[cmartin]

Matchett had some good comments during the race re Honda's issues. While it makes sense that some packaging, seals and so on can help them finish the race I'm worried. While they are struggling to even start and place the rest of the field is fine tuning and getting better too. If/when the power unit issues are figured out will the rest of the car be ready to compete? I sure hope so but it's going to be a lot of work.

[N0tt0N]

Originally Posted by roundel

Did anyone else notice the digitally inserted message on the starting line that said "We will miss you Ron. -Bernie"? What was that about?

Saw it. Hopefully they weren't referring to Ron Burgundy

Also, my point about the 'disaster' aspect is related to the frozen development and no testing. Sure they can do lots of simulations but I assume they already did that. They couldn't have been really surprised about the close quarters and heat - they just aren't up to the task of solutioning it at the moment - if they can't make fundamental changes I'd suspect they now have to cut racing budgets to focus on the 2016 platform. I'm sure they have 'mules' where they test things but if their ability to implement what they find is limited.... Are they the leading edge of racing development or not? The answer is increasingly no.

The kudos to Button goes for being the only driver to finish out of the points in the 'grab bag' engine contest.

Australia is my favorite track so it was doubly disappointing. Even found myself rooting for Vettel in the face of Nico's Hillary-esce personality makeover -

[jbailey930]

Originally Posted by N0tt0N

Saw it. Hopefully they weren't referring to Ron Burgundy

found this on F1 forum
'Ron Walker is chairman of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation and Bernie's mate. He's stepping down as he's been in pretty poor health in recent years.

He had a big battle with cancer in 2013. He had a melanoma removed from his face in 2010 or 11 but unfortunately the cancer later spread to his lungs and he then had what appears to be successful treatment in both Aus and the US in 13.

Ron was at the Race on Sunday, he was on the podium and presented one of the trophies. '

[roundel]

Originally Posted by jbailey930

found this on F1 forum
'Ron Walker is chairman of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation and Bernie's mate. '

Thanks, For a minute I thought it was a swipe at Ron Dennis since his cars are turds right now.

[HoodPin]

Originally Posted by cmartin

Matchett had some good comments during the race re Honda's issues. While it makes sense that some packaging, seals and so on can help them finish the race I'm worried. While they are struggling to even start and place the rest of the field is fine tuning and getting better too. If/when the power unit issues are figured out will the rest of the car be ready to compete? I sure hope so but it's going to be a lot of work.

At some point I thought I heard mentioned that they may have been running at reduced power/throttle/rpm or something to reduce heat, and try to get some laps in. If they can get the powerplant under control, based on Honda's apparent success with aero on the Indy cars, they may be ok with the F1's body package, too.

[roundel]

Originally Posted by HoodPin

based on Honda's apparent success with aero on the Indy cars, they may be ok with the F1's body package, too.

Their involvement with Indy may have lulled them in to a false idea about open wheel formula racing. Looking at the fat arse of an Indy Car, it is no wonder the tight confines of the rear of an F1 car caught them out.

[HoodPin]

Originally Posted by roundel

Their involvement with Indy may have lulled them in to a false idea about open wheel formula racing. Looking at the fat arse of an Indy Car, it is no wonder the tight confines of the rear of an F1 car caught them out.

And AFAIK, Indy doesn't even (yet) use the hybrid bits. Yes, possibly familiar V6 Turbos, but no electric power system, electric recovery system, batteries, etc.

[N Fotouhi]

If you're a fan of MB or LH, then enjoy. If a Ferrari, SV fan, hope, and if you support the underdog, keep wishing for Williams to do well.

I think very few people are left who are interested in making a small fortune in racing in F1, so days of testing daily, unlimited engine/gear box changes, different tire manufacturer, etc. etc. are gone.

I keep hearing/reading about good old F1 and how FIA has destroyed F1. Does that refer to when drivers got killed frequently, engines blew up often, and usually one large team dominated while some small teams could not participate in every race which were far fewer than current 20.

I am not a businessman, but I think many of the current detractors of F1 aren't either or at least not very good ones.

All that said, it is likely a boring season and I do not like the artificial fuel restrictions, but I keep watching.

[}{arlequin]

at this point we might as well start the countdown to when the top drovers start switching over to Formula E

[HoodPin]

Originally Posted by }{arlequin

at this point we might as well start the countdown to when the top drovers start switching over to Formula E

Or figure out how to pull a Van-Der-Garde......getting $16M for doin' nothin'.