F1 end of year

[Ian]

Well done Fernando Alonso; despite determined attempts to knobble his car (mass damper episode) and a ridiculous penalty in qualifying at the Italian GP, he hung on after a superb start to the season and was the deserving winner.

Michael Schumacher made the most of an improved car, especially the Bridgestone tyres, in the second half of the season, but the number of errors or poor tactics really added up this season. All true F1 fans, myself included, acknowledge and respect his record, but I'm with Martin Brundled in wishing the 'win at any cost' incidents that punctuated his career hadn't flawed his record. Alonso's record, in that respect, is much better and I believe he has what it takes to beat Schumacher's overall record in the long run.

Given a good car, Massa has shown what he can do with it. In many ways he out-shone Schumacher in several races and thoroughly deserved his two wins and collection of poles. But I think Raikkonen will remind Massa that he is a second driver - there will be a bigger margin of dominance by Raikkonen at Ferrari over Massa than this year.

Where are the Jenson detractors now? Button won his first race in very challenging conditions and he saw off Barrichello despite predictions to the contrary. Who says he can't overtake? Yesterday's pass on Raikkonen was even better than Schumacher's because Button's Honda was only marginally quicker than the McLaren. Next year's Honda needs to be improved because top speed has been a major handicap, but there is some good momentum there.

Renault next year? People keep on telling me how good Fisichella is, but if that's the case, then Alonso is superman. But the team knows how to win, so you never know.

McLaren has been a huge disappointment - no wins, Montoya seeing the potential draining away and Raikkonen (and the team) winless this year. I think McLaren can bounce back, but there has to be a question mark over Alonson being able to defend his title in 2007. It's a bit like 1996 when Schumacher went to the floundering Ferrari team.

Williams - from bad to worse, they have recovered in the past, but things aren't looking good are they? RBR - can't wait to see what Adrian Newey comes up with. BMW was one of the most improved teams this season, no doubt. The Toro Rosso team did well, but it will be interesting to see how they fare next year (I'm assuming they can't run de-tuned 2005 engines). Very difficult to predict the Spyker/Midland potential. I think Super Aguri will move to being a midfield team through support from Honda. They did remarkably well in yeserday's race - Sato came tenth and both drivers fastest laps were in the top ten.

Overall, a fascinating season but now the future is for the young blood - roll on 2007!

Ian

[lumix]

Re: F1 end of year

Well done Fernando Alonso; despite determined attempts to knobble his car (mass damper episode) and a ridiculous penalty in qualifying at the Italian GP, he hung on after a superb start to the season and was the deserving winner.

Michael Schumacher made the most of an improved car, especially the Bridgestone tyres, in the second half of the season, but the number of errors or poor tactics really added up this season. All true F1 fans, myself included, acknowledge and respect his record, but I'm with Martin Brundled in wishing the 'win at any cost' incidents that punctuated his career hadn't flawed his record. Alonso's record, in that respect, is much better and I believe he has what it takes to beat Schumacher's overall record in the long run.

Given a good car, Massa has shown what he can do with it. In many ways he out-shone Schumacher in several races and thoroughly deserved his two wins and collection of poles. But I think Raikkonen will remind Massa that he is a second driver - there will be a bigger margin of dominance by Raikkonen at Ferrari over Massa than this year.

Where are the Jenson detractors now? Button won his first race in very challenging conditions and he saw off Barrichello despite predictions to the contrary. Who says he can't overtake? Yesterday's pass on Raikkonen was even better than Schumacher's because Button's Honda was only marginally quicker than the McLaren. Next year's Honda needs to be improved because top speed has been a major handicap, but there is some good momentum there.

Renault next year? People keep on telling me how good Fisichella is, but if that's the case, then Alonso is superman. But the team knows how to win, so you never know.

McLaren has been a huge disappointment - no wins, Montoya seeing the potential draining away and Raikkonen (and the team) winless this year. I think McLaren can bounce back, but there has to be a question mark over Alonson being able to defend his title in 2007. It's a bit like 1996 when Schumacher went to the floundering Ferrari team.

Williams - from bad to worse, they have recovered in the past, but things aren't looking good are they? RBR - can't wait to see what Adrian Newey comes up with. BMW was one of the most improved teams this season, no doubt. The Toro Rosso team did well, but it will be interesting to see how they fare next year (I'm assuming they can't run de-tuned 2005 engines). Very difficult to predict the Spyker/Midland potential. I think Super Aguri will move to being a midfield team through support from Honda. They did remarkably well in yeserday's race - Sato came tenth and both drivers fastest laps were in the top ten.

Overall, a fascinating season but now the future is for the young blood - roll on 2007!

Ian

I think you summed 2006 up nicely there Ian. Except perhaps a mention of the FIA who it would seem are favoring certain manufactures. Also not having a choice of tyres next year is a bit disappointing. Can't wait for 2007.

