Our F1 Big Picture venture began, like all good stories, right at the very beginning... of the 2009 season. January this year to be precise.
We wanted to add more features to F1 Minute, more ways to consume F1 in the bytesize format. As an homage to the original and most awesome Big Picture, we launched our own daily version of the news - in photographic format.
The idea has proven popular, we've thoroughly enjoyed collating the news for you this way, and hope you gained something from it too.
As the year has progressed we have tried to tailor the pictures towards the news of the day, but have also begun to include some themes as we go. Prior to each race weekend, we feature a sneak peek of history from each track, before diving into the heart of the event.
This weekend signifies the end of the 2009 season and F1 Big Picture is celebrating by publishing some stunning photography from Abu Dhabi. New circuits offer fantastic opportunities for seasoned photographers, and they've really gone to town around Yas Marina.
We could try and pretend that this was a preplanned idea to bring 2009 to a close in style, but in reality there were so many good pictures coming out of Free Practice Friday and we spent so long arguing about which image should gain pride of place on F1 Big Picture, we decided to feature all of them:
We saved the best till last, of course, and there has been talk that this Toro Rosso picture may be one of the best we have ever featured on the Big Picture.
Why not judge for yourself and let us know your thoughts? Do you like the themed ideas? Should we run more of them through the off-season?
New York Times writer Brad Spurgeon penned an article for his column on Saturday, where he describes his visit to one of the "F1 Rocks" concerts taking place in Singapore during the course of the past F1 race weekend.
Brad points out that there wasn't an awful lot of synergy between the F1 action and the musical events. The two were situated a significant distance apart from each other, and at times managed to clash such that fans couldn't attend both simultaneously. This insight sparked a big debate in the comments as to the merit of such matters. Somewhere along the line though, I think the point of F1 Rocks seems to have got lost on everyone, Brad included, and from what I've seen and read it should be considered a resounding success on all counts.
Went From a Low to a Lot This Year
First a bit of background, as to what exactly F1 Rocks in Singapore entailed.
The event was put on as a joint venture between LG Electronics and Universal Music. Headline artists included Beyonce, No Doubt and Black Eyed Peas. 30,000+ fans attended three concerts all held at Fort Canning Park, which spanned Thursday to Saturday and which was all done and dusted prior to the F1 race on Sunday.
In addition to the concerts, the biggest of which saw 9,000 people watch the debut performance by Beyonce in Singapore, a television package of the event has been sold to nearly 200 broadcasters. The package includes two, one hour long shows, the first focusing on F1 racing and the second on musical performances.
In short, this event was huge.
I Stayed Grounded as the Amounts Roll In
One of the key things with big events, is that they cost a lot of money to put on. Primarily this is due to the amount of infrastructure, security, and local authority engagement required. Even if F1 Rocks has little or nothing to do with Formula One, staging both events simultaneously will offer organisers certain economies of scale, simply because the city is already being disrupted thanks to those pesky cars running up and down the city streets.
Furthermore, Formula One is gaining massive exposure into markets normally ignorant to it's existence. Audiences who likely have only heard the term F1 in association with a certain singer and her boyfriend, this weekend had the phrase "F1 Rocks" thrown down their throats repeatedly. The immediate association isn't in the slightest bit important, brand awareness is what this endeavor is all about, and I really believe it's working. For a long time we've argued racing needs to look beyond its core fanbase and spread the (now very high) rear wings to markets new. That is exactly what LG are trying to help Bernie/FOM/CVC do here.
In addition, LG has managed to position the F1 brand into online spaces less ventured, including but not limited to an official DailyMotion page (yes online video) and live tweeting from the event. The official homepage goes even deeper into social networking spaces, with Facebook and Spotify integration too.
F1 is winning in other ways too. As we reported on Saturday, the paddock was teeming with fresh faced celebrities. Again, offering exposure not only to the artists involved, but fans of the artists who may be curious to find out where the heck Will.i.am found those huge, huge rear tyres. Watch out for a set of green-striped Bridgestone's appearing in an episode of Pimp My Ride sometime soon.
Rockin' this Business
To a certain point, I do agree that things could have been slightly better. A night race was the ideal venue to debut this concept, but it did mean that in order to run qualifying and a night time concert, fans were denied the opportunity to enjoy both spectacles. I can see at a future Grand Prix this won't be such of a big problem and no doubt lessons have already been learned.
I truly believe that efforts put into organising such a tie up - which in my mind makes a great deal of sense - should be recognised. The sport has to expand, and it won't get everything right all the time.
