Sidepodcast

Circuit Cup - 2009 Winner, Spa

We reduced the length of the competition by several days, putting two matchups in some of the earlier heats, but it didn't make this Circuit Character Cup any less exciting. Spa-Francorchamps has emerged victorious of all the 2009 circuits (bar Abu Dhabi).

There was only one circuit it could face in the final, and that was Monaco, but the end result wasn't even close as Spa romped away to victory.

Some of the earlier heats were much less obvious, though, and it was a fascinating journey around the globe as we narrowed down the calendar to just one characterful circuit.

How did Spa do it?

It was the initial matchup to end all matchups - Spa and Silverstone meeting in the first round. As soon as the draw was made, the hype began, and we knew it would be a good one. As it turns out, it created some great conversations, but the eventual voting was not that close, and Spa took the victory by over 100 votes.

The Belgian track then had to face off the inaugural night race, but history won out over novelty, and Singapore was also consigned to its fate. A quick semi-final against Monza, and Spa sealed the victory to become the 2009 champion.

It's All About the Fans

We saw a few other tracks make it a fair way through the competition, with both Monza and Suzuka faring well at their respective ends of the matchups. Albert Park was also a popular destination, but the real surprise came in the form of the Hungaroring.

Having been mentioned on a Hungarian site, the polls were bombarded with some Hungarian votes. Whilst some were worried this would skew the competition beyond repair, it only threw the new Nurburgring out of the first round - not a huge loss, I'm sure you'll agree. Plus, it just goes to show how loyal fans can be. Bernie could learn a lot from this.

Statistical Evidence

• Total votes cast: 2,549
• Lowest voted poll: Suzuka v Albert Park (86)
• Highest voted poll: Hungaroring v Nurburgring (518)
• Closest vote: Monaco v Suzuka (11 votes)
• Largest split: Hungaroring v Nurburgring (272 votes)

Thank you to everyone who joined in the fun and took the time to vote. We had almost 1,000 more votes than last year, and that wasn't all on the Hungarian matchup. If you've got any ideas of future Cups we could run, then please feel free to leave them in the comments. Otherwise, we'll simply be looking forward to the race at Spa this year.

Daily: 4th June 2009

Welcome to the fourth day of the sixth month of 2009 - the 155th day of the year, with 210 to go before the year end. It was a relatively quiet day yesterday, the quiet before the Turkish storm, you might say. Here are some of the things on our minds:

• Talking of storms, it looks as though there could be some rain in Turkey today, but the rest of the weekend is due to be sunny. If this rain takes it's time getting to the track though, it could affect some of the early proceedings over the weekend. Keep your eyes peeled for the weather as we head towards Friday.
• The Backpacker is back, and her guide to F1 is gradually being updated. She's disappeared over the last month or so, but has plenty of insight into the last few races now.
• You voted in your droves but finally we have crowned the winner of the 2009 Sidepodcast Circuit Character Cup. Spa won the vote by an impressive 126 votes to Monaco's 30 - and was winning by a majority for most of the day, including the extra half hour as we forgot to close the polls. Nevertheless, we will crown the circuit soon, and look forward to the race there later in the year.

That'll do it for now. Your F1 Digest preview for Turkey is already up and waiting to be listened to, if you haven't already. As ever, I will see you in the comments.

Daily: 3rd June 2009

Wednesday already, and according to Wikipedia, it is also Dave Richards birthday. I guess he will be holding off any massive celebrations until next week, when the 2010 entrants are revealed. Happy birthday anyway, Mr Richards. Here are some of the things we're talking about today:

• Massa seems to think there's a chance he can get his fourth Turkish GP win in a row, albeit a tiny, tiny chance. Ferrari are seemingly faster than they were at the beginning of the season, but I'm not sure they are ready for wins yet, are they?
• Our F1 Big Picture Turkey build up begins, with a great picture of Sebastian Vettel a couple of years ago in the Toro Rosso. Red Bull also think they're in with a chance of some improved form in Turkey, but will anyway be able to get past the Brawn boys?
• It is your last chance to vote in the Circuit Cup, as we are now in the final - Spa vs Monaco. It was perhaps an obvious final from the outset but the route getting here was fun, and I can't wait to see who ends up victorious.

That'll keep you going for now. I have just had to renew the Skype number and voicemail box, so don't forget to call in your thoughts, ideas, predictions on 0121 28 TRACK. Can't wait to hear from you and I'll see you in the comments.

Circuit Character Cup - The Final - Spa vs. Monaco

Here we are then - the moment we have all been building up to. This may have been the final that anyone could have predicted from the beginning of the cup, but both tracks have come on quite a journey to make their way to this last round. Who will be victorious and claim the 2009 Sidepodcast Circuit Character title? (There's no trophy.)

Spa vs. Monaco

Spa has fought past several heavyweights throughout this competition, seeing off Silverstone in the first round and Singapore in the second. It has led the way through the top half of the matchups. Monaco had an easy first round, but faced off the challenge of the mighty Hungaroring to make it's way to the final. Make your vote count!

