tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64236227409632143472023-11-16T02:46:06.839-08:00F1 PodcastPep from F1 Podcast delivering independent opinion on Formula One.
Daily updates on twitter: https://twitter.com/F1Podcast Pep - F1 Podcasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02410301741900975344noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423622740963214347.post-28778023803972254592017-04-10T18:31:00.000-07:002017-04-10T18:32:11.767-07:00F1 2017 Cars - Getting the formula rightWith the 2017 Formula 1 season underway much has been written about these new look F1 cars. Several years ago the FIA made changes to the regulations aimed at making the cars faster and more challenging to drive. Many believed these changes were brought in because the cars had become too easy to drive in the modern hybrid era. The changes were dubbed "The Max Verstappen rule" following the young Dutchman's sensational debut into F1 at just 17 years old in 2015.<br />
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During the off-season all of the drivers have been building up their fitness and strength to prepare for the challenge of driving these new quicker cars. Haas driver Romain Grosjean summed it up well in Australia: <span style="color: #666666;"><i>"The cars are brutal to drive – we are not far from 8G with the peak in high corners – so it is pretty good fun. But it is hard on the body, it is hard on parts, it is hard on the cars".</i></span><br />
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These new cars certainly look much quicker on-track, especially through the corners. When the technical regulations were released, a target improvement of 4-5 seconds per lap was set. It is worth noting that at Albert Park for the first race of the season, the pole lap was 1.6 seconds quicker than 2016, and the fastest lap was 2.5 seconds quicker. Cornering speeds did increase by over 30 km/h in some corners. As the cars develop during the season, we can expect them to go even faster!<br />
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Most fans agree that the revamped cars also look better. Wider and longer with revised front and rear wings definitely make the cars look more aggressive; more racy. Some additional aerodynamic elements this year such as "sharkfins", "T-wings" and "thumb noses" have been less well received. A balance needs to be found.<br />
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What about the racing?</div>
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Critics have cited that these changes do nothing to improve the racing and overtaking in Formula 1. The reason is these new cars produce more aerodynamic disturbance on the car following which impedes close racing and the ability to overtake.<br />
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We will see how the 2017 season progresses and what improvements can be made in future. The FIA has already stated it wants to change the engine formula in 2020. This will hopefully help another key concern which is the cost of the Formula 1 powerunits as well as the lack of sound.<br />
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Overall the sport is heading in the right direction and new owners Liberty Media have plenty in their plate to further improve the show... and the racing.<br />
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<br />Pep - F1 Podcasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02410301741900975344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423622740963214347.post-67978711302286483402017-04-07T22:00:00.002-07:002017-04-07T22:09:50.001-07:00F1's Fastest Circuits<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Most Formula 1 fans would be aware that the Autodromo Nazionale Monza, home of the Italian Grand Prix, is the
fastest Formula 1 circuit on the modern calendar. It's not called "The
Temple of Speed" for nothing!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">F1's fastest ever lap was completed
there by Juan Pablo Montoya driving a Williams in 2004. He averaged
262 km/h (163 mph) over one lap. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">So yes this beautiful Monza circuit, set in
parklands outside Milan, is super fast!</span><br />
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That question answered, how do the other circuits rank?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The
table below shows all of the circuits in the 2016 calendar, ranked fastest
to slowest. The figures show the average lap speed
of the fastest lap in the race.<br />
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Source: https://www.formula1.com</div>
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Looking at the figures, Monza - the last of the true "low downforce" circuits left - is clearly a lot faster than the next circuit on the list: Austria's Red Bull Ring. The revamped circuit - itself an emasculated version of the frightening quick Österreichring - rejoined the F1 calendar in 2014 and finds itself taking second place, knocking-off both Spa Francorchamps and Silverstone.</div>
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The Belgian circuit has been largely unchanged since the shorter 7 kilometre layout debuted in 1983. Silverstone, meanwhile, has existed in a multitude of configurations, with it's latest "Arena" layout debuting in 2010. It's average speed, however, hasn't changed too much.</div>
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During 2016, both Monaco and Brazilian Grand Prix were rain affected races but the historical statistics show that this wouldn't materially change the table rankings above for the former, as the Monte Carlo street circuit is easily the slowest circuit on the calendar.<br />
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Brazil's Interlagos circuit, however, would slot itself somewhere between Russia's Sochi Autodrom and Germany's Hockenheimring in dry conditions. The fastest race lap recorded there under the current V6 turbo hybrid regulations was Lewis Hamilton's 1:13.555 (210.895 km/h) in 2014.</div>
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Some circuits with long straights such as China's Shanghai International Circuit and Abu Dhabi's Yas Marina Circuit seem to be fast, however their sequences of slower corners or sectors reduce the overall average speed.<br />
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Australia's Albert Park is impressively high up the list based on last year's fastest race laps, with the sixth-fastest overall average speed. It ranks comfortably as the quickest temporary or street circuit on the schedule.</div>
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A footnote to this story is that this year Monza is getting even faster should planned changes being completed occur in time for September's Italian Grand Prix. <br />
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Work is underway that will see the field bypass the first Rettifilo chicane. Instead, drivers will go through a fast right hand kink before the Curva Grande and rejoin the existing layout at the exit of the Curva Grande via a new fast left-right chicane. The result is expected to reduce the lap time by over one second.</div>
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We need a variety of tracks in F1 and we certainly have that. Overall lap speed is, of course, not everything. Watching an F1 car fly through the swimming pool complex at Monaco is proof of that!<br />
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Thanks for reading, please leave your comments.<br />
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Jason Goodacre.<br />
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Pep, F1Podcast<br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/F1Podcast" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/F1Podcast</a><br />
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<br />Pep - F1 Podcasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02410301741900975344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423622740963214347.post-86115239843155064132017-03-17T22:56:00.001-07:002017-03-17T22:57:48.091-07:00Non-Championship F1 RacesSince the official FIA Formula 1 World Championship began in 1950, non-championship races have featured on the Grand Prix calendar. These races continued to be a major feature on the motorsport schedule well into the 1970s, with the latest non-championship race being in 1983.<br />
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With that historic nod, should modern F1 embrace the non-championship race once again?<br />
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According to Formula 1's new head of motorsport, Ross Brawn, this is an option for the future of the sport.<br />
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<span style="color: #999999;"><i>"It might be rather optimistic, but you can imagine if we had a non-championship race there'd be a lot more capacity to look at different formats and approaches and see if the fans take to it with much less risk or exposure than we would if we were doing something in the championship<span style="color: #999999;">,”</span></i></span><span style="color: #999999;"> he said.</span><br />
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With new owner Liberty Media now calling the shots in Formula 1, fresh ideas need to be tried. A good way to achieve this could be to hold a race which does not affect the World Championship.<br />
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<span style="color: #999999;"><i>"We often had non-championship races in the old days but getting it all to work is another matter. Brawn added. "</i></span><span style="color: #999999;"><i>It needs to be commercially viable of course, and that's the challenge. Again, it couldn't just be 'pick ideas out of a hat'. It needs to be properly thought through, but maybe an opportunity."</i></span><br />
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So what new ideas could be tested?<br />
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Shorter race formats is probably a given. This idea has been mooted many times in the past and sprint races would be a different spectacle: less about conserving the car and more about driving as fast as possible!<br />
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More racing action on a Saturday is also very likely. Other concepts such as reverse grids could also be trialled at a non-championship meeting. While F1 purists would want the sport to steer clear of gimmicks, non-championship races could explore artificially wetting the circuit (if a circuit was able to offer it).<br />
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Non-championship races in the past were often held in locations which were considered exotic, so perhaps these could be a means of trialing new locations. What about a race through a major city, a hill climb, or a race with a truly spectacular backdrop. <br />
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Purists will argue that the current format is fine and should not be changed. However, if F1 is to increase its appeal and grow, then new ideas need to be tested. Other sports have benefited from updating and changing their format; with cricket’s move to Twenty20 being a prime example of this.<br />
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Formula One does need to evolve as well as cater to a younger audience. It also has heritage, more than any other motorsport. So this needs to be respected too.<br />
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Non-championship race meetings would provide the means to try new things, while still respecting F1's heritage.<br />
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="color: black;">As Brawn says: </span><i>"We expose ourselves whenever we make changes like this. Fingers crossed, it is going to work out but l think it is a good example of where we didn't go through the right principles to begin with."</i></span> <br />
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Thanks for reading, please leave your comments.<br />
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Jason Goodacre<br />
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Pep, F1Podcast<br />
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Daily updates on twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/F1Podcast" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/F1Podcast</a>Pep - F1 Podcasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02410301741900975344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423622740963214347.post-60974671022129808502017-01-05T16:18:00.001-08:002017-01-05T17:16:25.055-08:00My F1 CollectionMy F1 collection started when I was a teenager in the late 1980's. As a big F1 racing fan, my first purchases were magazines and posters for my walls. So that was "Prix Editions" magazine and some Alain Prost posters I'd picked up somewhere. Big Prost fan.<br />
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Then I bought some photo's of F1 cars from the Adelaide Grand Prix which were available to purchase via the newspaper. And that was how it remained for quite awhile: magazines and posters. "F1 Racing Magazine" replacing the previous title.<br />
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The next thing I started to get was a few F1 books. These were mainly Grand Prix annuals from the mid 1980's and also some VHS videos of seasons in the 1990's. Later there was DVD's and as always gaming of course. I've written a separate blog on F1 gaming.<br />
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But it was in the early 2000's that I started to buy more and across different categories. Online shopping was opening up lot's of opportunity! The first significant purchases were F1 replica helmets. Over a period of several years I bought Schumacher, Prost then Senna. They remain the core and much loved part of my F1 collection. I'm keen to get more.<br />
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Then one day I found an F1 stamp with my 3 favourite drivers and I had to own it. That began an period of about a year where I binge purchased F1 stamps.<br />
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And here's the thing about collecting. <br />
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When you collect, you learn about each category or genre you are collecting within. For example with stamps you learn all about the world of "philately", the study of stamps. Model cars? I learnt all about the types, history, manufactures, scale sizes and details of this genre. Trading cards and games provide a great history of our sport.<br />
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There were several items during the next stage that I collected a lot of: keyrings, badges, cards and some models. Later my focus turned to collecting F1 books, especially the older ones. All the while adding to the other categories whenever I found something.<br />
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There are several things I've not been interested in collecting. F1 clothes is one, season DVD reviews is another. Expense is always a big consideration too - there is a lot of excellent (and very expensive!) stuff out there. <br />
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I'm also strict that it must be F1 or Grand Prix Racing. No Indy or lower formula open wheeler please.<br />
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Here is my collection summary. The one's in bold I've been concentrating on recently:<br />
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What sort of F1 things do you collect?<br />
What are your favourities?<br />
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Thanks for reading, please leave your comments.<br />
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Pep, F1 Podcast<br />
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Daily F1 commentary on twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/F1Podcast" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/F1Podcast</a><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
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<br />Pep - F1 Podcasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02410301741900975344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423622740963214347.post-85374228539536494792016-10-29T21:16:00.001-07:002016-10-29T21:41:17.124-07:00What-If ... these F1 drivers hadn't died?Formula One is the best sport in the world.<br />
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In F1, like all motorsport, drivers have died doing what they love. And unfortunately more will die in the future. That is part of this sport; part of life.<br />
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Recently I read an excellent book - "Senna vs. Schumacher".<br />
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The authors wrote a fictional account of how the rivalry between these drivers might have played out if Senna had survived Imola in 1994. It is a great read, insightful and highly recommended book. <br />
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There are 5 stories they tell:<br />
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<li>Senna versus Schumacher</li>
<li>Villeneuve versus Prost</li>
<li>Moss versus Clark</li>
<li>Ascari versus Fangio</li>
<li>Richard Seaman, European Champion </li>
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It's an excellent concept and a huge amount of research, dedication and love went into writing it. It's very well written and I would recommend any F1 fan to pick-up a copy.<br />
<br />
For each story I tried to predict the outcomes myself before reading and below are my thoughts on that. There are <b>no spoilers</b> here, just my opinion <u>prior</u> to reading the book. <br />
<br />
<b>Ayrton Senna</b> - 3 more championships minimum,<b> Gilles Villeneuve</b> - World Champion, <b>Stirling Moss</b> - World Champion, <b>Alberto Ascari</b> - a 3rd World Championship. In the case of Senna, I am convinced that after F1 he would have done many great things for the people of Brazil, perhaps even becoming President.<br />
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Finally there is <b>Richard Seaman</b>, I didn't know much about the pre-1950 racing, so this book allowed me to learn so much and immerse myself in that era. <br />
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"Senna vs. Schumacher" made me think about other F1 drivers who passed away and what their future could have been. <br />
