Moto GP from Barcelona was a thriller, especially if like me you're a Valentino Rossi fan and want to see him gain that tenth world championship. Of course all motorsport can be incredibly hard and my heart goes out to the family of Luis Salom the Moto GP 2 rider tragically killed in practice.
I had thought that Barcelona could see Valentino take the fight to the Spanish riders and on Sunday he did just that, somehow Valentino seems to find that bit extra on a Sunday, even if qualifying doesn't go so well. After his engine blow up Valentino really needed maximum points; that team mate Jorge Lorenzo was taken out by a wild Ducati levelled things further although who would bet against Marquez or Honda?
Lorenzo is not happy that Iannone isn't being punished with a ban it seems.
Dani Pedrosa on the second works Honda completed the podium. It was nice to see a Suzuki putting in good consistent fast laps too and it'll be good for all of us if more manufacturers are in with a shout. Suzuki have a large test programme planned I believe and Cal Crutchlow apparently had a good post race test as well. Game on.
Malcolm Snook
Wednesday, 8 June 2016
Wednesday, 1 June 2016
Been A Bit Quiet from Me But.....
I've been away travelling and not blogging, but a lot has been going on at Barcelona, Mugello, Monaco and Indy. All old news now of course but I was sorry to find out that Valentino Rossi had an engine blow up while challenging for the lead, I'd love to see him get that tenth world championship and Yamaha engines have been so very reliable.
Monaco might just see a turn around for Lewis Hamilton who's been having the season from hell, although he's still burdened by warnings which could lead to penalties and a shortage of engines left in a long season. What went wrong for Nico Rosberg still seems to be a mystery and after being taken out by Lewis in the previous race his sportsmanship seemed to not be in question in Monaco, some may think it new found, but I think he's one of the good guys myself.
A lot of carnage and penalties at Monaco, although the decision not to penalise Kimi Raikkonen was clearly correct given the radio communication evidence. Most of the other penalties were probably correct, but whilst we don't want to see stupid attempts to overtake we do want to see drivers fighting for places. In the world at large we've become very litigious and someone has to be blamed for every disaster, its as if the word 'accident' is now redundant. The 'racing accident' looks to be the next casualty.
The really good news was a surprise win for the other Rossi, Alexander Rossi, F1 test driver for Manor and sometime F1 racer. In a race where fuel economy was crucial he managed his race with fine judgement, running out victor and running out of fuel on the slowing down lap. 350,000 race fans watched the event at the Raceway. When I was racing my sponsorship presentation pointed out that the world's largest one day sporting event is a motor race, to emphasise to potential sponsors the interest there is in motorsport. I'm guessing the Indy 500 still is the world's number 1 one day sporting event.
As much as I love Formula 1, the Indy 500 and Le Mans are very special events, the more so considering we've lost the Targa Florio and the Mille Miglia.This year was the 100th running of the Indy 500, a true landmark and Alexander Rossi has put his name into motor racing folklore forever, many congratulations and here's hoping he gets a competitive F1 drive.
Going back to F1 I suppose it's only right to congratulate Joss Verstappen on his maiden F1 win and a new youngest winner record. I cannot imagine how Daniil Kvyat feels though. Verstappen is an incredible talent, but we've also seen Daniil on the podium, I think what Red Bull did to him is pretty reprehensible, I have to hope it comes back to bite them. Although, feeling sorry for anyone earning so much money and playing with one of the most expensive and extreme toys in the world is a bit weird really. Goodness knows I would have like to have carried on racing!
Malcolm Snook
Monaco might just see a turn around for Lewis Hamilton who's been having the season from hell, although he's still burdened by warnings which could lead to penalties and a shortage of engines left in a long season. What went wrong for Nico Rosberg still seems to be a mystery and after being taken out by Lewis in the previous race his sportsmanship seemed to not be in question in Monaco, some may think it new found, but I think he's one of the good guys myself.
A lot of carnage and penalties at Monaco, although the decision not to penalise Kimi Raikkonen was clearly correct given the radio communication evidence. Most of the other penalties were probably correct, but whilst we don't want to see stupid attempts to overtake we do want to see drivers fighting for places. In the world at large we've become very litigious and someone has to be blamed for every disaster, its as if the word 'accident' is now redundant. The 'racing accident' looks to be the next casualty.
