The Australian Grand Prix was quite an exciting race, all thing considered. Once again the stewards made a decision that altered the podium post-race. Ferrari failed to finish. Robert Kubica and Sebastian Vettel were both having great runs until they decided to try to be in the same place at the same time, which usually doesn't work in an 800-bhp F1 car.
Brawn GP dominated the race, as Jenson Button was never out of the lead. Rubens Barrichello flubbed the start, caused a bit of a kerfuffle in turn one leading to more than one car exiting the race at least temporarily for repairs. He then charged back through the pack, tore off part of his front wing in a minor collision with Kimi Raikkonen, and then finished 2nd. It is the first time since 1954 that a new team has finished 1-2 in their first Grand Prix event.
Raikkonen decided to spin out in a move reminiscent of Spa 2008. His partner at Scuderia Ferrari, Felipe "Hit Everything in Sight" Massa, actually had a rather uneventful day. He didn't hit anyone, ruining my prediction that a driving koala bear would be safer. He did, however, suffer mechanical problems that forced him from the race.
BMW Sauber was having a good day up until the moment when Robert Kubica and Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel tangled on lap 55 of 58, spinning both cars. They both attempted to drive on. Vettel slammed into the wall about two hundred feet later, and Kubica made it another hundred feet before crashing out in spectacular fashion. Vettel's car was heavily damaged but still mostly driveable and he tried to make it back to the pits. As a result he has been penalized $50,000 and ten grid spots at Malaysia for carrying-on in a damaged(dangerous) car. The highest starting spot available to Vettel at Malaysia, then, is eleventh.
Force India had a relatively good day. Although they didn't finish in the points, they did finish ninth and tenth.
Scuderia Toro Rosso had a good points day as well. Buemi finished seventh and Bourdais finished eighth, giving the team points for both spots.
Williams had a rather disappointing day. Nico Rosberg had been unbelievably fast in practice, but it translated to a sixth place finish in the Grand Prix. Teammate Kazuki Nakajima crashed out on lap 18.
Toyota, as a penalty for having flexible rear wings, started from the pit lane. They charged through the pack, the trick diffuser apparently working its magic. Jarno Trulli was running third at the end of the race, but the stewards penalized him for passing behind the safety car, a 25-second time penalty, dropping him to 12th spot. Timo Glock, as a result of Trulli's penalization, ended up fourth.
McLaren Mercedes had perhaps the most diametrically opposed day that a team could have. Heikki Kovalainen crashed out on lap 1 (see kerfuffle, above), ending up in 20th spot at the end. Lewis Hamilton started 18th because of a broken gearbox that had to be replaced. He drove perhaps one of the best races of his career, landing in fourth spot by the end. Hamilton was awarded third after the race because the stewards deemed that Jarno Trulli passed him under safety car conditions. The decision will likely be reviewed, as there is conflicting evidence apparently pointing to both drivers passing each other under safety car conditions.
All in all, fun race. Malaysia next weekend looks great as well. And the all-to-early weather forecast for the southeast Asia track: RAIN.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Time to Say Farewell
UPDATE*** Well, it's 3:50 pm EDT and I just deactivated the Facebook account. I have to say that it's lovely how Facebook tries to make you feel bad for leaving. You have 226 friends who you'll no longer be able to get in touch with. That's right, no one has a cell phone. For that matter, the friends I'm most often in touch with live within five minutes of my house, so it's not exactly a struggle to get together with them. Thanks, Facebook, for reaffirming my decision to leave. ***ETADPU
Long ago, when Skewed View was still up and running, I would make fun of Robert for all those times he would say he was taking a leave of absence from the blog, and there was especially some darn good humor when he announced he was pulling the plug on Facebook. I think I gave him a week before he was too bored with life and returned to the internet.
Well, just as Robert said that it was time to move on, that time has come for me as well. I'm leaving Facebook, effective Sunday night.
