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27 Sep 2007, 15:48 (Ref:2024476) | #1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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2007 Japanese GP.
Well that is quite possibly the most dreary part of this political cesspit of a season out of the way. The WMSC had its hearing, everyone had their say, Max listened intently (to his iPod by the looks of things) and Luca de Montezemolo is a happy man once again as he campaigned successfully to end Ferrari's recent world title famine.
But enough, that is the last you'll hear about it from me. What we are left with, strewn amidst the wreckage, is a pure title shootout over three races. Lewis Hamilton leads the way by a meagre two points over teammate Fernando Alonso. And sneaking up ever closer is Mr Raikkonen. I really don't think we can rule him out yet. So what better time to go to a new track, a new challenge? Well, yes, but did it really have to be at the expense of Suzuka? Whatever, it does leave us guessing a bit and this can only be a good thing I suppose. All adds to the tension. Kimi will be hoping that Ferrari have the upper hand here. If it turns out that McLaren have the advantage, and they hold it through the race it is game over for him you feel. Kimi has to finish ahead, ideally win, to keep things going. Massa on the other hand needs a miracle. He needs the three ahead to retire. Preferably in both of the next two races! He can be mathematically ruled out quite easily on Sunday. On a neat note, DC is running a helmet this weekend in the colours of the legendary Colin McRae. A real nice touch that. Enjoy the race. It's time to forget the past. Current drivers championship standings
Current constructors championship standings
Japanese GP: recent history 2006 top eight finishers
Other previous winners
Circuit and race weekend information Circuit map and timetable Live timing Event artwork Official site Cheer and commiserate in the chat room. And try to guess stuff in the predictions competition. |
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27 Sep 2007, 15:56 (Ref:2024480) | #2 | |
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about time knowlesy
it's gonna rain!!!! yes, Mr Raikkonen shouldn't be counted out...in fact I might have changed my predictions to him... Anyway, looks like everyone's a little pleasantly surprised at finding the circuit more of a challenge than they first expected. All the teams have been out "walking the track"..or in some of the drivers' cases, "riding the track on a motorbike!". I would like to believe we will be rewarded for our sufferings from over the last few races, and have more than a procession... As for DC...yep...a very fitting kinda tribute from racing driver to racing driver...and friend. |
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27 Sep 2007, 16:17 (Ref:2024503) | #3 | |
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I must say I don't want Alonso to win this championship anymore. I have always been happy for him to well before, but now I'm well and truly behind Hamilton. Alonso's attitude to the challenge faced by having a decent team-mate and towards his team stinks.
If that is considered "bashing" then so be it. You just can't convince some people that you have a right to an opinion and I have briefly stated why I feel this way. Anyway, it's good to feel passionate about something in a way I guess It's a shame I have to feel this way about him right now but at least a situation has arose in which I have a clear person to cheer on as we approach the final races in the championship. |
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27 Sep 2007, 17:19 (Ref:2024545) | #4 | |
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The weather is forecast to be considerably cooler this weekend at the Fuji circuit.With showers predicted throughout Saturday and Sunday.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/5day.shtml?world=2330 Kofu is,I think,just North of Mount Fuji. Last edited by Marbot; 27 Sep 2007 at 17:22. |
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27 Sep 2007, 17:29 (Ref:2024551) | #5 | ||
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Poor visibility for sunday, but it says now that it's going to be cloudy.
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27 Sep 2007, 17:35 (Ref:2024557) | #6 | |||
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Quote:
That's funny that they haven't been taken all points. Why? well...first of all - Formula 1 is a business and than it is sport. But don't we have a different threat for that? Anyway from those two i would prefer Alonso to win. |
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27 Sep 2007, 17:43 (Ref:2024568) | #7 | |
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If you want a more visual perspective of the weather forecast...not relying on "the nearest town" then this might help:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/world/east_asia/#no_url You have to scroll forward for the day that you want to see for... rain on Sunday methinks... |
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27 Sep 2007, 18:03 (Ref:2024580) | #8 | ||
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All it takes is a DNF for either McLaren driver and Kimi is right there, this could still turn into a Ferrari double.
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27 Sep 2007, 18:07 (Ref:2024584) | #9 | ||
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No seriously though.A Honda win here would be really good,particularly if you don't like Toyota. |
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27 Sep 2007, 20:54 (Ref:2024671) | #10 | ||
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Martyn: Where did you get that good stuff you have been smoking?
