Formula One 2012

[AZUCAR!]

Ferrari's new bodywork which they tried out whilst testing today. Alonso finished the last day of testing 3rd, behind Grosjean & Vettel but from what i've been reading from different people, they seem to think the changes are the correct ones. But time will tell next weekend, as to whether Ferrari are closing the gap to the front runners or they're still struggling to get into Q3.

 

[Troy]

I still find it strange that they had this small break for mid season testing, I don't think that it is actually worth it, they should have a longer break later for the testing. Hopefully Ferrari will be a bit faster to make the races even more competitive.

Was reading earlier this week that Webber has again been linked to the Ferrari job as Alonso's partner. Can't believe that the story keeps appearing year after year. Webber again denies it and says that he is racing year by year and simply wants to continue racing in a competitive car. Honestly I see Red Bull signing him for one more year to give Ricciardo and Vergne more time to develop at Torro Rosso and then in 2014 they will get the seat.

 

[Troy]

Who would have predicted that! Pastor Maldonado won the Spanish GP after starting from pole thanks to Hamilton being disqualified for not having enough fuel in his car. Incredible race for Williams as they had the perfect strategy to win the race, Alonso got in front early but Williams didn't panic and they timed their pit stops to perfection. Five races in and there have been five different winners, awesome season so far.

What did people think of Schumacher's crash with Senna?

Bad news was that after the race Senna's car caught fire in the Williams garage and 16 people were injured in the blaze. Hopefully they can all make a full recovery from their injuries.

 

[AZUCAR!]

Maldonado did a good job. Had it not been for Alonso getting caught up trying to lap Charles Pic, I think Alonso could've fought off the challenge from Maldonado to win the GP. But still, 2nd place for Ferrari is good, especially considering the problems we've had this season with the car. And Alonso is joint leader of the World Championship with Vettel.

The Hamilton incident was stupid of McLaren. Even Martin Whitmarsh has come out and said they should've let Lewis stay in the garage and let Maldonado start on Pole.

As for Schumi/Senna, it looked to be Schumacher's fault and I agree with the stewards' decision. Michael also has a 5 place grid penalty for Monaco.

Really looking forward to the Monaco GP as it's easily one of my favorite Grand Prix's of the season.

 

[Troy]

I am glad that Schumacher got the five place grid penalty because he was clearly in the wrong yet he kept trying to blame Senna when all he did was go back to the racing line.

Moncao is one of my favourites as well, such a tricky track to race on and there is so much history behind that race. Would be great if they can continue the streak of 5 different winners from 5 different teams for the first five races. Lotus have yet to win and they must be a great chance, especially Raikkonen. Personally I want to see Mark Webber win so that he can move up in the drivers standings, he won Monaco two years ago so he has form there.

 

[AZUCAR!]

Mark could do with a win, yeah. But I agree, Lotus are looking really strong. Kimi was close to overt-taking Alonso at the Spanish GP, and had there been an extra 5-10 laps extra, there's a chance he could've got Maldonado too.

 

[Isabellas2007]

I like the F1 series more then the NASCAR circuit or other racing that the US offers. The drivers actually showcase talent and not just the ability to turn left. Without this type of talent how can the drivers in the other races compete with them?

 

[Troy]

Monaco Grand Prix: Suspect package exploded at circuit
A bomb disposal expert has undertaken a controlled explosion of a suspect package in the paddock at the Monaco Grand Prix circuit.

A small white plastic box was found outside the entrance to the media centre, the Salle d'Exposition, near to La Rascasse on Thursday evening. The area was then sealed off, before the bomb disposal expert decided the package was suspect. The controlled explosion left shards of white plastic strewn across the floor.

It is the second time in successive years a bomb disposal unit has been summoned to the paddock ahead of the Monaco race. Last year they had to examine a discarded bag before the race on Sunday, although the item was eventually declared safe.

Would never expect something like this to happen at Monaco, doesn't seem like the type of country that would have crazies that would want to do this. Good to read that they managed to deal with the package and that no-one was harmed, hopefully nothing like this happens during the rest of the weekend.

 

[AZUCAR!]

I read about that last night. Found it shocking.

Didn't realize also that P1 & P2 were yesterday, so I got a shock when I read Alonso topped the time sheets of P1. I think Grosjean might have been fastest in P2, and McLaren are going around saying that Lotus are quick. Alonso said he was happy with the car, so that's good news. I can only hope that when it comes to qualifying tomorrow, Massa does as well as he's done in both Practice sessions.

 

[Doink]

Maldonado got a 10 place grid penalty, qualifying just started.

 

[Doink]

So Schumacher takes pole after a fantastic Q3 but will start 6th due to his penalty

 

[AZUCAR!]

Yep. So that bumps Webber upto Pole. I was surprised Lewis didn't get pole, the same as both Lotus's.

 

[Doink]

Yes, Webber had a great last lap, Rosberg starts in the front row too followed by Hamilton, Grosjean, Alonso and then Schumacher. Would love Grosjean to win

 

[Derrick]

Grosjean is a boss. However, I was a fan of Schumi as a kid, so I'd love to see him win today, especially in Monaco, since that is my favorite circuit of the season. If not him, then I'd love to see Grosjean win, eventually one of the McLarens.

 

[Doink]

Yeah, I like Schumi, and after his 'pole' I hope he takes this with Grosjean second and Hamilton last. I'd be happy if bloody Alonso wins if Hamilton finishes last and I hate Alonso.