Truth be told, I'm over it. The fascination, the intrigue, it's just not there anymore. At one time Facebook was truly a networking tool for me. It became my de facto daily planner. But since that time I've grown and Facebook has seemed to lag behind. Lately I've felt like Facebook was holding me down.
I've got nearly 250 friends on Facebook, but that whole friends thing was never true. Most of them are one time acquaintances or people I went to high school with who haven't really been a part of my life in years. Honestly, traffic on my little corner of Facebook has dwindled, which tells me that the time is ripe to pull the plug, so to speak. The clock has struck midnight on the whimsical romance that was internet-based social networking.
And so, I've decided to move on. I really think that this move will allow me to focus solely on writing. Not only do I have Historia working over at Novel Idea, but I've got some other short works in my head that I need to get down on paper, so it's time to wipe away the clutter, and Facebook is part of that clutter.
I won't deny that I had some really fun times. All the picture definitely document that very well. Posting Darby was probably the most fun I had, but it also came to an end.
The blogs are still running, but the Facebook links will end. I'm done with it. Truthfully, I don't even feel sad. Such is life.
So Facebook: Goodnight. And may God bless.
Long ago, when Skewed View was still up and running, I would make fun of Robert for all those times he would say he was taking a leave of absence from the blog, and there was especially some darn good humor when he announced he was pulling the plug on Facebook. I think I gave him a week before he was too bored with life and returned to the internet.
Well, just as Robert said that it was time to move on, that time has come for me as well. I'm leaving Facebook, effective Sunday night.
Truth be told, I'm over it. The fascination, the intrigue, it's just not there anymore. At one time Facebook was truly a networking tool for me. It became my de facto daily planner. But since that time I've grown and Facebook has seemed to lag behind. Lately I've felt like Facebook was holding me down.
I've got nearly 250 friends on Facebook, but that whole friends thing was never true. Most of them are one time acquaintances or people I went to high school with who haven't really been a part of my life in years. Honestly, traffic on my little corner of Facebook has dwindled, which tells me that the time is ripe to pull the plug, so to speak. The clock has struck midnight on the whimsical romance that was internet-based social networking.
And so, I've decided to move on. I really think that this move will allow me to focus solely on writing. Not only do I have Historia working over at Novel Idea, but I've got some other short works in my head that I need to get down on paper, so it's time to wipe away the clutter, and Facebook is part of that clutter.
I won't deny that I had some really fun times. All the picture definitely document that very well. Posting Darby was probably the most fun I had, but it also came to an end.
The blogs are still running, but the Facebook links will end. I'm done with it. Truthfully, I don't even feel sad. Such is life.
So Facebook: Goodnight. And may God bless.
Melbourne Grand Prix Preview
The Silly season is over. The practice is completed. Qualifying has come and gone. All that remains is the Grand Prix in Melbourne. Formula 1 has waited for months to prove that Lewis Hamilton didn't deserve to win the championship last year. How dare anyone not from Ferrari take home the World Driver's Championship. In fact, next year, Bernie Ecclestone is renaming the series "Ferrari 1 Everyone Else Can Bite Me."
But not so fast, you wacky Beatle-wannabe. Brawn GP is proving that with a little incentive anything is possible. They paced out into P1 and P2 to start the Aussie Grand Prix, and they were in the heaviest cars on the grid. Toyota both suffered wing infractions that are forcing them to the back of the pack, along with Title-defender Lewis Hamilton, who was forced to replace his gearbox.
The "Diffuser Three" (Williams, Brawn GP, and Toyota) have been at the forefront of action all weekend, thanks to the FIA deeming that the diffuser set-up they are running, which is vastly different from the other seven teams, is legal under the new regulations.
Sebastien Vettel continued his hot streak from last year, posting up to P3, and our pick to win the Grand Prix, Robert Kubica, is a respectable P4 to start the race.
While up late the other night watching some of the first practice, I noticed one of the graphics as they went to commercial was a koala bear, which got me to thinking, if they would let the bear race instead of Felipe Massa, it would probably be safer for all parties involved.