The really good news was a surprise win for the other Rossi, Alexander Rossi, F1 test driver for Manor and sometime F1 racer. In a race where fuel economy was crucial he managed his race with fine judgement, running out victor and running out of fuel on the slowing down lap. 350,000 race fans watched the event at the Raceway. When I was racing my sponsorship presentation pointed out that the world's largest one day sporting event is a motor race, to emphasise to potential sponsors the interest there is in motorsport. I'm guessing the Indy 500 still is the world's number 1 one day sporting event.
As much as I love Formula 1, the Indy 500 and Le Mans are very special events, the more so considering we've lost the Targa Florio and the Mille Miglia.This year was the 100th running of the Indy 500, a true landmark and Alexander Rossi has put his name into motor racing folklore forever, many congratulations and here's hoping he gets a competitive F1 drive.
Going back to F1 I suppose it's only right to congratulate Joss Verstappen on his maiden F1 win and a new youngest winner record. I cannot imagine how Daniil Kvyat feels though. Verstappen is an incredible talent, but we've also seen Daniil on the podium, I think what Red Bull did to him is pretty reprehensible, I have to hope it comes back to bite them. Although, feeling sorry for anyone earning so much money and playing with one of the most expensive and extreme toys in the world is a bit weird really. Goodness knows I would have like to have carried on racing!
Malcolm Snook
Tuesday, 3 May 2016
A Walk In Olympic Park
All too easy for Rosberg again in Russia. Hamilton's luck certainly seems to have deserted him and I've already suggested it's looking like Rosberg's year. Nonetheless it is hugely early in a very long season. Two non finishes by Rosberg and two wins by Hamilton and the latter would be leading the championship by seven points, so Hamilton is doing a great job of damage limitation.
Hamilton's bigger problems are two reprimands and his engine failures. Three reprimands means a ten place grid penalty and the two he has are pretty petty. Reversing a few feet in the pitlane, but NOT backwards up the pitlane and AFTER a race, I mean come on, where's the common sense? Then there's running off the circuit at speed and failing to go around an artificial polystyrene marker. Had he jinked left at that point and at that speed and killed himself maybe the idiots who run sport would have been happy.
Engines really are down to bad luck, everyone is limited on the number of engines they can run in a year and Mercedes are not accustomed to failures. The failures seem to be affecting Hamilton only at this point, not Rosberg and not customers. A conspiracy theorist might make something of that, but I'm certain Mercedes want one two finishes not failures, so I'd dismiss the idea of hanky panky. Later in the year however this could seriously handicap Hamilton's chances of defending the championship. And, just maybe, Mercedes would prefer to see Rosberg crowned this time.
How nice it would be to see Ferrari, McLaren and Williams being really competitive again. Raikkonen didn't look too happy on the podium, some would say he never does, but I think he was a bit unhappy. Vettel is winning the qualifying battle although just one mistake probably put paid to a really good lap for Kimi. Maybe Bottas getting the jump after the safety car affected him. I'm a big fan of Raikkonen, but the future's not looking so very good if things don't pick up for him this year.
You could argue that third was the best that could be expected for Ferrari, but with Hamilton starting in tenth and having more technical issues, just maybe Ferrari could have hoped for second. Button out-qualified Alonso but lost out in the race, largely due to luck in the first lap melee when one went one way and one the other. I think those two are very closely matched and arguably the strongest driver pairing on the grid. McLaren Honda have made improvements, I only hope they can keep the pace of development up and challenge for the front row and soon. Not holding high hopes as I've seen it written that fuel saving cost Mclaren some fifty seconds, and that despite a safety car, so Honda have some serious ground to make up.
Some good racing down the field; Manor must be working hard with big limitations on budget and Haas maybe seemed to be slightly off the boil, although Grosjean was very impressive in eighth, his team mate nowhere, still, more points, first season, its still hugely well done. Renault's Jolyon Palmer struggled, but his team mate was seventh, in the lower orders there is much more uncertainty as to which drivers and which cars will shine at the various types of circuit and all but two teams now have points which is healthy indeed. Lets just hope things concertina at the front too, otherwise it'll be over before its really got going.
My latest venture!
