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1) Robert Kubica
Last year, Robert Kubica was that Polish guy who dominated highlight reels by way of a hellish crash at Canada. TV anchors were for the first time grappling with his name (Koo-bika or Cube-itsa?) as viewers watched his car shred itself to pieces around him. His teammate Nick Heidfeld finished second. But, after spending his winter dieting and training with determined conviction, the Pole was ready to dominate screens again – but this time as a winner. And so, somehow fittingly, it was in Canada, where Robert was again on the lips of the newsreaders but this time as victor. His consistently quick performances this year, including several podiums, a pole and of course that brilliant win, have catapulted Kubica right into the title fight.
2) Kimi Raikkonen
The defending world champion is again in the same place he was last year. Not quite a dominating force at every round, but he’s there…he’s always there. This year, poor luck, and reliability have undoubtedly cost the flying Finn a clear title lead. Chances in Canada were squandered when Hamilton came crashing by, and then there was the exhaust problem that not only chewed away Kimi’s certain victory – but also his Ferrari’s engine cover. Still despite the setbacks, Raikkonen has cannily kept his name at the top. Kimi’s long been an advocate for second-half surges, and this year he’s better placed than ever.
3) Lewis Hamilton
It’s been a comparatively dismal year for last year’s rookie of the century. Although he shares the title lead with the two arguably superior Ferrari’s, many have already branded the Brit’s second year opening account as a failure. In some ways it has been…and truth be told, his ranking in this report was greatly improved by his performance at his home grand prix, where he decimated the opposition. Lewis’ three wins (Melbourne, Monaco and Silverstone) have come amidst chaos, and where Ferrari faultered, it was Lewis who flashed ahead. He has made mistakes, the Canadian red-light incident being the most poignant – but he has firmly established himself as McLaren’s great hope.
4) Felipe Massa
The feisty Brazilian has again shown the world that he is capable of being utterly invincible one week…and decidedly appalling the next. There’s no doubting Felipe’s speed, his victories in Bahrain and his favourite hunting ground Turkey attest to that, but then there are weekends like Britain and Malaysia where Felipe’s Ferrari seems magnetically attracted to the gravel. Nevertheless, when he’s on, he’s on – and with half the season gone, Massa shares the title lead and is determined not to fall away as he did last year.
5) Mark Webber
When the ‘big three’ leave some scraps of points behind on a weekend, it’s more often than not the wily Mark Webber who pounces. As usual, the Aussie has been a force in qualifying, reaching Q3 on several occasions, and planting his RB4 on the front row in Britain with a competitive fuel-load. But this year, Webber has a reliable car underneath him – and his consistent points-finishing record douses critic’s flames that he fades in races. With a faster car, Webber’s form is worthy of title-contention.
6) Fernando Alonso
The double-world champion’s infamous falling out with McLaren last year no doubt unsettled the driver enormously. The Spaniard stormed away from a winning team, and to a struggling Renault, miles away from their title-winning ways. Alonso’s return was smooth, and although the car hasn’t brought the team back to the pointy end, Fernando’s dogged performances prove his racing spirit and undeniable talent is burning very brightly indeed.
7) Nick Heidfeld
The fact that three second places, and a solid fifth place in the WDC is considered poo form for the German, proves just how highly rated Formula One’s quiet man now is. After a stellar 2007, Heidfeld has struggled to find a qualifying rhythm in the F1.08, while his teammate regularly found himself seeded amongst the race favourites. But, all things considered, Nick’s been quick and consistent in the races, and has been one of the busiest overtakers on the grid – making up places lost in lacklustre qualifying performances. Heidfeld now reckons his tyre-heating woes are sorted, and has the rest of the year to turn the tide.
8) Heikki Kovalainen
Rescued from the clutches of midfield obscurity by McLaren, after Renault dumped the Finn – despite his impressive performances at the end of last year. Heikki’s talent has been championed by a choir of McLaren personnel - Lewis included. but despite displaying some genuine promise, the Finn is yet to make his mark at the top.
9) Jarno Trulli
Toyota are still searching desperately for the form that took them to fourth in the WCC in 2005. So far they have upturned their entire technical team, dropkicked Ralf Schumacher out of the car, and have even sold engines to Williams with hopes of gaining some useful information. Once thing they haven’t dared change though, is the determined Italian team leader who occupies their number one seat. Jarno Trulli has again given Toyota hope (his Magny Cours podium was inspired), but alas, despite the improvements the Japanese giants have made – they still cannot give Jarno the car he deserves.
