A Driver A Day - Keeps The Boredom Away

[Kay 0]

subtle hint to get the next driver(hamiltons's) profile up...

Yes and I'm saying why would it be Hamilton? And no need to keep saying everyday to get the next one up, I'll get it up when it is done.

[Kay 0]

errrrr..... your denying button fans have to defend the critism thrown at button

Did I say that in my post?

This is an interesting comment, taking the fact that it is meant about his driving on track that is slightly odd as the only time he's come under criticism is Monaco and for that, all admitted he was bloody awful IIRC. Far more drivers that get more criticism, Fisi, Webber, Schumacher, Alonso... for their antics on track.

[goferrarigo 0]

Yes and I'm saying why would it be Hamilton? And no need to keep saying everyday to get the next one up, I'll get it up when it is done.

i'm soorry, i won't ask again.

[stopkidding 0]

IMO he missed his chance as he signed on with honda and screwed his contract with Willams. I say rubens might beat him, coz i generally give a driver 1 year in a car to adjust and second year i assume him to come to his pace, so thus i think thier is a chance rubens will beat Button.

Anyways, enough of Honda talk, lets switch to Hamilton....(and let mike have something to say)

About Button here is an interesting excerpt about the difference between Button and Alondo...

"The new car looks stunning. Of far more immediate concern to Honda F1 Racing will be its performance on the track, which has not matched expectations thus far. Rubens Barrichello is a known quantity, and he will be as fast as his machinery allows. The worry for Jenson Button must be that he is also a known quantity. Ever since his season in British Formula Three (when he was beaten by Marc Hynes and Luciano Burti), people have been waiting for him to make a mythical leap from having the potential to do well, to being the kind of driver who leads a team. His body language, and the way he speaks to the media, seems to be guided by how well his car is performing.

By contrast, Fernando Alonso learned racecraft by rising through the formulae, and having parallel F1 testing roles, with Minardi and Renault, learning how to set a car up to its optimum. His victory in the wet at Spa in the 2000 Formula 3000 race was a triumph not only of natural ability, but also of the technical know-how he would later demonstrate in Formula One. By fast-tracking past F3000, and not learning F1 either in a season-long testing role or a seat with a smaller team, Button has missed out on a technical education. Maybe this is something which he is only now realising, when what Honda seem to need is more of a clear direction with its car's development."

Read the whole article here, makes a few interesting observations about Honda and its 2007 outlook

http://www.pitpass.com/fes_php/pitpass_fea...es_art_id=30697

[Autumnpuma 0]

I cant wait for traction control to be banned as drivers like Coulthard and Barrichello will have a advantage over younger drivers as they both drove in formula 1 before traction control was introduced so they will find it easier to adapt. On a side note, does anyone know what year traction control was introduced?

Traction control may be banned in '08, but that doesn't mean it's going away....

First TC was early 90's, I think.

Rubens certainly needs a drastic improvement this year or face the exit gate... the problem for Rubens is that due to his driving style, Button makes few mistakes (again famous last words - I can see many posts here being quoted at relevant times next season) and because Rubens is no fast egg over a racing distance, he can only seem to beat him when a mistake happens. With other drivers who make more mistakes that makes him look better, but when a driver is as smooth as Button... he needs to up his game.

But Button managed to fit right in from the word go, as did Massa in the Ferrari which is equally not overly user friendly. Maybe Rubens is just getting too old and set in his way...

I said:

"But Button managed to fit right in from the word go"

Meaning, right from the start, not last year i.e. 2003 where he beat Jacques comfortably in his first season for the team when Jacques had been there for just as long as Button has now.

Massa still managed to shine... Rubens didn't even at the end of the season.

You can't compare it like you've just done. There were many factors that Button didn't have to deal with when he came to BAR that Rubens did when coming from Ferrari. When you come from a championship-winning team with a car as good as the Ferrari was, you expect top-notch brakes and TC. Honda had neither. Rubens had to fight the team for the first part of the season to get his changes even considered, then he had to fight the rest of the season with the getting the car right. You judge Rubens too harshly, I think. He did well to get the car sorted to his way of driving in just one season. If you remember, Rubens was bloody fast at Stewart.

Back to Button and JV and why this comparison doesn't work. JV is like Button in that their styles, while different, didn't rely on a developed TC or braking. JV likes the car's arse to kick-out on exit and he controls it with reflex. Button drives so smoothly he doesn't need the TC (you can see this on the televised telemetry; Button's TC hardly comes on in most instances). While it's true that JV required a bit more braking power than does Button, it's not as extreme as Rubens or Sato. Ruben's style is much like Sato's and that's perhaps why Sato did so damned horrible.

I suppose my long, rambling point here is that Button is a low-maintenance driver by default and can more easily slip into a team with no TC or braking development. Judge Rubens by this year, not last.

[Kay 0]

Traction control may be banned in '08, but that doesn't mean it's going away....