[peter]

Re: F1 end of year

Well done Fernando Alonso; despite determined attempts to knobble his car (mass damper episode) and a ridiculous penalty in qualifying at the Italian GP, he hung on after a superb start to the season and was the deserving winner.

Yes well done Alonso thats two in the bag. Will we see many more not so sure about that. McLaren have one hell of a big hill to climb and do you think Alonso will put up with season after season with no championships like schumi did at Ferrari.

Michael Schumacher made the most of an improved car, especially the Bridgestone tyres, in the second half of the season, but the number of errors or poor tactics really added up this season.

Yes I will agree with this.

All true F1 fans, myself included, acknowledge and respect his record, but I'm with Martin Brundled in wishing the 'win at any cost' incidents that punctuated his career hadn't flawed his record.

As I have said in the past and I guess I will have to say again Schumacher is not the only one to have pushed things to far at times. Funny how so many people seem to forget this.

Alonso's record, in that respect, is much better and I believe he has what it takes to beat Schumacher's overall record in the long run.

Again not so sure even he has said in the past he does not see himself in the sport as long as schumi as been.

Given a good car, Massa has shown what he can do with it. In many ways he out-shone Schumacher in several races and thoroughly deserved his two wins and collection of poles. But I think Raikkonen will remind Massa that he is a second driver - there will be a bigger margin of dominance by Raikkonen at Ferrari over Massa than this year.

This could be well true but by the looks of things I think Ferrari will have a great line up for next season.

Where are the Jenson detractors now? Button won his first race in very challenging conditions and he saw off Barrichello despite predictions to the contrary. Who says he can't overtake? Yesterday's pass on Raikkonen was even better than Schumacher's because Button's Honda was only marginally quicker than the McLaren. Next year's Honda needs to be improved because top speed has been a major handicap, but there is some good momentum there.

Ok I hold my hand up to this one. Yes I did think Jenson would be the weaker one.

Renault next year? People keep on telling me how good Fisichella is, but if that's the case, then Alonso is superman. But the team knows how to win, so you never know.

Fisichella can win but would he be able to fight his way up the pack if things go wrong not sure about that. Again yes the team can win but you do need someone who can push hard weekend after weekend so not sure how that one will play out.

McLaren has been a huge disappointment - no wins, Montoya seeing the potential draining away and Raikkonen (and the team) winless this year. I think McLaren can bounce back, but there has to be a question mark over Alonson being able to defend his title in 2007. It's a bit like 1996 when Schumacher went to the floundering Ferrari team.

What can I say you have hit the nail on the head with that one.

Overall, a fascinating season but now the future is for the young blood - roll on 2007!

Have to say what a super drive that was by schumacher from 10th and then back to 20th then up to 4th. Even if you you do not like the guy just step back and think what did he had to prove. Yes Alonso could have had something go wrong but that was a long shot. The guy is just a racer at the end of the day.

One more thing you are 37 have a good few million in the bank and this is your first day off after giving up your day job what would you do

[Ian]

Re: F1 end of year

Peter - you must learn to use the quote button

Well done Fernando Alonso; despite determined attempts to knobble his car (mass damper episode) and a ridiculous penalty in qualifying at the Italian GP, he hung on after a superb start to the season and was the deserving winner.

Yes well done Alonso thats two in the bag. Will we see many more not so sure about that. McLaren have one hell of a big hill to climb and do you think Alonso will put up with season after season with no championships like schumi did at Ferrari.

McLaren have just moved into their amazing new technical centre and perhaps all that, plus the loss of Adrian Newey, came home to roost, but they have the resources to fight back.

Michael Schumacher made the most of an improved car, especially the Bridgestone tyres, in the second half of the season, but the number of errors or poor tactics really added up this season.

Yes I will agree with this.

All true F1 fans, myself included, acknowledge and respect his record, but I'm with Martin Brundled in wishing the 'win at any cost' incidents that punctuated his career hadn't flawed his record.

As I have said in the past and I guess I will have to say again Schumacher is not the only one to have pushed things to far at times. Funny how so many people seem to forget this.

Well, the incidents with Hill and Villeneuve were pretty bad on their own, but the Monaco thing this year and the 1998 Spa race, where he thundered into the pits after rear-ending DC, also stick. I don't recall those kinds of incidents with any other driver since Senns - and I think Senna was a flawed genius as well. Just my opinion.

Alonso's record, in that respect, is much better and I believe he has what it takes to beat Schumacher's overall record in the long run.

Again not so sure even he has said in the past he does not see himself in the sport as long as schumi as been.

Given a good car, Massa has shown what he can do with it. In many ways he out-shone Schumacher in several races and thoroughly deserved his two wins and collection of poles. But I think Raikkonen will remind Massa that he is a second driver - there will be a bigger margin of dominance by Raikkonen at Ferrari over Massa than this year.

This could be well true but by the looks of things I think Ferrari will have a great line up for next season.

Of Ferrari can give Raikkonen and Massa the same kind of car advantage they enjoyed in the second half of the season they will be very difficult to beat. But with the playing field leveled in terms of tyres, maybe the difference will be smaller.

