Posts tagged: Factory Tour

Daily: 20th December 2008

Published

By Christine Blachford

Having returned from an impromptu continuation of the Sidepodtour, we're spending the evening catching up with the comments and any news we might have missed. It looks like there are a couple of things to talk about, so let's get on with it:

  • The ex-Honda team reckon things are well on the way for them getting a new buyer and being on the grid in Melbourne. Nick Fry is particularly optimistic, although doesn't mention the fact that they've clearly missed out on a good couple of weeks of testing. With no in-season testing, they might be even further behind than they were already. But being on the grid is the first thing they need to concentrate on, no doubt.
  • Our visit to the Williams F1 factory has caused some consternation, as we believe some of the later models to be the most beautiful. Others can't stand the flip ups and wings. With 2009 going back to basics, are you going to miss the Dumbo-Flugel as much as I am? Or are we in a minority here?
  • Toyota have said they're targeting a perfect reliability record in 2009. With the regulation changes, this seems an impossibility, but would this even have been likely if things had stayed the same? An entire season without a failure seems like a lot to ask, especially with the Trulliometer swinging wildly at times.
  • We're getting pretty adept at poking around team factory innards, but want to hear what you guys have been up to. Have you ever been on a tour, which team, what did you find out? And which is better - free Red Bull or free Wifi?

That'll do for now. Don't forget there's a Sidepodparty on Sunday. We've got plenty to talk about, having missed a show, but if you've got any Christmas/F1 themed ideas, then leave your thoughts in the Wiki. Other than that, I'll see you in the comments.



Episode 85 - Burying His Own News

Published

By Christine Blachford

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Audio preview

This week we take a tour round the Red Bull factory but not before we've examined the news, including Bernie's wheelings and dealings, and the BBC line up.

Intro

It's nice to have some downtime in the off-season, with no politics!

Good Week / Bad Week

Good week for Sebastien Buemi and Mark Webber. The first is almost guaranteed a job, and the second is optimistic about recovery. Bad week for Williams and fans of big launches. The first might lose Rosberg if they don't pull their socks up, and the second won't like what Toyota are planning.

News and Views

We investigate the LG deal in much closer detail, and here an excerpt from a certain Jake Humphrey. Then we find out who Mr Humphrey is and why he has the BBC credentials to anchor their 2009 lineup. Also, someone toured the Red Bull factory.

Feedback

A great, and long, email from dp letting us know who he supports and why, plus a catchup of the Force India comments we made last week.

Housekeeping

Williams fan club need to rethink their accounting strategy, Fantasy Racers could soon feature Sidepodland, and there's an argument brewing over the F1 Minute feed.

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