I'd like to think Bernie gained something from this too. Even if if was only a fatter wallet for now, at least there will be more come.
Whilst Mr C continues to stick by the somewhat flaky Official F1 App, Bassano Clapper has undertaken some investigative reporting into the other motorsport related iPhone/iPod apps. Non-Apple fans look away now, please.
Whilst Bernie doesn't seem to be embracing 21st Century technology for F1, some of us are trying to. The iPhone is a perfect conduit for F1 related info and we were given an Official F1 App this summer. This doesn't come cheap in a store of free and inexpensive timekillers but there are alternatives out there. If you're willing to experiment a little, there are a few gems - as well as a few that are not so polished. I've tried a few of the free F1 apps and these are my thoughts.
F1 2009 - Go Go Go! Lite was the first to reach my device and I was initially impressed. At my fingertips were news articles, championship standings, an F1 calendar as well as team and driver profiles. Once these were browsed I soon figured out what I most wanted from a free F1 app: convenient, up-to-date, F1 related news. This is where Go Go Go! let itself down. All the stories came from one source (gpupdate.net) and sometimes there would be many days without a single update. There's the option to upgrade to the enhanced, paid edition of this app but on this demonstration, I felt no compulsion to try the full version out, even for small price of £1.19.
Formula 1 Live Racing was next on my list. Quite similar in style to the previous app, this ad-supported offering included basic circuit profiles but had the additional bonus of a gallery of some nice, full-screen photos. I had hoped these would be updated as the calendar rolled on, but sadly this was not the case. It promised in-race updates which I never tried because it wasn't on my handset long enough. Nothing terrible here, just not particularly noteworthy.
Verdict: A firm average Formula 1 Live Racing:Download
Eurosport is an eponymous app from the sports channel that has a decent background in Motorsport. Whilst it is not as comprehensive as some of it's rivals, it is executed well. It has regular, bitesized news updates, practice, qualifying & race results as well championship standings. The live lap-by-lap updates are a handy substitute if you can't see the action first hand. However, the biggest selling point of this freebie is probably the fact that F1 is only a small portion of its abilities. It covers MotoGP, World Rally and Touring Cars as well as a handful of other non-petrolhead sports. (They really exist?) The home screen can be customised with any 4 shortcuts to your chosen sporting field as well as an "All Sports" news reel. Verdict: A big thumbs up for this one which has stayed on my handset since it landed
F1 Insider is the final, as well as, my most-clicked F1 app. Simplicity works here, large full screen displays that scroll rather than squeeze in too much info. Countdowns to all the practice and qualifying sessions for the year, as well as the races themselves. It's best redeeming feature is the news feed. This is user defined by allowing you to select (and more importantly, de-select) where you receive your news from. Nine popular F1 News sites are listed; including AUTOSPORT, GrandPrix.com and the BBC F1 pages. Being able to ignore the sites that shall not be mentioned is a nice touch. This feature is essentially a pretty RSS reader that gives you the pages of some of your favourite sites in an iPhone configured page. However, this is the app that I like the most and chose to fork out some hard earned cash (well, just over a pound) for the feature added, paid edition. For £1.19 you also get live qualifying and race updates and a nice feature that let's you tag your favourite driver and team which highlights them in the points haul (for better or worse!). This app does pretty much everything that the others do, but is presented well, has regular, plentiful news updates and for me - it passes the finish line in first place.
Verdict: Passes the finish line in first place F1 Insider:Download
That covers some of the best and worst that the AppStore has to offer, but don't forget to give us your F1 App recommendations, we're always keen to try out more.
BMW announced this morning that they will be pulling out of Formula 1 at the end of this season. There seems to be a combination of factors involved in this decision including "strategic realignment", "environmental compatability" and "future viability." For these I read: "we're not doing very well, we're not sure where F1 is going, and we're better off out of it." Perhaps I am just a big cynic.
The first thing that springs to mind with this announcement is that it hasn't had the same effect as Honda's shock withdrawal at the end of last year. Back then, we had to curtail a holiday to return and cover the story as we wanted to. Although we aren't on holiday right now, it's not having anything like the same impact.
Naturally, the big concern is the employees back at the factory, and to a lesser extent, the drivers left without a seat. At the moment it's unclear whether the team will be sold, or if they are closing completely. There's talk that FOTA are behind the team and will do whatever they can to save them, there are thoughts that the Sauber name could live on, and I've seen rumours about the unsuccessful 2010 teams eyeing a potential entry into the sport.