<br />
<b>Peter Collins</b> - in 1956 while still in contention for the title, Peter famously handed his Lancia-Ferrari D50 over to eventual champion Fangio. There is little doubt that Peter had the speed to be champion himself one day. His selfless act will never be repeated in Grand Prix racing.<br />
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<b>Wolfgang von Trips</b> - driving for Ferrari in 1961, the year of his death, "Taffy" had a very competitive car - the iconic Ferrari 156 "Sharknose". Would he have had the car to win it after 1961? Probably not as the next 2 years were dominated by Graham Hill and Jim Clark. 1964 is another matter though as Ferrari did it again with John Surtees. I think von Trips would have been an influential part of the sport given his skills and outgoing personality. Champion too? Perhaps.<br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
<b>Jochen Rindt</b> - there is plenty of debate about whether Jochen would have continued to race in 1971 after becoming World Champion in 1970. My guess is that he would! Given the dominance of Jackie Stewart and Tyrrell in 1971, his next chance would have been in 1972 which of course Lotus won with Emerson Fittipaldi. Rindt might have been a double World Champion. What is clear though is that Jochen was an astute businessman and very close to Bernie Ecclestone. Hence I am sure that he would have been heavily involved at in F1 for many, many years to come.<br />
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<b>Francois Cevert</b> - the popular and charismatic Frenchman died while under the wing of Jackie Stewart in 1973. Jackie himself has no doubt that Francois had everything needed to be World Champion ... and that's good enough for me.<br />
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<b>Roger Williamson, Tony Brise and Tom Pryce</b> - this trio of British drivers were all considered massive talents and potential future World Champions. They lost their lives in 1973, 1975 and 1977. A book "The Lost Generation" was written about them by David Tremayne and surely they were destined for much success in Formula One.<br />
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<b>Ronnie Peterson</b> - Ronnie was always considered a sublime talent behind the wheel of an F1 car. Therefore I am certain greatness was in-store had he not perished at Monza in 1978.<br />
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<b>Jules Bianchi</b> - Jules was only in his second F1 season when he died following an accident at Suzuka. Already a Ferrari protégé and test driver, he was widely regarded as having the right stuff and was destined for race wins and more.<br />
<br />
<br />
There are many more drivers of course who had potential for greatness not listed above: Eugenio Castellotti<b>, </b>Luigi Musso, Stuart Lewis-Evans, Alan Stacey, Chris Bristow, Ricardo Rodríguez, Lorenzo Bandini and Piers Courage to name a few.<br />
<br />
Not only did all of these drivers tragically lose their lives but the world was denied their talents and contributions both within and outside the motorsport world.<br />
<br />
Circling back to the book "Senna vs Schumacher", I believe there should be more F1 fiction and this book is a great example of how good it can be. These stories really make you think about what might have been. An excellent book!<br />
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Thanks for reading, please leave your comments.<br />
<br />
Pep, F1Podcast.<br />
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Daily F1 commentary on twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/F1Podcast" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/F1Podcast</a><br />
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Links:<br />
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Senna vs. Schumacher book: <a href="https://senna-versus-schumacher.com/" target="_blank">https://senna-versus-schumacher.com/</a><br />
<br />
List of Formula One fatalities: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Formula_One_fatalities" target="_blank">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Formula_One_fatalities</a><br />
<br />Pep - F1 Podcasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02410301741900975344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423622740963214347.post-81335365703187298902016-09-21T16:17:00.004-07:002016-11-10T00:28:35.330-08:00Liberty Media - The Future of F1<div>
This blog attempts to translate the comments from new F1 boss Chase Carey and other Liberty Media management. What changes are they planning for F1?<br />
<br />
<u>18 September 2016 - Chase Carey - Chairman (interview F1 website)</u><br />
<a href="https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/interviews/2016/9/building-for-the-future---exclusive-q-a-with-chase-carey.html" target="_blank">https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/interviews/2016/9/building-for-the-future---exclusive-q-a-with-chase-carey.html</a><br />
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Below are some of his quotes and in brackets, what it means ...</div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444;">"It is too early to have a clear plan”.</span></i><br />
(We are planning to make changes soon).</div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444;">“But we clearly will have a plan to develop America, to be in the right market".</span></i><br />
(F1 is under-sold in America, there will be at least one more race there).</div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444;">"Formula 1 is a great premium brand and that means to me that you want to be at a location like Los Angeles, New York or Miami”.</span></i><br />
(I’ll mention 3 North American locations because we will probably end up with at least one of them. Also COTA is not necessarily safe ...)</div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444;">“ ... ideally in the great cities in the world!".</span></i><br />
(Expect calendar changes with more “iconic” locations globally which could mean more street circuits).</div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444;">"F1's three biggest assets are the amazing cars and technology; the stars – the world is built on heroes; the global aspect with these amazing venues".</span></i><br />
(Some existing venues don’t match this vision).</div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444;">“I have not been to all the venues so far, but Singapore certainly is amazing. The race is great – that's the core – but it is a week-long extravaganza with music and entertainment”.</span></i><br />
(Take note existing circuit owners – “WEEK LONG EXTRAVAGANZA”).</div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444;">"That's really what it is about – great events. This is it: creating a great event".</span></i><br />
(Again, a message to the existing races: raise your game or lose it.)</div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444;">"So the cars and technology; the stars; and the events – the live experience".</span></i><br />
(4 things mentioned here, but the last one is key because he clearly wants to improve the show).</div>
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<u>Comments</u><br />
<br />
It is very clear that Chase believes Formula One needs a bigger footprint in North America. He is right. I expect there to be an additional GP in North America within 3-4 years. This will join COTA and the other rounds in Canada and Mexico. 4 Grand Prix on that continent sounds about right. On a side note, I expect another South American round too – perhaps Argentina.<br />
<br />
Looking at the 2016 F1 calendar - the longest in history - any races which are lacking in the areas Chase mentions above should be very worried. I'm looking at you Hungary, Spain, Sochi, Bahrain and Baku.<br />
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<u>22 September 2016 - Greg Maffei - CEO Liberty Media</u><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><i>"Less than one percent of revenues are from digital. They really have no organized digital effort. I think there's a lot of things that can be done around gaming, VR (virtual reality) and AR (augmented reality)".</i></span><br />
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(Greg stating what we all knew already, Bernie has ignored digital and social. The percentage is interesting and needs addressing. The fact he mentions gaming is really interesting and exciting).<br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><i>"There's an enormous amount of video feed and data about the races that we are already capturing that we are not in any way processing incrementally for the dedicated fan, or opportunities around things like gambling".</i></span><br />
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(The first part of this I love! I've long believed that the amount of footage available - especially historically - is an untapped gold mine. For current data, capturing and selling this makes a lot of sense to me. Greg loses me badly at the end though ... "THINGS LIKE GAMBLING??!?" I don't like this at all!)<br />
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<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;"><i>"Outside of the United States there is a huge gambling opportunity in the sport, none of which we capitalize on."</i></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></div>
(This quote disturbs me. A huge opportunity perhaps, but Liberty Media is the OWNER of the sport. Is it the owners job to exploit its fans via gambling?)<br />
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Thanks for reading, please leave your comments. </div>
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Pep, F1 Podcast.</div>
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Daily comments on twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/F1Podcast" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/F1Podcast</a></div>
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<br />Pep - F1 Podcasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02410301741900975344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423622740963214347.post-76103369446456148982016-09-06T18:29:00.000-07:002016-09-06T18:32:13.316-07:00Codemasters F1 2016 Game - First ReviewLast month a new F1 game was released.<br />
<br />
We all knew that right!? The marketing and social media push for this title has been huge. Codemasters certainly believe they have a good story to tell with F1 2016 - and they are right!<br />
<br />
This is the 8th generation of this franchise. Many have said that this is the game that Codemasters always wanted to make. Probably right. There have been lot's of reviews already and they are all very positive from what I can see.<br />
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Below are my initial thoughts on the game and I'll write a more comprehensive review soon. The reason for this is that I'm playing it without a steering wheel. For me to fully enjoy and appreciate the game - I need a wheel. So a Logitech G29 is coming very soon.<br />
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<b>Overall game</b><br />
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It's beautiful. The menu's are fast, easy and intuitive. The intros and cut scenes are fantastic and all skipable - very important. The cars feel great to drive, the AI is on target and the tracks look stunning. It really is very good. </div>
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<b>Graphics</b><br />
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The graphics on this game are the very best I've seen. The small touches they have made around lighting, texture and attention to detail are amazing. The replays have been tweaked and work well. Nothing more to be said; it's great.<br />
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<b>Game Play</b><br />
<br />
There are many things to like about the gameplay for F1 2016:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Practice programs - these provide an excellent way to spice up practicing or learning a new F1 circuit. I like this enhancement very much.</li>
</ul>
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<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>GP weekend - the way you can play or experience different parts of the weekend is an excellent feature. It just feels easy to get to where you need to go.</li>
</ul>
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<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>Customisations - these are great and enough to satisfy 99% of F1 gaming fans. There is a small community of gamers who enjoy enhanced customisations (car, vehicle, track) and they can stick to rFactor.</li>
</ul>
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<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>Safety car - the introduction of the safety car was much requested though in reality for me it's just another example of how immersive this game is. Clutch starts, radio comms and in-car menu instructions are other examples .</li>
</ul>
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<b>Career mode</b><br />
<br />
This game features an enhanced career mode which is presented very well. I love the way the game guides you through driver setup and progression through your career. It's the best we've seen from his franchise or any other F1 game. I decided to start my career driving for Renault wearing a "Senna yellow" helmet I customised. My objectives are based around the team's current standings. I will race for 10 seasons at 25% distance and build my career. Brilliant!<br />
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<b>Final thoughts</b><br />
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This game is easily the best F1 game ever released. No question about that. For any F1 fan who loves gaming, this is a must-have! I am very much looking forward to practicing, racing, exploring and building my career with this game. It ENTICES you to do so! That's why it's so good.<br />
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Firstly though ... steering wheel. :-)<br />
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Thanks for reading, please leave your comments.<br />
<br />
Pep, F1 Podcast<br />
<br />
Daily comments on twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/F1Podcast" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/F1Podcast</a><br />
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<br />Pep - F1 Podcasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02410301741900975344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423622740963214347.post-58536940218941167432016-06-19T04:31:00.000-07:002016-07-19T05:25:26.329-07:00New F1 Circuits - "Massive Track Evolution""Massive Track Evolution".<br />
<br />
That's how one of the F1 team principals described what the new track - Baku - will do as the cars clean-up and rubber-in this brand new circuit. The result of course is faster and faster lap times.<br />
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Those words could also describe what's happened to F1 circuits generally over the years as new tracks, territories and ever more modern facilities are added.<br />
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<u>Baku, Azerbaijan</u> is the latest addition to the F1 calendar in 2016, putting the city and the country on the map.<br />
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Personally I always enjoy it when new Grand Prix circuits arrive on the calendar!<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: black;">Below are some highlights of new F1 circuit additions. Each one of these has provided an evolution in terms of either the track itself or in Formula One's history books.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><br />
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<b>Since 2010</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Two new venues really stand out because they cemented the Formula One World Championship as being a truly global sport. The addition of the <u>Russian Grand Prix</u> at Sochi since 2014 as well as the long awaited return of F1 in <u>U.S. Grand Prix</u> in Austin, Texas in 2012.</li>
</ul>
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<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>Notable mentions are the return of the <u>Mexican Grand Prix</u> (2015) and the <u>Austrian Grand Prix</u> (2014) both providing a new life to old tracks and a welcome nod to F1's history. A push into Asia brought less success with India (3 races) and Korea (4 races).</li>
</ul>
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<br /></div>
<b>2000's</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>The <u>Singapore Grand Prix</u> (since 2008) has provided a unique and historic addition to F1 racing with the addition of night racing. This concept is now emulated by 2 other venues, including the <u>Abu Dhabi Grand Prix</u> (since 2009) which is a model of the modern racing circuit.</li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li><u>Bahrain</u> (since 2004) spearheaded more Grand Prix races in the Middle East plus has run under lights since 2014. More new territories too with <u>Shanghai</u> (since 2004) being very successful while <u>Turkey</u> (2005-2011) not so much.</li>
</ul>
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<b>1990's</b><br />
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<ul>
<li>The Sepang Circuit and the <u>Malaysian Grand Prix</u> (since 1999) has been universally applauded for it's layout and facilities. It is a track that continues to be enjoyed by the drivers.</li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li>Notable mention goes to Albert Park, <u>Melbourne</u>, (since 1996) which replaced the very popular <u>Adelaide</u> street circuit race (1985-1995) and managed to take the event to even higher levels.</li>
</ul>
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<b>1980's</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>In 1987 started a legacy still going today with the <u>Japanese Grand Prix</u> racing at the Suzuka Circuit. The addition also of the <u>Hungarian Grand Prix</u> (since 1986) was a big deal at the time. This was because it was the first GP behind the "Iron Curtain". </li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li>In 1983 after 13 years absence, the F1 circus returned to Spa, the first <u>Belgian Grand Prix</u> to be held on the modern Spa circuit. </li>