Hamilton's bigger problems are two reprimands and his engine failures. Three reprimands means a ten place grid penalty and the two he has are pretty petty. Reversing a few feet in the pitlane, but NOT backwards up the pitlane and AFTER a race, I mean come on, where's the common sense? Then there's running off the circuit at speed and failing to go around an artificial polystyrene marker. Had he jinked left at that point and at that speed and killed himself maybe the idiots who run sport would have been happy.
Engines really are down to bad luck, everyone is limited on the number of engines they can run in a year and Mercedes are not accustomed to failures. The failures seem to be affecting Hamilton only at this point, not Rosberg and not customers. A conspiracy theorist might make something of that, but I'm certain Mercedes want one two finishes not failures, so I'd dismiss the idea of hanky panky. Later in the year however this could seriously handicap Hamilton's chances of defending the championship. And, just maybe, Mercedes would prefer to see Rosberg crowned this time.
How nice it would be to see Ferrari, McLaren and Williams being really competitive again. Raikkonen didn't look too happy on the podium, some would say he never does, but I think he was a bit unhappy. Vettel is winning the qualifying battle although just one mistake probably put paid to a really good lap for Kimi. Maybe Bottas getting the jump after the safety car affected him. I'm a big fan of Raikkonen, but the future's not looking so very good if things don't pick up for him this year.
You could argue that third was the best that could be expected for Ferrari, but with Hamilton starting in tenth and having more technical issues, just maybe Ferrari could have hoped for second. Button out-qualified Alonso but lost out in the race, largely due to luck in the first lap melee when one went one way and one the other. I think those two are very closely matched and arguably the strongest driver pairing on the grid. McLaren Honda have made improvements, I only hope they can keep the pace of development up and challenge for the front row and soon. Not holding high hopes as I've seen it written that fuel saving cost Mclaren some fifty seconds, and that despite a safety car, so Honda have some serious ground to make up.
Some good racing down the field; Manor must be working hard with big limitations on budget and Haas maybe seemed to be slightly off the boil, although Grosjean was very impressive in eighth, his team mate nowhere, still, more points, first season, its still hugely well done. Renault's Jolyon Palmer struggled, but his team mate was seventh, in the lower orders there is much more uncertainty as to which drivers and which cars will shine at the various types of circuit and all but two teams now have points which is healthy indeed. Lets just hope things concertina at the front too, otherwise it'll be over before its really got going.
My latest venture!
Wednesday, 27 April 2016
Rossi's Back
Il Dottore is back with a vengeance. Funny how some tyres suit some riders, but the Spanish Moto GP was a masterclass with Rossi on superb form and a gaggle of Spanish riders unable to take their home race. I have some sympathy for them actually but Colin Edwards apparently calls Rossi 'The Goat', that's the Greatest Of All Time. I tend to agree although Agostini for one has more titles and Surtees did it on two wheels and four. However you look at it though Rossi is amazing and still delivering at 37. I really hope he gets his tenth title, I just feel it would be fitting.
Malcolm Snook
Malcolm Snook
Monday, 18 April 2016
All Too Easy But Good Behind
The biggest talking point of the Chinese Grand Prix was probably the clash between Ferrari team mates right at the start. However Rosberg's sixth victory on the trot counting the last three of last season can't go unremarked on. Qualifying reverted to its old self, but that didn't help Hamilton with a grid penalty for a gearbox change followed by an engine failure in Q1, a back row start and then damage in the start meleé chain reaction.
Red Bull were hugely impressive, just three or four kilometres and hour slower than Mercedes in a straight line, indicating that Renault really have their act, if not completely together, certainly coming together. Renault have a long and proud history in F1 as both an engine supplier and as a marque in their own right. Renault were true pioneers in the turbo era and once had a hugely successful partnership with Williams too.
If Renault put their heart and soul into it I reckon they can match the might of Mercedes and Red Bull have a recent history of producing a fine chassis. The current Red Bull being especially impressive in the slower corners, the result, hugely unexpected was that Daniel Ricciardo out-qualified both Ferraris in dry conditions. Bodes well because Mercedes have made the drivers championship into a two horse race in the last couple of seasons.
Ricciardo made the best start and was robbed of the lead by a puncture, debris on the track probably, well, it's not meant to be easy but sometimes it can be cruel. Ricciardo and Hamilton must have cursed lady luck, but lets face it Raikkonen was also robbed, the McLaren boys and Massa were robbed of quick laps in qualifying by Hulkenberg's wheel coming off and so it goes on.
