What the hell is your problem?

Its a bit too much I guess. I partially agree that 25s penalty imposed on Hamilton in Belgian GP seems a bit harsh. Mind you, that this was completely under the rules of FIA. My problem is with extreme reactions of media about the whole incident. Media is giving it a shade of racism, which is hysterical. Mclaren has constantly blamed stewards of partiality when it comes to their car against the scarlet. Media has gone one step further to point out that Massa escaped with a fine in Valencia after the unsafe release from pits incident; while Hamilton was effectively handed a post race stop-go penalty. You have to see both the incidents to understand their intensities. Besides, the two concerned incidents took place at different locations, the offenses were completely different so there is no point relating them.

If Hamilton is claiming that he did not commit the offense, he is lying. He DID come out ahead of Kimi from the corner. Then backed off and again overtook. This counts as an offense, as for a teeny-tiny second, he hindered Kimi’s track. Hamilton later said ‘Kimi pushed me wide. I was little bit ahead and I was on the outside of turn. He pushed me to the point where I would either have been on the kerb and crashed into him or have to go on escape route, so I took the escape route.’ You see Lewis, there is this thing where you keep your foot while driving…thats called brake pedal. Use it once in a while when you are about to crash into somebody. This guy does not even consider backing off as an option. I admire his spirit, but that cost him his 1st place.

What surprised me the most was Niki Lauda’s recent outburst. I was expecting an attack on the rule itself, but instead he blasted the stewards for their decision.
If you are pointing out the absurdity of the rule itself, I have no problem. The rule is not properly formulated, but its a rule and you have to follow it.

Today’s DNA Pune edition has an article written by Dhananjay Khadilkar titled ‘Was Hamilton a victim of colour blindness?’ in which he says ‘This is a pointer to a widely held perception in Formula 1- red car always rules.’ Here we go again. Media must relearn their formulae of extrapolation and should know where to stop. While giving an example, Mr Khadilkar states ‘Last year too, FIA imposed a hefty fine of $100mn on Mclaren for their role in the spy scandal that involved Ferrari.’ How the hell is this thing related to the other? And speaking of scandal, it is quite clear that Mclaren got off with a good deal. I mean when the team’s boss accepts in front of live media that ‘Yes, we did it!’, I was surprised that FIA even considered letting them compete this year. They should have been banned for 5 yrs. And $100mn was just a moral victory for Ferrari, the sum meant nothing to them. They showed that by using the entire sum for charity under Schumi’s guidance. So media should stop bringing that up every now and then, even Ron Dennis agrees that it was fair. So what the hell is your problem?

Previews of Singapore

Today I was watching the highlights of India’s magnificent win over Sri Lanka. Sachin was playing beautifully. During the commercials, I saw a yellow road side sign with the ‘Merlion’. Suddenly the F1 sign came up in the corner. I got out of the chair and watched intently. Suddenly the Merlion looked all scared and he jumped into the water as an F1 car zoomed past it leaving the sign board spinning around itself. Then the 28.08.2008 appeared on the screen! Wow! I was thrilled to see something related to the most awaited event in F1.

And as I have started writing about F1, let me just tell you F1 saw a high powered multi-team testing in Barcelona today. The unofficial best laps were-

1. Lewis Hamilton, McLaren, 1:22.276
2. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari, 1:22.319
3. Michael Schumacher, Ferrari, 1:22.428

Schumi has still got it hasnt he!! Hamilton gave a stunning performance. Alonso could clock only 1:23.021. Told you didnt I, his car is just not working for him.He was the 7th fastest.

Also, it was a fine day in Force India camp. Adrian Sutil clocked 1:23.091 and was 9th. Liuzzi was 12th out of 19 cars that tested and could reach 1:23.239. So it was an impressive first impression for VJM01. Giancarlo Fisichella will replace Sutil for tomorrow’s session behind the wheel. With just a couple of weeks left before the big day, each second gained here will boost the confidence of the teams tremendously.

Schumi Back on track

Yes..he is back. Not for racing of course..but he will be seen in Barcelona testing for Ferrari. Schumacher has been in touch with the Ferrari since his retirement after 2006 season. He was special technical adviser for Ferrari throughout the last season. Schumi fans like me were excited to see him in the Ferrari pits. And now he will be testing for Ferrari for the 2nd time after late 2007.

He is supposed to be a driver who knows the nerve of F1 cars. Also, he has driven a car without traction control in early stages of his career before it was banned by FIA in 1994. So his experience will be of immense importance to the Ferrari. Many of the current drivers had driven F1 cars without traction control. These include David Coulthard, Rubens Barrichello, Trulli, Fisichella. Heidfeld and Alonso also had a brief experience in their debut seasons in F1. So there are quite a few ‘Pro’s around and Ferrari would really appreciate all the help they can get from the best guy behind the wheels.

Fernando Alonso: “I have a very good chance of winning championship this year”……. Me: “HA!!”

Fernando Alonso recently claimed that he has a chance of regaining the championship like never before. Apparently, he tested the new R28 Renault at Valencia and then finalized his move to Renault. After weeks of testing, he made this claim. But thats his job. He has to create this hopeful situation for his fans (I dont think there are much left though). I am not frowning upon this because I hate him. Or I should say I am not frowning upon this JUST because I hate him. There is a very valid reason for this.

Force India driver Giancarlo Fisichella also tested the same R28 and he has claimed that this car is not the kind that will help a driver to win the championship. Renault was lagging far behind the top teams last year. It will not be easy to come from that far behind and win the championship in 1 year. Also the results at the testings are not very promising for Alonso, be it a dry track or wet 1. Best he could manage was 3rd or 4th fastest. The new R28 is not working for Alonso. He is clearly struggling.

On the other hand, the Ferrari is cruising just fine. Both the drivers have shown positive results with F2008. Apparently no major problems were faced. Both drivers made a mark at Bahrain

Mclaren also did quite well in Europe. Heikki Kovalainen pleased his boss by topping the chart in Jerez. Hamilton continued his stunning form behind the wheels and was fastest in Barcelona.

So it will be a tough road for alonso this yr. All this means a great season ahead, with a potential treat for Alonso haters!