McLaren is struggling for pace, even though they have one of the better looking cars on the grid. Which goes to show you, a good looking car does not a winner make.
Jenson Button has already been declared, by the bookies and Felipe Massa, to be the Champion for this year. Massa has even stated that Brawn GP will lock up the point's title by June or July. And if Bernie gets his wish, which it looks like he will, the medals system will be in place for 2010. Regardless of team approval or team refusal, Ecclestone has been quoted as saying, "It won't be necessary to discuss it with anybody. Providing the regulations are out before they enter the championship, that's how it is."
Bernie "Fifth Beatle" Ecclestone also stated that there would be 26 cars on the grid by opening weekend 2010. USGPE (Formerly USF1) and two other teams will be joining the grid by March of next year, which should bring some excitement to the ranks.
But most fans are still troubled by the medal system, which would award the driver's championship to the winningest driver, which on paper doesn't sound bad, but if you consider that a driver can win three races, and if that hold out as the most wins on the season, he's the champion, regardless of if he even races the rest of the schedule.
Sunday looks to be an interesting day to say the least. Brawn is outpacing everyone. But speed only carries you so far. Driving talent is required as well. The Right Wing is still saying Kubica for the win, but Jenson Button might make for an exciting day.
But not so fast, you wacky Beatle-wannabe. Brawn GP is proving that with a little incentive anything is possible. They paced out into P1 and P2 to start the Aussie Grand Prix, and they were in the heaviest cars on the grid. Toyota both suffered wing infractions that are forcing them to the back of the pack, along with Title-defender Lewis Hamilton, who was forced to replace his gearbox.
The "Diffuser Three" (Williams, Brawn GP, and Toyota) have been at the forefront of action all weekend, thanks to the FIA deeming that the diffuser set-up they are running, which is vastly different from the other seven teams, is legal under the new regulations.
Sebastien Vettel continued his hot streak from last year, posting up to P3, and our pick to win the Grand Prix, Robert Kubica, is a respectable P4 to start the race.
While up late the other night watching some of the first practice, I noticed one of the graphics as they went to commercial was a koala bear, which got me to thinking, if they would let the bear race instead of Felipe Massa, it would probably be safer for all parties involved.
McLaren is struggling for pace, even though they have one of the better looking cars on the grid. Which goes to show you, a good looking car does not a winner make.
Jenson Button has already been declared, by the bookies and Felipe Massa, to be the Champion for this year. Massa has even stated that Brawn GP will lock up the point's title by June or July. And if Bernie gets his wish, which it looks like he will, the medals system will be in place for 2010. Regardless of team approval or team refusal, Ecclestone has been quoted as saying, "It won't be necessary to discuss it with anybody. Providing the regulations are out before they enter the championship, that's how it is."
Bernie "Fifth Beatle" Ecclestone also stated that there would be 26 cars on the grid by opening weekend 2010. USGPE (Formerly USF1) and two other teams will be joining the grid by March of next year, which should bring some excitement to the ranks.
But most fans are still troubled by the medal system, which would award the driver's championship to the winningest driver, which on paper doesn't sound bad, but if you consider that a driver can win three races, and if that hold out as the most wins on the season, he's the champion, regardless of if he even races the rest of the schedule.
Sunday looks to be an interesting day to say the least. Brawn is outpacing everyone. But speed only carries you so far. Driving talent is required as well. The Right Wing is still saying Kubica for the win, but Jenson Button might make for an exciting day.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Bernie Gets His Way...
Rejected Beatles cover-band member Bernie Ecclestone has finally gotten his way. During the silly season, when he pitched the idea of having medals awarded tot he top three finishers in a race, much like the Olympics, he was roundly laughed out of the paddock, and for good reason. A medals system would have been a death blow to teams like Force India, Honda, and (sadly) Williams. But fret not, because Bernie is not one for giving up. He kept pushing, and today it was announced by the FIA that the 2009 Championship would be awarded to the driver with the most wins.