</ul>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
<b>1970's</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>The <u>Japanese Grand Prix</u> (since 1976) at Fuji Speedway added further reach to the calendar. Also in 1976 saw the addition of a second race in America, the so-called "<u>U.S. Grand Prix West</u>".</li>
</ul>
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<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>New territories were explored during the 1970's starting with the <u>Brazilian Grand Prix</u> at the (old) Interlagos circuit in 1972. <b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></li>
</ul>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
<b>1960's</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>F1's global reach continued with the addition of <u>Canadian Grand Prix</u> in 1967 and the <u>South Africa</u> in 1962.</li>
</ul>
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<li>Starting another legacy in 1961 was <u>Watkins Glen</u> which became a classic venue for the U.S. Grand Prix after taking over from Riverside and Sebring the previous 2 years.</li>
</ul>
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<b>1950's</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>During the 1950's new circuits were added due to the expanding calendar. Several circuits hosted just one race during this decade: Morocco (1958), AVUS (1959), Monsanto, Portugal (1959), Pescara (1959), Sebring (1959).</li>
</ul>
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<li><u>Argentina</u> was an obvious choice for a race which started in 1953 helped along of course by Fangio's stature. The <u>Dutch Grand Prix</u> at Zandvoort (since 1952) was one of several to provide additional European venues.</li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li>The stand-out new venue was of course the awesome <u>Nurburgring Nordschleife</u> which started in 1951. It was one of two new additions after the inaugural season, the other race being the <u>Spanish Grand Prix</u> at Pedralbes.</li>
</ul>
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Thanks for reading, please leave your comments.</div>
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Pep.</div>
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F1 Podcast.</div>
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Daily comments on twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/F1Podcast" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/F1Podcast</a></div>
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<br />Pep - F1 Podcasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02410301741900975344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423622740963214347.post-79249644436231491412016-04-09T02:40:00.001-07:002017-03-04T19:36:32.938-08:00Formula One Bucket ListWith unlimited cash, my ultimate F1 Bucket List experience would be following the Formula One season for an entire year; travelling the world, seeing every race.<br />
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And of course owning an F1 car, a track car! <br />
<br />
But realistically, here is my F1 Bucket List. The one's in <strong>bold </strong>I've done.<br />
<u></u><br />
<u>Experiences</u><br />
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<ul>
<li>Attend as many Grand Prix as possible <strong>(6 so far; 5 Albert Park, 1 Sepang)</strong></li>
<li><strong>Drive an open-wheel race car</strong> </li>
<li>2 or 3 seater F1 rides</li>
<li>Drive an F1 car</li>
<li>Drive the Nurburgring</li>
</ul>
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<u>Museums</u><br />
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Basically, any museum showing F1 cars or Grand Prix history. But these one's definitely:<br />
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<ul>
<li><strong>Ferrari Museum, Maranello</strong></li>
<li>Donington Museum</li>
<li>The Jim Clark Room</li>
<li>Brooklands Museum</li>
<li>The National Motor Museum, Beaulieu England</li>
<li>Hockenheimring Motorsport Museum</li>
<li>Cité de l'Automobile </li>
<li>Red Bull Hangar 7</li>
<li>Driver specific collections, e.g. Bruce McLaren, Michael Schumacher, Fernando Alonso and Nigel Mansell</li>
</ul>
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<u>Respect</u><br />
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<ul>
<li>Senna's grave, Sao Paulo, Brazil</li>
<li>Senna statue, Imola</li>
<li>Jim Clark memorial, Hockenheim</li>
</ul>
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<u>Historic</u><br />
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<ul>
<li>Visit old F1 circuits </li>
<li><strong>Maranello, Italy</strong></li>
</ul>
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<u>Other</u><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><strong>FerrariWorld, Abu Dhabi</strong></li>
<li>Goodwood Festival of Speed</li>
<li>Various team headquarters (e.g. Red Bull Hall of Fame)</li>
<li>Go-karting, Kerpen Germany</li>
</ul>
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And finally on the home front, I'd love to have a room or space to display all of my F1 collection. This would go along perfectly with my state-of-the-art sim racing setup. Oh yes ... and my own private racetrack.<br />
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What is on your F1 Bucket List?<br />
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Please leave your comments.<br />
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Thanks for reading.<br />
<br />
Pep, F1 Podcast.<br />
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<br />Pep - F1 Podcasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02410301741900975344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423622740963214347.post-23596941521214102532016-02-29T04:18:00.000-08:002016-08-02T16:07:06.042-07:00Open Cockpit Safety - Active Cockpit ProtectionIn recent times there has been plenty of debate about improving safety in Formula One and open wheel racing. The reason of course has the death of 5 drivers in open cockpits since 2009.<br />
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Henry Surtees, Dan Wheldon, Maria de Villota, Jules Bianchi and Justin Wilson.<br />
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A lot of this debate has centred around 2 particular ideas which involve a permanent addition to the car while racing: the halo and the canopy. But perhaps there is a compromise?<br />
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The idea is now being dubbed "Active Cockpit Protection". This involves the car itself providing maximum protection to the driver when they need it most - in a very big accident.<br />
<br />
Consider this ... the driver has had a bad accident or there is a dangerous, life threatening hazard ahead. They have a critical few seconds or less until disaster...<br />
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So what can they do? At the moment they can do nothing.<br />
<br />
Perhaps, with imminent disaster looming they could push a button or pull a lever and this deploys the car itself into "accident mode". The car then instantly creates the safest possible environment for the driver to survive.<br />
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This could be much more than just an airbag which happens in road cars at the point of impact. This is technology could be deployed BEFORE, during and after impact. Once initiated, in microseconds a screen could deploy to increase safety substantially. The car could change from being a aerodynamic device to the ultimate safety cell, cushioning the driver and protecting exposed areas. <br />
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Take the example of Ayrton Senna's death. There was a crucial time between when his Williams was on the circuit lapping normally and when Senna knew that he was going to connect with the wall very hard indeed. It is during those key moments, given modern technology, something could be deployed to provide maximum safety and maximum chance of survival. It's about "telling" the car that a big accident is about to happen. This kind of technology could have saved Senna's life.<br />
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In fact Active Cockpit Protection could have potentially saved the lives of all 5 drivers mentioned above with the possible exception of Maria de Villota.<br />
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An issue with this idea could be additional safety concerns, i.e. what about the drivers arms? The system would have to include a safeguard to ensure the arms don't extend beyond the cockpit.<br />
<br />
In summary, head protection in open cockpits is clearly an area that needs improvement. Why not give the driver every chance of survival when they need it the most?<br />
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For more on F1 safety, please read my blog "Improving Safety in Formula One".<br />
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<a href="http://formulaonepodcast.blogspot.com.au/2014/11/improving-safety-in-formula-one.html?m=1">http://formulaonepodcast.blogspot.com.au/2014/11/improving-safety-in-formula-one.html?m=1</a></div>
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(UPDATE: July 2016)<br />
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F1, via Charlie Whiting, has reviewed this technology and has so far deemed it to be "impractical". He has said; "I cannot see how you can deploy it in the right amount of time".<br />
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<a href="http://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/whiting-active-cockpit-safety-system-impractical-803358/" target="_blank">http://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/whiting-active-cockpit-safety-system-impractical-803358/</a><br />
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Thanks for reading, please leave your comments.<br />
<br />
Pep, F1 Podcast.<br />
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Pep - F1 Podcasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02410301741900975344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423622740963214347.post-64289901624523689542016-02-02T23:35:00.000-08:002016-06-04T16:44:09.936-07:00F1 Country Guide - New ZealandNew Zealand is a country with a proud history of Grand Prix racing and famous F1 racing names ... McLaren, Hulme, Amon. This blog will explore New Zealand's Grand Prix racing past and also what it offers F1 fans today.<br />
<br />
<strong>The Past</strong><br />
<br />
<u>Drivers</u><br />
<br />
In total, 8 New Zealand drivers have contested the Formula One World Championship. Let's look at some ...<br />
<br />
McLaren of course is the mega successful F1 team was started by New Zealander <strong>Bruce McLaren</strong>. Bruce himself won 4 Formula 1 Grand Prix, his first win in 1959 made him the youngest ever driver to win a championship Grand Prix at the time. Bruce and was also very successful in other forms of motorsport, particularly Can-Am. <br />
<br />
<strong>Denny Hulme</strong> was the most successful New Zealand F1 driver ever with 8 wins and also winning the F1 World Championship in 1967.<br />
<br />
<strong>Chris Amon</strong>; at 19 years old was the youngest ever driver to start in a championship Grand Prix at the time. Chris he is often quoted as the most talented driver never to win an F1 championship race. He won non-championship races, drove for Ferrari and was also an F1 team owner. <br />
<br />
<strong>Mike Thackwell</strong>; at 19 years old qualified on pole for the 1980 Canadian Grand Prix. The youngest qualifier ever, a record that would stand for 29 years.<br />
<br />
<u>The New Zealand Grand Prix</u> <br />
<br />
The New Zealand Grand Prix began in 1950 and was held mainly at Pukekohe Park Raceway and the Ardmore Circuit. It had many famous winners such as Sir Stirling Moss 3 times (1956, 1959, 1962), Sir Jack Brabham 3 times (1958, 1960, 1961), Graham Hill twice (1965 and 1966), Chris Amon twice (1968 and 1969), Bruce McLaren, John Surtees and Sir Jackie Stewart. <br />
<br />
Of course the New Zealand Grand Prix was also part of the Tasman Series which ran between 1964 and 1975. So there were other Tasman races held in New Zealand at this time at circuits in Levin, Wigram and Teretonga. <br />
<br />
<strong>Today</strong><br />
<u></u><br />
<u>Activities for F1 fans</u><br />
<br />
If you are visiting New Zealand, these are the options for F1 fans:<br />
<ul>
<li>Various motorsport circuits, events and experiences (see below).</li>
<li>Take a ride in the Orange Arrows F1 3 seater car.</li>
<li>The Bruce McLaren Trust and Museum (located at the site of the old McLaren Service Station).</li>
<li>Visit Bruce McLaren's childhood home; 8 Upland Road Remeura. His grave is at Waikumete Cemetery, Glen Eden, Auckland.</li>
<li>The National Motorsport Museum, Otago which has 2 F1 cars on display.</li>
<li>Maybe buy a supercar (?): The Hulme Supercar.</li>
<li>Several go-karting locations.</li>
<li>Sim racing (see below).</li>
</ul>
<u></u><br />
<u>Shopping</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Various motoring bookstores (see below).</li>
</ul>
<br />
Thanks for reading. Please leave your comments.<br />
<br />
Pep, F1 Podcast<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Links:<br />
<br />
New Zealand Grand Prix: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand_Grand_Prix" target="_blank">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand_Grand_Prix</a><br />
Tasman Series: <a href="http://tasmanrevival.com/history-of-the-tasman-series/" target="_blank">http://tasmanrevival.com/history-of-the-tasman-series/</a><br />
New Zealand F1 drivers: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formula_One_drivers_from_New_Zealand" target="_blank">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formula_One_drivers_from_New_Zealand</a><br />
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Circuits:<br />
<br />
Pukekohe Park Raceway (Pukekohe): <a href="http://www.countiesracing.co.nz/motor-racing/" target="_blank">http:/ /www.countiesracing.co.nz/motor-racing/</a><br />
Highlands Motorsport Park (Otago): <a href="http://www.highlands.co.nz/" target="_blank">http://www.highlands.co.nz/</a><br />
Bruce McLaren Motorsport Park (Taupo): <a href="http://www.brucemclarenmotorsportpark.com/" target="_blank">http://www.brucemclarenmotorsportpark.com/</a><br />
Hampton Downs (Waikato): <a href="http://www.hamptondowns.com/" target="_blank">http://www.hamptondowns.com/</a><br />
Ruapuna (Christchurch): <a href="http://www.canterburycarclub.co.nz/" target="_blank">http://www.canterburycarclub.co.nz/</a> <br />
Teretonga (Invercargill): <a href="http://www.teretonga.org.nz/" target="_blank">http://www.teretonga.org.nz/</a><br />
<br />
F1 3 seater ride: <a href="http://formula1ridesnz.co.nz/" target="_blank">http://formula1ridesnz.co.nz/</a><br />
Bruce McLaren Trust and Museum (Remuera, Auckland): <a href="http://www.bruce-mclaren.com/" target="_blank">http://www.bruce-mclaren.com</a><br />
Bruce McLaren grave: <a href="http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=12763417" target="_blank">http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=12763417</a><a href="http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=12763417" target="_blank"></a><br />
National Motorsport Museum: <a href="http://www.highlands.co.nz/museum/" target="_blank">http://www.highlands.co.nz/museum/</a><br />
Hulme Supercars: <a href="http://www.hulmesupercars.com/" target="_blank">http://www.hulmesupercars.com/</a><br />
<br />
SIM racing:<br />
<br />
Virtual Racing Centre (Auckland): <a href="http://www.vrracing.co.nz/" target="_blank">http://www.vrracing.co.nz/</a><br />
Hyper Simulator (Auckland and Wellington): <a href="http://www.hyperstimulator.co.nz/" target="_blank">http://www.hyperstimulator.co.nz/</a><br />
<br />
Motorsport books:<br />
<br />
DML Motorbooks (South Canterbuy): <a href="http://www.manuals.co.nz/" target="_blank">http://www.manuals.co.nz/</a><br />
Pace Publications (Auckland): <a href="http://www.pace.net.nz/" target="_blank">http://www.pace.net.nz/</a><br />
FAZAZZ (Christchurch): <a href="http://www.fazazz.co.nz/" target="_blank">http://www.fazazz.co.nz/</a><br />
Octane Books (Auckland): <a href="http://octanebooks.co.nz/" target="_blank">http://octanebooks.co.nz/</a><br />
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Pep - F1 Podcasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02410301741900975344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423622740963214347.post-70542088600445792942016-01-07T15:34:00.001-08:002016-01-07T16:31:58.423-08:00Jochen Rindt - An Open Letter to F1 (1969)The following is a letter penned in 1969 by F1 driver Jochen Rindt.<br />
<br />
It was an open letter, sent to all of the major motorsport publications of the day. It has some very interesting observations about wings on Grand Prix cars and the turbulent effect they cause any cars following. It is a particularly poignant letter given the circumstances of Rindt's death just one year later.<br />
<br />
And the letter also relates strongly with the debate that is still raging about wings ... 47 years later.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #1c1c1c; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="background: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><i>This is an open letter to all people who are, interested in
Formula 1 racing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to demonstrate
a few points about the aerofoils which at the moment are used on most of the F1
cars, in order to convince the so-called experts that they should be banned.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="background: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><i>
</i></span>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">
</span><span style="background: white; color: #1c1c1c; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Basically I have two reasons why I am against them:</span><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="background: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><i>
</i></span>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><i><span style="background: white; color: #0b5394; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">1. Wings have nothing to do with a motor car. They are
completely out of place and will never be used on a road-going production car.