10) Nico Rosberg
Nico has been very much hot and cold this season. The young German started the year searing hot – taking his first ever podium after starting a credible seventh on the grid. But then in Malaysia, he was nowhere. But, as he’s shown with four Q3 appearances and tally of 8 points, when the car is up to the task, so is Nico.
11) Giancarlo Fisichella
It’s been tough going for Giancarlo at Force India. After making way for Alonso at Renault, the Italian had to settle for a job at the back of the grid – where he has toiled away so many of his years. But he’s made the best of a bad situation, and has regularly managed to get his VJM01 ahead of the odd Toro Rosso or Honda. He’s so far not managed to nab that vital point – but you get the sense that he will, somehow.
12) Kazuki Nakajima
With Super Aguri now selling off the remainders of their brief flirtation with F1, the mass of Japanese fans have had no choice but to pin their hopes on the nations last remaining driver. Kaz’s qualifying efforts have been OK, although not quite near enough to teammate Rosberg. But to his credit, he has brought it home in the points on four occasions – no mean feat in the highly competitive midfield.
13) Sebastian Vettel
The promising youngster has not quite been as impressive this year as he had been last year, when he took the reigns of Scott Speed’s vacant Toro Rosso. Now firmly planted in the sport, he’s struggled early on. The speed is definitely there, (twice making it into Q3), but far too many races have ended in contact in the opening laps. His tally of five points should be more.
14) Rubens Barrichello
Much like his stable-mate Jenson Button, Rubens has been putting up with a mediocre car. However, while Jenson has been struggling to trouble the points – Rubens has been far more successful – so far stuffing a handy 11 points in the bag. Most of those points, of course came from his storming run to P3 in Britain, where his mantle as the sports most experienced driver ever came into its own, with a brilliant call on strategy.
15) David Coulthard
After a decade and a half racing at the top, the wily old Scot has finally decided to call it a day. This, his final year in the sport, has been somewhat quiet – save for a gifted podium in Canada. For the second year running, Coulthard has looked sluggish besides Webber, and despite his penchant of nabbing the odd point or two – it’s clear DC’s best years are well behind him.
16) Jenson Button
It’s been another difficult year for England’s other driver. The stunning win in Hungary two years ago has been crushed under the weight of Lewis-mania – and Button and Honda are still flapping about at the back of the grid. Ross Brawn will no doubt improve the fortunes of the team, but for now Honda, and Jenson Button are nowhere.
17) Timo Glock
Fresh from a successful GP2 campaign, Timo has struggled to apply his impressive form in the junior ranks into the top flight. There’s no doubt the new Toyota TF108 is miles ahead of it’s predecessor – but so far only Jarno Trulli has really exemplified this improvement. Timo has had some decent performances (P4 in Canada), but too many mistakes and midfield knocks have left the German a mountain of work to do if he wants a seat next year.
18) Sebastien Bourdais
When the Champcar king left the comfort of his American throne to take a seat in a bottom-feeder F1 team – there were mixed expectations. Traditionally, American open-wheeler converts have floundered amongst the politics and glitz of grand prix racing. So far, Bourdais has been solid – and his points-scoring debut was impressive. But his qualifying performances are under par, and the Frenchman has failed to attract attention.
19) Adrian Sutil
It hasn’t been a complete disaster of a season for the highly rated German, but since being cruelly wiped on his dream run to fourth at Monaco by an out of control Kimi Raikkonen, Sutil has failed to capture the attention he did last year. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact it’s Fisichella in the sister car, and not Christjian Albers.
20) Nelson Piquet Jnr
It’s been difficult for Nelson Piquet Jnr. A fresh rookie in a team whose prodigal double-world champion son has just returned – Piquet was never going to have it easy. But, despite a decent effort in France - too many rookie mistakes, and a general lack of pace have got people speculating about who will occupy his seat for the second half of the year.
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DON'T waste time kissing in monster-infested waters!
Horror flicks. We love them for their outlandish premises, their gory grandeur and the chance to see some beautiful, scantily-clad women being mauled by freakish beings. But, if there's one thing about horror movies that frustrates me...it's how utterly stupid the people can be. I mean, so much loss of life could have been averted with some simple common sense. So, in order to prime yourself to survive an onslaught of evil, remember these key rules:
1. If there’s an incredibly scary-looking old mansion where it's rumoured a family was murdered by an axe-wielding maniac…DON’T go in. go shopping instead.
