Crown

Board: Motor Sports Language: English Region: Worldwide Share/Save/Bookmark Close

Forum - Thread


    2009 Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix

    The last race of the 17 race 2009 F1 season is here. A spectacular new facility at Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi (in the United Arab Emirates). Unfortunately, the 2009 drivers' championship and the constructors' championship have already been decided so nothing hinges on this race.

    I also find it slightly unusual that this race is entitled the 'Abu Dhabi' Grand Prix. Abu Dhabi is an emirate within the UAE (i.e. a semi-autonomous state ruled by the Emir and the Abu Dhabi Government within the federal nation of the UAE of which the city of Abu Dhabi is the capital). It is rather like having a Californian GP, a New South Wales GP or an Ontario GP. Usually, Grand Prix races are held by a country or on a continent (e.g. European GP). Monaco and Singapore are sovereign city states that are not part of a federal nation. But I guess, since Abu Dhabi alone is paying the USD 100 million price tag to Bernie Ecclestone, then it gets its name on the race. Smiley

    The only thing that matters now is that those drivers who don't yet have a race seat for 2010 will want to use this opportunity to talk to the key people in other teams in order to find something for next year.

    Meanwhile, IMO I think victory has gone to Jenson's head:

    http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8315844.stm

    No doubt, he is a very good driver when provided with a quick car (that is set up exactly to his liking). As we know, when the car ran well, he capitalised to the max. But when the car wasn't right, he really struggled. Truly great drivers can muscle a bad car around a circuit and still extract something from it.

    It is much more likely than not IMO that Brawn may never again hold such a huge performance advantage in the first half of a F1 season. As we know, it happened due to the massive rules changes from 2008 to 2009 and the fact that other teams didn't develop the double decker diffuser technology. The rules changes from 2009 to 2010 are not so far-reaching. As such, repeating this achievement is going to be very hard - probably impossible.

    Already, we can see that Brawn no longer has the fastest car at the end of the 2009 F1 season. At various points in the 2nd half of the 2009 F1 season, Red Bull and McLaren have stood out - depending on the circuit, track temperatures and weather conditions.

    Personally, I wish Jenson well but I expect a return to dominance by Ferrari and McLaren with Red Bull remaining very competitive.

    Next year, I expect a seriously tough battle between Ferrari (Alonso and Massa), McLaren (Hamilton) and Red Bull (Vettel). Somehow, I expect to be listening to the Spanish and Italian national anthems a lot next season Smiley

    Williams, Toyota, Renault, Brawn IMO will simply be in the midfield.

    I expect Force India (not because of lack of speed but because of their drivers), Toro Rosso plus the new entrants to F1 in 2010 to all be at the back of the grid.


    --
     

    Rennteam Moderator - 997.1 Carrera S Coupe GT Silver/Cocoa, -20mm/LSD, PSE, SportDesign rims, Zuffenhausen collection


    Re: 2009 Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix

    Jenson's quote from that article....

    "I'm not that expensive compared to some drivers... I'm not one of these drivers that's going to be looking for a new team who can pay me a lot of money."

    Button, who was forced to take a pay cut of £5m down to £3m in order to race with Brawn, said it was always the intention to wait until the end of the team's debut F1 season before discussing a new deal.

    "We've been waiting until now to discuss the future. It's the perfect thing to do," stated Button.

    Seems to me he's already waited too long anyway, if he wants more money?

    What other decent drives are still available for next season if he decides against Brawn?  Smiley

     

     


    --

    "Things turn out best for people who make the best of the way things turn out."


    Re: 2009 Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix

    I agree that waiting to get more money out of Brawn was a futile strategy except for 1 factor - he wasn't world champion earlier in the season. But now that he is, even Brawn know they have to pay him some more. Nick Fry said this on Sunday during a TV interview.

    But overall, you're right. Jenson cashed in with a £8m annual salary with BAR Honda and then Honda. He already has plenty of money in the bank. Looking at this cynically and in hindsight, one might say that the £5m pay cut was the price he had to pay to (1) stay in F1 in a team that nearly folded when Honda withdrew from F1 last year, and (2) win the Driver's title.

    Both he and BrawnGP are now regarded very differently to when they were struggling for survival during the first few months of 2009. Personally, he and they should have some reward for their collective risk taking!