Please note, I mean wings and not spoilers which are incorporated into the
bodywork. You can say they bring colour to racing, and I cannot argue against
that; but after all F1 racing is meant to be a serious business and not a hot
rod show.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="background: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><i>
</i></span>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><i><span style="background: white; color: #0b5394; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">2. Wings are dangerous, first to the driver, secondly to the
spectators. <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="background: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><i>
</i></span>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><i><span style="background: white; color: #0b5394; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">When wings were first introduced to F1 racing at Spa last
year they were tiny spoilers at the front and back of the Ferraris and
Brabhams. They had very little effect except at high speed when they were
working as a sort of stabiliser. This was a very good effect and nobody thought
any more about it until Lotus arrived for the French GP at Rouen a month later
with the first proper wing. Suddenly everybody got the message about what could
be done with the help of the air; but unfortunately nobody directly concerned
gave much thought to what could happen if the wings went wrong, and what effect
they would have on racing.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="background: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><i>
</i></span>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><i><span style="background: white; color: #0b5394; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">First of all, it is very difficult to design a wing which is
going to stand up to all the stresses, because who knows how big the forces
are. If you make the wing stronger, it is going to be heavier and therefore
produce bigger forces on the construction; you make it lighter and it all goes
the opposite way. This is not my wisdom, it all comes from one of the most
successful racing car designers. Nevertheless I am sure that after some time -
and a few more accidents because of wing failure - this problem could be
solved.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="background: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><i>
</i></span>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><i><span style="background: white; color: #0b5394; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Now some personal experience gained by racing with the wing:<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<span style="background: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><i>
</i></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><i><span style="background: white; color: #0b5394; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">The wing obviously works via the airflow over it, and this
situation changes rapidly if you happen to follow another competitor; he has
the full use of the wing and you yourself have to put up with the turbulence
created by his car. This could mean that the man in front is actually going
slower than you, but you cannot pass him because after getting near to him,
your wings stop working and you cannot go so quickly. This fact spoils racing
to quite a large extent. On the other hand the turbulence can be so great that
your car starts behaving very strangely and completely unpredictably.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<span style="background: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">
</span></i></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><i><span style="background: white; color: #0b5394; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">This, I think, explains Oliver's accident at Rouen last year,
and I personally have been in similar trouble very often, but luckily I have
always managed so far. You will understand that these two facts stop close
racing, which is one of the most exciting things to watch. Therefore it is in
the interest of the spectators and the drivers to ban wings.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<span style="background: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><i>
</i></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><i><span style="background: white; color: #0b5394; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Let us have a look at the wing if something goes wrong with
it. And they do go wrong quite often, but so far nobody has been severely hurt.
My accident in the Spanish GP has been the biggest one so far and, through a
lot of luck and the safety precautions taken by the Spanish organisers, nothing
serious happened. Naturally I will always be grateful to the Automobile Club of
Barcelona for lining the circuit with double guardrails and for providing such efficient
marshals.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<span style="background: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><i>
</i></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><i><span style="background: white; color: #0b5394; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">To explain the reason for my accident, I was happily driving
round the fastest bend on the track when my wing broke and changed its
downthrust into reverse. The back end of my car started flying, and I nearly
flew over the double guardrail on the left side of the track. Fortunately I was
flying about 10 inches too low and got bounced back into the road. I have got a
picture to prove it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can you imagine
what would have happened if the car had flown into the crowd? By next year we
will probably have wings big enough to do so, and all the owners of the
circuits will have to think about new crowd protection. You can also get lift
instead of down-pressure if you spin the car at high enough speed and start
going backwards.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<span style="background: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><i>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #0b5394; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Altogether I have come to the conclusion that wings are very
dangerous, and should therefore be banned.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #0b5394; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">JOCHEN RINDT.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #0b5394; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Begnins, SWITZERLAND.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
</div>
</i></span><br />Pep - F1 Podcasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02410301741900975344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423622740963214347.post-21162979449174982252015-11-17T04:02:00.002-08:002022-03-06T22:09:57.585-08:00F1 City Guide - AdelaideMany people will fondly recall the Adelaide street circuit as the home of the Australian Grand Prix for 11 years from 1985-1995. Next to the CBD, the circuit was a mixture of city streets and then into the parklands to finish the lap.<br />
<br />
Adelaide was always the final race of the season, so it had it's fair share of title deciders, drama, intrigue and of course the party atmosphere that came with finishing the season.<br />
<br />
This blog will explore Adelaide's Grand Prix racing past and also what it offers F1 fans today.<br />
<br />
<strong>The Past</strong><br />
<br />
Grand Prix racing has been held near Adelaide since 1937. These circuits were amazing ...<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Unbelievable by today's standards, the 1937 Australian Grand Prix was held on a road course 12km long, in-between the seaside towns of Port Elliot and Victor Harbour.</li>
</ul>
<ul><li>Lobethal Circuit: 1939 Australian Grand Prix. At almost 14kms long, this wild circuit in the Adelaide Hills passed through the towns of Charleston and Lobethal. It is the longest racing circuit in Australian history.</li>
</ul>
<ul><li>Nuriootpa Road Circuit: 1950 Australian Grand Prix, this circuit was 7km long!</li>
</ul>
<ul><li>Port Wakefield Circuit: 1955 Australian Grand Prix, won by Jack Brabham. This circuit has now "faded very quickly back into the scrub".</li>
</ul>
<ul><li>Mallala: 1961 Australian Grand Prix, a former RAAF base, still going today.</li>
</ul>
<br />
Vern Schuppan is the sole F1 driver born in South Australia.<br />
<br />
<strong>Today</strong><br />
<u></u><br />
<u>Activities for F1 fans</u><br />
<br />
If you are visiting Adelaide, these are the options for F1 fans:<br />
<ul>
<li>Walk the circuit. Start in Victoria Park at the start/finish line. Turn one: on the left, a plaque of Ayrton Senna's handprints at the Senna chicane, near Wakefield Road.</li><li>Hutt Street: more handprints on the east side notably Lauda, Berger and Coulthard at 120 Hutt Street</li>
<li>Visit The Stag Hotel on Rundle Street. The site of many iconic photos as the cars passed there</li></ul><ul>
<li>Adelaide Motorsport Festival - hoping this will return soon.</li>
<li><span class="mw-headline" id="Mallala_Motor_Sport_Park_.281982_to_date.29">Mallala Motor Sport Park </span></li>
<li>Several go-karting locations</li>
</ul>
<br />
<u>Shopping/Eating</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Motoring Bookshop, <span itemprop="streetAddress">47 Gouger Street, Adelaide CBD - now closed. The sign is still there.</span></li><li><span itemprop="streetAddress">La Trattoria restaurant on King William Street, Adelaide CBD has F1 photo's on the wall. </span></li>
</ul>
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<div>
Thanks for reading. Please leave your comments.<br />
<br />
Pep, F1 Podcast<br />
<br />
Links:<br />
<br />
Australian Grand Prix: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Grand_Prix" target="_blank">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Grand_Prix</a><br />
Tasman Series: <a href="http://tasmanrevival.com/history-of-the-tasman-series/" target="_blank">http://tasmanrevival.com/history-of-the-tasman-series/</a><br />
Australian F1 drivers: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formula_One_drivers_from_Australia" target="_blank">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formula_One_drivers_from_Australia</a><br />
<br />
Adelaide Street Circuit: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adelaide_Street_Circuit" target="_blank">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adelaide_Street_Circuit</a><br />
Adelaide Motorsport Festival: <a href="http://www.adelaidemotorsportfestival.com.au/" target="_blank">http://www.adelaidemotorsportfestival.com.au/</a><br />
Mallala Motor Sport Park: <a href="http://www.mallala.com/" target="_blank">http://www.mallala.com/</a><br />
<br />
La Trattoria - <a href="https://www.latrattoria.com.au/">La Trattoria | Adelaide | Italian Food</a><br />
<br />
</div>
Pep - F1 Podcasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02410301741900975344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423622740963214347.post-89923283775595091162015-11-16T04:39:00.000-08:002017-06-27T18:41:45.529-07:00F1 City Guide - MelbourneMelbourne is synonymous with the Australian Grand Prix. Since 1996 Albert Park, near the CBD, has hosted the race and is contracted to do so until at least 2023.<br />
<br />
This blog will explore Melbourne's Grand Prix racing past and also what it offers F1 fans today.<br />
<br />
<strong>The Past</strong><br />
<br />
The first eight Australian Grand Prix starting in 1928 were held at the Phillip Island circuit. It's one of five locations near Melbourne to have that honour:<br />
<br />
Phillip Island 8 times: 1928 - 1935<br />
Point Cook: 1948<br />
Albert Park twice: 1953, 1956<br />
Sandown 6 times: 1964, 1968, 1972, 1973, 1976, 1978<br />
Calder 5 times : 1980 - 1984<br />
<br />
Some of these races were part of The Tasman Series which ran from 1964 to 1975.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Other races held near Melbourne were part of the Australian Drivers Championship. e.g. 1958 Victoria Trophy Race at Fisherman's Bend and the Melbourne Grand Prix in 1958 at Albert Park, won by Stirling Moss.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So what did the Albert Park circuit look like back then? It was faster and much more dangerous of course. It was also 300 metres shorter than the modern layout and travelled in the opposite direction. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmbzcxRprEqs3a9wJH_dCeTOTKgbgrtZGgcDgyWf-iU3HQxZKcJ_g69DBO3dp-GDTsYSm6WwTJob_ZJVw13v-NIgMqxB591j6HlLCMSkNN3uFND1PsoKOsjZh4W-lgftehQFfXyImZqBGg/s640/blogger-image--1851319049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmbzcxRprEqs3a9wJH_dCeTOTKgbgrtZGgcDgyWf-iU3HQxZKcJ_g69DBO3dp-GDTsYSm6WwTJob_ZJVw13v-NIgMqxB591j6HlLCMSkNN3uFND1PsoKOsjZh4W-lgftehQFfXyImZqBGg/s640/blogger-image--1851319049.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Also in Melbourne, Sir Jack Brabham's BT19 Repco engine (winning the title in 1966) was built at Richmond and then relocated to another Repco site at Maidstone.<br />
<br />
There were 5 Formula 1 drivers from Melbourne or regional Victoria; Larry Perkins, Paul Hawkins, Paul England, Brian McGuire and Ken Kavanagh.<br />
<br />
<strong>Today</strong><br />
<u></u><br />
<u>Activities for F1 fans</u><br />
<br />
If you are visiting Melbourne, these are the options for F1 fans:<br />
<ul>
<li>The Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park.</li>
<li>Various motorsport events the other circuits mentioned above, except Point Cook and Fisherman's Bend.</li>
<li>Victorian Historic Racing Register - Sir Jack Brabham Annex. Here you can see Jack's world championship winning Brabham Repco BT19 from 1966, plus his extensive trophy collection. </li>
<li>Albert Park also hosts commemorative brass busts for Sir Jack Brabham and Alan Jones.</li>
<li>Several go-karting locations, "Ace Karts" looks like fun!</li>
<li>Sim racing at Docklands.</li>
</ul>
<u>Shopping/Eating</u><br />
<ul>
<li>City Sports & F1, Melbourne CBD.</li>
<li>Model Mania, Melbourne CBD.</li>
<li>Motor Book World, Canterbury.</li>
<li>F1 theme cafes on Lygon Street: eg. Café Corretto (complete with Ferrari replica F1 car on the roof!) and Café Cavallino.</li>
</ul>
<div>
Thanks for reading. Please leave your comments.<br />
<br />
Pep, F1 Podcast<br />
<br />
Links:<br />
<br />
Australian Grand Prix: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Grand_Prix" target="_blank">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Grand_Prix</a><br />
