[James]

Originally posted by Iceman
Yeah AMA I know, i think he could have been really competitive this weekend, he may fight for a top 10, lewis seems strong though i think he has the heaviest fuel load!

I think the drivers outside the top-ten can put in as much fuel as they want before the race.

The weights...

Below is the weight of each car following qualifying for the Spanish Grand Prix, sorted by qualifying position.

Pos Driver Team Weight (kg)
1. Jenson Button Brawn Mercedes 646.0
2. Sebastian Vettel RBR Renault 651.5
3. Rubens Barrichello Brawn Mercedes 649.5
4. Felipe Massa Ferrari 655.0
5. Mark Webber RBR Renault 651.5
6. Timo Glock Toyota 646.5
7. Jarno Trulli Toyota 655.5
8. Fernando Alonso Renault 645.0
9. Nico Rosberg Williams Toyota 668.0
10. Robert Kubica BMW Sauber 660.0
11. Kazuki Nakajima Williams Toyota 676.6*
12. Nelson Piquet Renault 677.4*
13. Nick Heidfeld BMW Sauber 676.3*
14. Lewis Hamilton McLaren Mercedes 683.0*
15. Sébastien Buemi STR Ferrari 678.0*
16. Kimi Räikkönen Ferrari 673.0*
17. Sébastien Bourdais STR Ferrari 669.0*
18. Heikki Kovalainen McLaren Mercedes 657.0*
19. Adrian Sutil Force India Mercedes 675.0*
20. Giancarlo Fisichella Force India Mercedes 656.0*

* declared weight

Massa will have the advantage at the start because he has the KERS boost.

[pinkmichk]

that person they filmed its bad enough that he was allowed in looking like that but i think its just as bad bbc give him air time i hope its not gonna be a repeat of the attacks on lewis at spain

[Wildcat!]

Whats the deal with the turbo ferrari they are talking about?

[ange7]

aww here we go!
who thinks this is where Ferrari makes their comeback?

[Wildcat!]

Did Hamilton end up in last place there?

[ange7]

****** hehe

[pinkmichk]

blimey that crash

[ange7]

looked like Rosberg squeezed Trulli into the gravel and then Trulli lost it and ended up sideways in the middle of the track.

[ange7]

alonso v webber .... wow

[Iceman]

Ferrari confirmed today that if a budget cap is brought in next year they won't enter into the 2010 championship. I know a budget cap will make it fairer for other teams but F1 without Ferrari isn't F1.


EDIT:

Ferrari release statement following board meeting After a meeting of its board of directors in Italy on Tuesday, Ferrari released the following statement:

“Maranello 12 May 2009 - Ferrari’s Board of Directors, chaired by Luca di Montezemolo, today analysed the first quarter results for 2009. Despite the current international economic climate, which has hit the automotive sector in particular, Ferrari’s figures were in line with the record levels reached in 2008. Turnover for the first three months was 441 million euro compared to 455.7 million euro over the same period in 2008. The first quarter closed with a trading profit of 54 million euro compared to last year’s 59 million euro.

“These results reflect the introduction of new models, in particular the success of the Ferrari California and the Scuderia Spider 16M, the constant growth in activities linked to the brand (e-commerce, licensing, merchandising and retail) and the company’s continuing efforts to maximise efficiency.

“The Board of Directors also examined developments related to recent decisions taken by the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile during an extraordinary meeting of the World Motor Sport Council on 29 April 2009. Although this meeting was originally called only to examine a disciplinary matter, the decisions taken mean that, for the first time ever in Formula One, the 2010 season will see the introduction of two different sets of regulations based on arbitrary technical rules and economic parameters.

“The Board considers that if this is the regulatory framework for Formula One in the future, then the reasons underlying Ferrari’s uninterrupted participation in the World Championship over the last 60 years - the only constructor to have taken part ever since its inception in 1950 - would come to a close.

“The Board also expressed its disappointment about the methods adopted by the FIA in taking decisions of such a serious nature and its refusal to effectively reach an understanding with constructors and teams. The rules of governance that have contributed to the development of Formula One over the last 25 years have been disregarded, as have the binding contractual obligations between Ferrari and the FIA itself regarding the stability of the regulations. The same rules for all teams, stability of regulations, the continuity of the FOTA’s endeavours to methodically and progressively reduce costs, and governance of Formula One are the priorities for the future. If these indispensable principles are not respected and if the regulations adopted for 2010 will not change, then Ferrari does not intend to enter its cars in the next Formula One World Championship.

