00Flibster said:
It’s no good… I can’t take it anymore!
DIE JAMES ALLEN DIE!
October 19th, 2008 at 08:00Craig said:
sots on both Ferraris
October 19th, 2008 at 08:00Dom said:
Now i’m excited….
October 19th, 2008 at 08:00Christine said:
Will we get regular updates through the morning?
October 19th, 2008 at 08:00lou said:
*no green… as in tyres…
October 19th, 2008 at 08:00alonso_voice said:
massa on soft, and that is the only soft part of him
October 19th, 2008 at 08:00Alex Andronov said:
I just found your comment it was at the moment I was juggling the orange juice, coffee and breakfast so I was ready
October 19th, 2008 at 08:00me said:
it’s so nearly over.
October 19th, 2008 at 08:01Steven Roy said:
I would like to say that I disapprove of such a comment. I would like to but I can’t
October 19th, 2008 at 08:01Alex Andronov said:
Live commenting the balcony
October 19th, 2008 at 08:01Scott Woodwiss (Gotta beat Christine in FR) said:
right, got my hot chocolate, now just waiting for the start
October 19th, 2008 at 08:01Scott in Italy said:
re temperature:i might post updates but my fingers are beginning to get frozen
i think i’ll watch the race on italian tv and go onto the balcony everynow and again to see what you’re all posting.
October 19th, 2008 at 08:01Spikey said:
Ferrari on softs…….. is the harder tyre the preferred option here? perhaps that means they are both light?
Kimi holds up Lewis while Massa (I ALWAYS get his first name wrong) does his stop? hmmmmmmmmm
October 19th, 2008 at 08:02LadySnowcat said:
Kimi on softs…
Given the difficulty the Ferrari has with tyres they must be disappointed it looks cool and potentially showery…
Showers would make Felipe’s hopes pretty remote…
October 19th, 2008 at 08:02Dom said:
40% chance of rain.
October 19th, 2008 at 08:02Steven Roy said:
40% chance of rain during the race
October 19th, 2008 at 08:02RubberGoat said:
40% Oh crap!
October 19th, 2008 at 08:02Scott in Italy said:
no rAin forecast for the balcony….
October 19th, 2008 at 08:02Alex Andronov said:
October 19th, 2008 at 08:02kobito said:
he didn’t do that bad after silverstone. Not great, though
October 19th, 2008 at 08:02Scott Woodwiss (Gotta beat Christine in FR) said:
Lewis needs to get heat into those rear tyres as much as possible then. I have a worried feeling those softs will give kimi the edge off the start.
October 19th, 2008 at 08:03Scott Woodwiss (Gotta beat Christine in FR) said:
way i see it - if it does rain it will be heavy.
October 19th, 2008 at 08:03RubberGoat said:
just eating a Danish and Coffee… whats your F1 breakfast?
October 19th, 2008 at 08:03Scott Woodwiss (Gotta beat Christine in FR) said:
here we go!
October 19th, 2008 at 08:03Dom said:
China is GOOO!
October 19th, 2008 at 08:03lou said:
Ah i see that kimi doesn’t have the fin on now.
October 19th, 2008 at 08:03Jeremy said:
And he’s carrying less fuel I think
October 19th, 2008 at 08:03SteveintheUK said:
I think Trulli will finish in the top 3.
October 19th, 2008 at 08:03Scott Woodwiss (Gotta beat Christine in FR) said:
great start!
October 19th, 2008 at 08:03lou said:
WOW!!! Kovi!
October 19th, 2008 at 08:04Scott in Italy said:
force off
October 19th, 2008 at 08:04Jeff said:
big wreck
October 19th, 2008 at 08:04Flibster said:
Looks like Coulthard in the accident at the back….
October 19th, 2008 at 08:04me said:
was that kubs out?
October 19th, 2008 at 08:04Scott Woodwiss (Gotta beat Christine in FR) said:
lewis is gone! he’s like see ya!
October 19th, 2008 at 08:04Steven Roy said:
Good clean start
October 19th, 2008 at 08:04Spikey said:
a clean corner = a miracle!!!!
Blimey - go Heikki!!!
October 19th, 2008 at 08:04Jeremy said:
OMG OMG OMG OMG its all on!
October 19th, 2008 at 08:04Steven Roy said:
Well done Kovi
October 19th, 2008 at 08:04alonso_voice said:
kovi down 3 to go
October 19th, 2008 at 08:04SteveintheUK said:
OK, can I take thta back about Trulli finishing in the top 3???
October 19th, 2008 at 08:04Scott Woodwiss (Gotta beat Christine in FR) said:
lewis is off and away!
October 19th, 2008 at 08:04me said:
kubs still in it.
October 19th, 2008 at 08:04kobito said:
keep your calm fernando, please
October 19th, 2008 at 08:04Anthony said:
and now I start to breath again
October 19th, 2008 at 08:05Scott in Italy said:
which force india c rashed? or did i see things?
October 19th, 2008 at 08:05me said:
alonso passing kovi.
October 19th, 2008 at 08:05lou said:
what happened to Bourdais he is 19th
October 19th, 2008 at 08:05me said:
phew. good lap.