Tasman Series: <a href="http://tasmanrevival.com/history-of-the-tasman-series/" target="_blank">http://tasmanrevival.com/history-of-the-tasman-series/</a><br />
Australian F1 drivers: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formula_One_drivers_from_Australia" target="_blank">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formula_One_drivers_from_Australia</a><br />
Victorian Historic Racing Register - Sir Jack Brabham Annex: <a href="http://vhrr.com/wp/sir-jack-brabham-annex-opens-at-vhrr-headquarters/" target="_blank">http://vhrr.com/wp/sir-jack-brabham-annex-opens-at-vhrr-headquarters/</a></div>
<div>
Phillip Island: <a href="https://www.phillipislandcircuit.com.au/" target="_blank">https://www.phillipislandcircuit.com.au/</a><br />
Calder: <a href="http://www.calderpark.com.au/" target="_blank">http://www.calderpark.com.au/</a><br />
Sandown: <a href="http://www.sandown.net.au/" target="_blank">http://www.sandown.net.au/</a><br />
<br />
The Grid, Docklands: <a href="http://www.thegridracing.com.au/racing-simulators-melbourne" target="_blank">http://www.thegridracing.com.au/racing-simulators-melbourne</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
F1 Special Events Shop: <a href="http://www.citysportsandf1.com.au/" target="_blank">www.citysportsandf1.com.au</a><br />
Model Mania: <a href="http://www.modelmania.com.au/" target="_blank">http://www.modelmania.com.au/</a><br />
Motor Book World: <a href="http://www.motorbookworld.com.au/" target="_blank">http://www.motorbookworld.com.au/</a><br />
<br />
Café Cavallino: <a href="http://www.cafecavallino.com.au/" target="_blank">http://www.cafecavallino.com.au/</a><br />
Café Corretto: <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Restaurant_Review-g255100-d722921-Reviews-Cafe_Corretto-Melbourne_Victoria.html" target="_blank">http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Restaurant_Review-g255100-d722921-Reviews-Cafe_Corretto-Melbourne_Victoria.html</a> </div>
</div>
</div>
Pep - F1 Podcasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02410301741900975344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423622740963214347.post-3409923926232162182015-11-08T01:50:00.000-08:002016-02-13T19:30:35.882-08:00F1 City Guide - SydneyWhen pondering Formula One in Australia, most people naturally think of the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne and the Adelaide street circuit.<br />
<br />
However, Sydney and it's surrounding areas also has a history of Grand Prix racing. This blog will explore it's past and also what Sydney offers F1 fans today.<br />
<br />
<strong>The Past</strong><br />
<br />
The first Australian Grand Prix was run officially in 1928, however there was an unofficial race the year before near Sydney at Goulburn.<br />
<br />
Sydneysiders could also enjoy Australian Grand Prix races at:<br />
<br />
Bathurst, NSW 4 times: 1938, 1947, 1952, 1958<br />
Warwick Farm, Sydney 4 times: 1963, 1967, 1970, 1971<br />
Oran Park, Sydney twice: 1974, 1977<br />
<br />
Some of these races were part of The Tasman Series which ran from 1964 to 1975 as well as The Australian Drivers Championship.<br />
<br />
Bathurst, near Sydney, is an iconic track in Australian motorsport. The Grand Prix circuit at Warwick Farm is gone however the horse racecourse is still there (with no references to it's Grand Prix past!) Oran Park is now a housing development.<br />
<br />
<u>Sir Jack Brabham</u><br />
<br />
Sir Jack Brabham was born in Hurstville, Sydney. The house was in McQuarie Street near Queens Road but it's no longer there. As a boy he raced his soapbox down Patrick Street. In the early years, Jack worked on this famous "RedeX Special" car from his workshop in Penshurst. <br />
<br />
Jack raced on several Sydney circuits early in his career: Sydney Showground, Parramatta Park and the Mount Druitt Racing Circuit (now Whalen Reserve). Later, much of his aviation was conducted from Bankstown Airport and after he retired he setup "Brabham Aviation" there. He also owned a Ford dealership in Bankstown.<br />
<br />
Today a street is named after him in Hurstville; "Jack Brabham Drive". Also in the city of Orange, NSW, there is Sir Jack Brabham Park on the site of the historic "Gnoo Blas" circuit.<br />
<br />
Sir Jack Brabham is not the only Sydney born F1 driver. Joining him are Tim Schenken, David Walker, Frank Gardner and Warwick Brown.<br />
<br />
<strong>Today</strong><br />
<u></u><br />
<u>Activities for F1 fans</u><br />
<br />
If you are visiting Sydney, these are the options for F1 fans:<br />
<ul>
<li>Events at Sydney Motorsport Park, Eastern Creek and Sydney Speedway, Granville.</li>
<li>Goulburn and Bathurst circuits; a short drive from Sydney.</li>
<li>Several go-karting locations, "Ultimate Karting Sydney" has a replica F1 car. </li>
<li>Sim racing at Bondi Junction and Darling Harbour.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<u>Shopping/Eating</u><br />
<ul>
<li>The Motorsport Shop, Hurstville.</li>
<li>Automoto Bookshop (Sydney CBD) & Pitstop Bookshop (Warriewood).</li>
<li>Wheels Automotive Books, Parramatta.</li>
<li>Model Cars Too, 152 Clarence Street, Sydney CBD.</li>
<li>Various hobby stores such as Hobbyco.</li>
<li>Bridge Street Garage, Sydney CBD.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br />
Thanks for reading. Please leave your comments.<br />
<br />
Pep, F1 Podcast<br />
<br />
<br />
Links:<br />
<br />
Australian Grand Prix: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Grand_Prix" target="_blank">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Grand_Prix</a></div>
Tasman Series: <a href="http://tasmanrevival.com/history-of-the-tasman-series/" target="_blank">http://tasmanrevival.com/history-of-the-tasman-series/</a><br />
Australian F1 drivers: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formula_One_drivers_from_Australia" target="_blank">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formula_One_drivers_from_Australia</a><br />
<br />
Wakefield Park, Goulburn: <a href="http://www.wakefieldpark.com.au/" target="_blank">http://www.wakefieldpark.com.au/</a><br />
Bathurst: <a href="http://www.mount-panorama.com.au/" target="_blank">http://www.mount-panorama.com.au/</a><br />
Sydney Motorsport Park: <a href="http://www.sydneymotorsportpark.com.au/" target="_blank">http://www.sydneymotorsportpark.com.au/</a><br />
Eastern Creek Karts: <a href="http://easterncreekkarts.com.au/" target="_blank">http://easterncreekkarts.com.au/</a><br />
Sydney Speedway: <a href="http://valvolineraceway.com.au/" target="_blank">http://valvolineraceway.com.au/</a><br />
<br />
Ultimate Karting: <a href="http://www.ultimatekartingsydney.com.au/" target="_blank">http://www.ultimatekartingsydney.com.au/</a><br />
GP Shop, Hurstville: <a href="http://gpshop.net/" target="_blank">http://gpshop.net/</a><br />
The Grid, Bondi Junction: <a href="http://www.thegridracing.com.au/sydney/racing-simulators-sydney" target="_blank">http://www.thegridracing.com.au/sydney/racing-simulators-Sydney</a><br />
RaceCentre, Darling Harbour: <a href="http://www.racecentre.com/" target="_blank">http://www.racecentre.com/</a><br />
<br />
Automoto Bookshop: <a href="http://www.automotobookshop.com.au/" target="_blank">http://www.automotobookshop.com.au/</a><br />
Pitstop Bookshop: <a href="https://www.pitstop.net.au/" target="_blank">https://www.pitstop.net.au/</a><br />
Hobbyco: <a href="https://hobbyco.com.au/" target="_blank">https://hobbyco.com.au/</a><br />
Bridge Street Garage: <a href="http://bridgestgarage.com.au/" target="_blank">http://bridgestgarage.com.au/</a><br />
<br />Pep - F1 Podcasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02410301741900975344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423622740963214347.post-20685248348820012992015-07-19T18:14:00.000-07:002016-05-15T00:24:35.369-07:00Improving Safety in Formula OneSafety in Formula One has again come into the spotlight following recent deaths in open cockpit racing. Questions are rightly be asked and discussions will continue. Inevitably, some changes will be made.<br />
<br />
<div>
The reason change needs to happen is that we've had 5 deaths in open wheel cars in the last 6 years. Henry Surtees died in 2009 driving F2, aged just 18. Dan Wheldon died in 2011 in an IndyCar, age 33. Maria de Villota died in 2013 testing F1, age 33. F1 driver Jules Bianchi died in 2015, age 25. Most recently Justin Wilson also died 2015, aged 37.<br />
<br />
So yes, something must be done.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
F1 and other open wheeler racing formula have different rules and safety aspects, especially when it comes to the actual car itself. Formula One is of course considered the pinnacle. That said, open wheel cars have shown in recent years they have several weak points in regard to safety. When these weak points "line-up", it can cause serious injury or death.<br />
<br />
Motorsport is dangerous and the worst can still happen. But that doesn’t mean improvements can’t be made. Below are some ideas and suggestions around circuits, procedures as well as the cars and drivers.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>Circuits</strong></div>
<div>
<strong></strong> </div>
<div>
The circuits themselves are nowadays generally quite safe of course, especially the newer ones. They have ample run-off with good general design and safety procedures in place. Monaco is the exception to this which is tolerated.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
There should be an ongoing and comprehensive review of circuit safety – race by race, corner by corner. This should be done to find any weak points or possibilities for improvement. In addition, F1 should always listen to the drivers themselves. If the drivers believe by consensus that a change should be made to a circuit - however minor - then everything should be done to facilitate that change in the shortest possible timeframe.</div>
<br />
<div>
Some other suggestions:</div>
<ul>
<li>Cranes. We need the latest and best available. The optimal outcome is to have adequate cranes <em>behind</em> the safety wall removing cars from circuit.</li>
<li>Catch fencing : Improvements can be made. Take for example Dan Wheldon's accident or the unfortunate death of volunteer marshal Graham Beveridge at the Australian Grand Prix in 2001.</li>
<li>We need improvement and standardisation of different track elements such as kerbs, rumble strips, run-off, catchment, tyre walls, fencing, gravel vs. asphalt etc.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div>
<u>Trucks</u></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
In any racing situation, there will be a time where a person or a truck needs to be on the race track itself. So, can the trucks themselves be improved? I hope so. In any case, when a truck or a person are needed on the race circuit, at that point the F1 cars need to be driving at safety car speeds.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<u>Procedures</u></div>
<div>
<strong></strong> </div>
<div>
The rules around safety car and procedures can also improve. Firstly of course flags are not adequate. For years now safety warnings have also been displayed via bright illuminated signage on-circuit and instant driver notification via steering wheel or radio transmission.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Are these adequate? This technology needs to be maximised to ensure we have appropriate and plentiful illuminated signage at each Grand Prix. And the race director of course needs complete control to make any safety decisions and communicate safety messages to every driver and team instantly.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<u>Slow zone - "VSC"</u></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
This concept has been used in LMP1 racing and has now been adopted in F1 as a "Virtual Safety Car" (VSC). This concept has proven to work well and it should continue.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>Cars and drivers</strong></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
We should never be complacent with regard to safety of the F1 cars themselves. This is especially the case with the safety cell. As new technologies and materials become available, F1 should always respond with improvements. For example improving frontal and side impact regulations, stronger wheel tethers etc.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
And for the drivers themselves improvements in helmets, HANS devices, race gear and even accident deployment technology could also be a possibility.</div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<u>Canopy</u></div>
<div>
<strong></strong> </div>
<div>
Some have suggested the introduction of a fighter jet style canopy for F1 cars which could also include a forward roll hoop. This would significantly reduce the chance of injury to drivers heads. Of course the introduction of canopies presents a range of safety challenges. Not insignificantly, it would also involve a brand-new era of F1 where we no longer have “open cockpit” cars.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I can live with that. I believe that F1 can and should adopt fighter jet style canopies. If it saves one life (and surely it will save more) ... then it’s worth it.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The issues with canopies are several. Drivers exiting the car, fogging and weather, the impact on the drivers particularly their vision. All of these can be overcome.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Let’s do it.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>Conclusion</strong></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
It is pleasing to see that a Strategy Group was setup in order to tackle this issue. I hope and expect that this Group will be bold and forward-thinking. Along with the other parties involved; the FIA, Bernie etc, we need real change with realistic timeframes for introduction. Every area of F1 needs to be reviewed and changes to the regulations need to be swift.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
We owe that to those who have been killed or injured as well as their families.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Pep, F1 Podcast.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Thanks for reading, please leave your comments.</div>
