US F1 GP this weekend

Victor · 06-30-2006, 07:08 AM

What's the consensus after the mess last year? Think anyone will turn up to watch it?

serge944 · serge944's Garage

After Michelin paid for their new tickets, why not?

motion · 06-30-2006, 07:35 AM

I sure hope so. Uncle Bernie won't be inclined to return if the turnout is low.

motion · 06-30-2006, 07:37 AM

Whoa there.... might be problems yet:

http://f1.racing-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/060630164246.shtml

scottmandue · 06-30-2006, 09:09 AM

I'm getting a blank page at that link.

motion · 06-30-2006, 09:13 AM

Here's the text:

Zoom
Bibendum doesn't seem worried at all

Another tyre scandal could be brewing in the Indianapolis pitlane, according to reports on Friday.

Germany's Bild newspaper quoted what it described as a 'Michelin man' as worrying that the combination of new rules and quicker cornering speeds in 2006 might re-kindle the horror of last season, when fourteen cars were pulled from the grid.

The Michelin insider said: ''Even with the V8 engines the cars are even faster, and now we have even softer tyre compounds.

''The whole of Formula One should be concerned.''

More official Michelin sources, however, insist that the tyre for this weekend is safe.

''We're sure now, 100 per cent,'' said F1 director Nick Shorrock, ''the tyres correspond to the specification we need for this race in 2006.''

But world champion Fernando Alonso added that, with such demanding F1 partners as Renault, McLaren and BMW, the French tyre supplier can't afford to be overly conservative.

''The teams will not allow Michelin to be conservative,'' said the Spaniard.

scottmandue · 06-30-2006, 09:22 AM

Hmmm, interesting...
However after last years fiasco I'm sure we can expect Michelin and the USGP to be under a microscope. I find it hard to believe that with all the money involved they would screw up again, although anything is possible.

I see they have started doing test laps.

Matt Holcomb · Matt Holcomb's Garage

Irrespective of the farce that was last year's U.S. Grand Prix, modern F1 will only ever be a quirky curiosity to mainstream America.

As an advertisement for motor racing, as a spectacle, F1 is pathetic.

As a showcase for technology and rampaging egos, it's without peer, but you have to be a hardcore fan to better appreciate the nuances of the sport.

I'm surprised that more than 10,000 people attend the U.S. Grand Prix each year. The events' organisers must do a lot of spruiking ... and bribing.

Victor · 07-01-2006, 01:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Matt Holcomb

........I'm surprised that more than 10,000 people attend the U.S. Grand Prix each year. ......

That doesn't even rival the daily sales number of Dale Ernhardt Jr. baseball caps.......

Matt Holcomb · Matt Holcomb's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by Victor
That doesn't even rival the daily sales number of Dale Ernhardt Jr. baseball caps.......

There you go.

Parity = good racing.

sketchers356 · 07-02-2006, 08:05 AM

Which channel is covering this one?

serge944 · serge944's Garage

speed channel 9:30 pacific time

sketchers356 · 07-02-2006, 08:07 AM

Dang, I dont get that channel.

twobone · twobone's Garage

Hey Victor,

I love the avatar.

Nigel ROCKs!

serge944 · serge944's Garage

You didn't miss much. The race was pretty uneventful and only 10 cars crossed the finish line.

cegerer · cegerer's Garage

I was there Sat. for qualifying. I thought we'd pretty much be the only ones there ... but the crowd was massive. Last year seems to have had no effect, or maybe a reverse effect. I haven't been following F1 much this year, but the Mclarens looked absolutely awesome! They're painted in sort of a dull chrome finish - looks really cool in real life. Too bad they both crashed at the 1st corner.

cegerer · cegerer's Garage

Victor · 07-03-2006, 02:26 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by twobone
Hey Victor,

I love the avatar.

Nigel ROCKs!

Oh yes, - indeed he does. Glad you recognised him. Someone here thought that was a picture of me.........and told me to get a haircut.

Truth be known, I have a shaved head.

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by serge944
You didn't miss much. The race was pretty uneventful and only 10 cars crossed the finish line.

Uneventful? Tough crowd...you're not an F1 fan, are you?

Az911 · 07-03-2006, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by serge944
You didn't miss much. The race was pretty uneventful and only 10 cars crossed the finish line.

You can thank JPM for helping to take out half of the field. I can't wait for Mclaren to let him go.