Unless you're Rosberg who cruised to his sixth win in a row counting last year. He said afterwards that he kept focussed by pushing and that he could do anything he wanted with his car on any of the tyres. Quite a tribute to the handling and balance of the Mercedes. Unless a front wing has passed underneath and damaged the underside as happened to Hamilton.
In China the number six signifies an easy ride and so it was for Rosberg. Historically drivers who've won so many races back to back have gone on to be champion. However, seasons were shorter, races were fewer, Rosberg's streak is over two seasons, there's a long way to go and his teammate is a three times world champion so place your bets now at your own peril.
I think it's Rosberg's to lose already in fact but a couple of non finishes and things would look very different. I really hope Ferrari and Red Bull continue to improve for the sake of the sport. Haas seemed to drop the ball this weekend but their debut has been impressive and they know the game, don't underestimate American racing or racers.
Button's long stint on the same tyres, second half, didn't pay off and thirteenth suggests McLaren weren't so far out of place after qualifying after all, despite the Hulkenberg problem. For all that they've had moments when they've seemed quite quick of late and it's a hugely successful and experienced team, I can't help feeling Honda are letting them down, but, they, like Renault probably have the ability if they have the will. And given the fact that so many hybrids are making it onto the road car market, the crucible of F1 is well worth embracing fully.
I've nailed my colours to the mast before as a Raikonnen and Ferrari fan, so I was upset that Raikkonen suffered so badly at the start, especially after outqualifying Vettel. Vettel was very vocal in blaming Kyvat, both on the radio and prior to going on the podium. Personally I know how quickly things can happen at the start of a Formula Ford race, let alone in F1. I think Kyvat saw an opportunity and took it, can't really fault him for that, nor is it easy to know how much he saw of Kimi's lock up behind Rosberg or Vettel's problems.
I think, sadly that the mistakes were made by both Ferrari drivers, Kimi almost rammed Rosberg and got out of it , leaving Vettel with a moment of indecision I suspect, Vettel then left the door open for Kyvat and then took off his recovering team mate in an instinctive reaction when Kyvat suddenly appeared alongside. In the old days we'd call that a racing incident.
Aside from Rosberg having the best car, getting gifted the lead and smiling all the way to the flag, it was an interesting race behind. There were mighty overtakes from Hamilton, even in a wounded car, from Vettel and Ricciardo also. That Vettel took second was mighty impressive, he got serviced first after the accident, so I was glad to see Raikkonen recover to fifth. Williams seem weaker than last year, I wonder if Bottas is so accommodating to Hamilton because Mercedes supply his engines, or whether the Williams just doesn't have it right now.
Again it wasn't a classic, but it was worth watching and again it was a Grand Prix which promised more for the future, which is good given there are so many races. So, Russia next; Rosberg will be on a high but he won't underestimate Hamilton who will have something to prove. Ricciardo and Kyvat will be greatly encouraged and Ferrari will be fired up to do better. A six horse race? We can hope.
Malcolm Snook - Adventurer and Entrepreneur.
Red Bull were hugely impressive, just three or four kilometres and hour slower than Mercedes in a straight line, indicating that Renault really have their act, if not completely together, certainly coming together. Renault have a long and proud history in F1 as both an engine supplier and as a marque in their own right. Renault were true pioneers in the turbo era and once had a hugely successful partnership with Williams too.
If Renault put their heart and soul into it I reckon they can match the might of Mercedes and Red Bull have a recent history of producing a fine chassis. The current Red Bull being especially impressive in the slower corners, the result, hugely unexpected was that Daniel Ricciardo out-qualified both Ferraris in dry conditions. Bodes well because Mercedes have made the drivers championship into a two horse race in the last couple of seasons.
Ricciardo made the best start and was robbed of the lead by a puncture, debris on the track probably, well, it's not meant to be easy but sometimes it can be cruel. Ricciardo and Hamilton must have cursed lady luck, but lets face it Raikkonen was also robbed, the McLaren boys and Massa were robbed of quick laps in qualifying by Hulkenberg's wheel coming off and so it goes on.