Take last year for example. There was much sadness in the paddock as the results poured in at Interlagos. Felipe Massa, by virtue of his win had locked up the point's championship. At least, that's how it seemed. Lewis Hamilton was languishing in sixth place behind Sebastien Vettel and Timo Glock. Glock's Toyota, though, was on dry tyres in wet conditions. He lost control and Vettel and Hamilton sped past, kicking the Brit back into fifth place and handing the Driver's Championship to the McLaren pilot. Some cried unfair. How can a driver that finishes fifth be given the point's title? Well, it's quite simple, Lewis Hamilton was the most consistent driver over the course of the entire season. He overcame having a win stolen from him at Spa (which would have given Hamilton 6 wins instead of five, and left Massa with five instead of six), he overcame some horrible decisions by the stewards at Fuji, and he raced with all he had at Brazil to grab the fifth spot.
For a hypothetical situation under Bernie's new proposal, consider this scenario:
Felipe Massa wins three races, and then finishes in the points (let's say second) only one other time, leaving fourteen races without a points or podium finish. That would be about 38 points on the year.
Lewis Hamilton wins two races, but averages a third place finish for the other sixteen races. That would be about 116 points on the year.
Obviously this is a rather outlandish scenario in light of the regulation changes and all, and it's not likely that Hamilton will ever put up those kind of Schumacher-esque numbers, but the point of this exercise is simple: under the new rules Felipe Massa, with 38 points, would win the Driver's Championship of Lewis Hamilton, who has 116 points.
I'm sitting here right now and hoping and praying to any God or gods that will listen that this idea is only a one year thing, because if it's not, I'm out. I love this sport, but Bernie, you're screwing it up. Stop it!
Take last year for example. There was much sadness in the paddock as the results poured in at Interlagos. Felipe Massa, by virtue of his win had locked up the point's championship. At least, that's how it seemed. Lewis Hamilton was languishing in sixth place behind Sebastien Vettel and Timo Glock. Glock's Toyota, though, was on dry tyres in wet conditions. He lost control and Vettel and Hamilton sped past, kicking the Brit back into fifth place and handing the Driver's Championship to the McLaren pilot. Some cried unfair. How can a driver that finishes fifth be given the point's title? Well, it's quite simple, Lewis Hamilton was the most consistent driver over the course of the entire season. He overcame having a win stolen from him at Spa (which would have given Hamilton 6 wins instead of five, and left Massa with five instead of six), he overcame some horrible decisions by the stewards at Fuji, and he raced with all he had at Brazil to grab the fifth spot.
For a hypothetical situation under Bernie's new proposal, consider this scenario:
Felipe Massa wins three races, and then finishes in the points (let's say second) only one other time, leaving fourteen races without a points or podium finish. That would be about 38 points on the year.
Lewis Hamilton wins two races, but averages a third place finish for the other sixteen races. That would be about 116 points on the year.
Obviously this is a rather outlandish scenario in light of the regulation changes and all, and it's not likely that Hamilton will ever put up those kind of Schumacher-esque numbers, but the point of this exercise is simple: under the new rules Felipe Massa, with 38 points, would win the Driver's Championship of Lewis Hamilton, who has 116 points.
I'm sitting here right now and hoping and praying to any God or gods that will listen that this idea is only a one year thing, because if it's not, I'm out. I love this sport, but Bernie, you're screwing it up. Stop it!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Formula 1: the STR4, bunny-ears, and our projected Melbourne Podium
The last Formula 1 car of the season to be unveiled is the Scuderia Toro Rosso STR4. Last year, running a Ferrari chassis, Scuderia Toro Rosso upstaged big brother Team Red Bull on a weekly basis, especially over the last nine races of the year, the feather in the cap coming when Sebastien Vettel scored the team’s maiden win in 
the rain at Monza
the rain at This year STR brings back Sebastian Bourdais (below, left), who won the ChampCar Championship four consecutive years, but in his inaugural F1 season was bested by Vettel. Vettel has moved on to Team Red Bull, replacing the retired David Coulthard. To replace Vettel, Scuderia Toro Rosso had many options. Once Honda folded the veteran drivers of that team became available, at least momentarily.
