Melbourne a Great race for many

[Valve Bounce]

It will be the first GP for three drivers: Massa, McNish and Mark Webber. Then Kimi gets his drive in a car that can actually win and not just tool around behind the leaders, Salo makes a comeback, Paul Stoddart finally moves away from antique donks, and Toyota finally will line up on the F1 starting grid. Qualifying will be a special time when mystries will be revealed - how good is Toyota? Kimi? The new Asiatech? Renault? I can't wait.

[Minardi fan]

Neither can I... AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH!!!

[Lazarus]

not long now... can't wait

[Mania]

Never been down to Aussie Territory. Hope to someday though, it seems like a great place to visit. As for F1, Im really looking forward to it..especially since it looks like we`ll get to see the practice sessions live ! Totally awesome!

I think its a key race for two teams Williams and Mclaren. If Ferraris 'old car' can still stay with the two Williams and Mclarens then Ferrari will be laughing all the way back to Maranello. On the other hand, if the FW24 is way quicker than the 'old Ferrari' then it could set the stage for Ferrari to introduce their new car in 2 weeks time for the next grand prix - and that could turn out to be very interesting especially if Williams gets an early season lead...

[Valve Bounce]

Surprise is not the word - more like stunned as in stunned Mullet. Who would believe that in the first day of practice that the two Ferraris would be at the top? or that Heidfeld would be in 5th spot or, biggest shock of all, Salo's Toyota being ahead of both McLarens, never mind all 4 Hondas. Severe loss of face for Honda. The interesting thing here is that Salo lapped three quarters of a second slower than MSch's pole time last year. And guys here were posting what if's about Toyota no qualifying within the 107% time. Massa did well, as did Kimi.
I think this will be a fantastic year.

[DavyboyLT1]

Of course, you can never tell too much from the practice sessions - not knowing what their setups/fuel levels are. But Toyota does look quite impressive. I can't wait 'til the weekend, to see the results.
By the way, Valve Bounce, I had to chuckle at your use of the term "stunned Mullet". People I know from Newfoundland (E. coast Can.) use the term frequently. I grew up thinking that a "mullet" was a popular '80's hairdo!

[ozrevhead]

Originally posted by DavyboyLT1
Of course, you can never tell too much from the practice sessions - not knowing what their setups/fuel levels are. But Toyota does look quite impressive. I can't wait 'til the weekend, to see the results.
By the way, Valve Bounce, I had to chuckle at your use of the term "stunned Mullet". People I know from Newfoundland (E. coast Can.) use the term frequently. I grew up thinking that a "mullet" was a popular '80's hairdo!

mullet is a popular '80's hairdo but is also a fish as well

gettign back to the topic - no u cant tell but its nicer to be at the front than the back...

at least mark webber got to be ahead of dc @ the 1st practice

GO MARK WEBBER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
FORZA MANARD1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Valve Bounce]

Actually, Salo's performance does tell us that Toyota is capable of lapping close to last years pole time, if we can go on teh assumption that there is usually improvement from 1st days practice to quals.
At least we do know that Toyota is a helluva lot better than all of us thought they would be.

[Alan Jones]

I agree VB and I must admit I expected them down around the Minardi end of the grid so its a very pleasant suprise.Obviously until tomorrow this is all speculation but to come to melbourne with no previous data as Salo stated to the press this afternoon and perform so well makes things look extremely promising.

[Valve Bounce]

I hope to keep this thread going when we can discuss what other surprises await us after quals. I also forgot to mention Sato, who is also making his F1 debut tomorrow. I can't remember the last time when we had so many exciting new things happening at the start of a season.