First TC was early 90's, I think.

You can't compare it like you've just done. There were many factors that Button didn't have to deal with when he came to BAR that Rubens did when coming from Ferrari. When you come from a championship-winning team with a car as good as the Ferrari was, you expect top-notch brakes and TC. Honda had neither. Rubens had to fight the team for the first part of the season to get his changes even considered, then he had to fight the rest of the season with the getting the car right. You judge Rubens too harshly, I think. He did well to get the car sorted to his way of driving in just one season. If you remember, Rubens was bloody fast at Stewart.

Back to Button and JV and why this comparison doesn't work. JV is like Button in that their styles, while different, didn't rely on a developed TC or braking. JV likes the car's arse to kick-out on exit and he controls it with reflex. Button drives so smoothly he doesn't need the TC (you can see this on the televised telemetry; Button's TC hardly comes on in most instances). While it's true that JV required a bit more braking power than does Button, it's not as extreme as Rubens or Sato. Ruben's style is much like Sato's and that's perhaps why Sato did so damned horrible.

I suppose my long, rambling point here is that Button is a low-maintenance driver by default and can more easily slip into a team with no TC or braking development. Judge Rubens by this year, not last.

Like I say, this slate is clean, however I gave Rubens a rather long time, there were a lot of people hitting out at him after 4/5 races and I gave him the first 10 or so races, after that I saw no marked improvement and for me, for someone with such experience and technical know how he should have been improving by ten races and definitely a clear improvement by the end of the season. Button may be low maintenance, but he also had limited knowledge at that point in his career which you also need to take into consideration.

[Kay 0]

Driver 17: Kimi Raikkonen

Height: 175cm

Weight: 62kg

Teammate: Felipe Massa

Races : 105

Victories : 9

Podiums : 36

Pole positions : 11

Fastest Laps : 18

Points : 346

Races finished in points : 58

Kimi Raikkonen has been regarded as one of the top three drivers in Formula One for a number of years, but is yet to win the title - partly down to the reliability of the Mclaren Mercedes, however this year sees him move to Ferrari after a long, trying spell at Mclaren in hope for achieving just that.

His Formula One debut came in 2001 when he was snatched up by Peter Sauber, who had been impressed by his success and potential shown in the British Renault Championship (also competed in Formula Renault series) - winning 7 races out of 10. He continued on his success at Sauber in relative terms, by some superb drives which helped Sauber net 4th place, which impressed Ron Dennis enough to sign him and to keep him at the team for five years. In his first season for Mclaren he drove well and was clearly close to Coulthard's speed from the word go, but he robbed himself of his first win when he ran wide on Alan McNish's engine oil. Raikkonen didn't have to wait much longer for his first race win, as he took it in the 2003 Malaysian GP and was Schumacher's main rival for the championship, but 2004 was to prove a great disappointment for both him and the team. The new Mclaren was plagued with unreliability and with his team mate significantly slower it was hard for him to find motivation until the new car was unleashed. Raikkonen regained his commitment and shone in the second half of the season, but some started to doubt his commitment and drive.

2005 was Raikkonen's most consistant season to date, where he answered some of his critics by continually delivering results and making sure his new team mate, Montoya, was put in the shade. His best drive coming in Japan, when he won from 17th on the grid. In light of this, 2006 looked like it could be the best chance Raikkonen had of taking the title, but again, the Mclaren wouldn't deliver the speed or reliability he needed to do so and it seemed the relationship with Mclaren was strained. Much speculation existed as to whether Kimi was on his way to another team, and although many completely denied the rumours, eventually they were confirmed - Raikkonen was on his way to Ferrari. Partnering Massa, many believe Kimi should outshine Massa in his first season, despite not having as much experience with the team, but it will be interesting to see how quickly he can adapt to Ferrari and whether he really does have the motivation and drive to take the title.

[Autumnpuma 0]

My views on Kimi are well-known. I'll abstain.

[Kay 0]

Most people seem to have extreme views on Kimi or none at all. I think he needs to up his game, drive and team work if he's to take this opportunity with both hands.

[aussief1 4]

Kimi will have a good season this year, I think that the McLaren situation was getting to him over the last two seasons and as a result he didn't give 100% to the cause. Expect a motivated Kimi this year who will give Massa a lesson or two come the second half of the season when he is fully settled into the house that Michael built.

[bathurst1000 0]

is it just me or did kimi seems like the ''Darth Vadar'' of the grid while in Mclaren, walking around all sneaky in his black outfit, never speaking, and a stare that could kill a brown dog!

..............

or maby it was just Mclaren, that seems like the ''evil'' team of F1

[pumpdoc 2]

I rate 'marble' mouth highly and expect him to be quick out of the box.

[Jean Todt 4]

is it just me or did kimi seems like the ''Darth Vadar'' of the grid while in Mclaren, walking around all sneaky in his black outfit, never speaking, and a stare that could kill a brown dog!

