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[brotkasten]

Terrible driving by pretty much everyone in GP2 qualifying. I think I saw some teammates take each other out too.

This is hilarious. :lol I really have to watch some GP2 quali and races.

 

[G Rom]

FOTA writes to fans about the LG survey from last year :

Monaco, 27 May 2011

Dear Formula 1 fans,

As some of you may remember, in early 2010 FOTA undertook a global research study together with our partners at F1 Racing and LG Electronics.

The study sought opinions and feedback from the global fan base, and was conducted to help us better understand our strengths and to prioritise our challenges for the future. The survey was exhaustive and took on average more than 35 minutes to complete, so we were very pleased and grateful to receive detailed feedback from more than 85,000 fans from more than 190 countries.

A year on from the announcement of the initial findings, we feel it is appropriate to share the work we have undertaken and the actions we have implemented over the past 12 months. First, you provided FOTA with a very strong mandate (more than 80% support) to work to support the teams, to develop technological improvements and to enhance the reputation of F1 around the globe.

As fans you voiced your opinion that F1 needed to attract new followers by ensuring its position as the pinnacle of motorsport from both a technical perspective and driver perspective. More than 90% of you highlighted that more exciting racing and increased opportunities for overtaking represented the most important issues for us to address.

Through the FOTA Technical Regulations Working Group and in partnership with the FIA and our new tyre supplier, Pirelli, we put this issue at the top of our agenda. Writing as we are after the Spanish Grand Prix, five races into the 2011 season, we hope you feel that innovations such as the Drag Reduction System and the revised tyre compounds have made very positive contributions in this area.

Within the 2010 study we asked you about KERS Hybrid, and the feedback from fans was that you did not feel the technology had been given sufficient time to prove its benefits to the sport. So the rules have been amended, increasing the minimum weight, to allow its use again in 2011. In this way we hope that F1 can become an invaluable “laboratory” via which we may fast-track this technology to road car applications and thereby spread the benefits of F1 to society as a whole.

We also asked for your feedback on our proposed points system for 2010, and, while you were in favour of our plan to award points down to 10th place, you also stated a preference for a greater differential between points awarded for race wins and points awarded for lesser placings. We took that feedback on board and the points system was revised ahead of the 2010 World Championship, resulting in the closest F1 title battle for many years, with four drivers vying for the Drivers Championship at the final Grand Prix.

Thanks to FOM Productions, HD television broadcasts has been adopted from the start of the 2011 season and this is an important achievement that matches the expectations of many of you.

We are pleased with these achievements, but we are not complacent. We know that there is more work to be done, and we aim to continue to listen to our global fan base so that you may continue to guide our efforts to improve the sport we all love.

Finally, in the 2010 study, you asked for the opportunity to engage directly with the teams and drivers; we conducted a Fans Forum in London in 2010 and we are pleased to announce three further Fans Forums planned for this year in Canada, Great Britain and Italy.

And while we will not be able to meet you all, rest assured that we will be listening and will be continuing to push for enhancements wherever and whenever possible. Together with you, we now look forward to a fascinating and challenging race here in Monaco.

 

[Edmond Dantès]

Really popular thread it seems, with 5000 replies. Have previous threads always been this popular? In fact what's the history of F1 threads on GAF. I haven‘t been here long, so would like to know. If one the more established posters could fill me in, I‘d appreciate it.

 

[Ponti]

Really popular thread it seems, with 5000 replies. Have previous threads always been this popular? In fact what's the history of F1 threads on GAF. I haven‘t been here long, so would like to know. If one the more established posters could fill me in, I‘d appreciate it.

Early on there used to be a thread per race, then the F1 discussion was shoved to a big mega autosport thread. A few years back F1 got it's own official thread for all the races and since then the threads have gotten bigger and bigger each year, this thread is looking like it'll be the biggest (already has half the posts that last years thread had and were barely into the 2011 season).

 

[dalin80]

The general motorsport threads use to just be F1 threads with a few lost nascar fans inside anyway.

 

[Edmond Dantès]

Early on there used to be a thread per race, then the F1 discussion was shoved to a big mega autosport thread. A few years back F1 got it's own official thread for all the races and since then the threads have gotten bigger and bigger each year, this thread is looking like it'll be the biggest (already has half the posts that last years thread had and were barely into the 2011 season).

Thanks.

 

[DrM]

shitbag briatore likes stirring shit

http://www.jamesallenonf1.com/2011/05/briatore-questions-if-red-bull-are-supplying-equal-cars/

and this guy will probably end on Ferrari pit wall next year.

also GP2 stuff is hilarious.

 

[Goldrusher]

Lotus case verdict according to Fernandes:

We won. I'm over the moon. Team lotus belongs to us. Our chasis name stays lotus. No one can use the chasis name. We are the only lotus.

http://twitter.com/#!/tonyfernandes

Team Lotus is very happy that the court case concerning the rights to the Team Lotus name has today come to a positive conclusion and that the team can now focus its full attention on its long-term challenge for honours on and off track. The decision confirms that Team Lotus is the true owner of the full Team Lotus name and the iconic roundel, establishing in law that the Anglo-Malaysian team is the rightful heir to Team Lotus and all associated goodwill.