Unless you're Rosberg who cruised to his sixth win in a row counting last year. He said afterwards that he kept focussed by pushing and that he could do anything he wanted with his car on any of the tyres. Quite a tribute to the handling and balance of the Mercedes. Unless a front wing has passed underneath and damaged the underside as happened to Hamilton.
In China the number six signifies an easy ride and so it was for Rosberg. Historically drivers who've won so many races back to back have gone on to be champion. However, seasons were shorter, races were fewer, Rosberg's streak is over two seasons, there's a long way to go and his teammate is a three times world champion so place your bets now at your own peril.
I think it's Rosberg's to lose already in fact but a couple of non finishes and things would look very different. I really hope Ferrari and Red Bull continue to improve for the sake of the sport. Haas seemed to drop the ball this weekend but their debut has been impressive and they know the game, don't underestimate American racing or racers.
Button's long stint on the same tyres, second half, didn't pay off and thirteenth suggests McLaren weren't so far out of place after qualifying after all, despite the Hulkenberg problem. For all that they've had moments when they've seemed quite quick of late and it's a hugely successful and experienced team, I can't help feeling Honda are letting them down, but, they, like Renault probably have the ability if they have the will. And given the fact that so many hybrids are making it onto the road car market, the crucible of F1 is well worth embracing fully.
I've nailed my colours to the mast before as a Raikonnen and Ferrari fan, so I was upset that Raikkonen suffered so badly at the start, especially after outqualifying Vettel. Vettel was very vocal in blaming Kyvat, both on the radio and prior to going on the podium. Personally I know how quickly things can happen at the start of a Formula Ford race, let alone in F1. I think Kyvat saw an opportunity and took it, can't really fault him for that, nor is it easy to know how much he saw of Kimi's lock up behind Rosberg or Vettel's problems.
I think, sadly that the mistakes were made by both Ferrari drivers, Kimi almost rammed Rosberg and got out of it , leaving Vettel with a moment of indecision I suspect, Vettel then left the door open for Kyvat and then took off his recovering team mate in an instinctive reaction when Kyvat suddenly appeared alongside. In the old days we'd call that a racing incident.
Aside from Rosberg having the best car, getting gifted the lead and smiling all the way to the flag, it was an interesting race behind. There were mighty overtakes from Hamilton, even in a wounded car, from Vettel and Ricciardo also. That Vettel took second was mighty impressive, he got serviced first after the accident, so I was glad to see Raikkonen recover to fifth. Williams seem weaker than last year, I wonder if Bottas is so accommodating to Hamilton because Mercedes supply his engines, or whether the Williams just doesn't have it right now.
Again it wasn't a classic, but it was worth watching and again it was a Grand Prix which promised more for the future, which is good given there are so many races. So, Russia next; Rosberg will be on a high but he won't underestimate Hamilton who will have something to prove. Ricciardo and Kyvat will be greatly encouraged and Ferrari will be fired up to do better. A six horse race? We can hope.
Malcolm Snook - Adventurer and Entrepreneur.
Wednesday, 13 April 2016
British Touring Cars
The touring car action was great. Even though I've always loved single seaters and prototype sportscars best there's no denying that the cut and thrust of today's hatchbacks adds paint swapping and other dramas that only tin tops provide. I will always remember people like Gerry Marshal with his Firenza and battles between such diverse cars as Camaros, Mk1 Escorts and Minis, which at Crystal Palace in particular were incredible.
BUT there is a problem with British Touring Cars as it is, and it's that great British tradition of meddling! Reverse grids and ballast do make things exciting to a point, but many of us want to see the best car and driver combination win and when the ballast is so extreme that it leads to punctures and non finishes its gone just that bit too far.
A racer's story
Tuesday, 5 April 2016
It's Hotting Up
Australian Grand Prix good, Bahrain Grand Prix better. OK after the first corner the winner wasn't in much doubt but quali was better and there was a lot more interest down the field. So, the teams may have been unanimous about a return to old style qualification but someone wasn't, maybe they read my blog!
The UK media stuck rigidly to their knee jerk reaction from Australia, but qualification was exciting almost from start to finish. Vandoorne, standing in for Alonso at McLaren, and Wehrlein in the low downforce, underfunded Manor were outstanding.
