Formula One

[Seenenough]

Dan Gurney and Mario Andretti also raced F1 in the 60s

[TheGreenGoblin]

True although Andretti was born in Italy.

Gurney was a formidable talent and engineer too.

[G-CPTN]

Sean Bratches left at the beginning of 2020 and Chase Carey is due to leave at the end of 2020.

What then?

Toto Wolff?

If so, then what for Mercedes F1?

[TheGreenGoblin]

True although Andretti was born in Italy.

Gurney was a formidable talent and engineer too.

Not to forget Bob Bondurant....

[G-CPTN]

Perez positive.

[TheGreenGoblin]

Perez positive.

I see that there is a cordon sanitaire around Silverstone village and the race track on both days this weekend. Roads in and out closed and no fly zone promulgated over the area. I wonder what the locals think about all this? All to favour the fortunes of F1's business, track's and TV's coffers! No spectators allowed. Can this really be called Grand Prix racing?

[tango15]

Perez positive.

I see that there is a cordon sanitaire around Silverstone village and the race track on both days this weekend. Roads in and out closed and no fly zone promulgated over the area. I wonder what the locals think about all this? All to favour the fortunes of F1's business, track's and TV's coffers! No spectators allowed. Can this really be called Grand Prix racing?

I'm working there this week and I gather the locals are none too impressed with the local footpaths being closed. However, I foresee a number of people trying to get access to at least a view of the circuit, especially on Sunday. I was Covid-tested three times this morning before I was allowed anywhere near the race tracks. As ever, the preparations continue. There are 200+ large trucks parked around the old airfield, because of course it's not just about Formula One, but Formulas 2+3 are also attending, although we never see that on TV of course. I'm sure tomorrow and Sunday are going to seem strange with the empty stands. I should have been attending as a guest (a birthday present from my daughter-in-law), but that will have to wait until next year.

[Magnus]

Saw F3 qualifying on telly yesterday, just before F1 second practice.

[TheGreenGoblin]

They should mix F2 back in the F1 races like they did in the 60's when racing was "interesting".

I am beginning to sound like my father!

In fact just leave F1 out completely. F2 and F3 racing is far more competitive and interesting.

[ian16th]

They should mix F2 back in the F1 races like they did in the 60's when racing was "interesting".

I am beginning to sound like my father!

In fact just leave F1 out completely. F2 and F3 racing is far more competitive and interesting.

Didn't the 'Poison Dwarf' and/or his cohorts copyright or patent all of the terms such as 'F1' and 'GP' so that it is impossible to hold a race with F1 cars, or call a race a GP without the approval of his organisation?

Bring back Formula Libre.

[TheGreenGoblin]

They should mix F2 back in the F1 races like they did in the 60's when racing was "interesting".

I am beginning to sound like my father!

In fact just leave F1 out completely. F2 and F3 racing is far more competitive and interesting.

Didn't the 'Poison Dwarf' and/or his cohorts copyright or patent all of the terms such as 'F1' and 'GP' so that it is impossible to hold a race with F1 cars, or call a race a GP without the approval of his organisation?

Bring back Formula Libre.

True. It is a franchise, with all rights to filming, marketing of any products or artefacts etc. owned by the business. In fact it is like Kentucky Chicken without any of the flavour (if you can call it that). All the boy brats are corporate clones and in essence, despite the undoubted skills of the competitors, it is a totally spiritually dead affair!

[ian16th]

Remember the race at Monza, on the banked track, with Indy Cars and Ecurie Ecosse D Type Jag's?

[TheGreenGoblin]

Remember the race at Monza, on the banked track, with Indy Cars and Ecurie Ecosse D Type Jag's?

I do indeed and, if my failing memory hasn't let me down, the Indy cars were mightily impressive but were never as beautiful as the D Type Jaguars...

Weren't there two such encounters of that kind? Akin to Jimmy Murphy in the White Duesenburg and Tazio Nuvolari in the Alfa Romeo at the Brickyard back in the day.

[TheGreenGoblin]

Without the fin, more beautiful than the Jag E type IMHO.

[TheGreenGoblin]

[tango15]

A few pictures from today:


The F2 boys don't live too badly, all things considered. If you're in lockdown, here are worse places to spend your spare time!

The convoy, heading from the old (now called National) pits to the newer ones (now called the Wing). This convoy is about half a mile long and moves at a snail's pace. Think being stuck behind a tractor on a country road!

[tango15]

There had to be some aviation content! A deserted Silverstone Heliport hosts the chase helicopter, which takes a break between the Qualis.

[G-CPTN]

A few pictures from today:
The convoy, heading from the old (now called National) pits to the newer ones (now called the Wing).

What vehicles are in the convoy?

Marshals? - do they attend 'daily'? (perhaps staying locally)

[tango15]

There's (usually) a quad bike towing about two or three trailers with tyres - both used and new - plus spare nose cones and other bits and pieces. The castors on the trailers are about the size of those on furniture and make a hell of a racket. Each team is represented.

Some of the stewards have small motorhomes (because normally they do other venues in Europe as well). I did hear that one or two were sleeping in their cars this year
Quite a few live locally to Silverstone. Of course they don't get paid for their trouble, but they do get a packed lunch!

[G-CPTN]

Thanks - I believe that I have seen (a couple of times) one of the marshals that I meet at events in Scotland - I recognised his hat and his 'walk'.