There seems to be a lot more options this time round than there were when Honda pulled the plug, but is that all it is? Has this rocked the F1 World in the same way? Is it because Honda were the first? Let's have a poll to see where BMW fall on the scale of shockability.
BMW Quitting. More or Less Shocking Than Honda?
More surprised 39% (96 votes)
Less surprised 38% (92 votes)
About the same 14% (33 votes)
Not bothered either way 9% (23 votes)
Total voters: 244
To me, this announcement simply proves that if you plan something step by step and rigidly stick to that plan, it's not going to work out. Let us know what you think!
If you've been hanging out in the comments over the past 24 hours, you might have concluded that Sidepodcast quite likes the iPhone. A dearth of interesting Formula 1 news has meant we've been getting most of our kicks from technology updates planned by the people in Cupertino.
However, aside from announcements tenuously relating to plans we have for the future of Sidepodcast, there wasn't much to tie the new iPhone back to Formula 1. That was until I read Will Buxton's blog post this evening.
The man discusses the brand new, and more notably the official, F1 Timing Application available for purchase from the App Store. It's a good one, too.
Actually, the first time we heard mention of this thing was during 5Live's race broadcast on Sunday, when David Croft said both he and Anthony Davidson were using it to receive updates in the commentary box. Somehow we promptly forgot to look for it afterwards, but if it's good enough to be used when you're broadcasting live to the nation (and to the six fans who bothered to turn up in Turkey), it's good enough for me.
But what do you get for your money?
I'm Broke but I'm Happy
The software works during all live F1 sessions from Friday morning until Sunday afternoon. You're initially presented with an interactive circuit map that details all driver positions at any stage and you can select an individual driver to focus on. Weather data is continually updated, whilst a timely race order is also present.
Flip the device into landscape mode and you'll get a full screen live map, or hit the info tab for a more typical live timing display similar to that already provided via f1.com.
If a session has already finished, you can watch it back in real-time as often as you like, although data must be downloaded before playback. It probably goes without saying, but although this application runs just fine on the iPod Touch too, you'll still need an internet connection to receive any live updates.
A second screen provides circuit maps for every race on the calendar, current championship standings and driver bio's. A third offers a rather simple text description of any ongoing action (live commenting, it isn't!).
With One Hand in Your Pocket
In the UK the software sells in the App Store for £4.99, although it's not entirely clear if there are further charges to pay on a race-by-race basis.
It will work on current iPhone and iPod Touch models (and presumably also on the 3.0 update due next week). The code has been pulled together by a company called Soft Pauer and although this appears to be their first App Store submission they've done a fine, fine job of developing it.
Of note, the terms and conditions do state that software may collect anonymous data useage statistics, although apparently solely for quality control purposes.
That's pretty much all we know at the moment. We intend to road test the thing properly during the British Grand Prix weekend and will likely report back with details after that. It looks to all the world like it'll be a winner and Formula 1 has just taken a huge step forward in terms of giving fans more access to what's going on during a race.
Nick did point out earlier that this information should really be available on your desktop too, so we're keen to hear more thoughts and opinions on whether you think this is a good thing for F1 fans or not? Would you buy the F1 Timing App, or have you already?
I have, for a long time, been the minority voice calling for Martin Brundle's pre-race gridwalk to be axed. When it made the switch to the BBC along with Martin, I wasn't impressed. I do understand the joy of some unscripted driver moments, but I can't bear the painful minutes of TV that it takes to get there.
Brundle himself has said he isn't a perfect TV interviewer, or presenter, but he loves to walk the grid and if the fans love to see it, then he's happy to provide. Personally, it was a perfect moment to make lunch ahead of the Grand Prix.
This weekend, I've changed my opinion on the gridwalk, and that isn't just because there was a good minute or so of Rob Smedley footage, plus some questions to the man himself. The reason the walk no longer makes me cringe is because David Coulthard has joined the fun.
In a single broadcasting decision, the BBC have revolutionised the grid coverage. Martin no longer has to meander about the grid looking for someone to talk to, if there is no one available, he has DC there to discuss things with. Coulthard has the drivers perspective, and knows what the guys out there are going through. He provides some insight that Martin Brundle has probably lost since his years in the car.
When Brundle was angling for a chat with Vettel, when the young German was surrounded by other people, DC captured Christian Horner for a few questions as well. He has the connections, he has the friends, and he has some great thoughts to share.