Even in the last part of qualifying we saw changes, which may not have taken place in the last two minutes, but they did take place on what everyone knew was the last chance due to tyres, it wouldn't have been more exciting three minutes later it would just have been three minutes later. What made qualifying watchable was great performances, suspense and the fact that Ferrari upped their game. When there are more teams that are close to Mercedes then there will be more excitement.
On that subject, customer engines tend to be last year's spec, by supplying them manufacturers keep the grid full at the same time as giving themselves an advantage, it's commerce not sport really, we all know it and it is what it is, but it's a shame. As spectators we want to see closer racing, major manufacturers simply want to win, seeing the sport die won't help them but occaisonally getting beaten by their customers, that doesn't sit well. I think they're wrong actually but they want the others to make up the places and that's all there is to it.
By taking Lewis out at the first corner Bottas did his engine supplier no favours at all, but Lewis harvested enough points to keep the championship close and it was good to see Raikkonen do well, I've long been a fan. Sad not to see two Ferraris taking the fight to Mercedes but I have great faith in the manager Maurizio Arrivabene and believe he's passionate about his job, his team and his people. it bodes well.
Sad to see Jenson go out early through no fault of his. I believe he would have beaten Vandoorne, but I also think Vandoorne has a bright future. Jenson ran superbly in free practice and his experience is of great value in a team that's playing catchup, just be a shame if he's booted out later.
What a revelation Haas are! Channel four made a big thing about them going one better, which is a bit debatable since the Ferrari engine failure for Vettel is the only difference. Nonetheless, a hugely impressive start for Griosjean and the team. A team with some very experienced, knowledgeable and perhaps most importantly sensible savvy people in it.
All bodes well, but you wouldn't bet against Mercedes running away with it. Personally I'm clinging to hope for Ferrari and Arrivabene, and expecting some great close racing behind the top four. I'd like to point out that most champions were in the best car in their year, but Button and Massa, for example, did not enjoy the kind of advantage Rosberg and Hamilton have now and the same applies going way back in F1 history. Times have changed and not all for the better, but it's still looking like a good show this year.
Meet the author.
The UK media stuck rigidly to their knee jerk reaction from Australia, but qualification was exciting almost from start to finish. Vandoorne, standing in for Alonso at McLaren, and Wehrlein in the low downforce, underfunded Manor were outstanding.
Even in the last part of qualifying we saw changes, which may not have taken place in the last two minutes, but they did take place on what everyone knew was the last chance due to tyres, it wouldn't have been more exciting three minutes later it would just have been three minutes later. What made qualifying watchable was great performances, suspense and the fact that Ferrari upped their game. When there are more teams that are close to Mercedes then there will be more excitement.
On that subject, customer engines tend to be last year's spec, by supplying them manufacturers keep the grid full at the same time as giving themselves an advantage, it's commerce not sport really, we all know it and it is what it is, but it's a shame. As spectators we want to see closer racing, major manufacturers simply want to win, seeing the sport die won't help them but occaisonally getting beaten by their customers, that doesn't sit well. I think they're wrong actually but they want the others to make up the places and that's all there is to it.
By taking Lewis out at the first corner Bottas did his engine supplier no favours at all, but Lewis harvested enough points to keep the championship close and it was good to see Raikkonen do well, I've long been a fan. Sad not to see two Ferraris taking the fight to Mercedes but I have great faith in the manager Maurizio Arrivabene and believe he's passionate about his job, his team and his people. it bodes well.
Sad to see Jenson go out early through no fault of his. I believe he would have beaten Vandoorne, but I also think Vandoorne has a bright future. Jenson ran superbly in free practice and his experience is of great value in a team that's playing catchup, just be a shame if he's booted out later.
What a revelation Haas are! Channel four made a big thing about them going one better, which is a bit debatable since the Ferrari engine failure for Vettel is the only difference. Nonetheless, a hugely impressive start for Griosjean and the team. A team with some very experienced, knowledgeable and perhaps most importantly sensible savvy people in it.
All bodes well, but you wouldn't bet against Mercedes running away with it. Personally I'm clinging to hope for Ferrari and Arrivabene, and expecting some great close racing behind the top four. I'd like to point out that most champions were in the best car in their year, but Button and Massa, for example, did not enjoy the kind of advantage Rosberg and Hamilton have now and the same applies going way back in F1 history. Times have changed and not all for the better, but it's still looking like a good show this year.
Meet the author.
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