Formula 1 2009

[AJG]

And I thought Brawn DID swap Rubens to a 2 stopper, but they had problems with the refueling rig, had to use the backup and couldnt get enough fuel in, so he had to come in again for fuel?

btw: Did I hear correctly about a rule change next year basically banning inrace refuelling? The commentators were discussing it around the time the above happened...

[bennymacca]

yeah there is a rule saying that for next year

but i still think next year is up in the air

[AJG]

Well, I agree with the commentator (cant remember name, but the one who used to be a driver himself) that that would take alot away from the sport. Yeah it would place more emphasis on certain skills (handling a heavy car around the track etc), but takes more than it gives... It would certainly take alot from the strategy aspect....
Personally I hope it doesnt get passed...

[troyh]

Great race report Finno.

Just a couple of points; Webber was penalised for initiating contact with another car (Barichello) because of his aggressive move towards the inside of the track when (as AJG said) he couldn't see the other car there. I believe the changing line rule only applies to moving one way and then back again.
Interestingly, golden boy Lewis Hamilton escaped sanction when he made contact with Webber's front wing at turn one after shooting up the outside and then trying to turn in (although he did sustain a puncture to the RHR tyre).
I don't know that Brawn were ever going to change Rubens to a 2 stop strategy, I think the commentators just presumed that was why the stop took a little longer before they were made aware of the problem with the rig. Either way Barichello has a right to be suspicious about his team's pit strategies favouring Button after previous rounds this year.
They want to get rid of in-race refuelling next year for two main reasons, firstly to improve safety and also to cut costs, but I would like to see it remain as it adds a strategic element and another variable to the races.

[Finno]

Webber got 3rd in last night's race while Vettel failed to finish and Button only picked up two points for 7th. Good news for Webber because it puts him in 2nd in the championship with a competitive car and every opportunity to win more races and even the championship with seven races left. Worse still for Button is the total lack of pace his Brawn team showed at Hungary, with his lowly seventh place and Barrichello placing 10th. Had Massa raced, and Alonso and Vettel finished, then even Button would've been pointless. The problem is that the resurgence of the McLaren and Ferrari teams spells bad news for the Brawns as they dont have the money and capacity to develop their car as much to keep at the front. Red Bull do, and as their car is still the best at the moment, they're largely unaffected. This is looking good for a Red Bull win in both championships, the question is which one will take the drivers title?

[bennymacca]

apparently there is a bit of rivalry between vettel and webber as to who is the number 1 driver in the team.

finno, who do you think it is?

[Chelsea4thewin]

i think vettel

i hate that stupid KERS system, that overtaking move on webber was 100% kers related

[bennymacca]

better to have that than no overtaking at all i think

[Finno]

apparently there is a bit of rivalry between vettel and webber as to who is the number 1 driver in the team.

finno, who do you think it is?

I dont know, they're pretty even. The problem is that neither driver really has an upper hand so while they both have a shot at the title, Red Bull can't start favouring drivers so they'll continue to take points off each other.

[Chelsea4thewin]

better to have that than no overtaking at all i think

i mean its artificial racing, should give it to everyone then