Sidepodcast

F1 Digest 2010 - Bahrain GP

• Length: 10:50 
• Size: 10.0 MB 
• File: digest151.mp3 
• Transcript: digest151.pdf 
• Torrent: digest151.torrent 

The final show of our F1 Digest Bahrain coverage looks at the race in detail, examines how the drivers feel after the event and recaps the results and championship standings.

The Race

Vettel got off to a good start but reliability issues handed the lead to Ferrari. Further back, only one of the new teams saw their drivers get to the end, and the number of retirements was high.

Team by Team

Alonso is very pleased to have picked up his first win for Ferrari, and dedicates it to Luca di Montezemolo. Meanwhile, a lot of drivers struggled with their tyres, whilst hydraulic issues seemed to be the in thing.

F1 Digest 2010 - Bahrain Qualifying

• Length: 13:24 
• Size: 12.3 MB 
• File: digest150.mp3 
• Transcript: digest150.pdf 
• Torrent: digest150.torrent 

Our second Digest episode for the Bahrain GP weekend takes a look at all three free practice sessions, plus a fabulous qualifying session. We compare the top ten to their teammates, and find out what the drivers think of their performance so far.

Free Practice

We saw the new teams struggle a little, particular poor Chandhok, whilst it really became clear that Rosberg was outshining Schumacher, and Ferrari and Red Bull were going to battle it out at the top.

Qualifying

Vettel was very strong as he posted his qualifying lap, whilst it was down to the Ferrari boys to try and challenge him. Webber could only manage 6th, and the McLaren drivers didn't fare as well as they'd hoped.

Team By Team

Most of the new teams are happy with their debut qualifying efforts, particularly Virgin who managed to get Glock the highest up the order. Chandhok's shakedown went successfully and he didn't get in anyone's way. Schumacher is satisfied with his comeback so far and Sutil celebrates being in the top ten.

F1 Digest 2010 - Bahrain Preview

• Length: 11:05 
• Size: 10.2 MB 
• File: digest149.mp3 
• Transcript: digest149.pdf 
• Torrent: digest149.torrent 

The Formula One season finally gets underway with Bahrain replacing Australia at the start. We've got all the information you need to know from weather to driver quotes and my own predictions.

Vital Statistics

• Date: 14th March
• Circuit: Bahrain International
• Length: 6.3km
• Laps: 49

Preview

In the first digest preview of 2010, we solicit opinions on the Bahrain circuit, recap what happened in 2009, and run through what each of the teams is hoping for from the weekend. Notably, Lotus aren't feeling that positive, whilst McLaren and Ferrari are both confident they can do well.

F1 Digest 2010 Season Preview - The Rules

• Length: 8:03 
• Size: 7.4 MB 
• File: digest148.mp3 
• Transcript: digest148.pdf 
• Torrent: digest148.torrent 

Our final Digest Season Preview show takes a closer look at the rules for 2010 - from the enormous changes, like a ban on refuelling, to the smaller things, like allowances for new driver testing. It's all in here, and combined with the other three shows, your perfect guide to the season about to start.

The Rules

Starting with the technical regulation changes, we discuss things such as the ban on refuelling, KERS and the engine and wing technical specs. Then we move on to more sporting aspects of the race, including the engine freeze, qualifying format and much, much more.

F1 Digest 2010 Season Preview - The Calendar

• Length: 16:35 
• Size: 15.2 MB 
• File: digest147.mp3 
• Transcript: digest147.pdf 
• Torrent: digest147.torrent 

This third episode of the 2010 Season Preview takes a closer look at the calendar, whisking you on a whirlwind tour around the globe to find out which circuits are going to present a challenge, and which we could live without.

The Calendar

We begin in Bahrain, which is a change from last year's season opener in Australia. Will the dusty circuit be able to provide a chaotic start to the year or will it be less than enthusiastic? Canada is back on the calendar this year, a supremely popular decision by Bernie, and we also have a brand new circuit to ogle in Korea.

Another change sees the European race move up the calendar quite a lot, whilst Abu Dhabi remains the season finale - clearly they learnt nothing from 2009.