Also on the market was Bruno Senna, nephew of the late Aryton Senna, quite possibly one of the most popular drivers of all time. Having the Senna name attached to the
product would’ve likely meant sponsors, but on the world stage Bruno Senna is most unproven. Scuderia Toro Rosso finally made their choice, tapping Sebastian Buemi (pictured, right), the Swiss GP2 star. Apparently, no one at STR knows anyone not names Sebastian or some variation thereof.
The car was unveiled last week, and like all the others it is drastically different from last years models, thanks to the FIA’s new aerodynamic regulations. The STR4, oddly enough, has the Red Bull lettering instead of Toro Rosso lettering, but this could easily be a testing livery and something that Scuderia Toro Rosso plans to change by
The most glaring difference between the STR4 and the other cars on the grid this year seems to be the nose of the car, just above the front scoop. Ferrari, Renault and Force
The paint scheme, like last year, is darn near identical to the RB5 of Team Red Bull, with only some minor modifications denoting the differences in team. With the sharper, less curved nose, the car is a definitive throwback to the 1990s, especially the old Benetton car of Michael Schumacher.
The STR4 features little in the way of aerodynamic doodads, unlike the Williams FW31 and the VMJ02 of Force 
wing, are technically legal, as the new aero-regs actually list no restrictions for that particular area of the auto-body. If testing proves a positive difference between running the car with the bunny-ears versus without, then look for other teams to copy the Williams design, and perhaps improve on it.
So let’s make some rather impromptu and off-the-cuff predictions for
The new technologies in place as a result of the aerodynamic regulations for 2009 should result in more stability across the board, especially with the new engine rules. The backmarkers will have their typical outings, but the top tier programs should be hyper-competitive during the race.
The Right Wing Projected Podium for Melbourne:
Winner: Robert Kubica – BMW Sauber
Second: Lewis Hamilton – McLaren Mercedes
Third: Felipe Massa – Scuderia Ferrari
Saturday, March 07, 2009
The Big Big Formula 1 2009 Season Preview
It's been a while since I posted anything here on the Right Wing, and even longer than that since F1 has seen any face time on ye olde blog. But that all changes today.
The 2009 Formula 1 season is only 22 days away, as the season kicks off on March 29 in Melbourne, Australia. We've already discussed most of the new cars, but there are three quick additions to make.
Williams finally unveiled the 2009 livery of the FW31, and I'm not really impressed. It seems to me a big step backward from the dark blue, Darth Vader car; the interim testing livery they ran
before unveiling their new colours. Two things strike me as odd when I look at this car. First, there seems to be a bit of an effort to look like the BMW Sauber team. Second, I was under the impression that aerodynamic doodads were right out, yet Williams has installed a set of "bunny-ears" on the car to funnel air to the rear wing, thus increasing downforce. Williams has claimed that other teams will do the same thing by Melbourne, but I'm just waiting on the FIA to call the Williams team over to the side for a bit of a light chat.
In other news, Force India finally unveiled their perennial backmarker, the VJM02, which will
now have a McLaren chassis, but otherwise will probably run about the same grid spots as last year. Like most of the other cars that have already been unveiled, the VJM02 doesn't exactly sparkle. From the newly-regulated boxy rear wing to the snowplow front scoop, the car screams "Not So FAST!" And in keeping with the spirit of Williams snubbing their noses at the FIA's regulations, Force India has a few aero-doodads on the sides of the car. Apparently they thought that by painting them the same color as the rest of the car no one would notice. Once again Adrian Sutil and Giancarlo Fisichella will pilot the Force India cars in the world's premier racing league.