<strong></strong><br />Pep - F1 Podcasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02410301741900975344noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423622740963214347.post-72233857750730109462015-07-11T18:37:00.001-07:002015-07-11T18:37:16.073-07:00An Evening With Mark WebberHow could I resist? "An Evening With Mark Webber" was promoted as part of his Australian book signing tour. It was a chance to hear Mark talk plus a Q&A session and book signing. All with drinks and canapés. <br />
<br />
Ticket in hand, I arrived 10 minutes early to see several hundred people already there. All ages, some in Red Bull and even Porsche clothing. After some refreshments, it was time.<br />
<br />
Mark arrived and took the stage with ARDC President, Andrew Leithhead who was hosting the evening. Mark's initial comments were around his happiness with the book sales (second print run already) and also about being in Australia during the winter, which was unusual for him.<br />
<br />
Andrew's questions covered lots of areas and I'll try to provide a summary of what Mark said.<br />
<br />
<strong>Leaving Australia, climbing the ladder, David Campese loan</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
Mark described his difficulties in securing money and motor racing opportunities in Europe. He told the story of getting funding from Yellow Pages. This was despite one of the decision-makers not liking him or wanting to do it. That particular person is now friends with Mark and receives constant friendly reminders that he nearly derailed Webber's career early on! Also David Campese, the rugby legend who funded Mark at a critical time. That loan was offered interest free and was of course paid back as soon as Mark could.<br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Mercedes Le Mans accident</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
Another time when Mark's career could have ended. He described how himself and <span class="st">Peter Dumbreck could have easily been killed. Not to mention the marshals and spectators. Webber was very upset with the team who initially blamed him. The cause of the flip? A "crap engine" low on horsepower which forced the team to strip too much weight in the search for pace. </span><br />
<span class="st"></span><br />
<strong>Minardi F1- 5th on debut</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
A very special day of course, Mark said it almost felt like a race win. He described the battle he had with Mika Salo and his determination to finish the race despite gearbox issues. He joked about race winner Schumacher congratulating him which provided a photo opportunity for Michael to ensure he got in the newspaper the next day.<br />
<br />
<strong>Monaco</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
Webber told of his love of the circuit itself and the crazy and different nature of that particular race. He also talked about the concentration and fitness required to do well there. The walls get narrower as the race progresses.<br />
<br />
<strong>Fitness</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
It was noted by Andrew Leithhead that Webber has a resting heart rate of 40 bpm. Mark talked about his dedication to fitness and nutrition and the implications on his personal life. He joked about being out with friends with him having small meals and early nights.<br />
<br />
<strong>Red Bull success, Vettel</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
For this part I was recording video, so what follows are actual quotes:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #999999;">"We had an incredible amount of success quite fast. You obviously start at the back end of 2009 and then in 2010 we were both going for the championship. That was quite hard for the team to... first of all we didn't predict it and couldn't believe we had both of us going for the championship. We had Fernando and Lewis still in the game so it was a very, very hotly contested World Championship - the 4 of us going for it".</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #999999;"></span></em> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><em>"What I found difficult honestly inside the team was not so much Sebastian; Sebastian was doing his job, working hard, he was young, of course incredibly fast, incredibly, </em><em>incredibly</em><em> sharp, probably "Schumacher-esque" in his approach to the job in terms of how technical he was."</em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #999999;"></span></em> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #999999;">"But I obviously struggled with Helmut (Marko) a lot, I really struggled to work out Helmut's role in the team and how much he actually brought Sebastian along. They spent a huge amount of money to get into this position. And this could be our only chance to win the championship, there is no guarantees that other championships are going to come in the future. S</span></em><em><span style="color: #999999;">o we've got to make sure that in 2010, you know, he's going to be the youngest World Champion ..."</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #999999;"></span></em> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><em>"There's a few things which, I just thought, I had a little bit of a headwind here and there where I probably didn't need it. And even when I had the momentum and was leading the championship, they were still trying to keep Seb in the game. Which again was not a huge reflection on Sebastian, it was just that I thought they were prepared to risk a lot to keep Seb in the game, then to also keep the other two in there as well; </em><em>Lewis and Fernando</em><em>".</em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong>Relationship with Ann Neal</strong></div>
<strong></strong><br />
Mark referenced Ann throughout the evening and again here. He describes her as being as much responsible for his success and he himself is. It's clear she is a driving force and positive influence both personally and professionally.<br />
<br />
<strong>Integrity</strong><br />
<br />
Last question; Would you ever compromise your integrity to win? Mark replied he was never confronted with that dilemma in his career but feels he would not. He is proud that his trophy cabinet is clean in terms of himself and the cars he drove. <br />
<br />
Questions from the floor:<br />
<br />
<strong>What's in the garage at home? </strong>All Porsche's - great cars, just point and shoot.<br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Why didn't you sign the Ferrari contract? </strong>This was my question! Mark talked about wanting a 2 year deal rather than 1+1. This meant he would be changing F1 teams toward the end of his career and 6 months down the track, he may not be offered his "+1 option". Not wanting this, he decided to re-sign with Red Bull. <br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Williams? </strong>Mark admitted that he was the one to begin calling Nico Rosberg "Britney". He also told a funny story about their last race together at Williams. Rosberg crashed into Webber - Mark's rear wing was badly broken and Nico had front wing damage. Webber was livid, behind Nico and expected to pit second. But he was determined to pit first and overtake Rosberg. After some eventful driving Mark arrived at the Williams garage first, much to Patrick Head's displeasure.<br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Alonso overtake at Spa </strong>Mark explained the need for total commitment and trust in the man you are racing. Much praise here for Fernando. Mark had the best line at the bottom of Eau Rouge which setup the pass.<br />
<br />
<strong>Favourite track? </strong>Suzuka. Largely unchanged, challenging and enjoyable; it's got everything. He singled out "Degner" as a particularly good corner.<br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Favourite era? </strong>1990's.<br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Will you return to Australia and race? </strong>Very unlikely. Enjoying his motorsport overseas and once the helmet is hung up there, then that is probably it. Never say never though. Mark commented he gets lot's of calls and offers! <br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>What about those poor starts in F1? </strong>Webber talked about his difficulty with the Pirelli tyres in terms of recovering any wheelspin off the line. The loss was usually around one metre which equated to one grid row. Mark said he saw plenty of data comparing drivers starts and reaction times. This showed the Red Bull was never great off the line.<br />
<br />
<strong>How are you enjoying the Porsche? </strong>Very much! It's a very technical and quick car to drive. It was here that Mark congratulated Nico Hulkenberg on his Le Mans victory. Apparently he joked with Nico on the podium; "Do you still know how to use the champagne mate?".<br />
<br />
After question time was the book signing. With my copy of "Aussie Grit" signed and photos taken, it was time to go. A fantastic evening, very insightful and enjoyable!<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading.<br />
<br />
Pep.<br />
<br />
Tweeting daily about F1 here: <a href="https://twitter.com/F1Podcast">https://twitter.com/F1Podcast</a>Pep - F1 Podcasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02410301741900975344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423622740963214347.post-29195238772533609482015-06-08T05:15:00.002-07:002015-06-08T05:23:05.305-07:00Sydney Retro SpeedFest - An F1 PerspectiveFor F1 fans living in Sydney Australia, access to Formula One can be very slim-pickings.<br />
<br />
Hence it was with great glee that I read about the <strong>Sydney Retro SpeedFest</strong> being held at Sydney Motorsport Park ... just 30 minutes drive from where I live.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.hsrca.com/sydney-retro-speedfest/">http://www.hsrca.com/sydney-retro-speedfest/</a><br />
<br />
The lure was a selection of Formula One cars from the 1960's, 70's and 80's ... on display and close-up. With pit access. SOLD! <br />
<br />
Upon arriving at the circuit, I had my checklist of F1 cars that I needed to meet. I was ready to go.<br />
<br />
<strong>1979 Williams </strong><strong>FW07 </strong><strong>Ford - Alan Jones</strong> <br />
<br />
First stop, I found the 1979 Williams in-front of me. The car was sitting under a large pits-style marquee ... all alone, no one there. What a beautiful piece of art! I love it's simple, clean lines and efficient design. I started photographing the car immediately and noted several things about it;<br />
<ul>
<li>Designed by Patrick Head, it was one of the first ground-effects F1 cars</li>
<li>Powered by a Ford Cosworth DFV V8 engine</li>
<li>This chassis was driven by Alan Jones winning 4 Grand Prix</li>
</ul>
Photo's here: <a href="https://instagram.com/f1podcast/">https://instagram.com/f1podcast/</a><br />
<br />
<strong>1973 BRM P160E - Niki Lauda</strong><br />
<br />
Next to the Williams was Lauda's BRM. Again the car was under the marquee, no security, full access. This car is not only the real deal but it was also used in the filming for the movie "Rush".<br />
<br />
Huge tyres, huge wings, huge wheels - this beast would have been fantastic to drive!<br />
<ul>
<li>A whopping three litre V12 engine</li>
<li>One of only 4 surviving P160E cars</li>
<li>Recently purchased by an Australian collector after years at the Donington Museum</li>
</ul>
Photo's here: <a href="https://instagram.com/f1podcast/">https://instagram.com/f1podcast/</a><br />
<br />
<strong>1967 Brabham Repco BT23A - Jack Brabham</strong><br />
<br />
Like small and nimble? Check out this baby! Next to the Lauda BRM car was the absolutely stunning 1967 Brabham. This was actually a Tasman car which was used as a prototype for the 1967 Grand Prix car. <br />
<ul>
<li>Powered by a 2.5 litre Repco V8 engine</li>
<li>This car won the 1967 Tasman Series race at Longford, Tasmania</li>
<li>Fantastic exposed engine and exhaust</li>
</ul>
Photo's here: <a href="https://instagram.com/f1podcast/">https://instagram.com/f1podcast/</a><br />
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So walking then to the main pit complex at Sydney Motorsport Park, there were 4 more F1 cars awaiting me ...<br />
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<strong>1985 Beatrice Lola Hart - Alan Jones</strong><br />
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This was the car that Alan Jones famously drove on his return to F1 in 1985. It was not to be a successful campaign but the promise was there: <br />
<ul>
<li>Designed by Neil Oatley, aerodynamics by Ross Brawn</li>
<li>The car was engineered by Haas with the backing of Lola and Hart</li>
<li>The engine could achieve 1,000hp with boost</li>
</ul>
This car is well known to many F1 fans especially in Australia. It was great to see it back in Australia so that people can see it.<br />
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Photo's here: <a href="https://instagram.com/f1podcast/">https://instagram.com/f1podcast/</a><br />
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<strong>1986 Benetton 186 BMW- Gerhard Berger</strong><br />
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The mid 1980's Benetton was an extremely quick F1 car. And great to look at! This particular chassis was driven by Gerhard Berger and the car overall has a elegant flow to it. I love the rear and sidepods.<br />
<ul>
<li>Designed by Rory Byrne</li>
<li>BMW engine, 1.5 litre, 4 cylinder turbo</li>
<li>Generated an amazing 1,300hp at full boost</li>
</ul>
Photo's here: <a href="https://instagram.com/f1podcast/">https://instagram.com/f1podcast/</a><br />
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<strong>1985 Ferrari 156/85 - Stefan Johansson</strong><br />
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Next up along the garage was this amazing looking car. A Ferrari F1 car is always special and this is no exception.<br />
<ul>
<li>The V6 turbo engine produced an estimated 900hp</li>
<li>While problematic during the 1985 season, it did achieve 2 second places</li>
<li>This car is owned by Sydney businessman Guido Belgiorno-Nettis. And guess what? He has TWO of them!</li>
</ul>
This car was fantastic to see. And according to its owner;<em> "It's reliable, it's fun it's quick, it's a car that you can really enjoy. It's a thrill every time you drive it".</em><br />
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Photo's here: <a href="https://instagram.com/f1podcast/">https://instagram.com/f1podcast/</a><br />
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<strong>1974 March 741-1 - </strong><span class="st"><strong>Hans-Joachim Stuck</strong> </span><br />