Daily: 2nd June 2009

And there it was gone. The first day of the new month has passed us by already, and we are well on our way to the Turkish Grand Prix weekend. It was a much quieter news day yesterday, with the only revelations being teams not signing up for next year. Here are some of the things we're talking about instead:

• The Best of Sidepodpanel Series 2 was published yesterday, full of hilarious snippets from the six shows transmitted so far this year. You can also enjoy a compilation of Series 1 as well, which was published on Sunday, in case you missed it. I highly recommend them both, and if you fancy even more panelling, the links to the full shows are in the show notes of each.
• Gavin has finally launched his new blog. He's been talking about it for a while, dropping hints here and there, but now we can all catch up on the blog - Making Up the Numbers. So far I have only briefly perused it, but I've already seen a couple of interesting graphs, so it's definitely going to be one to keep an eye on.
• Finally, don't forget to make your vote count in the second, and last, semi-final of the 2009 Circuit Character Cup. This time we're pitting Suzuka against Monaco, and it's surprisingly closer than I thought at this early stage in proceedings. The poll closes at 9pm, and there'll be a 30 minute delay while we organise the final. By then we'll know who will face Spa in the final.

That's all for now. It's still rather hot in the UK, and opinions differ on whether this is bliss or a little on the oppressive side. Stick with Sidepodcast though, as we're always a blessed relief! I'll see you in the comments.

Circuit Character Cup - Semi Final - Suzuka vs. Monaco

Our next semi-final pits the "glitz and glamour" of Monaco, against the unique figure of eight at Suzuka. The winner of this matchup will join Spa in the final.

Suzuka vs. Monaco

Suzuka has made it past two relatively easy tracks, although Albert Park put up more of a fight than Barcelona did. Now it meets it's first real heavyweight of a track in the principality of Monaco. The street circuit itself has fought past Bahrain and the Hungaroring - which is more of a feat than we'd anticipated it to be. Who will be victorious and make it to the final?

Circuit Character Cup - Semi Final - Monza vs. Spa

We're into the semi-finals now, pitting the circuits against each other for a place in the very last matchup of the cup, and that means we're down to one heat in each post. Today we're voting between two European tracks, and I think it might be a tough one.

Monza vs. Spa

Monza has easily seen off competition from Shanghai and Interlagos, but now faces perhaps it's toughest competitor yet. Spa has proved to be popular throughout the competition, even against it's first round opponent - Silverstone. So far, the Belgium track has enjoyed a larger margin over the losing circuits than Monza has, but this could be the matchup that changes all that.

Circuit Character Cup - Round 2 - Suzuka, Albert Park, Hungaroring, Monaco

Our final set of tracks for round two go head to head today, to fight for a place in the semi finals tomorrow. The winners of these two heats will face each other for a chance to fight for the coveted title: Sidepodcast's Circuit Character Cup Winner 2009. Catchy, eh?

Suzuka vs. Albert Park

Suzuka well and truly trounced Barcelona in the first round, gathering over 100 more votes than the ever-present test track. Albert Park's initial battle was slightly closer, but Istanbul was soon knocked out of the competition. How will the two fare against each other?

Hungaroring vs. Monaco

Hungaroring was heading for a certain exit until the fans came in their droves to vote their circuit above the Nurburgring. The track scored a whopping 400 votes. However, Monaco overcame Bahrain with a slightly less, but very similar, margin. Can it face up to the unlikely challenge of the 'Ring?

Circuit Character Cup - Round 2 - Monza, Interlagos, Spa, Singapore

It is time for us to head straight into round 2, otherwise known as the quarter-finals. We're continuing the double matchup per post until the semi finals, meaning all those going through will be decided over the course of the weekend. Let's get straight into the voting.

Monza vs. Interlagos

Monza beat off the competition in the first round by a huge margin - 119 to Shanghai's 11. So did Interlagos, who faced off against the unpopular Valencia. Now, the Italian track meets the long-time season closer Brazil. I have no inkling how this one might go, so get voting and I can find out!

Spa vs. Singapore

We all thought the first round competition between Spa and Silverstone would be huge, but in fact, Spa beat the British track fairly easily. Having faced off such a heavyweight, the Belgium track now takes on the streets of Singapore, which still seems to be riding on it's night race novelty.

Daily: 29th May 2009

The end of the week is upon us, and so, almost is the end of May. I'm not entirely sure where the year is going - I'm convinced someone  is stealing it but I have no proof. Anyway, here are some of the things we're talking about:

• FOTA have come up with their plan to present to the FIA, and if looks are anything to go by, the governing body might just be agreeable to it. We reach the deadline today, so something really needs to be sorted out as soon as possible, or we may see some of our teams not making next year's championship simply because it will be a case of first come, first served.
• It's the final heat of the first round in the Circuit Cup and that can only mean one thing - voting time again. These final matchups will see the fate of Monaco and Nurburgring decided, and it's in your hands. Head on over and make your voice heard.
• If you haven't visited in a while, head on over to F1 Big Picture. Yesterday's image depicts a flying Vettel at Monza in celebration of his Lorenzo Bandini award win. He'll be picking up the trophy on Sunday, in the style of Kubica (ie. driving 12km in an F1 car - madness).

That'll do for now. As we are rushing headlong into the weekend, let us know if you have any exciting plans, and equally let us know if you don't. I will see you in the comments.