PreSeason WarmUps

Well where to begin.
First I apologize for my lack of posting, I hope to rectify that as more things happen as the season gets closer to starting and after.
There have been a lot of goings on up and down the paddock over the past few months.

First of course are they primary rule changes, including the aerodynamic regressions, slick tires, and the KERS system.

I am against the new aerodynamic regulations, I feel they make the cars look like Indy cars, aka not nearly as good, or as elegant as they were before. I had no issue with the banning of the extra winglets, but the smaller rear wing looks rediculous.

The KERS (Kinetic Energy Reserve System) should provide some interesting moments during the races, maybe add some more passing or even a higher top end for the cars.Along with the slick tires it should make for an interesting race regardless of the new aero regs.

The boys in Maranello launched the F60, this years F1 car. Things seem to have gone pretty well with the recent tests, although there was one break-down at the Sakhir test, but I'd rather it happen there then in a Grand Prix environment.

I haven't heard any real comparisons between the F60 and the competition, so we will just have to wait until Melbourne in a few weeks.

One of the biggest stories was the announcement of an American F1 team to debut in 2010. Well I knew it was coming somehow, but I just hope they aren't planning to come in and win at everything, which is our typical mentality.

The team is to be headed by Peter Windsor (those of you who watch SPEEDTV's F1 coverage will be familiar with him), and Ken Anderson. They've been around the sport a long while, but it will be difficult starting out.

Though I am a happily American man, my loyalties rest with the Cavallino.

Events Around The Rising Sun

As you may or may not know, the 2008 Japanese Grand Prix was last weekend. I have to admit it was a thoroughly entertaining race. There were a number of highlights, my favorite of which was Felipe Massa showing Lewis Hamilton the door and spinning him out on the first lap. While Massa was hit with a drive through, I think it did a lot to show that Massa is'nt going to be a pushover these last two races, plus it had the advantage of keeping Hamilton out of the points and Massa gaining 2. Always a good thing.

Another good/smart thing was that Ferrari went back to the "lollipop" pit-release system. Thank God.
I have no problem with the light-system they had used, but it clearly wasn't ready to make a Grand Prix debut, Massa's pulling off with the fuel hose in Singapore was evidence enough. If you're going to try something new, keep it in the practice sessions unless you know that it WILL NOT cost you in the race.


I have also just been informed that, though I can not say I've been a fan of Alonso, he has announced that he will try and help Ferrari bring down Hamilton. This is good news, not that we could'nt hande it ourselves, it is always nice to have friends down the pit-lane. Here's what he actually said, ""Yes, without doubt. If I can help, I will help Massa," the double world champion told Spanish newspapers after Sunday's victory in Japan." Credit Yahoo for story.

Now there is a single extremeley sour note to this grand prix. For reasons unannounced, Bernie Ecclestone decided to eliminate Canada from the 2009 race schedule. According to the SPEED coverage of the Japanese GP Qualifying, this will be the first time a Formula 1 race hasn't been contested in North America since 1956(?). Montreal has stated that this will total to around $75million in local economic loss from the absence of the grand prix.

Yahoo went so far as to say "Race organisers had no idea the event would be removed from the calendar, and the official website is still advertising tickets for next year."

First the USGP and now Canada. Unfortunately my family can't afford a trip abroad. This is truly a sad day for all of us in North America.

The 4-1-1

Okay folks, many of you who may know me will also know that I love Ferrari and Formula One, and now my passion for the sport and Scuderia has spilled over into the blogosphere. As you can probably guess that is what this blog is and will-be dedicated to. I will still operate my other blog which will still serve as my place to vent and talk about all of the random things I take interest in.

This is the first post and the blog is far from reaching a stage, layout and otherwise, to where I'll be satisfied; as my friends and readers know my tastes are often subject to my mood and other variables, which tend to change. Alot.

As this blog is dedicated to the most successful and professional of all the F1 teams I can only hope that my own professionalism will follow suit, and that my limited experience as a journalist may provide some insight into the vast vast realm of Ferrari, Formula One, and all other combinations thereof.

As professionalism dictates I do have to put this in here to save my own butt.
I do not claim the titles, logos, pictures (unless otherwise stated) on this site. Notably: Ferrari, Formula One, F1, F1 Grand Prix, FIA Formula One World Championship, and the many others wich are bound to come up within this blog. All of these names are property of their respective owners and are respected as such.


I will try to update on a weekly basis, maybe slightly more, maybe slightly less, depending on current news and happenings within the sport and my own schedule. Thus I ask your patience and consideration, and would extend a premature thanks for reading.

I can only hope that this might bring others to the sport so that their lives may be as positively influenced as mine has. Even if it is just a single, solitary person, I can rest knowing that I have made someones life just that little bit better.