Looks like a McLrn vs. Ferrari season. Just a thought on whether or not (or in my opinion, just how bad) the single tire will affect passing. I know, I know, F1 already lacks passing. At least for the last few years the tire/tyre wars threw a wrench into the pecking order sometimes.

I've just got a bad feeling about this. If I remember correctly, there were a couple of really boring seasons a few years back. Hope this isn't one of them...

 

I think the 'spec' tires level the playing field somewhat. Ferrari basically had 'bespoke' tires made for them by Bridgestone for the past several years ... resulting in several championships. Nothing wrong with that ... they just had a great working relationship.

I think the race today was excellent. Hamilton was pretty spectacular resulting in Massa making a HUGE mistake. I couldn't tell if it was on purpose or not ... but during the interview he admitted that he had forced Massa into the mistake. Unbeleivable. Very matter of fact ... but not arrogant. He may be a rookie but he is not acting like one.

Alonso obviously has the patience and experience of a champion ... but Lewis may give him a run for the money after a few more races.

Also hats of to Nick Heidfeld ... brilliant drive today.

 

Great race today. Hamilton has an amazing future ahead of him I think. And how about Rosberg until the car gave up!

Great race, especially at the start, and then as Kimi tried to run down Hamilton.

I think the tires are a good thing. It means this year when we go to the race I dont have to worry about seeing 6 cars on the grid after driving 16 hours to watch!

 

I do remember, last year at the US Grand Prix, it was evident the Bridgestone tires were superior. I believe Ferrari was running Bridgestone, Schumacher and Massa demolished everyone else with at least a 16+ second lead I think, Renault was using Goodyear and Alonso could not keep up. I'm kind of disappointed by the decision to use one tire brand, I think it was another factor that made it more fun to watch. I found todays race to be kind of boring, the battle for 2nd at the end was probably the best part, I think in another lap or two Raikkonen could have taken it. Overall, I'm really hoping the rest of the races aren't like today, however, I'll still love F1 way more than NASCRAP

 

I agree, I thought today's race was very boring.

But yes great drives for Heidfeld, Rosberg, & Hamilton.

 

So far it's been (another) yawner season – Kimi falls asleep at the wheel in the first race because he’s bored than falls asleep in his Ferrari running third. Second place 17+ seconds behind the leader and 10th place 93+ seconds behind: yawn, yawn. F1 isn’t entertaining at this point! Personally NASCAR has been more exciting to date.

 

I think the last 2 seasons of F1 were some of the best of the last decade. Prior to that, there were a few years of boring, processional racing. I believe this year will stack up as better than average. The spec tire will make things much tighter. Don't underestimate Williams, Renault, Red Bull, Honda and possibly Toyota as potential race winners this season. The complexion of the season really starts taking shape now. Two races, two different winners, two different manufacturers... so far, so good.

MC

 

Let's keep things civil here but H2ONOO are you f*&%ing nuts!! Red Bull, Honda or Toyota as possible race winners this year!!?? Not unless it's similar to how Fisi got his first win (monsoon in Brazil unless I'm mistaken) where literally almost the entire field gets retired due to rain/accident/attrition/etc.!

Those 2 winners from 2 different manufacturers?? Hope you like 'em cause unfortunately I think we're in for a whole lotta similar looking podiums this year.

All in good spirit H2ONOO!

 

Didn't Honda get a win last year? Don't underestimate the power of (insert your race) pride when it comes to spending money in F1...

I'll go out on a limb and say there will be at least 3, possibly 4 manufacturers who win this year. I'll go further and predict 5 make the podium.

You are in the Bay Area, I am too. How bout a couple beers on the prediction?

MC

 

I personally don't Hamilton should be credited as much for his driving as his blocking. Those first laps he kept Massa off pretty well, if I'm not mistaken I read on another forum I frequent (Supraforums) that he admitted to making Massa runoff the track in his post race interview. Not sure, I didn't see it, so don't quote me on that. Yes, great driving, but more specifically his blocking was superb

 

Hmmm...It's not outside the realm of possibility for 4 manuf to win this year - add BMW & Renault to the existing winners and you've got a reasonable chance. You'll have to spice up the bet to make my cheap a$$ part w/some coin!!

 

No, Hamilton didn't admit to anything other than making Massa outbreak himself by "tricking" him into a late-braking maneuver followed by the common move from Hamilton where he then brakes/dives underneath him for a late apex. A very nice move from someone in his second GP - and against the polesitter to boot! He's certainly impressive, but then, we know that since the announcers have said it about 1000 times already!

 

Just finished watching the race, obchuck is right unfortunately, a bit on the boring side, would have been more fun if Massa was able to get a decent start and actually race Alonso, Hamilton did a great job of holding Massa back a little trickery is not a bad thing. Ferrari made some set up errors while Mclaren were spot on. One tire manufacture does level the playing field somewhat with advantage to Brigestone runners of last year, regarding the relationship of spending and success, just look at Toyota and Honda over the last several seasons, led the way in spending with very little success. The one win by Button was aided by weather and luck. This year we will see only Ferrari and Mercedes winners unless they put themselves out of the race, BMW has an outside chance but again only if there is issues with the other two. In pure pace it is only a two horse race.

 

I'm sure Bernie will be investing in a new yacht or stately home now there's a single tire supplier.

F1 is a total set up/sell out these days.

Peter R.

 

Sorry, but there is NO way Honda is going to win with this current car. I mean c'mon, Super Aguri is faster than they are (thanks to using last years factory Honda chasis). The car needs a LOT of work and I honestly don't think they can do it. Sucks too since I'm a huge Rubens fan