F1 this weekend

[yellowperil]

Here's a good lookin' McLaren for down under. Very tidy. Hope Button does well for his dad.

Also hope Massa does well for Schumi.

Hope it's a good safe race.

[livi]

Looking forward to it. Not least since its 23 years since we had a driver from old Sweden.

[matt f]

P1 tonight @ 9:30 EST on NBCSPT.
Preceded by "Countdown to F1" @ 9.

Matt

P2 @ 1:30a.

[5String43]

This is the moment I wait for every year! Should be especially interesting this year, especially the first few races, to see how well the teams get these all-new cars sorted out, and how well they cope with the new fuel rules.

[URY914]

I'm pulling for ANYONE but Vettel.

[cockerpunk]

i think we are gonna see some new names on the podium this year.

[Aragorn]

I look for anything with a Mercedes engine to be at the top of the time sheets and on the podium.

All the Renault cars seem to be having problems. I don't look for Vettel to be in the top 5 unless Red Bull sandbagged heavily in preseason testing.

Reading a few comments from Kimi at Ferrari, he doesn't seem to have a "feel" for the car yet. That usually means he doesn't like it and will not push the envelope. Fred on the other hand will push the car and will probably be in the top 5.

[Don Plumley]

Can't Wait!!

[imcarthur]

Thanks for the reminder! Buried in snow here, it's hard to think about F1. My DVR is now ready.

Ian

[hhackma]

I'm ready and agree that we will some different faces on the podium. Should make for some good racing.

[matt f]

Cars sound horrible, IMO.
Seems like GP 2 or lower class.

[Henry Schmidt]

They sound like a yak with flatulence.

[regency]

I hope this weekend's F1 doesn't bump "Team Ice Dancing".

1973 911 T MFI Coupe, Aubergine

Steve

[sketchers356]

Anyone have times/channel for the USA?

[nostatic]

NBC Sports Network. FP1 was 6:30pm, FP2 is 10:30pm (PST).

I am *sooooo* glad F1 is back. I have chronic insomnia and the one thing that will lull me to sleep is watching the races.

Actually not a jab at the races - we (my wife and I) happily watch every race. I end up rewatching them at 1am or so when I can't get to sleep. Something about the engine noise...

[nostatic]

And how cool to see the Martini livery on the Williams! Though they need a bit more color...

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by Henry Schmidt

They sound like a yak with flatulence.

Yea, they do. I was trying to think up a description and I will steal that. Thanks!

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by nostatic

NBC Sports Network. FP1 was 6:30pm, FP2 is 10:30pm (PST).

I am *sooooo* glad F1 is back. I have chronic insomnia and the one thing that will lull me to sleep is watching the races.

Actually not a jab at the races - we (my wife and I) happily watch every race. I end up rewatching them at 1am or so when I can't get to sleep. Something about the engine noise...

The new engine noise may give you gas or keep you up. It will take some getting used to.

[Craig T]

Yes, the new "yak flatulence" sound is a huge disappointment. I will miss the high pitched scream. In the grandstands the sound was actually painful, but it hurt sooo good.

Regardless, I'll gladly trade the sound for a competitive field, interesting races, and maybe a few surprise finishes. The Red Bull pole-to-pole races of the last two years had me losing interest.

[Henry Schmidt]

Originally Posted by Craig T

Yes, the new "yak flatulence" sound is a huge disappointment. I will miss the high pitched scream. In the grandstands the sound was actually painful, but it hurt sooo good.

Regardless, I'll gladly trade the sound for a competitive field, interesting races, and maybe a few surprise finishes. The Red Bull pole-to-pole races of the last two years had me losing interest.

Beyond the horrible sound, I have two observations.

I love that Martini is back on livery.

On a sour note : can you say fuel strategy? Last year we had races determined by tyres, so this year's surprise finishes will be based on fuel strategy? This is a recipe for boredom.