..............

or maby it was just Mclaren, that seems like the ''evil'' team of F1

I have nothing to say about him nor do I expect Kimi to say he is one of the best, I wait for his driving to do all the talking, till then I am enjoying what all Alonso's fans have to rant about him!

I am begining to already sense the heat Alono's fans are feeling, now that Kimi is in a Ferrari.

[Jem of the Shire 0]

kimi can definately win the championship, he showed in 2003 and 2005 that he can consistently deliver top-rate performances and win races consecutively. The only difference I see between him and Alonso in terms of performance, is that Alonso will perhaps make 1 mistake all season, whilst kimi may make 2. There's not a lot in it, and I still feel to this day that Kimi should and would have been WDC in 05 if he wasnt so often let down by the faulty car. He was also extremely close in '03, just 2 points away. If the car is a good one, Kimi will deliver the wins. Massa will deliver some wins too, but Kimi will win win win all the time unless he suffers mechanical failure, which seems less likely now that he's in ferrari

[Shane2 0]

Kimi is good, he is fast, he just needs to show everyone that he is the complete package, and he will not get a better chance than this IMO

[Kay 0]

(A relatively short one tonight compared to yesterdays as I don't have too much time)

Driver 18: Felipe Massa

Height: 166cm

Weight: 59kg

Teammate: Kimi Raikkonen

Races : 71

Victories : 2

Podiums : 7

Pole positions : 3

Fastest Laps : 2

Points : 107

Races finished in points : 25

Alike to Kimi, Massa caught the eye of Peter Sauber at the end of season Mugello tests, so much so that he signed him up for 2002. He showed clear pace and much potential, but suffered from inconsistancy which lead to the gravel trap on many a occasion. After a year testing for Ferrari he went back to Sauber in 2004, where he again shone in several races but was beaten by his team mate Fisichella, more often than not. He stayed put for 2005 and looked more competative against Jacques Villeneuve - again - who doesn't though? 2006 saw him move to Ferrari, where the promise he had shown in his debut season was unearthed again, putting Michael Schumacher in the shade during several sessions. Massa finally got his first win in Turkey, where he was clearly very happy and emotional, but not only this, he seemed to be gathering quite a following for a Ferrari number two and didn't have the same air about him as Rubens 'lapdog' Barrichello. This year with Raikkonen alongside him, time will tell whether he will manage to iron out his remaining flaws and step up to the plate or disappear into the background. With Kimi arguably having more talent, but Massa having more experience in the team, it's anyone's guess as to how this pairing will turn out...

[Autumnpuma 0]

I like the prelude where you say 'a relatively short one..' and then go on to Felipe's profile

Anyway, I think Massa will start out with a pint full of confidence that will get spilt in his lap by Spain. I wish I could comment on Felipe's driving style, but he doesn't seem to know it himself. His lines are all over the place during a race and he sometimes can't decide if he wants the arse to kick-out on exit or not. He's quick, but confused; I predict that will describe his '07 season.

[Quiet One 15]

[...]didn't have the same air about him as Rubens 'lapdog' Barrichello. [...]

Young lady, don't think for a second that you being beautiful will make me accept those kind of comments about Rubinho!

The Mighty Jacuzzi Warriors know no mercy for male or female!

[Sato 0]

Come on Rubens was clearly nothing more then a lapdog at Ferrari.

Massa was willing to be one too though IMO... Just didn't have as many situations where he could of done something to show it.

[Quiet One 15]

Come on Rubens was clearly nothing more then a lapdog at Ferrari.

Massa was willing to be one too though IMO... Just didn't have as many situations where he could of done something to show it.

Massa seem eager to be Schumi's lapdog. At least Barrichello had the courtesy of looking awkward about it.

[Player(1) 0]

Think i'll root for Massa this year behind Alonso, Heikki and Webber.

Question is does he want to be a lapdog to Kimi...nope he's out to earn the number on his car in 2007.

[Kay 0]

Young lady, don't think for a second that you being beautiful will make me accept those kind of comments about Rubinho!

The Mighty Jacuzzi Warriors know no mercy for male or female!

And don't think for a second that being 'beautiful' or 'young' makes me a lady.

The comment could have been interpreted in many ways.

[Quiet One 15]

And don't think for a second that being 'beautiful' or 'young' makes me a lady.

The comment could have been interpreted in many ways.

Oh yeah??? Well...don't think for a second that I am quiet...errm...or one! (something's wrong with that phrase...)

[Kay 0]

Oh yeah??? Well...don't think for a second that I am quiet...errm...or one! (something's wrong with that phrase...)

Well in the case of how many Rubens fans populate this forum, I find it quite accurate.

[Quiet One 15]

Well in the case of how many Rubens fans populate this forum, I find it quite accurate.

I wouldn't call myself a fan of Rubinho, I just think he gets too much bashing considering he was not all bad in his good days. But yes, not many people like me still defend good old balding Rubinho