2. If you hear a strange noise behind a door…DON’T open it. Just don't.
3. If you are accosted by a member of the undead, and you manage to kill it…DON’T stand there looking at it, because it’s highly likely there’s another one lurking behind you.
4. If you are bitten by a zombie… DON’T hide it from your fellow survivors, if you care about your friends and family, you’ll tell them that you will soon become a zombie.
5. If you are attacked by an evil being…DON’T scream, it’s a futile waste of energy. Headbutt the bastard instead.
6. If you see a black cat…DON’T proceed further. Superstition saves.
7. If you have just moved into that long-abandoned house atop the hill, and you hear an ominous voice telling you to leave…DON’T hang around…leave...immediately!
8. If you see a strange, limping girl with black hair crawl out of your television…DON’T sit there staring at her….run! you can easily outrun her!
9. If you are in a group exploring a creepy mansion, or other such uneasy place…DON”T separate into pairs, stay put. If you must explore, go as one big unit.
10. If you see a hitch-hiker on a dusty, deserted road…DON’T pick them up…especially if they have a large bag.
11. If, after a brief altercation with a known serial killer, you find yourself holding the knife…DON’T hesistate and just look at it…use it!
12. If you are an archaeologist in Egypt, and you sight some hieroglyphics warning of horrible curses…DON’T ignore them….mummies are ruthless!
And always, always, ALWAYS stay the hell away from clowns.
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2008 Turkish GP Wrap:
The Carnage at Turn 1 (AP)
Ferrari
Felipe Massa Q:1 R:1
Kimi Raikkonen Q:3 R: 3
Felipe stamped his dominance over Turkey for the third year running – but Ferrari were not as convincing as the last couple of rounds. Felipe was genuinely concerned by Hamilton's pace, while Raikkonen cruised along to third with a damaged front wing (after bumping Heikki Kovalainen at the start).
McLaren
Lewis Hamilton Q:4 R: 2
Heikki Kovalainen Q:2 R: 12
McLaren’s pit crew were kept busy, with Lewis racing a bold, and surprisingly effective three stopper, (later revealed to be a tyre-preserving decision) while Heikki dropped to the back after Raikkonen’s front wing gifted him an early puncture. Hamilton’s pace with low fuel was mighty – and a recovering Heikki was on a mission, overtaking like a madman before a late splash and dash put him outside a deserved points position. Macca CEO, Martin Whitmarsh reckons Heikki could have won had it not been for the puncture.
BMW-Sauber
Nick Heidfeld Q:9 R:5
Robert Kubica Q: 5 R:4
Not the best of qualifying efforts from the Beemers, and a disappointing result considering to weeks ago, they had McLaren pinned. Kubica complained of lack of balance in qualy, while Heidfeld fluffed his final run. Still, in typical canny fashion, Quick Nick passed Trulli, Webber and Alonso after the first round of stops to settle into an easy fifth, while Kubica shadowed Raikkonen for a while, before falling back into an easy fourth.
Renault
Fernando Alonso Q:7 R: 6
Nelson Piquet Jnr Q:17 R: 15
Alonso continued Renault’s improved form into Turkey, once again featuring in Q3, while Piquet Jnr once again disappointed, failing to escape Q1. Alonso managed to battle through the dense upper midfield to oust Webber and Trulli who started ahead of him. Piquet Jnr was more impressive on Sunday, pulling off some fine overtaking manoeuvres – but was still unable to finish anywhere near the points.
Williams
Nico Rosberg Q:11 R:8
Kazuki Nakiajima Q:16 R: DNF (accident)
Rosberg was disappointed not to break into the top ten shootout, but made up for it with yet another barnstorming first lap – instantly propelling himself into the points from 11th. Nakajima meanwhile was helpless as an out-of-control Fisichella collected him as he attempted to take the first corner after the start.
Red Bull
Mark Webber Q:6 R:7
David Coulthard Q:10 R: 9
Red Bull were more than pleased with getting both cars into Q3, and only just missed out on scoring points with both cars. Both drivers were locked in tight strategic battles – with Webber just losing out to Fernando Alonso in the pits, and Coulthard likewise to Nico Rosberg. Webber equalled his 2007 points tally with his fourth straight points finish, while Coulthard was just happy to have finished a race without being crashed into.
