BlogF1

Last week I came to the realisation that I spend a lot of time on BlogF1. I think I’ve said this before, but it’s worth repeating: The site is essentially an extension of myself. My personality, thoughts and opinions. It is where I learn, where I inform and most importantly, it is where I have fun. So with Japan being a difficult weekend to cover (I’m in Europe), I thought I’d share with you all what I do and how I do it. For the next two days, I will be keeping a public diary. Continue Reading

Friday’s running has now been completed and the Formula One teams are undoubtedly pouring over data as I type, trying to understand how to improve their set up before qualifying tomorrow. And the driver who leaves Fuji Speedway this evening with the biggest smile? Toyota driver Timo Glock. The young German set his fastest lap quite early on in the 90 minute session and despite the best efforts of McLaren, Ferrari and Renault, Glock remained unbeatable as the practice drew to a close. Continue Reading

The first 90 minute session for the 2008 Japanese Grand Prix has come to a close with McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton at the top of the timing sheet. The McLaren driver was closely followed by Felipe Massa a little over a tenth behind, while Heikki Kovalainen posted the third best time of the morning 0.2s shy of Massa. Kimi Raikkonen completed the McLaren/Ferrari sequence by going fourth and Renault slotted into fifth and sixth with Fernando Alonso going faster than Nelson Piquet Jr. Continue Reading

The Ferrari light system has garnered some interesting comments from various Formula One insiders this week, and while some are for and some are against, the Scuderia has decided to revert to the traditional lollipop system for this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix. The team also mentioned that under normal circumstances, the lights should automatically change when the fuel nozzle is released from the car, although the squad opted for a manual system in Singapore. Needless to say, it still didn’t work properly. Continue Reading

With a history of producing great Formula One races, and on a circuit that is actually good in most aspects, Suzuka today can stand proud that while their track may be aging, at least they can boast decent toilet facilities. Yes, I’m afraid that once again I most bemoan the changing of the Japanese Grand Prix venue from Honda-owned Suzuka to Toyota-owned Fuji. The reason? The circuit has received a lawsuit from 109 irate spectators from the 2007 event. Continue Reading

McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton has been cleared of any wrong-doing following the investigation handled by the Chinese Grand Prix stewards. It was thought that Hamilton’s driving behaviour behind the second safety car period at last weekends Japanese Grand Prix may have contributed to the collision between Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber. Vettel ran into the back of Webber causing the end of both races, and Webber suggested that he had to take evasive action to avoid a slowing Hamilton ahead of him. Continue Reading

As if it couldn’t get any worse for McLaren this year, it seems as though it could possibly still do just that. Championship leader Lewis Hamilton is currently under investigation by the Chinese Grand Prix race stewards because of his driving behaviour at the previous Japanese Grand Prix held at Fuji Speedway last weekend. It is believed that his driving while following the safety car in the poor weather conditions may have contributed to Sebastian Vettel colliding with Mark Webber, ending both races for the respective Toro Rosso and Red Bull drivers. Continue Reading

With low fog, pouring rain and a lot of standing water on the Fuji Speedway, race director Charlie Whiting listened to the teams and elected to start the 2007 Japanese Grand Prix from behind the safety car. Driven by Bernd Lammers, the Mercedes led the pack over the start/finish line, every competitor having been told to use extreme wet weather tyres. Fast forward 67 laps, and it was Lewis Hamilton who converted his mighty pole position into a well-deserving ten points in his title campaign. But what happened in between could not have been more interesting. Continue Reading

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As the heavens opened on Fuji Speedway, the battle for the drivers title has gone into overdrive with only three races left to run and four drivers still mathematically able to take the glory. Today was a battle that may prove decisive in this epic Formula One season, and it was rookie driver Lewis Hamilton who once again came out on top. His McLaren team mate and reigning world champion Fernando Alonso wasn’t too far behind and reveled in the poor conditions, while Ferrari, although ominously present, couldn’t quite match the pace of the Mercedes-powered duo. Continue Reading