Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahrain f1

[tremolo]

Dont forget that today we have a Webber-Mateschitz meeting and afterwards the Ausie will appear on Servus TV

https://twitter.com/f1enigma/status/326225761516257280

[Rona]

True. But perhaps they are backing the clutch off on the start so as to not get as much wheel spin and preserve the tyres? Fits in with a strategy to do one less pit stop.

Lotus's problem is the shift to second though, I'd say the clutch is actually setup too aggressively because once they grab second it just lights up the tyres.

[Shitbreak]

He used to have a decent size airline (when that actually meant something). I think he was the highest paid F1 star at the time. So I think he'd have a decent business sense.

However, I'd say the reason he'd be at Mercedes is that the big cheeses on the Merc board are about the same age, so would probably have idolised him back in the day. Its a bit like asking Peter Brock to sit on your company board.

AFAIK Lauda air was a bit of a fail. Kinda like Paul Stoddards efforts.
Also AFAIK, he has not had much more business venture since then. He strikes me as a guy that just loafes around the F1 paddock on his past fame (before he got Merc connected). Hence why I find it strange Merc game him a non-exec pos). Could well be because what you have stated.....

[willsy01]

https://twitter.com/f1enigma/status/326225761516257280

https://twitter.com/tgruener/status/326421119257153537

July seems to be the month when Webber makes his decisions, usually around the Silverstone round. Heard Ted Kravitz mention it the other night.......

[Shitbreak]

Would be pretty devo if Webber doesnt get another year (as much as there are probably better options available to RBR).

[itsnotagsr]

The Webber question is interesting, in that I think the best option for RBR might have been in between last and this year's seasons. There were quite a few decent drivers up for renewal. However, the horse trading was done and if you fast forward to the end of this season, there are fewer options other than just taking someone from TR. Perhaps a Massa/Webber swap might work?

[Shitbreak]

The Webber question is interesting, in that I think the best option for RBR might have been in between last and this year's seasons. There were quite a few decent drivers up for renewal. However, the horse trading was done and if you fast forward to the end of this season, there are fewer options other than just taking someone from TR. Perhaps a Massa/Webber swap might work?

Pretty much +1. I reckon the Hulk might be the best option of the drivers on the grid, but is currently contracted to Sauber (and perhaps unlikely as he has just started there???). I also reckon both TR drivers are too inexperienced.

Re Massa, I doubt Ferrari would drop a 'proven 2nd driver' with his mojo back with one who would be difficult to work with in that regard.

[Rona]

Hulk might be a bit upset given he jumped from Force India to Sauber which has proven to be a step backwards so far. I certainly couldn't see him turning down a drive with a better team and RBR would have plenty of cash to free him from any Sauber contract he had.

[Shitbreak]

Hulk might be a bit upset given he jumped from Force India to Sauber which has proven to be a step backwards so far. I certainly couldn't see him turning down a drive with a better team and RBR would have plenty of cash to free him from any Sauber contract he had.

And he is not a rookie, yet is still plenty young (and a decent steerer from what I can see). He seams the only guy I can think of that RBR might like, and is available (more or less).

PS Came across this awesome pic recently.

[tremolo]

Great pic. So pumped to get to Monaco - only a month to go til race weekend!

[itsnotagsr]

Lots of talk in the F1 media that McLaren should have signed Hulk rather than Perez.

I think the reason why Williams and Sauber have dropped off the pace this year is that they're pooling resources for 2014. Given those regulations will be in place for some time, it makes sense to get off to the best start you can in order to avoid constantly playing catch up from then on.

[Rona]

I can't see Gutierrez being around for too long with Sauber, Hulk is making him look like a proper chump. They also seemed to be talking that a lot of the Mexican money is going to end up following Perez to McLaren so the mexican connection to Sauber might end. My tip is next year Jules Bianchi will end up at Sauber.

[itsnotagsr]

Bianchi is certainly making the most of his opportunity. Would have been interesting to see what would have happened if he had gotten that FI drive.

[St00ge]

AFAIK Lauda air was a bit of a fail. Kinda like Paul Stoddards efforts.
Also AFAIK, he has not had much more business venture since then. He strikes me as a guy that just loafes around the F1 paddock on his past fame (before he got Merc connected). Hence why I find it strange Merc game him a non-exec pos). Could well be because what you have stated.....

As a whole I wouldn't call Stoddards efforts in business a fail..

[SuperDave]

I can't see Gutierrez being around for too long with Sauber, Hulk is making him look like a proper chump. They also seemed to be talking that a lot of the Mexican money is going to end up following Perez to McLaren so the mexican connection to Sauber might end. My tip is next year Jules Bianchi will end up at Sauber.

Hopefully a call up to Kamui and his million dollars of donations from fans?