F1 Digest 2010 Season Preview - The Teams

• Length: 21:28 
• Size: 19.7 MB 
• File: digest146.mp3 
• Transcript: digest146.pdf 
• Torrent: digest146.torrent 

In this second preview edition of F1 Digest we take a look through the entry list, focusing on the teams and their new cars. How have they performed in testing? What features are on the new machines? Who has a strong lineup? All that and more will get you ready for the season to come.

The Teams

From the non-existant teams such as US F1 and Campos to those who are determined to challenge for another championship - Ferrari, Red Bull and Mercedes. In some teams, the drivers overshadow the cars, but we spend plenty of time discussing front wings, sidepods and shark fin engine covers.

There are new liveries to discuss, and how the teams managed their launches, plus the relationship between teammates - those who have new faces to get to know, and those who are continuing with their fellow driver from 2009.

We also take a quick look at the battle between Virgin Racing and Lotus, from testing, reliability issues, air stewardess outfits and launches. Everything is going to be different this year, and it's going to be great.

F1 Digest 2010 Season Preview - The Drivers

• Length: 28:25 
• Size: 26.1 MB 
• File: digest145.mp3 
• Transcript: digest145.pdf 
• Torrent: digest145.torrent 

F1 Digest is back with your guide to everything you need to know for the 2010 season. In four preview shows, we'll look at teams, the calendar and the regulations, but we're starting with the expanded grid for this season - the drivers.

Class of 2010

It's all change for the upcoming season as the defending champion joins a new team with the champion before that, a popular former champion leaves the sport, and a controversial seven times world champion returns.

Further down the entry list, we have new teams galore, some with familiar faces, some introducing new (and delicious) faces. We even have two drivers who don't have teammates as yet, and are still uncertain as to whether they'll make the grid.

Finally, there are those who are remaining in place - a bit of consistency for both their teams, and for us as viewers. It's going to be a fascinating year from a driver perspective, and I can't wait.

F1 Digest 2009 - Abu Dhabi GP

• Length: 8:52 
• Size: 8.2 MB 
• File: digest144.mp3 
• Transcript: digest144.pdf 
• Torrent: digest144.torrent 

The final race of the year went out with a whimper rather than a bang, but most of the teams and drivers signed off the season with a race they enjoyed.

The Race

The start was interesting, Toro Rosso had a rather bizarre pitstop, and the last couple of laps were brilliant thanks to Button and Webber.

Team by Team

Red Bull are happy to have won the race, and will settle for second in the championship, whilst BMW are sad that this was their last race.

F1 Digest 2009 - Abu Dhabi Qualifying

• Length: 10:09 
• Size: 9.3 MB 
• File: digest143.mp3 
• Transcript: digest143.pdf 
• Torrent: digest143.torrent 

A slow start to the weekend meant we were hoping for action today. There was plenty to keep our eye on but the end result of qualifying was not exactly unexpected.

Free Practice 3

Just an hour of practice for the drivers to get to grips with the track before qualifying, and poor Alguersuari didn't get a chance to set a laptime.

Qualifying

It was clearly going to be a McLaren day as the team continued to dominate proceedings - but Kovalainen didn't have that much luck, and needs a gearbox change.

Team By Team

It looks like another track where qualifying is super duper important, and that means McLaren and Red Bull have a great start. Kovalainen, Force India and Renault will most likely struggle at the back of the grid.

F1 Digest 2009 - Abu Dhabi Free Practice

• Length: 8:34 
• Size: 7.9 MB 
• File: digest142.mp3 
• Transcript: digest142.pdf 
• Torrent: digest142.torrent 

The sessions got underway in Abu Dhabi with half in daylight and half under lights. McLaren showed the rest how it was done, whilst we marvelled at the stunning facilities.

Free Practice 1

FP1 was pretty quiet, considering how new and green the track was. I thought drivers would be keen to get out there and get to grips with conditions, but it wasn't a super busy session at all.

Free Practice 2

The quiet trend continued through the afternoon, although it was good to see the daylight slowly dwindle into darkness and how the drivers coped with the change.

Team by Team

McLaren were strong, as were Brawn and Red Bull, so that battle still seems to be continuing. Although the pressure is off, most involved would like to end the season on a high.