On this week's non-race F1 Debrief, we take a look at the FIA elections, the possibility of an even greener F1 in the future, and preview the next Grand Prix at Abu Dhabi.
Intro
It's been so long since we've done a non-race Debrief, we might have forgotten how to do it!
Good Week / Bad Week
It's been a good week for Abu Dhabi as they've sold out, but a bad week for Donington who seem to be running out of time... maybe.
News and Views
We take a look at how the various members of Brawn GP celebrated their championship success, plus a quick glimpse at the future of the FIA now that Jean Todt is in charge. We also preview the upcoming Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Feedback
A couple of voicemails and emails, looking back at the Japanese Grand Prix controversy, some issues with downloading shows, and a new blogger joins the ranks.
Housekeeping
Two exciting bits of housekeeping including our first ever Sidepodcompetition, and the fact that Sidepodcast version 3.0 is beginning to take shape.
Linkage
It was a quiet day on Sidepodcast yesterday as we were (and are still) in the process of moving furniture about. There was some racing in the evening though, so plenty to keep you all occupied. Meanwhile, here are some of the things we're keeping an eye on:
- Something to make Mr C happy, Takuma Sato is keeping his fingers crossed he can get a seat in Formula One next year, and with the expanded grid, it could be a possibility. He said that he has unfinished business in the sport and is talking with teams, but if he doesn't get a seat in F1, he'll look at another category of motorsport instead.
- Bernie Ecclestone has swung the pendulum on the Donington debate again. Despite giving the circuit extension after extension on the deadline to confirm plans are in place, Bernie has admitted that it really doesn't seem likely the race can go ahead there - even if they come up with the required money.
- Massa is all set to go for his test in the F2007 on Monday, after passing some pretty stringent medical tests this weekend. He also learned that his eye has fully healed after the damage at the Hungarian GP, which is fabulous news and let's hope he does okay behind the wheel again.
That's all for now. The comments will probably still be light from Mr C and myself for today, but we are still around if you need us, and we'll be back to regularly scheduled commenting as soon as possible.
Today is apparently National Literacy Day, so... why not read a book, or something? Anyway, useless fact of the day out the way, here are some of the things we're talking about at the moment.
- Liuzzi finally has the second chance he's been looking for, with his confirmation as Fisi's replacement at Force India. The universal opinion on Sidepodcast appears to be a resounding: yay! So, let's hope Liuzzi can live up to his potential.
- The ongoing Donington saga continues, with Simon Gillett continuing to assert that plans are on schedule for the track to be ready. The quote: "Donington has moved forward an awful lot and we are really comfortable." I feel better, don't you?
- James has written a great silly season starter, with the six drivers we know have contracts, and a lot of speculation about the rest. It took me by surprise to note there are 20 seats without a driver at the moment. 20!! We have some fun and games ahead of us.
That'll do it for now. As ever, you can use this thread for any topics you want to talk about, but if there is some F1 news that requires a breakout thread, let us know and we'll get one started. I'll see you in the comments.
We are into Sunday now, and Mr C and I are recovering from our afternoon at Giggles' house. There is plenty to look at on the live streaming playground, if you missed any of the fun. We were still investigating the Qik possibilities and there's still a lot to be learnt.
- Meanwhile, Silverstone are trying to pile on the pressure to Donington by suggesting there are just a few weeks to confirm the event on next year's calendar. Damon Hill has already admitted he is watching Gillett's progress carefully as he wants the race back. Either way, I hope the British GP continues.
- BMW have released their preview quotes for the European Grand Prix, and Theissen says that the team will keep on developing. Presumably getting some results will be one of the best ways to interest a potential buyer or saviour for the team.
- Finally, Mr Todt has been speaking out about his potential employment with the FIA and is adamant that his former allegiance to Ferrari won't have any affect on his decisions. He says he will be fair to all teams. When have the FIA ever been like that though?
That'll do for now. Let us know what you are doing with your Sunday, and whether you are live streaming your life like we all are! I'll see you in the comments.
This past weekend we went to the British GP for all three days and had an amazing time. It was action packed both on and off the track and this bumper show is packed full of our experiences there.
Intro
The show is late because the British GP was brilliant and exhausting.
Good Week / Bad Week
Good week for Teams and Coulthard (although McLaren may not see it that way), and a bad week for Dutch courts and the independents.
News and Views
We talk about David Coulthard's decision to quit, who will replace him and what he will do now. Discussions take place regarding the Silverstone vs. Donington debate, and that's not the last you'll hear of it this show.
British GP
All about our weekend away, including not wanting the programme, a beautiful moment at Copse, the Batman livery, and the Pub Quiz. We also discuss the merits of Murray Walker and Anthony Davidson, name drop as much as we can, and discuss life in a tent. Oh yea, and we talk about the race as well.
Feedback
Just one email from Keith telling us that he's looked at Go Motorsport and will be marshalling very soon.
Linkage
During May of this year, we turned up for the inaugural GPlive event at Donington Park. Although there were a few organisational drawbacks and a lack of motivation about the event, there was still loads to see and film.
Where else could you get to see all those beautiful old machines flying round the track, as if they were actually racing again? Where else would you find two generations of Brundle interviewing two legendary drivers?
Better late than never, it's Sidepodcast at Donington Park. Technically this video should have debuted before the start of the F1 season, but other events kind of took over.
Sidepodcast visits Donington Park to see the largest collection of Grand Prix racing cars in the world, and to find out what the new owners, Donington Ventures Leisure Ltd, have taken on.
Music played:
Nozzle, Let Me Down
Bloc Party, I Still Remember
My Little Radio, Beginning of the End
Music comes from music.podshow.com.