October 19th, 2008 at 08:05lou said:
well done Alonso
October 19th, 2008 at 08:05Alex Andronov said:
Beautiful from Alonso there!
October 19th, 2008 at 08:05Andy Taylor said:
Nice pass by Alonso
October 19th, 2008 at 08:05Craig said:
Lewis is offski
October 19th, 2008 at 08:05Spikey said:
oh poo.
good spot, Lou.
October 19th, 2008 at 08:05RubberGoat said:
Go Alonso!
October 19th, 2008 at 08:05lou said:
Rubens 10th!!! Woot!!
October 19th, 2008 at 08:05Steven Roy said:
WHere did Renault get that straight line speed?
October 19th, 2008 at 08:05Scott Woodwiss (Gotta beat Christine in FR) said:
You think massa is thinking regarding his engine: “oh god not all of this straight all day” ?
See, lewis leading the first lap. Now it’s his race to control
October 19th, 2008 at 08:05kobito said:
masterful fernando!
October 19th, 2008 at 08:05me said:
webber’s flying.
October 19th, 2008 at 08:05Flibster said:
Trulli.
October 19th, 2008 at 08:05lou said:
Jenson 15th!!
October 19th, 2008 at 08:05me said:
from the fia.
October 19th, 2008 at 08:05Scott Woodwiss (Gotta beat Christine in FR) said:
since they won the last two races?
October 19th, 2008 at 08:05Scott in Italy said:
okay maybe it was trulli in the toyota that went off at turn 1. yep that is what timing says
October 19th, 2008 at 08:06fourstar said:
Come on Heikki, you are Lewis’s protection against the Spanish Armada
October 19th, 2008 at 08:06Flibster said:
Ok, he’s not a Force India, but he’s the one in bits after the first corner.
October 19th, 2008 at 08:06lou said:
Trulli pits
October 19th, 2008 at 08:06Christine said:
Must have been Bourdais and Trulli at the first corner. Trulli pits.
October 19th, 2008 at 08:06Steven Roy said:
I wonder how long before Kimi gets the phone call
October 19th, 2008 at 08:06Rich said:
Kovy is just useless! No real defense
October 19th, 2008 at 08:06Scott Woodwiss (Gotta beat Christine in FR) said:
You just know kimi will let massa past at some point.
October 19th, 2008 at 08:06Scott in Italy said:
i wonder if they got the plans from somewhere…
October 19th, 2008 at 08:06Scott Woodwiss (Gotta beat Christine in FR) said:
yup, trulli in pits
October 19th, 2008 at 08:06Alex Andronov said:
A Kovi Karavan?
October 19th, 2008 at 08:06me said:
yup. and now falling farther behind.
October 19th, 2008 at 08:06RubberGoat said:
When they decided to develop the engine, and good on them for doing so!
October 19th, 2008 at 08:06LadySnowcat said:
I’ll bet Alonso is a lot lighter…
Ferrari will take a while to get the tyres going…
October 19th, 2008 at 08:07Scott Woodwiss (Gotta beat Christine in FR) said:
Well we know where fernando really wants to be…
October 19th, 2008 at 08:07lou said:
if Kimi can take Lewis he will, the less points kimi gets the better for them. am gonna say he will let Massa through in the last 1/2 of the gp if Massa isn’t as quick.
October 19th, 2008 at 08:07Dom said:
October 19th, 2008 at 08:07Rich said:
I think Heidfeld might get him!
October 19th, 2008 at 08:07Scott in Italy said:
timing is showing bordais went to 18th. ouch. i think he might cry…
October 19th, 2008 at 08:07me said:
caught up with trulli.
October 19th, 2008 at 08:08Scott in Italy said:
bord touched trulli it looks like. we just got a replay here to confirm.
October 19th, 2008 at 08:08Steven Roy said:
trulliometer drops again
October 19th, 2008 at 08:08Scott Woodwiss (Gotta beat Christine in FR) said:
nice onboard of the fernando/heikki battle.
So glad I took out those two who got together.
October 19th, 2008 at 08:08Rich said:
He will cry - my American friends said he was quite the complainer!
October 19th, 2008 at 08:08lou said:
lapped already, the trulliometer is gonna be soooo looowww!
October 19th, 2008 at 08:08Scott Woodwiss (Gotta beat Christine in FR) said:
RAIN!
October 19th, 2008 at 08:08Scott Woodwiss (Gotta beat Christine in FR) said:
I swear i saw drops on marks’s t-cam there.
October 19th, 2008 at 08:08Flibster said:
Image very dark from Webbers camera today.
Almost looks like evening there.
October 19th, 2008 at 08:08RubberGoat said:
So will HAM show restraint or will he just go for it?
October 19th, 2008 at 08:08Dom said:
Jenson is behind DC!! Uh-Oh.
October 19th, 2008 at 08:09lou said:
it’s raining?
October 19th, 2008 at 08:09Alex Andronov said:
Is that a request or something you saw?
October 19th, 2008 at 08:09Rich said:
To think I almost had him and Bourdais in my Fantasy team!
October 19th, 2008 at 08:09Spikey said:
now - talking engines…. did they say that this is a new engine for Lewis and second races for both Ferraris?
I bet the Red Engineers are sweating with that straight for 50-odd laps……….
October 19th, 2008 at 08:09