Team Principal Tony Fernandes gave his comments on behalf of his fellow shareholders Kamarudin Meranun, SM Nasarudin and the 250 strong workforce based in Malaysia and Hingham, UK: "We are all pleased that it has been clarified that we are the rightful owners of Team Lotus. We have always been confident that the factual evidence we presented would lead to this decision and today's judgment confirms that belief. We are of course disappointed about the decision that Group Lotus was entitled to end the our licence agreement in 2010. We entered into that contract on the basis that we were beginning a long-term partnership with Group Lotus but unfortunately they then used technical breaches of the merchandising pre-notification process to bring the licence and our partnership to an end. However, my fellow shareholders and I are firm believers that when one door closes another door opens. In the early days of our agreement we realised its termination was inevitable and as events have unfolded the end of the licence has proved positive for us, with many new avenues being opened up as a result.

"We wanted to develop a long-term relationship with Group Lotus and help them sell more cars around the world but that door closed and now we are delighted that we can turn our attention to ensuring success for Caterham Cars on the road and Team Lotus on track. These are two very exciting brands and their future development, bringing these two iconic brands together under the Caterham Team Lotus umbrella, will see us introduce new Caterham cars and a range of new Team Lotus brands into the global marketplace. Now our main aim is to build on the solid foundations that has made Caterham Cars the model for how to run a profitable contemporary car company and add more history to the incredible story of Team Lotus over the coming months and years and with the people, spirit, passion and determination we have in both businesses we know that marks the next stage in our incredible story."

http://www.teamlotus.co.uk/news/2011/we-are-team-lotus

According to Group Lotus:

GROUP LOTUS WIN ON KEY ISSUES IN FORMULA 1 NAMING DISPUTE

Mr Justice Peter Smith today gave his judgement in the dispute between Group Lotus plc and Team Lotus, Tony Fernandes and others in respect of the right to use the name “Lotus” in Formula 1.

Judgement Summary

• Group Lotus has the right to use the name “Lotus” on its own within Formula 1
• Group Lotus entitled to race in the historic black and gold livery
• 1Malaysia Racing Team (1MRT) ruled to be in breach of licence agreement, Group Lotus awarded damages
• Team Lotus Ventures Limited trademarks revoked for non-use
• Group Lotus trade marks unaffected
• Group Lotus has the right to use the Lotus marque on cars for road use

The Judge found that:

Group Lotus has goodwill associated with the name “Lotus” in Formula 1 and is free to compete in the sport under that name using the Lotus roundel;

Group Lotus is entitled to race in F1 using the historic black and gold livery;

1MRT is in breach of the Licence granted to them by Group Lotus to race in F1 under the name Lotus Racing and has awarded Group Lotus damages in respect of that breach;

Team Lotus Ventures Limited’s trade mark registrations in the name of Team Lotus are cancelled as a result of non-use;

Group Lotus trade mark registrations are unaffected; and

Group Lotus has the right to use the Lotus marque on cars for road use.

The Judge also found that Team Lotus has the right to continue to race in Formula 1 under the name Team Lotus but the effect of the Judgment is that only Group Lotus can use the name “Lotus” on its own in F1. Group Lotus is concerned that this aspect of the Judgment will cause confusion in the eyes of spectators and the wider public. Accordingly, Group Lotus is seeking leave to appeal so that the right to use the Lotus brand in Formula 1 is clarified once and for all in the interests of the sport and the fans. Group Lotus and its shareholder Proton Holding Bhd are confident of success on appeal.

Speaking after the judgement, Sarah Price, Head of Legal, Group Lotus plc said: "Group Lotus is pleased that its right to race under the Lotus name in F1 has been upheld and that the Defendants’ attempts to stop that have failed.

“The on-going dispute with Team Lotus and associated companies has been a cause for concern for all at Group Lotus. Despite the detailed judgment there are issues which still require clarification and we remain committed to obtaining this much needed clarity for the many fans of the Lotus marque - we are extremely grateful for their continued support. The decision to appeal has not been taken lightly.”

http://www.lotuscars.com/news/en/naming-dispute

 

[megateto]

and this guy will probably end on Ferrari

Really?

 

[S. L.]

Lotus case verdict according to Fernandes:






According to Group Lotus:

so nothing changes?
Team Lotus is Team Lotus
and Lotus is Lotus ?

 

[Psychotext]

Seems like it.

 

[navanman]

Only one team is appealing and its not Tony Fernandez.

He has the right to use Team Lotus name and chassis in F1.
The Renault Lotus "Lotus" name can only be used as a sponsor's name.

 

[Ark]

I wouldn't be sad to see Group Lotus out of the sport, and they've not even been here six months yet.