    --

    Rennteam Moderator - 997.1 Carrera S Coupe GT Silver/Cocoa, -20mm/LSD, PSE, SportDesign rims, Zuffenhausen collection


    Re: 2009 Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix

     

    Isn't the Ferrari vs. McLaren constructors title still undecided?


    Re: 2009 Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix

    No, Brawn-Mercedes won it this year in Brazil.


    --

    Rennteam Moderator - 997.1 Carrera S Coupe GT Silver/Cocoa, -20mm/LSD, PSE, SportDesign rims, Zuffenhausen collection


    Re: 2009 Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix

    easy_rider911:

    No, Brawn-Mercedes won it this year in Brazil.

     Yes, I know that, Red Bull is second, but whether McLaren beats Ferrari is still open IMHO.


    Re: 2009 Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix

    Sure, they are still fighting for 3rd place. McLaren has 71 points and Ferrari has 70 points so that position in the constructor's table is still up for grabs

    Sorry, when you mentioned contructor's 'title', I assumed something else!


    --

    Rennteam Moderator - 997.1 Carrera S Coupe GT Silver/Cocoa, -20mm/LSD, PSE, SportDesign rims, Zuffenhausen collection


    Re: 2009 Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix

    Brawn should benefit from increased sponsorship next season.

    BTW - what's happened to Richard Branson..... he's been conspicuous by his absence of late. 

     


    --

    "Things turn out best for people who make the best of the way things turn out."


    Re: 2009 Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix

    I think he just wanted to cash in on Brawn's early success. But he doesn't want to spend what it takes to sponsor a F1 team. Plus, the airline industry is struggling badly so it doesn't surprise me.

    It makes you wonder though - Branson won't pay the USD 35-65 million it takes but he wants to launch Virgin Galactic!! It's just a publicity stunt


    --
     

    Rennteam Moderator - 997.1 Carrera S Coupe GT Silver/Cocoa, -20mm/LSD, PSE, SportDesign rims, Zuffenhausen collection


    Re: 2009 Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix

    Eunice:

     

    Isn't the Ferrari vs. McLaren constructors title still undecided?


    Does anyone really care? Smiley

    (Apart from the team members concerned whose bonuses might be influenced by the ranking)?


    --

    fritz


    Re: 2009 Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix

    Actually, it matters to the teams too - because their position in the constructors' championship decides their share of the money Bernie Ecclestone has to pay them at the end of the season.


    --

    Rennteam Moderator - 997.1 Carrera S Coupe GT Silver/Cocoa, -20mm/LSD, PSE, SportDesign rims, Zuffenhausen collection


    Re: 2009 Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix

    John H:

    BTW - what's happened to Richard Branson..... he's been conspicuous by his absence of late. 

     

    He will back Manor Grand Prix, the new team for 2010. Deal will be anounced in Abu Dhabi.


    --
    It's not where you're going, it's how you get there that counts

    Re: 2009 Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix

    Kamui Kobayashi will get the chance to race for Toyota again this season. He is filling in for Timo Glock:

    http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8327975.stm

     


    --
     

    RT Moderator - 997.1 Carrera S GT Silver/Cocoa, -20mm/LSD, PSE, short shifter, SportDesign rims, Zuffenhausen collection


    Re: 2009 Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix

    I'm happy for Kobayashi - it will give him another opportunity to shine as in Brazil!


    --



    Re: 2009 Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix

    Hamilton on top in first practice.

    planetf1.com/story/0,18954,3213_5660885,00.html

     


    Re: 2009 Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix

    Great video form Abu Dhabi:


    --

    10 PRINT "997.2 Carrera S rules"

    20 GOTO 10

    30 RUN


    Re: 2009 Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix

    Thanks Temm!

    Smiley


    Re: 2009 Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix

    McLaren 1 & 2 in second practice...

    http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8333652.stm


    --

    "Things turn out best for people who make the best of the way things turn out."


    Re: 2009 Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix

    so what's the driver's opinion on the new circuit ? do they like it ?


    --


    Re: 2009 Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix

    On the whole the answer seems to be yes..

    There are some concerns about the pit exit and Jackie Stewart has found a couple of safety niggles.

     


    --

    "Things turn out best for people who make the best of the way things turn out."


    Re: 2009 Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix

    I would like to see McLaren take 3rd in the Constructors.