“Ferrari trusts that its many fans worldwide will understand that this difficult decision is coherent with the Scuderia’s approach to motor sport and to Formula One in particular, always seeking to promote its sporting and technical values. The Chairman of the Board of Directors was mandated to evaluate the most suitable ways and methods to protect the company’s interests.”

[James]

Renault say they will leave also if the proposals go through.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/moto...ne/8048112.stm

I agree that F1 wouldn't be the same without Ferrari but I don't really see what alternative series they could go to. It says in the link above that they could 'set up a rival series, compete in the United States, or enter cars in the Le Mans 24 hour race.'

Single-seater racing isn't a big sport in the US so I don't think that would match their ambition and there are already Ferraris at Le Mans (GT cars).

I suppose the real threat is they could start a breakaway series. I hope it is all just bluffing.

[Wildcat!]

That would be crazy!

[Iceman]

FERRARI have applied to a French court for an injunction against proposed changes in Formula One.
The Italian team this week threatened to withdraw at the end of this season unless revisions are made to the new regulations.

Central to the argument is the claim that an optional £40million budget cap to be imposed for next year could create a two-tier F1.

Ferrari officials and other team bosses met then with FIA president Max Mosley and F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone today to discuss the current crisis.

Speaking after the crunch talks, Mosley said: "During the meeting it became apparent that Ferrari have made an application to the French courts to apply for an injunction to stop us doing what we want to do.

“It was a friendly meeting but the teams have gone off to see if they can come up with something better than the cost cap."



Looks like this is going to get ugly fast!

[andyman]

This season i aint lovin.. Me no like!

This would never happen in football, "Man Utd, Chelsea, Liverpool... Erm, you can only spend £5m this summer, enjoy!".. NO!!!

[Iceman]

French court rules against Ferrari in FIA case.

A French court has dismissed a legal bid from Ferrari to prevent Formula One racing’s governing body, the FIA, from introducing new rules for the 2010 season.

Ferrari have objected to FIA plans to give increased levels of technical freedom to teams accepting a voluntary £40 million budget cap, claiming it will create a ‘two-tier’ championship.

The world champions also claimed that the FIA did not have the right to introduce such changes without their agreement. However, the Tribunal de Grande Instance in Paris found that Ferrari had no valid reason to block the FIA plans.

Responding to the decision, the FIA said: "No competitor should place their interests above those of the sport in which they compete. The FIA, the teams and our commercial partners will now continue to work to ensure the wellbeing of Formula One in 2010 and beyond."

Teams have until May 29 to lodge their application for the 2010 FIA Formula One World Championship. Ferrari are one of a number of teams who have suggested they will not compete next season if the planned rules are not changed.

Source: F1.com


So Max and Bernie have 9 days left to save this sport, if they don't reconsider I think next year will be a complete shambles.

[pinkmichk]

and we all know bernie doesnt have the sports best interests at heart
on a side note am looking forward to this weekends race monaco is my fave

[Iceman]

I honestly think F1 will fall apart if Ferrari, Renault, Torro Rosso, Toyota and Red Bull leave, I mean Ferrari are the sports most decorated team and have the most followers.

Monaco should be good I read an interview with Hamilton saying he's going all out in this race, can't wait.

[James]

Just watching the qualifying now.

[Novo]

Suto will win!!!!!!!

[Iceman]

Hope Kimi does well tomorrow, good improvement from ferrari, hard luck Hamilton!

[Wildcat!]

Lewis messed up man! He couldve gotten pole thins week.
I love monaco, I am ace on it with the video game, since a lot of the cars retire. You have to be so careful. I knew Lewis would crash with the angle he took!

[andyman]

Strange season, just flippin odd!

[30stone]

Button has done it again!

[pinkmichk]

monaco is my fav race but this season is just dire in terms of being a mclaren/hamilton fan

[andyman]

Originally posted by pinkmichk
monaco is my fav race but this season is just dire in terms of being a mclaren/hamilton fan

C'mon Button is English!! Or you just fancy Hamilton more?