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Finally, there was this striking orange 1974 March 741. It looks great and similar to the Lauda 1973 BRM car ... it has big wings, wheels and airbox. <br />
<ul>
<li>Powered by Cosworth - a 3 litre engine producing 450hp</li>
<li>Best result was 4th</li>
<li>The car is now owned and kept in Australia</li>
</ul>
Later on the track, this car sounded glorious and as seen on the video below, clearly had a vibration issue (watch the driver closely).<br />
<br />
Photo's here: <a href="https://instagram.com/f1podcast/">https://instagram.com/f1podcast/</a><br />
Video here: <a href="https://twitter.com/F1Podcast">https://twitter.com/F1Podcast</a> (06 June 2015 tweet)<br />
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<em>And Finally ...</em><br />
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The Sydney Retro SpeedFest is highly recommended and a great day out for race fans. During the day I saw 3 of these F1 cars lapping on track; Brabham, Williams and March. All sounded fantastic with the Williams easily being pushed the quickest.<br />
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I left the circuit with an even bigger appreciation of these older F1 cars. While museums are obviously extremely important, I believe these kinds of events are essential too. They allow people to really appreciate F1's heritage, see the cars up close as well as lapping the circuit.<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading.<br />
<br />
Please leave your comments.<br />
<br />
Pep, F1 Podcast.<br />
<br />
<br />
Daily updates here: <a href="https://twitter.com/F1Podcast">https://twitter.com/F1Podcast</a><br />
<br />
<br />Pep - F1 Podcasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02410301741900975344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423622740963214347.post-32242021029434962062015-05-18T02:41:00.000-07:002015-05-18T17:18:31.700-07:00F1 Broadcast: Free-to-air, Pay TV, onlineTelevision and broadcast rights. It's an issue not just for Formula One but plenty of other sports.<br />
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What do fans deserve when it comes to being able to watch their favourite sport?<br />
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Deserve? That's an interesting word.<br />
<br />
Recently in Australia, Formula One signed a 5 year deal with pay TV operator Foxtel. This involved extended coverage for pay-TV subscribers and 10 races on free-to-air for everyone else. It's happened before in several countries. F1 fans who want to see every race need to subscribe to pay television. It's not new and its growing.<br />
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Formula One is a truly global sport. In every country it's perception and popularity can be vastly different.<br />
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Therefore the quality and frequency of the TV coverage in any particular country is whatever Bernie can sell. Plain and simple. And now, or soon, you will subscribe and pay if you want all of the races.<br />
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What is happening in Australia now is a compromise - 50% of the season on free-to-air. How long until the entire sport is behind a pay-TV wall? How does that affect your fans? Your future long-term viewership?<br />
<br />
And of course there is the online world.<br />
<br />
The NBL in America have an interesting concept. "Buy NBL" is an online subscription providing access to the basketball season via internet, phone, tablet etc. This means that the NBL can sell global TV rights and global online rights. This is the future.<br />
<br />
The problem for Formula One broadcast right now is hinted above. Bernie and FOM have not embraced the internet and the online world. They sell traditional TV rights country-by-country. One day, they will have to sell online packages.<br />
<br />
Current and next generation F1 fans need to see races on TV or their computers, tablets/phones. The first race I ever watched was a brilliant 1986 Adelaide Grand Prix on a Sunday afternoon. Being witness to this started a lifetime love of Formula 1.<br />
<br />
In conclusion - F1 needs to be accessible to people in the way they want to view it; television or internet. There MUST be a large free component that is comprehensive, enticing and shows-off Formula One for what it is ... the best sport in the world.<br />
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Thanks for reading.<br />
<br />
Pep.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/F1Podcast">https://twitter.com/F1Podcast</a><br />
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<br />Pep - F1 Podcasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02410301741900975344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423622740963214347.post-37131475632677615502015-05-17T16:25:00.000-07:002016-12-03T13:27:17.700-08:00Improving The F1 Circus<span style="font-family: inherit;">Formula One is often referred to as a circus.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Throughout the years that circus has changed and adapted - it had to. It needed to accommodate new technology and new ways of doing things. Some of that change happened suddenly through regulation and intervention from the governing bodies. Otherwise Formula One just evolved on it's own.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I will address safety in a separate blog. Here I'd like to discuss 8 key areas where I believe the circus can improve and help move F1 into a new modern era. </span><br />
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<strong>1. Noise</strong><br />
<br />
We need lots of it! Speed is nothing without noise. Part of the thrill of F1 is the sheer SOUND of these machines. So - the volume needs turning up. Science can deliver increasingly quieter & smaller engines but not in F1. The current engine specs should remain but work needs to be done on improving the noise. Now please. <br />
<br />
<strong>2. Technology</strong><br />
<br />
We need F1 to be at the leading edge of technology. It's part of the show. This technology should always be focused on racing innovations in order to achieve the quickest possible lap times using the least possible fuel. Where possible, an excellent by-product of racing technology is that it often translates into road technology. Balancing cost cutting with technology is not easy, but it is a must.<br />
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<strong>3. Internet</strong><br />
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Where do we start with Mr Ecclestone's lack of interest and investment in the digital world? Its a joke. As the commercial rights holder he is holding all the cards, and he is choosing to do nothing. F1 needs to embrace and engage with fans, both old and new, on the internet and in social media. The more the better. Furthermore, Bernie is sitting on another absolute goldmine: decades of race footage which is largely not utilised nor being made available publicly. Why not offer digital download? Specific races, seasons, drivers etc. Rent or buy. <br />
<br />
<strong>4. TV coverage</strong><br />
<br />
While a lucky few actually get to be at the race, the vast majority are of course watching from their lounge rooms. First up, TV coverage globally for F1 needs to be live and free-to-air where possible. This is imperative. The TV production, picture and sound could also improve (as recent races in Austin proved). TV coverage needs to be interactive with relevant statistics and advanced graphics. And good use of onboards both front and rear would be lovely thanks. After the live race coverage, an edited race highlights package (say 30 minutes) could be created and then replayed to attract new and casual race fans.<br />
<br />
<strong>5. Race day fans</strong><br />
<br />
Going to an actual F1 race is the ultimate. While it's a great spectacle, the show can improve. One suggestion is some uniform aspects to each and every race build-up globally. For example, they could run F1 demonstration laps of both recent and historic F1 cars. Imagine it - a travelling museum of beautiful F1 cars at each Grand Prix. Other ideas for race day fans: more access to the circus and it's drivers, interactive shows, simulators/gaming, better shopping, 2 seater rides, historic footage and information. An event for all ages.<br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>6. Testing</strong><br />
<br />
There needs to be a reasonable level of testing not only for the cars and teams but also for new driver evaluation. I suggest 2 dedicated sessions per year - 10 days pre-season and 5 days mid-season. In order to encourage new talent, a 3rd driver should be mandatory for all test sessions. How do we improve the show around testing? Make it more of an event!<br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>7 : Cost control</strong><br />
<br />
The elephant in the room. Cost control is very difficult to devise, implement and police. The FIA has had some success with restrictions on certain areas of F1 to help keep costs down. This should continue. For example, there is a reason why we have things like a standard ECU. Other examples; engine tokens, wind tunnel and CFD restrictions, enforced summer break etc. We need to allow technical development in F1 but standardise where appropriate. The FIA must achieve more cost cutting through regulation rather than budget caps or auditing procedures.<br />
<br />
<strong>8 : Smaller Teams</strong><br />
<br />
There has been a lot of press recently - most of it alarmist - about F1 being "in crisis" or "imploding" due to the demise of some teams. There have always been small teams in F1 and many of them do not make it of course. While this is unfortunate, it is unavoidable. Some stability and budget certainty should help. Also, as many have said, I agree that the distribution of funds to teams should be more equitable. Again, Bernie is really holding the cards here ...<br />
<br />
<strong>In conclusion</strong><br />
<br />
The key figures in all of this are obviously the FIA, Bernie Ecclestone, Liberty Group, CVC and the Strategy Group. Liberty have shown they will make changes which is great news.<br />
<br />
I firmly believe that the FIA do have the will when it comes to cost cutting. However in the recent past they have not delivered on some key promises including an adequate cost cutting plan. But I'm hopeful that they will do it in the future.<br />
<br />
With Bernie of course - it's all about the money. Every decision he makes, he makes in the best interests of (his wallet) and F1 as he sees it. Of course, he is not always right, nor does he embrace all of the areas listed above. He is unlikely to adapt and change too quickly unless forced.<br />
<br />
In conclusion I don't think much will change of significance until Liberty implement their business plan. What pressures are exerted on Bernie to change will be interesting to see unfold. Liberty will push those changes, but will Bernie be there to implement them? We will see.<br />
<br />
Thank you for reading.<br />
<br />
Your comments are welcome.<br />
<br />
Pep, F1 Podcast.<br />
<br />
Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/F1Podcast">https://twitter.com/F1Podcast</a><br />
Blog: <a href="http://formulaonepodcast.blogspot.com.au/">http://formulaonepodcast.blogspot.com.au/</a> <br />
email: <a href="mailto:f1podcast@hotmail.com">f1podcast@hotmail.com</a><br />
<br />Pep - F1 Podcasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02410301741900975344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423622740963214347.post-75348849737798077312010-01-18T05:10:00.000-08:002016-09-09T15:28:27.656-07:00Pep's History of F1 Games<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We all have our own history with F1 games - this is mine.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <u>Early days</u><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">My first experience with F1 games began in the late 1970’s with the Tomy Electric Formula One game. Handheld, mechanical and black and white except for a little red light when you crashed. You used the steering wheel and throttle to negotiate two lanes of traffic from an overhead view.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrWR7-ZZzhTu4LST-thUW61IMPXlhNjctgfLwUjhvOTUYbRpvppPpA1pB2YMJx6KVegbEmG5kbFZfUl7ytuhBYUSPNDVFNiH5TEqkeb-2BKp_Lj1ti5LKkFonQ9Rwty4mXam0Zq-ulfNe8/s1600/Tomy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrWR7-ZZzhTu4LST-thUW61IMPXlhNjctgfLwUjhvOTUYbRpvppPpA1pB2YMJx6KVegbEmG5kbFZfUl7ytuhBYUSPNDVFNiH5TEqkeb-2BKp_Lj1ti5LKkFonQ9Rwty4mXam0Zq-ulfNe8/s320/Tomy.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> The other option was going to your local arcade. Gaming was taking-off and of course F1 and Grand Prix games were being developed. The first one I remember playing was “Championship Sprint” – first in black and white and then in colour.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLuVFtNdxnnM4oG4x3RUx7RmSa8ZssF5cCybSvkux8bjR5D8tR-uINWasq9O1GR_jdIoivyw1gywz5aNpf6uCFjFsh1Ndjy7WOjtaTADSZwduRN_VxR4wi_UCZ7sbe8xrhyphenhyphenRne2OjBVWvV/s1600/Championship+Spirit.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLuVFtNdxnnM4oG4x3RUx7RmSa8ZssF5cCybSvkux8bjR5D8tR-uINWasq9O1GR_jdIoivyw1gywz5aNpf6uCFjFsh1Ndjy7WOjtaTADSZwduRN_VxR4wi_UCZ7sbe8xrhyphenhyphenRne2OjBVWvV/s1600/Championship+Spirit.png" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> In the arcade, kids everywhere were madly spinning their steering wheels to get around those hairpin turns while trying to avoid oil slicks and other obstacles. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>"Pole Position" - A Classic</u></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A big breakthrough came in 1982 with the release of an absolute classic game –“Pole Position”. Firstly available in arcades, then released by Atari 2600, this game broke new ground. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd2NN9g27fPN8r4TQ_ZW7Uq0tZo2shKGH6S55Y4xx0BksInRbkk0ut0Bb4iIEwwteC0vKx31cI0Yp0U0jIVipS4xJ6Gjz5aYeicVMdvA3My2auRlSqIV_iz__ZrhWwKvUjvcAe5mTtsaUB/s1600/Pole+Position.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd2NN9g27fPN8r4TQ_ZW7Uq0tZo2shKGH6S55Y4xx0BksInRbkk0ut0Bb4iIEwwteC0vKx31cI0Yp0U0jIVipS4xJ6Gjz5aYeicVMdvA3My2auRlSqIV_iz__ZrhWwKvUjvcAe5mTtsaUB/s320/Pole+Position.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The reason “Pole Position” was a breakthrough was because of it’s pseudo-3D graphics and rear-view racing format. It was full colour, featured qualifying and race, advertising signs, plus when you crashed your car exploded in flames. Fantastic! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><br /></u></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>PC Gaming</u></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />In the 1990’s, I switched to PC gaming and my game of choice was Geoff Crammond's excellent and defining title "Grand Prix 3". What a game!</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnWOEOhFUBwQfSr7XG7b4lX6JmdgiQMoqpGKp5FGTpp1QCA898xEnNrZ-HsBfV19LFT7MmsHDTo4AkCLzvslkDYXZh4Rk-8bUHk2zJTG9uU_MmOdhROfFSZ8gjQQicOXZxG6ZIb0RYpD-c/s1600/Grand_Prix_3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnWOEOhFUBwQfSr7XG7b4lX6JmdgiQMoqpGKp5FGTpp1QCA898xEnNrZ-HsBfV19LFT7MmsHDTo4AkCLzvslkDYXZh4Rk-8bUHk2zJTG9uU_MmOdhROfFSZ8gjQQicOXZxG6ZIb0RYpD-c/s320/Grand_Prix_3.png" width="242" /></a></div>