Toyota
Jarno Trulli Q:8 R:10
Timo Glock Q:15 R:13
Trulli was again pacey in qualifying, but lost out heavily at the start, dropping three places by the first corner and never recovering. Glock meanwhile was caught up in a fierce battle with the Hondas and Nelson Piquet – as well as a recovering Heikki Kovalainen. At least he managed to sight the chequered flag this time.
Honda
Jenson Button Q: 13 R:11
Rubens Barrichello Q:12 R:14
A special occasion for Rubens Barrichello, becoming F1’s most experienced driver, but GP number 257 was a frustrating affair for the Brazilian and Honda. Neither driver was happy with the car on Saturday, and the lack of pace told with both cars finishing outside the top ten. Button made some ground at the start, but his Honda simply lacked the speed to trouble the points-scorers.
Toro Rosso
Sebastian Vettel Q:14 R:17
Sebastien Bourdais Q:18 R: DNF (mechanical)
Vettel was impressive in qualifying, getting comfortably into Q2, but was unable to capitalise in the race – getting caught up in first lap troubles again, ruining his race. Then, to add further misery, there were fuelling rig dramas that relegated the German to dead last. Bourdais was disappointed with his qualy – blaming the Force Indias for blocking his quick laps – but made a good start before eventually being thrown into the gravel on lap 25 with some sort of mechanical failure. The team say they’re glad to see the end of the STR2, with ttheir new car due for Monaco.
Force India
Giancarlo Fisichella Q:20 (penalty) R: DNF (accident)
Adrian Sutil Q:19 R:16
Fisichella’s race ended in a cloud of locked brakes and a leapfrog into the gravel off the back of Nakajima’s Williams after misjudging the first corner. Sutil lost his front wing in another incident, but rejoined to race hard and keep Sebastian Vettel at bay to wind up 16th.
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The car. Four wheels of sweet, sweet freedom. For over a century, us humans have all had a special affinity with our big, noisy, mechanical friends. We want to go somewhere, and they deliver us there. So without further ado, here are some of the species of the wonderfully sleek and shiny animals we know as the car.
She ain't perfect, but I love her
The First Car
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Day two of testing at Barcelona finished up with a Honda and a Force India again proving the massive speed advantage given by 2009-spec slick tyres.
Rubens Barrichello set a 1min18.928 around the Circuit de Catalunya on full slicks, six tenths down on yesterday’s time set by Felipe Massa’s Ferrari on the same tyres
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A Force India with slicks
The woes of de-tuned, smaller engines and standardized ECU’s that have tamed today’s F1 machines to continuingly slower lap times look to erode next season when slick tyres return to the sport
Felipe Massa’s outrageously quick time at today’s opener to Barcelona testing is the latest proof that a little bit of rubber goes a long, long way
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BMW driver Nick Heidfeld believes his team has what it takes to make it all the way to the top.
After three races, the experienced German sits second in the WDC, only two points behind series leader Kimi Raikkonen
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Caught with his pants down
Formula is still in shock, two weeks after a British tabloid broke the sensational news, in which FIA president Max Mosely was allegedly videotaped engaged in a somewhat depraved sex act.
Mosely was filmed in his London home with five prostitutes, partaking in a sado-masochistic sexual orgy – with alleged Nazi-overtones
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Ferrari:
Despite a disastrous opening round of the championship, the Scuderia have already established themselves as the team to beat. Kimi Raikkonen was effortless in his demolition of the opposition in Malaysia, while Felipe Massa was otherworldly in Barhrain. While Massa has made a couple of mistakes (spinning in Australia and Malaysia – and the infamous collision with David Coulthard in Oz), Raikkonen has at least shown consistent speed in the Ferrari – putting him atop the ladder in his championship-defending year.
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Ferrari
Ferrari were the first to peel back the covers off their 2008 challenger, the Ferrari F2008. Bearing a remarkable resemblance to the championship-winning F2007, the F2008 is yet another instalment of the Scuderia’s time-trusted “evolution not revolution” design philosophy. Its been said the F2008 will be geared to suit reigning champion, Kimi Raikkonen’s driving style – but Ferrari insist that Brazilian hotshoe, Felipe Massa has an equal shot at the title. Michael Schumacher was also nearby – and stated that he would be active in developing the car over the year. Be afraid opposition.
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Comment by ChrisB
on Underrated: Andrew WK
Formula 1
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