less than 24 hours until F1 Friday practice session:

[tchanson]

Originally Posted by artplumber

Was this supposed to be in green? Plenty of folks lost races because of missed shifts.

Exactly. Just ask that poor bastard Scott Stoddard after Aron's stunt at Monaco.












Tim

[fumanchu]

Anyone know if Speed's coverage in HD will be really just that. I've heard 16:9 aspect ratio... but no true 1080 broadcast.

I just updated my TIVO to HD and bought a big 'ole 50 incher hoping to see some nice powerslides with no traction control. Whew....My F1 habit is costing money like my Porsche addiction.

[BRPORSCHE]

Is the aussie race this weekend going to be televised on normal cable? I don't have speed so I might have to go out and watch the race (late)

[Jims5543]

Its on Speed.

I Tivo every race, if you miss it, PM me and I 'll burn you a DVD.

[Wickd89]

Speed on HD?!!!

Stop your making go nuts... I am sure Cox does not offer it in OC..

[austin552]

Dam, I should have gotten that HD DVR instead of the HD DVD player.

[Seric]

Originally Posted by cl8ton

I found Kimi’s response to no TC:
“ireallyhavenopreferencetotractioncontrolmyfarrari isafukenrocketshipandiamtheworldchampionandcanbeet allposersonthegridthisyearnowsomeonepleasehandmeth evodka”/

That's my boy. Finn for the win.

[Jims5543]

Go Kimi!!

Curious to see how Sebastian, no the other one, does with STR.

I like that they took away traction control and hope it makes for more mistakes and better passing opportunities.

I would like to see what Motion has to say about Paddle Shifting Vs. Stick.

Besides, look at the DTM cars, they are using sequential boxes as well, how can you expect F1 to dumb it down below that?


Lots of things have changed this year lots of driver moves and with the removal of TC I am excited to see how they handle the slippery roads of Melbourne.

[cl8ton]

Well Kimi summend it up at the press conference today on TC

Q: And same question about traction control. Was there a big difference in the cars initially?
KR: I think there was a big difference when we tried before Christmas for the first time with last year’s car. It was a lot more difficult but then with the new car we improved in the areas where it was less good and it helped a lot. Now with new tyres you do not feel the difference on the one lap whether you have traction control or not. I think when it is a difficult condition, wet or slippery, then it will be much more tricky but you don’t really notice.

Q: And have you changed your driving style at all to compensate for it?
KR: Not really, no.

He will pummel them in Melbourne!

[Jims5543]

As seen on Axis of Oversteer .. this should put you in the mood. 2.5 more hours!!


Formula 1 1950-2007 from Axis of Oversteer * on Vimeo.

[CurtEgerer]

Apparently, all races, all practices, all interviews will be broadcast on-line this year:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2008/mar/13/itv.television?gusrc=rss&feed=media

[CurtEgerer]

Well, screwed again. Service not available outside the UK Somebody's gotta be able to hack around this ....

[lisa_spyder]

First session is about to finish down here - haven't had time to check the times yet...but here's a weather report...HOT, VERY BL00DY HOT! Top temp forecast at 35 deg C, with a blustery northerly wind (that a hot wind for us down here, making it feel even hotter). Total fire ban across four states in Aus today - a late summer has hit with avengence.

Sat and Sun will hold more of the same - Sat will be a little cooler at around 30 deg, but race day is forecast for 36 deg...that is high 90s in F.

Survival of the fittest takes on a new meaning in these weather conditions - track temps will probably well exceed mid 50s C.

Oh well, better than rain and cold I suppose .

Anyway,

BRING IT ON!!!!!!

[porcupine911]

first practice is already over. they don't show that session on speed. i won't spoil it for you guys though.

[johncj8989]

Curt,

I just watched the first session of practice online. Go to this link and scroll until you see the link. The quality of the stream was pretty good....just doesn't have the commentary. The second session begins at 12am eastern I believe.

http://www.myp2pforum.eu/motorsports/16889-grand-prix-australie.html

[lisa_spyder]

UPDATE:

It's hit 40 deg C in Melbourne!

No surprises - Kimi was fastest in the first session.

Red Bull team have some scrutineering problems (not disclosed) but Charlie Whiting offered an extension on time last night and the cars ran in first practice. The team still needs to pass final scrut tonight in order to run tomorrow. Webber posted a credible 5th fastest in the first session.

Coulthard's engine went up in smoke...car looking sad and sorry in its garage.

[Jims5543]

Results of 1st free practice.

Interesting to say the least, especially the STR boys I was expecting the opposite.

[porcupine911]

the "scrutineering problem" was that that the rb4 frontal impact crash tests weren't approved until this morning!

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/65688

[strupgolf]

Well I see that the "great" Sebastion Bourdais, winner of 4 CART titles, comes in over 3 seconds slower then Kimi. Yea, he's a winner all right, against nobody's and such. I cant wait to see him get his a** handed to him up front and then say he didn't know the competition was going to be this strong. DA

[Joeaksa]

Looks very interesting! Only 22 minutes to go until its on the tube here!