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The intro brings back so many memories: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjpcle5lVXY" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjpcle5lVXY</a><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><br />This game featured advanced graphics but more importantly plenty of car customisation options. This continued for many years with people building mods for this game. GP3 also offered up weather effects, damage, AI and excellent sound. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><br />Console Gaming - PS1</u></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The first console game I played was “Formula 1 1997” for the PlayStation 1. Sony owned the franchise by now and the graphics and gameplay were a definitely a step-up. Plus it had commentary from Murray Walker... </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><br />I also enjoyed the other PS1 games of the day – “Formula One 98”, “Formula One 99” etc </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>PS2</u></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When the PS2 console arrived my purchase was bundled with the “Formula One 2001” game. The graphics and sound continued to improve. But the setup and gameplay didn’t match the feel I was used to from Geoff Crammond. Too arcade – too forgiving. Still it was a lovely game and I really had a good time playing it. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qAL_3YIuCgniMuiD-Z0wRFtgpM19AjoRlldzhizVW9NY9AlKmFBxovysFJaIQYRdYBK2vnnM3uPbsn-IaRgbkdZMu7iVkgmJT-ZANyFyIemX7k6mz5mNGdip1sReZIeCM6habBE9XSzd/s1600/F1+2001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qAL_3YIuCgniMuiD-Z0wRFtgpM19AjoRlldzhizVW9NY9AlKmFBxovysFJaIQYRdYBK2vnnM3uPbsn-IaRgbkdZMu7iVkgmJT-ZANyFyIemX7k6mz5mNGdip1sReZIeCM6habBE9XSzd/s1600/F1+2001.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><br />With “Formula One 2001” I was beginning to move back to console gaming. PC games were starting to frustrate me a little because of the need to constantly update hardware, memory, drivers, video cards etc. Some of </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">you may love building and customising games on the PC – downloading new cars, skins, circuits and adapting the game to your specific needs – “rFactor” for example. That doesn't interest me really. Also "F1 Manager" games - no thanks.<br /><br />Successive games from Studio Liverpool / SCEE were my games of choice – Formula One 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006. Each one was getting progressively better and while I found them to be a little too arcade for my liking.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>PS3</u></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When the PS3 was released one of the first titles available was “Formula One 2006 Championship Edition” – a game ported from the 06 PS2 game with better graphics. And those graphics in my opinion were just beautiful. And it wasn’t just the increased grunt from the PS3 either, TV’s were also getting much better. And it showed. </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyPK0nOADvJGpJBV0zOHJJadvVxh2b8qS4wZ-H1DPBCPA8mJecqb2V5wlyZYOeB2ntiC5V4qXCKrAqUiAI_dyUZAkQSKoTipgEkLOGANoL869e_GSdwb6Ta-Kw-6hLdnHZf5Rv7g2ZOQ35/s1600/252px-Formula_One_Championship_Edition.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyPK0nOADvJGpJBV0zOHJJadvVxh2b8qS4wZ-H1DPBCPA8mJecqb2V5wlyZYOeB2ntiC5V4qXCKrAqUiAI_dyUZAkQSKoTipgEkLOGANoL869e_GSdwb6Ta-Kw-6hLdnHZf5Rv7g2ZOQ35/s1600/252px-Formula_One_Championship_Edition.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />I got so much enjoyment out of playing this game. It’s was pretty, sounded great, the gameplay was good and it had lot’s of setup options. Okay I admit that like it’s predecessors it’s too soft and forgiving but despite this - it was FUN. <br /><br /><u>Codemasters</u></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Codemasters obtained the F1 franchise and started with F1 2009 on limited release before F1 2010 launched. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG8nK8jritRuu3dc3iyeXqZfN0HmnKLPArbkSHSvpUa4kQp-QSpBaOMtzndtQ9qQhzjPdXfX8n9WMINNlQvmWsPiS_mq46wIDRffY8SnIuBdXJajV8yGM1kKBD0WdlcOQEr5sHbZAZ_gzV/s1600/250px-F1_2010_%2528video_game%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG8nK8jritRuu3dc3iyeXqZfN0HmnKLPArbkSHSvpUa4kQp-QSpBaOMtzndtQ9qQhzjPdXfX8n9WMINNlQvmWsPiS_mq46wIDRffY8SnIuBdXJajV8yGM1kKBD0WdlcOQEr5sHbZAZ_gzV/s1600/250px-F1_2010_%2528video_game%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
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I am a huge fan of what Codemasters have done with their commitment and development of F1 gaming. This first game was another step-up and we have seen good progression through the titles over the years which still continues today.</div>
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<u>PS4</u></div>
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The next generation of gaming has just landed for me with the PS4 and F1 2016.</div>
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F1 2016 is quite simply the finest F1 game ever released and I've written a separate blog with a review.</div>
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Thanks for reading, please leave your comments.</div>
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Pep, F1 Podcast.</div>
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Daily updates on twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/F1Podcast" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/F1Podcast</a></div>
</span>Pep - F1 Podcasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02410301741900975344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423622740963214347.post-50500724278483172942009-07-02T19:37:00.000-07:002014-04-30T14:36:20.448-07:00Pep's Message for AyrtonI can’t believe that it’s been 20 years since we lost you.<br /><br />The first Formula One race I ever watched was the 1986 Australian Grand Prix. It was won in spectacular fashion by Alain Prost, a man who would of course become your great rival. That day I was instantly hooked on F1.<br /><br />At the time you were a rising star, a winner of 4 Grand Prix already. Those 4 wins were all in that beautiful and elegant black Lotus Renault. What a fantastic looking F1 car that was! I was to read much later about how you got into F1, your time at Toleman plus all about those first 4 wins. You were known as a super quick and single-minded racer with plenty of determination and talent. Already you were being called a master in the wet ... a fighting spirit. So in 1986 I was watching a rising star, taking up the challenge to drivers like Prost, Mansell and Piquet. And I knew, as the world did, that much more exciting things were to come from you.<br /><br />I am not sure how you were perceived in Brazil at that time. What I mean is that the next year in 1987 Piquet took his 3rd world title. But Piquet was polarising while I suspect you were already universally loved. The next great Brazilian charger!<br /><br />In 1987 you took another 2 wins, this time in a yellow Lotus with a Honda engine, but it wasn’t until 1988 that things really got exciting. That was an awesome season. You joined McLaren with Alain as your teammate and during the season you both systematically destroyed the competition winning every single race except one.<br /><br />As a fan of Prost I remember during 1988 my dad asking me after each race; “How did Prost go?”. My answer so many times was – “He got second”. You won 8 races that year with Prost getting 2nd 7 of those times. While I supported Prost – I respected and admired you. I enjoyed the battles and remember wanting that McLaren MP4/4 to win every race. My attitude was – “May the best man win”.<br /><br />And Senna my friend you did win! 1988 was your first F1 title despite Alain scoring more points. But only 11 of the 16 races actually counted to the title. A stupid rule in my opinion born from the terrible reliability F1 cars had back then. And that McLaren MP4/4 was pound-for-pound one of the most beautiful F1 cars I’ve ever seen ... and probably the most dominant.<br /><br />In 1989 the rivalry continued and intensified. You took 6 wins and Prost only 4 however Alain was more consistent over the season and had less retirements than you. All this came to a head in the penultimate round of the season, the now famous Suzuka race. I’ve seen the footage many times and I still believe this was a racing incident from two drivers who would not give an inch. You came from a long way back and put your car on the inside at turn 15 ... just as Alain was turning in. The circumstance of your disqualification from this race and losing the title must have been a bitter disappointment for you.<br /><br />The next season in 1990 Prost went to Ferrari and were joined by Gerhard Berger, a man who would become your friend. His personality and practical jokes seemed to bring the 2 of you together. Despite retiring from the final 3 Grand Prix of the season you took the title but there was controversy again, again at Suzuka – this time at turn 1. You admitted later that this was “payback” from the year before. Your single mindedness and need to win was showing through. You were now a double world champion. And I was by now a massive Senna fan.<br /><br />Then in 1991 you won the title again! You had joined the greats of triple World Champions. Like everyone else I expected you to win more titles after this, but tragically this was not the case. The battle was with Mansell for this season and but you won it with ease – 7 wins.<br /><br />For 1992 and 1993 the Williams Renault dominated. But you still managed to take 3 wins in 1992 and had to watch Mansell’s storming run to the title. This season you finished 4th. Then in 1993 it was a better season ... you finished 2nd to Prost who had returned from his sabbatical. There were 5 wins that season including that phenomenal victory in the wet at Donington.<br /><br />1994 and you joined the team that was dominating F1 – Williams Renault. Ever since Toleman you always wanted to drive the quickest car. Team loyalty was less of a priority - winning was everything and I respected that. A young charger Michael Schumacher won the first 2 Grand Prix in his Benetton and Williams clearly had some work to do. It was then that the GP circus arrived for the 3rd round of the championship in San Marino.<br /><br />Imola May 1st 1994 - a day I will never forget. Your tragic death was an absolute shock and a dark day in Formula One. When Ratzenberger died in qualifying the day before, I was surprised but I never imaged that 24 hours later the biggest name in Formula One would also be dead. As I watched the race live and saw your accident, I was immediately reminded of Berger’s accident on the same corner in 1989 which looked just as bad but also involved fire. Your accident was serious but I was not initially worried... after all Berger survived and your car didn’t look that damaged.<br /><br />It was in the minutes after the accident that I became very concerned. First of all there was the frantic gestures and body language of the marshals and medical staff. Also, you were not moving and they had to remove you from the car.<br /><br />Things looked very grim and as the race finished late Sunday night Australian time, I remember going to bed that night feeling very concerned that there could be bad news in the morning. As soon I woke Monday morning, I turned on the news and heard that the worst had happened. You had died.<br /><br />It’s difficult to describe how I felt hearing this news. It was like a close relative or family member had died. There was a sense of the unreal - that it wasn’t happening. F1 had been such a big passion for me for 8 years and I admired and respected you so much. And now, the biggest and brightest name in F1, a man at the top of his game, was gone.<br /><br />In the weeks, months (and even years!) after you died there were enquiries and court cases into exactly what happened that day. For me there was only one answer – a technical failure of the Williams FW16B. It was very clear that the steering column was unstable at the time of the accident. The steering column broke and you went straight off at Tamburello. Other theories about cold tyres, low pressures and the car bottoming-out were just ridiculous.<br /><br />And now 20 years later, the name Ayrton Senna is revered around the world – as it should be and as it always will be.<br /><br />Since your death I’ve learnt so much more about your life and passions outside F1 ... family, religion, your homeland. And the enjoyment you gained from water sports, model planes and of course go-karts. Things like the houses and organic farm you were building for yourself and the workers around the lake. I learnt about your values and your determination to give something back to people less fortunate than yourself. I am glad that many of these values were continued by your sister Viviane through Instituto Ayrton Senna.<br /><br />Your legacy in Formula One is also clear. Not just your 3 world titles and record 65 pole positions, but the way you went about racing, your philosophy, your intense need to win. Your death also brought about many improvements in F1 safety - cars, redesigned tracks and barriers, higher crash safety standards.<br /><br />Nowadays I have several things around my home which remind me of you everyday. I enjoy reading books and watching the DVD’s about you over and over. Footage such as the incar lap at Monaco just mesmerize me! These things I especially do every May.<br /><br />Você é o melhor. Obrigado e eu sinto saudadesPep - F1 Podcasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02410301741900975344noreply@blogger.com1