F1 Russia

[j2 lot]

Phew, that was a close thing in BTCC

[tut]

Brilliant non stop racing.

tut

[robin]

A classic example of Bernie manipulating the media:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/34499746

How can the deal be done, if the deal is not done?

[tonyg]

Race was Ok.
I don't normally watch all the preamble, but really enjoyed seeing Jensen watching his dad Rallycrossing and also his squeaky voice after he finished driving at Lydden.

[jason]

A classic example of Bernie manipulating the media:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/34499746

How can the deal be done, if the deal is not done?

Both Pirelli's and Michelin's bids were approved on technical grounds by FIA, who then passed it to Bernie for him to agree a commercial deal with either. He was given final choice.

So it's feasible he's done the deal (which Pirelli have confirmed) and FIA just have to go through the formalities of public confirmation. He could be telling the truth... which would be a rare thing!

[robin]

I wonder how much effort he put into doing a deal with Michelin ... does anyone know why Bernie wants Pirelli over Michelin - presumably because the kick backs are better with one than the other - I cannot imagine what's in this for Pirelli - their name is dragged through the mud every time there is a tyre issue - and in recent history they've had only bad press. I guess they like their name being plastered all over the race tracks?

Cheers,
Robin

[Shug]

I wonder how much effort he put into doing a deal with Michelin ... does anyone know why Bernie wants Pirelli over Michelin - presumably because the kick backs are better with one than the other - I cannot imagine what's in this for Pirelli - their name is dragged through the mud every time there is a tyre issue - and in recent history they've had only bad press. I guess they like their name being plastered all over the race tracks?

Cheers,
Robin

Certainly the most believed view is that Pirelli will bend over for what the sport (Bernie) wants, where Michelin want to move things on a bit. Talking about tyres that work properly and going to a lower profile with larger rims, to make them more relevant to road cars.

Current F1 tyres are a technological cul-de-sac imposed by the regulated daft wee wheel sizes and represent a huge undamped spring in the suspension system the engineers would rather do away with...

[Kelvin]

I think any perceived negativity is short lived for Pirelli. Having their name on the advertising hoardings matters more than the tyres issues it seems. They've enjoyed pretty good growth over the last 4 years especially as an OEM tyre supplier in the medium-premium/luxury car space where they've grown significantly.

/Pirelli is a customer and I was at their plant in Derby recently and this was the spiel.

[Dominic]

Looks like I was not alone in spotting the awkwardness of the post race driver's cool down room....

http://sniffpetrol.com/2015/10/12/f1-dr ... hzKV-xVhBc Great picture too

[jason]

Current F1 tyres are a technological cul-de-sac imposed by the regulated daft wee wheel sizes and represent a huge undamped spring in the suspension system the engineers would rather do away with...

On the contrary, the F1 Strategy Group (and Paddy Lowe and James Allison also speaking out independently) are resistant to 18" rims due to like for like such tyres having less grip and the wheels being heavier. So there's a loss of performance they don't want. They've resisted the idea for many years now.

Pirelli have also stated they would be happy to provide 18" tyres if the FIA requested it.

[Scotty C]

[rossybee]

Looks like I was not alone in spotting the awkwardness of the post race driver's cool down room....

http://sniffpetrol.com/2015/10/12/f1-dr ... hzKV-xVhBc Great picture too

brilliant!

The Lewis moment was epic, especially with the eastern Europeans being notoriously homophobic and racist!