F1 » FIA paves way for single F1 engine supply.

@Win-it-or-Bin-it - comment noted - but nowadays, the spectator - particularly the TV viewer is the sponsor's main concern. If enough negative feedback is generated through market research etc, then pressure WILL be applied through the purse-strings - where it hurts. Of more concern to the FIA/FOM should be the cancelling of the French GP - if the present economic climate continues, as most expect it will, then the Far East will be particularly hard hit - it will be little surprise if a repeat happens there - the organisers are astute enough to use this reason as a lever to reduce the "asking price" from Bernie Ecclestone. But I'll be watching tonight (0100) just like the sheep - baaaaaaa

F1 » FIA paves way for single F1 engine supply.

All this will do is to stagnate development, and, as stated everywhere, drive the manufacturers away - which might just be the underlying aim of the FIA (particulalrly following their almost universal condemnation of Mosley's behaviour). But, as ever, the consideration for the enthusiast is given absolutely zero priority.

F1 » FIA paves way for single F1 engine supply.

Once upon a time there were V8's (Cosworth, Repco), V12's (Ferrari, BRM, Maserati) and even H-16's (BRM). OK - the H-16 didn't work (more due to design application rather than the actual concept - torsion bars rather than fully floating gears to link the crankshafts). But the point was that there was the opportunity for design iniative. Nowadays, teams spend millions for that final 0.01% - as McLaren tacitly acknowledged - their engine team is now concentrated on maximising every component in the engine - with the stratospheric costs implied. If you want to cut costs - allow designers freer reign to innovate - or bring back turbos - the cheapest way to produce power after all. cont'd

F1 » Alonso: No F1 driver wants Hamilton to win.

This is nothing new - even at Minardi, if he was outqualified by his team mate (which did happen on a couple of occasions), you saw the inability to cope - and remember Pat Symonds remarked as such only recently (last year). It's just his character showing through - not a very pleasant trait, sadly.

F1 » Heidfeld wants permanent F1 race steward.

Further to Calvin's comment - Alan Donnelly's clients include one Ferrari. If that isn't a conflict of interest I'd like to know what is...But logically a permanent steward, or even better a permanent team of professional stewards are really essential if transgressions are to be judged professionally. And this IS a professional sport after all.

F1 » F1 rivals round on under-fire Hamilton.

It's all mind games as yzfstu stated - LH should ignore them and let his driving talk for him. But take counsel from those who have offered sound advice (such as JYS). Coming into a top-line team from the start inevitably makes those who aren't so fortunate a tad jealous.

F1 » Bourdais Fuji penalty against FIA advice.

Another thought comes to mind - I recall quite a few people (myself included) wondering last year after the case against them was settled, just how McLaren would be treated this year by the authorities. I guess we're seeing the answer to that question.....

F1 » Bourdais Fuji penalty against FIA advice.

Sadly I feel that the Stewards at all the GP's post-Spa will be adopting, whether sub-consciously or not, a higher profile than is usual. It's been impossible to ignore all the coverage in the media, and this must affect their judgement and inclination to "get involved", whatever their background or integrity (or lack of).

F1 » Hamilton's move 'arrogant', admits Stewart.

Sir JYS was quite correct - and it is an indication of a true SUPPORTER, rather than just a "Yes-Man" that he will criticise, when necessary, rather than just sucking up and telling LH that he's always right. Hamilton needs people like JYS counselling him right now. And remember that a certain MS, before he won his first Ferrari championship messed up several years in a row at the final 'hurdle' - so why don't we all - supporters and detractors alike - cut him a little slack. He's there doing it. We couldn't even come close.

F1 » Irvine: 'Cr*p' Fuji 'worst place to have a GP'.

As ever, 'yer man' is on the button. But as I recall, Barry, only Ecclestone was ex Brabham - Mosley was one of the founders of March.