Lastly, the biggest news of the week belongs to Honda, who finally found a buyer, Ross Brawn. The team name has been changed from Honda to BrawnGP, and the driver lineup of Jenson
Button and Rubens Barrichello remains in place. The BrawnGP 2009 contender has already been given a bit of a shakedown at Silverstone, where Barrichello finished on the podium last year. Jenson Button gave the car a few laps, but no word has yet come out about how the car performed. The (assumed) interim livery is a plain white with black trim and neon yellow, and for some reason the car was tested on grooved tyres instead of slicks.
Brawn's purchase and control of the Honda team assures that the grid will be made up of 20 cars this season, which will provide for more interesting racing than an 18-car grid would have. With all the majors players in place, let's look ahead at the 2009 season.
2009 Schedule:
March 29 - Australia (Melbourne)
April 5 - Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur)
April 19 - China (Shanghai)
April 26 - Bahrain (Sakhir)
May 10 - Spain (Catalunya)
May 24 - Monaco (Monte Carlo)
June 7 - Turkey (Istanbul)
June 21 - Britain (Silverstone)
July 12 - Germany (Nurburgring)*
July 26 - Hungary (Budapest)
August 23 - Europe (Valencia, Spain)
August 30 - Belgium (Spa-Francorchamps)
September 13 - Italy (Monza)
September 27 - Singapore (Singapore)(night)
October 4 - Japan (Suzuka)**
October 18 - Brazil (Interlagos)
November 1 - United Arab Emirates (Yas Marina)***
*: alternates between Hockenheim and the Nurburgring
**: alternates between Suzuka and Mt. Fuji
***: New Circuit
If you followed F1 last year you'll note some slight differences from last year's schedule. Gone is the North American portion of the Grand Prix schedule, meaning that Canada no longer has its race, nor does the United States host an event, yet again. The Grand Prix of Germany will be held at the Nurburgring this year (it alternates between the Nurburgring and Hockenheim). The Grand Prix of Japan will run at Suzuka this year; last year it was held at Mt. Fuji.
The Yas Marina Circuit opens up this year, hosting the final race of the season. The new UAE course will supposedly be one of the most state-of-the-art Grand Prix courses on the tour.
Driver Lineups:
McLaren Mercedes:
Lewis Hamilton
Heikki Kovalainen
Scuderia Ferrari:
Kimi Raikkonen
Felipe Massa
BMW Sauber:
Robert Kubica
Nick Heidfeld
Toyota:
Jarno Trulli
Timo Glock
Team Red Bull:
Mark Webber
Sebastian Vettel
Scuderia Toro Rosso:
Sebastien Bourdais
Sebastien Buemi
Force India:
Giancarlo Fisichella
Adrian Sutil
BrawnGP:
Rubens Barrichello
Jenson Button
Williams:
Nico Rosberg
Kazukia Nakajima
Renault:
Fernando Alonso
Nelson Piquet Jr.
Each team carries a reserve test driver who rarely sees track time during the season. The newest addition to the Formula 1 family is Sebastien Buemi, the Swiss GP2 star who rose through the ranks and grabbed the spot vacated by Sebatian Vettel's move to Team Red Bull.
Last year's championship battle came down to the final corner of the final lap of the final race. With the plethora of rule and regulation changes instituted this year, don't look for anything quite as exciting, but still be prepared for some really fantastic racing.
The 2009 Formula 1 season is only 22 days away, as the season kicks off on March 29 in Melbourne, Australia. We've already discussed most of the new cars, but there are three quick additions to make.