The pair of them finally did catch up with Vettel, and Brundle's questions garnered mono-syllabic answers. Do you think you can win? How will you do in the wet? DC managed to get more out of the pole-sitter than Martin ever would have. This isn't necessarily a judgement against Brundle because he is well loved in F1 commentary circles, but having DC beside him, in my opinion, makes all the difference. I may even watch the entire grid walk next time.
On a cold and overcast February morning, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes turned up for a spot of straight line testing at Kemble Airport in Gloucestershire. Pedro de la Rosa was at the wheel of the MP4-24 but managed just a couple of runs on a damp track before the car stalled whilst the man performed what appeared to be a practice start. Pedro was duly towed back to the awning.
Of note, McLaren arrived on site yesterday with not one, but four transporters along with a fifth running Mobil 1 branding. Sounds to me like we need to start a "McLaren have '09 aero problems" rumour.
Maybe the test crew hadn't wound the car up to its maximum, or maybe they were testing something different, but I found the Mercedes engine to be notably quieter than the Renault during a previous test. Aside from the decidedly odd rear wing, which isn't attractive from any angle, the 2009 McLaren was lovely to see up close, although it did look better when running under its own steam.
We also have to say a big thank you to Graham who let us know the Vodafone transporters had arrived. Very much appreciated.
This last heat in the Character Cup sees Vettel and Sutil go head to head, to take the much coveted final place in Round 2.
Adrian Sutil Sutil was once in the position that Vettel finds himself now. His future looked bright, and although he was struggling at the lower end of the grid, he would soon be snapped up by a bigger and better team. Except, that didn't quite happen. Sutil excels himself by keeping his head down, working hard, and not complaining. After that Monaco incident, he barely uttered a peep, and perhaps this is a sign of really strong character. The question is, why hasn't he started making an impression through the ranks of F1? Is something holding him back?
Sebastian Vettel Widely heralded around the paddock, Vettel has certainly made an impression in his few short years within the sport. He wasn't long for BMW, when Toro Rosso offered him a full time drive, and he wasn't long for STR when it was obvious he belonged in the big team. Chances are, except for one small mishap in 2007, you'll find Vettel smiling when he steps out of the car, no matter what has just happened. It's clear that Der Seb loves everything about racing, and is happy to be out in the car, even if things aren't going his way. Perhaps he likes the challenge of that even more. I predict Vettel will go far, both in F1 and in this Cup, but perhaps I am wrong?
Here we have perhaps two of the most unluckiest guys on the grid, but at least one of them will be having a good day, when the next 24 hours are up.
Mark Webber Poor Mark has been out of the limelight for a good few months now, with just the odd headline now and then regarding his recovery progress. However, even then it seems like he's an immensely popular chap. An aimiable Australian who doesn't hold back and says things as he finds them, we can always rely on Webber for a dose of reality. However, the bad luck that follows him does put a bit of a downer on things. You can rely on Webber to draw the short straw but at least we know he'll be open and honest about it afterwards.
Nick Heidfeld For the first time in a long time, we glimpsed a real insight into the psyche of Heidfeld, when he stood on the podium in Canada - second to team mate Kubica. Having worked for success for so long, to be within arm's length of a win and to have to concede to someone in equal machinery must have hurt. But Heidfeld showed he's made of tough stuff and worked through his qualifying demons to bring himself back to being the consistent chap we know and love. Personality wise, he's a bit of a mystery, but we do know he doesn't answer his comments!
Renault have just released a number of studio images of the R29 chassis. Normally these pictures are something we'd pick through during a traditional car launch, and with the debut of the Renault powered RB5 just around the corner, the R29's moment seems to have passed somewhat.
However, there are a couple of interesting things to note about the photographs, and considering what a shock to the system the pitlane unveiling of this years car was, it makes a nice change to look at it under complimentary lighting.
Does My Backside Look Big in This Livery?
Unusually, we're afforded a detailed look at the car's rear end and diffuser. Presumably the team are fine with us peeking now that they're going to have to emulate or better the designs that Toyota and Williams have come up with.
I am liking the look of the rear of the car from this angle. To my untrained eye, it looks like the airflow will avoid being disrupted quite as much as in previous years. Whether that manifests itself as better racing, I guess time will tell.
Don't Look Down
In another shot, we get a the obligatory top-down view that's so useful when comparing the various chassis layouts preferred by each team. Hopefully Flibster can assist here, as he has done in the past.
Is it me, or is the ING "lion" livery looking better by the day? Maybe it's that overhead angle, but it is growing on me more and more. I do wonder if they had to go with blue seatbelts though?