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27 Sep 2007, 21:03 (Ref:2024675) | #11 | ||
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There we go to the japanese realms... an exciting race hopefully !
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27 Sep 2007, 21:12 (Ref:2024682) | #12 | ||
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i think the only time we'll here Formula One and Exciting together is either on a racing game, if we have a wet race and half of them spin out like at Interlagos (can't remember the year) and Nurburgring this year
I hope it rains, come on Sutil, win from the back |
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27 Sep 2007, 21:13 (Ref:2024684) | #13 | |
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Your definition of an exciting race is one where everyone spins out?
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27 Sep 2007, 23:48 (Ref:2024749) | #14 | |
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For all those Ferrari conspiracy theorists out there (and you are still around despite Michael's departure), note that had the FIA kept the Japanese race at Suzuka, it could well be argued that its fast and flowing nature would most likely have suited the Prancers right down to the ground - and a Spa-esque result would have followed.
The rather stop-start and slow nature of particular sections of Fuji could well and truly reverse the favour towards the unholy union (Lewis and Fernando). |
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27 Sep 2007, 23:57 (Ref:2024757) | #15 | |
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Has anyone ever suggested that tracks are selected to favour team?
Tracks are selected for money! |
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28 Sep 2007, 00:06 (Ref:2024763) | #16 | ||
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Looking forward to catching the replay of this one. (Race starts at 2AM my time, that = NO.)
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28 Sep 2007, 00:07 (Ref:2024764) | #17 | |
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am I the only one stayin' up to follow free practices and quali/race this weekend? I love following F1 through the night in east Asia..
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28 Sep 2007, 01:14 (Ref:2024795) | #18 | |||
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I have no doubt I will be sleeping while the next one is on. |
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28 Sep 2007, 01:45 (Ref:2024799) | #19 | ||
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Anyone noticed the track diagram on the live timing is Suzuka? Oops.
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Phil Mills: 30, 6-Left-Plus Over-Crest-Long, Opens-Over-Crest 100, COW-COW, 100, 6-Left-Minus Extra-Long Fabrizio Giovanardi: I have like a banana - is the yellow car in front - that make me, you know, running like the monkey, running for the banana. When I see yellow in front, I just pushing harder and harder. I want that banana. |
28 Sep 2007, 01:48 (Ref:2024800) | #20 | |
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Those Ferraris are lookin mighty fiesty on first glance...and they're doing long runs too!
I think Alonso initially got caught up in a yellow flag situation...but even then he's not lookin particularly racy at the moment! He better pick it up over the next couple of sessions, else if this will be his relative pace compared to the other three, as they will all steadily improve, he can kiss the championship goodbye... Early times yet, I know...but still worth noting! |
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28 Sep 2007, 02:20 (Ref:2024808) | #21 | |
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haha, Adrian Sutil fifth!! For now only maybe...but still nice to see him up there as the "best of the rest" after Ferrari and McLaren!!
Looks tight so far between McLaren and Ferrari...the "fastest lap" disparity is a bit deceptive, as ultimate sectors times are almost identical, with Ferrari just edging it by a tenth or two... Will be fascinating to see each team's progress! Sutil for Spyker podium though ...for sure!! |
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28 Sep 2007, 02:27 (Ref:2024813) | #22 | ||
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Look at Adrian Sutil....you go and get them lad!
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28 Sep 2007, 02:28 (Ref:2024814) | #23 | ||
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Quote:
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28 Sep 2007, 02:34 (Ref:2024818) | #24 | |
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has someone suddenly set Kimi alight or something? lol because that guy is fire!! Took him a little longer to get used the track than Massa it seems...but now he's dwarfing Massa! Good stuff from the kimster...
The McLarens look paler and paler...do they have something more? I'm not so sure...considering how practice sessions really have shown all year to be indicative of relative performance between the two teams for respective races. Adrian Sutil finished 9th...doing much the same number of laps as most of them above him!! Consistent stuff as well...I wonder if it will hold all weekend? Would be brilliant if it did! Last edited by pottiella; 28 Sep 2007 at 02:36. |
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28 Sep 2007, 02:35 (Ref:2024819) | #25 | ||
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Quote:
Merely making the point that for those who for many years have suggested that the sport's organisers have been puppets of Ferrari, the decision to switch from Suzuka to Fuji may (if recent races are anything to go by) have provided a significant blow to Ferrari's championship bid this year. Get down off your horse. |
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