Wow! That was worth getting up at 4:30!

Great race, a great display by many drivers that otherwise would not have got coverage. Quite a few disappointments all round and the title's now Hamilton's unless something drastic happens.

As much as people are sorry for Webber I feel just as bad for Vettel - the guy is the youngest kid out there and will obviously learn from it, but I wouldn't want to be him. And Luizi's point for Torro Rossa has been taken away from them as he passed Sutil under the safety car.

Disappointed by Alonso's crash out, it's now looking like his 2nd place in the standings is under fire from Kimi Raikonnen than it is challenging for the title. I did say I'd rate him lower in expectations should he not win the championship, and I think it's now time to call it that....

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bigblue

Was a great race, almost spoiled by James Allen. I can understand why he loves Lewis. I can understand why he thinks we all love Lewis. I can't understand why he thinks that the other drivers love Lewis... "Heikki will be keeping back from Lewis so as not to interfere in the champonship race". No, he won't.

Also, the endless comments along the lines of "the light cars are going faster than the heavy cars" drive me nuts. Maybe he's just there to explain things for the new fans that only watch because of Lewis, but still.

---

I never ever thought I'd be typing this, but as much as James Allen's annoyed me, he's the least of worries ITV have with their coverage this season. It's just hopeless drivel every single pre-race and post-race. Hamilton's done an awesome job this season, no doubt, but please, don't camp outside his garage EVERY SINGLE TIME. There are 21 other drivers...

I can't think how they could seriously make it worse. I really can't. The annoying thing is, Steve Rider isn't a poor presenter. He's a good one, and with a genuine passion for Formula 1. Brundle's an excellent support commentator, but he's let down by those around him.

I'll not bother repeating what others have said. In short, Hamilton rocked, Kimi was excellent and Heikki was great, Webber and Vettel were both sensational. Alonso sucked, Massa sucked, Button sucked. Sato was on fire...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by this_is_gav

There are 21 other drivers...

---

And perhaps more importantly, there are areas of the paddock where engine noise won't drown out the presenters - leaving us with a few seconds of engine noise and very faint, near inaudible voices

It seems to me to be quite unprofessional to broadcast from an area like that where such things will always happen, rather than round the back of the pits, like they've done for previous years until Hamilton came along.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bigblue

"the light cars are going faster than the heavy cars" drive me nuts.
.

---

ha yeah! who would thought?!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by kidzer

And perhaps more importantly, there are areas of the paddock where engine noise won't drown out the presenters - leaving us with a few seconds of engine noise and very faint, near inaudible voices

---

I just thank the heavens that I have to hear the engine instead of the drivel when that happens!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by this_is_gav

There are 21 other drivers...

---

They really have no idea that's the case though. The most painful example was when they asked Ant a quick question about himself, then asked him 3 or 4 questions about Lewis :surprised:

Quote:

---

Brundle's an excellent support commentator, but he's let down by those around him.

---

Brundle either has the patience of a saint, or is just resigned to the fact that he's working with someone who has a layman's level of understanding. Every single race he has to correct James, explain things, and basically spell it out for him. It's fair enough up to a point, as Brundle should have a better understanding, but Allen tries to act like his equal and debates things with him. Just stoppit dammit ! He'd be fine if he just tried to commentate on what was happening and left the tech stuff to others, but he just won't.

I think a Euro1080 satellite feed might have to be looked into, with commentary from the radio or somewhere ! :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bigblue

Brundle either has the patience of a saint, or is just resigned to the fact that he's working with someone who has a layman's level of understanding.

---

There's an amusing point in the video of the Spa 1998 crash where Murray Walker literally starts gibbering and Brundle had to take over.

(Ok, Murray Walker gibbering isn't that far from his normal level :).)

P.S. I've noticed that Brundle is taking much more care these days to mention things that make it clear that he's spent some time in an F1 car and knows what he's talking about.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bigblue

I think a Euro1080 satellite feed might have to be looked into, with commentary from the radio or somewhere ! :)

---

No idea what one of those feeds are, but for the (stupidly crazy) European GP at the Nurburgring Murray was commentating on 5Live (David Croft's wife's baby was due on the race weekend).

I recorded both on my media PCs and overlayed the 5Live commentary onto the race coverage. Timing got a little slack towards the end of the race, but it worked out quite well. Watching the race live with Murray commentating, particularly on such a chaotic race, was just awesome. Obviously radio commentary takes a different technique to that of TV, but it was like he'd never been away. Made my day. :D

Best news I've heard is that Ralf is leaving Toyota and has said he will announce where he is going at the end of the season. He's also said that he won't move for money, but for the chance to help develop a team.

In other words, he knows nobody will pay his overinflated salary and he'll take what ever drive he can get!

Cheers,
Stephen

Bring back Bobby Charlton, thats what I say.

http://atlasf1.autosport.com/2000/dec20/horton1.jpg

My personal highlights were the Maclaren garage not giving a damn when Alonso span himself out of the race, Webbers live comment, Ferrari fights in the last few laps and hearing that Renault have offered Alonso his old job back :D:D