    I do wonder if their decision to keep developing the MP4-24 will come back to haunt them in regards to next years car. I would like to see a strong three or four way battle next year with McLaren, Ferrari, Red Bull and perhaps Brawn.


    Re: 2009 Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix

    so funny :)

    imho trully made the mistake

    in italian


    --
    Dedi La vita è troppo corta per non guidare italiano.....


    Re: 2009 Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix

    Qualification results:

    http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/results/7921070.stm

    1. Lewis Hamilton, McLaren, 658.5kg
    2. Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull, 663
    3. Mark Webber, Red Bull, 660
    4. Rubens Barrichello, Brawn GP, 655
    5. Jenson Button, Brawn GP, 657
    6. Jarno Trulli, Toyota, 661
    7. Robert Kubica, BMW Sauber, 654.5
    8. Nick Heidfeld, BMW Sauber, 664
    9. Nico Rosberg, Williams, 665
    10. Sebastien Buemi, Toro Rosso, 661.5
    11. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari, 692
    12. Kamui Kobayashi, Toyota, 694.3
    13. Heikki Kovalainen, McLaren, 697
    14. Kazuki Nakajima, Williams, 704
    15. Jaime Alguersuari, Toro Rosso, 696.5
    16. Fernando Alonso, Renault, 708.3
    17. Vitantonio Liuzzi, Force India, 695
    18. Adrian Sutil, Force India, 696
    19. Romain Grosjean, Renault, 710.8
    20. Giancarlo Fisichella, Ferrari, 692.5

    http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2009/10/10174.html

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/f1mole/2009/10/bbc-sports-fueladjusted-abu-dh.html


    This is BBC Sport's fuel-adjusted Abu Dhabi Grand Prix grid, with projected first pit stops:

    1 Lewis Hamilton (lap 17)
    2 Sebastian Vettel +0.496secs (lap 19)
    3 Mark Webber +0.721 (lap 18)
    4 Jarno Trulli +0.854 (lap 18)
    5 Rubens Barrichello +0.971 (lap 16)
    6 Jenson Button +1.001 (lap 17)
    7 Nick Heidfeld +1.186 (lap 19)
    8 Robert Kubica +1.196 (lap 15)
    9 Nico Rosberg +1.388 (lap 19)
    10 Sebastien Buemi +1.651 (lap 18)

     

    --

    RT Moderator - 997.1 Carrera S GT Silver/Cocoa, -20mm/LSD, PSE, short shifter, SportDesign rims, Zuffenhausen collection


    Re: 2009 Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix

     Hamilton is looking very strong for the race.  


    Re: 2009 Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix

    917962:

     Hamilton is looking very strong for the race.  

     Yes he is, and the McLaren fuel consumption is consistently lower than predicted.

    I root for Vettel though Smiley


    Re: 2009 Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix

    Eunice:
    917962:

     Hamilton is looking very strong for the race.  

     Yes he is, and the McLaren fuel consumption is consistently lower than predicted.

    I root for Vettel though Smiley

    me too gooooooooo Vettel Smiley


    --

    indeed shifting is ancient technology - so is a fuel burning engine..  I happen to like both :) 
    _____________________________________________________________________
    1986 BMW 325e 5spd 2.7L 121 hp (172 lb·ft) Le Mans Blau on Tan leather.
    1986 BMW 325is 5spd 2.5L 168 hp (164 lb-ft) White on Tan leather (parted out) 
    2005 Ford Focus S, 5spd 2.0L 136 hp (120lb-ft) CD silver on grey (sold)
    1986 Porsche 944, 5spd 2.5L 150 hp (168lb-ft) champagne gold on grown leather. (sold)


    Re: 2009 Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix

     Another very good race to get a nap... sooooo boring!!! 


    --
    ALL PORSCHE ARE REAL PORSCHE!!!

    Re: 2009 Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix

    Amazing facilities at the new Yas Marina circuit - I love the way the Yas Hotel looks and how it bestrides the track.

    I thought it was a good race. Vettel was in a class of his own and would have beaten Hamilton anyway even if Hamilton had not retired due to a brake problem.

    I enjoyed the fight between Button and Webber at the end - cool wheel to wheel stuff. Great driving by them.

    Kobayashi outperformed Trulli in his second race - Trulli must be feeling pretty embarrassed right now. I hope Kamui gets a contract for 2010. He has potential IMO.