Williams finally unveiled the 2009 livery of the FW31, and I'm not really impressed. It seems to me a big step backward from the dark blue, Darth Vader car; the interim testing livery they ran
before unveiling their new colours. Two things strike me as odd when I look at this car. First, there seems to be a bit of an effort to look like the BMW Sauber team. Second, I was under the impression that aerodynamic doodads were right out, yet Williams has installed a set of "bunny-ears" on the car to funnel air to the rear wing, thus increasing downforce. Williams has claimed that other teams will do the same thing by Melbourne, but I'm just waiting on the FIA to call the Williams team over to the side for a bit of a light chat.In other news, Force India finally unveiled their perennial backmarker, the VJM02, which will
now have a McLaren chassis, but otherwise will probably run about the same grid spots as last year. Like most of the other cars that have already been unveiled, the VJM02 doesn't exactly sparkle. From the newly-regulated boxy rear wing to the snowplow front scoop, the car screams "Not So FAST!" And in keeping with the spirit of Williams snubbing their noses at the FIA's regulations, Force India has a few aero-doodads on the sides of the car. Apparently they thought that by painting them the same color as the rest of the car no one would notice. Once again Adrian Sutil and Giancarlo Fisichella will pilot the Force India cars in the world's premier racing league.Lastly, the biggest news of the week belongs to Honda, who finally found a buyer, Ross Brawn. The team name has been changed from Honda to BrawnGP, and the driver lineup of Jenson
Button and Rubens Barrichello remains in place. The BrawnGP 2009 contender has already been given a bit of a shakedown at Silverstone, where Barrichello finished on the podium last year. Jenson Button gave the car a few laps, but no word has yet come out about how the car performed. The (assumed) interim livery is a plain white with black trim and neon yellow, and for some reason the car was tested on grooved tyres instead of slicks.Brawn's purchase and control of the Honda team assures that the grid will be made up of 20 cars this season, which will provide for more interesting racing than an 18-car grid would have. With all the majors players in place, let's look ahead at the 2009 season.
2009 Schedule:
March 29 - Australia (Melbourne)
April 5 - Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur)
April 19 - China (Shanghai)
April 26 - Bahrain (Sakhir)
May 10 - Spain (Catalunya)
May 24 - Monaco (Monte Carlo)
June 7 - Turkey (Istanbul)
June 21 - Britain (Silverstone)
July 12 - Germany (Nurburgring)*
July 26 - Hungary (Budapest)
August 23 - Europe (Valencia, Spain)
August 30 - Belgium (Spa-Francorchamps)
September 13 - Italy (Monza)
September 27 - Singapore (Singapore)(night)
October 4 - Japan (Suzuka)**
October 18 - Brazil (Interlagos)
November 1 - United Arab Emirates (Yas Marina)***
*: alternates between Hockenheim and the Nurburgring
**: alternates between Suzuka and Mt. Fuji
***: New Circuit
If you followed F1 last year you'll note some slight differences from last year's schedule. Gone is the North American portion of the Grand Prix schedule, meaning that Canada no longer has its race, nor does the United States host an event, yet again. The Grand Prix of Germany will be held at the Nurburgring this year (it alternates between the Nurburgring and Hockenheim). The Grand Prix of Japan will run at Suzuka this year; last year it was held at Mt. Fuji.
The Yas Marina Circuit opens up this year, hosting the final race of the season. The new UAE course will supposedly be one of the most state-of-the-art Grand Prix courses on the tour.
Driver Lineups:
McLaren Mercedes:
Lewis Hamilton
Heikki Kovalainen
Scuderia Ferrari:
Kimi Raikkonen
Felipe Massa
BMW Sauber:
Robert Kubica
Nick Heidfeld
Toyota:
Jarno Trulli
Timo Glock
Team Red Bull:
Mark Webber
Sebastian Vettel
Scuderia Toro Rosso:
Sebastien Bourdais
Sebastien Buemi
Force India:
Giancarlo Fisichella
Adrian Sutil
BrawnGP:
Rubens Barrichello
Jenson Button
Williams:
Nico Rosberg
Kazukia Nakajima
Renault:
Fernando Alonso
Nelson Piquet Jr.
Each team carries a reserve test driver who rarely sees track time during the season. The newest addition to the Formula 1 family is Sebastien Buemi, the Swiss GP2 star who rose through the ranks and grabbed the spot vacated by Sebatian Vettel's move to Team Red Bull.
Last year's championship battle came down to the final corner of the final lap of the final race. With the plethora of rule and regulation changes instituted this year, don't look for anything quite as exciting, but still be prepared for some really fantastic racing.
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