Where are the Jenson detractors now? Button won his first race in very challenging conditions and he saw off Barrichello despite predictions to the contrary. Who says he can't overtake? Yesterday's pass on Raikkonen was even better than Schumacher's because Button's Honda was only marginally quicker than the McLaren. Next year's Honda needs to be improved because top speed has been a major handicap, but there is some good momentum there.

Ok I hold my hand up to this one. Yes I did think Jenson would be the weaker one.

Renault next year? People keep on telling me how good Fisichella is, but if that's the case, then Alonso is superman. But the team knows how to win, so you never know.

Fisichella can win but would he be able to fight his way up the pack if things go wrong not sure about that. Again yes the team can win but you do need someone who can push hard weekend after weekend so not sure how that one will play out.

Yes, I think we agree 100% on that one.

McLaren has been a huge disappointment - no wins, Montoya seeing the potential draining away and Raikkonen (and the team) winless this year. I think McLaren can bounce back, but there has to be a question mark over Alonson being able to defend his title in 2007. It's a bit like 1996 when Schumacher went to the floundering Ferrari team.

What can I say you have hit the nail on the head with that one.

Overall, a fascinating season but now the future is for the young blood - roll on 2007!

Have to say what a super drive that was by schumacher from 10th and then back to 20th then up to 4th. Even if you you do not like the guy just step back and think what did he had to prove. Yes Alonso could have had something go wrong but that was a long shot. The guy is just a racer at the end of the day.

Schumacher certainly didn't give up but he also had a car that was around a second a lap faster than everyone apart from Massa. Although he was only 25 seconds behind Massa at the end, Mass had been cruising for most of the race and Alonso was taking it easy as well.

One more thing you are 37 have a good few million in the bank and this is your first day off after giving up your day job what would you do

I think it will, initially, be very tough for him actually.

Ian

[coupekid]

Re: F1 end of year

Have to say what a super drive that was by schumacher from 10th and then back to 20th then up to 4th. Even if you you do not like the guy just step back and think what did he had to prove. Yes Alonso could have had something go wrong but that was a long shot. The guy is just a racer at the end of the day.

One more thing you are 37 have a good few million in the bank and this is your first day off after giving up your day job what would you do

I (as you know Peter!) am definately NOT a Schumacher fan, but popping in that cheaky 1min 12 was astounding, especially having just come out of the pits! I think, despite my thinking the same as Brundell (and Ian) it would have been nice to see him invited up to the podium despite only coming 4th.

It was a bit of controversial season, and I am chuffed to bits Alonso got it!

Next year should be very interesting, and I cant wait to see what Honda can pull out of the bag after a pretty decent final half to the season.

So Peter, who are you with now then? Mr Interesting or Massa, Mr Interesting, Raikanen (I can never spell his name)... cracked me up with his comment....he is so laid back, he could almost be vertical!

[peter]

Re: F1 end of year

I (as you know Peter!) am definately NOT a Schumacher fan, but popping in that cheaky 1min 12 was astounding, especially having just come out of the pits! That was a great lap not what you would expect from someone who is over the hill .

As for next year Massa or Kimi both will have my vote because after all these years with just one main driver it will be hard to shout for someone else. Ferrari will have my support.

Tomorrow if I have the time I will try to show you how schumi mad I am by posting a few shots of all the stuff I have on my walls.Even the wedding photo does not have pride of place but is out in the hall way

[coupekid]

Re: F1 end of year

Tomorrow if I have the time I will try to show you how schumi mad I am by posting a few shots of all the stuff I have on my walls.Even the wedding photo does not have pride of place but is out in the hall way

That, I look forward to

[devilgas]

Re: F1 end of year

Well, the incidents with Hill and Villeneuve were pretty bad on their own, but the Monaco thing this year and the 1998 Spa race, where he thundered into the pits after rear-ending DC, also stick. I don't recall those kinds of incidents with any other driver since Senns - and I think Senna was a flawed genius as well. Just my opinion.

Ian

and that for me is the whole reason i dislike shumacher so much. at the start of his career i was a fan. this had waned to ambivolence prior to the hill incident then utter dislike from that moment onwards. strange how a few isolated incidents can change an attitude forever.

next year, i think raik & massa will be fighting between themselves for the championship. massa has the benefit of an extra year in the red car which should give him an advantage earlier in the season.

[lumix]

Re: F1 end of year

and that for me is the whole reason i dislike shumacher so much. at the start of his career i was a fan. this had waned to ambivolence prior to the hill incident then utter dislike from that moment onwards. strange how a few isolated incidents can change an attitude forever.

next year, i think raik & massa will be fighting between themselves for the championship. massa has the benefit of an extra year in the red car which should give him an advantage earlier in the season.

My dislike for this so called super driver started when Schumacher insisted on having Barrichellos car for a race because Barrichello had got his car set up better than Schumacher had managed. Team dominance/favoritism has always given him a head start over his team mate. For me F1 will be a better place without him.