    --


    1257036869571easy_rider911 signature with text.jpg

    RT Moderator - 997.1 Carrera S GT Silver/Cocoa, -20mm/LSD, PSE, short shifter, SportDesign rims, Zuffenhausen collection


    Re: 2009 Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix

    Kobayashi is definitely one to watch for the future....and Sato will be back next year - I always thought he was better than his results to date!

    Only 133 days to go to the start of next season..

     


    --

    "Things turn out best for people who make the best of the way things turn out."



     
    Edit

    Forum

    Board Subject Last post Rating Views Replies
    Porsche Sticky SUN'S LAST RUN TO WILSON, WY - 991 C2S CAB LIFE, END OF AN ERA (Part II) 3/29/24 1:47 PM
    Enmanuel
    691051 1781
    Porsche Sticky Welcome to Rennteam: Cars and Coffee... (photos) 2/19/24 11:51 PM
    Wonderbar
    410173 564
    Porsche Sticky OFFICIAL: Cayman GT4 RS (2021) 5/12/23 12:11 PM
    W8MM
    256222 288
    Porsche Sticky OFFICIAL: Porsche 911 (992) GT3 RS - 2022 3/12/24 8:28 AM
    DJM48
    235417 323
    Porsche Sticky The new Macan: the first all-electric SUV from Porsche 1/30/24 9:18 AM
    RCA
    65746 45
    Porsche Sticky OFFICIAL: Taycan 2024 Facelift 3/15/24 1:23 PM
    CGX car nut
    4744 50
    Porsche The moment I've been waiting for... 2/1/24 7:01 PM
    Pilot
     
     
     
     
     
    858820 1364
    Porsche 992 GT3 7/23/23 7:01 PM
    Grant
    775122 3868
    Porsche OFFICIAL: New Porsche 911 Turbo S (2020) 4/6/23 7:43 AM
    crayphile
    448614 1276
    Porsche Welcome to the new Taycan Forum! 2/10/24 4:43 PM
    nberry
    379719 1526
    Porsche GT4RS 2/22/24 5:16 AM
    tso
    366266 1424
    Porsche Donor vehicle for Singer Vehicle Design 7/3/23 12:30 PM
    Porker
    361355 797
    Others Tesla 2 the new thread 12/13/23 2:48 PM
    CGX car nut
    355324 2401
    Lambo Aventador and SV 3/30/23 1:59 PM
    CGX car nut
    279961 724
    Ferrari Ferrari 812 Superfast 4/21/23 8:09 AM
    the-missile
    276335 550
    Porsche Red Nipples 991.2 GT3 Touring on tour 3/14/24 8:55 PM
    blueflame
    273018 658
    Porsche Collected my 997 GTS today 10/19/23 7:06 PM
    CGX car nut
     
     
     
     
     
    248448 812
    Lambo Huracán EVO STO 7/30/23 6:59 PM
    mcdelaug
    225474 346
    Others Corvette C8 10/16/23 3:24 PM
    Enmanuel
    218269 488
    Lotus Lotus Emira 6/25/23 2:53 PM
    Enmanuel
    197246 101
    Others Gordon Murray - T.50 11/22/23 10:27 AM
    mcdelaug
    155590 387
    Porsche Back to basics - 996 GT3 RS 6/11/23 5:13 PM
    CGX car nut
    127146 144
    Ferrari [2022] Ferrari Purosangue (SUV) 4/15/23 5:20 AM
    watt
    120719 141
    BMW M 2024 BMW M3 CS Official Now 12/29/23 9:04 AM
    RCA
    106165 303
    Motor Sp. 2023 Formula One 12/19/23 5:38 AM
    WhoopsyM
    102639 685
    Others Valkyrie final design? 4/28/23 2:45 AM
    Rossi
    97780 219
    Porsche 2022 992 Safari Model 3/7/24 4:22 PM
    WhoopsyM
    81184 239
    AMG Mercedes-Benz W124 500E aka Porsche typ 2758 2/23/24 10:03 PM
    blueflame
    74462 297
    Porsche 992 GT3 RS 3/3/24 7:22 PM
    WhoopsyM
    52269 314
    Motor Sp. Porsche 963 3/16/24 9:27 PM
    WhoopsyM
    23118 237
    132 items found, displaying 1 to 30.