Formula One 2008 - Page 7

chris f · #91 (**permalink**) 03-18-2008, 07:10 PM

To claim that Kimi is a fraudulent World Champion--or at least a pretender to the throne, to use the heir metaphor--for he fails to meet some nebulous criteria is not very compelling. Naturally, such an assessment is subjective and the claims can neither be proven nor disproved, but I do think Kimi ought to be considered more highly. That post seems more appropriate for a Trulli or Fisichella, and not for a man that has been a legitimate title contender for two separate teams. In 2005, he nearly won the championship, took 10 fastest laps, 7 wins and 5 poles, but was ultimately thwarted by some reliability issues. In 2007, he took the championship by winning 5 of the final 10 races including the final two. During the Japanese grand prix, he overcame a suspect pit strategy by passing on track in horrendous conditions.

It is also important to point out that the ferrari was, if anything, less reliable than the Mclaren. Lewis had a single DNF, and it was self-inflicted. Also, I cannot precisely comment on "racecraft," but to claim that Mclaren International is deficient in such an area belies its history and incredible technical and personal resources. Perhaps the failure of Mclaren can be more directly attributed to the apparent internal fighting that was taking place between the two drivers. But if a driver is in Formula One and wins the championship, I really don't think it is a fluke. There are too many teams and drivers to allow some under-talented dilettante to take the title after nearly twenty races.

But, as you argue, Kimi lacks some immeasurable quality, namely "balls," "precision," and an inability to pull off "feats of car control." It would be quite a tiresome exercise to point out all of the instances that counter this claim. The penultimate race of 2005 is enough contrary evidence for me. If Kimi does not inspire certain fans, fine. Yes, he does not get as intimately involved in the team as a Hamilton or a Schumacher--he is in the playboy mold of James Hunt, as Sam Posey wrote in a recent article--but he deserved to win that championship. He certainly drove very well and very fast all year without the mistakes that undermined Hamilton.

Sprintn · #92 (**permalink**) 03-19-2008, 09:06 AM

THis whole thing about Ferrari blaming the McLaren produced ECU for their woes is a LOAD OF CRAP!!! I'm pretty sure this is the same ECU they were using ALL testing season in which they Dominated.?.? I lose more and more respect for that team every year. It's becoming an entire team that actls like ALONSO. A bunch of squirls not being able to Man-Up and take responsibility and be accountable. The only one on that team that just shuts-up and takes care of the Job at hand is KIMI.
And... 1300gtjunior... regarding KIMI... that barely even deserves a comment it is SOO way off base. Were you EVEN there to see the start?!?! KIMI is probably the best non-traction controle driver out there.

AR4me · #93 (**permalink**) 03-19-2008, 06:10 PM

Looked to me like Hamilton was the one who cracked under pressure and made costly mistakes in the final two races of the 2007 season. Lucky for Kimi he was much cooler under pressure

Jes

slam105 · #94 (**permalink**) 03-24-2008, 09:41 AM

Just checking to see if this 'thread' is still functioning...

Good to see Ferrari is back to winning!

Sprintn · #95 (**permalink**) 03-24-2008, 10:27 AM

Not sure this thread is functioning correctly still. It's Monday the 24th and there is nothing here regarding the McLaren penalty/Sunday's race/Massa's spin (lack of traction control Brain Fart on second apex of double apex turn)!!! SO much to talk about and nothing has been posted.?.?

**Alex Csank** · #96 (**permalink**) 03-24-2008, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sprintn

Not sure this thread is functioning correctly still. It's Monday the 24th and there is nothing here regarding the McLaren penalty/Sunday's race/Massa's spin (lack of traction control Brain Fart on second apex of double apex turn)!!! SO much to talk about and nothing has been posted.?.?

chris f · #97 (**permalink**) 03-24-2008, 11:00 AM

Rolling blackouts accounts for the lack of posts.

I agree, it was an entertaining race. Two podiums in as many races is an encouraging sign for BMW, it seems that they did not pull a Honda and fall precipitously down the field. Maybe a win is in the cards.

Regarding Massa, an autosport article (autosport.com - F1 News: Ferrari not concerned by Massa's form) claims he "stalled the aerodynamics" by "clouting the curb" on the first apex and thus lost grip for the second. Pretty lame for a guy in a comfortable second place.

I was hoping Hamilton would engage Trulli with more verve in the end, but prudence (and aerodynamic issues in "dirty" air) seemed to win out.

joebriz · #98 (**permalink**) 03-24-2008, 12:00 PM

Gotta love that Kimi and Massa were going after each other like that even though they were so far ahead of the rest of the field that they could have just laid back and cruised to a likely one-two finish....

It was great to hear Kovalainen man-up to his mistake in qualifying the way he did. Haven't heard anything similar from Hamilton yet (but I may have missed it)....

Kubica looked great and BMW seem to have made strong strides forward this year. Now how about Toyota?

marco246 · #99 (**permalink**) 03-24-2008, 12:30 PM

Domenicali needs to sit Massa down and have a "come to Enzo" meeting. Massa should be told he's the #2 driver and his role is to rack up points towards the constructors championship and when possible to run interference for the reigning world champion. If he can't agree to that, he needs to pack his s*** and head down to the minors, a la Barrichello. F1 is a team sport and it requires team discipline to win.

Sprintn · #**100** (**permalink**) 03-24-2008, 12:40 PM

He practically put Kimi into the pit wall at the start! Then again... at least sitting the way they were, down the straight and into turn 1 no one could squeeze between them or go by on the inside... should some one behind them have had a good start.?.? But... still looked like a sleezy thing to do to someone that is in the same color car.?.? But... then again... I was a HUGE Senna fan so I guess I can't knock Massa to much on that move.?.?

Sprintn · #**101** (**permalink**) 03-24-2008, 12:45 PM

Notice though, how Kimi didn't even comment on Massa's manuever at the start to the press. THat guy amazes me!!!! He never complains about ANYTHING! He just goes out and does what he can and takes care of business on the track! The only time you see Him pissed is when his car keeps breaking down (McLaren years) and he is visibly pissed as he get out of and walks away from the car. And... even in those days he did not publicly complain.

slam105 · #**102** (**permalink**) 03-24-2008, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sprintn

Notice though, how Kimi didn't even comment on Massa's manuever at the start to the press. THat guy amazes me!!!! He never complains about ANYTHING! He just goes out and does what he can and takes care of business on the track! The only time you see Him pissed is when his car keeps breaking down (McLaren years) and he is visibly pissed as he get out of and walks away from the car. And... even in those days he did not publicly complain.

Sprintn · #**103** (**permalink**) 03-24-2008, 01:07 PM

Lol!!!!!!!

chris f · #**104** (**permalink**) 03-24-2008, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sprintn

Notice though, how Kimi didn't even comment on Massa's manuever at the start to the press. THat guy amazes me!!!! He never complains about ANYTHING! He just goes out and does what he can and takes care of business on the track! The only time you see Him pissed is when his car keeps breaking down (McLaren years) and he is visibly pissed as he get out of and walks away from the car. And... even in those days he did not publicly complain.

**GTA # 14** · #**105** (**permalink**) 03-24-2008, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marco246

Domenicali needs to sit Massa down and have a "come to Enzo" meeting. Massa should be told he's the #2 driver and his role is to rack up points towards the constructors championship and when possible to run interference for the reigning world champion. If he can't agree to that, he needs to pack his s*** and head down to the minors, a la Barrichello. F1 is a team sport and it requires team discipline to win.