 

[Foliorum Viridum]

Most accidents happened because the guy in front was trying to create a gap (which is why the cars looked slow). Which is acceptable, but to do it as far back as the swimming pool while consistently staying on the racing line is borderline retarded and asking for incidents.

More info here: http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/91764

I understand they were trying to find space, but like you said they were doing it in the most retarded way ever.

They made Bruno Senna look like a driving God.

 

[Leonsito]

Lotus won, expected.

 

[BAW]

But who is Lotuser?

 

[dalin80]

But who is Lotuser?

The people who are not actually renault.

 

[TylerD]

Hamilton sounds like a small child who just got a new toy!

Only works for UK users.

There was a fantastic little sound bite from Hammy talking to Will Buxton on SPEED's FP2 Monaco coverage where he talks about just how wicked he thinks the Monaco circuit is. His enthusiasm about the course is great. He said, "The tarmac is fantastic, the weather is perfect and the track is as always insane... This track is so WICKED!" He was practically giggling at the last bit.

Made me grin from ear to ear.

 

[mclaren777]

I really wish I could hear what he said.

 

[Leunam]

Alright, I'm posting from my phone so forgive any mistakes. My ISP is Fucking me sideways so its possible I may not be able to watch the race or get the preview up. My apologies in advance.

 

[Chris R]

There was a fantastic little sound bite from Hammy talking to Will Buxton on SPEED's FP2 Monaco coverage where he talks about just how wicked he thinks the Monaco circuit is. His enthusiasm about the course is great. He said, "The tarmac is fantastic, the weather is perfect and the track is as always insane... This track is so WICKED!" He was practically giggling at the last bit.

Made me grin from ear to ear.

Same here. Made watching FP2 a day late totally worth it!

Fantasy team has to have one member of HRT on it... Liuzzi or Narain?

 

[itsgreen]

Just saying, they only seem to have eye for each other... there is a smoking hot babe next to them...

 

[SunhiLegend]

I really wish I could hear what he said.

Forgot to post it yesterday

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2g0akGpVzd4

 

[Edmond Dantès]

Qualy in just over 3 hours. WOOO!

 

[DrM]

FREE PRACTICE 3 BITCHES

(in 5 minutes)

 

[Goldrusher]

FP3 stream: http://wtflive.tv/index.html
alternative: http://www.vipbox.tv/watch/26901/1/monaco-grand-prix---practice-3.html (wrong aspect ratio)

 

[DrM]

Major crash by Rosberg!

 

[Nolan.]

Oooo Yikes Rosberg, not his weekend

 

[Goldrusher]

Red flag.

Nasty crash.

 

[navanman]

Rosberg massive crash in the tunnel.

Way too dangerous for DRS there alright.

 

[scarybore]

Rosberg just wrecked his car, that's his qualifying fucked.

Edit: Seeing it again, he might have slammed right into the barrier if running over the kerb didn't make his car jump. Could have been a lot worse.

 

[Nolan.]

Wow he just missed crashing into that barrier...just

 

[DrM]

THAT WAS CLOSE

 

[olore]

Rosberg incredible lucky, could`ve ended up in that wall

 

[navanman]

He missed the concrete barrier by inches. Could have been even more massive.

 

[John_B]

Holy shit. Rosberg missed that barrier by inches.

 

[TylerD]

Nico, NOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Massa]

He missed the concrete barrier by inches. Could have been even more massive.

That's not concrete.

 

[Goldrusher]

He lost control on the downhill section after the tunnel.

Really bad road there.

Then he almost flew right into the guard rail after the chicane, which splits the track with that service road / exit road there.

 

[Nolan.]

Oh man and he was doing such decent times too, hopefully he'll be fine for qualifying

 

[navanman]

I'm expecting a crash like that in the race tomorrow. Locking up the rears out of the tunnels seems to happen every year.

 

[DrM]

Track is very dirty right after tunnel exit

 

[G Rom]

The beginning looks exactly like the Raikkonen crash a few years back, when he lost control and ended up in Sutil's rear (no pun intended ).

 

[Massa]

Oh man and he was doing such decent times too, hopefully he'll be fine for qualifying

I don't think his car will be ready for qualifying.

 

[Adam Scott Aukerman]

Just noticed they no longer have that small temporary grandstand at the chicane after the tunnel exit. Might not be the first year it hasn't been there, mind.

I don't think his car will be ready for qualifying.

Davidson seems quite confident that it can be.

 

[SunhiLegend]

 

[Foliorum Viridum]

I look forward to seeing that crash in motion later on today. Looks like a big'un!

I shoved a few quid on Hamilton to both top qualifying and win the race. Worth a punt.

 

[Juicy Bob]

While I'm glad Nico's alright, that's the one thing I love most about Monaco. One single, tiny mistake and it's all over.

 

[Edmond Dantès]

Similar thing happened to Button a few years ago and Coulthard.

 

[itsgreen]

Pretty awesome crash, good he is alright, damage should be repaired in time